12:30 AM Eastern
There’s an old adage in baseball that says you can’t win a ballgame if you don’t score any runs. And if there isn’t, there should be. The Jays didn’t score against Matt Garza for the second straight time (he shut them out over 7 2/3 a couple of weeks ago in St. Pete), and they continued their impressive run of sheer offensive flaccitude in a Roy Halladay loss.
The Jays have averaged 1.6 runs per game in Halladay’s eight losses this season. That’s just awful. Worse than awful, actually. Class act that he is, Halladay said after the game that Garza is just that good, or at least he was tonight. Compare that to James Shields’ “I did my job” quotes after the Rays’ series-opening loss. Halladay deserves better, but he’s not going anywhere.
Neither may be Gregg Zaun, despite his desire to move on if it means more playing time and/or a shot at a championship. Zaun spilled the beans to the lovely and talented Jordan Bastian of mlb.com earlier this evening. He didn’t go so far as to say he wanted out, nor did he call Bastian over and tell him to get the word out that he’s unhappy, he simply answered a legitimate question honestly. It was the same thing that A.J. Burnett did last month when asked by a Chicago reporter if he’d like to play for the Cubs.
Zaun said he was confused as to why he’s lost so much playing time to Rod Barajas, and he’s right to be. Barajas is certainly the better-throwing catcher, and seems to have a terrific rapport with A.J. Burnett, at least, but he just plain hasn’t been hitting in over a month. I went over the numbers yesterday, and The Captain has gone 2-for-6 with a pair of singles since, but here they are again. Since Cito Gaston took over the team, Barajas has hit .193/.209/.318. He hasn’t walked yet, and has two doubles and three homers among his 17 hits in 23 games. For those of you who love OPS, his is .527.
Believe it or not, Zaun is actually doing worse, hitting .159/.302/.227 in half the at-bats. The OPS is ever-so-slightly better, though, at a still-disgusting .529.
It’s not like Zaun can make the case that he deserves to be starting over Barajas on a regular basis, given those numbers, but he can certainly wonder why they’re not at the very least sharing time, with the job going to whoever gets hot.
Here’s what it comes down to - Zaun is better at not getting out than Barajas, better at blocking the plate and better at blocking balls in the dirt. Barajas is a better power hitter than Zaun and has a much better arm. The two of them both call a good game and it appears, work very well with the pitching staff.
Zaun has a right to his beef. Yes, Barajas hit very well while Zaun was hurt, but he’s been a huge hole in the middle of the line-up, along with Matt Stairs and Scott Rolen, for a while now.
I’m looking forward to seeing Scott Richmond’s big-league debut tomorrow. I hope he doesn’t take Queen’s Quay to the ballpark, though - I’d hate to have him see all the boats docked in the marina, start scraping rust and barnacles off them and miss the game!
Here’s tonight’s fine edition of The JaysTalk, for your listening pleasure:
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome!
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Was it true that Zaun was one of Gibby’s “favourites”? If so, perhaps “the Cito regime” feels that much less comfortable to Zaunie. At any rate, for what it is worth, he’s probably right with him putting up an OPS+ of 96 and Barajas an OPS+ of 90… but then again, I’d rather see a young player get a shot than either of them.
MW: I don’t think Zaun was a particular favourite of Gibby’s.
- Christopher TaylorHi Mike,
After reading those stats about The Captain (Barajas) and Tennille (my new nickname for Zaunie) I have only one thing to say:
We need a new catcher.
- Oz RobHi Mike,
Neat. Was just reading an article on Scott Richmond’s call up and saw the name of the batting coach at Syracuse is Alan LeBoeuf. When I was a kid we used to go to Cape Cod for vacation and my friends and I would go to a few Cape Cod league games and try and talk to the players.
By far the friendliest one was a guy named Alan LeBoef who signed my glove, gave me and my friends some baseballs and posed for pics. He was like a hero to us! What I remember most is that we asked him what position he played and he said “I’m a designated hitter”. This was around 1980/81. I remember thinking this guy needs a position!
Sounds like the same guy, wonder how I find out if it is?
MW: Awesome story. I won’t see LeBoeuf until Spring Training, probably, so you’ll have to remind me again then.
- Oz RobHey Mike I’m doing ok. I know your well so I thought I’d once again tell you how I was doing. It’s good to see another canadian get a chance in the Majors. I’m hoping the numbers of players will continue to go up in the years to come. From where I work, I can see the harbor where Richmond use to work. This run support for Doc is rediculous! I’m almost afraid that eventually when his contract is up that he is less likely to want to remain as the Jays cornerstone. I know other better hitting teams would be willing to pay him handsomely for his services.
MW: Everyone will want to pay him handsomely.
- Matt from BCYes Garza was good. But Im not really sure how good. Was Washburn lights out on sunday because he was stellar or because the bats were asleep? shields yesterday? Garza today? thats three games with what…total of 4 runs? i know garza is a decent pitcher, but his stuff tonight was NOT his best. he went 3-2 quite a few times and not once did the jays get on once that count was reached.
as for the lineup, its been a decent run, but its really time to get the guys that make less outs into the lineup and HIGHER up in the lineup. Lind is not gonna melt if he gets moved up…guy can hit and he needs more plate appearances while messers scutaro, barajas and rolen need to drop down or in barajas and scutaros case..out of the lineup more often than in.
as for the point made tonight made about not having a legit pinch runner…why dont they? they have a guy down in AAA in lydon who would be perfect for such a role yet the roster is full of seldom used relief pitchers and guys like wilkerson and mench who are in the bigs because they provide “comfort” to the manager since they are vets when there is readily available minor league talent such as buck coats and lydon who could bring more to the table than those two former feared hitters.
MW: You’re right about Lydon and Coats, both of them would be the pinch-runner that caller was looking for last night. As to your first point, Garza was probably that good, but there’s no question that with the way the Jays have hit this year you can never be sure.
- sammy jalalzaijust checked the stats and wow..didnt realize it was this bad…zauny is getting on base at a 349 clip vs 298 for the all overrated one. THAT is quite a gap considering one is thought to have “earned” the starting job outright. by what parameters? cause he hits a few more homers? what about all the extra outs?
MW: Haven’t you been reading the comments section? OBP doesn’t matter, SLG does.
- sammy jalalzaiHello Mike
Interesting comment you have on the Jays line-up. I agree that we have quite a gap in the 5 to 7 spot. Barajas has displayed throughout his career that he is not a better hitter than Zaun but as you stated, Zaun is struggling as well.
With all the injuries, I’d like to see Lind bat in the heart of the order and see Rolen, Barajas/Zaun in the 8&9 spot. I also like to see Eckstein in the two hole rather than Scoot. I don’t know if this is just my perception, though he has his flashes, I think Scutaro has hit poorly in the past 15 games. I wish we had Hill back.
What do you think?
MW: I think that Hill is a much, much better player than Scutaro, the Jays definitely wish they had him back. I’d prefer, like you, that the Jays gave the better hitters more at-bats.
- francisHey Mike, I heard you on Jays Talk last night defending Scott Rolen against a caller who was critcizing him for having a bad month. You kept saying “hasn’t been a bad month”, noting that RBIs are not the be-all-and-end-all of stats. Well that may be true, but before you start blankly defending the Jays players and management, as you so often do, please do your homework: Scott Rolen, since going 3 for 4 in Seattle on June 30th has hit .162 with NO home runs. You want to tell us again how that isn’t a bad month? In contrast, Mario Mendoza would be a candidate for Cooperstown.
Please put some objectivity into your broadcasts. Too often you come off as an apologist for this listing, mediocre organization.
MW: You want might to check on that homework yourself. What I said was that Rolen hasn’t had a bad year, that he’s had a bad month. I look forward to your apology.
- J. Andrewshi mike, still wondering why the jays won’t trade for a hr hitter(we could have used texiera to try to compete for the wild card spot, just wondering why we don’t call up russ adams(hit well last year’s call up) or travis snyder-dh ready, or trade vernon wells for manny ramierez(wishful thinking!)should we drop rolen further down in the lineup(big slump) and have lind in 4-5 slot-great show/blogs-keep up the good work.
MW: The Jays won’t give up a big piece of their future to trade for a big hitter because they’re not likely enough to make the playoffs. Russ Adams has been awful in AAA this year (and didn’t hit well in last year’s call-up) and Snider isn’t ready to contribute to a winning team in the majors.
- robert sMike I hate the Jays. If that’s too strong for you then that’s too bad. If this post is not worthy of comment then so beit. You know what I hate about this team? Games like last night. They have a chance to crawl back into contention and they go out with their best chance to win on the mound and they lay another Greg Zaun pooch right out in the middle of the field. Shut out by the same guy twice and then beaten by a castoff Eric Hinske. You can’t tell me this team wants it, Mike. THIS TEAM DOESN’T WANT IT! It’s plain as the big nose your face. What a bunch of light weights. ZERO runs for Halladay. If I were Halladay, I’d want the hell out of Toronto and fast. I don’t know why he wants to play for a pretender like the Blow Jays.
MW: Baseball is not a game that can be won by the team that “wants it” more.
- Vito From HamiltonIn Halladay’s 8 losses, the Jays have only scored 13 runs for him, that’s it? That’s not even two runs/game. With a half-decent offence in those losses, he could’ve easily been sitting at 16-4. If you can’t play ur A game for Doc, something is wrong with ya. Doc is a very unlucky pitcher, freak injuries, lack of run support have been a major part of his career.
- Beburg aka The 88mph manIchiro has 3,000 professional hits. Will they include his stats in Japan for HoF induction? I think his MLB stats will be enough to make him a first-ballot Hall of Famer when it’s said and done. I can think of only one word when talking abt Mr. Suzuki….LEGEND.
- Beburg aka The 88mph manMike, I bet you guys wish I was still on your team now, eh? When is Doc gonna realize that I played with him and studied all of his pitching patterns? I think it’s time you officially crown me the “Blue Jays Killer” !!
MW: Again - this isn’t the Jim Rome show.
- Eric HinskeZaun wants to be traded and nobody wants him. I find it a bit embarrassing. He should realize that he’s 37 and most back-up catchers in the league are better than him. So when he knows that he’ll be a back-up catcher everywhere if he does get traded, why not keep quiet and do the same here in Toronto.
- Beburg aka The 88mph manTough one for the Doc - the Jays have managed about 13 runs in the 8 games he has lost - that’s incredible. What as shame! Plain to see how useless the won-loss stat for a pitcher really is.
Speaking of useless stats - Mike, do you know if a relief pitchers “hold” stat is actually used or will be used in the near future.
I think, some of these useless stats are dreamt up by agents, as a bargaining tool.
Gregg Zaun! I have always liked the guy and his play behind the plate - especially, blocking balls down in the dirt and his handling of the pitching staff. How dissapointing, it is to hear him say publicly he wants out, wants to go play where he can play as an everyday catcher, preferably on a contending team. Yikes, bet their lined up right now waiting for you. I have to admit however that since the steroid thing - he did come across a bit “flakey”! He was obviously, no favorite nor first choice of JP’s!
Granted, he has the right to say whatever he wants with respect to this issue, however he should never, ever have gone public with it.
Zaun says, he has never spoken publicly, or complained about playing time, ever before. So as a result, he is hoping no-one will see this as being a selfish player. Sorry, that is selfish! However he is not the first to do it nor the last.
Just because it’s the first time you’ve complained - doesn’t remove the selfish factor. You can go out and rob a bank for the first time ever - doesn’t mean your not a bank robber- duh!
Just what the Jays didn’t need at this time as they seem, destined, to be playing in post season action!
See ya!
Thanks.
MW: I love that you think they’re destined for the post-season. What do you mean by asking if a pitcher’s “hold” stat is actually used?
- Bob -Why is Zaun being such a baby? You would expect these “professionals” who are getting paid $millions to do what their told and keep their mouth shut! If they have legitimate complaint don’t make it public.
MW: And yet, when we ask an athlete a question, we rip them when we get “no comment” or cliches, or heaven forfend, when they lie.
- Shmuel YitzchokMike,
I know you like picking on them for years and years of horribleness, but the Rays under GM Andrew Friedman are nothing like the Chuck LaMar Devil Rays. This isn’t the case of a blind squirrel finally winning some games–or however that expression goes.
Yes, the Rays had accumulated a lot of talent under LaMar, but Friedman has been instrumental in leveraging that talent into a respectable big league roster. (Flipping their glut of OF-types to fill an organization need for an above-average power arm and an outstanding defensive shortstop is only the most dramatic example.)
The Rays success isn’t an accident or a fluke. It’s not automatic that a team will start winning after 5 years (or 10 years) of reaping high draft picks as compensation for MLB-level ineptitude. The Pirates have been just as bad for almost just as long, and until Neil Huntington’s hire showed no evidence that anything was going to change ever (and they’re still well behind Tampa in terms of being competitive). But I do wonder if the Rays approach of being really bad to (eventually) be really good is in the long term a lot smarter than spending years and years of being mediocre-to-OK like we’ve seen in Toronto. (Heck, isn’t that how Terry Ryan rebuilt the Twins?) The caveat is that you need somebody who knows what they’re doing at the top (and often that only becomes apparent after the dirty work is done), but to my eyes the Rays are set-up much better for the next 4-5 years than Toronto–even if they were a laughing stock for so long.
The Jays are in better position now than they were when J.P. took over from Gord Ash. Fine. (Whether they’re in as good a position as their competitors is a whole other issue…) That doesn’t mean J.P.’s the man to take this squad to the next level.
I see no reason why he deserves another year, and if Tony LaCava wins the Wild Card with more or less the same roster in 2009, hey, that’s baseball.
MW: WHEN DID I EVER SAY THAT THE RAYS’ SUCCESS IS AN ACCIDENT OR A FLUKE??????????????? People wonder why I get frustrated, just look at this comments section - at least two or three people are disagreeing with me based on THINGS I NEVER SAID.
- MichaelBarajas has thrown out 39.5% of base-stealers. Where does he rank in that category? My guess is top five in all of baseball. Zaun isn’t even close to being close.
One of the Jays’ biggest problems last year, if not their biggest problem, was not being able to throw out base-stealers. As a result, my perception was that the pitchers, having no confidence in Zaun, would pay way too much attention to the baserunner and not enough attention to the batter. Watching Halladay last year, I really felt that was why he got into a stretch for a few games in which he would implode almost every time a hitter got on base. Even this year, I think he’s more focused on the batter when Barajas is behind the plate.
I’d love to see stats that reflect how the pitchers pitch with runners on base depending on who is catching.
MW: There are lots of avenues where you could try to look that up and enlighten us. The Jays’ biggest problem last year was not the inability to throw out baserunners. That’s not what cost them a playoff spot.
- ShmuelA big problem with the offence the last two years is that we don’t have a solid clean up hitter. In 2006, Glaus had 38hr and 104 rbi. Wells hitting in front of him had 32 hr and 106 rbi. Last year, Glaus was injured taking away that threat and Wells numbers dropped. This year, Wells number’s are not that good (even though he’s been injured, he’s near the top of the teams hr/rbi, but that goes to show how little the rest of the team is producing) We need to find a solid clean up hitter. Texeira would be amazing but that will not happen.
- Fred Stone in OttawaHope you don’t mind two comments here Mike, never wanted to make a novel out of just one post.
Further, to the defence of JP. I have always supported him, realy like him as the GM for the Jays and hope he is signed on for another few years to “bear the fruit” of his efforts.
A lot of callers and commentators, to your show and blog here Mike just never let up on the guy.
The same ones, who complain about the team he has assembled (starting line-up)- are full of praise for the back-up or insurance guys if you like, on this team - Marco, Mighty Joe, Johnny Mac etc.
Wonder if they realize how dumb they sound when they complain about JP and his starting players then praise the work of the back-ups! Duh - who do you think, brought in these guys you all have so much praise for.
A huge sign, of a most capable GM is when he looks at the big picture and factors in things like injuries etc. during a long season. He, must ensure the team will still be competitive during those times. JP, has done just that and done it very well.
Keep in mind boys and girls, that, if JP is gone at seasons end - you will be looking at a lot of his prospects, for years down the road (as we are seeing somewhat now).
You will be much more appreciative, of his work at that time, I am sure. You will be really appreciative also when you see he manages to keep AJ around for the full 5 years! Giddy-up!
Thanks.
- Bob -I just read Riccciardi’s comments in the Globe & Mail. One real good reason why I want him gone is that he has no idea how to handle his players and he cannot keep his mouth shut in front of the media. All he had to say was ‘I’m sad Zaun feels this way. We’ll do our best to accomodate him.’ That stuff about how Zaun shouldn’t discuss this in the media etc–he’s right. Zaun shouldn’t. But Zaun has been pi*sed about royally by this guy over the last couple of years, and has given the team yoeman service anyway. Recognize that, and keep quiet on the fact that no one wants an old catcher who isn’t a great hitter.
When Ricciardi leaves–as I’m certain he will–at the end of this season, he’ll be looking for another job in baseball. I think he’ll find that underly-talented ex GMs who shoot from the lip are not highly valued. He’ll be more-or-less in Zaun’s position. But Zaun can go from playing to broadcasting. Riccardi not so much. I wouldn’t trust him in front of an open mic without one hell of a delay!
MW: Any broadcast network would be doing itself a massive disservice by not hiring Ricciardi if he became available, he’s exactly what you want behind the mic. If Ricciardi does go, he’ll have no problem at all finding another front office job. It’s interesting that you think that what J.P. said was accurate, but that he shouldn’t have said it.
- reyesLast night was a chance to increase the “miracle” talk with both the Red Sox and Yanks losing. From listening on the radio, just sounded like Garza had the mojo going and had a Halliday-esque pitching performance.
Jays are at the point where they can’t afford to lose series to teams they are chasing, especially at home, if the “miracle” is going to happen.
They have gone on this run with a chasm in the middle of the lineup. I don’t know what Lind has done the last couple of games, but maybe it is time to slide him up and move Stairs and Barajas down. Any idea when VW would be physically able to at least DH?
Thanks for the tips for who to watch on Saturday night in Buffalo. Minor league ball, gotta love. Most expensive seat is $10.50. That would almost cover half the cost of parking around the Rogers Centre. Any truth to the rumour of the Chiefs moving into Buffalo next season?
MW: I don’t know, I’ve heard the rumour, too. As for the first part, that’s why miracles don’t happen that often.
- Aaron KerMike,
From Griffen’s mailbag today:
“Of course there is a legend that Mike Wilner, the third man in the Jays’ booth can actually close his eyes and identify the pitch by sound. ”
confirm or deny.
MW: I seem to have quite a presence in Griff’s mailbag lately, huh? That’s not the legend. The legend is that I could hear the fastball of one particular pitcher, Baltimore’s John Stephens. He could barely break a pane of glass, but I swear I heard, like, a “sizzle” when he threw a fastball. It was my first year in the booth, I mentioned it to Tom and he had a great time with it.
- LHi Mike,
I enjoyed today’s blog and agree that things get blown out of proportion at times, such as in this case of Zaun “wanting out”, when he was really just answering a question from a reporter.
Could you please explain a bit more about J.P.’s comments, then? Isn’t he the one who complained that he was sorry Zaunie went to the media? Didn’t he make the rather rude comment of something along the lines of Zaun having to understand that nobody wants him? It may be true, but isn’t exactly kind to a player who loves Toronto and has been in the past quite happy to be there. Also isn’t exactly raising the stakes in the bidding contest (such as it is).
Do I have my story wrong? Is J.P. causing a bit more trouble than necessary?
Thanks!
MW: J.P. was upset that Zaun would say something on the record, so he took a shot.
- RoryI’m a little disappointed in Greg Zaun. Two years ago at this time it was Zaun who after the Shea Hillenbrand ordeal said to his teammates “Do not let your personality be dictated by whether or not you’re in the lineup every day”. Granted, this isn’t on the same level as the Hillenbrand incident. And yes, a reporter asked him a question and he answered honestly, but for a self professed “team guy” his recent comments are a little hypocritical. Zaun said he wants to play for a contender. He may as well have just said “This ship is sinking”.
MW: Zaun didn’t say he wants to play for a contender. What he said was “(g)etting an opportunity to play on a regular basis for a pennant contender or going back to a place that I’m familiar with, it would probably be a good thing.” That’s answering a question, not demanding a trade or even saying he wants out.
- RyanMike,
I’m getting pretty sick and tired of what looks like a lack of effort from Alex Rios. Game after game it seems that he just doesn’t care. Between his baserunning gaffes, and leisurely jogging down to first on ground balls, I hate to say it, but it seems that the big contract he signed in the off-season has gone to his head. It happened again last night on his shot down the 3rd base line that Longoria snagged. Shouldn’t a guy with Rios’ speed be beating hits like that out? Also, on Hinske’s homer, shouldn’t Rios have made some effort to make the ump think that the ball was still in play, rather than just letting it bounce away while Hinske ‘sped’ around the bases? I think our man Alexis needs a bit of an attitude adjustment before he can truly become an elite player in this game.
MW: I don’t think Rios is doing anything differently since signing the big contract.
- AdamPoor Roy and shame on JP! This is the lineup we have to do battle in the AL East are you kidding me? All JP has done is allow us to lose Halladay, why would you stay here and pitch for this team with this lineup? Rolen and Overbay are here for another season, who would want this production from their corners, 12 FREAKIN homers!!!Rolen is just so bad at the plate it is unreal, and for anyone to think he will get better next season has no CLUE about baseball. Overbay Mr. 2 out single give me a break. Even with Wells back and healthy this lineup is a joke, based on this lineup JP should be gone! Wilkerson is their nothing better any where, I mean he couldn’t even make the Mariners! Their are only 2 spots to improve the lineup next season unless drastic action is taken and guys are bought out, SS and DH that is the only place(s) to improve, we are in deep trouble next season, no AJ and a very very unhappy Roy, Thanks JP!!!!
MW: This is awesome - you’ve been waiting three weeks to post this comment, haven’t you?
- tonyMM“you can’t win a ballgame if you don’t score any runs.”
Well, not with that attitude, you can’t.
MW: True enough.
- Matthew EMike - you forgot to mention Zebra Mussels. Thems’ zebra mussels are the thorn in the side of your average seafarer.
- Andrew SHere’s something I read in Richard Griffin’s Toronto Star column:
“Of course there is a legend that Mike Wilner, the third man in the Jays’ booth can actually close his eyes and identify the pitch by sound. We kid you not.”
What’s the deal with the two you? Isn’t there a better way to settle your differences like a getting into the octagon or perhaps a hot-dog eating contest :-)
Onto more pressing issues. Do you think it’s best that Cito give Rolen a day or two off or put him further down in the lineup? I have been very disapointed in the lack of offense from Rolen this year, especially seeing how amazing Glaus has been. I think it’s definitely time to move Lind up the order, the problem with the Jays is that they don’t have a proto-typical number 4 hitter (and number 3 for that matter). Here’s the order that I think we should be seeing:
1. Inglett/Wilkerson LF
2. Overbay 1B
3. Rios CF
4. Stairs DH
5. Lind RF
6. Barajas C
7. Rolen 3B
8. Scuttaro 2B
9. Macdonald SS
Agree? Disagree?
MW: I don’t know if there’s a deal between the two of us, I’m not sure I have ever said anything about Rich other than that I like the guy. As for your line-up, I don’t think Stairs and Barajas have done anything lately to warrant hitting in the middle.
- BobbyI have been lying to myself thinking about the oh so slim chance the Jays could play some meaningful games in September but last night really drove home reality.
One of your peers in The Star wrote today there is a legend that you can tell what pitch was thrown just by the sound and with your eyes closed. He also made a point of saying he wasn’t kidding. Please elaborate on this one.
MW: See above.
- The ChadHi Mike
Well as you say it is unlikely for the Jays to make it this year. What do we beleagured fans have to look forward to in the off season??
What moves do you see JP making? Is he likely to find a bigger bat?
Will he go after AJ?
I am along suffering fan and would like to be able to look forward to something big.
MW: You might be able to look forward to an entire regime change. That could happen, and it would be mighty big.
- RichardHey Mike,
Legend has it that you can identify the type of pitch that is thrown with your eyes closed just by the sound it makes when hitting the catcher’s mitt. (See Richard Griffin’s mail bag this morning) Is this true, or is he just bustin’ your chops?
- mike in brossard PQCito continues to bat Marco Scutaro at the top of the lineup while batting Barajas (and his .300 OBP) 5th. The benching of both Zaun and Eckstien tells me that Cito has no time for stats like OBP or OPS. Please Ted, fire them all (Godfrey, J.P., Cito) and bring in guys like Paul DePodesta or Keith Law. Pay them whatever they want!
For a few years I lost “hardcore interest” in the Blue Jays because of the stupid moves that Cito and Gord Ash made. I really hate to say this, but I think this team is going nowhere fast and we should all prepare for a few fourth and last place finishes in the next few years. Maybe that’s a good thing.
- Jim BMike,
I can’t resist. . .
You’re fond of correcting others, so I have to point out to you that the phrase “old adage” is nonsensical.
An adage is by definition “a wise saying that has been much used, a well-known proverb.”
There’s no need to add the adjective “old”. After all, what other kind of proverb is there?
MW: Why can’t there be new proverbs?
- Ken from KingstonMike, you took a shot at a Toronto sports hero last night when you said that you could have drove in 100 runs with the 92/93 Blue Jays. My question to you is could you have done the same with the 86-69 Cleveland Indians? Or the 1990 Padres?
MW: Doubtful. I’d have to do some research. Obviously, I was exaggerating.
- Chris JonesMike,
JP has said that there is no interest in Zaun either. Has he even looked?
or,
Is it a lie?
Remember, ‘It is not a lie if you know the truth!’
You can’t get much for him but why not move him and bring up one of the three ’stud’ catchers have in their system. If they are that good, why can’t they do this? The Jays have been brutal in the middle of the lineup!
MW: You want to bring up one of the three stud catchers to hit in the middle of the line-up?
- MarkHey Mike,
Zaun: it would “probably be a good thing” if he were traded to a contender.
A “contender” shouldn’t need a catcher that hits .243
A “contender” isnt more of a “contender” after acquiring Zaun
A “contender” doesn’t need a weak arm like Zaun espicially during the post season where there has been a proven knack for more stealing of bases
Please tell me you agree with all 3 statements.
Thanks and have a nice day
MW: I don’t agree with any of them.
- FrankIs the legend true, can you identify a pitch thrown merely from the sound it makes? If so: cool. If not, you should try to keep this legend going, if possible
Also, do you have do any other amazing tricks? For example, I can tell whether a JaysTalk caller will be interesting based on whether they manage to turn off their radio before getting on air.
MW: That second one is a good trick, given that most callers do manage to turn their radios off.
- JohnnyHi Mike,
Listened to your show at lunch again today! As much as I disagree with you on several subjects. I am still listening..on my lunch! Take it for what its worth!
Finally, I liked your stance on something. The guy that wanted Cito to replace Overbay to steal a base in the 7th. Good response. Navarro has a great arm, McDonald may have slightly above average speed at best, but likely gets pegged down in an attempt in that spot. The bats were VERY cold last night plain and simple. Garza was solid. Lind could have gotten them a run, so close on that double.
What are your thoughts on Rolen? What is wrong with his swing? I know he has been so close to homers lately and just missed. Is he swinging for the fences to much? Boy would I like to see him get hot. Wells, Rios, Rolen and Overbay need to be hot if we want to keep things interesting down the stretch. I love Rolens defence though it is really special.
MW: Turns out Rolen is hurt. Funny, I thought he was coming around, too, he’d hit a lot of balls hard lately.
- MatthewHey Mike!
I know you said Zaun isnt goign anywhere, but dont you think the Jays should try their best to trade him, even if they have to pick up some of his salary! That would give someone a chance to come up! say Robinzon Diaz.
I dont know if you noticed but i ve been stressing all year on bring up some of the young talent. The Jays have some real good player in their farm system that has me excited about the team s future. Lind and Purcey were good moves, NO? and the team is winning since. So dont stop there. The veterans have had there chance all year, and did nt get the job done!
Oh last but not least, gatta get this game today! GO JAYS!
MW: Diaz still isn’t 100% off that high ankle sprain, but I certainly wouldn’t mind Zaun getting moved to give one of the kids a look as a back-up who might steal the job from The Captain.
- HardeepHey Mike I must say that update you gave at noon is alittle alarming. Yikes I hope that shoulder problem of Rolen’s isn’t chronic but it certainly is starting to look that way. I hope I’m wrong. It would explain the loss of power he is experiencing.
On a more positive note good luck to Richmond and the Jays today. “Cause 2 out of 3 ain’t bad”
Take care.
- TroyManny in Toronto?..Not a chance..We already have enough overpaid fielders on this team..Just ask Vernon Wells..Who would pay to watch Ramirez roll around on balls in the outfield?..Anyway,I doubt that Boston would deal him to a division rival..One thing I always liked about Pat Gillick..When he needed a hitter he got one..When he needed a pitcher he got one..We’ve needed a hitter all season and Riccardi hasn’t done anything..Go figure..
MW: They’ve needed more than one hitter. I think Ramirez would be fantastic in a Jays’ uniform, but as a DH, predominantly. It doesn’t matter whether the Red Sox want to deal him in the division, he’ll more than likely be a free agent after this season.
- gumpwent down to the game last night.. halladay basically great again… the other guy even greater. what are you gonna do. collectively can’t hit. same story obviously but i’ll tell you who’s really starting to stick out like a sore thumb in that regard is rolen. wow.. he’s starting to look really lost out there at the plate. too bad i love everything about that guy. and for your sake mike. i dearly hope that, that garza guy for them is their best pitcher cause if he ain’t that team is going to be there till the end and foil your prediction on them for sure. and get going would you. i had a great observation/question for you the other day… has a team ever not made the playoffs or not finished above.500 that led their league or the majors in era. cause the jays have a chance to do one or both by the looks of it.
not a great trivia question answer to be a part of i realize but pretty incredible none the less.
gotta go. walkin over to the park to watch the canadian kid win them the series.
later.
MW: Did you really say “get going, would you”? That’ll get your question answered in a hurry.
- darrell bishopHey Mike,
A fan posted this article yesterday and you did not react to it. Bob Elliot who you have dubbed as one of the more knowledgable baseball guys in Toronto writes an article that basically says JP has created a mess in Toronto and has pointed out more than several horrendous decisions by JP (boy some are really bad). What are your thoughts. I know you say JP you will not fire JP for xyz but in mind mind Elliot has pointed out the xyz (division, injuries, etc. etc.). You know me I never had a huge issue with JP except for Gibbons, the only issue I will ever have if results. I will fire JP based on results (and this year because of some of the really dumb, damaging things to the organization he has said). Please react to the article. Thanks.
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Baseball/MLB/Toronto/2004/10/05/656776.html
MW: The article is four years old.
- MatthewHi Mike!
Love your blog - I include it in my daily fix of all-things Blue Jays.
So…what are the odds that Toronto manages to sign Manny Ramirez from free agency this off-season? Manny was, after all, a Jays fan in the 80s, and he would fill a gap that desperately needs filling and we have not had since Delgado left.
Aj is leaving and I would give up BJ (Downs/Accardo can fill the role), Rolen, and Overbay if we need salary room. What will Manny sign for….four years/80 million? We can afford it if we wanted I think.
Your thoughts?
MW: I think that’s a pretty hefty deal for a guy who will be 37 next May. The Jays have the money to sign him, I’d love to see it happen, but I’d have to think the odds would be less than 50-50.
- DarrenMike,
Did you get the scoop from Team Canada? What’s your take on this team, obviously nobody’s picking them to medal but I think they’ve got a shot.
MW: I didn’t get the scoop, they weren’t available until after the game started. Ben Ennis went over and talked to a bunch of them.
- Jay MoraineHoly crap, Jerry said something about slugging percentage, and then Alan chimed in with something about OPS. He even said it’s the best way to “sort players”
Mike, have you been talking to these guys, or have they just been listening to Jays’ talk or reading your blog?
MW: Alan has always looked at those numbers, and Jerry refers to obp and slg every once in a while.
- GregJPYou and Greg Zaun are the only ones confused about Greg’s lack of playing time, believe me.
Did you just compare blocking the plate to throwing out baserunners? Come on, now.
Why would Cito care if Zaun gets out slightly less than Rod? We don’t like driving men in from first base, we need all the power we can get.
I’m not sure why you even consider this an issue? I guess it’s because Greg has been here so long you feel for him, as do I, but it’s probably time he moves on.
Also, Alex Rios is infuriating to watch, sometimes. I’m trying to figure out whether his 2.5 mental errors per game (tops in the mlb, no doubt) are results of low intelligence, or does he simply stop caring at times? The latter would certainly be disheartening.
Ps. What was Scott Barry smoking last night? And where can I get some?
MW: I don’t know who Scott Barry is. And I’m confused about Zaun’s lack of playing time because, for all the power Barajas has (three more HR than Zaun in 45 more AB), he hasn’t hit a lick in the last month.
- JamieMike
I heard some of last nights JaysTalk and you were talking about Joe Carter.
To say he wasn’t a great hitter is insane.
He was a great situational hitter as show by his RBI totals each year.
He may have had a great team around, him but he still had to drive in the runs when those runners got into scoring postion.
This years Jays are lacking that bat that drives in runs.
Last time I checked , the team that scored the most runs won the game. And this years team is not scoring runs. Any other stats do not matter , you have to win games. I was at last nights game and it was terrible you would have thought they were facing Cy Young !!
MW: Joe Carter was a good hitter, even a very good hitter, though he got out a LOT. I know it’s blasphemy to say so in Toronto, but he was not a great hitter.
- DaveHey Mike, long time caller. And since you used this blog as an opportunity to point out how right you were, here goes :
About 2.5 weeks ago, I called in saying that Rolen was most likely hurting, that’s it’s extremely unlikely he’d be posting such poor numbers with a healthy shoulder. You of course scoffed at me and brushed me off, because heaven forbid you admit to a caller they might actually have a point. Well, I did, and you were wrong, because he has been playing through soreness, which so obviously was hindering his ability to drive the ball to anyone who was willing to watch objectively. In the future it might behoove you to consider the opinions of your callers for a nanosecond.
MW: Yeah, I don’t think that would work. I have never considered the opinion of a caller in 20 years of broadcasting, it’s my thing. You were most certainly right, though.
- Josh in TorontoHello Mike,
You know, losses like this are disappointing, especially when you got doc on the mound and he comes up big but the bats come up empty.
Anyways, I got 2 questions. No.1-about the Gregg Zaun controversey, what do you think the Blue Jays are gonna do with him?
No.2-Again(I already commented on this before), B.J.Ryan seems a little shaky sometimes this year, while Carlsson is fantastic, so how about making Carlsson the closer and make B.J. the setup guy?
Thanks
MW: 1 - I think they’re trying to trade Zaun, and will continue to do so throughout August if they can’t move him by tomorrow. 2 - Ryan has allowed 6.81 hits per 9 IP, 4.54 walks per 9 IP and 0.76 HR per 9 IP while striking out 8.83 batters per 9 IP. Carlson has allowed 7.05 hits per 9 IP, 3.41 walks per 9 IP and 0.97 HR per 9 IP while striking out 9.49 batters per 9 IP. I don’t see how one is shaky and the other is fantastic.
- CralHi Mike,
Fair comments today. I wanted to get your opinion on something that concerns me.
Alex Rios’ lack of concentration on more than a handful of occasions this year is bothersome and disturbing. The play in Milwaukee (Fielder’s in the park HR), to name one, a constant lack of hustle out of the box on ground balls, and Hinske’s hit last night to be specific. While Hinske’s hit turned out to be an legit HR, Rios has to wake up and realize what is going on- the ump didn’t see that the ball was out, so why not make an effort, field the ball and see what happens?
MW: I agree to an extent. The only thing is, Rios may have looked at the first-base umpire, who was signalling “home run”. Wilkerson didn’t move, either.
- ShaneTo complete my thoughts and sum up- I’m starting to wonder if Rios is one of those guys that has all the tools, but the toolbox is missing.
When Delgado was a Jay, I noticed on occasion he would ride Alex and keep him accountable.
Rios isn’t a neophyte any more- he should know better by now.
your thoughts?
MW: I think there’s a box there. Remember, this guy was an all-star two years running, so he’s been able to put very, very good stretches together. He definitely has some room to improve, though, focus-wise.
- ShaneTo win the Wild Card the Jays need to win at least 93 games. And with Tampa Bay now in the mix in the AL East with the Yanks and Bosox, whereas they’ve never been a factor in the past, 93 wins might even be a conservative estimate. And saying they’re only 6 1/2 out—as some who apparently believe in fairies and unicorns want us all to believe—is grossly misleading. Regardless, being 54-53 as the Jays currently are, they’d need to go 39-16 (.709 … none of the other 29 teams even have that winning %, all having played 100+ games to try and get there) for the remainder of this season to reach 93 wins—this without McGowan, uncertainly over Marcum’s health and subsequent effectiveness, and an offensive which collectively now seems hell-bent on dragging Halladay down into their morass of mediocrity, a mediocrity which they seem all-too-comfortable in marinating in.
And like the Invasion of The Body Snatchers movies, the Jays have claimed a once-effective Roland as their latest victim… and Halladay is next on the list of these mindless, care-free, indifferent zombies.
Going 39-16 from this point on ain’t happenin’! I’m not a pessimist, I’m a realist. The Jays haven’t been 24 games over .500 in 15 years covering 2325 games over that stretch! What makes any person who hasn’t gone completely loco believe that THIS offensively inept team of all is going to magically turn that sorry record around at this late stage of the season? And please, nobody invoke the 2006 Rockies. Playing in ballparks which host the LITTLE LEAGUE World Series wouldn’t help this pathetic Jays team out (and playing the little leaguers themselves no less), let alone playing at Coors Field.
Most teams strive to push the envelope. But not the Jays, nope! In fact, in that quintessentially Canadian way of celebrating 2nd place finishers (heck, we don’t even need to finish 2nd anymore!), the Jays will leave the envelope right where it is, thank you very much, stepping aside for the other teams, not wanting to stand in their way, not wanting to be an impediment to teams who take the business of winning and losing a little more seriously than the Jays players seem to do.
Hillenbrand was right—this IS a sinking ship!
MW: I love people who say stuff like “it’ll take at least 93 wins to take the wild card”. Just like that guy yesterday, stating something as fact that is actually a figure chosen arbitrarily. No one knows how many wins it’ll take to win the wild card. I have guessed that 89 will be enough, we’ll see at the end. And to say that the Jays are 6 1/2 games out of the wild card is grossly misleading? Let me check the standings. Hmmm, the Blue Jays are 6 1/2 games out of the wild card.
- Writing on the BoardWhat ever happened to minor league pitcher Chi Hung Cheng?
MW: More importantly, I have a cousin named Chuck Litman?
- Your cousin Chuck LitmanThis for Thursdays game an absoulte DISGUSTING GUTLESS effort by a light hitting single A team what a bunch of LOSERS. How can anyone even begin to think these guys could win anything, sick and tired of these jerks crapping out with guys at third what a joke, please moce the team to Vegas so I don’t have to care anymore!
MW: You don’t have to care, regardless of where they play.
- tonyMMI just read in Griffins mailbag that it is rumoured you can identify the pitch (fastball, slider, etc…) with your eyes closed by the sound of the ball.
- mattIs that true? If it is you truly are The Oracle.
Jim Rome is the best sports mind bar none!!!
- Eric HinskeMike, is it just me, or does Evan Longoria remind you of a young Edgar Martinez?
Not just the look, but the stance and the hitting ability as well.
MW: Not at all. He’s a better third baseman than Edgar could ever have dreamed of being. He reminds me of a young Scott Rolen.
- BernardIm a baseball fan so i will always continue to watch but this team 1-9 disgusts me…The approach at the plate is beyond lethargic for too many of our hitters…
I never thought the jays were in this race,since before the AS break they were over in my books.
They cant win games cuz they cant hit…6.5 games means nothing when you cant score 6.5 runs in a series and you have to hurdle 3 teams…they really blew it against TB twice in span of a week.
I really dont understand the idea that this team can compete next year as is…pitching can compete,the team on the field..absolutely not….and i really wish you’d stop giving this team a pass on a bad season by suggesting its so much of an abnormality that you have to give them a pass going into next year…thats absurd Mike !! theres no degrees of bad and underachieving…you either underachieve or you dont..who cares if you are out by 20 games or 5…thats a losers mentality and nothing short of a ridiculous cop out to excuse this teams disgraceful on field production….
take care
Mike in Mississauga
MW: There (are) no degrees of bad and underachieving? Tell that to fans of the Indians and Mariners.
- MikeWhat type of bozo is Cito Gaston anyways? Bottom of the 8th inning and he lets John MacDonald hit when you have Eckstein on the bench? It’s like having a the pitcher bat when you are down a run in the National League. Shaun Marcum has a better chance for a hit or walk. Please bring back Gibbons (for the record, I never wanted him fired).
MW: Name-calling. The best way to get your point taken seriously.
- Jim BI dont know mike. i just dont understand the benching of eckstein, a career 355 obp guy, on a team that needs offense so desparately while people like scutaro, barjas, and wilkerson get so much run. i think this is a serious flaw in citos talent evaluation. do i think eckstein playing or not playing is gonna make or break this team..no..but a cumulative effect of starting the wrong shortstop, wrong catcher, and wrong outfielder will add up to a significant potential loss of runs. i know wilkerson goes to the bench when wells comes back, but there is freely available talent far better than wilkerson and mench in the jays own minor league system. its just painful when the best team is not fielded game in and game out. results could be better with the personell already on the team.
MW: I can’t disagree.
- sammy jalalzaiWhat offended me was his comment about how he’s trying but there are no takers. I’m not surprised, but don’t publicly out the situation like that. It’s not graceful.
As for the broadcast stuff, you’re right and I realized it as soon as I wrote it. But I stand by the front office thing. He’s not talented enough to get another chance at GM-ship and he’s too arrogant to employ as an assistant.
PS Ooh look! We lost another close one!
MW: If I were a betting man, there would be no end to the amount of money I’d wager on Ricciardi getting a front-office job somewhere else pretty easily if he wanted it.
- reyesNice outing by Scott Richmond. It was nice to see or more accurately listen to the call on the radio today. Do you think he gets another start?? On a more disappointing note, not a good showing today in terms of hitting with runners in scoring position. Tough very tough. Oh well maybe the bats come alive out in Texas on the weekend series.
Take care Mike.
MW: I do think we’ll see Richmond again, probably on Tuesday.
- TroyHi Mike,
Love your show, love your blog.
The recent rain-postponement game got me thinking of a scenerio. Let’s say for example Rod Barajas starts the game as the catcher. He gets injured and leaves the game in the 4th inning. Zaun replaces him. The game is close in the 7th and they pinch run for Zaun because they have a third catcher on the roster (say Robinzon Diaz). Diaz replaces him and the game is postponed due to rain in the eighth until the next day or next week, whatever. Before the game is continued, Diaz is sent down to AAA, leaving only Zaun and Barajas on the roster. When the game is continued, do they have to use someone else (say John MacDonald) as catcher or is there some rule that allows a previously removed player to come back in the event of a continued game?
Thanks,
David
MW: There is no rule that allows a previously removed player to come into a game (other than the all-star game), regardless of circumstance.
- David OldfieldWhen will the Jays finally (unoficially) wave the white flag and give some of their younger players a chance. (replacing Mench, Wilkerson, Zaun etc.)
Also is there any chance the Jays can move Stairs, Overbay and/or Rolen and move in a different direction at those positions next year, and can they retain Burnett.
P.S. I think that JP did not trade Burnett because he feels that if the Jays don’t make the playoffs or at least make a serious run he will be gone next year, and without Burnett they have no chance.
MW: Your P.S. may indeed be the case, but they don’t have much of a chance as it is. I don’t think the Jays can get value for any of Stairs, Overbay and Rolen at this point, and I’d be stunned if they can retain Burnett beyond this year, unless he gets hurt before the end of the season.
- Steve from NJMike,
Who do you think might replace JP once he’s fired at the end of the year? And please don’t give me some wishy washy answer which actually suggests that he might actually be back next year. You and I [and the rest of the bloggers] know he’s as done as dinner. Please respond as honestly as possible.
MW: Is this Vito using a pseudonym? Nah, the syntax is too good. J.P. may in fact not be fired at the end of the year. Who will replace him if he is? I hope it’s Tony LaCava.
- Vinnie from HamiltonI wish the culprits responsible for this mess—the offense, and most notably those being paid the big bucks—would take some responsibility. But that doesn’t seem to be of interest to them. I say this because I notice a disturbing pattern lately: whenever the offense is responsible for losing games—like this afternoon’s and Halladay’s last night—you can’t find quotes from any batter. The quotes are always from the same people—the starting pitcher and the manager. And this has been the case for a long time now.
I don’t need to hear from Halladay or today’s starter. They’re not responsible for the losses. I want to hear from members of the offense. I mean, what do they do? Run away from the media? Oh, but if one of them were to knock a couple of dingers out, then you wouldn’t be able to get them away from the cameras. The last reporter with his yawning camera guy would have to say, “Well, that’s great Alex, but it’s late, I have to go home and go to bed now.”
Anyway, go ahead. Check for yourself. Go to the Jays site and look for the quotes from past games and you’ll see what I’m talking about—all from the manager and starting pitchers. Do the same for today’s game as well… after the write-up is posted on the site. It will most likely be Gaston and today’s starter for the Jays. Ditto for all TV postgame clips.
MW: Unfortunately, there are a lot of places to hide in the Jays’ clubhouse, and there are a lot of players who don’t make themselves available to the media whenever they’re wanted. It’s not just the Jays, though. I’m led to understand that the Leafs are far, far worse.
- Writing on the Board“Mike, you took a shot at a Toronto sports hero last night when you said that you could have drove in 100 runs with the 92/93 Blue Jays. My question to you is could you have done the same with the 86-69 Cleveland Indians? Or the 1990 Padres?
MW: Doubtful. I’d have to do some research. Obviously, I was exaggerating.”
I forgot to add my two-cents on this statement you made as well. After watching this pathetic display of offense this year, it makes what Joe Carter did on a year to year basis even more remarkable. To compare him to Dante Bichette and then to you is an absolute insult. Joe has the greatest homerun in Bluejays history, and if he had played anywhere in the States, it would be considered the greatest homerun of all time, right beside Bill Mazeroski. If Mazeroski went to the Hall of Fame on that hit alone, then Joe should definitley be there. Not sure if you have something personal against Joe, but he’s a legend in this city and should be treated that way. Think you owe the fans an apology for taking that shot.
MW: I disagree. It wasn’t a shot, it was true. Carter wasn’t an exceptional hitter in RBI situations. You’re right, though, that he hit the biggest home run in Jays history, and if he’d done it in the U.S., it would be known as the greatest homer of all time. But that doesn’t change everything else about him, and Mazeroski isn’t in the Hall of Fame because of his home run in 1960.
- BobbyNO Mike there are no varying degrees of bad or underachieving….you are either contedning or your not simple as that….there is no abnormality clause on the 2008 Jays season,they have just been horrible THEE end no excuses for its an unbelievable miraculous failure NO ! they have been bad and underachieved just like the mariners and indians and i dont about THERE fans,im a blue jay fan not an indian fan…only thing to loko forward too is a complete implosion in the off season including JP….good riddance !
MW: It’s so hard to read this.
- MikeFor all the lack of clutch hitting (exemplified so in the fourth and fifth innings of this afternoon’s game), here’s looking on the bright side: At least the Jays finished with a winning record for July.
MW: Yee-ha.
- JonahM-dub took a shot at Joe???
- slobberfacesay it aint so.
To follow up on my earlier comment. I wouldn’t mind seeing them get rid of Rolen, Stairs, and Overbay even if they “can’t get value” and move forward at those positions if for no other reason than to free up more salary to add some hitters in the off-season.
- Steve from NJSo Mike can the blue jays contend next year with this same lineup presumbaly healthy?
Do you think JP should be back after this season ? If so how much more rope would you give him ?
MW: With a healthy Hill, Wells and Rolen and improvements at DH and shortstop, I don’t see why they couldn’t contend, provided they replace Burnett and maybe McGowan.
- MikeSorry if you don’t like name calling, Mike. I am sure that I didn’t hurt Cito’s feelings and the casual fans who love this guy across Toronto.
But if you are a MAJOR LEAGUE MANAGER and you are benching your best players and not pinch hitting when situations arise — you are a bozo (or insert any other gentle word that is synonymous with incompetent)!
MW: Again, why?
- Jim BIt appears as though Greg Zaun is a loyal reader of your blog. Your constant puffery of Zaun’s abilities has made him think that he will actually get more playing time on a World Series contender.
MW: Please reference my “constant puffery” of Zaun’s abilities.
- ErnieHi Mike,
The Jays have lost two straight games and everyone says, “the season is over” obviously they would’ve preferred winning 1 of 2 or even both but at the end of the day, tehy are still slightly in contention no matter what happens in these two games. They still have 2 months left, and they need to go 36-17 to end the year to have a prayer. It will take a miracle, but all you can do is hope! Will the Jays be buyers or sellers and which Jays are most likely going to be traded. My guess is Gregg Zaun, David Eckstein and maybe Jason Frasor. I don’t think Burnett will be traded, but you never know with a man that says, “It’s not a lie if we know the truth.” And who is your pick for the world series finalists… Here’s my playoffs:
AL
Nyy* vs Laa 2-3
Bos vs Chw 3-1
*- wildcard
NL:
Ari vs Phi 1-3
Chi vs Mil* 3-2
Alcs
Bos vs Laa 2-4
Nlcs
Chi vs Phi 4-2
WS
Laa vs Chi 4-33
Angels win world series.
MW: I don’t think the Angels will win the World Series. I’m not going to make any predictions, because heaven forfend I get one wrong, I’ll be hearing about it for years.
- Warren“I forgot to add my two-cents on this statement you made as well. After watching this pathetic display of offense this year, it makes what Joe Carter did on a year to year basis even more remarkable. To compare him to Dante Bichette and then to you is an absolute insult. Joe has the greatest homerun in Bluejays history, and if he had played anywhere in the States, it would be considered the greatest homerun of all time, right beside Bill Mazeroski. If Mazeroski went to the Hall of Fame on that hit alone, then Joe should definitley be there. Not sure if you have something personal against Joe, but he’s a legend in this city and should be treated that way. Think you owe the fans an apology for taking that shot.
MW: I disagree. It wasn’t a shot, it was true. Carter wasn’t an exceptional hitter in RBI situations. You’re right, though, that he hit the biggest home run in Jays history, and if he’d done it in the U.S., it would be known as the greatest homer of all time. But that doesn’t change everything else about him, and Mazeroski isn’t in the Hall of Fame because of his home run in 1960.”
I never said Joe was an exceptional hitter in RBI situations, I said that looking at this team this year, it makes what Joe did year in and year out a remarkable feat.
“But that doesn’t change everything else about him”
What are you referring to? Change what?
“Mazeroski isn’t in the Hall of Fame because of his home run in 1960″
Really??? Can you tell me why he is in the Hall?
Here are Mazeroski’s career numbers:
.260/.299/.367 2016 hits, 138 hr’s & 853 rbi’s
7 all-star games, 8 gold-gloves
Inducted in HOF 1991
Here are Carter’s career numbers:
.259/.306/.464 2184 hits, 396 hr’s & 1445 rbi’s
5 all-star games, 2 silver sluggers, twice in top-5 for MVP
If Mazeroski didn’t hit that homerun, he would have no chance. In fact, he didn’t get elected until 91 (19 years after he retired), which indicates that it wasn’t his numbers that got him into the Hall. I have no problem with him being in the Hall because of that home run, but methinks Joe should be there too, considering Carter’s overall numbers are much better.
It still does not change the fact that you need to be professional when dealing with callers/fans of the Jays. If you do not like Carter for whatever reason, that’s your perogative, but do not insult the man (by comparing his hitting abilities to yours), especially considering how revered he is with the Bluejay fan base.
MW: Mazeroski is in the Hall of Fame because the members of the veterans’ committee that elected him believed he may have been the greatest defensive second baseman of all-time, not because of his numbers as a hitter. Also, you can’t compare the offensive numbers of a second baseman to those of a corner outfielder. By “doesn’t change…..” I meant that it doesn’t make him an exceptional hitter. I realize that he’s an icon in Toronto, and he should be, but he’s no Hall of Famer, and not close.
- BobbyOK but Vernon was having a lousy season before he got hurt,Overbay hasnt done much since 06..Rolen is what he is at this point in his career and Aaron Hill is a good not a great hitter….I mean why does that equate to contender for you ? I would say the pitching success most of this year you could say is as much of a miraculous overachievement as the hitting has been on the other side.
So if the pitching isnt as good next season then we are right back HERE again….I dont share your optimism.
Mike in Mississauga
MW: Wells isn’t having a lousy season - he’s hitting .287/.329/.449, so his slugging percentage is about 30 points below his career average, but everything else is bang on what he always does. Rolen is what he is? What does that mean?
- MikeI don’t think pointing out that someone is incompetent is name calling.
Damn you are sensitive lately!
MW: Pointing out that you believe someone is incompentent in by no means name calling. But you called Cito a “bozo”. How is that not name-calling?
- Jim BRe: Point 25
“(g)etting an opportunity to play on a regular basis for a pennant contender or going back to a place that I’m familiar with, it would probably be a good thing.”
That’s like when a girl tries to break up with you by saying “It’s not you, it’s me”
We all know the message is “I am not happy and I want out”
Zaun’s not stupid. He knew how to send a strong message by answering that question the way he did.
MW: I want players to give me more than the stock answer. Would fans have been happier if he’d said, “Nah, I think I’m better off playing twice a week for a beat-up .500 team on the fringes of a playoff race”?
- RyanJP’s running out of friends, he lost me with the whole Thomas thing. I can’t see how you keep defending this guy. JP has not built a deep organization in the seven years. When Wells goes down we have go pick up washed players like Wilkerson and Mench to fill the void, most teams will have a couple of prospects waiting in AAA to be called up. How many players have talked about being traded or are uncertain of thier future with the the Jays this year? This has been a difficult year not only with the teams performance but the negative comments from players, and a GM with no solution but it looked good on paper. Well at least the Yanks are going out picking up parts to make a run at things, you may not like them but they do try to put a winner together every year.
MW: What negative comments from players?
- jason wIn fairness, Mike, I never said you said the Rays’ success was an accident. (I did say you like picking on them, though.)
But you have been pretty harsh on them all year long. And you did say on the Monday night show about competing in the AL East: “But oh people can think ‘Tampa Bay! Tampa Tampa can change the model. Tampa can compete with the Yankees and Red Sox. Well, 1) we’re not even in August yet. And b) the Tampa Bays Devil Rays were a laughing stock for 10 years. A horrible team for 10 years. A team that never won more than 70 games in a season, which means never lost fewer than 92 games in a season. If you want to do that for 10 years, and then make a run for 4 months, be my guest. I’m not interested.”
“I’m not interested”??? I understand you feel you’re beating your head against the wall with the callers and comments, but that’s exactly the kind of remark that I have no idea how you expect your loyal listeners and readers to respond.
Yes, it may have been ugly getting there, but I think now there are probably 27-28 franchises in baseball that would KILL to be in the position that Tampa is in now–regardless of whether they make the playoffs this year.
I think it’s the combination of your being very rational about the Jays chances this year (which is a great thing) at the same time as seemingly being quick to dismiss teams that are outperforming your expectations (I’ve been arguing with you all year about Chicago, Oakland, and Tampa) that’s causing the cognitive disonnance. How can you basically say, “we can’t write off Toronto yet, there’s still a lot of baseball left” at the same time as you say “well, I don’t expect Tampa to be there in the end so we only have to worry about the Yankees and Red Sox”? Do you not see how that might be problematic for us on the other side??
If that’s not what you mean, tell us. Help me, Mike Wilner. You’re my only hope!
MW: The “I’m not interested” meant that I’m not interested in having a team be a laughingstock for a decade in order to get in the position that the Rays currently find themselves. Nor, I believe do the rest of the teams in MLB although, you’re right, most of them would be thrilled to be where the Rays are now. I obviously have seen how my opinions can be problematic for those on the other side, but I have to be true to the way I see things.
- MichaelHey Mike,
Zaun: it would “probably be a good thing” if he were traded to a contender.
A “contender” shouldn’t need a catcher that hits .243
A “contender” isnt more of a “contender” after acquiring Zaun
A “contender” doesn’t need a weak arm like Zaun espicially during the post season where there has been a proven knack for more stealing of bases
Please tell me you agree with all 3 statements.
Thanks and have a nice day
MW: I don’t agree with any of them.
Please Explain?
MW: 1 - batting average doesn’t mean much to me, there are plenty of .243 hitters who are offensive assets. 2 - If he’s better than their old back-up catcher, they are. 3 - A proven knack for more stealing of bases? Outside the English, take a look: 2007 World Series, 3 stolen bases. 2006 World Series, 2 stolen bases. 2004 World Series, 1 stolen base. 2003 World Series, 4 stolen bases. 2001 World Series, 3 stolen bases. 2000 World Series, 1 stolen base. I’m assuming your research consisted of watching the 2002 and 2005 World Serieses.
- KDRicciardi’s got a big mouth and nothing whatsoever to back himself up with. Good luck to whichever team is dumb enough to hire him. This last thing with Zaun set my teeth on edge because it was so damn’ avoidable. Let the guy blow off steam and don’t make a comment. How hard is that?
You know something you said a while back is going to come into play here soon. You said that the fans don’t dictate the team’s moves. They don’t. But when the team has been moving in the wrong direction for a very long time, then management will feel the pressure to do something to appease the fans because eventually the fans are their bread and butter. Remember when the Raptors boss publicly apologized to the fan after another brutal season? Well an apology won’t be enough this time around. Nor will a free t-shirt, which is what we got in ‘04.
MW: Free T-shirts are cool, though.
- reyesMike, it’s funny that there are some including yourself that believe J.P has done good job and don’t notice how much J.P has backtrackes and contradicted himself over the years. Prior to J.P getting the Job as G.M in Toronto, It is on record that J.P had convinced Paul Godfrey that a large payroll is not needed to be competative, JP’s philosophy prior to becoming the GM here in Toronto was building through the Draft. Just as Oakland does.
A few years into his tenure as GM, J.P was singing a different song. He started crying about payroll saying that he needs about 75 million to compete and crying about how much money other teams spend. I wonder What happend to building through the draft.
JP the man who believed so highly in building a team through the Draft has Drafted two decent bats in his seven year tenure. You can talk all you want about who is in the farm, but the fact remains, we have only seen two good bats from this regime’s farm system.
Bob Mcowan sumed it up, He said change renews hope, In the case of the blue jays change at the managerial position, without question renewed hope, if not now, moving foward. Therfore without question it is time for change at the top.
MW: I don’t know how you got a therefore out of that.
- NeilMike, is there any reaeson you did not post my comment regarding J.P and his intentions when coming in here vs his intentions when he got in. In that post I did not offend anyone, I dod not use any form of profanity, so why did you not post. Again you not posting a comment that is in no way shape or form offensive goes to show the respect you have for my opinions, as I have suggested in a previous blog post. All I simply said in the post that was not posted was that J.P had plans to build this organization through the draft,then when he get’s the GM Role he starts crying about money and other teazms spending habbits. It’s incredible how low your respect as a broadcaster can go when you disagree with someone.
MW: Ummm, I just hadn’t gotten around to posting any of the comments yet. But I’ll accept your apology once it comes in.
- Neildid you just say joe carter wasn’t a great hitter? lol.
you’re the man, Mike. lol.
MW: He wasn’t. If he was a great hitter, he’d have been on the Hall of Fame ballot for more than one year.
- JamieWell, I guess that depends on how you want to define great?
He was the premier run producer for some pretty solid clubs…he was great in their eyes, I’m sure.
MW: It’s all relative.
- JamieI don’t see what’s so confusing about Zaun’s lack of playing time, not because I think he sucks, but because they both suck. Really, who cares which one of these dudes is our catcher? I understand that Zaun and his immediate family would care, but anyone other than that should have their head examined. If there’s one guy in all of this who should be upset it’s Curtis Thigpen. It’s time to get our young prospects some playing time. Most of us with any sort of baseball smarts have been screaming for Adam Lind for 2-3 years now and look what he’s doing. Young guys who are studs in the minors come up and have something to prove, a much needed contrast to most of the overpaid bums on the Jays.
MW: Curtis Thigpen should be upset indeed - he’s earned a big-league look with that .223/.270/.313 line in Syracuse.
- MackyMy apologies Mike for being an a**.
MW: Apology accepted.
- Neil