5:05 PM Eastern
And that’s an understatement. The Blue Jays were most assuredly up to their old tricks in dropping the rubber game with the Rays. Continuing their tear-your-hair-out frustrating inability to drive in runners from third with less than two out.
After Lyle Overbay hit the car in right-centre with a two-run homer in the first, the Rays tied it on Carlos Pena’s lead-off big fly in the 4th, then went ahead on a Gabe Gross double play ball with runners on the corners later in the inning.
That one-run lead held up, because the Jays couldn’t cash a lead-off triple by Adam Lind in the bottom of the 4th, and then couldn’t take advantage of a second and third, none out situation the next inning.
In the 4th, Brad Wilkerson popped up foul, Gregg Zaun grounded to first with the infield in, then John McDonald hit a fly ball to deep right that Gross ran down.
In the 5th, Alex Rios grounded back to the mound, Overbay struck out, and after a four-pitch walk to Matt Stairs, Adam Lind hit the flyball that they could have used a batter or two before.
It’s insane.
The Jays’ offense had improved some since Cito Gaston took over, but the last two games had them looking as bad as they ever did under Gibby. Just for reference, the Jays cashed 58.5% of their runners on third with less than two out (either scoring them with less than two out or with the second out) when John Gibbons was managing. Since Cito has taken over, the Jays are at 65.7%, which is better, but still pretty bad.
This is why it will take a miracle for the Jays to make the playoffs.
Two-thirds of the season is in the books, and they’re 54-54. As I write this, there are four teams between them and the wild-card Red Sox, which they trail by seven games. That’s not that big a deal to me, since the Rangers, Tigers, Jays and A’s are all bunched up pretty tightly, so breaking out of that pack would only take one hot streak, like the one it took to get into that pack. The big deal is that, as currently constituted, they’re more than likely not good enough to get into that upper echelon, even if the Rays and Twins do fall back.
The trade deadline is less than 24 hours away, and the Jays have some thinking to do. Their situation has changed drastically since the pre-game Tuesday, when J.P. Ricciardi said that A.J. Burnett wasn’t going anywhere. At that time, they had won 12 of 17, taken the first game of the series with T-Bay and had Roy Halladay going, looking good for another win and maybe even a chance to hit the deadline only 5 1/2 games behind T-Bay. Now they’ve gone the other way, and that slim chance to make the playoffs has gotten even slimmer.
It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Jays do nothing tomorrow, but it wouldn’t surprise me either to see them make a small deal or two, moving Zaun or Eckstein, and I still think they’ll trade Burnett if the deal is right. You never know, B.J. Ryan could be on the move as well.
As for Scott Rolen, it turns out that it was, in fact, his shoulder that has been bothering him this month. He said it’s a matter of function, that it’s not working the way it should, which would seem to mean that his swing is getting cut off by the lack of range of motion. I’m kind of glad that there’s an explanation for Rolen’s recent swoon – he hit .163/.277/.200 in July after hitting .288/.377/.474 going into the month. His overall OPS has dropped 102 points in a month. He’s not going to the disabled list, and says he’s not heading for surgery, but he’s certainly not going to be playing every day from here on out, which should mean more playing time for Eckstein (if he’s still here) or John McDonald.
Here’s today’s brief edition of The JaysTalk for your listening pleasure:
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One cool note before I go – the Argos are playing here Friday night, so the Dome is in quick turnaround mode, and I just watched them take both dugouts apart. I had always thought that the roofs collapsed into the ground (maybe they used to), but it turns out that they come apart in two pieces, with the roof, back and bench all attached in each piece. Cool.
Comments are welcome, but don’t rip me for something you thought you heard.
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So we shouldnt rip Rios,Overbay or any of the 3-3-4-5 hitters today or the rest of the season cuz 2008 is such an anamoly everyone gets is completely protected from criticism right…right ?
Its sooooo bad the entire organization is free from criticism.If the team had of only blown maybe 4 of Halladay’s losses instead of 8 we could rant about it,but since its 8 losses they scored 13 runs we can only sit back and chuckle cuz its such a complete miraculous underachievement.
good shtick !
Mike in Mississauga
MW: Another fine case of “hear what you want to hear”, which is always appreciated. I’ve said all season long that the failures of this team should be placed squarely on the shoulders of the players who are underachieving.
- MikeMichael of the Ballyard:
The line for hot dogs is too long and the Asian noodles are too hot. Kinda blows, I might say.
There’s a brazen grammar error on display at the Dome. During the 7th inning stretch song, where the lyrics are shown on the board, it says “…the umpires [sic] call.”
Can you do something about this? I’m sure you don’t want your kids exposed to that kind of garbage when they go to a game.
Also, did you ever get a chance to look at the illiterately (to possibly invent an adverb) written Argos’ game day program?
MW: I was surprised by how spicy the Asian noodles were – definitely not suitable to suck back between innings. I’ll see what I can do about that grammatical error, I rarely read along in the 7th inning stretch. I haven’t seen the Argo program.
- JCLIs Shannon Stewart breathing, if so what is his status?
Also, its funny how u make all these statements about teams and players and constantly bash people for there predictions and theories, after all u did pick the jays to make the playoffs.
MW: Shannon is still breathing, and he played Monday in Dunedin, but hasn’t played since. My job is to make statements about teams and players, by the way.
- BrendanHi Mike,
It’s great to see Richmond get a chance at the big leagues–no matter how brief–after his unusual and long baseball journey. He certainly did deserve better today.
Scutaro batting second irritates me. Do you think Eckstein lost his job because of the ugly-looking way he plays SS (unorthodox fielding and very weak arm)? Eckstein is better offensively, so do you should Scutaro should really start over Eckstein?
Also, I noticed you discussed VORP with a reader and asked why an average player isn’t the comparator. Most MLB players are below average. A small group of elite batters and pitchers skew the averages high (think Halladay and Hamilton). In fact, a team of average MLB hitters in runs created is an excellent offensive team, not an average one. A replacement player in VORP performs at 80% of the MLB average. Since some 70% of MLB players are below-average, that is the typical player available for hire.
MW: Thanks for clearing that up, I always wondered how they rated replacement players, but never looked it up. I think you’re exactly right as to how Eckstein lost his job, and I’m not a fan at all of Scutaro hitting second.
- asherMW: 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.
Mike, you have made predictions which have turned out to be wrong. This proves you don’t know anything about baseball. But don’t feel bad. Peter Gammons, Tom Verducci, Ken Rosenthal, Jayson Stark, Joe Morgan, Tim McCarver, to name a few, they have also made predictions which have been wrong. They don’t’ know anything about baseball either. I feel sorry for you sometimes….
On a side note, I just realized why Bluejay fans haven’t embraced Eckstein like they have other scrappy ballplayers like Inglett and Reed Johnson.
Eckstein doesn’t were the high socks. It’s the socks I’m telling you. Those High Socks:)
Loved the latest BLOG, though you could of stopped at ‘Scott Richmond deserved better’, that said it all….Keep up the great work.
MW: It may just be the socks.
- Joe V“The big deal is that, as currently constituted, they’re more than likely not good enough…”
How about as constituted after trading for a good hitter, as I and others have been preaching? Why would anyone, especially J.P., not assume that they would win more close games after such a trade? Just look at the games from all season long. Just one run with a guy on third with no outs, just one sac fly, just one big hit. That’s all it would take for the Jays to be tied with Boston, if not to be in the Wild Card lead.
Less than 24 hours and he has a chance. It might be the last chance he gets.
MW: We’ll continue to disagree.
- ShmuelWill Halladay play for the US baseball team in the Rogers Center in March? How about Scutaro for Venezuela? I hope they do.
Who would you root for in a US vs Canada game with Doc on the mound for the US in Rogers Center? Doc against Morneau … who are you cheering for?
MW: Halladay should play for the States, and Scutaro will be on the Venezuelan team. Who would I cheer for? Dude, I’m Canadian.
- T from NYCould you comment on the I-Rod/Farnsworth trade?
It strikes me that the Tigers could have got a lot more.
I’m surprised the Jays haven’t been offered something too-good-to-say-no-to for Carlson, Camp, Downs or even Ryan.
The trade environment continues to baffle me.
MW: I can’t comment on that trade because I have no clue why the Tigers would be interested in making that deal.
- bgokay Mike, time for the Jays to bring up Matt Watson, Wayne Lydon or Buck Coats and dump Wilkerson and Mench. Wilk and Mench are useless. Your right the offence has looked awful the last two games which is shocking to me. Do you think the Jays trade Eck, Zaun, AJ or BJ tomorrow.
Thanks,
Tom
MW: Useless is a strong word.
- tom stewartPudge just went to the Yankees, so the Tigers might be looking for a vet to help them close the season…
As for our playoff chances, well we’re not that far behind, so it is remotely possible. Just not very probable with the players performing the way they have all season.
I’m so sad about this team.
- reyesFurthermore, if Ramirez is traded, the Wild Card will truly be up for grabs.
The Yankees got Pudge, but their bullpen is now as bad as it was before getting Marte. The Jays’ pitching will make every game with the Yankees close.
- ShmuelFunny these guys make 99.999% more than we do at our jobs but I’m proud to say the people I know are not complete failures at their jobs as these guys are.
These players are talented enough to be in the big leagues but alas are not professionals. What a sorry bunch of hitters and yes management too for accumulating this type of hitting! Year after year of this garbage I’m surprised that people even care any more because the players don’t. Ya ya Wilner the players care more maybe for personal stats but the welfare of the Jays I think not, Ie. Zaun could be traded tomorrow you still think he still will care about the Jays the way fans do? I think not!!!
MW: Of course he won’t care about the Jays the way the fans do if he’s no longer on the Jays. How does that make any sort of point?
- tonyMMWould a trade like Brandon League for Brandon Wood or Andy LaRoche make sense? We need a SS and 3B for 2009 – getting one of those guys might make sense, right? Ahrens and Jackson won’t be ready till 2011 – so I don’t want to hear their names for another two years.
Maybe this is a sort of a deal that is done in the winter. Thoughts?
Also, do you think Cooper will be ready for the 2009 Jays? I like Lyle – looks like a good guy. Very good defense. But he’s been Lyle DoublePlay … do we have anyone in the minors ready to give him competition for his spot in Spring Training?
MW: League doesn’t have even close to that kind of value on the trade market. I don’t think Cooper will be even remotely ready for the bigs in 2009.
- T from NY17 shutout innings in two games eh! Pathetic. 54-54 and 54 to go. Common sense says they’ll go 27-27 the rest of the way and give themselves a chance to say that it was a ‘winning’ season. Have seen that movie a lot of times.
Dodgers are playing in a crappy division, it’d be great if they make the playoffs and Yankees don’t. I am a Joe Torre fan and I think the Steinbrenner family mistreated him after all those great years. What’s your prediction for that division?
MW: You think scoring in one inning over two games is pathetic? Let me introduce you to May 9-12 in Cleveland. I don’t get the “common sense says they’ll go 27-27 the rest of the way”, though. What did common sense say after April? And then after May? I’m out of the prediction business for the time being.
- Beburg aka The 88mph manHi Mike. Why don’t the Jays just release Zaun. They could then bring up one the younger catchers to finish the year off. Zaun would then be able to sign wherever he wanted provided he is wanted. I don’t think anyone would give up anything for him anyway.
thanks.
MW: Because Zaun is still helping the team.
- Bob from GuelphHow to console my friend who has been crying for an hour since hearing that his favorite player Kyle Farnsworth got traded? He had this dream that Rivera will get injured and somehow Farnsworth will get the closer role for Game 7 of the world series and will forever be remembered as the pitcher who threw the last pitch at the historic Yankee stadium. He was sure about that. what a dreamer eh!
Should I tell him straight up that Farnsworth sucks?
MW: Relatively, sure.
- Beburg aka The 88mph manLooking forward to August. In my opinion, statistically the Jays are far from being out. They’ve been lucky that the Red Sox and Rays have somewhat struggled in the last 20 games or so.
In the latter part of August, they have 6 games against Boston, 6 against NY, and 3 against TB. If they’re able to keep pace with them until then, and then win a bunch of those games, they’re within striking distance, and at least September baseball will be interesting.
Now those are big if’s, with the injuries they currently have and. But it’s the if’s that are keeping things interesting right now, at least for me.
If they don’t have a good August (and this is the likely scenario), they’re season is pretty much over and there will probably be big changes in the offseason.
I think that would be unfortunate, because the Jays have been extremely unlucky in the last 2 seasons. For instance, in this season alone.
-Hitting with RISP awful particularly in April and June. Yeah, I think this is bad luck, because there’s no particular reason why their hitting with RISP was so dramatically contrasting to their hitting in regular situations
-Close games: Particularly in the early part of the season, the Jays lost so many close games, it wasn’t funny. Three or four of those games go the other way, and suddenly the Jays are 6-8 games over .500
-Injuries: I know that nobody wants to blame injuries again (because that was last year’s excuse), but the reality is the Jays had a lot of injuries to key players this year, again. Notably, Wells, Hill, Rolen, Marcum, McGowan, Eckstein, Zaun, Janssen, Accardo, Stewart. All of the above were expected to have solid seasons and were hindered by injuries in one way or another.
There’s no reason to believe that they can’t be a playoff team next season, if they don’t get “unlucky”, they add a very good pitcher to replace Burnett, a solid, proven power bat at the DH spot, and that Hill comes back.
Here’s to good August!
- ReneHey Mike,
I predicted Rolen would be on the DL by August and Glaus would be hitting his 20th homer at the same time. You asked me how I would know such a thing.
Its easy, JP can’t do anything right..
Here’s another prediction, Wells will be taking his kids on a class trip in September, while JP is in Boston watching little league
MW: In September? Wells is going to get released and J.P. will be fired before the end of the season? Or do you mean September 29th?
- Chris“This is why it will take a miracle for the Jays to make the playoffs.” Well, some of us have been saying this for a while now. Yes, it’s too early to count a team out in May or June, but it’s never too early to make a prediction.
Predictions aside — some will always be right and some wrong — the real question now is, should we still be optimistic about the Jays’ hitters going forward, or is it time to reassess the offensive talent on this team? Most fans don’t have the expertise to know, what do your really think?? What would you be thinking about this line-up if you were GM?
MW: This one should go in the FAQ. I’d address shortstop and DH, try to upgrade at first and behind the plate.
- JohnHey Mike,
Just wondering. Since the Jays lineup is not producing do you think there will be a few promotions from AAA following the trade deadline? If Rolen is hurt and can only play 1/2 of the time i’d like to see the Jays bring up some younger talent. The same goes for Wilkerson.
Who could they bring up to fill in these positions and how do you think those call-ups would fair?
MW: I don’t think that there will be reinforcements coming from AAA before September.
- AlexIn his weekly mailbag, Richard Griffin stated a legend that “Mike Wilner, the third man in the Jays’ booth can actually close his eyes and identify the pitch [type] by sound.”
Any truth to that one?
MW: See above.
- NateHR
Guy who doesn’t like playing baseball = 32
Wells + Rios + Overbay + Rolen = 29
- GregJPAny comment on Richard Griffin’s expose on your abilities? http://thestar.blogs.com/baseball/2008/07/blue-jays-mai-1.html
(Last question in his mailbag)
MW: See above.
- Sean CourtMike,
I was going to rip you for something you said today but I forget what it was so your off the hook. Instead I am going to rip J.P. because I think he is going to fail tomorrow at trading the guys that need to go. I am not talking about A.J., I am just as happy to see him stay as I would be to see him go. I am talking about Zaun and Eck. This guys are dead weight and have little to no value to the Jays and turning them into anything at this point would be positive. But I have a feeling that J.P. can’t, won’t do it. And this makes no sense and is the problem with this team. The Jays hold onto guys that are pretty much usless. Why would you have two catchers that aren’t producing when you have three in the minors that are studs, and I sure hope that Mench and Bad Brad’s gloves aren’t keeping them in T.O., because their bats sure aren’t. These are three guys that see regular action that are dead weight. Short of saying that I could do better, I am sure some of the young guys in the minors could suck as bad as they have been while gaining valueable major league time. And your right, it would take divine intervention for this team to make the playoffs with a guys that can’t stick with the worst team in baseball starting in rightfield. It is time to cut them and bring up someone from minors.
MW: I don’t have an issue with trying out guys like Buck Coats, Wayne Lydon and Matt Watson a look as opposed to Mencherson, but I’m cool with keeping the catchers down for now – not to say that had Zaun been traded, Curtis Thigpen wouldn’t have been a fine back-up.
- JWThe Rolen situation is problematic. He is likely going to be dealing with this shoulder issue for the remainder of his career and the jays have Kevin Ahrens way down in Lansing as the third baseman of the future. what the jays need to do is trade AJ to LA for laroche. this gives them at least an alternative to rolen. ive read in several places that the dodgers are shopping him still and if they are interested in maddux, one would think they’d be interested in AJ
MW: Turns out LaRoche was a big piece of the Manny package.
- sammy jalalzaiDo you think the current team has the mentality to win.
MW: Sure. But then, I think the current San Diego Padres have the mentality to win, too.
- DMillsWhats been most disturbing to me is the fact that might Joe can get a day off but Rolen is out there playing 3rd everyday. Why didn’t Cito give him a day off given the fact that he has been horrible. If your player’s performance changes so drastically wouldn’t you as a manager think about resting him for a day or two. Especially in Rolen case becuase he was just horrible with the bat and also becuase he has past shoulder problems. I disliked the fact we can rest, inglette, one of the few jays who is actually tearing it up with the bat, a rest but not Rolen who has been horrendous. Sorry there is no other way to say it. Scutero has been a decent 3rd baseman and is better with the bat then Rolen this year, why not give him a shot. Just trying my best to figure something out that will help this team but its not very easy.
MW: Going into Friday night’s game: Rolen .254/.349/.400, Scutaro .256/.341/.330. But yes, Rolen has had a horrible month of July and should have been rested once or twice.
- JaysFan“It’s insane.”
I agree!
MW: I don’t know what you’re talking about.
- Hopeful HomerHey Mike,
I was at the game today and couldn’t help but notice Scott Richmond’s nasty slider. At one point in the game, he threw 4 in a row in the dirt to Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria, all 4 were swings and misses. This guy seems to have a future in the bigs!
MW: The Blue Jays sure hope so. I was very impressed.
- RichardHey Mike.
Tiger Williams just called.
The Jays dinner is done.
MW: Their dinner is done?
- Rick GRaceHello Mike!
This was another poor effort for the Blue Jay offence. Truly, a missed opportunity to make things interesting for us fans in the AL East. I would love to see some big changes at the deadline however, I agree that JP might not do anything of impact. I was really looking forward to this series and after 2 horrible efforts my spirits are crushed.
Read my blog Mike!
- Matt from WaterlooMike,
How can the Jays and/or any Jays fan really expect something special to happen this season?
There are only 3 players in the everyday lineup that could realistically start for a contending team. Rios, Rolen and Lind.
The rest are either super-subs (Scutaro, Inglett), plain average (Barajas, Overbay) or just scrubs (Wilkerson).
Speaking of which, why is Wilkerson still in the Majors?
MW: Overbay could start for a contender, and of course, Hill and Wells are hurt (and you didn’t mention Stairs). Barajas also won a World Series as a starter a few years back, just for the record. Wilkerson is still in the Majors because he’s a veteran.
- JordanHello Mike,
If the sentiment is that Burnett is on his way out do you not think that J.P. persue Jarod Washburn?
Also, either of Jason Bay or Manny Ramirez would be on J.P.’s shopping list too?
MW: Why would Washburn be a target? Except for the last couple of months, he’s been less than good since going to Seattle. Yes to Bay, no to Manny.
- MarkHiya Mike,
Managed to get to 2 games in the T-Bay series, today, and fortunatly the other was monday. I’ll be able to check out the A’s on monday before heading back to the other side of the pond.
Is Frank Thomas still hurt? {no pun intended}
Do you still feel the Jays got the better end of the Glaus/Rolen trade?
Finally i asked before the break who you felt had been the position player for the first half of the year, to which you replied ‘maybe Joe Inglett, Yikes’ {not many would have argued with that assessment)
Has anybody managed to change your opinion yet? Maybe the Rios power surge since the break? Lind tearing the cover off the ball etc……Mind you it’s still tough to argue against Mighty Joe, drove in the winning run on friday, tripled home a big insurance run on monday, another big day at the plate today. Is he a one season wonder?
MW: Thomas is in the line-up tonight for Oakland. I don’t know who the position player MVP for the first 2/3 would be – maybe Rios, I guess, but that’s tough. I think Inglett will be an OK hitter for a while. As for the trade, if Rolen’s shoulder is going to be an issue for a while, then there’s a problem.
- ukJayHi Mike…what do you think have been the most exciting deadline trades in Jays history? For me it’s got to be Spoljaric and Quantril for Cruz Jr, even though Cruz Jr was a bit of a bust–at the time he was a top prospect.
MW: It was actually Timlin and Spoljaric for Cruz, Jr, but I’m going to say that the most exciting deadline trade was Steve Karsay and Jose Herrera for Rickey Henderson.
- ZackMike,
I read with interest the other day, that you are frustrated with Jays fans who don’t do their homework when they call your show.
I called a week ago and commented that JP erred in not drafting Tulowitzky when his scouts wanted him to. Regarding my comments about the opinions of the scouts you asserted “THATS FALSE”.
Please consider:
“The larger part of our group wanted Tulowitzki over Romero,” said one former Jays scout. “The GM was adamant. Russ Adams could play short. We didn’t need a shortstop.” Bob Elliott, Oct. 23, 2007.
“The consensus of the people who were hired to evaluate players was to take Tulowitzki over Romero. (It wasn’t unanimous, but it was the majority opinion.) The GM substituted his own evaluations, based on one observation for each player and a flawed one at that for Tulowitzki, who was just coming off of a wrist injury. Several of us made the case for Tulowitzki over Romero, myself included, but Ricciardi is not one to change his mind, and I always thought he rather enjoyed digging in his heels when anyone questioned a decision. There had to be a million dollars in salaries sitting in that draft room, and the GM overruled them. If you’re going to hire talented people and pay them all that money, let them do their jobs. The fact that the decision has backfired so spectacularly just justifies that point – if the Jays had Tulowitzki at short, they’d probably be one of the top four teams in the AL.” Keith Law, March 27, 2008
Given your new found emphasis on homework, I’m sure you will be correcting the record on your show promptly.
The fact is JP is a laughingstock amongst MLB for this pick and for losing Brandon Lyon by accidentally placing him on waivers, then begging the Red Sox to give him back.
When JP loses his job here, he will never work as a GM in MLB again.
MW: The fact is most definitely not that J.P. is a laughingstock for not taking Tulowitzki, and the fact that you feel you’re capable of making that claim tears apart anything else you have to say. As far as the homework is concerned, I’m well aware of the story (not that a scout who has since left the organization would be an unbiased source), but when you called – using your real name, which you refuse to use in this forum – you said that Ricciardi selected Tulowitzki over Adams against the wishes of all his scouts, which isn’t true. Even Mr. Disgruntled Ex-Jays-Front-Officer said the feeling wasn’t unanimous.
- ProkopecAnother disappointing game to go along with all the others this year. From what I can see, this season is over for the Jays, and we should resign ourselves to looking forward.
My biggest fear for this team is that JP (if he remains), will again think that this team is just underperforming. How many times this year have we heard, well we have a good team, they are just not hitting. Well they weren’t hitting last year either!!!
I know, I know, injuries, injuries. Well you can only use that excuse for so long. These players have now gone two seasons without hitting, and they are all another two years older. And it really doesn’t make a bit of difference if they could hit in 2006, they can’t hit now.
It is time to face facts. They just aren’t good enough. Whether it is because of payroll, or whether it is bad choices, these players are not good enough.
If you were the GM, who would you keep and who would you replace?
MW: See above.
- sandyI would like to thank Cito for benching one of the better offensive catchers in the league for a guy with who gets on base less than 30 percent of the time.
I would also like to thank JP for creating a buzz of non-interest about that benched catcher. Meaning that if anyone called about him, Riccardi’s mouth sabotaged any value you could get in return. Are you telling me that the Yankees wanted Pudge more than Zaun? We could have got some minor league arm for him if they were willing to give Farnsworth.
Great team those two are here in Toronot, the GM and his manager.
PS Mike: I don’t care what you guys in the media think about candid comments from the GM. As a fan, I want the best interests protected for the team I put my soul into. Sometimes that means you should shut your mouth. Loose lips sink ships.
MW: You honestly think that the Yankees would have preferred Gregg Zaun to Ivan Rodriguez?
- Jim BMike, I have to admit that I secretly hope for the full moon episodes of JaysTalk. That’s because your so great at handling callers who think they know certain things about the team and actually don’t. Keep up the great work. I was wondering, how do you come up with all that information callers ask about during the show? Do you have all the stats written down in a binder or on a spreadsheet or what? Is there some website you log on to which tracks everything? Oh, and I’m sorry if this is the 478th time you’ve answered this, but the way you write batting averages using three numbers, which is which? Thanks so much.
MW: Some stuff I have to research, some stuff I know. I usually use yahoo or espn to look up situationals and splits and such. The three numbers are avg/obp/slg.
- JonHello Mike
Great write up, it pretty well sums up the season, also, Rolen’s slump. It was almost a similar situation with Wells a year ago where he played with an injury all season.
Regarding Jay’s current pitching situation, with McGowan injured, Marcum just coming back from injury and who knows about the fifth starter, don’t you agree that now Jays starting pitching looks pretty precariously fragile?
So, keeping that thought going into next season, if Burnett goes, who do they have who are dependable besides Halladay? Why not attempt to keep Burnett, extend his contract. At least, you have two good one two punch?
MW: I think Marcum will be reliable and dependable next season.
- francisOne of the worst things about a loss like this is when former Jays players end up beating you up in a way you never saw them play when they were on your side. Mike… do you have any idea how the hell Hinske has turned his career around after 3 years of mediocrity? This guy is killing the Jays at the plate with all these extra base hits this year and its driving me nuts! Maybe the Jays should keep Russ Adams in there system because if they let him go them there might be another Jays killer!
MW: Believe it or not, Hinske has actually hit righties very well three of the last four seasons.
- Matt from BCHey Mike…
2 quick things:
Doesn’t look good for my “Manny to the Jays” comment from JaysTalk after the win on Monday night if he goes to Florida (though I don’t think it’s going to happen, like Boston needs more prospects)
Secondly, you must be thrilled there is no game today. No matter what would happen you have to assume JaysTalk was going to be FILLED with “Why did/didn’t JP trade this guy?” and “Why did/didn’t we get THESE propsects”. Takes a lot of internal fortitude to take on all those calls, and for that, I applaud you!
Cheers!
- LukeHow, do you keep your sanity there Mike! I read through all the comments from yesterday as I always do. You know, I could be away from any sports media results of games and know exactly how the Jays did via this blogs’ comments.
When the vultures are circling around Mike Wilner and J.P. you know the Jays lost – so many frustrated Leaf fans out there!
Joe Carter, most definately was not a great hitter – he was a good hitter who, hit a huge home run to win the WS. Great hitters, go the HOF – Carter is not heading there.
The HOF in MLB, is the toughest one to get into and rightfully so. The NHL for example has so many “good players” in their hall it is a joke. Leaf fans think their favorite players, should go into the hall based on popularity alone. As I have said before Leaf fans – direct your frustrations with the Leafs where they belong. Your on-going bashing of the Jays, JP and our blog host is mis-directed hockey (Leafs) frustration.
Compared to game 2 of this series this one (game 3) was very dissapointing with respect to risp. Game 2 they were up against some great pitching. You can’t win em all kids!
Don’t get so down on em! The Yanks got their collective butts kicked twice by Baltimore over the last 3 games and my Red Sox are still struggling – anything can stil happen in the AL east with one good win streak.
The other AL teams in the mix for the WC, are just not in the same talent pool as the Jays and won’t be there at the end of the season – they will all be looking up at your “Toronto Blue Jays!
Thanks.
- Bob -Mike, you asked me what I meant by a “hold” stat for relief pitchers. I believe, it is when a relief pitcher, comes into a game in a save situation, records at least one out and leaves without giving up the lead – “that’s a hold”. Crazy stat and I hope it is never used in MLB. Then again there are plenty of crazy stats in MLB anyway!
Yip, Richmond deserved better for sure – he looked pretty darn good. Watching the Rays defensively, you would swear it is Rolen at the “hot corner” – good comparison there Mike.
Finally, the Jays are capable and likley will, put together a nice win streak starting in Texas. At seasons end – winning, 87-89 games and bingo, their in the post season.
Keep your sanity there Mike – and keep up the good work!
Thanks!
MW: 87 wins won’t get them into the playoffs. I wasn’t asking what the “hold” stat was (you’re right, that’s what it is), I was asking what you meant about it being “used”.
- Bob -Pity MW not running the Braves. Pretty sure he would have gift wrapped Texeira for his beloved Overbay and maybe thrown in Chipper to boot!
Jays with actual power at the corners. We can only dream.
J.C.
MW: I totally would have traded Overbay for Teixeira and Chipper.
- jchenryGeez, it looked like the Jays were poised to make things interesting at the deadline–five straight wins, a game against Seattle followed by the Rays who struggle on the road and facing A.J. and Halladay in games one and two of the series.
56-52 seemed completely doable and 57-51 not out of the question all things considered.
Well, the pitching gave them a 2.75 ERA over those four games–the offense went 1-for-33 w/RISP (.030).
We’ve discussed this before–even if J.P. is loath to make a trade, why in natural selection’s name does he not call somebody up to take Wilkerson or Stairs spot in the lineup? Is there nobody in the organization that can hit better than Stairs’ .206/.322/.361 since mid-May or Wilkerson’s .167/.333/.238 since Cito was brought back?
A .238 SLG from a corner OF? A .361 SLG from your DH? Yeah, the Jays have injuries but there have to be hitters that are capable of hitting .250 and slugging .400+ at the big league level somewhere in Syracuse or New Hampshire.
What makes it all the more puzzling is that he’ll give a shot to Scott Richmond but not David Smith or somebody else. He’ll gamble on pitchers in the organization but not hitters.
How Ricciardi can do absolutely nothing amazes me (but not in a good way). The Jays have lost 15 games this year in which the other team scored three or fewer runs.
How many of those could have become wins had somebody other than Wilkerson or Stairs been up with a man on third and less than two out?
I’m beginning to think that J.P. should be listed on the periodic table as the most inert substance known to man.
Best Regards
John
- John B.The brutalization of our pitchers’ phsyce at the hands of the teams ‘bats’ continues. Sorry Mr. Richmond, sorry Doc, sorry to all members of the best rotation in the ML over the past 12 months or so.
Three relatively unconnected things. Although it probably won’t be so now, for a brief time a month ago Chase Utley was leading the majors in Home Runs. Has a 2nd baseman EVER finished on top of the HR category? If so, who.
Secondly, I hope that Alex Rios has to pay HEAVILY, in the kangaroo court for his play on the Hinske HR Tuesday. Perhaps that and the ‘maybe someone would like to EARN their money’ look on Doc’s face, will smarten him up. He’s a repeat offender, (the ball in the wall thing a while back) and to make it to this level he’s had to have heard not to give up on a play until it’s over a thousand times. Especially when the Ump closest to him has signalled no HR and the runner is still on the move. Unforgivable lad, you have all the tools to be even MORE than Manny Ramirez, the King of dubious fielding plays, but ya aint there yet!
Finally, I heard you blow steam towards us plebes Tuesday night, admittedly after a caller made a slightly ridiculous comment, in which you said, more or less, ‘people should do their own research and not just get their information from … some talk show they listen to.’
Well, speaking for myself, I do my own research which INCLUDES listening to some talks shows. BoB McCowan has on only the most knowlegeable and accredited commentators, (such as yourself and Dan Schullman) and I happen to agree with what I heard on that show yesterday. That the Jays front office, including J.P., appears at best, disfunctional. That as much as any other reason is probably why Burnett won’t be moved. Because they just won’t get a full market offer from GM’s who feel that the wheels on J.P.’s bus are coming off.
Keep soldiering on Mike, appreciate and respect your work.
MW: Ryne Sandberg’s 40 homers led the N.L. in 1990 – he’s the last 2b to do that. I don’t understand why you would think that the vultures circling around J.P. would lessen another team’s interest in A.J. Burnett.
- Scott 'from North Bay'hi mike, at least richmond kept them in the game, he ‘s a great prospect, but maybe the jays should do some tinkering before the trade deadline today; maybe they can move burnett and bj ryan and alex rios for a jason bay and some badly needed draft picks; and throw in zaun/eckstein for good measure, when is shannon stewart/ jeremy accardo coming back? thanks great show mike!
MW: Draft picks can’t be traded in baseball. Did I see that right, by the way? Burnett, Ryan, Rios, Eckstein and Zaun for Jason Bay?
- robert syesterdays show typical Mike Wilner. A Caller early in the show yesterday made a great point about Burnett but it went right over your head.His point being if a team in the playoff race is not willing to take the chance on Burnett for the last 2 months of the season because he may get hurt and not opt out of his contract why would a team in the off season give him more money and more years in the off season. you said one had nothing to do with the other. REALLY!! A Team is too scared to take a chance on a guy for 2 months because they are scared hes going to get hurt but they will sign him in the offseason for 4 or 5 years for more money.But i should know better since you have stated that 100% Burnett will opt out, then of course one had nothing to do with the other. GREAT LOGIC MIKE.But of course if he does not opt out at the end of the year you will do your usual 180 saying I NEVER SAID HE WILL OPT OUT. One more thing you were SO HIGH on the Glaus Rolen Trade early in the year even though everyone in baseball knew Rolen was done except JP of course but as always you drink the koolaid hows that trade looking now?
MW: I was going to comment on this, but really, what’s the point?
- SteveMike,
What do you think would be more painful:
1) Falling on a bed of nails
or
2) Watching another season of the Blue Jays as presently constructed ?
MW: I’m going to go with 1.
- Vinnie from HamiltonIt wouldn’t surprise me if they Jay’s did nothing today either Mike, but its not like the jays need to improve for next year or anything. I say bring back the exact same team next year and when these hitters get back to their carrerr averages we’ll be right in the hunt.
ps. im kidding of coarse please fire J.P.
MW: Of coarse? You don’t really think I can fire J.P., can you?
- Doughi mike, just one more thought, if only the san francisco giants bit and traded lincicum for rios, riccardi may have deflected some of his criticism and the season may have turned out differently, we may have even kept reed johnson!
MW: If only they had kept Reed Johnson!
- robert sMike:
I don’t see how the Jays’ situation has changed “drastically” since Tuesday’s pre-game. Granted, if they were to have swept the series, they would have been 5 1/2 games behind Tampa Bay and possibly a similar number behind the wild card depending on how Boston fared for the remainder of their series with LAA. However, as you have always stated “who cares how far from first place the Jays are” because they are still only 6 1/2 games out of a playoff spot. So the drastic difference you speak of seems to be 1 game in the standings. Am I understanding this wrong?
As I see it, over the past 3 days, the Jays gained 1 game on Boston (the wild card), stayed even with New York, and lost 1 game in the standings to Tampa Bay (division leader) and Minnesota. If that’s considered a drastic difference, then the Jays are in for a lot of drastic changes as the season winds down. If the Jays were swept by Tampa and Boston swept the Angels putting them 11 1/2 and 10 1/2 back respectively that would be considered drastic in my opinion.
MW: You’re not understanding the standings thing wrong at all. I don’t care about first place. But it’s not just about where they are or how many teams are ahead of them, it’s about what’s going on with the team. How they’re playing. They had been on a heck of a run, despite everything going on, injury-wise. A win (at least) in that series could have kept the run going, drawn them even closer to the wild card, and continued the “miracle”. Instead, they not only lost two games, but lost them in exactly the same hair-pullingly frustrating way that they’d lost throughout April and June, exposing them once again.
- Peter B.I find it hard to believe that J.P can’t swing a sweet deal for A.J. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that A.J is dealt for a grade A prospect.
MW: Not so much.
- Chris JonesHey Mike,
Don’t you think the Jays should of made an attempt to get Manny Ramirez here???.Surely he’s bat would be pretty useful for the Jays and the sox could do with AJ as well as a short stop seeing that both Lugo and Cora are horrible this season.
Anyway…Your thoughts…
WO.
MW: Should HAVE
- WarrenYou made a comment yesterday that (I paraphrase)the team that wants it more does not win in baseball. I understand your comment but I really think there is a lack of focus on this team and that it translates to the lack of quality hitting in key situations.
Now we get to sit back and watch the Yankees and Sox among others get great players today while the Jays have Inglett, Wilkerson, Scutaro, Zaun, Barajas, McDonald and Eckstein starting games for us. I know the Jays are out of contention but that’s also a great time for them to look for trades that will allow them to get better in the future. This team by my estimation is at least 4 starters (excluding pitchers) from being a contender in the AL East. The only players I see starting on a contender in this division are Lind, Wells, Rios (assuming the former two return to form), Hill (praying he can actually play again), Rolen (hoping he can get healthy) and Overbay. They need a better DH, Catcher, SS, and odds are they will have to replace at least Rolen or Hill due to injury. The Jays aren’t going to get them all in free agency so they need to make some moves now. It looks like they won’t so I’m anxiously awaiting next year’s .500 season. Jaded? Yes I am. I’m so tired of underachieving teams in Toronto and especially this team that I really thought would contend this year. Gerry Howarth (sorry if spelled incorrect) said in an interview that John Gibbons believed this was a .500 team at the start of this year. He was pretty accurate and realistic. It’s not August 1st and they are out of it.
Do you agree with my assessment of their needs? Why does JP not do deadline deals for big names (he never has)? Why should any of us believe this team will be able to contend next year? Are you a fan of the Jays? How do you stay optimistic if you are?
MW: It’s Jerry, by the way. What was available for the Jays to pick up at the trade deadline that would have addressed their needs without opening up another hole? I do agree that they need to improve at SS and DH, at least. But remember, Eric Hinske, Cliff Floyd and Jason Bartlett are starters on a “contender” in this division.
- The ChadThe Jays were fully aware of the problems that Mr. Rolen had prior to obtaining him. They rolled the dice here, and apparently on offense, they really lost. This team is wasting strong pitching efforts by Halliday over and over again. There seems to be a let down by the hitters when Roy pitches. They seem to not bare down on the task at hand, which has got to be frustrating. However, when you basically have subs playing catcher, 2nd, 3rd, shortstop, and depending on the day, anywhere from left, center and right field, then I guess that we should not be surprised that we have a team that cannot hit, if we cannot field a team of regulars on a consistent basis.
How do the teams that continually contend who have the same injury challenges (as most teams seem to have now) seem to survive? Not sure what the challenge is here. Is it that we don’t have enough payroll to go out and buy expensive players and expensive subs?
MW: The hitters haven’t succeeded when Halladay has lost, but I don’t see a lack of bearing down on the task at hand. Teams that have the same injury challenges tend not to contend, and the ones that do have the healthy players play at or above their career norms. Or they play in the NL West.
- JimDearest Mike,
Maybe you’ve covered this, maybe not, but any thoughts on going after Jason Bay?
Rumor has it (espn.com) that Boston and Tampa are interested, and it’s always a little depressing to see other teams in the division end up with these types of players.
I’m not saying we should pursue Bay because I’m one of those who thinks since we’re a Canadian team we should have more Canadian players. But you would have to think he would be more than a marginal improvement over the whole Wilkerson/Mench dog and pony show.
Thanks for the vent. By the way, you get an aggressively higher response to your blog compared to anyone else at 590. Nicely done.
- CraigAny updates on how Accardo, Hill and Jannsen are coming along? Also, is Cito Gaston going to be temporary and if so are the jays searching for a permanent manager and who would be the likely candidates?
Thanks Mike..Keep up the good work
MW: There’s nothing new on any of those three. The Jays aren’t currently searching for a replacement for Cito.
- smMike,
I was originally all for JP holding onto AJ and taking the picks (1st and a sandwich) assuming he was a type A if he couldn’t get something close to what Cleveland got for Sabathia. I was aware of the risk that AJ may not be a Type A but there are a couple of other factors that have come to my attention that may sway me more to the trade him now side. For example, it is a very real possibility that AJ could be signed by a bottom 15 team such as the Orioles, thus giving the Jays only a sandwich and a 2nd round pick. It is also a possibility that a team such as the Yankees could sign 2 or more Type A free agents and if one of those were to rank higher than AJ according to Elias, the Jays would only receive 2nd and 3rd round picks. Combine these risks with the opportunity to get prospects who are closer to actually contributing I think I may have jumped over the fence.
MW: Depends on who those prospects are, and I’m sure the guys in the front office considered all those possibilities. I think it’s likelier that a top 15 team signs him, though.
- MattTroy Glaus’ stats:
Avg. 271
HR 17
Ribbies 71
Boy,couldn’t we use those stats now. Why did we trade him again? And if he wanted to get out, couldn’t we get someone better t han Scott Rolen (great defense, no offense?). Explains a lot why our offense is lifeless for most of the season. JP must cringe everytime he peeks over and checks out Glaus’ stats.
MW: There’s no way to know how Glaus would have done had he still been here.
- JeremyIsn’t Burnett’s trade value at it’s highest point now? Yes, I suppose other teams trading prospects or a good young MLB player would be a risk for Burnett but if it puts you over the top, it’s worth it.
MW: I don’t know if Burnett’s value is at its height now. But yes, if a deal puts a team over the top, it’s worth it.
- CurtHi Mike,
The last thing you mentioned on the jays talk was about moving Rios and Wells now is wrong because they are at the low point of their value.
Do you think it’s an option to think about trading Halladay? I’m a big fan of him, but (as we have seen) one amazing pitcher does not get your team even to the playoffs.
In the few years that I have watched and listened to baseball the fans always want to trade the underachievers and get all-stars in return….(which does not make sense).
Do you think trading him has ever crossed their minds? (or do I know even less about baseball than I thought?)
Cheers !!
MW: I think trading everyone has crossed their minds.
- JohnnyWow, that was a brutal game. Poor Scott Richmond – I wish he would’ve at least received a little more run support in his major league debut. It’s bad when you can DEPEND on the heart of the Jays lineup to squander any chances of scoring a run. All the more reason why the Jays need to sign a solid cleanup hitter. Manny, Manny, Manny …
- IanHello Mike,
I guess Scott Richmond got his first experience of what a casual Blue Jays day(for this season) would be like-great pitching, poor offense.
Can you give me a detail of what the Blue Jays are looking for at the trade deadline, maybe some potential moves, what’s available, or maybe even after the trade deadline?
Thanks
MW: See above.
- CralStick a fork in them Mike. They’re done. They don’t want it. The Jays who always find ways to lose ground. What a bunch of maroons. I’m done with the Jays…done drinking the Kool-Aid…done believing in a team that can’t hit a beach ball to save their lives. Done wasting my time You can have ‘em Mike. Even 71/2 back of a playoff spot, I don’t care for this team AT ALL.
MW: See you tomorrow.
- Vito From HamiltonIt’s amazing what 2 losses does to enthusiam, but the fact is the Jays need to win series, especially at home, against teams they are chasing to pull off the miracle that’s needed.
I don’t think the Jays do anything at the deadline. Why did the Tigers trade Pudge to the Yanks? They are only 5 1/2 games out of the Central? For Kyle Farnsworth?
The Yanks do this every year, hover around and then pick up the pieces they need to make a run. That’s why Jays fans get frustrated with poor starts, because we don’t have the track record of recovery like the Yanks. We need a bit of a cushion to think we have a shot.
The Jays can still do some damage, but they are going to have to win a bunch of games against the Yanks, Sox and Rays.
Hope you enjoy the off day, and here is hoping the Jays road record suddenly improves as they head to Texas for 3.
- Aaron KerWouls u trade either Lind or Rios for Bay? A better return for Pittsburgh than if the Ramierez deal goes through?
MW: I don’t think so.
- MikeAnd he puts his foot in his mouth again!
(Griffey Jr to the White Sox)
MW: What’s wrong with saying “When kids are in the back yard playing catch, do they dream of being in the big leagues or the Olympics?”
- reyesAll this talk of Zaun is pretty weird..He isn’t much more then a backup catcher on most teams so its not a shock that nobody wants him..Maybe he wrote a nameless cheque to Cito and it bounced..Funny thing about Zaun..He had his best hitting seasons in the Majors right in the middle of the “steriod” years..Plus he can’t throw out anyone stealing second..
Its comical that this guy is actually demanding a trade..He just isn’t good enough to be a starting catcher..
If Riccardi is going to be sticking around next year then why not trade some of the veterans on this team and retool for next season?
MW: He’s not actually demanding a trade.
- gumpDEAR MIKE:
Would you trade Burnett for MANNY Ramirez.
MW: Sure.
- ALI2 and one half hours until the trade deadline. I think the Yankees must have something big cooking. They have a rather sparse bullpen as it is, yet they have traded LaTroy Hawkins and Kyle Farnsworth in the last 24 hours. If they don’t have something in mind and go with what they have, building that bridge to Mariano Rivera will be difficult.
I have no idea what the White Sox want with Griffey Jr. They already have Quentin, Dye and Swisher in their outfield and Konerko and Thome for 1B or DH. Konerko has missed time lately and the Sox went 26-14 without him. He must be related to Vernon Wells.
Note to the literal minded: I don’t think the Jays or Sox success without Wells or Konerko is anything but a coincidence.
MW: Konerko has had an AWFUL year, hence the Griffey grab.
- Jim BranscomeNo ripping? If there is no ripping there is nothing to say.. just kidding.
I completely agree with all of your statements Mike. Playing in a division with New York and Boston will take a great season on the Jays side and a tabacle by the Red Sox or Yankees. Now that the Rays are in the mix it even makes even more frustrating. It might be another 15 years until we make the playoffs the way we are going.
I am a diehard fan of the Blue Jays since I was 5 years old…. and ever since I can remember ( 1985 ) the Jays have always been a huge part of my life. And since about 1995, the Jays realistically have had ZERO chance to make the playoffs. Its either one thing or the other, hitting is off, pitching is off. Now that their pitching is one of the best staffs in baseball, they now own the worst hitting or close to.
Vernon Wells is going to have to lead this team the way he is payed to with the bats. We know Roy does on the mound, once Vernon starts hitting this organization might actually head somewhere. So right now in my opinion, for the Jays to turn the corner Vernon Wells is going to have to be Vernon Wells and Alex, Lyle, Scott I guarantee will follow. Vernon hasn’t really had a good season in 3 years, and what we need out of him is a great season. I’m talking 320 40 HR 135 RBI.. Manny numbers. Unfortunately by that time our pitching will probably plomet to the bottom of the AL..
MW: I don’t think we’re likely to ever see that kind of season from Vernon, but you never know. He’s been sorta close to it before. By the way, I have to point out that your spelling is kind of distracting.
- DarrylHi Mike:
GP AB AVG OBP SLG HR RBI
Player A
108 389 .276 .372 .486 18 73
Player B
82 295 .254 .349 .400 6 31
Any guesses who players A and B are??
MW: Hmmmm, could it be Troy Glaus and Scott Rolen?
- Brendoni was watching Sportsnet today and was listening to the post game interview with Cito (I am pretty sure it was the Post Game) and he was talking about some strange mindsets in the clubhouse that he is trying to turn around. Any ideas on what he might be refering to?
Also hearing rumors that the Jays may be in the running for Jason Bay, but they are saying the Pirates may ask for 3 good prospect including Snider
MW: I think what Cito’s talking about has to do with approaches at the plate in big situations. He doesn’t believe the hitters go up thinking that the pitcher is the one in trouble, nor does believe they stick to their plans at the plate.
- Alex HarrisMike, I am hearing rumous about a trade fo Ibanez?? Are you kidding me????
Who else can the Jays fleet form a brutal Mariners team to make them above-mediocre??
Pull the plug and let the young kids come up and play!!!!! (thigpen, diaz, snider, arencibia, whoever else the jays have in AAA)
MW: Bring up three catchers?
- MarkGood afternoon Mr. Wilner and happy trade deadline day. I was just reading on the ESPN website,I think it was, that the Jays are in talks with Pittsburgh regarding Jason Bay and with Seattle regarding Raul Ibanez. What is the likelihood of aquiring either player and what would they have to give up to get one of them? also what would happen with there outfield if they do either? RF Rios(arm is way to strong not to be there) CF Wells(defense is way too good out there) LF/DH Bay and Lind would be the best possibilitie I could come up with. Thank you for your time and great job as always
- ChrisMike,
I read somewhere that two Cuban players of the National Junior team have defected. How do Major League teams go about signing these players? Is it like signing a non-drafted free agent or is there a different process? Also do clubs put alot into scouting Cubans as it wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense considering they may never come to America.
MW: It’s tough to scout them unless they’re playing in an international tournament. As for how they go about getting signed, it depends where they defect. If they go to the U.S., they’re draft-eligible.
- Dennywhen you said “I will never ever critize anyone for saying something in the media that other people are afraid to say”
did you really mean i will never critizise J.P.?
MW: No.
- MannyAHAHAHA
Marcum and Snider for Bay, Pittsburg’s GM must be crazy, but supposedly his asking prices have been outrageously high all day. I wouldn’t even trade Marcum for Bay straight up just because we will have control of Marcum at a cheap price for a long time. Bay will command big money after next season.
Also, our outfield is already crowded and If were going to acquire a power bat I would prefer it be someone with real power (ie Ramirez or Delgado in the off season), which Bay unfortunately doesn’t have.
I got no problems with Ibanez but isnt he kind of old? I’ll reserve judgement until I find out what the asking price is. But this could turn out really bad and JP may by ruining the team of the future just to save his own job.
- Paulhey mike, maybe the jays could dredge up josh phelps or domingo martinez for some hr help!
MW: Cool!
- robert sAlso, just wanted to add good bye and good luck to Chuck Skirsky.
I don’t know how well you knew him mike but he was a great broadcaster and he will be missed.
- PaulRios “lack of power” not surprising. Before this year Rios had 52 homers in 2000 at bats. Going at that pace he `should` have 11 homers so far this year. So 8 home runs isn’t exactly shocking. Obviously, Cito et al have improved Alex’s swing. Of course, you won’t give Cito any credit.
MW: Nope. But Rios went from 1 home run his first year to 10 to 17 to 24, so saying that he “should” have had 11 so far is a little misleading.
- Dave NantaisMike:
I’m sure that you will disagree that the call-up of Richmond is just one more reason why JP should be fired. It is an absolutely unnecessary move at this time that seriously hurts the Canadian Olympic team. However, we should not be surprised. The Blue Jays GM has attended only one of the Baseball Canada fundraiser banquets in the past 5 years. Gillick has been at 4. The team is a major supporter of amateur baseball in Canada but the GM seems to have no respect for Baseball Canada. It’s just the final straw for me.
MW: OK. His job, though, is to do what’s best for the Blue Jays, not what’s best for the national team.
- Howard BirnieOh my, it’s too bad that we don’t have any real prospects that would be major league ready in the next year, or maybe we could have gotten into the ManRam sweapsteaks. Not real sure what the vision is for this team. No real identity, it’s not hitting, is it pitching? well maybe,
MW: I doubt Boston would have traded Ramirez within the division.
- JimHey mike y can’t you put a better pic with a better pose..This compeletely ruins my mood to rite anything!
MW: Not my choice of pic.
- Christycompletely disagree with your thaughts and useless FACTS, i kno ur a fan of OVerbay but until he’s here we’re not winning anything. I am tired of his singles!
MW: First of all, Overbay is already here. Second of all, you’re right. Outs are way better than singles.
- ChristyThere’s just no big bat in this line-up…if anyone does get hot, it’s pretty easy to pitch around them.
Overbay seems to have recovered from his hand injury, and while he never had a lot of pop to start with, there seems to be little left. Rios keeps teasing us, but he never will be a 30HR/100 RBI guy.
Rolen is obviously damaged goods, Stairs is likely at the end of the line, Lind is more of an Overbay 2005-6 model, and while Inglett has done a fantastic job, they really miss Hill.
Wells, even when healthy, would be hard-pressed to repeat his pre-2005 numbers, especially in this line-up.
To me, one of J.P.’s biggest failings has been the inability to develop or deal for that big power bat. Granted, they’re a rarity in this supposedly post-steriods era, and I love the pitching talent he’s amassed, but that missing big bopper creates a huge hole in the batting order.
MW: It must be tough to disappoint you in general, your expectations are so low.
- FoxyMW: What’s wrong with saying “When kids are in the back yard playing catch, do they dream of being in the big leagues or the Olympics?”
You know what’s wrong with it. he’s just taken the star pitcher away from the Canadian Olympic baseball team. OK, he’s doing his job and I don’t blame him. But it sounds like he’s saying ‘Canadian Olympic Team? so what?’
It’s another instance of him opening his big fat mouth and saying the wrong thing. The guy has a genius for it. Mind you, by this time he knows he’s gone at the end of the season, so I doubt he cares what he says to the media. But one of the reasons he’ll be going at the end of the season is what he says to the media.
MW: He’s the General Manager of a major-league baseball team. You want him to be a politician.
- reyesMW: He’s the General Manager of a major-league baseball team. You want him to be a politician.
GMs of mlb teams have to be politicians. That way they don’t unnecessarily burn bridges with players that are with the team or might come to the team. Not to grub up old news, but what are the chances that Adam Dunn and all his home runs will sign with the Jays if Ricciardi’s still GM?
He’s a divisive presence on a club that needs all the team spirit it can find.
MW: Team spirit is for high school and college sports. It doesn’t help you win in the pros.
- reyesMW: Team spirit is for high school and college sports. It doesn’t help you win in the pros.
Of course you’re right. Because even with all the distractions and the ill-advised comments and the manager-and-coaches getting fired, our guys are doing amazingly well and right now are top of the AL East.
Wait! What?
MW: Right – and the team that has won two of the last four World Series and currently sits in a playoff position just had to trade arguably their best hitter because he was such a problem in the clubhouse. Look at the horrendous effect his presence had on their ability to win.
- reyes