10:52 AM Eastern
Just a quick note to let you know that on tonight’s Blue Jay A Day Pre-Pre-Game Show, our guest will be Vernon Wells, taking your phone calls from 7:05 PM Eastern until about 7:40 PM.
It should be Adam Lind tomorrow, before Game 2 of the World Series, I’m hoping to be able to firm that up later today.
There are close to 100 comments in the queue waiting to be moderated, I should be able to get to them during the ESPN pre-game before first pitch tonight.
As far as a World Series prediction goes, well, regardless of how much one thinks one knows, it’s impossible to do more than just take a stab at it. The Rays haven’t had a week off, and they’ve managed to make it out of the toughest division in the tougher league, so one would think they’d be odds-on favourites to win the whole shebang.
I’ll admit that if the Red Sox had won Game 7, I’d be taking Boston to win the series in four or five games, but when you combine the fact that I’ve been picking against the Rays all year with the fact that there’s just something about those Phillies, whether it’s the power-laden infield, the solid pitching staff and bullpen, Matt Stairs, whatever it is, there’s just something about those Phillies.
I’ll say this: Tampa Bay probably wins, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Phillies took it in five. That fence feels really good.
Reasonable, rational comments are always welcome, and remember – if you want to make sure you get to talk to Vernon Wells tonight, call in the first 5-10 minutes. We often get a big run of calls later in the segment, and don’t have time to get to everybody.
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Hey Mike,
Do you think the Jays will risk signing any type A free agents ?
For a team that now has three of the best teams in baseball to compete with next year in its divison, would it be prudent to keep your first round pick, as well as receiving the draft pics you get from AJ signing elsewhere ?
I understand the logic of signing Manny, but would any other type A’s be worth it ? I just think the draft is going to have to be a big part of any Blue Jay run to the WS.
MW: In 2013, sure. I don’t think the Jays will shy away from signing Type A guys just because they’re Type A guys.
- DaveBeen waiting and waiting but nobody else has broached the subject so:
What in the world was up with the 5 straight posts at the tail end of the comments a week or so back which all looked like they included links to insurance sales or gambling sites??? I have to admit I ALMOST clicked on one, but then my brain turned back on…
MW: See above. I get a lot of those spammers, and that’s the first time any have snuck through. Sorry about that.
- James (from the 'Shwa)That fence feels really good.
EWWWW!!!
MW: Yup, these are my readers.*
- slobberfaceIf the Blue Jays were to trade Ryan to free up some money, how much value would he bring back (What would the market be like for a top teir closer)? Any chance Rogers would increase Toronto’s payroll so they can make a run at both Burnett and Ramirez?
MW: Ryan won’t bring back as much as you think, given what the return has been in recent trades for guys like Brad Lidge, Eric Gagne and Jose Valverde. And yes, there’s a chance the payroll goes up.
- Ian (not Kinsler)If the Jays do make a run at Manny, who negotiates with Boras? J.P. or Mr Beeston?
I think if it’s Beeston then it gives the Jays a slightly better chance of landing Manny. I think J.P has made it clear in the past that he wants nothing to do with Scott Boras.
MW: He doesn’t, so it wouldn’t surprise me if Beeston did the talking with Boras. But unless Manny has a sudden change of just about everything, the Jays aren’t going to be seriously in on Ramirez.
- NickHey Mike I think the Rays really have a chance to beat the Red Sox in the ALCS. Even though Lester and Matsuzaka are throwing well, I see the Rays edging out a series win in 7 games, with a great performance by Garza in the deciding game. Mark it down, that’s my prediciton!
MW: Usually I suggest that people not be so specific with their predictions, but man, you’re good.
- Jay MoneyCan you think of a player as influential to the game as Jose Canseco?
The “Godfather of Steroids” ushered in the steroids era and also the guy who’s book “Juiced” helped bring it to a screeching halt.
Also, do you know if MLB has a test for HGH? Because the body produces it naturally I don’t believe there is an accurate test for it.
MW: Canseco has been pretty influential to the game, but there have been others who have been moreso, like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson, to name just a couple – maybe even Cal Ripken, Jr. Nobody has a non-invasive test for hGH.
- JasonIs it true that Manny said the Jays were his favourite team growing up? If it is, they might have a better chance of landing him if they will offer him four or five years. I think hes looking more for years than for money although that is very important also. The problem is you can’t believe anything that guy says. Could you see the Jays offering Ramirez 4 years/$80 mil or 5/$100 mil. I dont but I hope im proven wrong because he would really help their lineup.
MW: It is true that Manny said that, but Manny says a lot of things. I don’t believe that the Blue Jays will be willing to offer four years at all, let alone at that kind of money.
- avi