11:30 AM Eastern -Updated with Thursday night’s post-post-game audio
1:25 AM Eastern
I didn’t think that the Blue Jays had made the playoffs, but watching the Phillies the last two nights has brought back a ton of memories for me.
All kinds of baserunners, all kinds of chances, and yet the Philbos have been simply incapable of picking up a hit with a runner in scoring position. After an 0-for-13 in the opener, which they managed to win anyway behind the good left arm of Cole Hamels, the Phils went 1-for-15 with runners in scoring position in Game 2 and, of course, that one hit didn’t result in a run being scored.
It’s eerie, and one wonders whether it’s a good or bad omen for the NL champs. On one hand, how long can they keep putting runners on and failing to score them (2 1/2 months or so, if the 2008 Blue Jays are any indication)? On the other hand, not taking advantage of the chances they’ve been given has cost the Phils at least one win, and in a short series, you can’t afford to give up many W’s when they’re being offered.
Ryan Howard appeared to be getting out of his post-season funk by following a line-drive double over the head of B.J. Upton in dead centre with a ground-ball single through the shift on the right side, but The Prodigy got him twice late in the game, each time with Howard representing the tying run. With two on and two out in the 7th, David Price struck out Howard looking with a heater on the outside black, and with one on and two out in the 9th, Price got Howard on a first-pitch grounder to short right, into the shift, to end the game.
It was another game in which Jimmy Rollins failed to get a hit. He did get hit by a pitch in the 9th (well, his shirt did, but that counts), but home plate umpire Kerwin Danley didn’t notice, and Rollins wound up popping to short. Last year’s MVP is 0-for-10 so far in the Series, and hitless in his last 13 at-bats overall.
I can’t believe that Matt Stairs wasn’t in the line-up as the DH tonight. Charlie Manuel went with defense, playing Pedro Feliz (0-for-4, 6 LOB) at third and DHing Greg Dobbs (1-for-3, 2 Ks, 4 LOB). Manuel said he was considering using Dobbs at third and Stairs as the DH, opting for more offense, but decided to go with the glove at third and sat Matt because of Stairs’ lifetime 3-for-20 mark against James Shields. You can’t tell me, though, that Stairs would have done worse than Feliz, or even than Dobbs, whose hit was a little flare into short-centre that B.J. Upton trapped while making a diving try.
Manuel will get the chance to make up for his mistake in Game 6, if the Series gets that far. Of course, he has no interest in seeing the Series go back to T-Bay.
As for the Rays, they were everything the Phillies weren’t in this game – opportunistic. They took advantage of Jayson Werth booting an Upton single in the first to put runners on second and third with nobody out, and both runners scored on ground outs. They got a two-out single with the bases loaded to add another run, and after Jason Bartlett fouled off a suicide squeeze attempt in the 4th, he got the safety squeeze down on the next pitch to cash the Rays final run.Tampa got four runners to third base with less than two out, and they all scored. In contrast, Philly got three runners to third base with less than two out – none of them scored.
That third Philly run, by the way, was thanks in part to home plate umpire Kerwin Danley. He threw up the fist for the strike three call on Rocco Baldelli with one on and one out in the second, and then immediately after the fist went up, pointed to first as if to appeal a check-swing call. Rarely do you see an umpire correct himself mid-call, but that’s what Danley appeared to do. Of course, since umpires are never wrong, Danley tried to say he was calling for the appeal the whole time. Right.
David Price did a great job again, working the final 2 1/3 innings to close it out. I like this move by Rays’ manager Joe Maddon – he has more faith in the kid than he does in J.P. Howell and Grant Balfour, two guys without whose major contributions the Rays wouldn’t be in the playoffs at all. He knows that they’re not happy being left in the bullpen while Price picks up the big outs late, and he doesn’t care. Winning is more important than individuals’ feelings, though you can probably only get away with this during the playoffs.
With Price having thrown 42 pitches tonight, though, you wonder whether he’ll be available for Game 3 on Saturday. I think he will, but only for a one-shot Utley-Howard stint. One of Balfour, Wheeler or Howell (or Trever Miller or Chad Bradford) will have to do the heavy lifting. Of course, Matt Garza could just imagine that he’s facing the Blue Jays and pitch a one-hitter, though that’ll be tough in that bandbox in Philly.
Adam Lind was our fine guest on the BJADPPGS today, here’s what our conversation sounded like:
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We had a nice, long post-post, and here it is for your listening pleasure:
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A lot of it was spent on the worthiness of the ludicrous nickname “Big Game” for James Shields. I like Shields a lot, but to call him “Big Game James” is an insult to all those pitchers who have pitched and thrived in big games in the past. It’s an AMAZING stretch to refer to a guy as “Big Game” when he’s 1-2 lifetime in the playoffs, has pitched for one playoff team and had just two September wins for that team, neither of which were in games in which a loss would have come even close to knocking that team out of a playoff spot. Shields has never pitched in a game in which his team was facing elimination, and he’s pitched in one game in which his team could have clinched a playoff series. He was the losing pitcher. I know won-loss record is a terrible way to evaluate a pitcher’s performance, but you don’t get nicknamed “Big Game” by pitching very well in a loss or a no-decision.
Game 3 (or Game 1 of the best-of-5) goes Saturday night in Philly, with the Philbos throwing Big Game Jamie Moyer against Tampa’s Matt “Big Game” Garza.
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome!
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Are there any players on the Jays current roster that you might consider to be “untouchable” heading into this offseason trade watch? I can only come up with one: Travis Snider.
MW: I don’t think anyone should be untouchable. Ever.
- Joe N.MW: You’re seriously accusing me of plaigarism?
Mike,
No one should. Your comments and views are truely unique!
MW: I don’t think I should be taking that as a compliment, but I’m not sure.
- Cito ManTime for some basic economics. The dollar is tanking relative to the Greenback and Rogers will feel the pinch. Any tiny hope of signing AJ Burnett just evaporated along with the value of your mutual funds. Our (Jays) payroll WILL be seriously dented going forward meaning if there was EVER a time for a youth movement…this is it. No choice in the matter. It’s just the way it is, get used to the idea. Class dismissed.
MW: I wouldn’t bet on it.
- marcyou mean this kind of stuff happens to other teams??????
MW: Huh?
- Aaronthe phils hitting of course.
MW: Ahhhhhhh, yes. Yes, it does. It never has in the World Series before Wednesday night, but yes it does.
- AaronI know how much you hate hockey comparisons but last night the Leafs beat the Bruins for their 2nd win of the season and it made the front page of the T.O. Sun. This is about the 5th time in this young season that I have seen this sad sack assembleage of a team on the front page this year. How many times did the Jays hit the front page? I’ll bet it wasn’t 5 times all season. Wake up Sun. Did any of you know (or care), the world series is on.
Go Matt “Big Game” Garza. I loved Moyer’s nickname when he was in Seattle though. Didn’t they call him “the ancient mariner”?
MW: That they did. And he was much younger then!
- Dan from ElmvaleMike this has to do with your previous blog in which you talked about how no fans had any old Devil rays merchandise.
I remember during this winter when they announced the changing of the name there was some sort of promotion in Tampa called, “Kill the Devil” or something like that where people were allowed to turn in their old Devil Ray merchandise for new Rays stuff.
I’m not saying the fans are loyal and very connected to the team or whatever, but its just a point.
MW: It’s a good point. Thanks!
- CoreyI phoned last night and you thought I was crazy or joking when I said that Chacin has become a free agent.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=1747#more-1747
MW: I looked quickly for the info and couldn’t find anything, and the Jays didn’t issue a release – good research! I didn’t think you were crazy.
- ChrisGreat move to swoop in and grab Adam Loewen from Baltimore. Hopefully he turns into an Ankiel (or better). Do you know what position Adam will begin to play.
The Jays also claimed a pitcher (Bullington) off waivers and designated Mench for assignment. Now I checked their active roster and Brad Wilkerson is still on it (mind you so is Burnett). I’m just wondering if the Blue Jays are actually planning on keeping Wilkerson around. I sure hope not! Even as depth, I’d rather just have Buck Coats next in line. Wilkerson’s good years, or even sub-par years are long past.
MW: Loewen is being called a first baseman/outfielder. Wilkerson is still on the active roster because the free agency filing period has yet to open.
- Ian (not Kinsler)No risk with today’s Blue Jays’ signings: Adam Loewen and Bryan Bullington.
I have no illusions that we will see Rick Ankiel part two… but this could turn into a warm, maple syrupy sweet story for Canadian sports fans should he even make it back to an MLB roster as a hitter.
Bullington: Remind me: did Pittsburgh draft him because they thought they would not be able to sign Melvin Emmanuel Upton? That 2002 first-round was certainly memorable (Oakland’s six picks immortalized in “Moneyball”) + Kazmir, Hamels, Blanton, Fielder, Francis, Loney….
Finally, would you agree that the Jays should take a flyer on Mark Mulder? It would be ironic if Toronto signs him and somehow is able to watch a “reverse-Carpenter” situation play out.
A fan can dream over the hot stove, right?
MW: I don’t remember the situation of the ’02 draft, but I don’t think the Devil Rays would have drafted a player with signability issues, so that probably wasn’t the case with Bossman Junior. I would have no problem with the Jays taking a flyer on Mulder, but I wouldn’t expect anything to come of it if they did.
- Adrian, co-alumnusWhy in the world would Stairs not DH. He played in the AL East so he has seen the Rays and Shields before. He has had experience playing in the Trop before. It just made no sence to me.
Now I have a prediction for the Jays next season. With our lack pitching next season i can see our offence keeping us in games like Wells will hit something like 40 hr and 120 rbis Rios will hit 30hr 100rbi have 40 stolen bases and all the hitters will be just hitting the lights out but we will end up with about the same record since were going to have not great pitching.
MW: I can see that happening, too.
- PaulWhat do you think about the addition of Loewen?
MW: No risk at all, and the potential of a high reward. Why not?
- JordieI can’t understand why they did not put Stairs as the DH either Mike to me it did not make too much sense I mean the first at bat he had in the post season he went deep and would have done better than 0-4 since he has more experience against AL pitching. My question though is not about the world series but do you think there is any truth to the jays having any chance(if any) of signing Manny? I am hearing he could command 20 to 25 million a year to me I would rather sign a couple of pitchers and maybe a middle or the road hitter so what do you think the jays may do?
MW: There’s no guarantee that Stairs would have done better than 0-4. As for Manny, I’d rather sign Manny, but if it gets super-expensive, the Jays are out.
- RoyceHey Mike,
I was starting to think of starting a blog myself. Can you recommend a site that has a lot of people blogging and reading blogs? It would be much appreciated. On to my questions! How much would money would the Jays have to spend if they do not attempt to keep Burnett and could you name some candidates for the CEO position once Beeston leaves?
MW: I don’t know anything about traffic to blogs, and I’m not sure what you mean by a site that has people blogging and reading blogs. I should preface this by saying that I’m pretty dumb, but I think of each blog as its own individual site (except for blogs like this one).The Jays would have between $20-$25 million to spend if they’re unsuccessful in their attempt to keep Burnett, and there are tons of candidates for the President/CEO position, including (but hardly limited to) people like Stan Kasten, Pat Gillick, Terry Ryan, Bob Nicholson, John Tory, Greg Sorbara and (according to Rogers Media CEO Tony Viner) me.
- KevinMike,
I was interesting in knowing if the Jays ever signed a player represented by Scott Boras. I read that someone ask about signing Tex. Also, did Molina have a fall out with the Jays? I asked about reaquiring him and you said you hope not. Well, I think that the Phillies will still come out on top. They are bound to start hitting with men in scoring position sooner or later and they seem to be getting good pitching. Lidge at the end of games is no Mitch Williams, yet. Thanks
MW: Scott Schoeneweis is a Scott Boras client, I imagine the Jays have had some others, too. I don’t think Molina had a falling out, and he’s a terrific guy, he’s just a poor defensive catcher, didn’t hit well when he was here and would block some of the Jays’ talented young catchers. As for the Phillies being “bound to start hitting with RISP sooner or later” well, we saw first-hand just how long that can take.
- JustinJust read John Brattain’s article on collusion. He talks as though it’s signed,sealed and settled. That’s a really unfair commentary. Won’t be reading his stuff again!
MW: I haven’t read it yet.
- JimMike…With the Phillies being in the WS, the obvious memories from ’93 are always resurfacing. A different little neat story from Dec. ’93 I’ll share with you….Having a great interest in the JFK assassination, my wife and I went down to The Hart House Lecture Hall at U of T( I’m sure you know it well, Mike) back in Dec.’93 to listen to a seminar by Robert Groden, probably the most outspoken JFK conspiracy theorist around, writer of many books on the subject and Oliver Stone’s main man for all the scenes in Dallas’ Dealey Plaza for the movie “JFK” But he’s also from Philadelphia, so he opens his lecture (assuming there’s Blue Jay fans in the audience)with ” I think Toronto people planted Mitch Williams in the 6th floor window of the Texas School Book Depository and it was really Lee Harvey Oswald who gave up the home run to Joe Carter…An obvious baseball fan who six weeks later was still upset at “Wild Thing” Great memories Mike..Hope you enjoyed the U of T angle?
MW: If Mitch Williams were the assassin, his middle name would be common knowledge.
- chris m.I just love Dan Shulman. He was awesome last night at prime time. What a wonderful personality! Any plans on interviewing him Mike? That’d be cool.
MW: I love Dan Shulman, too, and I wish I’d heard him on Prime Time. I talk to him every chance I get, but I doubt we’ll be able to get him for a BJADPPGS this winter, just because of timing.
- BeburgGreat moves JP, picking up Loewen and Bullington…….. See Mike I’ll give credit when credit is do.
MW: And even when it’s due.
- toddMike….During the winter negotiations, what song(s) will A.J. Burnett be listening to on his i-pod?
a) Pink Floyd’s..”Money”
b) The Clash’s …”Should I Stay Or Should I Go”
c) Billy Joel’s…”Movin’ Out”
d) All of the above
MW: I’m not so sure B will be in there.
- chris m.HI!
MW: Hi.
- ColinWhen does the Jays negotiation period start with A.J. Burnett?
How long do they have before other teams can get involved?
Thanks
MW: The Jays’ negotiation period with A.J. Burnett started the day they signed him three years ago, and A.J. can opt out 15 days after the conclusion of the World Series, after which everyone else can get involved.
- JordieEveryone should have a dome.
MW: At least a retractable one.
- Flaming MoeIf the Jays have Wells Rios and Lind/Snider in the outfield. Where will there be room for Adam Loewen? Do you think that JP Arencibia should be the starting catcher next year?
MW: I think Arencibia starts the season in Vegas, but might work his way to the bigs by mid-season and could eventually take the top job. As for Loewen, let’s see if he can hit before we worry about where he might play.
- Justin JaysWhat ever happened with Josh Hamilton’s amazing start? How did he do the second half?
MW: Hamilton hit .296/.376/.498 after the all-star break, as compared to .310/.367/.552 before.
- Justin JaysThank you for your help, and your ever welcome sarcasm, Mike!
MW: Sarcastic? Me? But come on, if you have a guy under contract of course you’re allowed to negotiate with him whenever you want.
- JordieYes, that is true.
When do the Rookie of the Year, MVP and Cy Young awards get announced?
MW: I want to say the first two weeks of November, but it might be the second and third week.
- JordieWe all know that It’s unlikely that Halladay will win the Cy young this year with Cliff Lee having the W-L record that he has and the low ERA. How likely is it that Halladay will get a Gold glove…He’s right up there amoung the leaders in fielding Percentage, I believe he only made a 1 or 2 errors all year…what do you think Mike.
MW: I would say the odds are better he wins the Cy Young.
- Micke in LondonI♥ ur blog mike
MW: Aw, shucks.
- TheSunkenZealotTake a wild guess Mike, the game will end at…..1:29am. Your guess???
MW: It’s pointless to guess. And whatever I guess will likely make the game go half an hour longer. It’s a really good thing this is a Saturday night, for MLB’s sake.
- RandyFor MLB’s sake, yes. But for someone who planned on waking up early in the morning to study calculus, it’s not helping me out any!
MW: You’re talking to someone who got an 8 on his OAC Calculus final.
- RandyAny chance Jays grab Sabathia?
MW: There’s always a chance. Not much of one at all, but the chance exists.
- JordieIs it too much to expect that Rios play like Upton?
MW: He already does. Neither of them run out grounders regularly.
- BobbyI’m really reading too much into this, but I found something interesting about Loewen’s comments.
“I looked at their organization and where I felt that I fit in, and I saw a chance in the next few years to crack the starting lineup,”
“They were really excited about the chance of getting me and told me where they saw me fitting in. They saw me having 1,000 at-bats before I would be major league ready. ”
So he signed a 2 year deal, where exactly is he fitting in? Cooper is the 1st baseman of the future and our outfield is packed, could he have accidentially foreshadowed the Jays trading an outfielder due to his conversation with JP?
Also if you haven’t heard, heres what a local Baltimore reporter said the day before Loewen signed, its good for a laugh.
http://masnsports.com/2008/10/a-little-moyer-a-little-loewen.html
MW: Wow, are you reading a little too much into that. If J.P. is considering trading an outfielder to make room for a guy who hasn’t had an at-bat in six years, he should be fired immediately. I’m not sure where Loewen thinks he’ll fit in, it may have just been something he said to make the Baltimorers feel better. Truth is, the Orioles will have more openings at first and in the outfield two years hence than the Jays will. I did read that blog entry, it’s very funny.
- CoreyMike…I know I promised a week ago no more Shakespeare, but when the topic of calculus came up, Grade 13 flashed before my eyes… When Manny Ramirez left Boston, what tragedy best described Terry Francona’s feelings:
a) Romeo and Juliets’… “Parting is such sweet sorrow.”
or
b)The Two Gentlemen of Verona’s… “That man that hath a tongue, I say is no man.”
MW: How about MacBeth – “I have thee not, but I see thee still”? OK, maybe that would have been better last week.
- chris m.“Just read John Brattain’s article on collusion. He talks as though it’s signed,sealed and settled. That’s a really unfair commentary. Won’t be reading his stuff again!”
I did?
The article stated:
“but it ****appears**** that the major league baseball players association has uncovered evidence that MLB came to a decision that no club would sign Barry Bonds in 2008.”
and…
“If collusion is firmly established….”
I’d suggest a re-read but it appears from your comments that it’s out of the question ;-)
Best Regards
John
MW: I looked for the original article, but couldn’t find it. Shoot me a link.
- John B.BTW Mike:
I’ve gotta admit that I’m proud of that article if for no other reason that I think set a record for e-mails that stated “OMG u r such an idiot, there was no collusion just look at teh size of his head u jerk!!1!”
Best Regards
John
MW: It is ridiculous to assert that Bonds is the ONLY ONE EVER IN THE HISTORY OF THE GAME whose transgressions are so egregious that no team would want to touch him.
- John B.