11:30 PM Eastern
Believe it or not, I planned to write this for LAST Monday, but it was a late Sunday night getting in from the Annual Blue Jays Production Crew Tom Cheek Memorial Money-Losing Adventure, and then I spent the week helping my sister-in-law move. Well, not so much helping her move as sorting through the things I’d left in storage at her place when I got married nine years ago. It turns out I have almost 2,500 comic books, mostly DC and mostly from 1975-1995. Some valuable, most not so much, and I have no clue what I’m going to do with them now. I also came across some old play-by-play tapes from Welland, New Britain and Watertown, and some of my old Graham/Shaw/Rogers 10 phone-in TV show from the early ’90s. Fun stuff. Didn’t find my Bumper Stumpers or Test Pattern appearances, though – good thing, those is some bad memories.
I also found something called “The Blue Jays Rap” by the Wham Bam Blue Jay Gang. I haven’t got a clue what it is, and I haven’t worked up the nerve to listen to it yet, but I think I’ll be giving it away as a prize for “Cheesy ’80s Trivia” at some point this week.
Anyway, I figured that it was time I write something here, mostly because I should really throw in my two cents about A.J. Burnett signing with the Yankees.
Also, though, because I’m back on the air this week! It’s that “it’s Christmas, bring in the Jews” time of year, so I’ll be hosting on the FAN590 four times this week. Monday night from 7:00 to 9:00 pm (all times Eastern) before the Raptors’ next loss — I mean, game — Tuesday from 7:00 to 11:00 pm, Wednesday (xmas eve) from 1:00 to 4:00 pm and Friday (Boxing Day) from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. There’ll be at least an hour of phones every day, since all those shows fall within the regular call-in hours at the station (7-8, 1-2, 4-5), so if anyone wants to do the “live chat” thing, let’s do it on the radio! I haven’t thought much about what guests I’ll have on, but I’m thinking maybe I’ll bring in the big brother for an hour of sports movie talk at some point.
As well, I’ll be on the Grill Room tomorrow (Monday) night, on SUN TV at 11:00 pm.
OK, so on to the A.J. Burnett thing. I didn’t think he was going to wind up with the Yankees. I figured he’d sign with Atlanta, St. Louis or Baltimore, but the Yanks came up with the most cash and with the fifth guaranteed year (good luck to them on that). It’s funny to think back a few months when the slings and arrows were out in this very space and both my intelligence and sanity were questioned for daring to suggest that Burnett would get a five-year, $80 million contract as a free agent. It got so bad that a few times I actually thought about changing my stance, that I might be overstating his market value. As it turns out, I was wrong. I was understating it (but not by much). Apologies will be graciously accepted in the comments section.
Here’s the deal with A.J. – he has all the talent in the world, but he’s never been able to put it all together for a full season. He’s only had two seasons in his entire career in which he’s made at least 30 starts, and both have been seasons in which he was pitching for a free agent contract. That should make alarm bells ring like crazy, but the only way the Yanks were able to get him to sign was to offer up that five-year guarantee, so they did it. The Jays, three years ago, at least left it up to him (more on the opt-out later).
Would it have been a good idea for the Jays to sign Burnett, given the terms of the contract? Of course not. A team that’s operating within their $80-$100 million payroll can’t afford to have so much money tied up in a guy who simply can’t be counted on from a health standpoint. Never mind the fact that Burnett, in what was his “career year” (yeah, I know, 18 wins, but come on, people!) wasn’t as good as Jesse Litsch and barely outperformed David Purcey once Purcey became a regular in the rotation.
Just to save you from looking it up – Burnett had a WHIP of 1.342 and allowed his opponents an OPS of .710. Litsch had a WHIP of 1.233 and a .761 OPS allowed (but his ERA was half a run better – figure that). Purcey, discounting his first two “one-off” starts, had a WHIP of 1.353 and allowed an OPS of .752.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but Burnett’s WHIP in his “career year” was higher than Litsch’s CAREER WHIP.
Granted, none of the above numbers are overwhelming, but then remember that Litsch and Purcey will COMBINE to make less than $850,000 next season. Was it worth it to the Jays to pay Burnett 20 times that for EACH of the next five seasons? Of course not.
Some of you fell under the “A.J. loves Toronto, loves Roy Halladay, loves to hug Blue Jays, won’t leave his best buddies” spell towards the end of the season as well. I don’t want to turn you into cold-hearted cynics, but no matter how one feels about one’s surroundings and fellow employees, no one is inclined to turn away close to thirty million dollars for one extra year of work, unless there are extraordinary circumstances. A.J. Burnett is not an extraordinary human being.
I don’t think Burnett is a heartless mercenary (though his medical records may indicate something close to that), and I think that if the Jays had been in the ballpark with their offer, that he might well have stayed for a bit of a discount. But there was a reason that I dismissed all the arguments about his friendship with Halladay and the bond between them, and that’s because while Burnett tried his best to play it up, they weren’t best friends. Like Cathal Kelly of the Star wrote last week, Halladay’s best friend on the team is strength and conditioning coach Donovan Santas, and it’s not even close. Halladay comes to work early every day to work out, not to hang out. He’s not anti-social, but he has work to do. All the time. I don’t know if I have ever seen him just sitting at his locker shooting the breeze with a teammate.
The thing is, what have the Blue Jays lost? A guy who was the fourth-best starter on the best pitching staff in baseball last season (behind Halladay, Litsch and Shaun Marcum), but who has the potential to be unhittable every time he takes the ball. It’s a big loss, for sure, but is it the reason for writing off the season in December? Certainly not.
You could argue that losing Marcum along with Burnett and not having Dustin McGowan out of the chute while not improving the offense are reasons for writing off the season in December, and you’d have a good point. But the off-season isn’t done yet.
This is getting to be too long, but before I go I just have to mention the fact that CC Sabathia has an opt-out after the third year of his new contract with the Yankees, and Brian Cashman had to give it to him in order to get the big lefty to sign. Please don’t change your argument from “J.P. Ricciardi is the only G.M. stupid enough to give a pitcher an opt-out” to “CC Sabathia isn’t A.J. Burnett”.
Also, as far as the Yankees being unbeatable thanks to their signing of CCAJ, remember that all they’ve done so far is replaced Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte and gotten Chien-Ming Wang healthy (they think), but in the meantime, they’ve also lost two of their best three hitters from last season in Bobby Abreu and Jason Giambi and replaced them with Nick Swisher.
Remember to tune in all week long and a happy Chanukah to all who are celebrating (first of the eight crazy nights is tonight!).
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome!
76 Responses to “A Return To The Airwaves”
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Any thoughts on Jon Heyman reporting that the Jays are entertaining offers for Vernon?
Other than the fact that Jon Heyman isn’t much of a source, that is.
He’s saying the Jays are considering it because of financial constraints; if so that really puts a damper on the idea of any major off-season acquisitions, doesn’t it?
And given your like for low-risk cheap acquisitions, how about the idea of trying to get Randy Johnson for a year?
MW: Entertaining offers isn’t the same as shopping a player, the Jays always listen whenever anyone comes to them with an offer for anybody. If there’s a fit with Vernon, they’d move him. I think the damper was put on the idea of any major off-season acquisitions a long time ago. As for Randy Johnson, I’m not sure he’d be cheap enough to fit in that category, but if he is, then why not?
- TylerHappy Holidays Mike….
The Yankees are not done yet… they will sign at least one more player, whether that be pitcher or position. While they lose Abreu, they replace him with not Swisher…but Xavier Nady. He is a good if not borderline All-Star player.
I think the Jays off-season is done, baring a salary dump of Scott Rolen or Vernon Wells. Obviously we can hand out those Spring Training try-out contracts, but I think those are insignificant until they make the team.
Toronto fans seem to always massively boo players that were formerly a big-time player within their own teams, so I would love to see Burnett’s welcome mat when he returns to Toronto. Mark that date on your calenders!
MW: Xavier Nady isn’t that good, and there’s a big difference between being a contributor in Pittsburgh and in the AL East, and he’s not close to the offensive player that Abreu is. You’re right, though, the Yankees aren’t done, but I don’t think the Blue Jays are, either.
- Ivan TangMike,
Quite a humourous post as usual. I shall keep this brief and hopefully rational and reasonable. My response will consist of comments and questions (in that order)
Comments
1. Great post
2. Glad to see the Fan and SUNTV are giving you some voice and radio time
3. Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas
Questions
1. Can JP continue to make moves in the month of December and January or are there other times in the coming months that tend to be more active for GMs?
2. Do you anticipate the Jays making a push for Giambi after bowing out of the Furcal sweepstakes?
3. Have you heard any juicy rumours of potential arms or bats for the Jays?
4. Jordan Bastian was recently asked who the Jay’s opening day roster will be if no further acquisitions are made so I will pose the same question to you. Please tell me Marco Scutaro (God bless him) will not be our lead-off hitter for 2009, otherwise I may have to change what I want for Christmas. Thanks Mike
MW: I don’t get the Merry Christmas. As for your questions, 1 – he can make moves whenever he wants to, and he tends to be active in late December and January; 2 – I wouldn’t say a “push”, no, but they’ll be happy to have him if he falls to them; 3 – nope; 4 – I hate to burst your bubble, but I would think that Scoot will be leading things off in ’09 if nothing else happens between now and April 6th.
- azachMike,
It will be interesting to see how AJ performs in New York once things do not go so smoothly for him. Wait until he pitches in Toronto, I am sure the boos will be thundering through the Dome.
How do you think Blue Jays players will receive him seeing as how he signed with the the enemy?
MW: I don’t think that the Jays’ players will be upset with Burnett for going to the Yankees – the enemy was offering a lot more money, and the players know that’s what it’s all about.
- Jamie/Windsorgreat to have you back on the airwaves…as it will be a busy week, hoping you could post a link of your shows so we could have a listen later at night.
seasons greetings.
MW: Thanks. I don’t think they’ll be too anxious to put the whole show up on the site, though.
- paul sHi Mike,
Happy Chanukah, friend!
I know what you think about websites such as Rotoworld.com, and the other ‘rumour mills’, but there is a post there that states the Manny is close to signing with the Yankees. the powers that be at Rotoworld.com commented saying that it is highly unlikely at this point, but if it is true, a more credible source will pick up the rumour, as the original rumour is coming from the Dominican Republic.
If the Yankees do sign Manny, I am not too sure how I will react. I already am very disillusioned with MLB regarding the Yankees and their over-spending ways, but to put their payroll as high as it would be with the addition of Manny, I just might be forced to become ‘officially’ disgusted.
I know that the Yankees have it, so they can spend it, but it just seems so… unbalanced I guess is the word to use. I know that the Rays do not spend that type of money and made it to the World Series, but there has to be something done to ‘level the playing field’ in regards to the Yankees’ over-spending.
But hey, it’s not my money, but it’s hard to see the Yankees spend so much right in the face of my beloved Blue Jays. It borders on insanity.
Thanks, Mike!
MW: Remember that even if the Yankees sign both Manny and Mark Teixeira, their payroll will still be lower than it was last year.
- JeffCan I have those comic books that you don’t know what to do with? Seriously.
MW: I’m not going to give them away, I’m sure they’re worth something. I just have to figure out whether to hold onto them for a while longer or how to get what they’re worth right now.
- Joe N.Mike
I agree with all the points you make and have a couple to add.
The Yankees have a collection of stars but dont necessariy have a team. Look at the Rays no one in the MVP race no 20 game winner but they have A TEAM and thats what it takes to win. I think the Jays have a better team than the yanks.
Unfortunately, I think AJ has arrived, he has better control of his emotions on the mound so is less likely to over throw and hurt himself. I think he has matured and will be much less likely to end up on thye DL. That just makes it harder to see him go.
MW: I don’t think Burnett’s propensity to get hurt had anything to do with him overthrowing as a result of immaturity, and I’m very interested to see how far behind him his health issues are. I would be surprised if he doesn’t go on the disabled list in at least three of the next five years. I don’t buy that TEAM stuff, by the way. Not in baseball.
- Richard from ARi vote that U be the official PTS host when The Bobcat has his days off!!
- karim kanjiHey Wilner, keep the blog going throughout the winter, as it appears it’s going to be another cold one and talking baseball makes me feel the summer is right around the corner :-)
Read an article that there may be some interest in Hudson again:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/2008/12/22/ricciardi_hudson/
Do you have any insider information to substantiate this rumour? With the current makeup of this team, do you believe the Jays are in more need of starting pitching or some offense?
MW: Nowhere in the article does it indicate that Ricciardi has interest in Hudson. It just says he’s aware that Hudson is one of the 150+ free agents who remain unsigned. I think they need starting pitching more.
- BobbyMany Happy Greetings of The Holidays and Best Wishes For The New Year:
- Richard SpackmanI think a rotation of Halladay, McGowan (May ?),Litsch and Purcey(LHP) will give opponents trouble. Casey Janssen and Ricky Romero(LHP) should be given the other open positions with Janssen moving back to the pen when McGowan returns (unless J.P. signs a good arm). Under NO conditions should Downs(LHP) and/or Tallet(LHP) become a starter.
Accardo, League, Downs, Tallet with Carlson, Camp, Frasor and Wolfe form a great Bullpen, better if Janssen joins them. B.J. Ryan (2yr. 20M.) is better than any Closer available, especially right now. He can be traded without weakening the Bullpen, as 1-for-1, or more of a bigger deal. I look at what’s happening and see chances for J.P. to make this team better; but can he see enough to do it.
Toronto’s Pitching will be good, Defense will be very good, Hitting will be better. All they needed last year was a BIG SCARY BAT to make a difference. So GO GET ONE, if you do nothing else.
The economy aside, winning will bring out fans. Find the BAT and you will find enough to pay for it at season’s end. “Build it and they will come”. I don’t remember who wrote it, but it sure applies as well as “Hope sells”. Only time will tell. Good Luck. RSS
Wow, all of a sudden we build a case to try and paint Burnett as the No. 4 starter in the rotation to try and justify it’s not such a big loss.
And go out of our way to defend J.P. Ricciardi with the Cashman comparison about the 3-year opt-out clause with Sabathia.
I’m surprised you didn’t suggest Matt Clement had a better WHIP or .OPS than Burnett in 2004 to build up Clement as a viable replacement.
But you were running out of space.
Happy holidays.
MW: Are there two of you?
- Ken Paganhey mike, can you post your 2 hour show on your blog? I know you wont be talking about baseball for the whole 2 hours, but i would love if you did, anyways i will be unable to listen in at 7pm, and would love to improve 2 hours of my work day while listening to you on tuesday. I used to spend hours of my work day in the summer, not listening to the other boring broadcasters, but listening to your taped shows, what can i say i am an addict
MW: I appreciate that, but see above.
- paoloHappy Hanukah Mike! Long time since I commented on your blog. Anyways, I guess the Yankees don’t seem to learn from their past mistakes. Remember a guy named Carl Pavano? I’m actually laughing that they’d spend so much on AJ. In my mind the most inconsistent pitcher on the 08 Jays staff. I think he can be good when he is playing for something. Like, at the end of the year, he turned his game up a notch because he wanted to get his value higher. If teams gave AJ a lot of incentives, he’d perform far better. The yankees clearly dont understand that issue. Anyways, he’s their problem now. Matt Clement; is he worth the risk? why not? He’s making as we say in Yiddish, Bubkas (nothing). It’s a risk well worth the possible reward. I think a big bat is still our big issue. Our pitching is top quality. Which big bat do the Jays have the best shot at picking up? If JP hadn’t opened his mouth about Dunn, would he already be here? Thanks Mike,
Have a nice, enjoyable Hanukkah. Go Jays!
MW: Dunn isn’t anywhere yet, so he wouldn’t have been here – besides, J.P. doesn’t like him. As for Pavano and Burnett, it’s not a great comparison.
- WarrenRemind me: was it ’05 or ’06 where you gave an interview to mlb.com about your family’s holiday traditions wherein you said something like, “the best part of the holidays is just eating yourself silly!”
I remember agreeing wholeheartedly, from a distance, while the turkey in my oven roasted in its own delicious juices.
Ahem.
With so many left-handed bullpen arms (Ryan, Downs, Tallet, Carlson), a non-tendered player that I think might be a good fit with Toronto is right-handed reliever Scott Proctor.
Durability seemed to be his hallmark – 83 appearances in both ’06 and ’07 (5th and 3rd in MLB respectively). Over those 2 years, he put up a 3.58 ERA/1.29 WHIP/7.3 K per 9 IP. His stats ballooned this year in L.A. but I can’t remember if that was due to injury. I do remember Joe Torre leaning heavily on him in New York as one of the few trusted arms in front of Rivera.
Anyways, do you think he’d be a good fit and do you sense any interest by the Jays?
MW: With Janssen and Accardo coming back, I doubt the Jays will spend any of their limited resources on a reliever.
- Adrian, co-alumniusMike,
Call me crazy, but I seem to recall J.D. Drew getting a five year deal with an opt out clause (after 3 years) the year before that “stupid” J.P. gave A.J. his. He wasn’t even the trail blazer of this “stupidity”. Guess what folks – these clauses exist because the players through their agents demand them, not because GMs are complete airheads who couldn’t negotiate their way out of a paper bag.
On that curmudgeonly note, as this is a blog whose commenters are multi-denominational, I wish you all happy holidays and Mike I wish you and your family a happy Chanukah. Cheers everyone!
MW: But A.J. was the first pitcher to ever get an opt-out, don’cha know.
- Tom the InternMike….I know how your sister-in-law feels..Having a crawlspace in my basement and 4 brothers and sisters, my house is Grand Central Storage…A quick question..I’ve asked you before about best players from the past, so I’ll change it up a bit…Who was the best umpire you ever saw from a standpoint of rule enforcement and hustle? For me it was Steve Palermo. Period, end of discussion and case closed. He ran out plays harder than most ball players and with his constant hand clapping, loved the game…Also do you know how he’s doing since the tragic shooting placed him in a wheelchair? What a shame!!….Happy Hanukkah to the Wilner family and a peaceful and prosperous New Year!!
MW: All umpires love the game, they don’t have to clap their hands to prove it, but Palermo certainly was one of the best. He’s not in a wheelchair, he walks with canes.
- chris m.Mike,
Have a couple questions, and wondered if you could give your thoughts on the Draft and Free Agent Compensation;
I’m confused as to the compensatory pick the Jays will be getting.
The Jays get a sandwich pick (after the first round)but is that based on the rankings, or on the order of the draft (ie.) if the Nats sign a type A, their sandwich pick will come first?
Also, because the Yankees already signed CC, AJ will now garner the Jays a 2nd round pick, instead of a first. If they go on to sign Tex, or Manny, or even both, the Jay’s compensation for losing AJ may fall as low as the 4th round…
That hardly seems fair to me.
Let’s say that Jason Varitek signs somewhere; the Red Sox could theoretically wind up with the 15th spot in the first round of the draft and a sandwich pick.
Would it not make sense of there to be an ‘sandwich round’ before the regular one, for instances like this year where the Yankees simply sign every type A in sight?
MW: I think the order of the sandwich round is determined by the rankings of the players, but I’m not sure. There’s no apostrophe when you pluralize. I don’t understand what you mean by a “sandwich round before the regular one”, but I do think teams that would ordinarily be awarded first-rounders but aren’t should pick at the beginning of the sandwich round (and for all I know, they might – I’ll check on that).
- ytMike…You were in mid- season form tonite on The Fan..No rust… Thanks for the Mark Teixiera conversation we had tonite and really enjoyed the Beatles’ trivia. I’m putting you on your honour for this one…Did you know that on “The Ballad Of John and Yoko” it’s all Lennon and McCartney with John doing the guitars and vocals and Paul playing drums? Paul might do the bass as well. George and Ringo do not contribute on this number. I’m sure J.P. Ricciardi can relate to the famous line from that classic song, “The way things are going, they’re going to crucify me.”
- chris m.Hey Mike. I love reading these blogs. I read on the ESPN site that Barry Bonds said he had no plans to retire. I say the Jays should cut the crap and do what these other teams are to afraid to do. Offer him a low risk high reward deal and stick it to Allen H Selig! The Jays need a DH and Lind is to young to start doing that! To be honest I’m getting sick of JP and I say that in regards to the teams underpreforming on the field. Happy holidays.
MW: What does J.P. have to do with the team underperforming on the field? If you think the players are underperforming, then that means you think the General Manager brought in good players. As for Bonds, they should have signed him eight months ago – they’re not going to sign him now.
- Matt from BCGOOD TO HEAR YOU AGAIN ON THE FAN 590.YOU MENTIONED THAT THE JAYS MAY BE INTERESTED IN HUDSON FOR THE RIGHT PRICE.I LIKE THE IDEA OF HUDSON AT SECOND AND MOVING HILL TO SHORT-PRETTY GOOD DEFENSIVE INFIELD.IF THEY COULD SWING THAT AND ADD A DH,THAT WOULD CERTAINLY IMPROVE THEIR OFFENCE,ASSUMING THAT TRAVIS SNIDER IS FOR REAL AND ADAM LIND CAN HAVE A BREAK-OUT YEAR.THE PITCHING CAN BE ADDRESSED THROUGH FREE AGENCY AND A LOT OF PRAYERS THAT JANSSEN,MARCUM,MCGOWAN RETURN TO FORM
MW: That’s a lot of assumptions and a lot of prayers. That tends not to augur well.
- DennisSolid points uncle Mike but we offseason diehards know all to well that the spending in NY isn’t over, not even close. A certain corn row haired, mc hammer paint wearing outfielder is probably going to make his way over to left field by the end of the winter along with Teixeira at 1st (not convinced that the red sox have him yet). How sick is that? And Nick Swisher will be their first option off the bench. But i keep looking at the jays lineup of;
Scutaro/MacDonald SS
Hill 2B
Rios RF
Wells CF
Lind DH/1B
Overbay DH/1B
Rolen 3B
Snider LF
Barajas C
and “If” everyone hit their career best, that would make them a pretty decent line up too. Would you think they have enough talent to compete? What are the biggest differences from this lineup and last years Devil Rays (hypeathetically if Snider has an Eric Hinskie rookie type season)?
MW: MC Hammer Paint wearing? Anyway, the Jays offense does have a chance to be more than good enough to support their pitching staff, but only if enough things go right on both ends. That’s not the way it’s gone in Toronto the past few years, so you could say that they’re underachievers – or you could say that they’re due.
- double ahey mike;
Havn’t posted in a while, but hgopefully the jays will sign something else of signifigance other than clement(good addition though). What are the chances of getting a flyer on pavano or byrd? I hope these aformentioned pitchers don’t command ludicrious money, as the jays need insurance in the pitching department, although richmond should be a starter. Mike, what’s all this talk about signing another catcher, why not give joroloman or thigpen a chance, with a limited payroll from rodgers we should not waaste money in this department. Finally if we can dump overbay’s and b.j ryan’s salaries and try and trade rolen is their a chance we could make manny ramierez or bobby abreau or giambi a contract? Is riccardi’s hands tied, or is beeston being cautious? P.s Mike were you really on bumper stumpers! I used to watch that show, my how time flies. happy hannekauh.
MW: I was, indeed. The Jays aren’t going to waste money on a back-up catcher – if they sign a veteran, it’ll only be for a million bucks or so, otherwise the job goes to Thigpen. I don’t think Pavano or Byrd will command major money, but they’re in wait-and-see mode until Derek Lowe signs. Don’t hold your breath on moving Overbay, Ryan and Rolen.
- robert.sI , for one, am extremely happy the Jays didn’t re-sign Burnett. It was too much of a risk and besides, one should closely analyze his 18 win season last year as you did. He was still inconsistent. You know, I have to wonder, was all that lovey dovey huggy huggy stuff Burnett was doing part of his sales pitch to other teams to show what a great teammate he could be? It never looked genunine to me for some reason. It was out of character for him, although Cito does have a way of bringing guys together. Still, I wonder…
I have heard many people dismiss Jesse Litsch continuously but this guy probably has the most guts on this team. He may not have the brilliant stuff but he really knows how to pitch with what he has. I think he is for real and will be a solid 3-4 guy. I am a big fan of his. I believe he will always be one of those pitchers that fans expect to implode at anytime.
As for the Yankees, they have not won a World Series since 2000 despite always being a big player in the Free Agent market. One must remember that when they won those 4 Championships in 5 years in the late 90s and 2000, those teams did not have big names except for Jeter and and I guess Rivera. It was players like Jeter, Rivera,Paul O’Neill, Scott Brosius, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada et al who were leading that team to glory. I am still not picking the Yankees to automatically win it all based on these latest signings.
MW: Nor should you, but it wasn’t just Jeter and Rivera. Posada and Williams were pretty big names, as were Wade Boggs, Tim Raines, Chuck Knoblauch, Andy Pettitte, John Wetteland, David Cone, David Wells and Roger Clemens, to name a few.
- IanBy the way, Mike. I have a question totally of topic. There is this skit on the Fan that depicts you as a guy who is always sleeping. Where does this come from? I may have missed something?
MW: They used to wake me up on three or four hours’ sleep to go on the morning show way back when, so I was sleepy.
- IanNice to read somethng new from you Mike.
Couldn’t agree more with you as to AJ and the Yanks. Just had a discussion in our dressing room before a hockey game the other day with regard to the Yankees not improving all that much.
Sure some big names as to pitching but nothing else to really brag about.
I did not realize they gave CC an out after year 3 of his deal. That could be interesting for sure. Very likely we will see more of these opt out deals on any long term signings in the future.
I most certainly have not written off the Jays for 09. I am still of the mindset from last year, whereas the team as a whole (hitting, risp) underperformed and can’t possibly do it two years in a row. The Jays still have plenty of power that I believe will come through in 09.
One of our guys mentioned that Cito had come out and basically said not to expect a lot or something along those lines from the Jays in 09! I can’t remember hearing anything like that – but if so why would any manager state such a thing? Sure doesn’t seem like a way to put more butts in the seats down at the Rogers Center.
Perhaps it is his way of sending a message to the players in order to get more from them in a kind of crazy way – that being a “we’ll show you” kind of attitude for 09!
Regardless, it is still great to have MLB right here in our own backyard!
Hey, even the expectations for the Leafs was very low this year and they have surprised a lot of people.
Will be listening and watching for you – it will be good to hear the familiar “pipes” on the air waves again – if not baseball season at least listening to you “on-air” is kind of synonymous with much warmer weather!
Wishing all your blog and all Jays fans a Merry Christmas, a happy Chanukah to you and family. All the very best for 2009 as to health and happiness.
Thanks.
- Bob from BurlingtonHello Mike, hope you’re well, good to hear you’ll be back on air. I’ll try to check it out, if I get any reception out here in the snowy sticks.
I agree with you, that the loss of AJ doesn’t mean the season is over now, that kind of talk drives me nuts. I’m looking forward to 2009 season, to see some of the younger guys. A team in Torontos position often provides good ball, as long as you’re not expecting playoffs. We’ll come to as many games as we can get to.
I’d like to get your opinions on some of the stories floating around. First there’s a story that McGowan might be ready for the start of the season. Do you think that’s in any way possible? I do not, but maybe you’ve got more information than I do.
Also, in an interview JP Ricciardi mentioned a few names he’s interested in, one of whom was Orlando Hudson. I’m not sure I see the reasoning behind Hudson; how would he fit in, and what that would then do to the rest of the infield? Or was that just Ricciardi blueskying?
Well, thanks Mike, and have a happy Chanukah!
MW: Thanks. I’ll be stunned if McGowan pitches in the major leagues before late April, and see above for the Hudson thing.
- kitaM-Dub,
you cracked me up pretty hard lastnight when you explained why we hear more of you around Christmas.
Anyways,
I dont understand why if the Jays were willing to throw 13 or 14M at AJ, they wouldnt do the same for Ben Sheets. What do you think hes going to go for? Its gotta be less than AJ and I think hes a FAR BETTER pitcher with similar risk.
Halladay, Sheets, 1, 2?!?
Thatd be so sweet.
MW: Because they weren’t really willing to throw that money at A.J. They knew they were free to say it, because he was never going to take it.
- slobberfacehey Mike,
I was the “lucky” winner of the Jays Rap tape.
C’mon…I thought you said the questions were tough! Every Beatles worth his salt knows how much Sinatra loves Something.
Anyways, I am a quarter through Phillip Norman’s new 800 page Lennon biography. Put it on your Christmas / Hannukah list. It is an awesome read.
MW: I guess you were lucky that you got the right question, then!
- Chris JonesHey Mike, what do you think of J.P. Ricciardi mentioning Hudson, Giambi and Lowe. I know that if any of those guys were signed an offsetting trade would follow. Any idea how the infield would shape up if Orlando Hudson was signed?
MW: I don’t think the Jays will sign Hudson, but if they do, he’ll play second and Aaron Hill will play short.
- ScottIt was certainly fun going on a Yankees blog and giving their fans the business after the CC-AJ signings. I told them to enjoy AJ while they can. He’ll be on the DL by June, although he will probably grin and bear it for his new team for ’09 anyway to make a good impression. His lack of mental discipline may prove to be his undoing there. The media and fans there will have him for lunch if he keeps dogging it. The Yankee bloggers in their politest way asked me to get off their blog (as only they would know how). I look forward to seeing the Jays hit a few homeruns off of him. I am not expecting too much from this team for ’09 but am not counting them out just yet. I’m sure many,if not most, had no clue Tampa Bay would do what they did last season. Personally I’d like to see Giambi in a Jays’ uniform. His bat could really be useful in a DH / 1B spot. Here’s to hoping the Jays prove everybody wrong.
Happy Chanukah, Mike, and Merry Christmas too. I am really looking forward to hearing you next baseball season.
MW: Burnett didn’t grin and bear it to make a good impression his first year with the Jays.
- JoeCan we give the Yankees their own league to play in? Understandably without them the entire MLB would be in financial difficulty, but it’s just hard to preach Blue Jays baseball with fellow Canadians when there’s such an evil and unstoppable money tree opposing them. The Yankees havent won in a while and they might not win again this year, but it’s just ridiculous that MLB can say all 30 teams have an equal shot, when its just not true. Virtually all teams in the MLB are underdogs before a pitch is even thrown.
Do you think Janseen will be an effective starter this year? Because he could sure as heck ease the loss of Marcum
MW: I find it difficult to imagine that Janssen is going to be an above-average starter this season, given the surgery from which he’s been recovering. I think they’ll wind up putting him in the bullpen and by the beginning of May, the rotation will be Halladay-McGowan-Litsch-Clement-Purcey.
- JesseHi Mike,
I understand why J.P. would be interested in some reclamation projects in terms of starting pitching to fill out the rotation. I just don`t get why I`m reading reports that he`s going after Carl Pavano. In my opinion – these guys could really help the Jays a lot more if they can get their careers back on track. Mark Prior, Mark Mulder, Pedro and Brad Penny. What do you think?
Also, MLB is stating that the Yankees just signed Teixeira. Our comp pick just fell to the 3rd round. That stinks. We should`ve traded him in July.
MW: They certainly should have traded Burnett in July, and I’d have been advocating that move a whole lot more if I’d known that they would only wind up with a sandwich pick and a 3rd rounder for him – but no one saw that coming. I don’t have an issue with Pavano. In fact, I think he’ll likely wind up the best of the four (or at least neck-and-neck with Penny) in terms of production in 2009. Obviously, the Jays didn’t sign Penny because of the price tag.
- RyanHi mike, I see today in looking at the fan’s main page, that the Yanks are in the process of getting Teixeira signed on. THat doesn’t surprise me in the least, nore odes it surprise me that A.J signed with them either. I agree with some of the comments that the Yanks have definitely over spent. It’d be good to see the jays get a good bat for their DH, and regarding the situation at SS, do you see JP really making any moves to get a shortstop that’s also good at the plate? Or do you think we’ll likely see Johnny Mac at short again this year?
MW: We didn’t really see Johnny Mac at short last year, Marco Scutaro was the starter. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Jays made a deal for a starting shortstop sometime in the next three months.
- DanMW: I think they’ll wind up putting [Janssen] in the bullpen and by the beginning of May, the rotation will be Halladay-McGowan-Litsch-Clement-Purcey.
Are the Jays seriously that unable to put up a competitive offer for even one of the starting pitchers remaining on the market? I’m ignoring statistics. I cannot believe that there are no other established rotation options beyond this.
Disbelief/shock, that’s all.
MW: Sorry, Joe.
- JoeHello Mike,
I know this is far away, but lets just say under the assumption that McGowan heals fine, how secure is our rotation of 2010?
Dustin has never shown anything besides potential and one good half season, theres no indication that he could be a great pitcher. The vitals are all fine, good K/BB and good HR/IP rates, but his WHIP is scary. If the formers stay constant I guess they could come down as he heads into his age 27 and 28 seasons.
Also on Marcum, the guy will be coming back from TJ, its not labrum surgery, but who knows if he will be close to as effective as in years past, especially if his control isn’t there right away which is what he relies on to get outs.
MW: McGowan has shown something that’s key to eventually becoming a great pitcher, and that’s sensational stuff. A lot of pitchers have it, and not that many harness it, but he’s only 26, so it’s fair to think the best is yet to come. As for Marcum, the bonus off-season will help immensely. He won’t pitch a major-league game until he’s 18 months post-surgery, and a lot of pitchers run into trouble pitching in the 12-18 month range. That range will be the off-season for him, so there won’t be any opportunity to rush him. Remember, too, that in 2010, Litsch and Purcey have another year under their belts, and Brett Cecil likely has some big-league time behind him, as well.
- CoreyHey Mike,
Now that the Yanks have signed Tex and still have the money to make more moves, do you see a Subway World Series happening? If not, who are your current picks for the WS
MW: WAY too early to even think about that.
- DavidIs it ABSOLUTELY imperative that the Blue Jays sign an arm like Lowe?
Or realistically speaking, do they have a shot at being a top five rotation in the american league still without A FREE AGENT ARM?
MW: No and yes.
- DanHey Mike, listening to u on the air right now. They ever consider giving you more fill in spots? The way Roger Lajoia does? sorry cant spell his last name. Anyhow, as per the bat we need, Snider COULD be that guy. Who knows, he could go and hit 20 homers, drive in 90 runs, hit 280. Or, he could go 10 homers, 50 rbis. Anything can happen, but hes a hell of a hitter. I dont think the Jays should spend more then 6 or 7 million for next year. Play out the season, see what we’ve got, in Snider, healthy Hill, knock on wood healthy Wells. If everything goes right for the Jays, be could looking at a half decent year. Especially if Clement pans out. Im looking for Bj to be dominant, League to be a bit rejuvenated as well. If BJ performs well, Jays could possibly shop him around at the deadline, to desperate teams looking to make a push. Anyhow, talk to the producer, melman of kinda taking over for ‘The Raj Fill in extravaganze’.
MW: Snider could, in fact, be the big bat they need, but that’s a lot of hope to pin on a 21 year-old. As for more fill-in work, they know I’m available if they need me, but I like things the way they are. Work everyday for eight months, then take it easy in the winter. It’s a nice way to decompress.
- RockyMike…It’s a moot point now, but if Texiera had ended up in Boston, he obviously would’ve played at first. But wouldn’t that have meant one of Ortiz, Youkilis or Lowell would’ve been moved out? Any guesses Mike, what Epstein and Francona’s game plan might’ve been had Texiera signed with Boston over N.Y.?
MW: As you said yourself, the question is moot.
- chris m.Mike, in your last blog you described the Jays as “one of the best teams in baseball in 2008.” Since this opinion is clearly not based on win-loss record (at 86-76, they would be tied for 13th overall), would you care to justify?
And “being in a tough division” is no excuse. A GM, like a CEO or any other executive, has to produce results, not excuses. Unless they have you, of course, to make the excuses for them.
Are you really going to argue with Vince Lombardi? “You are what your record says you are.”
MW: There’s no question that you are what your record says you are, that’s what history records. But if you look behind the won-lost record, you see things like the best starting rotation in the major leagues, the best bullpen in the major leagues, and a +104 run differential for the season that ranked second in the American League and fourth in the majors. Those things are what tells me how good (and how unlucky) this team really was. I love how being in the A.L. East is no excuse, though. I guess it’s not an excuse, it’s a reason. There’s a reason that only ONCE has a team other than the Yankees or Red Sox made the playoffs out of the A.L. East in the last 10 years.
- John from Victoria, BCThe Yankees signed Mark Texeira. Not a complete surprise, although I was certain he was headed for Boston.
It will be an interesting season in 2009. I assume the Red Sox will go out and try and make a splash of their own although the Yaks got all the banner players. T-Bay are set with affordable and excellent young players. So that leaves us and Balto. Have they signed anyone recently?
MW: The Orioles haven’t done anything but trade Ramon Hernandez for Ryan Freel in order to make room for young Matt Wieters (he’s gonna be gooooooooooood). But I wouldn’t say that T-Bay is set with affordable and excellent young players.
- isabella reyesDirect from Wikipedia…
On Willie Bloomquist
“Due to his success early in his career against the Anaheim Angels, Angels broadcaster Rex Hudler began calling him “The Mighty Bloomquist.”
MW: I’ve always loved the Wonder Dog.
- RevHalladay-McGowan-Litsch-Clement-Purcey. Thats still a pretty good rotation, and I don’t know if it’s possible for the Blue Jays to hit as badly as they did last year. Am I crazy in being a little optimistic?
MW: You’re not. The Blue Jays aren’t going to be nearly as bad in 2009 as everyone seems to think they are.
- JesseMike,
You know what makes me hate the Yankees more than anything? The fact that I was watching ESPN and they interupted their regular scheduled programming to show AJ and CC being introduced as Yankees. That, and I’m a huge Jays fan. I thnk that this could be a good year for the Jays. There is no pressure or expectations with what the Yanks, Rays, and Sox are. I’ve been saying for a while now about AJ only having 2 healthy years. I think with a return to FULL health from Wells, Overbay, and Rolen that the offenSe will be fine. Thanks.
MW: It could very well be, but what about the pitching?
- Justinhey mike,
So the consensus seems to be 2010 is a year that looks good for the jays. So with that in mind here are a few questions:
1) who is the shortstop? Is he in the system?
2) Who is the lead off hitter? Is he in the system?
3) do any of our young catchers look like they will be ready to contribute by then?
4) Is cecil part of the rotation by then?
5) apart from lind and snider, are any young players going to get significant time at the big league level this year?
6) Should we be confident that marcum can come back and pitch at a high level?
What i would love to see is rios traded for a young pitcher. Similar to the attempted lincecum deal. Then sign bradley. He would probably still be a good option for DH in 2010/11. If all our pitchers (halladay, marcum, mcgowan, litsch, purcey, cecil, young pitcher x) are healthy in 2010 then we can trade one of them for a shortstop. This gives a full year for lind, snider and young pitcher X to develop and be ready for 2010.
Thanks for reading and responding. Great to hear you on the radio these days.
Cheers.
MW: 1 – No idea, and no. 2 – Probably Alex Rios. 3 – Yep. 4 – Maybe – depending on how well McGowan, Janssen and Marcum come back from injuries and how well Litsch and Purcey fare in 2009. 5 – Cecil and Arencibia should, at least. 6 – We shouldn’t be sure, but most pitchers who have TJ come back as good or better.
- jeremyGood to hear you on the radio again, Mike – I wish you were on more often in the winter. I always enjoy listening.
On to the Blue Jays. In terms of prospects, I only know what I read online, but it does seem like the Jays have a promising crop of young players. Would you say this is the best the Jays farm system has looked since the mid 90s when Delgado, Green, and Gonzalez were coming up?
It seems like there are more guys with potential to be solid players in the Jays system right now than I can remember in recent memory.
MW: By the mid-90s, all those guys were already up, and the system had players like Carpenter, Halladay and Stewart in there. I like the look of this system, with the catchers, Cecil, Mills, Campbell, Cooper, Ahrens, Campbell and I guess you could even still say Snider.
- JamesCan you post some highlights from your call in shows from Monday and Tuesday?
It would be great if the Yankees sign Sheets and ManRam too.
MW: Sorry, they wouldn’t do that. Post the call-in segments, I mean.
- Joey StevensEnjoy the Crazy Time:
Is an Overbay – Bautista platoon at 1st Base possible? OverBay does well verses RHP, not so well verses LHP. Bautists does well verses LHP, not so well verses RHP. Is 25-30 HR and 90-100 RBI possible from them? Good Luck RSS
MW: The platoon is possible, and maybe even likely, but Bautista is going to have to spend some significant time at first in the spring.
- Richard SpackmanThose “Damn Yankees”! Plenty of people up in arms about salary caps and the Yanks having all that dough.
When the Jays were selling out the old Skydome back in the early 90′s they were at or near the top when it came to players’ salaries – so no biggie as to the Yankees. Just makes it more fun when anyone beats them.
They have been the “Damn Yankees” just for winning and nothing else forever anyway so nothing really has changed. It is incredible nonetheless to see that much money being handed out to players.
Just keep in mind, other than the free agent signing race – the Yankees haven’t won a “damn thing”.
Money alone does not buy a winner! A huge payroll often just adds tons of pressure to all concerned. It seems to me Hank has less patience than George so I am looking forward to hearing all the screaming coming out of the Bronx if the Yankees don’t win quickly and often!
That’s quite the comic book collection you have Mike. My nephew has been a collector since the late 70′s – he now works in the industry as a writer – a dream come true for the kid.
Keep your comics for the girls – let them reap whatever from your years of collecting or keep them for themselves. Store them away with plenty of moth balls (mice love news print, but hate moth balls}.
Keep up the great work Mike – nice to hear you back on the air!
Thanks.
MW: I don’t know if the girls will like the same kind of stuff that I did growing up. As for the Yankees, when the Jays had the highest payroll in baseball in ’92 and ’93,there wasn’t nearly the discrepancy there is now. Their payroll was a million or two higher than the next guy, not $70 million.
- Bob from BurlingtonHi Mike,
I hope you have a Happy Chanukah! I can’t believe you were on Bumper Stumpers back in the day. I’m sure somebody at Canwest Global can dig through the archives and find that show. Glad to have you back, enjoy the holiday!
MW: Thanks. I hope they don’t.
- IanIt’s getting much harder to remain a fna of MLB when tema payrolls are so divergent.
How can you have a professional league where one team pays over 10X what another does and more than double what most others do.
It’s generally called a farce.
How can all but die hard fans suport Kansas City, Pittsburgh who have NO chance to win every year.
Yes the Yankees and Bostons don’t win every year but that’s not the point.
Bring on a $100M salary cap. It should have been brought in when the Yanks first hit that level.
MW: Then all that extra money will just go to the owners, though.
- GaryThe Burnett years are done, but I figured I’d ask one question about him. With all the complaining about giving him an opt out clause, it got me thinking. We had Burnett for 3 years at just over 30 million. Sure, he was injured and inconsistent, but at times he was lights out. Obviously you can’t just say that we signed him to a 3 year deal, but how do you rate that contract for what we got in return from Burnett – 3 years for Burnett at that price? Considering what the market was and what other pitchers were getting paid over those three years, how does Burnett rank in your eyes.
MW: Unfortunately, he was injured for about a third of the deal, but a three-year, $32 million deal for A.J. Burnett is a very, very good one. Remember, critics of the signing at the time said that it was too long a term for too many dollars.
- MattyThis is why baseball is a joke and why 10-20 games into the season half the teams have empty stadiums and no interest left from their fans. I love baseball, I really do, but the league is a disaster when compared to the NHL, NBA and especially NFL in terms of how it operates. 90% of the teams literally have NO chance to win the WS and I mean NO chance..and the season has not even started yet. In the NFL the Dolphins are 10-5 after a 1-15 season last year, Carolina is one of the best teams, in the NHL small market teams everywhere have a shot at Lord Stanley. I know every league has a few strong favorites but at least in those leagues you could argue 70% or so have a chance to do damage, it is not impossible for the Oilers to win the cup, not impossible for the Arizona to win the SuperBowl, etc.
Mike, as a baseball diehard give fans one good reason to spend good money in a recession) and time to follow a team that before the season stars has no chance, and I mean no chance to even be .500 let alone make the playoffs in this division – why?
BTW next year when we are better the Sox will load up then we will be REALLY scrwed
Frustrated in TO
MW: First off, your thesis statement is categorically untrue. MLB has set an overall attendance record three of the last four years, and the Jays’ attendance has gone up six years in a row. The reason the NFL does so well, competition-wise, is because of the sweetheart TV deal they have, which would be impossible with a league whose season is more than, say, 25 games long. In the NHL and NBA, over half the teams in the league make the playoffs every year, so of course far more teams have a shot. As for you going to games, that’s up to you. See, the game is the thing. Following a team that has a legitimate chance to be a champion is one thing, but a true fan of the team, of the game, goes to watch them just to watch them. You’re wrong on the no chance to even be .500, by the way, I believe they will have a winning record this year.
- MateoMW: What does J.P. have to do with the team underperforming on the field? If you think the players are underperforming, then that means you think the General Manager brought in good players. As for Bonds, they should have signed him eight months ago – they’re not going to sign him now.
mike your logic is so twisted. it is not us that think this team is good, it is only you and jp. they are underperforming in your eyes not ours. the poster was saying that he is sick of a team that never wins. underperforming doesn’t mean JP brought in good players, it means a 100 mil payroll should have better results. if john mac hits .200, he is underperforming. does that mean he should be hitting .300? no he is underperforming from an average hitter’s level. you can also underperform based on salary, see vernon
MW: Underperforming, by definition, means performing at a level below what was expected. The only way that a team can win 86 games by underperforming is for it to have been expected to be a great team.
- roccoHey Mike
I’ve been hearing alot of people talking about Downs in the roatation next year. One guy voiced his opinion saying that Janseen Accardo can take over for his 8th inning job in the pen. My question is if Downs has any real experience in the roatation because if he gets over worked and gets injured that just another Blue Jays pitcher down. I think that Downs is a better pitcher in the set up job than either of Janseen and Accardo. And we still have to assume that they will both be totally healthy which may not happen.
MW: Downs has been a starter before, but a mediocre one. He said himself on the BJADPPGS that he doesn’t want to start. You could look it up!
- JamesThe Jays got some young guys down in the pen, why not bring em to the rotation?
That includes Wolfe, Tallet, Janssen, Camp.
Why not make one signing in the off season and trade Purcey (plus) for a bat, and have this as the rotation
Halladay
McGowan
(Signing in the off season)
Litsch
Clement
MW: I don’t think they’re really in a position to trade young pitching right now.
- TheSunkenZealotMike…Thanks for putting up with me on the blogs and on the phone-ins all year…You’re a credit to your profession and The Fan590 is a better radio station because of your great contribution and enthusiasm.
MW: Thank you.
- chris m.Hi Mike,
It’s been a long, bleak off-season so far.
Two things: do you think JP is done his off-season work? I can’t believe that he is. (If only the Rogers folks would loosen the purse strings for a couple of FAs — Abreu would look good in a Jays’ uniform, as would another veteran startng. Both would give the Jays at least a chance to be competitive in 09 and would put butts in the seatm and draw listeners/viewers to the broadcasts of Jays games.
Secondly, to whom can I write to ask that the Jays marketing folks line-up a radio station in the Kingston area to carry Jays’ games this season? We were without here, so I was forced to watch games on the tube or stay close to my computer to hear Jays Talk.
MW: 1 – No, I don’t think he’s done. 2 – It’s not really up to the Jays’ marketing people, it’s up to the radio stations in Kingston. They’re the ones you need to press.
- Ken in KingstonHi Mike, hope you’ve had a good holiday:
I don’t ussually blog you, but I feel that baseball has been betrayed by the Yankees. Here the world is probably in one of it’s deepest economic crisis in it’s history, and the Yankees sabotage the good name of a grand old game by overpaying 3 players to the tune of close to 400 million dollars. Didn’t the state give the Yankees about 450 million to complete their stadium. We have thousands losing their jobs and homes, and more companies than we can count either going bankrupt or asking for bailout. We have a whole auto industry in jeprody, but we see fit to hand out insane contracts to baseball players. Up to now it seems the Yankees are the only team playing this insane game. I hope other teams have enough respect for the American people, and baseball to hold the line on salaries. If not their’s liable to be a revolt of the average person to the game of baseball. I think Roy Halladay is one of the best pitcher in the majors. What is he worth, and in a global recession will he get fair value?
MW: Halladay is worth almost as much as CC Sabathia got (because Halladay is older), and he’ll get fair value after 2010 if he wants it, assuming he stays healthy. As for the Yankees, I can’t agree with you. They’ve actually lowered their payroll from last year.
- Keithhi Mike;
Is there still a chance for the jays to trade for peavy? Would the mitigating factor be the dumping of rolen and overbay’s respective contracts? Would Peavy come here? Is he worth LIND and Snider, what are your thoughts, thanks Mike.
MW: No. No. No. Maybe.
- robert.sMike,
I knew AJ was going to sign with the Yanks all along. Back in early Sept when the Yanks were in town to play the Jays, after the game one night AJ hung out with Johnny Damon and a few friends. Among those few invited to that evening was my friend who went as the date of Damon’s roommate from College (now a pro golfer). Damon got them seats to the game that night and afterwards, went out to dinner, drinks, and then finally back to AJ’s condo where they drank some more and played guitar hero. During that evening, my friend, who is a very reliable source, told me Damon was “selling” the Yanks very hard and gave AJ the parametres of what the Yanks will offer him as a free agent and let’s just say you were 100% bang on with the offer (5yr $80mil). She told me the way things transpired that evening, AJ would go to the Yanks next season and if he didn’t, it’d be a huge surprise.
MW: This would have been a good thing to find out in mid-September.
- JoachimDo you think it’s worth it for the Jays to make a trade for Andruw Jones, if the Dodgers ate about 20 of the 22 or 23 million still owed to him? What would you give up for him?
MW: No, I don’t.
- BrendanHey Mike,
Great to hear your voice on the radio again. Also, props to whoever brought back the voice of the late Karen Carpenter on the trivia that you had.
Baseball question for you. How big of a factor do you think cost of living for free agents?
Since big cities like New York and LA figure to be more expensive to live in, shouldn’t it be easier for less developed cities (relative to bigger cities) to attract free agents since their offer will give players a greater disposable income?
MW: I put that Karen Carpenter tune on, so you’re welcome! As for cost of living, I don’t think it matters one bit. Most players don’t live in the cities in which they play, and they make up the difference of cost of living in bigger cities by extra opportunities for extra-curricular cash.
- James from MississaugaHappy Holidays Mr. Wilner.
I see that the Jays have invited Michael Barrett to spring training on a minor league deal, Im sure alot of the “so-called” Jay fans dont understand this move with what he have in triple A but what people should realize is that Barajas is the starter and the last thing any team wants or should do is to bring up a young promising prospect (Arencibia or Jeroloman) and sit them on the bench. I personally like the move and would like you thoughts on this?
All the best in the new year and can’t wait for the season to start and hear the post games and regular blogage
- ChrisI appreciate the enthusiasm for 2009 but while I’ll be cheering the Jays on all season, I think JP is playing for 2010 and I agree with it.
Trading BJ for younger & cheaper won’t help this season out at all. Why not wait to see how some of the kids play in ’09 and then trade from a surplus to fill holes for 2010?
Consider that in 2010, they’ll conceivably have a starting rotation from 5 of Halliday, McGowan, Marcum, Litsch, Cecil, Jansen, & Purcey. They’ll have a better indication on the closer abilities of League, Accardo & Carlson. Lind & Snider will be maturing. JP Arencibia will be ready for the show.
With a thin free agent closer market next year and a full year of health behind him, BJ’s value will be much higher next season even with one less year on the contract.
I think 2010 will look like this:
SP
Halliday
McGowan
Marcum
Jansen
Cecil
RP
League (closer)
Downs
Carlson
Accardo
Wolfe
Litsch
Tallet
C – Arencibia
1B – Lind
2B – Hill
SS – Signed / traded for Vet ( a healthy Crosby?)
3B – Scott Rolen
LF – Snider
CF – Wells
RF – Rios
DH – signed vet (Damon?)
Bench: Macdonald (will resign); veteran back up catcher (schneider?); Coats; Huff?
In this scenario, we could trade Overbay, BJ, and some starting pitching to free up some coin and get either prospects or a biggish bat.
I know, I know… it’s waaay to early. And a LOT can happen between now and then…But might this kind of outlook be behind JP’s current thinking?
MW: It certainly could be.
- ronLooks like the rotation this season may be Halladay, Mcgowan, Litch, Clement and Maroth..I bet the Red Sox and the Yanks are quivering in their jock straps..
Maroth and Clement have a combined 15 wins since 2006..
If goldenboy Riccardi is an astute evaluator of pitching, as you say he his, then where are all the young pitching prospects ? Why isn’t he giving them an opportunity to pitch this season? Why in the name of fick waste time on these stiffs?..It makes zero sense..
I’m not that worried about the Yanks because they may not be a whole lot better then last year..Giambi and Abreu may be gone and the 52HR with them..No more Pettite and Mussina and their 34 wins..Will Wang’s foot be ready to go in the spring?…Burnett has his big contract now and my bet is he will tank the season and will Sabathia and his 250+ pounds of meat be good over the long haul?..How about Teixera? His production last season wasn’t worthy of the contract he signed in New York..There are still big problems in the big apple..
The “bird” teams will be in an exciting battle for dead last in the East..Can’t wait for the next round of Riccardi excuses..
MW: I doubt very much that you’ll see Mike Maroth in the rotation barring the unforeseen, and there won’t be a battle for last between the Jays and the Orioles.
- gumpmike’ sorry to let you know this but NOBODY cares about tom cheeks!
MW: I don’t even know who Tom Cheeks is. Tom Cheek, on the other hand, is a different story, and there are a great many people who cared about him and continue to do so. Does it make you feel important to attempt to denigrate the memory of a dead man who meant a great deal to a lot of people?
- jimmy brownHi Mike
It is great to hear you back on the Fan 590 airwaves. What are your thoughts on the Jays signing Maroth, Barrett, Chavez & Ruiz to minor league contracts. Do you think Matt Clement will be another John Thompson or can he make an impact.
It would seem with all the momentum the Jays have made over the past few years could be impacted by the loss of Burnett and the decision not to add any more payroll for ’09. Do you think the Jays attendance will dip in ’09?
MW: I do think attendance will dip in 2009, unless the Jays somehow find themselves in a race in July. I’ll put up a post with my thoughts on the minor-league signings. As for Clement, he could work out, he could not. It costs them nothing to find out.
- Terrymike
do you think the jays can win 70 games ? that would be sweet.
bye, guy
MW: I think they’ll win a lot more than 70 games.
- kurt kMW Please don’t change your argument from “J.P. Ricciardi is the only G.M. stupid enough to give a pitcher an opt-out” to “CC Sabathia isn’t A.J. Burnett”.
no now it’s “there are 2 stupid gm’s dumb enough to give an opt out clause”
MW: One of those stupid G.M.s has won three World Series and missed the playoffs one time in 11 seasons.
- chubbyHi Mike,
I hope you are enjoying your well deserved holidays.
I know this is a little off topic, but the MLB network aired in 50 million U.S. homes yesterday.
I have contacted both Rogers and Bell and they have both stated that they have no plans to add this channel to its lineup.
Any chance you can put some pressure on Rogers to do so? Let’s get a petition going or something.
Thank you,
Kevin
MW: There is a license for a Baseball Channel in Canada that has been granted, they just have to find something to do with it.
- KevinHey Mike,
I heard you talking with a man from I believe was a New York newspaper (sports editor I think – his name escapes me) over the holidays (Christmas Eve day probably). There was obviously a lot of discussion about the Yankees big off-season (and how they may not be done yet). It got me thinking about their rotation. I figure they’ll start the season with CC, Wang, AJ, Joba, and then either Pettitte (maybe less likely now), Kennedy, Hughes, or another free agent to be determined. All of those guys are going to be around for a while barring any trades or opt outs (though I’m not sure how long Wang has before his free agency year). With most of the rotation locked up at least semi-longterm, does that block one of either Hughes or Kennedy? Are either of those guys still seen as top notch prospects around the league? The whole discussion got me wondering what the Yankees do with them (either one or both) in the near future.
Would they keep them in the system either as starters in AAA or in the Yanks bullpen?
If they hold on to them, would part of the reason be in case CC opts out in 3 years or so that they could trade Wang before he becomes a free agent? Wang is a great value now, but I have to think some team, including the Yankees, will offer him at least Burnett money when the time comes.
Would they let Wang leave before the got rid of either of the rookies?
If they decided to trade one or both of them, what would they be expecting in return and is either player something that the Jays should look into (or could afford) if they hit the trade market?
I know the question doesn’t have a ton to do with the Jays, but it’s a side of the Yankees offseason story that I haven’t heard discussed.
Thanks again and happy new year!
MW: Thanks. It’s definitely an interesting topic of conversation. I think the Yanks are going to take a wait-and-see attitude on both of them. Hughes and Kennedy are still tremendous prospects, and even though the bloom is off the rose, I don’t think they’ll be given away. With Sabathia, Wang and Burnett at the top of the rotation and no Pettitte, I think Hughes gets the 5th job, and Kennedy may get a shot at the rotation if they ultimately find that Joba Chamberlain is better suited to be the bridge to Mariano Rivera, as a lot of people think. If not, though, and if everyone stays healthy (heh heh), Kennedy will likely be dangled at the deadline.
- MattyWay back to pre-2008 before Eckstein was acquired. I thought the lineup would be Rios-Hill-Wells-Thomas-Lind-Rolen-Overbay-Zaun-MacDonald.
Seems like the same approach would be good now. Rios-Hill-Wells-(Dunn,Giambi,??)-Lind(1B)-Snider-Rolen-Barajas-Scuturo. Dunn or Giambi could also play 1B, and if Overbay is kept then there is a whole group who can DH-1B-LF in combination (yeah, I know Cito likes to play a regular lineup).
Comments? Also, more old stuff, I would like your take on Eckstein. I think getting him hurt the club both psychologically (a slam to MacDonald), defensively (enough said), and offensively because it took Rios out of the leadoff spot where he has thrived.
MW: I think your line-up stacks the lefties too much. After the first inning, you have three lefties in a row and then six righties in a row. I’ve also never been a fan of Wells as a three-hitter, and I don’t think the Jays will be getting Adam Dunn, so you have to sneak Overbay back in there somewhere. As for Eckstein, I think his acquisition was one where the Jays thought they could improve on what they already had, I don’t think they realized his defense would be as much of an issue as it turned out to be. I don’t buy the psychological issue, nor do I agree with you on the Rios point because, in truth, he didn’t especially thrive as a leadoff man. In 2007, in a similar number of plate appearances, Rios hit .282/.341/.494 batting leadoff, and .289/.361/.450 batting third.
- Steve in HHHi Mike:
I hear alot of people touting Jansen as a starter. Do you Honesly feel he can handle a starters position with the type of injury he had? I think he’s to valuable in the pen in either the 7th or 8th inning.
MW: The bullpen was the best in baseball without him in 2008, so I don’t think that argument holds. If he can be a starter, he’ll be a fantastic addition to the rotation, and they’ll see if his shoulder can handle it. If he can only last 50 or 70 pitches or so before he loses effectiveness, he’ll go back to the bullpen.
- KeithMany people cared about Tom Cheek..Maybe nobody cares about Jimmy Brown..
I read an article by your buddy Rich Griffin..(sarcasm) and I wonder what your take is on the free agent market?..There are almost 200 players still looking for contracts…Any chance the Jays may get a cheap bat?
MW: A very good chance, I think.
- gump