I hope you all had a better time ringing in 2009 than I did. I was struck down by a stomach virus that was just beginning to go away on New Year’s Eve, so I kind of just sat there with no energy and no appetite as we watched the ball drop. The three-day technicolour yawnfest was followed by some sort of throat thing that has caused me to lose my voice (which always spells trouble in my industry - good thing it’s wintertime), so it was neither a good send-off to 2008 nor a pleasant welcome to 2009 around these parts. Which is to say I’m sorry for not posting anything for a couple of weeks.
I’m glad my stint of hosting during xmas week was well-received. I enjoyed it a lot, especially the December 24th show (The Game Chair). That afternoon I had my brother on talking movies, as well as Parminder Singh, who does play-by-play for Hockey Night in Canada in Punjabi and the World Long-Drive Champion, Alberta’s own Jamie Sadlowski. To top it off, Vernon Wells was willing to be pulled off the golf course to do a segment. It was a good mix, good show with good guests and it really stood out for me. I hope you enjoyed it as well.
It was the day after Mark Teixeira signed with the Yankees, and Vernon said that he wasn’t surprised. He didn’t think that the Yanks were going to walk away with the A.L. East (in truth, they’re only marginally better now than they were last year, and only if A.J. Burnett stays healthy, which is a longshot), and he didn’t think the Jays were going to be horrible in 2009, which is what you’d expect to hear. By the way, for those rending their garments at the news of the Yankees’ spending and the portents of doom for the game that follow - their payroll has actually gone down from last season. They cleared $81 million in salary after 2008, what did you expect them to do?
I agree with Vernon, as you know if you’ve been listening or reading. There are still moves to be made by all parties - I don’t think anyone in the A.L. East is done with their off-season shopping - but as it stands, I think the Jays will have their typical third-place finish with between 83-88 wins in 2009 with a chance to surprise people the way the Rays did last year (but for a different reason). The pitching will be worse, but the offense will be better and frankly, they’re due for some things to go their way.
Since we last met, the Jays have added four players, signed to minor-league contracts with invites to Spring Training. They’ve been discussed, hashed and re-hashed on the air and throughout the Jays fans’ corner of the blogosphere, so I’m not going to go into great detail, but here’s what I think:
Michael Barrett just turned 32, is only two seasons removed from a .307/.368/.517, and has had only one year in the last four in which he hasn’t obliterated left-handed pitching. Not a bad guy to get for basically free to compete for a back-up catcher’s job.
Raul Chavez is a strong defensive catcher without much of a bat whatsoever, but he keeps the Jays from having to call up one of J.P. Arencibia or Brian Jeroloman too early in case one of Rod Barajas or Barrett goes down with an injury. Chavez’ presence also allows the Jays to move Curtis Thigpen out from behind the plate and see if that will re-ignite his bat.
Randy Ruiz is a career minor-leaguer who has spent his last four years between AA and AAA in six different teams’ systems. His OPSs those four years have been 1.074, .870, .894 and .902. He could maybe compete for a job as a bat off the bench, or with Jose Bautista to be Lyle Overbay’s platoon-mate. At worst, he rakes in Las Vegas and gets called up when anybody gets hurt.
Mike Maroth is another reclamation project on the mound. If he’s healthy, he either fills out the rotation in Vegas or competes with Scott Richmond, Brian Tallet and Casey Janssen for the 5th spot in the rotation until Dustin McGowan gets back.
The important thing to remember for those disappointed by these signings (and it seems as though there were quite a few fans out there who were) is that NONE of them were primary targets of the Blue Jays’ this off-season, and NONE of them are expected to make significant contributions to the major-league team, with the possible exception of Barrett. These players cost the Jays nothing to acquire, and they’re all fine gambles to take. These are the kinds of guys who teams scoop up every off-season, and who rarely make a difference. Every team picks up players like this all the time.
There are better guys still out there, like Freddy Garcia, Pedro Martinez, Carl Pavano, Chuck James, Glendon Rusch and Mark Mulder, at whom the Jays may yet take a run as they attempt to fill out the rotation. There are better bats out there, like Bobby Abreu, Moises Alou, Cliff Floyd, Jason Giambi, Jonny Gomes, Kevin Millar and Daryle Ward, whom the Jays would be happy to have if and when they’re still standing alone when the music stops. Signing the minor-league four doesn’t mean they were the only ones at whom the Jays were looking, nor does it mean the Jays are no longer looking.
I’m getting very tired of the “why should we watch if they’re not going to compete” chorus that has arisen since Rogers decided to cut payroll. I don’t agree with the decision, nor do I agree with Paul Beeston’s assertion that if the Jays aren’t going to spend $120 million, they may as well spend $80 million. But that’s the unfortunate reality we’re facing.
Why should fans still come out to watch? Because they love baseball. It costs less to go to a Jays game than it does to go to a movie and there’s not a player on the Jays who makes as much per season as Tom Cruise does per film. If you’re a fan, if you love the game, then you go to a game for the game. If you only want to see a team that you believe has a good chance to win the whole shebang, you’re not a baseball fan, and that’s cool. Just don’t pretend to be one.
Also, there is no blaming J.P. Ricciardi for the lack of activity this winter. His employers have cut his budget by 20%, and that’s out of his control. It seems as though he’s content to sit back and play for 2010 (possibly to make a new G.M. look really, really good), and I don’t know if I agree with that. I’m sure he’s tested the trade waters, dangling B.J. Ryan and Lyle Overbay, among others, and hasn’t been happy enough with what he’s heard back. I believe that a guy like Ryan is a luxury a team in the Jays’ current payroll position can’t afford, and that he should be moved if they’re going to be a lower-payroll club. But the time to move him may be closer to the trade deadline in July, or maybe even next off-season. Of course, by next off-season, the payroll will have to be back up around the $100 million mark, if not more. Maybe they’ll use this year’s savings towards the 2010 payroll, who knows?
Before I go, one last story about my early December trip that I neglected to tell earlier. We got to spend a day in San Juan before the cruise left, and I wanted to at least check out Hiram Bithorn Stadium, if not see a Puerto Rican Winter League game. It turned out that there was a game on the night the cruise left, but I had to be on the boat by the time it started. Alex Rios’ team was in town.
That afternoon, I took the family to the ballpark, and it was all locked up. We saw a guy in a truck in front of the entrance and I had my wife, a native Spanish speaker (extraordinarily helpful in San Juan, and also with putting together the BJADPPGS - she’s had lovely chats with Rios’ and Guillermo Quiroz’ mothers and Marco Scutaro’s brother, among others) ask him if there was any way we could get in. He had no clue, so we went around the side of the building and saw a guy coming out and getting in his truck to leave. He was one of the concessionaires, and was pulling the gate closed behind him. My wife told him who I was and asked if he knew how we could get in to take a look at the stadium. His answer was something that you’d never hear at a professional ballfield in Canada or the States. He said something along the lines of, “Go ahead. Just lock up when you leave.”
So we did. We went into the stadium and looked around. It was really nice, reminding me of one of the newer Spring Training parks, but with twice as much seating. We could have gone on the field, taken some grounders, hit some B.P., whatever, but before we had a chance to do any of that, Jose Oquendo popped out of the dugout and started running laps around the field. He said hi without stopping, but didn’t ask what the hell the six of us were doing at field level when the stadium was supposed to be closed.
We locked up when we left, and I have a picture to prove it, along with a couple of other pictures I took of the stadium. In the shot of the whole ballpark you can see Oquendo jogging at the 375 sign in right-centre.
Rational, reasonable comments are welcome, as always.
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The stadium story was neat, certainly something you wouldn’t hear happening around here.
Still think Andruw Jones isn’t worth a look, now that his contract has been restructured and he’s likely to be released? Maybe as a DH? Or do you really think he has absolutely nothing left in him? I don’t know what to think about him. I’ve read a few articles where the writer sort of implies that Jones might have been on steroids and the cutback has essentially destroyed his abilities, but I find that theory sort of a stretch. What do you think?
MW: I don’t think the theory is that much of a stretch, though there’s not a shred of proof to back it up. It’s hard not to think of steroids when you see a player’s performance drop off dramatically since 2006 with no injury to explain it. I don’t think Andruw Jones helps the Blue Jays.
- BrendanWhere do you see Griffey going next year? Rays or Mariners? It’s still sad to me to think about the 6 years of his career in which he spent almost half of the time on the DL. He could have accomplished so much more.
MW: He certainly could have - damn hamstrings. With Pat Burrell in Tampa Bay, I think the door is open in Seattle if he wants to go back. The question is, does he want to finish his career with a terrible team?
- BrendanM-Dub,
i didnt clue in that was your bro during the sports movie segment. I was like “who is this freaking guy and how does he know so much about sports films?”
anyways, I almost called in to contribute, but you were out of time.
So, you have to do me a favour and relay this message to him:
The greatest sports movie of all time is “Gymkata” starring former olympic gymnastics champion Kurt Thomas.
I am including a youtube link featuring the official trailor for your viewing pleasure.
enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Mkl9rtttog
MW: I’m not sure “Gymkata” would be considered a sports movie, though the trailer is hilarious, with Thomas looking all MacGyver-esque. Too bad you didn’t call, it would have been nice to hear Norman’s take on it.
- slobberfacethanks for the pictures!!
idea - if it’s not too much trouble could u post a pic from the ballparks u visit during the season? or do u just stay in t.o.?
kk
MW: I usually just stay in Toronto.
- karim kanjimichael,
as i post this i see that burrell has just signed a 2 yr deal with the rays.
a nice purposeful addition for them no doubt….
definitely will be interesting to watch if they can keep their spot ahead of those other 2 strong teams from the east division..
i think they can but certainly won’t be easy…
what do you think as things stand ?
and i do hope that the jays at least try to pick up a m. bradley type or any others for the dh spot if they’re still lying around in coming months as we approach spring training.
what’s your guess on that notion?
cute little daughter you have there by the way michael.
very happy looking little girl….. that’s nice to see.
MW: Thank you! I don’t think the Rays will win the division again. I actually don’t think they’ll even be close, but it’ll be fun to watch. I do think the Jays will pick up another bat off the scrap heap when everyone is done shopping.
- darrell bishopHave you heard anyting regarding a sale of the team this year? Blair has hinted at it in one of his posts stating several executives in Rogers expect the team to be up for sale at some time in 09.
MW: I don’t see it happening, but I’m willing to try to form a consortium to buy it. Who’s in?
- ClintGreat story about San Juan. Nice pics.
- RBHey Mike, glad you’re feeling better.
I guess by your standards, I’m not much of a ball fan; it’s not so much that your team has to have a chance to win the whole thing every year in order for you to be interested. It’s more the inherent unfairness of one or two teams spending up to 10X the team salary of many other teams and double most of them. That’s absurd in most fans minds.
The other teams can’t help being located in Milwaukee, St Louis or Kansas City and don’t have the population base or TV deals to compete.
Those are things outside of their direct control and should have nothing to do with giving one team a huge advantage over the others.
It’s like having no weight classes in boxing or divisions in soccer.
If you find that unreasonable, you need to spend more time with regular fan and less time breathing the air with “fans at all cost”.
A 100M salary cap should have been brought in years ago. Half the teams would still be far below that level but at least the disparity levels would be lowered and more “fans” would be developed and/or return to the grand ‘ol game that I love.
Cheers
MW: I see where you’re coming from, but I don’t agree. It’s not as though the Yankees and Red Sox run roughshod over the competition every year, and the advantage they have isn’t unfair. Well, maybe New York’s, a little. But do the Yankees have that many more revenue sources than the Mets? The Dodgers? The Angels? The Cubs? The White Sox? The Blue Jays? Not really, they’re just willing to spend more money. If there was a salary cap of $100 million, then that extra $120 million goes directly into the pockets of the Steinbrenners. The salary disparity is ridiculous, but the Yankees didn’t make the playoffs last year, nor did the Mets and Mariners, who had high payrolls as well. I don’t think a cap solves the problems, though it is pretty annoying.
- GaryMike…Hope you have better luck health-wise soon ..You’ve had some bad luck lately. I hope you don’t take the Frank Thomas approach..”By June I’ll be alright.” I should send you the wife’s homemade chicken soup recipe….Mike, Do you think the U.S. guys who withdrew frow the WBC will catch some flak? I remember Ray Bourque blowing off Team Canada one year and some Canadians had the noose ready for him…Thanks
MW: There’s a MAJOR difference between declining to play hockey for Canada and declining to participate in the WBC for the U.S. But the tournament won’t really take off in the States until the American players start taking it seriously. Oh well, maybe another loss to Canada will wake them up!
- chris m.“I think the Jays will have their typical third-place finish with between 83-88 wins in 2009″
Which of TB, Boston or NY do you see the Jays surpassing? I can’t help but feel that life as a chronic 4th place team is the fate that awaits this lot. A sub-.500 record in ‘09 would not be a shocker.
MW: I see the Jays finishing ahead of Tampa Bay, maybe the Yankees, too.
- Chuck VMike…I’ve heard frequently that pitchers coming back from Tommy John surgery actually throw harder upon return..Mike..I wonder what the timeline is with that kind of statement because in B.J. Ryan’s case, he was constantly around 89-90 mph last year, when before surgery was throwing noticably harder. What’s your take on the “arm will be better than before” diagnosis, Mike?
MW: Ryan topped out at 91 pre-surgery, and he was back at 89-90 last year, less than 18 months post-op. My take is that most pitchers report that their arm is stronger after.
- chris m.Mike,
I am all for the low-risk, high-return signings. However, I think the Jays could be a little more creative. Ryan’s numbers (2.95 ERA, 32 saves in 36 attempts) make him attractive to other teams. Now, the return probably will not be high, but the salary can be moved. (The Yankees can use a set-up man!) If the club, moved half of Overbay’s salary, a notion I’ve heard they have little interest in, they would save about $4.5 million. And, trading John McDonald and Jose Bautista would cut almost $3 million. I am not a propoent of spending money on long-term deals, which don’t make sense. But, with some creativity, a dcent bat, like Abreau can be signed. Waiting until 2010 is dangerous. They are banking on Shaun Marcum to return to form and for prospects to pan out. Things don’t always work that way!
MW: They would only save $3.5 million in moving Overbay’s salary, and I don’t know that Johnny Mac and Jose Bautista are terribly attractive as trade bait. I’m with you on Ryan, though. If they’re choking on their payroll, he’s a guy who should be moved with the bullpen they have behind him. Any of Downs, Accardo, Janssen and League could be a quality big-league closer for a fraction if what B.J. makes, and dealing him would free up the cash to sign an Abreu, a Dunn, a Griffey, even one of the Orlandos (Hudson or Cabrera) or Ben Sheets if they chose to go that way. But chances are they’ll let a Moises Alou or a Daryle Ward fall to them and keep Ryan.
- Jake RothHey Mike,
You should have taken some pictures of you flashing the leather at short. A bit more range is required though than the typical fastball field and a few may have bled through.
2009 prediction is the Jays will win over 85 games which will shock most of your posters.
Cheers.
Good pics.
Cheers
- CameronMW: One of those stupid G.M.s has won three World Series and missed the playoffs one time in 11 seasons.
gee mike, first you claim the yanks win because of they have the highest payroll, now you claim the yanks win because their gm is some genius. which is it? oh btw this genius gm also just gave injury prone burnett a 5 year deal which you claim yourself that him being healthy is a long shot. so was that a smart move or not? make up your mind mike. you are like a butterfly mike, you go all over the place.
MW: Why do I even bother?
- chubbyyou’re right mikey cashman is so well respected there is a site honouring him
http://firebriancashman.org/
MW: There’s a site set up to fire pretty much everybody in sports. If you DON’T have one, it means you’re not doing a very good job.
- chubbyno mike, real baseball fans want to see either of 2 things, either spend money and compete for a playoff spot or else rebuild and play the prospects. the jays are doing neither. they are not spending money to compete and they are not rebuilding. so what exactly are they doing? fans are tired of watching guys like rolen, overbay, scutaro, mench. that’s what fans are upset about.
MW: Sigh.
- chubbyyou know what is really interesting? you said that aj’s contract with the jays was actually a good one. this is because the opt out clause actually forced aj to pitch better in his third year so he could opt out. it’s counter intuitive to what you would think would be in the best interest of the team. on the one hand you don’t want the player to opt out but on the other hand you want him to pitch well.
what mlb should do which sounds insane is to allow EVERY player to opt out of his contract after any season. why? one, it motivates the players to play well every year so they can make more money. two, it would create more free agents on the market every year so there wouldnt be this bidding war every year for the one prize free agent. would vw get his 100 mil contract if there were 10 cf’s on the market? would you need to give 7 year deals if you knew you could easily replace your free agent? the biggest problem with free agency is that there simply aren’t enough free agents.
perfect example is how abreu, giambi, manny aren’t getting signed right away. teams are playing them against each other. more free agents = more supply = lower price
MW: But do you really want to see every player being a free agent every year? You’re right, pay-for-play would certainly motivate them, but a lot of fans are upset enough already with too many players switching teams too often. By the way, I never said that the Burnett contract was a good one because the opt-out meant he’d pitch well in the third year.
- roccoHey Mike
Can you explain something to me? What logic is there to the fact that we only now get a sandwich and second round pick for A.J.? Just because the Yankees had already used their first pick when they signed Sabathia? The logic, if there is any at all in this policy, falls apart even worse if you see a team that perhaps signs 5 free agents of high quality. What does that leave the team losing the fifith guy…a fifith round pick? Why to limit the # free agents a team like the Yankees can sign would the league not say…if you don’t have a first round pick you can’t sign a guy who would require one? This would act as a deterent to signing, soigning , signing and would be a bit like a salary cap for free agents. The Players’ association would not like it because it would hamper competition and thus not drive up values of its players. Do they figure baseball drafts are so unpredictable that second or first it really doesn’t matter since the kids take so long to develop anyway?
MW: The Jays get a sandwich and a THIRD round pick, because of Sabathia and Teixeira. Teams are limited as to the number of quality free agents they can sign, but I think a fairer thing to do as far as compensation would be to give the Jays two sandwich picks and the Yankees’ third-rounder. If you’re entitled to a first-round pick and don’t get it, you should get an extra sandwich pick.
- LaurieHi Mike,
Great San Juan story. I love those kinds of spontaneous moments.
Did the Jays have any chance to sign Pat Burrell?
Happy New Year
Garry
MW: Thanks, and no. But I didn’t think they did before T-Bay signed him. I’m very surprised, though, that Burrell signed on to be a DH. I really didn’t think he’d do that.
- garryHey Mike. The thing that suprised me the most about your blog was that you think B-52(Ryan) is a luxury that the Jays can’t afford. So what if hes back in 06 form by the time the 09 trading deadling is nearing. Do you bate him on the metaphorical hook and see if other teams bite even with a playoff chance? If the Jays did trade him now they better be confident that Accardo will be back up to 07 form or that Snakeface could handle the pressure. I’m not saying your wrong but I believe it takes more mental toughness to attack hitters with a one run lead in the 9th. BTW my new years resolution is to move back to ontario sometime this year. I miss being able to call in on the Jaystalk!
MW: You can call in from BC, you just have to listen online! As for the Ryan thing, I’ve said before there are many pitchers in the Jays’ pen who can handle the job. You do have a point about the ‘09 deadline, though. But what if the Jays are in the same position they always are - right on the fringes of the race. If they are again this year, I’m hoping they pull the plug and deal. All part of building towards 2010.
- Matt from BCHey Mike sorry to post back2back. Whats your favorate baseball movie? Just wondering.
MW: Major League is always the one I think of first when someone asks, so I guess that’s it.
- Matt from BCHi Mike,
I know this is from a while ago, but i’m interested in your opinion. I’m just wondering why you think it is that nobody really cared when those 6 NFL players were ’suspended’ for using a diuretic? I mean, it’s just as bad as using steroids, but I barely heard anything on the subject. Also, why do you think that nobody is really talking about steroids anymore. It has just seemed to disappear? Do you think that people just don’t care anymore? I’d like to get your thoughts.
MW: There’s a great double standard in sports when it comes to the NFL and steroids. It’s ridiculous. As to why no one is talking about it in baseball anymore, I don’t really think that’s true, but a lot of people seem to believe that the Mitchell Report and the more stringent penalties have taken performance-enhancing drugs out of the game.
- Justin W.geez mike….
so a few hrs after my post yesterday bradley reportedly signs a deal & now a giambi signing is apparently imminent with the a’s.
this one if true really hurts.
1 yr deal at around $5M and an option for the following season at only 4 more.
man that stings.
maybe oakland was his 1st choice but gotta believe a little extra money thrown his way gets him here in the rogers centre next yr.
it usually does right?
“picked the wrong year to cut the budget”
lloyd bridges..
MW: They certainly did. It’s all J.P.’s fault.
- darrell bishopHey Mike, with Pavano recently signing with the tribe for $1.5 million guaranteed and a possible $5.3 million in bonuses, how much do you think Pedro Martinez will get and what are the chances that he signs with Toronto. Also what are the chances Bonds will play this year.
MW: I think Pedro will get more guaranteed than Pavano, with nice incentives as well. I don’t think Bonds plays this year, which is too bad.
- SkyeMike…Nice photo with your daughter..I remember my son about that age (he’s 15 now) and he was just getting into the Jays, Leafs, Argos, Rock, Excelsiors, Battalion, etc…Within one or two years, he was telling ME the boxscores and asking me if he could stay home from school to watch all day hockey trading deadline stuff…Now he’s discovered X-Box, so organized sports and Dad aren’t as cool anymore…Now Mike if you can get my son into the Beatles like your girls, but I’d settle for Genesis, Rush or Pink Floyd.
MW: Just play the music, that’s all I did.
- chris m.Nice pics Mike.
Btw, how is it that the Jays were willing to throw 55 mil to AJ for a couple years but not willing to spend 7-8 this year and next each on a big bat? Trading Overbay and Ryan is a great idea btw.
MW: They had the money then, they don’t now.
- RenegadeClassic pics! The story behind them makes them even better.
Mike, I don’t think Freddy Garcia and Pavano would make a significant difference if Jays sign them. They are both running on fumes and reputation. That’s all they’ve left now. Garcia is fat and out of shape and half as good as he was in 2005. Pavano with all the injuries would be a 4th starter at best. I don’t think there are enough decent arms around to help the Jays improve their terribly thin rotation. Things look bleak as far as starting pitching is concerned.
MW: We shall see. I don’t agree with you, I’d love to see them take a flier on Garcia.
- BeburgMike
I hope you can get a substantive interview with Paul Beeston and or JP and publish it here. Why do I ask for this? We LOYAL Blue Jays fans need some straight answers as to why the Jays seem to be content on doing nothing this off season. We watch as the available players sign with other teams and read quotes like ‘ we like Cabrerra but wont give up a pick to get him for 1 or 2 year deal’ Has the loss of Ted Rogers caused the ownership to rethink where they want the team to be? Are the Jays in financial trouble with the loss of sponsorships like GM?
It is really frustrating to be on the outside and hearing a lot of rumors and innuendos about trading Doc and blowing up the team and boycotting etc.
I do hope you or someone can pin down management for some straight talk.
Thanks Mike
MW: If I do, it’ll be on the radio, not as an article to be published here. I’m sure the directive to cut the budget comes from above Beeston, though.
- Richard from ARhi mike;
Just dropping a line to see what you think of the signings of pavano for 1.5 million and giambi in oakland for 5 million. I think riccardi should dump overbays salary and or ryan’s for minor league players and we could have signed these two who would fill some holes nicely, but hopefully riccardi has something up his sleeve, like a salary dump to sign abreau or sheets if possible. p.s what’s the status on peavy? Hopefully new ownership considers trading him, great blog.
MW: I think new ownership will likely keep Peavy, but he more than likely wouldn’t come to Toronto anyway. It would have been nice to have Giambi’s bat instead of Overbay’s, but that’s not the way the Jays wanted to play it, looking ahead to 2010 as they seem to be.
- robert.sHi Mike,
OK…I get the budget constraints, but it seems that there are some affordable bats out there that could help…just saw that Giambi has gone to Oakland for 3.5 million for one year.
Based on some assumptions that Lind can play 1B, being able to move Overbay, and that Hill can return to form…now add a better bat for the 4 spot…what about a lineup that looks like: Rios - Hill - Wells - DH - Lind - Rolen - Snider - Barajas - Scuturo. I’d say keep both Inglett and MacDonald as backup infield. If Overbay can’t be moved, then he and Lind can share DH/1B
I like getting Rios in the leadoff spot and Hill’s bat being in the top part of the order for more AB’s over the season. And I like getting Lind and Snider lots of playing time.
Love this January dreaming!
MW: Giambi went for two million more than that, and the Jays won’t be able to move Overbay without paying some of his salary, so replace that DH in your line-up with Lyle.
- Steve in Hudson's HopeHi Mike,
What teams do you think will have the top few picthing staffs this year (if no major injuries)?
MW: It’s still too early to tell, there are too many solid starters still out there.
- Justin W.Hi Wilner…happy new year. Reasons I will go to the ballpark no matter what the Jays record may be:
1) Roy Halliday - any chance to watch him work is worth the ticket
2) Aaron Hill - hoping he is healthy this year. Love watching him battle pitches.
3) Scott Rolen - just a shadow of himself at the plate but still seems to have the cannon. Can’t think of a better defensive 3rd basemen to play for the Jays.
4) The opposition - I have gone to games just to see Ichiro, Morneau, Sabathia, Manny, etc and will still pick games depending on who is in town.
Having said that I think attendance is going to be well off this year no matter what the record is. The company I work for did not renew season tickets we have had since the 1980s. I am hearing similar stories from others. If that happens, it will be a shame since the Rogers people have worked so hard to improve the experience.
Go Jays.
Mike.
MW: I agree with you on all counts. Attendance will almost definitely drop this year after six straight seasons of upticks.
- MikeHappy New Year Mike!
Great pictures.I don’t share the popular belief that the Jays are going to be horrible this season.The fact that Purcey,Lind and Snider are going to play full time is great.They might also surprise alot of teams.After a couple of rocky starts I thought Purcey pitched quite well.The loss of Burnett is really no big deal.Good pitcher with great pitcher potential but never has realized it.Too much money for the starts that the Jays would get.I hope McGowan can come back and do well.That would make a huge difference on the success of the rotation.Remember,the Jays still have the best bullpen in the east.That in itself should take alot of pressure off of the young rotation.If Listch and Purcey continue to improve,A top 3 of Doc,Listch and Purcey is not bad.I’d like to see the Jays give a look at Pedro.5 innings per start with this bullben behind him could work.Scott Richmond would be servicable until Dustin returns.I liked his starts last year angainst the Rays.If the offence plays to their capabilities and can stay realativly injury free,this team may not be playoff bound but will surprise alot of the doubters.
MW: I think that the team will surprise a lot of people as well. A top 3 of Halladay, Litsch and Purcey, though, while not bad is certainly not good.
- Terry:)
- Joe N.Hello Mike….With the Giants and the Dodgers appearently pulling out of the running for Manny whats stopping the Jays from offering a two year 18-20 mil/per year to get him……..you cant always believe what JP says about having no money or anything else for that matter….when he signed BJ Ryan nobody saw that coming either….could you imagine the Jays signing Manny and if healthy Pedro Martinez that would give the Jays a swagger they havent had since Carter and Alomar….Your Comments
MW: What’s stopping the Jays from offering that contract is that they don’t have the money available in their payroll - not at the moment anyway. When Ryan was signed, although no one saw it coming, the Jays did have room in their budget for him.
- Mark from ThoroldHi Mike,
Great story, great photo’s, and i trust you are now fully recovered.
Not sure if we will be able to afford to come to Canada this year what with the Pound plummeting against every other currency, but no matter what i’ll still be watching and listening and reading via the web.
It was distressing how quickly all the optimism of september’s 10 game win streak simply disappeared, first Marcum’s surgery followed brutally quickly by the World’s financial crisis.
After what has happened to the Jays over the last 4 years or so,
Is J.P. now the unluckiest G.M. currently in Baseball?
Take care Mike
MW: I don’t think J.P. is necessarily the unluckiest G.M. in baseball, but I do think that the Jays have been the unluckiest team for a few years now.
- ukJayPat Burrell and Jason Giambi (David Eckstien money) being signed at bargain prices and the Blue Jays aren’t even in the game. I bet you that JP isn’t even calling to inquire and is shocked by these signings. How low does it go? Both Abreu and Manny are going to have to lower expectations. The least JP can do is call Abreau’s people to find out their new expectations.
Also my grammar: When I wrote “King’s ransom” I purposely capitalized it. As far as I am concerned, Roy Halladay is the King. You might as well call it, “Halladay’s ransom”. I have no idea why you get so uptight about grammar anyways. Especially small points in a comments section! Relax!
MW: Grammar is important, and too often ignored. I fear for the English language, that’s why I’m “uptight” about it.
- Jim Bwow this is great, jp is doing an outstanding job of watching free agents sign elsewhere. it’s nice how powerhouse payroll teams like oakland and tampa are signing burrel and giambi yet the jays cant afford anyone. giambi only signed for 6 mil. give me a break. if rogers cant afford to spend a measly 6mil on a player while spending 20 mil on vernon when this is one of the worst offenses in the league and in desperate need of help then rogers should just sell the team. this is a joke and I think all jays fans should boycott all games.
MW: Boycott all games? A better protest might be turning off your cable, internet and cell phone.
- roccoit’s funny mike how you trashed gord ash for spending 25% of the payroll on delgado. well now golden boy jp has spent 25% of the payroll on vernon. and your response will be “how was jp supposed to know the payroll would drop” duh that’s his job. it’s called vision. it’s called having a long term plan. it’s not spending like a drunken sailor and then if it doesn’t work somebody else has to clean up the mess.
it’s funny mike how you said jp gets credit for roy halladay even though gord ash drafted him. well when halladay doesn’t sign an extension because this team is crap who’s fault will it be then?
MW: Ownership’s. It’s their fault Vernon is getting paid so much, as well. This year, though, Wells will make about 11% of the total payroll. It’s interesting that you think that part of the job of a General Manager is the ability to see into the future of global economics.
- roccoThanks for the great post. Well said about the nature of baseball fans. Sometimes I wish people would just relax, have a lemonade on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy the game on a beautiful day. That’s one of the many reasons I love baseball. Can’t wait for the next post.
MW: Tell that to the guy above you.
- HoweyThis completely defies logic.
http://www.gvnews.com/articles/2008/12/10/sports/sports03.txt
Can you explain that?
MW: I have long since stopped trying to get into the heads of Hall of Fame voters. How anyone could possibly leave Rickey Henderson off their ballot, though, is beyond me.
- andrewMike,
Are you perhaps as irked as I am seeing players who could help the Jays in 2009 sign for 1 (+ option) yr deals at reasonable prices (Pavano, Giambi)? I refuse to believe the Jays can’t clear or add around $5.5-6.5mil in salary to accomodate one of these 2 players. What happened to the $10mil “saved” this upcoming season from releasing Thomas last year? Combine that with AJ’s money and the Jays have had about $22mil dropped from their projected 2009 budget (despite it only being about $13mil from payroll because of other players’ salary increases).
Hypothetically speaking, the salaries of Frasor and Ryan combined are equal to Giambi and Pavano (including bonuses). Looking strictly at the Jays’ weaknesses and strengths for 2009, I think Giambi and Pavano will be more impactful and result in more wins as the Jays will have Accardo and Janssen back in the fold (albeit with question marks).
MW: Giambi, yes, but I don’t know about Pavano.
- Joachim…”I think the Jays will have their typical third-place finish with between 83-88 wins in 2009 with a chance to surprise people the way the Rays did last year (but for a different reason)..”
um…so if I read that correctly, you think the Jays will finish in third? If so, which of the Sox, Yanks and Rays do they finish ahead?
MW: The Rays.
- ShawnI have never seen a management group acting so negative before the season begins. It makes me think either two things, J.P. wants out, and just doesn’t care anymore. Or that the Blue Jays have made a conscious decision, to lower fans expectations so that fans will get more excited.
MW: I don’t think fans are getting more excited by lowered expectations. If J.P. just didn’t care anymore, Beeston would fire him in a heartbeat.
- JesseI have no problem at all with their signings. They’re in a cost-cutting mood and that’s not a bad thing.
But.
It does get tiring watching a ball-team that is so relentlessly mediocre. No highs, no lows. You may point to to that 10-game win-streak, and that was exciting. Sadly it was the most exciting thing since we competed against the Red Sox in the WC, and I believe that was 1998. And in turn that was the most exciting thing since we won the World Series in 1993. That’s just sad. What makes me even sadder is watching the best pitcher in the league perform wonderfully well while his team-mates find ways to make his incredible performance irrelevant.
Other teams like the Tigers and Rays swing between two extremes. You asked me once if I would have preferred umpteen losing seasons–which the Rays have suffered–for this one chance at winning. Umpteen losing seasons would have been dispiriting. But umpteen mediocre seasons can wear me down as well. I’ll be there. But every year I evaluate whether I still want my season tix. Every year it takes me a little longer to decide.
MW: Teams like the Tigers and Rays don’t swing between two extremes. That implies that they’re bad, then good, then bad, then good.
- isabella reyesHey Mike,
Happy greetings!!! Great bloggage BTW….
So, i guess Giambi is out of the picture. Did we even attempt to get him here? Maybe Manny-Lol! I loved your comment on why we should still come out this season and support our boys. We may not be the best, but we have a franchise and we get to see the greatest players in the world, in Toronto, almost every week. For that, i am grateful…
Loved the pics of the ballpark. It’s funny how i prefer the smaller type parks to the big ones.
Always a fan Mike…
- owenDid you get a two-for-one on the bifocals, Mike?
MW: Are you really so sub-human as to make fun of a seven year-old for wearing glasses?
- marcHey Mike, why are the jays cutting payroll. economy?, ted rogers?
I find it amazing that they cant cough up 6 mill for one year on giambi. Also, what is the status of the jays presidency?
MW: Ted Rogers is dead, so he’s not why the Jays are cutting payroll. I would have to say that it’s the economy as the effect it has had on all Rogers properties. Paul Beeston says he wants to find a new President by Spring Training, so he has about five weeks.
- Brendanok, so since you made this entry, carl pavano signed for 1.5, and giambi for 5.5, or something close to that.
maybe giambi at 5.5 wouldn’t have been able to fit under the self imposed cap, but do you know if they made a serious play for pavano?
also, i find it somewhat irresponsible (not the best choice of words, but bear with me) for j.p. to look at ANY offer, and deem it unsuitable, as it pertains to B.J. Ryan. i’m not a Ryan hater at all, but with the payroll slashed, dumping that 10M, knowing that there are several possible replacements for him in the ‘pen, and being able to reinvest it into either the starting rotation or lineup, just seems like the logical move. purge the surplus, to quell the deficit. naturally, all this is assuming that he’s even GOTTEN an offer for him. either way, i think he’s done a fine job putting this team together. he’s had some horrid breaks in his time here, but i genuinely believe he’s earned the right to oversee this team past the 2010 season.
thanks for the time,
MW: That’s the thing - we don’t know if there have been any offers for Ryan, let alone any offers that wouldn’t have had the Jays eating part of the salary.
- Jay BMike,
What would you think of Jays signing Sexson, just for a platoon situation with Overbay, and for the occasional DH spot vs. Lefties? His OPS was well over .900 versus lefties last year. Could he be had for next to nothing?
Although Bautista might offer something similar, I think both could be used when a lefty is on the mound. One at 1B and the over at DH taking Lind or Snider’s spot.
MW: Sexson would be a fine, low-risk, high-reward type guy to come in and platoon with Overbay.
- RMHey Mike! Happy New Years!
What do you about the Jays signing Oliver Perez?
“The Mets are leaning “slightly” toward right-hander Derek Lowe over lefty Oliver Perez, according to a major-league source; they are almost certain to get one of them. The Phillies, Angels and Brewers all deny interest in Lowe. The Braves, like the Mets, are unwilling to guarantee four years. The market for Perez, meanwhile, looks even thinner. The Dodgers, Brewers and Braves do not appear to be involved …” - According to Ken Rosenthal
Link: htt p://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9044030/Trading-Fielder-could-help-Brewers-acquire-pitching
Last season, Perez went 10-7 in 34 starts, posting a 4.22 ERA over 194 innings alongside with 180 strikeouts. On the downside Perez did allow 105 walks leading to a 1.40 WHIP, which is a cause for concern. Perez though has a high ceiling. He reminds me of a left handed version of A.J. Burnett, a pitcher with great promise though has never really put it together consistently. Perez is still young as he will be 27 on Opening Day in 2009, so there is room for maturing.
Oliver Perez has electric stuff and when he’s on his game, he’s almost unhittable. He throws a mid-90’s fastball and has an electric slider. His 2004 season shows a glimpse on how good he could be.
Also, Perez has dominated the Yankees throughout his career. These stats are intriguing: in 6 starts, Perez went 5-1 posting a 2.61 ERA in 41.1 innings alongside with 31 strikeouts and a 1.11 WHIP against the Yankees. Also, against the Yankees this year, Perez has two wins, posting a 1.84 ERA alongside with a 0.55 WHIP in 14.1 innings and only allowing 6 hits. It’s too small of a sample size though I’d thought I would just throw it out there. Anyways, Perez has shown that he has owned the Yankees throughout his career, which is significant. Plus he has played in the NL East, which has not been an easy division the last two seasons.
MW: Perez is a guy, like Daniel Cabrera, who could be one of the best in the business if he ever learns to throw strikes. However, with the Jays not even able to pay out $1.5 million guaranteed for Carl Pavano, there’s no way they’ll be in on him.
- SilvioMW: Ownership’s. It’s their fault Vernon is getting paid so much, as well. This year, though, Wells will make about 11% of the total payroll. It’s interesting that you think that part of the job of a General Manager is the ability to see into the future of global economics.
gee mike, 11% of 85 mil is 9.35 mil. I didnt know vernon only made that much.
MW: Gee, Rocco, 11.4% of $87 million is $10 million, which is what Wells will earn this season. Do some homework before you snark.
- roccoMike, free agent compensation: who gets the first sandwich pick? The brewcrew for losing CC and getting bumped by the Tex signing, or, do the Angels also pick first in the sandwich rounds?
Question the second: If the Jays are planning on competing in 2010, and Manny is expected to sign a 2 year deal (read 2010 = contract year for ManRam) AND he apparently loves Toronto; it seems like this is one of those situations that only makes too much sense for the Jays not to pass up.
Sure, he’s aging and the payroll is allegedly set, whatever - but it looks to me as Manny is being undervalued by the wealth of sluggers in this year’s market, and might be priced to sell at a discount price. If you were running the show: would you sign him right now? Otherwise who do you see at DH/LF next year? (Lind/Snider?)
Thanks, as always.
MW: 1 - I’m not sure, but I think the Angels get the first one. 2 - Of course it makes too much sense, and of course I would sign him right now, but it’s not going to happen. Adam Lind will likely be the primary DH next year, with Travis Snider in left.
- AndrewMike…Just got back from AC/DC and the old ears are still ringing. Great show but the wife and I were hoping CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett and Mark Teixiera would join Angus and the boys for “Money Talks” but it didn’t happen. Actually, I don’t know if I’d want to see Sabathia in shorts hopping around stage like Angus Young, so maybe it was a blessing after all..Thanks
- chris m.Mike,
With the way he’s been playing as of late, what do you think about the possibility of the Jays acquiring Andrea Bargnani? They really need some grit and toughness, and I think his big body will help them put pucks in the net. I think this move could push them over the top, and make them superbowl contenders.
MW: It really makes far too much sense for them not to consider it.
- John SmithGreat pics Mike!!
The Willie Bloomquist sweepstakes is over!! The best up and coming team in the AL- the Kansas City Royals are the proud owners!! Look for big things in the new season from both Bloomquist and the Royals!!
MW: Especially since John Gibbons is there!
- RevMike,
1. How is Casey Jansen coming along? Is he expected to make a full recovery by spring training?
2. Though 2009 may be a year of transition, what does 2010 look like for the Jays? How many of their prospects appear to be ready to make an impact in 2010?
MW: 1 - Fine, and they say he is. 2 - One would think that Travis Snider, Adam Lind, Brett Cecil, Ricky Romero and J.P. Arencibia will all have big-league time under their belts by 2010, and that season we should see Brad Mills and Brian Jeroloman as well.
- joeHi Mike, I can’t believe that these good players which the Jays could’ve gotten are signing with other teams. Sounds to me as if JP is letting them get away. I like the idea of the jays going after Sexson if they can get him for next to nothing, since he had good numbers last year. If Barry Bonds does in fact play again, you always said that the jays should’ve signed him, so if he does play again, think the Jays would sign him? And if I’m not mistaken, correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t JAson Bay a free agent at the end of last season? If he in fact is a free agent, where is he? If available, think he’s a bat that the Jays would go after?
MW: Jason Bay isn’t a free agent until after this coming season. Why does it seem to you as though J.P. is letting free agents get away when his payroll has been cut?
- DanAttendace will drop because you won’t have goofy Godfrey around anymore to add an extra five thousand to the actual attendace figures for every game. Anybody with brains knew the Jays were fudging the numbers. But the bottom line is Ted Rogers admitted he lost 300 million on baseball the past ten years. Teams that supposedly draw 2.5 million a year don’t do that, unless they aren’t drawing true paying customers. Which they obviously weren’t.
- RickMike.. I couldn’t agree with you more when it comes to grammar,punctuation,capitalization, etc. My dad was strict (and that’s being mild) when it came to all the aforementioned, and all those old Blue Jay games from Exhibition Stadium I’ve reminisced with you here on the blog were only attended after the homework was done and checked by dad. So I’m the same with my kids and it just becomes routine. And my daughter’s applying to Ryerson for journalism, so hopefully my diligence will be helpful to her…..Thanks
- chris m.Mike,
Michael Young wants out of Texas. How significant an upgrade do you think he’d be at SS if the Jays were able to acquire him?
Jason.
MW: Not much, actually. Young’s production dropped off significantly last year - his .284/.339/.402 gave him an OPS of .741 that ranked him below every Jays’ starter save for Scutaro and Barajas. Granted, it’s Scutaro’s place he’d be taking, but since he’s going to make $16 million a year for the next five seasons, it’s not a worthwhile upgrade. Given the Jays’ financial position, they can’t afford to gamble that Young’s drop-off, as he turns 32, was just a one-year thing.
- Jabeshi mike;
just read that micheal young from texas wants to be traded, any chance of tghe jays trading for him if riccardi can bait them to take either rios salary or bj ryan’s or overbay’s so the impact of young’s salary is not detrimental on the jays? keep up the good work great blog mike thanks.
MW: It’d have to be Ryan AND Overbay so that the salary’s not a detriment, and their salaries come off the books three years before Young’s does, but see above. Young’s no longer worth what he’s being paid.
- robert.sMike,
Is it just me or are the Jays losing alot of pitching talent due to injury lately. Quite a few of the “young arms” have gone down to significant injuries (marcum, janssen, mcGowan, league, etc).
Do you think it is just a little bad luck or is there something else going on?
I haven’t looked into the numbers but is it possible the organization is rushing the young prospects and putting them in a situation prone to injury?
I guess I am just a little bummed about losing marcum for 1+ years..
Keep up the good work and enjoy the off-season with your family
MW: It’s just you. Sorry you’re bummed, though, at least you have good reason to be.
- PatLike you said, Michael Young is no longer worth the huge amount of money that he is being paid. With that being said, for the Rangers to trade him they will most likely need to pick up some of his contract. How would you feel about Rolen for Young with Texas picking up some of Young’s contract?
MW: It depends on how much the Rangers pick up. Remember, Rolen makes less per season than Young, and he’s only under contract for two more seasons as opposed to Young’s five.
- LoganWhat are your thoughts on the Jays going after either Johhny Gomes or Eric Hinske, longshot idea of Bobby Abreau.
MW: Hinske’s the only one you spelled right. I’d rather give Travis Snider a full-time shot than sign Hinske. I like the idea of Gomes as a lefty-crusher and platoon LF/DH, and I love Abreu, but his price would have to drop a ton.
- TerryHi Mike,
Nice to hear your comment on why fans should go to baseball games regardless of whether their team contends or not. Let’s face it, year-in year-out there are only a handful of contenders and the odd surprise (like the Rays in 2008). So why do fans bother to go to baseball games in non-contending cities? Purely for the love of the sport. My business takes me to the USA and I always try to take in a game, even minor league, wherever I stay for a night or two. Some of my most memorable games were between non-contenders, such as a classic pitching duel between the Padres and Reds in old Jack Murphy stadium when Tom Seaver was pitching for the Reds. Or a Sammy Sosa monster home run against the Marlins before he was famous. Or one summer in Indianapolis spending evenings enjoying their AAA team, the Indians. None of these teams contended, but the games I saw deepened my appreciation of the sport. And so it is with the recent and current Jays. Get out and watch Vernon, Aaron, Doc and the guys plus some great visiting players like Ichiro, and you will be sure to pick up some beautiful memories. Of course in this forum I am preaching to the converted.
MW: Not necessarily. But you’re right. Anyone who went to a Jays game from 1977-1982 or from 1995-2005 knew they weren’t going to see a contender. And why would anyone go to a minor-league game? None of those teams have a chance to win a World Series. I have great memories of going to see the Twins and Indians in Cleveland in September of 1993, and a Pirates-Cubs game at Three Rivers the next year (Denny Neagle hit a home run!), and neither of those games were “meaningful”. Bottom line is, you go to a game to have a good time.
- Ingo NesselHey Mike,
I’m looking at the Jackson-Joyce deal and thinking how nice of a fit he would have been in Toronto. Seems like it didn’t take a blockbuster to land him.
Your thoughts? And do you think the Jays have the creativity to pull something off in the trade market to improve this club?
MW: I’m sure they have the creativity, I just don’t know if they have either the willingness or the dance partner. I’m interested to find out who you think the Jays’ equivalent to Matt Joyce is.
- couchetardWilner,
Hall of Fame results came out today and I was wondering which of the two do you think is more shocking:
(i) 28 people did not think Rickey Henderson was Hall of Fame worthy
OR
(ii) 2 people thought Jay Bell was Hall of Fame worthy
MW: I can’t believe 28 voters left Rickey Henderson off their ballots. That’s ridiculous. As for Jay Bell and his two votes, there are always writers who have a certain shine to certain guys, and they throw them a bone like that. I’m waiting for a guy EVERYBODY loved to retire and for a whole big whack of writers to give him a one-vote “favour”. That is how Sean Casey will get into the Hall of Fame.
- BobbyHey Mike
I see that Scutaro is going to be the starting SS for 09 as of now but does his contract not end at the end of 09. Who do you see playing SS in 2010 when the Jays are supposed to be a major contender.
MW: Good question. At the moment, there’s no answer.
- JamesHi Mike,
I have a growing suspicion that the days of the Jays spending upwards of 100 million on their payroll to compete in the AL East are over. I don’t think that these payroll cuts are just for the short-term. The reality is that the Blue Jays will probably have to return to small-market status until they make the playoffs (and if attendance increases, and the Jays’ chance of contending increases), only then will Rogers consent to increasing our payroll. That’s how I see it, at least. I hope I’m wrong.
If that’s the case, the Jays have to think about spending more on International talent (Latin America), which in my mind is one of the greatest flaws of the Ash and Ricciardi regimes. Do you think the Jays will up their budget for international scouting in the next few years?
I’m less convinced overspending on the MLB draft is a good idea, because it seems that the biggest steals continue to be in the Latin Americas.
I’d like to know your thoughts on these subjects. What do you see in the front office approach changing in the next few years?
Best regards.
MW: I don’t think that the biggest steals are in Latin America anymore. It’s costing more and more to sign kids down there. I think the worldwide draft is coming relatively soon, too. As for the payroll thing, it’s kind of perplexing. Beeston said on Prime Time last month that he didn’t think revenues could support a $100 million payroll, but if they cut and stay down, it’s tough to see revenues going up. I kind of thought that you had to spend money to make money.
- NathanHI Mike, I was just wondering what you think Jp’s worst move was and why?
In my opinion the Reed Johnson/Shannon Stewart Move was the worst move he made.
1. With Wells, Rios and Johnson the Jays would have the best defensive outfield in the league.
2. Who does not love a guy like reed johnson
3. If you say that it doesn’t mater because we have lind now, our line up could look like this…
1.Rf Rios
2.2b Hill
3.1b Lind
4.Cf Wells
5.DH Snider
6.3b Rolen
7.Lf Johnson
8.C Barajas
9.ss McDonald
MW: The Reed Johnson/Shannon Stewart move (and I know this is going to make a lot of people angry) was really insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Solid fourth outfielder for less-solid fourth outfielder who was supposed to be a better hitter. Championships are not won on your fourth outfielder, and championships are rarely won with a corner outfielder who neither hits home runs nor gets on base nor steals bases, which is what Reed Johnson is. I’m not sure what Ricciardi’s worst move has been - waiving Chad Gaudin and Scott Eyre are the ones that spring to mind immediately.
- IMFINEMW: But you’re right. Anyone who went to a Jays game from 1977-1982 or from 1995-2005 knew they weren’t going to see a contender.
Just hang on a second. In the late ’90s, Roger Clemens was pitching here, and I seem to recall that management was at least trying to field a contender. We even got into the wild card race once back then. I was going to those games. I don’t remember saying to myself at the beginning of the season ‘I am going to have so much fun watching pure unadulterated, non-playoff-bound baseball’. The teams didn’t work out and were fundamentally flawed, but the fan base, at least the fans that I sit beside, still had hopes that we might contend. The Yankees owned the game, but we still thought we might have a chance at a WC.
Speaking only for myself, I can watch the game on tv. I don’t need to spend $$$$$$$ to do that. The Rogers Centre isn’t the most exciting stadium to spend time in. So the team needs to give me some semblance of excitement in order to justify my expenditure.
That having been said, this is not meant as a comment on our 2009 Jays and their expectations. I think it’s a good thing not to put too much on this team’s shoulders, because, through constant turnover of management and players, the hallmark of the Jays is the choke. If we don’t expect too much, they might play fairly well.
MW: How is the hallmark of the Jays the choke? That’s such an overused, and incorrectly used, word. The only time one can reasonably make the argument that the Jays choked was in the 1985 ALCS. Maybe 1987, but they had lost Tony Fernandez and Ernie Whitt that last week.
- isabella reyesWhy did David Cone garner such little support in HOF voting? He really stacks up well!
He’s been a World Champion multiple times, pitched well for a very long time, even has a perfect game. Look at his postseason records and accomplishments — they are very impressive. Pitched best when it counted most and came within a couple seasons of 3,000 Ks. There’s more, and y’all can go look it up for yourselves.
He seems somewhat hall-worthy based on his Black and Grey Ink tests at Baseball Reference or at least better than his 3.9% of ballots. That’s an insult to a very, very good career.
MW: Cone had a terrific 12-year run, but the drop-off was quick and brutal. He was actually a little worse in the post-season than the rest of the time (by 0.1 of a point of WHIP). He’s a guy who merits consideration, but probably isn’t a Hall of Famer. It seems as though lately, guys like that don’t even get the 5%.
- Matt