12:00 PM Eastern
Buffalo, actually.
Well, not for the whole couple of weeks since my last post, but twice in the last few days. On Saturday I took the family to the Queen City to see a Beatles’ tribute show at Shea’s called “Rain”. As frequent readers know, my girls have really gotten into the Fab Four over the last few months, so I thought this was the next-best thing to taking them to a real Beatles’ concert.
It was, I guess, though I didn’t love it. The four of them (five with a keyboard player to supply all the non-guitar and drum sounds) played very well and imitated the singing voices of Paul McCartney and John Lennon very well – George Harrison and Ringo Starr not so much – but I found the experience as a whole to be a little off-putting. I’m not sure what to think of that, since the deal is that it’s supposed to be an imitation of The Beatles, and it was, but I guess I thought they were trying too hard.
The four guys are from Manhattan, Philly and California, so why speak in fake Liverpudlian accents when talking to the audience? At least they never referred to themselves by the Beatles’ names, instead saying “my friend” when talking about one of the others on stage.
Still, the music was good, it was nice to hear them play some of the songs that the Beatles themselves never performed in front of a live audience, and the girlies really liked it – especially the little one, though some five year-old boy in the front row got all the love from the band for being a Beatles’ fan so young. She’s three, damnit!
The weirdest thing for me (other than the fact that these guys actually sell their own CDs – someone will have to explain to me why anyone would ever want to buy one) was the audience. It wasn’t your typical “cover band” reaction. The 3,000-seat venue was packed, and the crowd was really into it. Not as into it as the real thing, nobody screamed through every song or anything, but far more into it than I imagined it would be. Maybe it’s me.
Last night, I was back in Buffalo again, doing the midnight run to pick up my mother-in-law at the airport, coming back from a trip to Florida.
Speaking of Florida, that’s kind of why I haven’t been posting since the pitchers and catchers reported back on Valentine’s Day. I’m not down there, so I can’t do much more than just regurgitate the stuff that we’re all getting from the reporters who are on the scene. If there was a huge move or something, I’d comment on it. But it feels strange for me to be reporting on Lyle Overbay’s three hernia surgeries or Brett Cecil getting the first spring start against the Yankees or Vernon Wells going down for a month with a hammy when I’m not there watching it. Or even the difference between what Cito and J.P. are saying with regards to someone like Travis Snider (J.P. says it might be better for him to start the year in Vegas, Cito says he’ll have to hit his way off the team). That’ll all change Friday, though, when I report for duty in Dunedin in order to work the Fan Radio Network’s first two broadcasts of the spring with Jerry Howarth while Alan Ashby attends his daughter’s wedding.
We’ll be doing Saturday’s home game against the Braves (Roy Halladay starts) and Sunday’s visit to the Rays at their new spring home in Port Charlotte – thanks, by the way, for another two-hour spring road trip. Another reason not to like T-Bay. Full pre-games and JaysTalk in the post-games, starting at 12:30 pm Eastern both days.
That’s wasn’t the important announcement, by the way. The important announcement is the following:
Regular listeners to the Fan590 are aware that we’ll be broadcasting Team Canada’s games at the World Baseball Classic, starting Saturday, March 7th when Canada takes on the U.S. Our broadcast will begin at 1:00 pm Eastern with a WBC preview before the pre-game at 1:30 with the first pitch scheduled to be thrown at 2:00. It’s my pleasure to announce the broadcast crew for the Fan Radio Network’s coverage! I’ll be doing the play-by-play, and former Blue Jay and Team Canada member Paul Spoljaric will be providing the colour commentary.
I can’t tell you how thrilled and excited I am to be given this opportunity, and I couldn’t be more thankful to Nelson Millman for having the faith in me to give me this chance, and to Doug Farraway for being strongly in my corner. I’m really looking forward to working with Spoljaric, as well. We have done a couple of Grill Rooms together and he’s popped on the broadcast a couple of times over the years. Very nice guy, very well-spoken and obviously, very experienced and knowledgeable with regards to both big-league and international competition.
I’m looking forward to your feedback on the broadcasts!
Oh, by the way, you can catch me on the Grill Room tonight – 6:30 pm in the Toronto area.
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome.
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Ironically, I was saying to my friend the other day that its time Wilner took over play by play for sportsnet…nobody can tolerate another year of jamie campbell..nobody
MW: Jamie has his own blog on which you can insult him if you wish. This is not the place for that.
- jpMike
I know I’m considerably older than you, in fact, I was around when the Beatles were still together, but I’m always dismayed when people dwell on musical nostaglia. I understand the Beatles were important to pop music, although I was a bigger Stones fan (70s era), but that was a long time ago. I think it’s ironic that if the Beatles were around today, and were as experimental as they were later in their career, they wouldn’t be on the radio today. Not familiar enough. Sadly, the only exposure many people have to music is the largely nostaglic wasteland of free radio. There is some great music out there today – please look for it. Sorry about the rant, but it is a pet peeve of mine.
MW: Everyone is entitled to their pet peeves, but there’s a difference (I think) between musical nostalgia and enjoying music that stands up so well even decades later. Also, if you look at their last two albums, songs like “Let It Be”, “Something”, “Two of Us”, “Come Together”, “Get Back”, “Here Comes The Sun” and maybe even “Octopus’ Garden” or “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” were very radio-friendly. There’s good music out there now, for sure, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that there’s still good music from 30-40-50 years ago, and a lot of today’s great bands were heavily influenced by it.
- DanMike,
Does Wells move to RF now? This injury seems to be the type that will re-occur from running hard, like he does in CF.
If the season started tomorrow, what would your lineup look like for the Jays if you were in Cito’s shoes? He seems to be set on Scoot leading off, do you think this is wise?
If it was up to you, who would you keep on the bench between Bautista and Millar, as it seems one of them needs to go?
MW: I don’t understand why so many seem to think that a centrefielder runs harder than a corner outfielder. A centrefielder will run longer, sure, and maybe harder for longer, but as for initial burst and acceleration, it’s the same. I don’t see Wells moving out of centre, but if he does, he likely moves to left, and Travis Snider to right. Cito does seem to be set on Scutaro leading off, which isn’t the worst idea in the world since there’s no .380 on-base guy sitting there waiting to take it away from him. Still, I’d put Overbay up there and likely follow him with Hill-Rios-Wells-Lind-Rolen-Snider-Barajas-Scutaro. If Rolen shows he’s healthy, he and Hill could switch places, or maybe Rios could move up top with the line-up eventually becoming Rios-Overbay-Rolen-Wells-Snider-Hill-Lind-Barajas-Scutaro. But that’s a ways off.
- Andy McCongrats Mike – well deserved. I’ll be listening on March 7th although I will be coaching an Atom hockey game at the start. I’m also glad to hear Jerry will be on the air this weekend.
Do you think Vernon might have been pushing it a bit to prep for the WBC, and that may have contributed to the hammy ?
MW: Thanks! And no, I don’t.
- RezMike
I’m not sure I understand Beeston’s comments regarding payroll. That is, the difference in wins between $120M and $80M, in his opinion, is negligible, so why spend the money sends the wrong message. Had JP said that he’d be vilified even more than he already has, but Beeston gets a free ride. I have to wonder, don’t you think if the Jays spent another $40m on a couple of starting pitchers and a big bat, like Manny, they would be competitive, or am I delusional?
MW: I think that they would, indeed, be able to make a run if they picked up a Manny. But as far as the free agent pitchers out there – how many of them have a chance to be much better than Casey Janssen, Brett Cecil or Scott Richmond? For the money they’re asking, I’d rather have those kids than a Paul Byrd, Mark Redman, Steve Trachsel or Jon Lieber.
- DanCongrats on the play-by-play chance, Mike!
What’re your thoughts on Wells’ hammy and the chance of Rios moving into centre full time?
MW: Thanks! My thought on Wells’ hammy is that if they all knew there was a tendon tear that could have flared up again, why didn’t they go in there and fix it in the off-season? I don’t think Rios moves to centre full-time unless Vernon volunteers to move to a corner.
- ChrisMW: “That story came from a report last month by Marty York, and it’s not true. Koskie isn’t on Team Canada’s provisional roster, so he couldn’t play even if he wanted to.”
Looks like ol’ Marty York was right about Koskie. Think Ricciardi has interest in Koskie? J.P. has a history of loading up a roster with five corner infielders.
I think it’s exactly 45 years since the Beatles hit America.
MW: Marty was right, as it turns out. Evidently there’s a loophole that says a player on the provisional roster can be replaced by a player off that 45-man roster, so off went Jeff Francis and on came Koskie. The Beatles’ first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show was February 9, 1964, so you’re a couple of weeks off.
- Ken PaganCongrats on the WBC gig!
As for the Beatles, I saw them live. Many times. Sorry to say this, but no cover band is ever going to give you that experience. Your girls are better off watching A Hard Day’s Night this Saturday on TVO.
MW: They’ve seen that movie about 50 times each, and still love it.
- reyesMike,
Congrats on the gig.
Odalis Perez was recently released. With the news on McGowen’s return date still in question, what do you think the Jay’s chances are on picking him up? Not bad numbers considering he was playing with the Nats last season, the only issue is his that he has not pitched 200 innings since 2002. I think that he would be a solid 4-5 to fit in with Halladay, Purcey, Clement and Litsch.
MW: I can’t imagine Odalis would be any better than what the Jays already have in camp. I’d rather have Janssen or Cecil in that spot.
- Sean LafortuneI’m really looking forward to seeing the Jays this year although I’ve had to change my outlook for “realistic” mode.
We have a major league team with a world class pitcher and some good up-and-comers. We get to see some great teams come in and get our fair share of sunny days at the ballpark.
None of that means we will challenge for a pennant or even a playoff spot in the foreseeable future but if you can accept that and just enjoy baseball, it’s all good – not near as much fun as if you have a real hope but until sanity prevails and we get some sort of a salary cap, that’s what we get.
Have a great time in FL Mike and bring back some sun for us!
- Garymichael,
doing the play by play for the WBC. you have to be kidding. how good is that?
congrats to you. that should be exciting no doubt.
i’m imagining you calling it with the tasteful charm of a young vin scully. but no pressure mike…..
MW: Oh, geez. Well, I appreciate your confidence in me, at least.
- darrell bishopNice to have you back Mike! Congratulations on the play by play gig. I can’t wait to hear you call Canada’s win over the USA March 7 on the FAN. I know you will call a great game.
Mike B
MW: Thanks!
- Mike BHey Mike,
Just curious on your opinion…who do you like better as a baseball reporter – Richard Griffin or Bob Elliott?
MW: It’s like comparing apples to kumquats. Griff is a columnist, Mr. E. is a reporter.
- MarkMike,
Despite the Blue Jays’ lack of off-season improvement, the general lack of optimism surrounding the team and the growing media speculation that Doc won’t end the season with the team… I can’t wait for baseball!
It’s been a long winter and I’m chomping at the bit. I went to a personal record 25 or 26 home games last year (thank you Toronto Star pass) plus a road trip to check out Wrigley, Comerica and see the Jays beat up on the pinstripes in one of the final games at Yankee Stadium. That last one had so many highlights – I barehanded an Alex Rios BP homerun, saw Travis Sniders’ first major league homer, ran into Gregg Zaun on the street after the game and saw a 350 lbs New Yorker in head to toe Yanks gear circling the stadium bellowing “The season’s done! We ain’t makin’ the playoffs! Halladay’s pitchin’ tomorrow! Halladay always beats the Yankees! We’re done! You can’t beat Halladay!” I didn’t make it to the next game, but the guy was right!
Anyway, this year, even if the Jays are in the toilet I’m gonna try to make it out to 40 games (thanks again Toronto Star pass) and top last years road trip with an even better one.
Great news to hear about you doing the WBC play-by-play. Congrats. It’s well deserved and I’m sure you’ll do a great job. Sadly I’m not going to be able to enjoy your handiwork (I already got tickets to all six games).
Last but not least… the Doc rumours that are already brewing everywhere. Do you have any insight into the situation that hasn’t been reported? If not, what are your thoughts?
It would be such a shame to lose him. He’s been the constant high note for the franchise and we’ve been lucky to watch him every five days. That being said, if the writing IS on the wall, I’d rather get something for him than nothing.
Take care.
MW: I’ll be floored if the Jays trade Halladay this year. If he comes to them after this season and says that he’s not likely to re-sign, then you have to move him then. And why can’t you bring a radio to the games?
- SiguyHow many games do you think the Yankees win this year?
MW: How about 91?
- JeffCongrats – I’ll be at the WBC and I’ll be looking forward to hearing your play-by-play.
MW: Thanks!
- LJMike…The Shea’s Theatre you visited in Buffalo, is that the one where the train tracks run right down the street and cars cannot access? If it is , I saw George Thorogood there in the late ’80′s…Kind of a Twilight Zone feeling for me and my friends with that weird set-up of train tracks. I was expecting Rod Serling to pop out somewhere and give a monologue. Congrats on your upcoming broadcasts!! I know you’ll be great…Good Luck
MW: Streetcar tracks, yes. I guess it looks different at night.
- chris m.Congrats Mike that’s awesome. About time. You better not go all Hollywood on us. As for Vernon’s injury? J.P. is lying.. that liar. I don’t believe anything he says. I expect McGowan and Marcum to start the season, and we also signed Manny back in December. He just lies about everything.
See ya Friday
- SpiderSilvaCongrats Mike! Now if we could only get you on the television doing play by play for Sporstnet, I’d be a happy man. Look forward to hearing you call the WBC.
I know it’s tres early but who do you think will crack the rotation? My bet is Halladay, Litsch, Purcey (all duh’s), Janssen and Cecil. Agreed? And by the way, that’s not exactly as god awful as everyone makes it sound, is it?
MW: I think it’ll be Clement over Cecil, but the kid will show up at some point to make a contribution. And no, that’s not awful at all.
- Scott Bcongratts on the WBC gig Mike..
I look forward to listen to Spoljaric and yourself.
MW: Thanks!
- mike-Wells has a nagging hamstring problem that could easily–and probably will-return.
So dh him? Move Rios to centre?
MW: I think you have to give him a couple of days a week at DH until the injury is completely healed, but I don’t think you have to move him out of centre because of it..
- isabella reyesCongratulations, Mike. I know that you’ll do a great job in the booth!
Well done.
MW: Thanks! Keep a good thought.
- ToddMike,
Glad to hear you’re getting your shot on the play-by-play. If I remember correctly, you’ve broadcast minor league games earlier in your career. Would it be safe to say you’d like the major league gig eventually, once your Beatles groupies are a little older?
MW: I did broadcast minor-league games for three different teams back in the ’80s and ’90s. I would love to get a seat in the big chair eventually, but I’m happy to wait my turn.
- DJJAYMike…I was surprised to hear you on The Grill Room call Leaf fans stupid for buying tickets to games, after pointing out to a fellow blogger on your last post that it’s generally wrong to call anyone stupid. Being a Leaf fan myself, I’ve had harsher adjectives thrown my way, so I wasn’t offended. But if Leaf fans are stupid for filling the ACC, then using your criteria, Cubs fans and Red Sox fans (at least before 2004) must be bordering on insanity for filling Wrigley Field and Fenway Park.
MW: No, because the Cubs and Red Sox were actually trying to win.
- chris m.Congratulations ! That is great news. I will definately tune in to the broadcasts.
MW: Thank you!
- kimCongrats Mike, am looking forward to hearing you call a full game. Any catch phrases you’re thinking of, or just planning on playing it by ear? Enjoy Florida, opening day will be here before you know it.
MW: No catch phrases, I have never liked those. There are broadcasters who work too hard to fit in their catch phrases and it detracts from their broadcast, I think. I plan to let the game take me wherever it wants to.
- WDMHey Mike, got any idea which channels show Blue Jays Spring Training games?
Thanks, Kevin
MW: I think Rogers Sportsnet has a couple. Definitely Tuesday’s Jays/Canada game.
- KevinHey Mike… Whats with you not leaving your loyal readers with any pictures of the Beatles knock off show? Anyway congradulations on getting the call for the US Canada matchup. I know you have always wanted to do the announcing. Just think of Tomcat before you take the mic. I’m sure he helped you get to were you want to be.
MW: No question he did. You can’t take pictures during a show!
- Matt from BCMichael of the Ballyard:
I asked you to qualify AJ’s stupidity, and you seemed bewildered by my use of ‘qualify’ in that context. I will provide a definition from Dictionary.com to assist you with my question and to facilitate your ability to answer effectively:
“to attribute some quality or qualities to; characterize, call, or name: She cannot qualify his attitude as either rational or irrational.”
This is a rather common use of the word ‘qualify’ so I’m not entirely sure what you found confusing about it. With that definition in mind, can you please qualify Jeff Blair’s claim that AJ Burnett is not very smart, and possibly even stupid?
Anyways, I also asked if it was still true to say that the core of the team is locked up through 2010, and you replied to saying that only a small number of contracts expire after this year. That wasn’t exactly what I was trying to get at: I was thinking more along the lines of, ‘is the nucleus of the team only locked up until 2010 or are there significant financial and personnel commitments beyond 2010?’
MW: Oh, OK. Hill, Wells and Rios are all locked up beyond 2010 if the Jays want them, and players like Marcum, McGowan, Litsch, Janssen, Accardo, Cecil, Lind and Snider are all eligible for free agency later than 2010. As for Burnett, I didn’t know him personally – neither did Blair – so I’m not one to give you a definitive answer on his intelligence. He seemed like a regular guy to me, not terribly bright, not especially dumb.
- JCLCongrats on the WBC gig. I se u started calling it Classic and not Festival. Why the change of heart?
MW: I figured if I’m going to be the national play-by-play broadcaster for the event, I should probably call it by the right name.
- karim kanjiHi Mike:
Congrats on the WBC gig. For the majority of us without anything close to major league talent, our dream is to sit in the chair of Jerry Howarth and broadcast a game (hopefully, like Jerry Howarth!). You’ve been an integral part of the Blue Jays radio coverage, and a true Canadian – I look forward to hearing you, and don’t be afraid to wear your passion on your sleeve – bleed maple syrup and GO CANADA!
MW: That’s a tough tightrope to walk – most people don’t want to hear a homer, but I hope for the national team it’s different. There’s no question that I couldn’t be prouder to be Canadian, I’ve bled maple syrup all my life (nice choice of words!), and I want Team Canada to win.
- Tom ValckeHi Mike.. Its good to see your girls are into the fab four.. You might have to keep an eye on them if thier favorite album is sargent peppers though.. Anyway, With the season coming up fast after the WBC. I was surfing the net and saw our locked up 2 starting pitcher, Jessie, and it looked like he has put on a couple of pounds.. I use couple to give him a break.. Hopefully it was a bad angle I was viewing.. With this in mind, It is pretty sad we have almost pencilled in Richmond as our 3rd and who knows for 4 and 5. Who ,in your mind has the best shot at one of these slots.. I know its a crap shoot Mike and a ton of stuff depends on the next month.. But if you had to roll the dice.. Who do you think.. Thanks..
MW: I don’t think Richmond is even pencilled in for the 5th spot, let alone the 3rd. I think the starting five will wind up being Halladay-Litsch-Janssen-Purcey-Clement out of camp.
- FLIPPERGood to hear from you Mike. I will be spending lots of time in Buffalo this season because i’ve landed a media relations internship with the Bisons. I didnt hear back from the Jays so I guess i’m a Mets fan for the 09 season? haha have fun in Florida.
MW: You can pick up the fan590 pretty strong in Buffalo! Congrats on the internship.
- Brett VHey Mike, congrats on the WBC “play by play” announcer position! You will do well I am sure of it. Another step towards the “big time”!
I also took in “Rain”, however unlike yourself I left midway through (not something you could do with the little ones however)! After hearing these guys (especially the Paul character) trying to speak with a Liverpool accent, I had enough. I found only a couple of tunes that seemed “just ok”! The guy doing Lennon was a bit much also. I think, those two guys really believe they are the real deal. Not impressed at all.
If you want your girls to see a truly unique and fantastic tribute band, and if you get the chance take them to see “Beatlemania Now”. These guys not only sound like the real deal, they have a very uncanny similarity as to actually looking like the fab four.
A few years ago they were called just, “Beatlemania” but legal activity towards them stopped the show for awhile. With that cleared up they were back and believe me as a true Beatle fan these guys are truly the best.
If you get a chance Mike check out the pics at this link, as to the guys and the different parts of their act.
http://www.beatlemanianow.com/pics.htm
Very best of luck with the WBC play by play. No doubt you will do well.
Thanks
MW: Thank you!
- Bob from BurlingtonHey Mike,
Congratulations on the play-by-play gig. I’m reminded of a great Tom Cheek story I heard a few springs ago in Dunedin, where I had dinner with a bunch of Blue Jay media. As I heard it, there was this cub radio reporter who was convinced he could tell, from the radio booth, what kind of pitch was being thrown, without actually watching the play. This guy thought he could tell if the pitch was a curve ball or a slider or a fastball or a changeup – from the sound of the ball hitting the catcher’s mitt alone! Cheek heard this, thought the notion was ridiculous, and, mischievously, decided to let this guy test his theory on air. Well, the cub reporter was all excited to show off his “ability,” and took the bait. The pitches were thrown, and the cub reporter, with his back to the action, tried to call each pitch. He was wrong every time, just as Cheek suspected he would. Whiff, whiff, whiff. The people at the dinner table in Dunedin all roared with laughter upon hearing the tale.
And guess who the cub reporter was? Mike Wilner! I know you have a great sense of humour, Mike, so I know you won’t mind a little laughter at your expense
MW: That’s sort of the story, but it didn’t have anything to do with the catcher’s mitt, nor was I excited at all to show off the “ability” when Tom asked me to prove it on the air, and we only did it for one pitch. It was pretty hilarious, though. But cub reporter? Who am I, Jimmy Olsen?
- Evan WhiteWilner,
Thought you might like this article:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tom_verducci/02/24/carlos.delgado/index.html
A little love for King Carlos.
- BobbyCongrats Mike I look forward to listening!
MW: Thanks! And thanks for spelling it right!
- AndeeWOW great news Mike
I sure would like to be able to listen
Do you know if MLB will carry the broadcasts?
MW: I don’t know. But if they don’t, the broadcasts will be on this very website.
- Richard from ARMike,
Good to hear you’ll be doing play by play for Canada’s games at the World Baseball Classic. I’m looking forward to hearing you back on baseball broadcasts.
PLEASE…no more Wong jokes!
Stubby Clap tho’…
- Jim from WoodstockHi Mike,
I can’t wait to hear your play by play calls. I remember one game last season when the feed was lost, I think in Tampa Bay, and you did play by play for 5 minutes or so… I really enjoyed it. I’m glad you’re being given the opportunity. That’s really great.
Best regards,
MW: Thank you!
- ChrisCongratulations on getting to do the play by play for the WBC Mike. I am looking forward to hear what you can do as a play by play man, if you do half the job you on your blog and post/pre-games you will do great. I stopped by to see if you have posted anything new since I checked yesterday and was gonna ask a question but you answered my question with the Saturday and Sunday games being broadcasted on “This Very Radio Station”. Anyone out there that has yet to listen to a Post or Pre-Game show or just new to the blog from Mike Wilner you should make this a regular think during the season and off-season because if you want down right honesty this is the one place you will read and hear it.
Congrats again Mike and cheers to this up-coming season
MW: Thanks!
- ChrisJordon Bastian in his blog proposed moving Alex Rios to Centre full time, with Wells moved to left field or DH, and putting Travis Snider in Right full time, in order to spare Well’s hamstring from undue stress. What are your thoughts?
MW: It’s not a bad idea, defensively, but I don’t think it would spare Well’s hamstring THAT much stress.
- Sam McLeanHi Mike,
It’s great to hear you’ll be doing the play-by-play for the WBC. I can’t wait to hear the games on the FAN once again this season, really looking forward to it!
MW: Thank you!
- IanGreat News Mike. I’ll bring a radio along to all the games.
MW: See? Now THAT is about which that I am talking.
- RahilI know this is completely unrelated, but I know you’re down in Florida and I was looking through the pictures on the Jays website… It sure looks like Adam Lind is growing a handlebar moustache! If so is this a new team trend?
MW: I have no idea what you’re talking about. The last picture I saw of Lind had him growing a beard.
- Peanutwho do you predict the pitchers to be for the Canada/ U.S game saturday and what are your thoughts on Koskie’s comeback
MW: I have no idea, and it’ll be nice to see Koskie again. I’ll be surprised if he gets more than an at-bat a game, if that.
- daveCongratulations Mike. Would you mind calling the plays 5 seconds after they actually happen? That way the radio would sync up with the television broadcast.
MW: Sorry.
- Jay MoneyCongrats to you Mike! I’ll be at the WBC game so I can’t listen live but I’ll try to tape it and listen to it later to see how you did! Good luck. Also, what were your thoughts on today’s two pitchers and how they did? Romero and Cecil I mean.
MW: I wasn’t there, so I can’t really say.
- RenegadeMW “Sunday’s visit to the Rays at their new spring home in Port Charlotte – thanks, by the way, for another two-hour spring road trip. Another reason not to like T-Bay”
Whats the other reason to not like Tampa? because you guareented the Jays would finish ahead of them last year and they made you look like a fool?
MW: That’s one, yeah. Though I wouldn’t say they made me look like a fool. They made me look like someone who was wrong.
- James BrownHey Mike. Maybe it will be the first step in getting the TV gig. For sure you will be a lot better than Jamie Campbell. I really can’t fathom how he got the job in the first place, or how he keeps it. I sure economics is a big part of it. But geez, it’s painful to listen to his commentary. Thank goodness CBC refuses to use him on their games.
MW: Again, why do so many feel that this is the place for such comments? And slander – CBC doesn’t refuse to use Jamie, he’s a Sportsnet employee.
- KenCongrats on getting the call for the WBC. I’ll be on my way to Toronto during Saturday’s Can-US game, at the game Sunday night, getting reaquainted with the city I love in between, so I don’t know if I’ll get to hear you, but best of luck.
As far as ‘Rain,’ you saw a Beatles Tribute band. It sounds like what you wanted to see was a Beatles cover band. Big difference. Tribute bands are supposed to talk with the accents (like Ozzie tribute bands talk with the accents), but cover bands just play the songs. A great Beatles “tribute’ band is called the Caverners. They’re from Canada (Kingston, I think), and if you’re ever in the mood to see guys looking and sounding like the Beatles, check ‘em out. However, if you just want to see a bunch of really talented musicians play some Beatles tunes, let me know, and I’ll tell you when they’re doing ‘Beatles Night’ at the Townehouse up here in Sudbury. You can even crash on my couch.
Cheers Mike!
MW: Thanks for the offer.
- Matt McLeanhers how i think the 2009 lineup will shape up and what potential numbers are
Starting Lineup
SS Marco Scutaro/John McDonald- 260.10HR 60RBI GG
2B Aaron Hill 285./15HR 70RBI
RF Alex Rios 300./30HR 95RBI possible GG
CF Vernon Wells 300./35HR 100RBI GG
DH Adam Lind 280./25HR/80RBI
3B Scott Rolen 275./15HR/60RBI
1B Lyle Overbay 270./15HR/60RBI
C Rod Barajas/Micheal Barrett/J.P. Arincebia 25HR 80RBI
LF Travis Snider 30HR 100RBI ROTY
Bench
IF Joe Inglett 290./2HR/30RBI
DH Kevin Millar 240./15HR/40RBI
3B Jose Bautista 250./10HR/30RBI
Pitching Staff
Roy Halladay 200+ k’s ERA under 3
Jesse Litch ???
David Purcey ???
Brett Cecil ???
Mike Maroth/Matt Clement/Dustin McGowan???
Bullpen
CP B.J. Ryan
SU Scott Downs
RP Brandon League
RP Jesse Carlson
RP Casey Janssen
RP Brian Tallet
MW: RBIs aren’t really under that much of a player’s control, so it’s tough to say. I don’t think you reached too much on anyone except Snider, and there won’t be a gold glove at shortstop if Scutaro gets most of the playing time. I think Overbay and Rolen will both be better than you think.
- JazzMike you are going to be doing the play by play…Hell you think with an event like this they whould have a experiance play by play broadcaster..I just dont think you are as good as you think you are.
MW: It doesn’t matter how good you think I am, or how good I think I am. It matters how good Nelson Millman thinks I am and evidently, he thinks I’m good enough to get the gig.
- kevinCongratulations, Mikhail! I would listen, but I’ll be at the games, and my headset radio broke about 15 years ago. Started to look kind of strange these days, anyways.
MW: Buy a new one!
- WaltHey Mike,
Congrats on the gig. I am very envious.
MW: Thanks!
- CameronCongratulations on the play-by-play coup Mr. Wilner! I’m sure you will carry out your duties with alacrity, wit, and grace. Please try to work the word “aforementioned” into your commentary – for some reason I find that word makes a good show even better.
MW: I’ll do my best.
- James (from the 'Shwa)Hey Mike!
Kudo’s to you for the WBC gig.Looking forward to listening in.Glad to see Cecil got off to a good start.I have a feeling he’s going to be a good one.
MW: Thanks! And I think so, too.
- TerryCongrats Mike!
I have mey tickets for the Canada/USA opener! I’ll bring along a radio for your play by play!
MW: Excellent!
- Scotty DMike, we’re in Dunedin for the weekend. Snider looked great in his first two at bats (a deep line drive and a home run) and Arencibia hit a ball JUST fowl that looked like it was over 400 feet. Pitching was also impressive (all of those lefties).
We wanted to go and watch Team Canada at Englebert on Sunday. Do you know if they’ll be working out there? Will we be able to watch?
Thanks Mike.
MW: I’m not sure, but I didn’t think their first workout was until Monday. I could be wrong, though.
- AllanGood for you mike, Keep up the excelllance work and the rewards will follow.
I hope your broadcast will be on 1190 Weyburn so i can listen to them, I’m happy for you and paul.
MW: Thank you!
- garryMike,
Congrats on getting the broadcast job. I’m sure you will be great. Hopefully I can pick up the games on my satellite radio here in El Paso. My question is this: when the Jays picked up Wilkerson last year, I wondered why, but now that the Sox have signed him I have a feeling that he will somehow be a great addition. Is that the main stream market talking? Thanks and congrats again.
Justin
MW: It has nothing to do with the mainstream media, it’s you. There’s no reason to believe that Wilkerson will do anything more for the Red Sox this year than he did for the Jays last year.
- JustinMike,
I eagerly await listening to your play-by-play at the WBC. I’ll be at the Canada – U.S. game so I’ll have to wait for Game Two to hear it. I’m off to Arizona this week for some Cactus League games (my wife has to go to ‘zona for work and I’m just tagging along), flying back to Buffalo on Friday and will make the drive to Toronto on Saturday for the game before heading back to Ottawa on Sunday.
MW: Bring a radio to the game!
- DerekMike,
Congradulations on the gig! Unfortunately I won’t be able to listen becuase I’m attending in person. Hope all goes well!!
MW: See above.
- SandyHello Mike,
With a month or so to go until Opening Day it’s time to take stock re the Jays:
Things to anticipate this season:
- Roy Halladay
- The development of Snider and Lind
- The return of McGowan
- A full season – hopefully – for Aaron Hill
- Someone – “anyone” – other than Zaunie behind the plate (enough was finally enough)
- The potentially strong performance of the bullpen
- One more chance to see if Rios is going to be more than he’s shown so far
- The possibility for a young starting pitcher to step forward
- Cito not jerking his starting pitchers out of the game at the slightest sign
of trouble
- Listening to the radio broadcasts, including your show
- Roy Halladay
Things to dread:
-Mike Maroth
- Matt Clement
- The eternal shortstop fiasco (can you imagine the Yankees or Bosox having a “should Johnny Mac start” debate!!!)
- The knowledge that some find solace in the fact that Big Lyle’ll take a walk
- Rolen’s physical breakdown
- Wells leaving seemingly thousands of runners in scoring position
- The lament that all would be different if only Marcum hadn’t got hurt (the same guy who was banished to the minors last August)
- The refrain that the Jays are being decimated by injuires, otherwise… (the notion that “other” teams – including those that have finished ahead of the Jays _ have had more numerous and impactful injuries seems an impossible concept to grasp).
- J.P. saying “I like our team…”
- The rallying cry that NEXT year is the year – WHY???
- Mike Maroth
MW: Sigh.
- KenMike, I’m looking forward to hearing you and Jerry tomorrow afternoon for the first time in 2009. And I’m looking forward more to hearing you and Paul Spoljaric on the WBC broadcasts as well. That is great to hear. Hope Canada goes all the way to Dodger Stadium for the semi-finals and hopefully the final. Take care.
Peter, St.Catharines
- PeterI guess this spring shall be called the Josh Towers & Gustavo Chacin watch as they both try to hook up with the Nationals !
MW: Someone will be keeping an eye on them, for sure.
- tomasPat Gillick is God.
- jimMW: “That story came from a report last month by Marty York, and it’s not true. ”
MW: Marty was right, as it turns out.
You gotta add the phrase “as it turns out”. Why? Marty was right. Period. It’s not as if he made a guess and it turned out to be correct. I’m pretty sure that he knew he was right when he wrote it.
In any event when somebody from Baseball Canada was discussing the potential players on Primetime he made it very clear that the 45-man roster could very easily be changed. The announcement of the list was primarily to give the teams and the event some publicity.
MW – Evidently there’s a loophole
KW – There was no loophole. It was clear when the lists were announced.
MW: You seem like an angry man. I spoke to someone with Baseball Canada last month who told me that a player could only play if he was on the provisional roster, so it wasn’t that clear when the lists were announced.
- KenMW: It doesn’t matter how good you think I am, or how good I think I am. It matters how good Nelson Millman thinks I am and evidently, he thinks I’m good enough to get the gig.
And the price was right. So you show em. That Blue Jay television job is basically up for grabs.
MW: The price was right, but it was equally right for a few thousand others who would like to do it, I’m sure. I don’t think the TV job is up for grabs at all – Jamie’s contract was renewed this year.
- KenHey Mike, 2 more questions :
1) Will you be watching the non-Canada games at the WBC? I assume you won’t be broadcasting for them.
2) Any chance the Jays try and make a move to acquire Jeff Niemann, he’s out of options in Tampa, and with their rotation I’ve heard they may be looking to move him?
MW: 1 – I’ll try to see as many games as I can. 2 – I’m sure the Jays are looking at any good, young pitching that’s available.
- RahilMike… A broadcasting question since you’ll be soon joining the ranks. What’s your favourite “call” from a non-Blue Jay game, radio or television? I like Joe Buck’s call from Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS when Ortiz hit the extra-inning homer and he called it as “We’ll see you all later on tonite,” as it was hit after midnight. I think it was a tribute to his dad’s call on Kirby Puckett’s extra-inning homer in Game 6 of the 1991 WS when Jack Buck uttered almost the same words. Fantastic baseball memories!!
MW: I’ll have to really think about that one. The one that jumps out for me is Vin Scully’s “I don’t believe what I just saw,” on Kirk Gibson’s homer in Game 1 of the ’88 World Series.
- chris m.Mike…During those stretches of 20-plus games without a day off, coupled with your blog and your other duties as a dad and husband, what Beatles’ song(s) best describes your situation?
a) Eight Days A Week
b) I’m So Tired
c) The Long And Winding Road
d) A Hard Day’s Night
e) Select your own
Knowing your upbeat style, Mike, you’d probably select “I Feel Fine”
MW: It’s probably “I’ll Be Back”.
- chris m.Hey Mike,
This is a best case scenario sort of question, but I was interested what you thought. If all goes right, our starting pitching in 2010 should be Halladay, Marcum, McGowan, Litsch, and Purcey. It’s also likely that at least one of the people slotted into the 4 or 5 slot this year will develop well, and that Brett Cecil should be major league ready, leaving the Jays with excess starting pitching.
Would the Jays trade away one of those young starters at this point to get some hitting help gearing up for a big 2010? If so, which pitcher would you think would be the best trade candidate and what kind of hitter could the Jays get in return?
I know it’s a best case scenario question, but I think it’s one to be optimistic about!
Thanks in advance.
MW: Don’t leave Janssen out of that mix. The problem with trading good pitching is that as soon as you trade it, you tend to need it.
- BretHi Mike,
This is my first time writing, but I’ve been reading your blog for the past 2 years almost everyday as soon as i get home from school. By the way i find it very interesting . I have a question, what do you think of Brett Cecil and Ricky Romero? And do you have any videos of them pitching? Also what type of player does Justin Jackson project to be( a five tool player, move to third, good fielder, good hitter, any of those)? And when should we expect those three to make it to the big leagues?
Thanks Mike and again great blog.
MW: Thanks for finally commenting! I don’t have any videos of anyone. I’ve never seen Ricky Romero pitch, and I’ve only seen Cecil throw once, a year ago, but I was impressed with his stuff and his poise. Jackson is a slick-fielding shortstop with a good eye at the plate but a tendency to strike out way too much, especially given his lack of power. Of course, he’s only two years out of high school. I think all three of them will see the bigs at some point, but Cecil should easily be the best of the bunch.
- BradOh and what are the chances of the jays signing Pedro Martinez? I think he would fit right in here in Toronto.
MW: The chances are extremely low, though I think it’d be cool, too.
- BradCongrats on the WBC gig Mike!
With Wells’ injured hamstring doesn’t placing him in the DH spot still subject his hamstring to a large amount of stress?
I may be remembering incorrectly but didn’t he originally injure it last season advancing from first to third??
Hopefully the following four weeks will give him the time he needs to completely heal and this won’t affect his season
MW: He hurt it last year stealing third. Sure DHing will still stress the hammy, but it’ll stress it less than playing the outfield will.
- PatYou know Mike, maybe I play too much fantasy baseball or do too many computer simulations, but I cannot understand why a manager like Cito Gaston (with all his experience) would give a 34 year old with a career on base percentage of .325 the most at bats on the team. Putting Lyle Overbay in the leadoff spot with his .362 OBP is just not in the cards?
Then I remembered that he also put a career .319 OBP hitter in the leadoff spot during his previous tenure.
I guess Cito is a genuis and I am just a stupid fan.
MW: I’m pretty sure there’s not that big a sample size for Overbay leading off, and Scoot did have an obp over .350 last year.
- Jim BMike,
If you really thought this was “not the place” to insult Jamie Campbell, why are you printing the comments of those who do?
MW: It’s a good point. I won’t post any more.
- TylerHi Mike,
Congratulations on being selected to cover the play-by-play during the WBC. I’m eagerly looking forward to attending this event, not so much because of the international competition, but simply because I miss baseball action here in Toronto.
Given your history with Ernie Whitt (who will be managing the Canadian team), do you foresee any issues with regards to manager interviews or player coverage during the event? I’m assuming you’re likely going to be tasked with interviewing Mr. Whitt and members of the team. Hopefully everything goes smoothly!
MW: I’m sure everything will be fine with Ernie, we talked at the Baseball Canada banquet last month and all was good. I have a feeling that Paul Spoljaric will do the Ernie interviews, though, I think it’ll be interesting to hear the conversation between Ernie and a guy who played for him at the Olympics.
- JoelHey Mike Congrats on getting the play by play for the wbc games. That’s going to be awesome, and I’ll definitely be listening.
MW: Thank you!
- DanGood luck Mike, bout time you got called in there!!!
MW: See above!
- JakeHey Mike, I guess if I can look forward to listening to your broadcast, I can thus also listen forward to looking for you at said event…so, will you be in the plasto-tent outside the Rogers Centre pre-game?
All the best Mike, I’m taking my transistor radio to the game and will look forward to listening to you and Paul – maybe you can chat about the IBL with him, 8-1 last year, nice season…Cheers
MW: There will be no tent at the WBC, as far as I know.
- TimMike, I was wondering a little bit about Brad Mills. I read up on him, hes very young, and he pretty much rocketed through the system from low class A up to AA New Hampshire. Thats very impressive.
Is he considered an A prospect? I’m looking forward to monitoring his development.
On a side note, I feel as if Litsch doesn’t get the credit he deserves. This kid is only 23-24 years old, 4 years younger then marcum and McGowan. Hes got a a lot of growing to do. Is he a legit #2 starter at this point? No. But I believe hes a solid 3-4 right now, and potentially a 2 solid #2 in a couple years.
I personally like him over McGowan. Sure McGowan can clock 94-98, but Litsch is extremely poised. Also, I believe the Jays wouldn’t have to worry much about Litsch throwing his arm out, the way McGowan easily could/has. Im looking for Litsch to improve tremendously over the next couple years, under Halladay.
Thanks Mike.
MW: Mills did a great job last year and really put himself on the Jays’ radar and could potentially follow Litsch’s path to the bigs. As far as why Jesse doesn’t get the credit – and you’re right, he doesn’t – it’s because he wasn’t highly-rated, came out of nowhere, and has average stuff. But he definitely knows how to pitch and doesn’t get rattled at all.
- dannyMike,
After reading Comment#31 from Tom Valke (President/CEO of The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys), the idea just hit me….invite Tom to be the 3rd guy in the booth for the World Baseball Classic broadcast…he’s got some great stories and the Canadian Ball Hall can always use some publicity.
Tom has done some broadcasting in the past and was excellent in the role.
Have you ever been to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame yourself?
Maybe you could do a live feed from the Ball Hall on Induction Day, (June 20th), this year…Larry Walker and Ernie Whitt are being inducted as you know.
The Jays are in Washington that weekend playing the Expos…sorry, the Nationals anyway…perfect!
Talk amongst yourselves….
- DJJAYWho is this Lane guy who has hit two home runs in two games? Does he have a shot at forcing his way onto the bench?
MW: Jason Lane hit 26 homers for the Astros in 2005. He has been a nice lefty-crusher in the past and though he probably won’t make the team, he’s definitely someone they can call up from Vegas to help out at some point.
- Sam McLeanHey Mike,
Super happy to read about you doing the WBC play-by-play! I’ve always enjoyed the technical difficulties that occured during the broadcasts because that meant we got to hear a bit of you. If I remember correctly, you took over in the top of the 9th in a game in Milwaukee in which the Jays trailed 8-1. And they got the deficit all the way down to one run (maybe on a Joe Inglett grand slam?). I really liked your call of that game and the few others that you got the chance in. Anyways, congrats and I can’t wait to listen to you and Paul Spoljaric!
Mike, do you think that Manny is going to sign soon, or do you think maybe he waits it out, even into the start of the regular season, to get the 4 years and 100 mil he’s looking for?
MW: Thanks! If Manny is waiting for 4/100, he’ll never play again.
- Justin from Ardtrea“Mike you are going to be doing the play by play…Hell you think with an event like this they whould have a experiance play by play broadcaster..I just dont think you are as good as you think you are.”
MW: It doesn’t matter how good you think I am, or how good I think I am. It matters how good Nelson Millman thinks I am and evidently, he thinks I’m good enough to get the gig.
What an idiotic comment and a great response to same.
Kudos to you Mike, first of all for responding to it and your 100% correct, it matters not what anyone other than your boss thinks, as to you handling the “play by play” duties.
You have very obviously earned the opportunity! By the looks of the majority of the comments, their are plenty of us out there who agree with Nelsons’ choice as well.
Your a baseball guy for sure and you have a unique and recognizable set of “pipes” that carries very well over the radio.
All the best!
Thanks.
MW: Thanks! I don’t know about the pipes, though.
- Bob from BurlingtonMike, re #52
If the Jays ring up the offense projected in this post, they should win everything in sight!
In 2008 only one team (CWS) had more HR’s than the 227 projected here, and only three teams (Texas 867, Cubs 811, Red Sox 807), totalled more than the 805 RBI’s. In fact, only 6 teams scored more Runs than the 805 total, led by Texas’ 901!
And all that without counting any contribution from anyone else.
I would love for them to get this kind of production, but — in spite of not being able to “pin down” the exact spots where the projections are too high — on a team basis it looks like a severe stretch.
I think a “team discount” of 75/80 RBI’s and at least 25 HR’s is required — (and that still leaves pretty good numbers!)
- NormMike….Trying to be optimistic, do you think the Jays could be the “Tampa Bay” of 2009? Lower expectations to begin the year, but with Listch, Jannsen and Purcey hopefully playing the roles of Sonnanstine, Shields and Garza, can the season start to become something special and unexpected? Here’s hoping so, but I didn’t even mention the offence, so I know a lot of good things have to happen, starting and ending with a healthy roster.
MW: It’s possible. Highly improbable, but possible.
- chris m.Hey, mike… congrats on the gig.
What Blue Jay minor leaguers do you think have a chance to take it to the next level this year? Assuming that they won’t make the team, I’m looking forward to the development of JPA, David Cooper, Brad Mills, and Justin Jackson. Any others on your “To watch” list?
And a second question.. with fairly impressive stats last year, why does there seem to be a general lack of love for Scott Campbell? He rarely gets mentioned in prospect conversations. And yes, I realize I failed to mention him myself.
MW: All those guys are definitely ones to watch. I’d like to see how Kevin Ahrens and Brian Jeroloman do, as well, among others. Campbell gets plenty of love around these parts, and now that he’s being moved to third, there’s a clearer path to the big leagues for him in a couple of years.
- ronMike. I just turned on my radio and it is just awesome to hear you and Jerry once again, very comforting as I look out my window as I watch the snow come down. I’m going to it today and tomorrow as well. Have a good broadcast.
- PeterMike congrats on the WBC gig that must be an awesome feelin. Now to the Jays, your boy Clement had a decent outing yesterday, I’d still rather see Cecil make the team but if Clement beats him out I’ll give you your props. I really want Inglett to be on the team over Bautista or Millar. His hustle and overall work ethic are better than both of those other guys. He gets on base, can run and is better defensivly, so to me it’s a no brainer. I’m not worried (yet) about Wells hammy, he’ll be good to go by April. Not sure I’d have overbay hitting in the 2 hole though, seems better in 6th to me. 2 hole should be a guy who can handle the bat and drop a bunt down once in a while (something the Jays are horrible at doing) and I don’t think the big O is that type of hitter.
MW: A bunt?????? Your 2-hitter should be able to get on-base to help set things up for the 3-4-5.
- Blair MartinIt’s great to hear the Jays back on the radio, even if it’s a spring training game. Congratulations on getting the play-by-play position for the WBC.
MW: Thanks.
- RyanMike,
If your going to do play-by-play, get your facts straight.
You said Ryan gave up 3 runs on 2 hits in 1/3 of an inning.
Those were not Ryan’s runs at all.
Also, too much dead time when your doing the play by play in the 3rd inning. Lotta empty spaces
MW: So an analyst doesn’t have to get the facts straight, just the play-by-play guy? You’re right, though, I thought I screwed up Ryan’s numbers and when I went back and checked I’d gotten his line mixed up with Ricky Romero’s, who is listed directly above him. Regardless, Ryan didn’t pitch well against the Yankees.
- ChrisDoes Scott Campbell have a chance with the Blue jays in the future or does he seem destined to be a permanent minor leaguer?
MW He’s 24 years old going into his 4th year pro. Give the kid a chance.
- Sam McLeanToday it sounded like BJ Ryan didn’t throw a single strike – like each strike that was called was either a swinging strike (but would have been called a ball) or fouls.
Was this pretty much that happened?
MW: It wasn’t THAT bad.
- Sam McLeanNice job today, Mike! I enjoyed the balance you guys had between quality play-by-play and humour. The engineer laughing in the background kept cracking me up.
I’m surprised at how few fellow fans at the RC have their AM radios in tow. I feel a little bit lost watching games without it.
- LJJeff Blair is reporting today that the Jays will try and move Rolen and Overbay this spring if possible. If this happens, who plays first and third? I assume Lind/Millar plays first/DH and Bautista plays third?
Yikes, seems like a downgrade to me. I hope they keep Overbay, he’s going to have a big year.
MW: I would think that Lind/Millar would play first and Inglett/Bautista would play third, but I don’t think Rolen and Overbay are going anywhere that quickly.
- Jamie THow would you feel if I was your color guy brother?
MW: Oy.
- Hulk HoganMichael of the Ballyard:
MW: Oh, OK. Hill, Wells and Rios are all locked up beyond 2010 if the Jays want them,
I assume that isn’t it to say that those contracts can be disposed of in any way other than a trade post-2010, is it? The whole ‘if the Jays want them’ made it sound like the team can unilaterally terminate those contracts, which doesn’t sound right to me at all :s
MW: They have the option to walk away from Hill after 2010, but only him.
- JCLMike….I’m not 100% sure, but I think the call on Gibson’s homer with the “Can’t believe what I just saw” was also Jack Buck. I’ve always heard two versions of it and I think Vin Scully’s is the one with something like “Long drive and its gone and the DODGERS WIN”…But you wouldn’t be wrong selecting either version. It’s always nice to see Eckersley frustrated over and over again.
MW: I think you’re right, it was Jack Buck. I still can’t believe Eck walked Mike Davis!
- chris m.Hey Mike, just wanted to say that I really enjoyed the play-by-play you did on the game yesterday and I’m looking forward to hearing you call the WBC games. So glad that baseball is here again. :)
MW: Thank you!
- AGHi Mike,
It’s great that you’ve been given the opportunity to do the play-by-play for the WBC. I’ll certainly be tuning in. You did a great ob with calling a couple innings on the first radio broadcast. I always enjoy the work that you do you do a great job with the phone call show. Will you be taking calls during the pre-season games a little? Keep up the great work and I’d enjoy hearing comments.
MW: Thanks! Yes, there will be post-game calls during the pre-season and, I believe, during the WBC.
- Ali MoosaThoughts on the Jays going after Orlando Cabrera, Mike?
MW: It depends what they’d have to give up in a sign-and-trade, but he definitely improves the team at shortstop and one would think he’d be here for a couple of years. I don’t think he’s particularly well-suited to be the lead-off man, though.
- RenegadeMike….I was at a Leaf/Red Wings game the night of Gibson’s homer that October night in 1988. Popped into one of Yonge St’s watering holes just in time for the eighth and ninth. Mike, coupled with your disbelief over walking Mike Davis was also Eck getting beaten on a hanging slider, not his “out” pitch…A real strange story would come after this homer stating that even had Gibson hit a single to the outfield, he was so banged up it was not inconceivable that the A’s outfielder might’ve thrown him out at first….Where was Mr. Wilner on this historic night?
MW: Believe it or not, I was at work. Managing a Jumbo Video near Bathurst and Steeles. But I was watching the game in the office.
- chris m.Congratulations on the gig, Mike. I’m looking forward to hearing you and Spoljaric, although I’m going to have to listen with one earphone in on the 7th – my son is skiing at the National Nordic Championships in Duntroon (near Collingwood), and I will be marshalling somewhere out on the course.
I think that JP may be right about Snider needing a little more Triple A time, but if this year is supposed to be the write-off various media members are telling us it will be, why not let him get his experience in the bigs ? Wells’ injury may force the issue, anyway.
Looking forward to the season just the same.
MW: Good luck to your son on Saturday! I think Snider will be well-served by spending the year in the big leagues, but the Jays may want to delay his free agency by keeping him in AAA until early May. I don’t think that J.P. is concerned enough with the 2014-15 off-season to hold Snider back if he has a good spring and Cito really wants him, though.
- FoxyIt was really good to hear you and Jerry the past two days, Mike.
I am rather looking forward to the netcasts on Tuesday and Wedneday- even tho I’ll only be able to listen to half the first game since I have class at 2:30.
Do we know who will be pitching for the Jays? It’s silly, but I’d love to see Halladay whup the States batters,
Do you think that Toronto sports fans have a habit of falling in love with players who aren’t that great, and then getting angry when they leave?
Pinball, Darcy Tucker and Matt Bonner are obvious non Jays examples, but I’m thinking more of Joe Inglett – who we love because he wears his socks high as you put it last year, John McDonald, Reed Johnson (for me it was Josh Towers).
MW: I don’t know who will be pitching for the Jays yet, but if they go according to a five-man schedule it’ll be Matt Clement, who pitched on Friday. I think sports fans in every city do that, though I wouldn’t put Pinball Clemons in that category – the guy is a legit CFL hall-of-famer.
- Sam McLeanMW: I’ll have to really think about that one. The one that jumps out for me is Vin Scully’s “I don’t believe what I just saw,” on Kirk Gibson’s homer in Game 1 of the ‘88 World Series.
That was certainly a memorable call, but it wasn’t Vin Scully.
Jack Buck was recognizable by his deep, gravelly voice, penchant for sardonic irony, and his distinctive play-by-play calls. Among these were Buck’s descriptions of Kirk Gibson’s dramatic game-winning pinch hit home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series (“I don’t believe what I just saw!”)
MW: Thanks, but someone beat you to that.
- Ken