7:50 PM Eastern
Team Canada 2009 gathered as a unit for the first time today, but a couple of delays pushed its arrival at the Bobby Mattick until the afternoon, so I decided to go see the Blue Jays play a “B” game against the Phillies – I wanted to see David Purcey pitch, as well as Brandon League.
I love going to “B” games because you can get right into the action. You can get as close as the backstop and there’s no better place to gauge the speed and movement of a pitch, other than crouching behind the plate. I was really looking forward to getting an up-close view of League’s stuff, and as it turns out, it’s pretty damn nasty.
Purcey struggled in the first inning – he told me he was having a hard time finding his arm slot – but he should have come out of it without allowing a run. He walked the leadoff man, Jason Ellison, on five pitches, then gave up a rocket double to Marcus Giles to put runners on second and third with nobody out. But Purcey got Geoff Jenkins to pop up a 2-0 pitch to shallow left, and walked Greg Dobbs to load the bases, setting up a double play. He got the double-play ball on the next pitch, Lou Marson (Philly’s catcher of the future) hit a hard grounder to second, right to Russ Adams. Adams fielded it cleanly, turned, and threw it well past shortstop Angel Sanchez at second base.
Another benefit of being so close is that I could clearly hear Adams say “Oh, #^$@#&%$@#&” as he let the ball go. One run scored there, and another when Mike Cervenak followed with a sac fly to the track.
Purcey struck out the next four batters he faced, and was done having thrown 38 pitches over two innings.
It wasn’t your typical “B” game full of minor-leaguers. Everyone in the Phillies’ line-up that Purcey faced had had some big-league time. The Jays brought over Scott Rolen, who went 0-for-2 with a walk as the DH, and Adams, but they and Buck Coats were the only hitters they had who had been in the show.
I left after six with the Phillies up 2-0. Tallet, Frasor, League and Carlson threw a shutout inning each in relief, with Frasor needing only seven pitches to get through his.
The Team Canada workout wasn’t nearly as media-friendly as the rest of Spring Training, with two very limited windows to actually talk to players. Most of those windows were spent with Corey Koskie, who is returning after a 2 1/2 year absence having suffered a concussion in July of 2006. He said that that part of his life is over now, and that he’s fully healthy and ready to go. He’ll DH tomorrow in the exhibition game against the Jays, and if he swings the bat well, he could knock Mark Teahen over to second base in the Canadian line-up, sending Peter Orr to the bench. Most Toronto writers will have a terrific story on Koskie and his comeback from the concussion. He was passionate and eloquent when discussing his 2 1/2 years in the wilderness and his battles against doctors who thought he was suffering from some psychosomatic illness because they couldn’t find anything physically wrong with his brain. Unfortunately, he was as long-winded (in a good way, like me) as he was passionate and eloquent, with one of his answers going almost three minutes and another one just over five, which doesn’t work well for the radio. I encourage you to read the writers’ stuff, especially Shi Davidi of CP, who was the only one to get any one-on-on time with Koskie.
Ernie Whitt revealed his plans for the batting order, telling us that shortstop Chris Barnwell (AAA-Houston) will lead off because Whitt liked his on-base percentage (I can’t tell you how nice it was to hear those words). He has posted OBPs of .364, .331 and .375 the last three years at AAA. Following Barnwell will be catcher Russ Martin, Joey Votto (at DH), first baseman Justin Morneau, Jason Bay (in centrefield as Canada looks offense first) and DH Matt Stairs. Whitt didn’t say what order the final three will be, but the remaining starters will likely be Teahen at third, Peter Orr at second and Indians’ prospect Nick Weglarz in left. Weglarz has an injured ankle, though, so he won’t play tomorrow against the Jays. Votto will play left as Koskie DHs.
Whitt also said that he was leaning towards a particular starter for Saturday’s opener against the U.S., then said that he wasn’t leaning towards anyone. Scott Richmond is the best they’ve got, and he’ll be saved for an elimination game or potential clincher.
Tomorrow it’s Mike Maroth against Richmond at Dunedin Stadium. Make sure to tune us in at 1:00 Eastern on mlb.com – Ashby will be here, so the whole gang will be together for the first time!
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome.
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Hi Mike,
Hi on my last comment I asked about Brett Cecil, Ricky Romero, and Justin Jackson, but i forgot to ask you about Kevin Ahrens (whom i haven’t heard of since he was drafted), and David Cooper. What kind of players do those guys project to be, and will they end up switching positions from what they currently play? Also when should we expect them to be called up to the big leagues? And do you think Cecil will make the club out of spring training?
MW: I think Cooper projects to be a Lyle Overbay (2006) type player with maybe a little more pop developing. Ahrens is still just a teenager, but there were comparisons to Chipper Jones when he was drafted. We could see Cooper in the bigs by late 2010, but that’s probably a stretch. Later for Ahrens. I don’t think Cecil will make the team, but the chance certainly exists.
- BradMike,
Great work on the broadcast. It was a pleasure!
Little friendly suggestion for your travels. If you are a frequent traveller to countries which use US currency like myself, I would suggest you open a US bank account and acquire a USD credit card. This way you get the best of both worlds. You can buy USDs when the dollar is favorable, make your purchases with the credit card without conversion fees, and then pay the credit card balance from your US account with USDs purchased at a favorable rate. Most major banks in Canada offer USD accounts and USD credit cards free of service charges.
Keep up the good work.
- Adrian MMike…The ONLY thrill I get when the Yanks win a game is reading the pitch count on Mariano Rivera and seeing how he gets 3 outs with sometimes 7-8 pitches..He is fun to watch..Mike, I have no stats to back it up, but does it not seem that when Rivera strikes guys out, there appears to be a lot of called third strikes? For a guy with impeccable control who basically throws one pitch, one would think guys would be swinging more, but that’s just the way it seems to me.
- chris m.Hey Mike. Is it called Knology Park still or did they change it to Dunedin Stadium? BTW I was wondering if baseball videogames are part of your past time? Have you seen what some of the latest MLB videogames look like? If you ever get a chance to play MLB The Show 09 its pretty scary how realistic MLB players in the game look like there real life counterparts.
MW: I have never played an MLB video game. Video games are too hard for old people like me, I can’t figure out the controller that came into vogue with the Nintendo (I think). I’m going to try to get a Wii, though, so I can get back into it. It’s Dunedin Stadium again, Knology dropped their sponsorship.
- Matt from BCHi Mike – What’s the update on those cupcakes? Did you do it?
MW: Not yet.
- T from NYYou think Scott Richmond has any animosity towards the Jays for not releasing him for the Olympics that will give him some extra motivation? (half kidding since I know you hate these type of questions)
MW: Only half kidding? Of course he doesn’t. He has a chance at a major-league career now that he likely wouldn’t have had if he’d gone to Beijing.
- Brett VGreat job over the weekend and a nice preview of what is to come for the WBC and your broadcasting. When a radio play-by-play guy leaves you with a mental image of how a play is going down, I figure he is doing a good job. You did that very well Mike. Further to that – you do have a unique set of “pipes” for the radio!
Not sure if I missed it anywhere in your blogs of late – however, how is Scott Rolen and that shoulder of his doing?
Keep up the good work and best of luck in the WBC.
Thanks.
MW: Thanks! Rolen’s shoulder seems to be fine so far.
- Bob from BurlingtonMike, just wanted to let you know that you’ve listed 2 DH’s and no RF. Did you mean to put Stairs in right?
MW: Yep.
- TimmyHi Mike
Call me the eternal optimist but I am feeling pretty good about this year and the starting rotation.
Halladay is well Halladay but ther have been good starts by Litsch, Cecil, Clement, Richmond and a good one it appears from Purcey.
The offence is also showing shades of 2006. Might the Jays just surprise this year?
Your thoughts
MW: They might indeed surprise this year, but basing that opinion on the results of the first week of Spring games is misguided.
- Richard from ARHi Mike,
Great work as usual! I’ve been wondering, can you tell me how Koskie ended up on the Team Canada roster when he wasn’t on the provisional roster? I thought you had to be in order to be eligible.. Can’t wait for the WBC games!!
-alice
MW: I thought so, too, but there’s a provision that a player on the provisional roster can be removed and replaced if injured. So they took off Francis and put on Koskie.
- AliceMichael. Hail, hail the gang’s all here, and Ashby’s back in the saddle again (apologies to Steven Tyler), I’ll be watching and listening. Have a good broadcast.
Peter, St.Catharines
- PeterIf Ernie Whitt even muttered the words “On Base Percentage”, I think he should be under serious consideration for future manager of the Blue Jays.
I think Cito is going to drive all of us nuts this year with public musings like starting Accardo. I nearly left the stadium last year when it was annouced that John MacDonald was batting second.
MW: That only happened twice.
- Jim BMike,
If your going to go to a B game, sure update us on the MLB players, but a lot of us jays fans would also love to hear about any prospects you saw and how they looked. And if nothing catches your eye just make something up to get us excited.
- Pee WeeLove the work you’ve done so far.
But in regards to your last blog, travelers check??? Come on Mike lets use cash, biggest pet peeve for me is people in front of me using a travelers check especially at the 7/11. Come on you’ve got to be better than that! Especially for items under $10. This is for everyone use cash it makes the world a faster and better place!
GO JAYS GO!!!!!!!!!!
MW: I’m not carrying around enough cash to get me through a month in Florida.
- tony43Mike,
what do you think Canada’s chances are to beat the U.S and do anything in this tournament. How much more realistic would it be if guys like bedard, harden, and dempster were playing.
MW: The chances would be better if Canada had all those guys – and Francis, Shawn Hill and Gagne, too. It’s unlikely that they’ll beat the U.S. on Saturday, but certainly not impossible. Remember, this is baseball – the best team beats the worst probably only about three times in four. In one game, it doesn’t matter which is the better team.
- John TerryMike,
I probably won’t be the first to mention how good Cecil has looked so far early in the spring. How much has Jason Lane impressed early this spring? He has put some pressure on Millar to make the team. With the A’s signing of Nomar and Cabrera, any chance the Jays try to trade for Crosby? Thanks Mike
MW: The Jays won’t try to deal for Crosby, he makes too much money and hasn’t been worth it far more often than not. I don’t think Lane has put pressure on Millar yet.
- justinmichael.
- darrell bishopheard you over the weekend in both games.
very good job there my friend..
a new guy not overdoing it & just calling the game as it unfolds. that’s the way to do it i’m pretty sure.
and wanted to pass this on to you..
i converse from time to time with an ex-scout of the jays who has told me the other day that former associates of his (still in the game) feel that pitcher cecil, c arencibia, 1b cooper, and of snider are as good a young nucleus of players going forward as pretty much any team in mlb have right now.
also said jackson at ss & ahrens at 3b (jury is still out at this point) but promise there too no doubt & certainly both looking like probable major leaguers.
no mention of campbell at 2b at all.
and one other young pitcher whose name i’ve forgotten & didn’t recognize actually was also thought to be a very good looking prospect but a litle further away than the others above .
and believe me when i tell you this, the former scout i know isn’t the biggest fan of j.p. at this point based on not being employed any longer so tells me this with some reluctance i’m sure.
but his comrades think that j.p. has quietly put together a young bunch 2nd to none in the last 4-5 yrs. or so.
but don’t let the other blog readers here read this if you can. it’ll just pain them to no end hearing this i’m quite certain….
Hi Mike,
What is the deal with the MLB radio package? Is it worth picking up if I am never outside the Fan 590 broadcast range? Why are they charging for audio? Can’t they get revenue from advertising?
I want to listen to more spring games, but there is no way I am paying $14.99 a month for something I will get for free once the regular season starts.
MW: You won’t get it for free once the season starts, though.
- Scotty DMike,
I like the way the pitching staff has been going so far. They seem to have some good competition going on. I would still like to see the Jays go and get Pedro. You can never have too many arms. I understand that Bonds probably used steroids and that is not right. Most people would say that he was the best player in the 90′s. The way the world embraced Mcgwire and Sosa for bringing back baseball I can see Bonds point of view. I don’t agree but I undersrtand. With that said, what would it hurt to give him a shot? Would the ramifications be worse than the possible reward? Thanks.
MW: I would be all for signing Bonds if he wasn’t going on trial in July. That can kind of derail a season.
- justinand just to clarify michael,
- darrell bishopthe associate(s) that my former scouting friend was talking with are of other teams in mlb not with the blue jays.
so very impartial viewpoints on players mentioned no doubt…
Hi Mike,
Starting to get that baseball bug again. The last few seasons I have started out very optimistic, only to be disappointed. This year my expectations are lower, so hopefully the reverse will happen and I will be pleasantly surprised.
Question about Russ Adams. When he came up I really liked his bat, and I believe most considered him a blue chip prospect. We all know the nightmare he went through with this throws to first, but why do you think his bat didn’t develop as expected? Do the two go hand in hand? He still could have become a solid DH or 1st baseman. Is he now considered prospect or suspect?
Thanks as always,
Rob H.
MW: He’s very much a suspect. He could probably eventually be a big-league hitter, but there are FAR better hitters to plug in at a position like first base or DH.
- Rob H.Hey Mike,
I am intrigued by both Randy Ruiz and Brett Harper. Based purely on minor league numbers, I would have these guys ahead of Bautista and Millar and the roster should the Jays need a DH/3rd Baseman/1st Baseman…
In the last 5 years the Jays haven’t signed minor leaguers like Harper, Ruiz and Lane. Could this be Beeston/Gaston related?
MW: No. What do you mean they haven’t signed minor-leaguers like these guys?
- Stevie HMike…Much has been made of the Yankees acquisitions, and on paper they appear impressive…But Mike if you’re the opposing manager, does an outfield of Damon, Nady and Cabrera scare you offensively? And what became of the Mike Cameron/Cabrera deal?…I thought it went through.
MW: It didn’t. No, that outfield doesn’t scare me, but it’s likely to be Swisher/Damon/Nady or some such, which isn’t very scary either.
- chris m.Mike,
- DJJAYI taped and watched the Jays/Canada game yesterday and was pretty impressed with the Canadian squad. The team looks pretty strong with a good mix of veterans and young guys. The 6’7″ 250lb French Canadian pitcher, Phillippe Aumont would scare the maple syrup out of you and tend to make you squeeze the bat handle a little tighter once you stepped in the box. He didn’t seem to have the best control which would enhance his ability to intimidate….too bad they don’t have a mascot in Dunedin that Russell Martin could’ve requested he “bean”, just to emphasize his “control issues”. (think Bull Durham and Nuke Laloosh…ha!!!) Good luck in the WBC…to you and the Canadians!!!!! Go Leaves!!!!
So how is Frasor’s change working thus far ? 3 batters – 3 outs – 7 pitches… he’s doing something right !
MW: I don’t remember seeing the change in the one inning I saw in the “B” game.
- Jim CarsonAm I the only one who’d like to see Koskie getting the shot Millar is getting?
It’s too bad we didn’t take the opportunity to maybe put a better final chapter on that whole business.
It’s not like Millar is the answer.
(Not that I don’t still think Mosies Alou is the best choice but that’s a different subject)
MW: I think Alou is the best choice, too, but not if Vernon Wells is going to have to DH quite a bit. There’s no choice with Koskie over Millar because Ricciardi really wants a right-handed bat.
- WillRainjays look to 2010 or 2011. I dont think the players on this team are going to win, its the young prospects coming up. does it look like the yanks with jeter petite in 95 want do u think mike
MW: I don’t think it looks like the Yankees of the mid-90s with Jeter, Pettitte, Posada, Rivera and Williams, but I do like a lot of the young kids coming up.
- jeffAdmit it – you had to make a determined effort not to write “Maple Leafs” in this title…
MW: Not even a little.
- Chris