11:55 PM Eastern
The thrill that I got from broadcasting Team Canada’s games at the World Baseball Classic is immeasurable, but it’s tempered by the pathetic display put forth by our national squad in tonight’s loss to Italy.
Yes, it’s baseball, and anything can happen in one game, without question. But if you imagine yourself a team capable of winning this tournament – or at least of having a reasonable shot to make it to the semi-finals – then you cannot lose to a team made up mostly of semi-pros and minor leaguers. Plain and simple. Italy played well, without question. Their defense was terrific, they did all the little things perfectly and put pressure on Canada from the get-go, but this was an embarrassment.
Ernie Whitt is going to take a lot of heat for this, and may not even be back as the manager of Team Canada in the future, but don’t put this on him. Canada was supposed to hit, and outside of Justin Morneau and Jason Bay, the team managed all of one hit in this game. They drew eight walks, but went 0-for-8 directly after the walks, and none of those walks scored. They didn’t hit – and they didn’t hit against Dan Serafini, Chris Cooper and Jason Grilli. Grilli, fine, he can be tough (though Venezuela lit him up on Saturday night), but Serafini – a former Hardware City Rock Cat! – is basically a left-handed Mike Johnson and Cooper pitched in the Italian semi-pro league last season. That said, Canada is out of this tournament without its best starting pitcher ever having gotten into a game.
Coming into the game the only way I thought Canada could lose was if Vince Perkins walked the house and they got buried early. That wasn’t quite how it happened, but Perkins sure dug them a nice hole. He couldn’t glove a slow two-hopper hit back to him by Nick Punto to start the game, then walked a couple of guys with one out to load the bases before allowing a little nubber infield single to put Italy on top before getting out of it. Another couple of walks in the second followed by an RBI single. He left after a lead-off double by Chris Denorfia in the third – and there was Whitt’s one mistake. I couldn’t believe that he sent Perkins back out there to start the third.
Something that struck a lot of us reporter-types was that about an hour and a half to two hours before game time, while Canada was taking batting practice, Perkins was sitting in the dugout in his street clothes. In 20 years of covering major-league baseball, I had never seen that (other than Perkins doing it last Wednesday before his start against the Phillies – it struck me odd then, too, but it was a Spring Training game). A starter has his routine before a game, and each routine is different, but none of them involve being in plain view out of uniform. Paul Spoljaric couldn’t believe it, he’d never seen it either, and wondered if the fact that Perkins wasn’t in the clubhouse that close to go time, studying hitters, looking at video or either just relaxing or getting himself psyched up meant that he wouldn’t be prepared once the bell rang. He clearly wasn’t, and though I can’t say that it was because he was in the dugout in street clothes during BP, it was certainly an odd thing to see.
Chris Denorfia looked great tonight, and at least he has some pedigree. He was tabbed as the A’s starting centrefielder last year, but wound up losing the job very early on. Tonight, he was spectacular, going 4-for-4 with a walk and three doubles, and absolutely robbing Joey Votto of extra bases with a great diving catch in the 7th. But Alex Liddi? Davide Dallospedale? Come on.
I knew that at some point in the post-game, someone would call to say that we teach baseball all wrong in Canada, and that Baseball Canada has to fire everybody at the top and start again, and someone did. I had hoped that we only thought the world was ending when Canada lost in a high-level hockey tournament. Canada lost a game it had zero business losing tonight, but the state of baseball in Canada has never been better. This team was the greatest collection of baseball talent Canada has ever assembled at one time. There are more Canadians starring in the majors, more Canadians being drafted, and more Canadians being drafted higher than there have ever been before. There’s nothing wrong with baseball in Canada – they just sucked tonight.
So did the fans, by the way. Not the 12,411 who were actually here, but the ones who didn’t show. Where the hell was everybody? I’ll grant you that most people expected Canada to win in a walk and may have been saving their cash for tomorrow night’s expected game against Venezuela, but the size of the crowd was shameful. Especially after the show that Canada and the U.S. put on Saturday afternoon. We should be embarrassed by the result of the game tonight, but we should be equally embarrassed that so few people thought to come out and watch.
I’ll be heading back down to Dunedin in the next couple of days – probably Thursday – to rejoin the Jays’ beat and bring you all the news that’s fit to blog from Spring Training, so make sure you check back here often starting Friday (you should come earlier, though, because I’ll be posting and answering the comments and stuff).
Before I go, I need to congratulate Paul Spoljaric on the terrific job he did in the booth with me. It was his first-ever broadcasting gig, and he didn’t seem out of place at all. As for me, I had a fantastic time, and I’m hopeful I’ll get to do it again when the 2012 WBC rolls around, and maybe for more than two games next time. I thought I did a better job Saturday than I did today, but I felt good about both broadcasts. I sent out some thank-yous at the end on the air, and just want to reiterate them here. To Nelson Millman for believing in me enough to give me this fantastic opportunity and to Doug Farraway for always being in my corner at the Fan. To Peter Gross, for giving me my first job in commercial radio. To Jerry Howarth, for being generous with his advice and with his airtime. And of course, to Tom Cheek. He was the voice of my summers growing up and taught me how to be a baseball broadcaster without even knowing it. Getting to work with and be mentored by him for three seasons was one of the greatest thrills of my life.
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome!
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Michael of the Ballyard:
That was pathetic. All of it — the team’s play, the crowd that was there, the lack thereof… it was a major opportunity to boost the country’s profile in international baseball by making it to the second round and having fans that made it exciting in person, and we blew it on both counts.
I totally agree that the top tier of Canadian talent has never been better, but this hurts. I don’t know Whitt should escape this critique free — he really did nothing to kick start the offense, he let Pete Orr look god-awful for two games, he didn’t get Koskie, who had torn it up in at least one ST game as I remember it, in at all. I think sending Perkins back out in the third was weird and should have ended up a lot worse than it did.
Dammit. Worst choke ever, by EVERYONE (I guess except you guys, but I didn’t listen to the games so I can’t say).
God, there wasn’t even any meaningful analysis of the tournament by even the beat’s best journalists, I don’t think.
MW: Blaming the writers, too? Wow. I think both Scott Richmond and Corey Koskie are mystically being thought of now as much, much better than they are.
- JCLI have formed most of my baseball opinions based on what I have learned from you. That said, I am going to have to disagree with something you said on the air. You said that the pitching was comparable with regards to the walk rates. While statistically, that may be true, the Italians were passing out walks strategically while the Canadians just couldn’t throw strikes. Walking all-star calibre Bay in a tough situation so they could go after Mat Stairs who looked terrible at the plate in both games. Walking Teahen to get to the weak part of the order. Piazza caught most of his career in the national league where they plan their pitching to pick their poisons. Unfortunately, we had too many weak spots in the lineup and they exploited it. Other than that, I agree completely with you. I have been at every game in Toronto and have seen some great baseball this weekend. It’s a shame that our attendance will ensure this is the last time the WBC ever visits Toronto.
MW: In Arizona in 2006, 5,829 showed up for for Canada-South Africa, and the Canada/USA game drew a whopping 16,993. USA-South Africa, which would be comparable to Canada-Italy this time around, drew 11,975, so you have no argument as far as attendance goes. As for the eight walks apiece, don’t kid yourself. They weren’t pitching around Teahen twice, they weren’t pitching around Weglarz, they weren’t pitching around Barnwell when he walked to lead off the games, and they weren’t pitching around Votto to get to Morneau in the 9th. Maybe Bay, but just maybe. Stairs is still a vicious mistake hitter, he just didn’t come through in two games.
- Tim TappI’m with you Mike – I can’t believe that more people didn’t show up.
The fans in Toronto got the result they deserved.
- ScottA friend once told me that you once said that you were drafted by the MLB in the 78th round as a pitcher? Is he right?
MW: Nope
- NicholasHey Mike,
I’ve got a couple of things one regarding the WBC and one the Blue Jays.
I’m not going to totally bash Ernie Whitt, but what’s the deal with throwing out the exact same line up in both games. You know that the Italians are going to throw out a left-handed starter AND you should know that they have lefties to throw out after that. Why start 6 left-handed batters? The bottom 4 (all lefties) combined for 1 hit and 2 walks against the States. What made him think they would be any better? Matt Stairs looked absolutely atrocious on Saturday, and he hasn’t hit lefties well throughout his career. I was just entirely confused to see the exact same line up as Saturday when I learned that a lefty was starting.
Regarding the Blue Jays, nice win today. Nice to hear that Janssen pitched two scoreless innings and that Snider hit his 2nd dinger of the spring. My question is about the Blue Jays bench. Who do you think will be on the Jays bench this year. I believe that Johnny Mac is guarenteed a spot, and whoever the back up catcher will be. That leaves two spots for Millar, Inglett, Bautista, and Lane. With Lane’s strong spring so far, do you see the Jays carrying 5 outfielders. If I remember correctly they started last year with 5 outfielders (Wells, Rios, Stewart, Stairs, and Coats). Does Inglett still have options? If he does then I think Millar has a slight edge over Inglett. I think Bautista is the odd man out. What about you, who do you think will fill out the Jays bench?
MW: Whitt didn’t have a lot of options beyond the starters. Who could he switch it up with, Shawn Bowman? 19 year-old Brett Lawrie to get an extra righty bat in there. Stairs may not have hit lefties well, but he shouldn’t have much trouble facing minor-league lefties. I wouldn’t have changed up the line-up, either. I think Bautista is likely the odd man out, barring some sort of move over the next four weeks, and I don’t think Lane makes the team unless Wells starts on the DL.
- JeffYes we were at home ready for a spectacular game against Venezuela Tuesday. Anyone want cheap tickets? Whitt showed why he will never be considered a Major League caliber manager. Last place in a winnable pool when they are hosting. Disgraceful.
MW: Disgraceful indeed, but not because of Whitt. And when the U.S. is in your pool and Scott Richmond is your best pitcher, it’s not a winnable pool.
- Brett VI didn’t listen on Saturday, but I thought you did a good job as my eyes and ears tonight. I just wish you’d made up some happy story involving a Canadian victory instead of telling the truth. From that error on the first play of the game I had this deep sense of dread about what was to come. It made it pretty hard to concentrate on what I was supposed to be doing (my job).
A few thoughts/questions:
Was Koskie hurt? If not, I can’t fathom why he didn’t see any action. No offense to Pete Orr, but he clearly wasn’t cutting it. Weren’t they planning to try put Teahen at 2nd and Koskie at 3rd at some point?
On a similar note, why do you think Canada has never really produced much middle infield talent? It’s baffling to me.
Lastly, I just hope this experience doesn’t turn guys off from suiting up for Canada next time.
MW: I don’t think it’ll turn off the guys who were there, they’ll be back and p***ed in three years’ time. Koskie wasn’t hurt, but he wasn’t capable of playing even half a game in the field. He told me Friday how Wednesday afternoon’s four-inning stint at third against the Phillies had left him completely exhausted. Let’s remember that he hasn’t played a real game in almost three years. I don’t know why we can’t seem to produce greatness in the middle infield, but I’m hoping some talent comes along soon. Maybe Scott Campbell plays second base for Canada in 2013.
- DarrenOne more thing – interesting story on Philippe Aumont from ESPN’s Amy K. Nelson. Seems like he’s already overcome plenty in his young life. Well worth a read.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/worldclassic2009/news/story?id=3966062
- DarrenWhat a huge dissapointment after the rally in game one that fell just short.
This loss has to start at the top! Everyone was looking ahead of the game against Italy, not a lot was said of this game when compared to game 3.
Whitt made it clear he was saving his best till last – that being Richmond for game 3. The Perkins thing? Yikes, if Ernie was looking for a job in the pros at some time -he may just have blown it with that move – what the heck was that all about.
In my opinion, you have to get to game 3 before there is a game 3! Publicly speaking of saving Richmond sends the wrong message to his players -they were not prepared to face the Italians – not even close. Anytime a team from any sport, at any level is looking ahead rather than focusing on the game at hand, bad things can and often do happen.
I made it down to the game and could not believe the empty seats. Yea, it was great to be able to move around during the game for better seats – but man oh man that was one cold and empty feeling inside the ball park. You can bet the players felt that also. It was indeed an embarrasment from a fans perspective. You can’t blame the economy on that for sure.
Great closing paragraph their Mike as to showing your appreciation to all concerned with respect to your play-by-play opportunity. You did them and us all proud! Great job.
Thanks.
MW: Thanks. It’s true that you have to win Monday to get to Tuesday, but even with Ernie Whitt pitching, they still should have beaten Italy.
- Bob from BurlingtonMost of the reactions to the results of this game have a strong feeling of un-Canadian arrogance that is somewhat insulting to the Italian team. Obviously the Canadian team was more experienced and the clear favourite but the Italians proved last night that they do have some skill and they clearly outplayed the Canadians. You keep saying that it was just one game and no one should panic, and to a certain extent you are right, but how can they justify never using their only big league pitcher? I think that just continues the culture of arrogance that I don’t think Canada, with their lack of a pitching staff and depth on the bench really should have had.
MW: With all due respect, that’s an enormous load of crap. The only teams in the WBC that shouldn’t go into a game against Italy thinking that they will mercy them are South Africa, China and the Netherlands. It has nothing to do with arrogance, it has to do with the fact that the Italian team is basically made up of a bunch of semi-pro players with a sprinkling of minor-leaguers and two legitimate major-league players. As for Scott Richmond, while he’s certainly good, he has made a total of five major-league appearances.
- EricHey Mike,
Well that was certainly an unexpected turn of events. A few of my thoughts on the game:
1) It is a real treat to watch Russell Martin catch a game behind the plate. I could not count how many times Martin had to block a ball in the dirt with a runner on second or third base. It is a shame that we don’t get to see more of him due to him playing in LA.
2) When Jesse Crain came in, whom most would argue is a good to very good major league reliever, it was the most obvious at the ineptitude of our pitching staff today. Crain came in and mowed the Italians down like they were a peewee team. Whearas it seemed like everyone Canada trotted out there (with the exception of Diamond whom was decent over 3) could not get through an inning without getting into a bit of trouble first. It is too bad that Canada did not have more major league quality arms available to use (my apologies for beating a dead horse).
3) Finally a quick question for you. Canada seems to suffer from a lack of talent and depth at the middle infield. Who would you consider to be the best Canadian middle infielder of the past 30 years?
MW: Tough question. It’s a toss-up between Pete Orr and Danny Klassen.
- TylerHi Mike,
I understand a 6-2 Italy win if we were playing Soccer, but Frank Catalanotto’s Italian Squad beats Justin Morneau’s Canadian Squad? It seems like I was watching a Jays game, people getting on, and can’t score. However, the Jays were doing it against Major Leaguers and Canada did it against…
- Shakeel SalamathTo be reasonable, it is not Whitt and Hamilton’s fault at all. This is the best squad Hamilton could have put together. On the other hand, Whitt did his best in putting together the lineup. The only difference I would have done is put Votto 2nd and Martin 3rd or 5th. Hence, the line up would have been R L R L R L to start. It is unfortunate that Scott Richmond was destined to pitch in the Olympics and the World Baseball Classic and pitched in neither of them.
I think there are a couple of problems that need to be improved for 2012.
1. In 2006, South Africa almost stunned Canada and in 2009, the Italians stuns Canada. I think Canada needs to take games against weak teams more seriously. If Vince Perkins is chilling in the dugout an hour and a half before the game not in his uniform, something is wrong and he needs to take a trip to Doc Halladay.
2. Observing the first seven guys in the lineup, I would only pick two hitters that only hit homeruns and not hit for an average, Stairs and Teahen. Morneau, Martin, Bay and Votto have success hitting homerun AND hitting for an average and getting on base. Canada did a great job getting on base and hitting homeruns however, it seemed like every at bat someone was trying to be the cleanup hitter by swinging for the fences and they would end up popping up.
3. I don’t know how this can be improved but Canada has TOO many left handed hitters. Every line up wishes they’ve got 2-4 decent-good left handed hitters. Canada just has too many left handed hitters. On Saturday, I was hoping that Ted Lilly would not start as we would have probably shut down the Canadian offence. If a team wants to neutralize the Canadian offence, they need to start a lefty and pound the strike zone down and away and up and in.
Lastly, I think the MLB GMs should not restrict players from joining their national squad, I don’t think Dempster did not play for Canada was his own choice but rather a GM/Chicago front office choice. Its just unfortunate that all of Canada’s pitching was out with injuries: Harden, Bedard, Francis, Dempster, Hill, Gagne and (Loewen). Being only 3 years old when the Jays won their last World Series, Saturday was THE MOST emotional and fun professional GAME (Not just baseball game) I can recall watching in my life.
Mike,
I think the issue that emerges from the tournament during last nights game isn’t that Ernie made a mistake with his pitching, it’s that the Canadian pitchers who didn’t feel the need to be here are exponentially better than the bottom third of those who did come, making Ernie shelf the best we did have for a must win game against Venezuela. Don’t get me wrong, I respect those men for coming, but the pitching decisions would have been vastly different and while the hitting should be held accountable, MLB calibre starting pitching would have altered the outcome of this whole first round.
cheers,
MW: There are only two Canadian pitchers who could have played and chose not to – Dempster and Gagne.
- ChrisWhat a lame display by Team Canada (sigh). I only watched a few innings sporadically throughout the game but it looked to me like Canada had a very left handed heavy team. Is that true?
MW: Yes, it is. And?
- BGShocking, disgusting, embarrassing.
Just a few of the adjectives to describe last nights debacle. It was an all to familiar sight in the ‘Dome’ over the last decade or so.
I consider myself a knowledgable baseball fan, and I know what little impact a manager has on the overall performance of the team, but Ernie Whitt??? He has zero professional management experience. Did any of the coaching staff have MLB experience?. Even the Italians hired Mike Hargrove and Tom Treblehorn. Should team Canada make management changes moving forward? Do you believe more experienced management makes a difference last night?
As always thanks for your commentary and insight.
MW: I don’t think last night’s loss had anything to do with the manager, nor do I think that Italy’s win had anything to do with Hargrove or Trebelhorn.
- JasonHello from St Catharines. I don’t really have any poignant comments; I just wanted to say that I thought you and Paul did a very nice job. I made the trek to see the games on Saturday and last night (am radio in hand, of course). Canada vs the US was easily the best ball game I’ve ever been to, and last night’s, the worst. It doesn’t bother me to see “my” team lose as long as I got to see some good baseball, but my friends and I are all bitter and dejected this morning.
Safe travels back to Dunedin.
MW: Thanks, and there’s nothing wrong with being bitter and dejected. Join the club.
- LJMike, this is a case of good news and bad news. The good news is you’re going back to Florida, the bad news is it’s not to Miami for the 2nd round. By the way, you’ve said the next WBC is in 2012, but according to Wikipedia and other sources the next tournament is in 2013 and will then go every 4 years? Can you check on that? Job well done, Mike and Paul!
Peter, St.Catharines
MW: You’re correct. I thought they were going to stick with the three-year format, but evidently not.
- PeterHey Mike,
I managed to score a seat 5 rows back from home plate last night, and watched as we just couldn’t hit with runners in scoring position. I think we left 20 runners on base in 2 games? Anyways, one of the most disappointing things to me had to do with the fans in the 9th, sure we were down 4, but people left early. Not only that, but I was standing and clapping trying to cheer for our National team, and a guy behind me yells, “Sit down, we can’t see.” Of course I told him to stand up, and he goes “Yeah, maybe when it’s a 1 run game.”
So sad.
Looking forward to the Jays season.
MW: Such is life in the (our, more likely) big city. And yes, Canada left 20 runners on in the two games.
- RahilThat was just awful……the Italians did play some great defence to their credit, but still awful…….
You can’t second guess Ernie about saving Richmond for Venezuela, that’s what I would have done and most sane people as well. Only the I Told You So the day after crowd would have used Richmond against the “weaker” Italian team then would of said I told you so if we then lost to Venezuela without Richmond if he had started against Italy.
I was there on Saturday (Travelled 2 hours to get there) it was awesome. Truly disappointed with the turnout against Italy, 12,000 is a disgrace.
- BaseHitBJsWinTheEastAll the bad-mouthing of Italy and their team came back to haunt the naysayers. All I have been hearing about on the sports pages and radio programs (drive home shows you know the ones) is what joke that team is, Italians this, Italians that, etc. often bordering on pure racist comments. Well, the jokes on you Team Canada!
MW: Give me a break.
- ItalcanWell, i did go to the game, and i still cannot believe it. Never once did i think they would lose, until the Perkins dropped that ball to start the game. Then I thought; that is not a good start.
Then i started thinking, small crowd, stale atomsphere, hangover from Saturday, and people waiting for Tuesday night. That inning, I said to my buddies we could be in trouble here.
I only went last night, because i had the 6 game package. I also thought this would be routine, until tonight’s game.
Looking back last night, i did not even cheer early on. Just relaxing. Waiting for the Venz. game.
I think everybody is to blame, including fans and players. We all let it down.
No energy. Maybe the players and i just thought you had to throw the gloves on the field and they would win.
Saturday was awesome, but …
you cannot take anything for granted.
and PS I am getting more upset about Dempster not playing. I bet if he was here, Richmond starts last night and they win, – different start – and we would have Dempster going tonight.
If Lilly can play for the US from the Cubs then Dempster should be allowed to play as well!!?
Sorry for the rant!
MW: If Dempster was here, then Richmond probably would have started against the USA.
- Scott W.Mike
Canada had to win both and I don’t blame Ernie for the pitching selection (Well other than the third).
I do blame Ernie for the Defence and batting Line up. He do nothing.
Matt Stairs was a liability in Right, anybody with wheels could have grabed some of those fly balls, he should have DH’d and Votto should have played Rigt.
Later in the game Orr (along with others…) was sucking at the plate and you had Coskey sitting on the bench. They could have swung Tehann to 2nd and Coskey to 3rd.
Very frustrating to see Ernie do nothing until the bottom of the 8th and substituted Orr for Stubby……oh ya that’s a game winning decision!!! I know Coskey hasn’t played in a while but he has the experience and, I thnink, would have been worht the risk.
I think, other than pitching, that Ernie could have managed the game better in such a short tourney.
All the best, keep up the good work.
MW: That’s some awful spelling, I blame it on your anger and frustration at the loss. I don’t know if I’d rather have had Votto out of position in right than Stairs. If you want defense, you use Adam Stern. Koskie wasn’t that much of an option in the field and again, hadn’t played in almost three years.
- Greg BOk once Orr, Weglarz and Barnwell came up, you knew they would go 0-fer. Pete Orr a major leaguer ya right, this guy has no business being in a ball park even as an usher! Ernie Whitt is a joke, Crain should have been in much earlier. Back to Orr he reminds me Of Overbay and Rolen last year. Runners in scoring position less than 2 out and nada, either a K or a double play.
Good news is hopefully the home team a Roger Centre got it out of the way in March instead of April. GO JAYS GO.
Also you read it here first Ryan Dempster’s contract will be one of the worst cotracts in major league histroy. Cubs you mad a bad bad call. How quick they forget the Granny Dempster gave up last year against LA. Dempster in for a long long year!
MW: Not worth a response
- tony43Hey Mike, what happened to all of our quality major league quality starters?Did they all backout? Rich Harden, Ryan Dempster, Jeff Francis, Eric Bedard(is he still pitching), Eric Gagne
MW: Dempster and Gagne chose not to come, Harden and Bedard weren’t eligible because of the amount of time they spent on the DL last season, Francis has had season-ending shoulder surgery.
- KyleMike,
As bad as Team Canada’s performance was last night, I have to take issue with the some of the 12,411 or so who were there. From the outset, the eerie silence of the crowd was broken by the booing & heckling of the Canadian team. I agree with you that we witnessed a pathetic display, but really, did the booing have to start in the top of the first?
Q: What do you think of our chances against Poland in the consolation round?
MW: Cute.
- TimMike,
It must be disappointing to only have been able to call two games, but hey, on to the Jays, right?
Will Richmond suffer a bit of a setback due to his missing a chunk of ST without pitching elsewhere? Could this cost him the shot that he was a front-runner to get?
Do you think the Jays could carry both Cecil and Mills? Both seem to be ML ready, at least with their ability to pitch, and could “shock the world” with some high quality outings.
How does Halladay/Cecil/Litsch/Purcey/Mills sound?
How about Halladay/Pedro/Litsch/Cecil/Purcey?
If you were in charge, would you make a run at Pedro for say, 1yr/$3MM?
MW: No, I wouldn’t. That’s too much for Pedro given his last couple of years. I highly doubt that both Cecil and Mills will make the team. If I had to bet right now, I’d say neither one of them will, but that we’ll see them both at some point. Richmond will be set back a bit, not having pitched in a week, and not likely to pitch until at least Friday. I see Janssen and Clement likely filling out the rotation to start.
- andy mcHi Mike
- AnneI had a class Monday evening, so was unable to go to the game and when I found out we were losing by three runs, I thought I had heard you incorrectly. By the time I got home we had gotten two runs, so I thought we still had lots of time to get the runs needed , I guess I was wrong. I was so disappointmented and embarrassed for the players and for us Canadians. [and I was shocked when I saw how few fans were in the stands] I went to the Saturday game and was so proud of them and loved the whole experience, what energy. I then decided I would go to the Tuesday game, of course assuming that Canada would be playing. I have decided to cheer for Italy tonight. It would be a great story if they go to the next round
Take Care
Anne
I too was surprised by the small crowd.I thought Toronto’s large Italian population would be out to cheer their boys on.I believe Canada’s chances were perhaps hurt more by the reluctance of some of the star pitchers to play in this series.I know other teams were also hurt by the absence of their stars but we did not have the depth to fall back on like say USA.
MW: Ryan Dempster was the only star pitcher who was reluctant to play. Guys like Harden, Bedard and Francis couldn’t have pitched even if they’d wanted to.
- PaulThis has to be the most brutal embarassment in Canadian baseball history.
No excuse.
MW: Bingo.
- DanMike, I wanted to thank you for the great job you did calling the two WBC games this weekend. It really enhanced the in-stadium experience.
I thought you worked well with Paul Spoljaric (who didn’t sound like a rookie broadcaster), and I hope you get a chance to do it again.
I like the WBC format, but I think not having more than one identifiable game involving Canada hurt the gate…the game Saturday afternoon was a wonderful experience!
One question: did the 16 walks last night have anything to do with a small strike zone by Marvin Hudson, or was it just a case of poor pitching?
Thanks again, and keep up the good work.
MW: I found Hudson’s strike zone to be kind of fluid. Sometimes big, sometimes small. There were only two pitches that I recall thinking were definitely strikes that were called balls. Each country only had one identifiable game, so that problem holds for everyone.
- Bill GibsonWhy should people of the GTA be “embarrassed” for the lack of fans showing up to the game? It’s a game / entertainment for heavens sake. People can spend their leisure time and dollars on whatever they so choose. They shouldn’t feel bad or ashamed for not showing up to a game early on a weekday evening during these tough economic times when they may have more important things to do with their time and money (or simply refer doing other things they enjoy more).
Perhaps they watched it on TV or listened on the radio instead…? Or perhaps they just weren’t interested. But embarrassed???? I don’t think so.
MW: You’re entitled to your opinion. But in a city of 3,000,000 plus, with more than double that from which to draw within an hour’s drive, it’s embarrassing.
- jimMike…I’m still having trouble with the logic of saving your best pitcher, Scott Richmond, for a Game 3 that wasn’t guaranteed. But therein lies the problem of being over-confident of beating Italy..Mike,do you remember reading Aesop’s Fable, “The Tortoise and The Hare” as a child with the moral being not to underestimate your opponent. Well, it was on display against Italy with Canada figuring they could win without your best (Richmond) and they got a rude awakening. Also, Canada should’ve remembered the old adage: Be careful what you wish for (Italy) you just may get it!
MW: Italy is easily one of the three worst teams in the tournament, and by a bunch. There’s no reason for Team Canada to have expected they’d get a competitive game from them, and even if they went into it like the tortoise, they still should have won.
- chris m.Well Mike I was there and it was pathetic..We didn’t have nothing to cheer about..The team looked tapped from the get go..
I realize Whitt couldn’t have grabbed a bat to hit for Canada, but I feel this tournament was decided in the 6th inning against USA..I have always believed you play the game to win..
Jesse Crain, Canada’s only relief pitcher with any real MLB experience, didn’t pitch until the late innings in the second game of a lost tournament..If USA was clobbering us in the 6th, I can see Whitt going with Begg or whomever, to close out the game..But in a one run game, in this type of tournament, you bring in a guy that can hold the fort and win a winnable game..
You need to have a better feel for the game being played..Do you think Gaston would have put in Begg at that point of the game?..Not on your life..Thats the difference between a MLB manager and a minor league manager..
This is baseball and planning to loose never works..Thinking were going to loose this one and win that one and we will use these guys no matter what, is a dumb strategy..Whitt should not be allowed to manage this team again..Maybe he is a nice guy and all, but the results aren’t there..
MW: Begg came in in the 4th against the U.S, not the 6th. Should Whitt have used Crain there? Should Crain – the closer – have come in to pitch the 6th against the U.S. trailing by a run? I don’t follow.
- ray brewer“MW: I fail to see how this was Ernie Whitt’s fault.”
Not pitching our best starting pitcher in one of the first two games? Not pinch hitting for Orr in Game 1 with Koskie? And like you said, keeping Perkins in the game WAY too long.
MW: Like I said, keeping Perkins in the game one batter too long. I said I was shocked to see him come out for the 3rd, and he only faced one batter in the third. Any of Canada’s pitchers should have been able to beat Italy with his eyes closed. And Orr is a career .260 hitter in the bigs, and he has actually played baseball the last three years. Why is everyone so convinced that Corey Koskie is the better option?
- Renegadei really hope that Tom Cheek eventually wins the Ford Frick. I have to say, however, I have a sneaking suspicion that because he worked in Toronto, that very few voters or baseball writers would know who he is.
I just hope that when Roberto ALomar gets into the Hall of Fame, that they don’t forget to list his years in Toronto.
I can just think of all the various insults by American teams over the years – Atlanta hanging the Canadian Flag upside down, the Blue Jays sweaters saying TOROTNO instead of Toronto at one of the All Star games.
However, I think that a winning season this season, despite what the absolute vast majority of reporters are saying, will help bring the Blue Jays back onto the radar screen. I think that since nobody thinks the Jays will win more than 60 or so games, if we win even 81, then some free agents might not dismiss the Jays out of hand.
MW: I don’t think any free agents will dismiss the Jays out of hand regardless. They’re looking, for the most part, for money and security, and if the Jays can provide that, they’ll be fine. Alomar will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Blue Jay, and that TOROTNO thing was in a regular-season game, not the all-star game.
- Sam McLeanTo answer your question posed in response to my question, as I watched some of the hitters flail at the breaking stuff from the Italian lefties, I guess it might have been better to have a more balanced lefty-righty attack but given that our star ML’ers are predominantly lefty, you take what you get…
MW: I didn’t see much flailing. And remember, too, these are minor-league lefties that Canada’s left-handed bats were facing. Remember, too, that last season Joey Votto hit .294 against lefties, Justin Morneau hit .284 and Mark Teahen hit .262. Also remember that lefties raked Dan Serafini for a .320/.389/.476 over his big-league career. The loss had nothing to do with the lefty-lefty thing. They just plain didn’t hit.
- BGMike… What would you think of these WBC potential changes?..The year of these tournaments, play it during the All-Star break instead of the AS game and obviously extend the break to accomodate the various rounds. This way, the pitchers are in shape and none of this pitch count to answer to…Can you imagine come Olympics time, Lou Lamierello telling Steve Yzerman he can use Marty Brodeur, but only one period per game or Ken Holland telling Team Sweden Nick Lidstrom can have 3 shifts per period maximum…That would be a joke.
MW: I can imagine that a team in a pennant race wouldn’t let its pitchers throw in a mid-season WBC, and I don’t think there’s any way MLB would shut the season down for two weeks or more to accommodate the tournament.
- chris m.Hi Mike,
Great job on the radio broadcast, you were excellent, which (no offense) kind of surprised me. I think your great on TheJaysTalk but to be honest, I wasn’t sure how you would handle the transition to play-by-play as I was under the impression that it takes a lot of work and practice to become good at it. You are a natural and remind me a lot of Dan Shulman. I hope this won’t start a new career path and take you away from Toronto!
Anyways, keep up the good work.
I hope Canada will learn a lesson from this year for future tournaments. Mostly that no game should be taken for granted. When it is a do or die game, treat it like that and field your best team. It is just a jinx if you don’t and bad things will happen. It’s like if the home team starts packing up their bats in the top of the ninth when they are up a bunch of runs. All that will lead to is a comeback from the home team (happens in slowpitch all the time anyways).
Gary W
MW: Slo-pitch is a lot different, but you’re right, no game should be taken for granted. Although the fact is that even if the Canadian players did take that game for granted, they still should have won easily. Thanks for the compliment, that’s high praise to be compared to Danny.
- Gary WMike I heard your thank-yous at the end of the broadcast and you mentioned Pete Morena, who you worked with in Welland, Pete is still there at the station in Welland, it’s a classic rock format on FM now, as opposed to country on AM. Also, I worked for the Welland Pirates game-day staff for 4 summers from ’90 to ’94. We just missed each other by a year.
Peter, St.Catharines
MW: Very cool. So Pete (Funky Cold) Morena is a rock DJ now?
- PeterHi Mike,
I agree, the crowd last night was shameful. But, the game on Saturday was the best sporting event I’ve ever attended live — hands down.
RE: A friend once told me that you once said that you were drafted by the MLB in the 78th round as a pitcher? Is he right?
MW: Nope
Too funny!! I think you may have said that to JP (in jest) last year on a postgame show.
MW: Really? I don’t remember, but you never know.
- sandyI feel bad for Richmond; he didn’t get to go to Olympics last year and now doesn’t get to pitch for Canada in this tournament. But I guess he could be doing worse things.
MW: He could be scraping barnacles off ships at the Port of Vancouver.
- SteveHi Mike,
Just wondering why Shawn Hill wasn’t on the Canadian team ?
MW: He wasn’t eligible because he spent too much time on the DL last year.
- DilsonOh wait, is it the D.L. rule ?
MW: Uh-huh.
- DilsonHow close do you think Larry Walker was to beating his head against the dugout wall between innings?
I’m pretty sure he could have, and wanted to, grab a bat and show the boys how it’s done.
I bet not too many of the “hitters” could look him in the eye after that disappointing effort.
We must have needed another ball hockey training session to “gel” the team a little more…no, wait…maybe a little more time in the batting cages….no, ya gotta PITCH to contact…especially against that Italian team.
Let the defence do their job!!!!
MW: It’s not that hard to just throw strikes, despite how Vince Perkins made it look. Really, there’s only one threat to hit the ball out of the park on Team Italy. Just make them put the ball in play!
- DJJAYMike,
I was at both games so I didn’t hear your broadcast but I’m sure you did a great job.
Q: You always discount a manager’s performance, and now tell us we shouldn’t blame Whitt (And I recall you saying this about Gibby as well). While I agree that they may have a minor influence on the game, they still do something and need an axing when the job is not getting done. Why do the Yankees miss the playoffs for the 1st time in 10 + years the year after Torre leaves while the Dodgers make it? (Ya, I know- Manny Ramirez, injuries)- but I don’t think you can make the argument that managing is totally irrelevant. The blame has to fall somewhere, b/c this result cannot be acceptable. Also, I can totally understand why only 12K and change made it out to Rogers Centre- who wants to watch a 4 hour game with 10+ pitching change of minor league talent, barely any of whom can throw a strike- I was bored to tears!
MW: Here’s what I don’t get – you say “the blame has to fall somewhere, because this result cannot be acceptable”, but you want to blame the manager instead of putting the blame where it belongs, on the players who (outside Jason Bay and Justin Morneau) managed ONE hit against Italy!
- EliHey Mike
Is it just me or are all Canadian baseball players (with the exception of Jason Bay) left handed batters?
MW: Most of them are. They say it has something to do with hockey, but I don’t buy it.
- JamesAs a baseball fan all of my life I have heard time and time again how baseball is “different” – how the games played everyday mean one game is not the be-all and end-all.
We even hear debates and speculation over some series in the post-season where the analysts will conclude that anything can happen in a seven game series – and perhaps the best team doesn’t always win.
Now we have seen the Canadian team eliminated in just two games. We saw pitchers on low pitch counts leaving after two or three innings, much unlike the postseason (which this tournament should try to emulate in terms of excitement and anticipation).
I really wasn’t that interested in this tournament as a baseball fan because I don’t think our sport is one that can be run in a tournament fashion like this, especially coupled with the tight schedule surrounding the regular MLB season.
I listened to the games because I have missed baseball over the winter. Never once did I consider going to a game, because, dare I say, I really don’t care that much about a tournament like this.
In my own personal life it’s tough to find many people who are passionate about baseball. I am not sure if the attendance figure on Monday night should be that shocking. The two Italian guys I work with were pleased this morning that their country had “won” – but they both found out about it this morning. I’m pretty certain that the Blue Jays won’t be packing the place on Monday nights in April either, so I don’t know how fair it is to be so harsh on the people who, for whatever reason, didn’t come out to the game.
MW: OK. I’ll agree to disagree. It’s a world-class sporting event with the home country facing elimination after an especially exciting game two days before. I thought the crowd should have been much bigger.
- Rob MHey Mike. Wow where did everyone go after the game against the US! It’s embarresing to see such a small crowd at that game on top of the awful preformance we saw our country men put out. To be honest if we don’t go to these games and support our team then we don’t deserve to see our guys win! It’s a depressing truth for me bacause I love this game more than anything! BTW I heard Jamie Cambell say the next WBC is in 2013 but you just said it’s in 2012. Who should I believe?
MW: Believe Jamie, I had it wrong.
- Matt from BCWow,
How bout them Dutch?
MW: No kidding!
- JeffThe Netherlands beats the Dominican?
Good night.
Wow….
MW: That Yurendell De Caster sure is a good one!
- DJJAYRe: Comment 11
I’d argue that Canada’s best middle infielder over the past 30 years was Matt Stairs (1988 Canadian Olympic Shortstop). It kind of depends on whether the question is based off one-off events or consistent greatness (or in this case perhaps consistent mediocrity).
MW: Well, if it’s based on one-off events, then it’s Stubby Clapp.
- ColinHi Mike,
Congrats on your recent successful speaking engagement… bummer about Whitt’s Wonders (TM)… now on to the Jays season!
I’m curious about our old friend, Mr Russ Adams. Always sorta liked the guy – seemed to keep on trying, despite dubious results.
Now he seems to be getting a fair amount of playing time (top 10 ABs), and doing reasonably well with the bat (top 10 OPS). Unfortunately he still seems to have problems (confidence issues?) in the field (top 10 E’s). I see they are trying him in the OF with apparently mixed results so far (low FPCT). Yes, I know, small sample size + spring = missteaks.
So what’s really happening down there? Are the Jays still trying to give him a shot at the bigs? Perhaps trying to entice another team to take a chance? Maybe it’s all contract related or they just need more AAAA fillers… ???
What’s the scoop O Lucid One?
MW: Remembering that I’m still not there for a couple of days, I’d say that the absences of Vernon Wells, Alex Rios and Jose Bautista have led to the Jays having extra ABs to give their outfielders and Russ is one of the major beneficiaries. I doubt he can hit his way onto the big team, though.
- ChasHi Mike,
You are right on about the pathetic attendance, and not just for this one game but for the whole round so far. The Jays (almost?) always sell out their home opener, yet Canada-USA does not sell out? What’s up with that??? I know the Canada-Italy game was an earlier start time, but really it’s only half an hour earlier than the usual 7pm start times for Jays games, where was everyone??? I knew Italy-Venezuela wouldn’t be the biggest draw but roughly 10,000 at the game tonight (granted it was a 5pm start, but still…) it’s really a shame, considering we’re seeing some of the best players in baseball in this tournament.
Ok so that’s my rant, now on to my question… With the low attendance figures for all but one game in the WBC in Toronto, do you think Toronto will get another chance to host a WBC round in the next WBC, or will another city host it due to the low attendance in Toronto?
MW: Neither. I don’t think Toronto will host next time around, but not because of the low attendance. Rather because they’d want to spread it out. The attendance here was quite comparable to the attendance in Phoenix in the first round of 2006.
- DarcyYou can’t say they “plain didn’t hit”.
Justin Morneau went 4 for 5.
And they were awful with RISP
And 1 for 34 outside the stars.
MW: When the team gets one hit outside of two players, you can certainly say they “plain didn’t hit.”
- DanMichael of the Ballyard:
MW: Blaming the writers, too? Wow. I think both Scott Richmond and Corey Koskie are mystically being thought of now as much, much better than they are.
No, I wasn’t blaming them — just saying that everything about the tournament, including its coverage, was mediocre. Macleod wrote a piece about the USA-Venezuela game and said something like, ‘well, that’s 3 hours of my life I’ll never have back…’ and I thought it was really disrespectful to all the people who, you know, don’t get paid to watch baseball for a living and kind of enjoy seeing the friggin’ All Star team come to town in March and play to kill, and that, you know, are actual fans of the game that, you know, defy the lazy/apathetic stereotype of Canadian fans.
Just dumb stuff like that. I didn’t read any real thorough analyses of, say, the pitchers Italy and Venezuela could throw at us in the days before those games. You came closer to fulfilling that than all the print guys, I think.
So basically, everyone involved in the tournament was medicore — the Canadian team, the fans, the media, and, hey, the SkyDome food isn’t anything I want to show off on the world stage, while we’re at it.
As far as Koskie goes, if Pedro was a bullet for the Dominicans according to Felipe Alou, Koskie must be one for us. And given how absolutely anemic some parts of our lineup were, you cannot leave a bullet like that unused in an elimination. I understand that you can’t be reactionary in baseball, but sudden elimination games are different — Koskie wouldn’t have done worse than parts of Canada’s line-up, so how in the world do you defend leaving him unused, regardless of whether or not people think he is better than he actually is?
Also, Whitt did NOTHING with the offense. Zero steal attempts over both games. No hit and runs, no contact playis — nothing. In an elimination game you HAVE to do something to kick start the offense and he stubbornly refused to do anything at numerous points in time where the outcome could have really been altered. It’s not even like they put on a hit and run and ran into a line drive double play; they did NOTHING.
MW: This is true, and it’s also true that if there wasn’t the confidence to use Koskie in an important situation, he probably shouldn’t have been on the team.
- JCLI checked the Gazzetta dello Sport both days and could not detect any coverage of the WBC nor of Italy’s triumph on Monday. I was shocked. But apparently, there’s some sort of soccer tournament happening. Perhaps that explains the poor attendance?
MW: No, I wasn’t looking for more Italians to come out.
- ol brucieMike, I’m a little confused at your logic.
On the one hand, you state that Richmond wouldn’t have made a difference, and yet still are of the opinion that Canada should have beat the Italians anyway.
Your overall point regarding Canada’s pitching, then (other than the talented starters who couldn’t or wouldn’t be available) seems to be that it wasn’t of high quality. Bad, even.
How, then, should Canada have taken Italy for granted? If our pitching was bad (but known–scouted) and their pitching was bad (but unknown) doesn’t it make sense that it was a shaky proposition to call this a win in the bag?
Baseball relies heavily on the results of the pitching–especially in a one game or go home matchup.
Would you pick the Yankees over the Orioles if Jim Palmer was pitching (in his prime) and Ian Kennedy was on the other side?
Now, in this case, Italy was using minor league pitchers–but left handed pitchers who the team had never seen before.
I’m sorry Mike, hitting a barely robust .280 lifetime against scouted opposition from ALL our key players (or worse) doesn’t really inspire me to huge heights of confidence that we could simply steamroll them.
The truth is, it was a fifty fifty. Either team’s pitching, given the paucity on either side, was goig to blow up in ours or their faces. It blew up in ours first. End of story. The truth? Pitching matters,and Canada will never be good enough to overlook anyone util the pitching gets better.
MW: There’s no chance that it was a 50-50 proposition, more like a 95-5. The fact is, that even with unknown lefty pitching on the Italian side, Canada should have laid waste to guys like Serafini and Chris Cooper, and the Italian offense shouldn’t have been able to score more than two runs (they got one in 18 innings against Venezuelan mediocrity like Carlos Silva and Enrique Gonzalez). Dan Serafini isn’t Jim Palmer to Vince Perkins’ Ian Kennedy.
- David MoroEdit:
It doesn’t matter what lefties did to Serafini–nobody had faced him thus far on the Canadian side. Whcih means he had a 3 ining tryout advantage until they “figured him out” especially being a lefty.
- David MoroBarnwell and Orr going a combined 0-14 killed them. They were up in so many situations to bring in runs and couldn’t do it.
Barnwell’s defense didn’t help either.
MW: Barnwell’s defense wasn’t bad, except for that boot against the U.S. Orr didn’t look so hot, either, getting beaten to the bag on that routine FC in the 7th Monday.
- PaulI’m in San Diego on vacation and have a ticket for Game 1 of Round 2 – probably Cuba vs. Japan. Awesome! I never thought that I would enjoy WBC as much as I am – I watched both Dutch vs. DR games. Normally, that’s an automatic channel change but the score was close so I rode it out and boy, am I glad I did. The passion of the Dutch players was incredible and I’m really happy for the right fielder that misjudged a liner that gave DR the lead in the 11th came back with the game tying hit in the bottom of the 11th and scored the game winning run. Amazing. That DR loss is much bigger than our loss to Italy, as they were expected to seriously challenge for the title, not just an appearance in round two.
Also, the Cuba vs. Australia game was exciting as well. Did you see that 4-6-3 play by the Cubans on a tough grounder up the middle? Incredible glove flip!
I can’t wait to watch the game here in San Diego – PETCO is a beautiful park. They have a security guard right next to the Tony Gwynn statue that behind the left field “bleachers”. RESPECT.
I keep hearing Overbay trade talk. If he were to go, would Snider play first? Or Lind? Millar? I know they’ll stick with him for awhile but what’s the future there?
MW: If Overbay were to go (and don’t start thinking he will), Millar likely plays first, and that would hurt. Enjoy the games in San Diego!
- ToddMike,
Great job covering the WBC for as short as it lasted, and hey
could be worse, at least we didn’t not pull a D.R.
Do you now how many more years Lind has before he’s eligible for arbitration?
MW: Yes, I do.
- RandyTo call this team pathetic,is a little strong.This is baseball.Even the 77 jays won 1 out of every three games.
Your description of the Italian team,reminds me of the baby Jays.
We would not have lost a series to Italy.We just got put on our heels eary.This was like a game 7 for Canada.If this was not a due or die situation,we would have been more relaxed and likely won.
To me,Netherlands winning two against DR was by far a bigger upset.
Our players and coaches are not pathetic.They are human.
A couple more things if you know the answers.Whats with XM radio’s lack of spring game availability to Canadian subscribers?So much for their ads that sold me”Every team,every game”.I have contacted them many times without a clear answer.
When or will MLB TV be available in Canada?.24 hour baseball channel= heaven.A Jays channel would be nice too.
Great job on the play by played.Two thumbs up.
David
MW: I can’t answer about XM, I have no clue. The Baseball Channel, I hear, may be available here come summer. Thanks for the compliment, but I never called the Canadian team pathetic. Just Monday’s result.
- DavidMike,
1. I agree that baseball in Canada is on an upswing. What is sad is that minor league baseball has deserted Canada, depriving Canada of anything below the major leagues.
2. I also appreciate a tournament like the WBC, but unfortunately it is not a true representation of talent because pitchers cannot be stretched out like they can in the regular season. Unfortunately, I cannot think of a suitable time to play the tournament.
3. Nice job on the games, Mike. It must be tough to do 9 innings of straight play-by-play, when traditional baseball format is more like Jerry and Alan. Paul Spoljaric was solid in his analysis.
MW: 1 – Canada deserted the minor leagues first. The appetite wasn’t there. 2 – Me neither. 3 – Thank you!
- Steve ClarkMike,
I know you’ve often criticized callers for using the term “we” when describing the Blue Jays. I noticed Paul referred to Canada as “we” throughout the broadcast… I’m not sure if you did or not, but I’m wondering if the stance is simply softened because it’s the national team? Maybe because Spoljaric was actually a member?
Just wondering about the rationale there.
Great job on the announcing, from what I heard, too.
MW: I have two thoughts about that. One, it’s a national team, not a club team, so to say “we” isn’t all that inappropriate, even though I didn’t say it myself. Two, he has played for the national team, on several occasions, and he played with several of the guys on the current team, so I think he’s entitled to say “we” and “us”, even though he’s not a member anymore.
- ColeHey Mike,
Congrats – you did a great job. It was fun listening to you announce the WHIP of each new pitcher – I think a lot of seamheads were doing happy dances.
Lookin’ forward to another summer of jays-talkin’-it-up!
MW: Thanks! Me, too!
- AndrewMike
I’m just glad were not Dominicon. They lost twice to the Netherlands. So when people look back on this WBC they will remember those upsets and hopefully everyone will forget about the Canadain loss.
MW: One of the tournament favourites losing to the Dutch twice is a far bigger upset than Italy beating Canada.
- PaulAnd now on to the Jays… I am a fan of Roy Halladay, but I am a realist that believes you need to give up something to get something. I know that the Jays are not going to get a Halladay back in a trade, but some more youth wouldn’t be such a bad thing would it? A lot of people are looking at the A’s to contend in the west, one year after trading Harden, Gaudin, and Danny Haren. Could you see the Blue Jays making a trade with the Dodgers for a combination of Billingsley, and Kershaw? Maybe we add B.J. Ryan to the mix, and possibly Overbay, and have the Dodgers include James Loney. This would also ensure that the Jays wouldn’t face Halladay for the next 2 years having sent him to the NL West.
MW: I don’t think the Dodgers would trade Kershaw, Billingsley and Loney, even for that package, nor do I think the Jays should be looking to move Halladay unless they’re overwhelmed by an offer.
- Kubehey mike,
2 short questions: I know you were not in spring training for long streches, but who do you think of the young guys will head north?
And if today was April 1st 2010 do you think roy will be in a jays uniform (and can the jays afford him) or will he only sign for a sign and trade?
btw good play by play for usa and canada game
thanks
MW: I don’t think any of the young guys go north besides Snider, and I believe that Halladay will be a Blue Jay in April of next year. As of now, there has never been a sign-and-trade in MLB. And thanks!
- nickmichael,
it’s well beyond comment on how much of a polar opposite experience that was from saturday to monday.
so let’s move on shall we….
MW: We will, soon. But it’s a tough one to get past.
- darrell bishopMike,
Do not always agree with you, but on this case your bang on.
Perkins should have been able to handle the Italians fine.
The fact that Mark Teahan, Matt Stairs, Pete Or and Russ Martin where all 0 for 10 against a team full of semi pro pitchers was why they lost, not who was pitching.
MW: Teahen and Orr, but yes.
- Sean LafortuneI’m glad that someone else mentioned that the WBC didn’t draw flies in Phoenix in 2006. Attendance hasn’t been very good at any of the sites this year, except when the host country is playing. If there continues to be a WBC, it may well come back to Toronto.
MW: There’s no reason to believe there won’t continue to be a WBC.
- Stephen OsborneActually, Begg came into the game in the 5th..He pitched into the 6th..
I am suggesting to go with someone else in the 6th..Didn’t say it had to be Cain..
Why not go with Scott Diamond in the 6th..He has a good ERA against left handed hitters..He faced the Yankees in exhibition play and fared pretty well going 2 innings without giving up a hit..He wasn’t scheduled to start any of the 3 games so why not go with a lefty that can throw the ball hard?..
Whitt should have managed the game against Italy differently as well..He should have went to his bench a little earlier in the game when he realized his team wasn’t hitting..
Scott Richmond didn’t pitch at all and Cain wasn’t put into a game until it was too late..
Any way you look at it, Whitt isn’t a major league manager and that’s why he hasn’t found a job at that level..
MW: You mean Crain, but the reason Diamond didn’t pitch against the U.S. is because he was scheduled to throw three against Italy, and he did that very well.
- ray brewerI guess you didn’t notice the lead that runner had. Barnwell never should’ve thrown it to 2nd.
MW: I did. Orr still should have beaten him to second.
- PaulMike, re #51 (and countless other examples) — what’s with the term “one-off”?
My understanding is that it is a short form for “one of a kind”, but if so, shouldn’t it be “one-of”? I don’t get “one-off” at all.
RE #59, the Barnwell/Orr FC play:– in my opinion, with a speedy runner on the move with the pitch, and Orr playing over in the hole to protect against the left-handed batter, that throw should never have been made to second base. In that situation, the correct play should always be to first. Whether or not Orr was “late” is irrelevant, as I believe the runner beat the throw to the bag in any case. Certainly I didn’t see it as a “routine FC”.
MW: “One-off” is a British term that is derived from the manufacturing industry in which the term “off” is used to mark a number of items to be produced at one time (took me two mouse clicks to find that out!). I don’t think the runner beat the ball to the bag. Barnwell is at fault, too, for not charging it and putting himself in a position to make a good, strong throw to first, but I still think Orr should have been there. With the second baseman in the hole and the runner on the move, the second baseman doesn’t get there within a half-step of the runner, as Orr did.
- Normgreat spinal tap reference in the title
- ben pI attended all six games and can’t wait for the next one. I thought game six was great.
I got to watch the best closer in baseball (K-Rod), face off against a former NL MVP (J-Roll), Current AL MVP (Pedroia), and former AL MVP (Jeter) with a two run lead. You can’t get better quality baseball than that (in March!)until the All-Star game in July. If you are a baseball fan in Toronto you missed out.
- Jim B