3:00 PM Eastern, kinda
The sojourn to Spring Training has ended, and the family and I are sitting here at the Fort Lauderdale Airport, getting ready to hop on a flight to our nation’s capital, at which point we’ll disembark, and hop on another flight that should get us home around 11:00 tonight.
It was a short trip south, no question, but the last day sure was eventful. Most of the assemblage hopped in their cars and hit the road to Disneyworld early in the morning, but I had other plans. I had a doctor’s appointment in Dunedin – well, in truth, an appointment with Doc. He said that he would have some time for me Thursday morning at around 8:30, and there’s not much of a choice when it’s between a solo audience with Roy Halladay or a pre-game chat with Cito Gaston at a random Grapefruit league game. I went to Dunedin Stadium and had a good, long conversation with Halladay – we did 10 questions, we had a long discussion about his love of aviation, all kinds of stuff. He told me that when his skin is pierced, he bleeds just like the rest of us. But only for a minute before some sort of dark lubricant resembling motor oil begins to seep out of the cut, which then immediately closes, leaving the appearance that the skin had never been broken.
OK, that’s not true, but we did talk about the ideal of Roy Halladay and the fact that several of his teammates are too intimidated to talk to him. This includes Dirk Hayhurst, whose artistic creation “The Garfoose” is a big hit among his teammates. There’s a story behind The Garfoose (I’m thinking it’s probably some sort of cross between a giraffe and a moose, having seen it, but I don’t know the whole story), and a few of the pitchers were raving about it. The other day, Jeremy Accardo came out of the trainer’s room to let Hayhurst know that Halladay wanted to see the Garfoose, so Hayhurst and a bunch of pitchers went in to show it to him. Hayhurst had told me earlier that Halladay terrified him, and that he hadn’t worked up the nerve to say hello to him yet. When he came out of the trainer’s room, his audience with Doc complete, I congratulated him on the fact that Halladay had beckoned him forth and asked what it was like to finally talk to him. He said that even in there, he still didn’t.
FREAKY AIRPORT MOMENT – Passengers Ron Woods and Carlos Perez were just paged to the gate. Cool.
Some advice for Doc stalkers, by the way – he digs Medieval Times.
You’ll be able to hear the Halladay interviews at various points in the season on The Blue Jays This Week, or maybe on one of the pre-pre-games that we’ll have throughout the year. And yes, there were a few times over the course of our conversation during which he actually smiled.
Problem is, after leaving Dunedin, I had to truck it all the way to Disneyworld, so I missed batting practice and with it, missed Cito Gaston finally telling the assemblage that he was concerned about B.J. Ryan’s lack of oomph. Brad Arnsberg said that if it keeps up another week or two, there’ll be real reason for concern. Cito told me he that that it was just “dead arm”, but usually dead arm comes after a few good, solid outings.
I haven’t seen a radar gun on Ryan yet this spring, nor have I on Ricky Romero, but he’s down at 82-83 instead of 89-90, that takes a lot away from the effectiveness of his herky-jerkyness.
Well, I started this at 3:00 in Fort Lauderdale, and it’s now 12:30 AM, I’m at home, and I can barely keep my eyes open.
Remember to tune in to the Fan for Jays-Astros Grapefruit League action again Saturday at 12:30 PM Eastern.
Tomorrow, I’ll have more thoughts on the Curtis Thigpen trade (good for him), the bottom of the rotation and a great Michael Barrett interview we did outside the clubhouse at Disneyworld. Many of you will absolutely love Barrett’s answer to the A.J. Pierzynski question.
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome!
46 Responses to “Hangin’ at the good ol’ FLL”
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Welcome back Mike, as you can see TO has since lost its snow. I have heard that Scott Downs may be a possible replacement if Ryan does not come north, but why would the jays not want to use him as the situational lefty and use Accardo who has the experience as a closer?
MW: Because Downs has probably been their best reliever the last couple of years, he’s the set-up man at the very least, and is a lot more than just a situational lefty. At this point, I’d go to Brandon League and maybe Jesse Carlson before I give the 9th inning to Accardo.
- DarenMichael of the Ballyard:
Not particularly related to anything raised in this post, but to go back to an opinion you’ve expressed in the past, you seem to believe that coaches (say, a hitting coach) have little to no impact on the team because by the big-league level they figure they know everything and aren’t going to listen to some coach. Maybe that’s a crass paraphrasing, but I think that summary doesn’t change the substance of your opinion…
Anyways, I’ve always thought that was a bit silly and only gave some thought as to why just now:
I don’t think there’s any magical point where a player suddenly thinks of themself as too good to take advice from a coach. Why would there be? Players become successful because of good coaching (even if we have to go back to, say, when they’re five years old) and I don’t think there’s a single one out there that wouldn”t be open to helpful suggestions on minor tweaks to make to their swings, or even just observations on what they’re doing wrong. Similarly, I don’t think there’s a single player out there who is going to completely shrug off the advice of a coach, especially if they’re slumping, just because they’ve made it to the big leagues and must know what they’re doing.
The contrary of the idea seems to be what you feel is the case, and that’s why you feel coaches have minimal impact on a team, right? I don’t think I’ve mischaracterized your opinion — expressed most frequently last summer when Denbo was under the gun — opinion at all.
Anyways, yeah. That’s what I think. Coaches have the ability to impact players’ performances, and a palyer will profit with a coach that gives good advice and suffer with a coach that gives bad advice. How do you feel about that?
MW: I don’t believe that players ignore their coaches because they feel as if they already know everything and coaches are beneath them. I do believe, however, that players are constantly given streams of information from various coaches, often contradictory, and eventually they just tune it all out and go back to what got them to the majors in the first place. I’m not saying that some players take pieces of good advice from some coaches and put them to good use, but I would think that’s the exception, not the rule. If not, how do you explain Denbo with the 2001 Yankees? How do you explain Leo Mazzone?
- JCLMike, so the bass player for the Rolling Stones (I know, it’s Ron Wood), and the Major League pitcher were paged at the airport? Is Carlos the brother of Pascual and Melido, who as I recall, I think it was Pascual who couldn’t find Atlanta-Fulton County circling Interstate 285 in Atlanta.
Peter, St.Catharines
- PeterMike…I’m hoping that following the Excelsiors all the way to the Mann Cup last year hasn’t spoiled me. What I’m getting at is that at those games, you can go right up to Brampton stars Colin Doyle, Blaine Manning or a great opponent such as John Tavares (the uncle of the hockey star) or John Grant Jr. and get autographs, or just chat lacrosse or whatever because these are humble guys and can relate to the average Joe (or in my case, the average Chris)…That’s hard to do at Rogers Centre and that’s not an indictment on the players, because apart from a Gregg Zaun and Scott Downs autograph, I don’t know them. But that’s just reality in a MLB venue, and I understand it’s easier with maybe 1000 fans at Powerade Centre than over 25000 at Rogers Centre. But it sure was a great summer for Brampton lacrosse and you actually felt PART of the team and I would love that feeling for Jays’ home games…I hope that doesn’t come off sounding corny or stale, but I’m being 100% truthful.
- chris m.Mike, you might want to go to Tom Tango’s site to help with the community playing time forecasts.
MW: OK, done!
- brent in KoreaHey Mike,
How long until Brett Cecil gets called up and how do you think he’ll do? One more question: which Jay hitter do you think is really going to step and have a big year?
Steve
MW: Cecil probably comes up by the middle of May, and I think that Rios is going to have a big year offensively, among others.
- steveI like Marco Scutaro and he held up well last year with his 574 plate appearances. But, wouldn’t it make sense to have Hill and Overbay in the 1-2 spots. Overbay has a better OBP then Scutaro and it splits the right handed hitters up. If Gaston has Overbay, Lind and Snider hitting in a row, they will have to face very tough left handed specialists late in the game like Javier Lopez, Hideki Okajihma and J. P. Howell. A little off topic, but I’m a huge fan of Jesse Carlson and sometimes feel that his role should be enhanced with the team. Then upon closer look, I see Scott Downs and the rest of the pen and I realize just how good this bullpen is. While I believe their fate is 3rd or 4th in the division with 85 wins, the possibility does exist that they can shock the world and win 93 games. It is extremely unlikely and everything would have to go right including 220 RBI from Wells and Rios, a healthy McGowan in early June, not September, a Rolen that can play 140 games(not likely), the 2006 Lyle Overbay, and very respectable years from Snider and Lind that don’t include long slumps and combine for 35HR and 150RBI. Some of these scenarios appear very unlikely but all you could do is hope. I do see a return to earth from the Rays, but they proved that this game is not played on paper.
MW: I would have Overbay up top to take advantage of his ability to get on base, but that’ll never happen. Overbay, Lind and Snider won’t all hit in a row, though.
- DomenickMike
I do hope those interviews with Doc and Barrett will be posted here as I and probably many others would love to hear them but cannot get Fan590
MW: They’ll definitely be posted here. Barrett’s will be up tomorrow afternoon.
- Richard from ARAnother great Halladay story. It must be fun, as a reporter, covering such an interesting character. I don’t think there’s anyone quite like him in MLB is there.
MW: There’s no one quite like him, but there are a lot of guys in the majors quite like whom there is no one.
- RMI know it’s been brought up from time to time, but seriously, I don’t get why they don’t move HIll back to short. Sure, he may never win a gold glove there, but he’d be far better than average. They also have so much organizational depth at 2b with Emaus (what at spring!), Campbell and Tolisano.
MW: I think that might still be the eventual plan.
- peteWho would you have as backup catcher Mike…Chavez or Barrett. I would rather have Barrett because I feel he add’s more offensively. But we are talking the “backup catcher” spot…Is Defence more important in this case? I haven’t seen much of Chavez to make a fair assessment. Also, what are the chances JP signs or trades for a major league starter at some point before going north?
MW: There’s almost no chance that the Jays add a big-league starting pitcher in the next week. I’d rather have Barrett, because, like you, I like the fact that he’s the better hitter.
- Micke LaurMike, what has happened to Jeremy Accardo? Everybody has been talking about Downs taking over as closer if BJ isn’t ready.
I thought Accardo was the stand by closer because of the last two seasons?
MW: What did Accardo do last season that would warrant him being the back-up closer this year?
- Sam McLeanHello Mr. Wilner. As a stereotypical Canadian sports fan, I admit to not being too focused on baseball in March, but some recent catching up on the blog here is helping me get back in the mood. I was hoping the WBC would do that, but I was at the rink during the Canada-U.S. game, and the next one… well… I never did end up following the tournament closely.
I did hear a couple of innings, and even caught a few minutes of you on The Grill Room a couple times. Great job on both! Especially on the play-by-play; the TV appearances were good, but I imagine 9 innings of commentary would be a little tougher to pull off. Except it wouldn’t have the added challenge of being around Gareth’s hair. Good work by Paul, too! That was cool.
I would’ve liked to see/hear more of both, but, you have to understand, I was under a lot of pressure from a lot of people, and I was young and naive.
By the time I saw today’s blog, and flipped on the radio, it was already in the last half-inning. But right now, I’m listening to my first Jaystalk of ’09! Good stuff! I can almost feel the 40 degree, smog-so-thick-you-have-to-chew-to-breathe summer air already.
Thank you for your efforts in trying to get Tom Cheek that Frick award. I, and I imagine, a lot of Jays fans, never would’ve even known about the voting if not for your help. And yes, we will do it again this year. And for as many years as it takes.
I was starting to wonder about the last caller’s sanity, asking why you like Travis Snider, but then it sounded like he agreed and likes him too, just wanted to talk about Trav being good, not questioning it. Damm, where’s all the idiot callers when I need entertainment?
And finally, yes, Ch(i)ef Rich-R-Dee did once refer to his “5 year plan”. In hindsight it was a dumb thing to say, but can we all just let it go? Please. Bringing that up is almost as original as a movie where Denzel gets framed.
Ok, enough rambling for now. Take care.
- Dilly in Dundas (not the street)Mike
I noted that Jesse Litsch did not pitch in his usual spot today. Did he throw in a minor league game today? If yes, do you know how he fared?
Have you had an opportunity to meet/interview Adam Lind? I have asked him to give an autograph to my son on a few occasions (both at Rogers Centre prior to games and in Spring Training prior to games) and he has ignored requests. What has your experiences been with him like?
Thanks,
MW: I’m pretty sure that Litsch threw in a minor-league game, but I don’t know how he did. It doesn’t matter, as long as he didn’t get hurt. I talk to Lind all the time, he’s one of my favourite Blue Jays. I think he’s a terrific guy, and I wonder what the circumstances were regarding his ignoring your requests. Were other players signing? Was he rude?
- David FabianM-Dubbbb,
Roy doesnt bleed, stop lying.
You figure Vernon will be batting clean-up all year?
Is it fair to say Cito will stick to a batting order more than Gibbons did?
Based on what you’ve seen, and what you know, what would your opening day batting order be?
And if you have the time I’d also love to see what you project for Vernon this year.
Also I’d like to apologize to the entire country. When canada lost to italy it was my fault and Im sorry. The one inning i listened to on the radio was the inning they scored their 2 runs. I then went back and watched it on TV.
I jinxed them.
It was me.
Sorry Canada.
Good call though Mike.
MW: Your fault, indeed. Cito Gaston is a machine with regards to the batting order. I don’t expect it to vary at all with the platoon exceptions. I do expect Wells to hit clean-up most of the year, unless there’s a point in time when John McDonald takes over as the starting shortstop, which likely moves Rios up top and Wells to the third spot. What would my opening day batting order be? Probably Overbay/Hill/Rios/Snider/Wells/Lind/Rolen/Barajas/McDonald – but it’s probably way too early to hit Snider there.
- slobberfaceHi Mike,
I’ve been reading your blog for a long time, but this is my first time writing. Damn long time in that closet.
I just read the following report on Yahoo and I haven’t seen any discussion about on here yet:
Fri, Mar 27
RHP Shawn Marcum (right elbow surgery) is ahead of schedule. Initially the Blue Jays didn’t expect him back until 2010. Now they say he could be back by August.
(Yahoo! Sports)
Is there any truth to this? Bringing back their #2 starter could be quite the trade deadline “acquisition” if the Jays can stay in the division/wild card race until then.
Thanks for the blog, keep up the great work.
MW: Marcum could be back by August, but to believe he’d be anywhere near as effective as he was last year would be a real stretch. Thanks for finally coming out of the closet!
- daveHey Mike
Just wondering whether or not League is still topping out a 98 99 mph with his fast ball. I havent really been able to watch or listen and I am just reading post game reports and they usually dont mention this.
MW: Because we don’t have radar guns at our disposal all that much.
- JamesHey Mike
About McDonald, Inglett and Bautista. Who is going to play and who will be in AAA or be released with the return of Hill?
MW: Inglett will be optioned down to AAA.
- JamesHey Mike. When a pitcher(in this case Ryan) loses that much off his fastball does it ever have to do with a lack of exercising in the off season or have pitches been known to flame out much faster after TJ sugery? I don’t think B-52 can turn himself into another Jamie Moyer.
MW: I don’t think he can, either. Sometimes it’s a small flaw in mechanics, sometimes it’s an injury of which they’re not really aware. I don’t think it has anything to do with off-season conditioning or the surgery.
- Matt from BCMike….Have you heard any word out of the Cardinals’ camp about Tony Larussa having his pitcher batting in the 8th spot regularly?..He mentioned at the end of last season he was going to.
MW: I really haven’t been paying that much attention to the Cards.
- chris m.I really think the Jays should be moving Hill over to shortstop this season.
If it is a rebuilding year, and it might eventually be the plan, why not got through the transition pains now?
This team has a ton of second-base depth: Inglett, Campbell, and Emaus…
Maybe I sound like I’m being trigger happy because Emaus had a great spring… But I dont see why Hill doesn’t have the potential to be a gold glove short-stop… He has shown he has a ton of range at second, and when we have seen him in situations where ne needs to make a deep accurate throw he always delivers…
MW: Having seen him play, I would say Hill is a gold-glove second baseman and a solid defensive shortstop. Can he get to that gold glove level at short? Maybe, but I don’t think it’s a given by any means. He doesn’t want to move, and that means something. Still, you’re right – if they’re going to move him, this is the year they should do it. It’s not as though Scutaro couldn’t just move over and play second, he’s done that plenty.
- Stevie H.Mike,
Are you surprised that Lane didn’t make the cut over Kevin Millar?
MW: Not at all.
- AnthonyMike, like you, I feel that much of the criticism, which J.P. Ricciardi receives is unfounded. More often than not, I find myself supporting transactions made by the Blue Jays’ General Manager & Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations. However, I do feel that Ricciardi missed the boat with A.J. Burnett. The Blue Jays clearly were not a postseason contender at last year’s deadline (or after when players had to clear waivers). Moving Burnett, in my opinion, would have been the best move. Everybody knew that he would opt out of his contract. Yes, he was a Group-A free agent, which should have netted the Jays a first round draft choice. But, the club should have realized that, considering the money the Yankees had to spend and the limited starting pitchers on the market, they would likely be the front runner for Burnett’s services. And, they should have acknowledged that the possibility of the Yankees signing Burnett, Sabathia, and Teixeira was high. Of course, this meant the Jays only received a third round pick for Burnett. In essence, an asset was lost for next to nothing.
MW: I think it would have required far too much of a crystal ball to see the Yankees signing all three of those players. Certainly no one who commented here or called the post-game show last season brought up that possibility – even though everyone now says they all saw it coming. To plan for the Yankees signing Sabathia, Teixeira and Burnett and to make your own baseball decisions accordingly, would have been foolish.
- Jake Rothwhat is the best baseball book out there for reading?
thanks
MW: It depends what you want – stories, analysis, biographies, reference material?
- nickMike, have you got any word on which 2 blue jays might be replacing Zaun and Burnett on the Rogers Centre windows?
MW: Nope.
- AnthonyHey mike
What do you think the opening day lineup will be
I like 1 scutaro
2 hill
3 Rios
4 wells
5 overbay
6 rolen
7 Lind
8 snider
9 barajas
MW: I think that’s probably how the line-up will look Opening Day, though Snider and Barajas may be flipped. But do you like that line-up, or do you just think that’s how it will look?
- JamesHi Mike;
A little sad to see Russ Adams optioned to AAA ?
just wondering if there is any chance that bj ryan may go on the 15 day DL as to keep Joe Inglett on the roster, This question may be mute but is there any chance the jays could trade overbay and or bj ryan? thx for the great blog.
MW: Moot, not mute. Why is it sad to see Adams go down to AAA? Who does he deserve to knock off the roster? Ryan may go on the DL, though the Jays are saying he’s not hurt, so he likely won’t. If he did go on the DL, chances are it’d be for a pitcher, not for Joe Inglett.
- robert.shey mike
Have you read ever read moneyball? If so I’m curious what you thought of it.
Thanks and go jays
MW: I have, and I liked it a lot. It’s a great book.
- Benstories or biographies? i was asking about you fav book to read.
MW: There’s a special place in my heart for Bill Lee’s “The Wrong Stuff”.
- nickHey Mike,
Who should I have kept in my fantasy draft — Josh Hamilton or Mark Teixeira?
MW: Hamilton
- Ken PaganNick, I suggest Ball Four. It’s a must read for any baseball fan.
MW: I liked that book, too, but for me anyway, it hasn’t held up well.
- Ari1 scutaro
2 hill
3 Rios
4 wells
5 overbay
6 rolen
7 Lind
8 snider
9 barajas
MW: I think that’s probably how the line-up will look Opening Day, though Snider and Barajas may be flipped. But do you like that line-up, or do you just think that’s how it will look?
No I dont really like it but thats how it will be because all the players arent playing up to their full potential. If they were I would want the line up to be
1. Rios- cause hes got speed, pop and average when hes hot
2. Hill- cause he can hit for decent average when hes hot
3. Rolen- cause he hits for power all over the park and drives in a ton when hes healthy
4. Wells- cause he has tons of power and average when hes on
5. Overbay- Drives in tone of guys and hits for decent power when hes healthy
6. Barajas- hits for decent power and mixes up so you dont have to lefties in a row
7. Lind- hits all over the place
8. Snider- same as Lind but hopefully with a bit more than Lind
9. McDonald- his superb defensive skills are much needed and his poor offence can be compensated when the others are hitting to their full potential.
MW: Nowhere do you mention getting on base in there, and you talk about driving in runs as though that’s an independent ability.
- JamesYou forgot to mention yesterday in your talk about the Babe Ruth/Ernie Shore combined “Perfect Game” that Ruth was ejected from the game after walking the lead off hitter, at which point he punched the home plate umpire in the face.
Must have been some sort of league back then……
MW: That would have been a fun game to cover, but yeah, I was too busy getting out of the Mr. Dressup hole I dug for myself.
- Rob MDo the Jays their Spring Training schedule or does MLB do that?
MW: The Jays do it, with input from all the other Florida teams, of course.
- JMMike I heard you on Inside The Lines today and I heard you mention the Reds and Giants could be the surprise team this year in the same way the Rays were last year. I’m hoping this year the Blue Jays will be that surprise team this year. The so-called pundits are picking them 4th or 5th, but I have this feeling they’re going to surprise people this season. I think 85-90 wins is very do-able, I believe they will hit better than they did last year and I think the starting pitching will hold its own. I just don’t understand the Jays season being written off before the first pitch has even been thrown. There, I feel better now that’s off my chest. Take it easy.
Peter, St.Catharines
MW: We were only talking about the National League.
- PeterGlad to have you back, at least somebody who talks BASEBALL! What does this kid Jackson look like? Who does he remind you of? How far is he from making the show?
MW: He’s a very smooth-fielding shortstop, but he REALLY needs to cut down on the strikeouts. He’s a couple of years away, at least, I think/
- steve wiltonSince Mills and Richmond haven’t been making much of a case to get the final few spots in the rotation, why not take a look at Mark Mulder..He still hasn’t signed anywhere (not even a minor league deal) and if he can pitch even close to the way he used to, he would be a good addition..
Janssen may be back soon and he should get a spot in the rotation..Why not sign Mulder and let him find his game in the minors, what have you got to lose?..This guy had some amazing seasons in Oakland..
MW: Mulder is definitely a low-risk gamble, for sure, and I have no problem with the Jays signing him and seeing if he can work things out, but there’s no reason to believe he’d be any better than Matt Clement.
- Ray BAny word on how Chad Mottola is doing in his new gig as minor league hitting coach?
Will he be primarily stationed in Vegas or does he move between the affiliates?
(Wouldn’t mind hearing you interview him a couple times throughout the season to get an update on the minor league bats.)
MW: I’d rather talk to Dick Scott to get an idea on the minor-league bats. No idea how Mottola is doing yet, I only saw him once or twice down in Florida.
- Paul BJim Boutons book “Ball Four” is the best baseball book ever. Not for nothing was it ranked in the top 100 American books ever written (and we’re not just talking sports books, we’re talking ALL books written by Americans). Jims biography of the 1969 season with the Seattle Pilots (later the Milwaukee Brewers) and Houston Astros and its subsuquent epilogues are a MUST READ for any true baseball fan. You won’t regret reading “Ball Four”.
- Jim in OhioMike, doesn’t the general manager decide who makes the big league club? Why is everyone writing it as though it is Cito’s decision?
MW: It’s a joint decision, with the G.M. having to final say, but most people who cover the Jays believe that the balance of power has shifted from Ricciardi to Gaston.
- Paul OHi Mike
In response to your questions, Adam Lind was not rude (i.e. he did not say anything offensive), but rather, did not acknowledge us. I could understand his reluctance prior to a regular season game, but I was surprised that he would not even respond to an 8 year old who simply wanted an autograph.
A number of other minor league Jays(at the game in Fort Myers against the Twins) came over for pictures and autographs, but Lind stayed away. Not a big deal, but fairly surprising.
MW: Well, you don’t know where he was going, what he had to do, how many autographs he’d signed earlier that day (or the day before), even what kind of day he was having, or if he even really heard you. Lots of guys get into the “tune-out” mode as they’re walking past the stands.
- DavidHi Mike,
Still writing my Ph.D. thesis @ McMaster. However, how do you feel about Ricky Romero over Purcey as the #3?
Also, I’ve only been to the Lauderdale airport once, but… have you ever tried the Sarasota one? Very nice, good art galleries nearby and a very nice Hyatt hotel.
Best,
Christopher Taylor
MW: I have never seen Ricky Romero pitch well, only heard him do so yesterday, so I’m far more comfortable with Purcey as the three. I’ve never been to the Sarasota airport. That one and PBI are the only two that I haven’t hit in Florida from Orlando down.
- Christopher Taylormichael,
the morning show personalities of your radio station were commenting on r. romero this morning.
suggesting but not necessarily concluding (one way or another) whether the young pitcher romero at age 23 & based on where he was selected in his draft yr. might be somewhat behind schedule on making it to the bigs & the organization might as well find out now (under the circumstances of all the injuries) if he’s ready or not.
based on your knowledge of pichers his age & being very highly touted & drafted at the very top (making comparisons to others similar in the past) do you think he’s behind schedule if he cracks the rotation this yr?
i think probably right on schedule. pretty sure not ahead of schedule.
what do you think?
certainly it seems that mills & cecil (should either crack this yr’s lineup) would be in the “ahead of schedule” category pretty sure based on age & draft position etc…….
MW: I think that Romero was clearly behind schedule as recently as last season. A stud prospect drafted out of college should be able to be successful in AA by his third year pro, I think. And the first pitcher taken in an entire draft would qualify as a stud prospect, though he only had two years of college and was just 20 years old. Romero started his fourth year as a pro at AA, and didn’t pitch well at all (4.96 ERA, 1.59 WHIP). His making the team out of spring training at the age of 24 as a starter, though, means he’s certainly no longer behind. Cecil getting to the bigs at 22 one year removed from pitching in the NY-Penn League and Mills, a year older but in the same situation, would certainly qualify as ahead of schedule.
- darrell bishopHey Mike,
I have seen Mills pitch 3 times now. Twice live, and once on TV. I think he has a major league arm that falls somewhere in between Ted Lilly, Bruce Chen, Scott Downs, Casey Fossum and Barry Zito.
I still have yet to see Ricky pitch. I read scouting reports all the time on him, but they are usually written by internet baseball geeks who have never seen him pitch….
Who would you compare him to? Does he have the ability to be outstanding if his control comes around?
MW: I have only seen Romero pitch once. I don’t get into those kinds of comparisons unless something really stands out to me. For example, your group of five includes two accomplished big-league starters, one guy who failed as a starter and has become a dominant reliever, and two guys who are awful, so it really doesn’t say much of anything. I wasn’t blown away by Romero in the game I saw in Sarasota, though when he was getting ahead and paying attention to his baserunners, I thought he was fine. Outstanding I have yet to see.
- Stevie H.Aviation and Medieval times…
I like Roy Halladay more with each passing day.
And if I was anywhere near the Jays roster he is the first guy I would talk to. The man is a horse and one single iota of advice from him would be priceless to any up-and-coming ball player.
- KenThe jinxing continues.
- slobberfaceCortisone shot for Vernon.
I hope that wrist holds up.