11:50 AM Eastern
Sorry, faithful true believers, I’m having massive computer issues at home which have only just now been rectified, so I couldn’t post anything last night. The Sunday routine for me is generally do TBJTW after the game, then go home and post that evening after everyone goes to bed - I might have to switch that up.
Anyway, just a quick note here to say that watching David Purcey is going to be a lot of fun this year, and probably pretty frustrating, too. It’s amazing that a pitcher can have an outing in which he throws 113 pitches in lasting just 4 2/3 innings and walks six, and still has an inning in which all his pitches are thrown for strikes! Some might say that they’ll take six walks if they come with 10 strikeouts, but I’m definitely not one of them (please note, folks, there is no “a” in definitely). Here’s hoping he finds some real consistency with his control (in a good way), because Purcey could be a really good one if he does. But then, that’s what this year is all about - having the kids figure things out and seeing if they can develop into legit big-leaguers from whom one knows what to expect every time out.
Adam Lind’s 0-for-4 will likely cost him A.L. Player of the Week honours, since I think most voters will lean towards the guy they know better in Miguel Cabrera anyway, but major kudos to Lind for the way he’s started this season, especially against left-handed pitchers.
And since everyone is so down on Vernon Wells, let’s not forget two things: 1 - he’s hitting .321, which is about 150 points higher than usual this time of year, and B - his four extra-base hits over seven games has him on pace for a career high 94. Not too bad for a guy who’s “struggling”.
It was a short edition of TheJaysTalk yesterday, but here it is:
Remember, tonight is the penultimate game of the Raptors’ season, so we won’t be on The Fan590, at least not to start, we’ll likely join in progress at the conclusion of the basketball game. So tune us in on TALK820 at 7:30 PM Eastern for the pre-game and first hour and a half or so of the game, then you can move over to The Fan for the end of the game and The JaysTalk!
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome!
Click here to subscribe to Wilner's blog
Did you see that Reed Johnson catch last night? Get ready for some more Reed Johnson comments and callers!
MW: That was an amazing catch. There’s never been any question that Reed is a fantastic defensive outfielder. I loved that he actually tapped his glove before he went up and got it.
- RMHey Mike,
How much do the elements like the cold really affect the pitchers’ ability to throw strikes? Purcey cited it as being one of the reasons he issued so many free passes, yet his release point wasn’t consistent during most of the game.. your thoughts?
Also, to everyone tuning in to listen tonight, you can also get the game online from AM 820 as well.
The link is:
http://www.talk820.com/
MW: I think cold can affect a guy in ways other than just the grip, but your point is well taken.
- Justin from HamiltonHi Mike,
What did you think of Cito’s decision to put on the sacrifice bunt with Snider batting in the 7th?
MW: I didn’t agree with it, but I can see why he did it.
- ChrisBrandon League is having as much trouble hitting the strike zone as B.J.. His speed is good, he is hitting 95, but it seems that when he does hit the strike zone, his pitches are flat and that’s when they get rocked. I didn’t want to be the first one to mention Reed Johnson on your blog, but I noticed you already did the other day (either in print or on air), did you see the way he robbed Fielder of his first major league grand slam yesterday? What a catch and what a classy move by Fielder for tipping his cap at Reed bvefore heading into the dugout. Go Jays!
- Dan from ElmvaleI was impressed with how Purcey battled yesterday. The control obviously needs to improve, but agains that line-up, and given his control struggles (despite the ten K’s) to only give up 3 runs was a good sign IMO. He was able to find that out when he needed to. Not trying to gloss over only going 4 and 2/3, but hey, a lot of youngster who get in a situation like that wind up imploding, and it’s 6,7 or 8-1 instead of 3-1. So in that respect, good on Purcey.
MW: Fair enough.
- WDMHi Mike,
I am a big fan of David Purcey. Such a nice smooth effortless delivery. He is going to be a good one. I think he will grow into a solid front of the rotation guy and I think that will happen by the second half this season.
As for Vernon, as usual, the key is for him to avoid injury. if he does, he will put up a 30 HR 100 RBI season for sure.
Too bad the jays lost but, they can’t win every game and they did show some fight by cuttting a 5-1 deficit to 5-4 before Brandon League was roughed up in the 8th. Of course, the way Kerry Wood looked int he 9th, it may not have mattered if it was a 4 run lead or 1 run lead. Oh well, on to Minneapolis where hopefully the Jays can wreck the Twins, but its never easy in Minnesota.
MW: They swept them in Minnesota last year.
- IanCan we crown Purcey the new AJ Burnett yet? You know the AJ that threw a no hitter with 9 walks.
MW: No, we can’t.
- BrendanHey Mike
A few thoughts on the season thus far :
You state “thats what this years about, - having the kids figure out if they can develop into legit big-leaguers” and i completely agree. Does Cito see things this way? I ask because it seems absurd to ever sit Snider or Lind vs. lefties in favor of the likes of Bautista or Millar. Sure, Bautista and Millar may hit lefties better right now, but they will not be in a Jay uniform in a year or two. If Lind and Snider are going to develop into legit 3/4 hitters and be the offensive future of the club, they need to face lefties. Continue along the path and you will turn them into platoon players.
Regarding BJ Ryan, when he is tossing to his capabilities, there isn’t a better option at the closer spot. Trouble is, he is horrible right now and should not be given any more chances to blow games until he shows he has returned to form. Let him throw some middle innings in 4 or 5 run games until he regains his velocity, control and confidence. One he returns to form, but him back in the closers role. Cito could let two or three guys share the closing duties depending on who is batting in the 9th.
thanks,
MW: Lind hasn’t sat at all yet, and Snider will be worked in slowly against lefties.
- rickHey mike,
By world series champs “Officially” i was just being ever the optimistic person whom loves the Jays and baseball. I do love however sir, that the great pitching staffs in the AL EAST are also hitting snags here and there other then the surprising Orioles. Do you think the Guthrie led Orioles can keep it up, i doubt it. I love seeing guys like, sabathia (minus his last start), wang, beckett, lester, matsusaka, all struggling, i hope it continues (Knock on wood).
- paoloMW: I’m completely stunned that Scutaro outdefended Rolen at third base. That alone makes me skeptical about the numbers.
Well the description of those stats weren’t quite correct. Those numbers have nothing to do with fielding runs. They represent a +/- based on the plays the average player at the same position would make. Essentially, a bit of a dirty measure of how much range a guy has. So you can already tell that the numbers will be skewed by playing time. What is interesting based on the same set of data is just how great Rios is in the field and just how bad Wells has been the past two years. Rios has been the best RF in baseball and ranked highly (top 5 or so if I recall correctly) as a CF based on his time there last year as well. The Wells contract gets in the way of things, but I think the roster is best utilized with Wells in left, Rios in center and Snider in right. As for the infield, by all metrics Scutaro was fabulous last year at short and third, though his career numbers suggest a guy who’s slightly above average. Rolen didn’t and hasn’t had a season that adds up to his reputation since 2005, though he’s still a well above-average defender. The numbers that poster showed you aren’t ‘wrong,’ but you certainly have to look at more than one stat and at more than one season to evaluate guys defensively.
- karimWould it make any sense for the jays to trade for Juan Pierre? Giving up maybe Lyle Overbay? If the Dodgers ate some salary and Pierre deferred a bunch of money, you could slide Lind into first base and Pierre into DH and you’d have a better, faster leadoff hitter. Any sense to this?
MW: Nope. One of the key things that a lead-off man has to do is to get on base, which would eliminate Pierre from consideration.
- BrendanHey Mike
So great to have baseball back every day. You, Jerry and Alan do an amazing job.
I just thought I’d point out to those of us who were feeling sort of embarrassed by the Jays poor attendance on the last two games of the Tigers series - take a look at attendance around baseball yesterday.
The vast majority of the games had attendance of under 20k. For Sunday afternoon games, no less.
Cleveland: 14,200
Cincinnati: 12,800
Baltimore: 15,500
Atlanta: 19,800
San Diego: 19,400
Oakland: 12,100
etc
I’m pretty surprised - those are terrible numbers for a Sunday game. It seems like we may not be the only city that will have an attendance drop this year.
MW: Those are awful, and I’d wager that the Jays will draw at least 20,000 every Sunday afternoon this season.
- James Hmichael,
i’m glad you made mention of young purcey in this post as i was going to as well.
i think you are absolutely correct about this young, emerging hard throwing lefthander.
he’s got a terrific arm & great stuff.
just needs to learn how to manage his way thru his starts a little better and it seems pretty obvious that it’s just a matter of tuning up his control a little bit more & developing some increased comfort in allowing the 8 guys around him to help him out. hopefully he’s able to do that over time.
this guy’s a gem though. no doubt. you can see that for sure.
and also on the same subject, any idea what size shoes he wears? man, he’s got a pair of flippers for feet doesn’t he?
MW: He wears a size 18.
- darrell bishopAble to catch snipets of the game on the radio through the static during Easter gathering with family. Heard the 7th, when Snider was able to get the runners to 2nd and 3rd with one out. Just couldn’t execute to bring in at least the tying run with a deep fly ball. Nobody’s perfect.
Let’s hope Litsch can have a better outing than his opener. Is he on a specific innings count for the season with some of the other young arms? Just took a glance at the Jays April schedule, and except for 3 games they are playing the AL Central. This could bode well for a decent, which we haven’t had for awhile with the Jays.
It will be interesting to see how this team continues to perform since there is no pressure to succeed because there are no expectations for the first time in awhile.
3-2 when Doc doesn’t start. I don’t think anyone would mind the Jays playing .600 when he’s not on the mound.
Keep up the good work.
MW: I don’t think anyone would mind the Jays playing .500 ball when Halladay doesn’t start! No, Litsch isn’t on an innings limit.
- Aaron KerPrevious post has some obvious English flaws in it concerning the April schedule. I’m talking about a decent start to the season record wise.
Nice point about Wells. Again, could be a case of him thriving when there is not a whole heck of alot of pressure on the team.
MW: Sigh.
- Aaron KerI was soo p***d off that cito elected to make snider bunt with a man on 1st and 2nd with none out. He doesn’t ground many balls, and scutaro is up next who walks alot. I would’ve let him swing away there. What do you think. And this isn’t a hindsight comment. I was screaming at thanksgiving dinner while listening to the fan590 !
MW: See above. And listen to The JaysTalk, I talked about it there.
- LaffinatorI’m happy to see Vernon finally put one over the fence, not because I thought he was in trouble offensively, but because I get tired of the worriers who call out a player’s performance after less that a week of games. If everybody is crushing the ball all over the place, chances are that there will be a week where all the hitters roll over on everything. That’s baseball, and I wish that was a little more obvious to the casual fan.
I do have a question about home runs. Obviously, we all know the Jays have cranked it up about three notches in home runs hit, and don’t tell anybody, but they’ve also ramped up the homeruns allowed too. What about the rest of the AL and the rest of baseball? Are power numbers up, down, or similar to last year?
Always a pleasure listening and reading your opinions Mike, thanks for your hard work.
MW: The major-league per-team average was 24 homers for last April, and 7 homers for this year’s first week, so it’s about the same.
- Greg WHey Mike,
I was browsing over at Si.com and noticed the MLB Power Ranking and saw that the Jays are 13th….
How are these rankings tabulated or is it really just a big crap shoot? Because I noticed teams with worse records in higher spots and…I dunno, it’s kinda confusing.
MW: I’m assuming it’s based on their writers’ votes.
- RandyHello Mike,
I have a friend here who likes the Jays but cheers even more for the Yankees. Is this a normal occurrence with baseball fans? I tell him that it is too bad that he likes the Yankees, but it is true that many people here are liking the Yankees it seems. He has a Derek Jeter figurine on his working desk.
On another note:
MW: It’s an interesting thought, but if you can’t trust a guy in cold weather, you don’t want him in the playoffs, which would be a bit of an issue.
But if the Jays were to face the Twins in the first round and then be on their way to Tampa then finally see San Diego in the last round, there will be no problem, no? Oh ha ha I am just kidding, especially about San Diego making the playoffs. And hopefully they have the fun in playing well against these Twins pendant this series.
- Pierre from Blois
MW: You can’t cheer for two teams in the same division. It’s a rule.
- PierreHey Mike,
I have not had to opportunity to watch very many games over the past few years. I usually listen on radio. I watched the Ryan meltdown the other night. he looked a lot thinner than i remember him. maybe i missed this story last year or just forgot. is this my imagination? if not, when did this happen?
On a slightly related note, I think i’m going to shell out the 30$ bucks to get this fancy radio delay device so i can watch on TV and listen to the radio feed without the delay. The three of you are an absolute pleasure to listen to, especially when compared to the other options.
Cheers
MW: Why thank you! As for Ryan, he does look to be not quite as barrel-chested, but I wouldn’t say he’s significantly thinner.
- jeremyjust curious, who votes for player of the week?
MW: I don’t know. I know that writers and broadcasters vote for the player, pitcher and rookie of each month, and I’ve been lucky enough to have been asked to do so on a few occasions, but I’ve never seen anyone with a ballot for player of the week.
- kitHi Mike. “Fun” is the exact word I’ve used to describe how it is watching Purcey. I’m not sure where my fingernails disappear to every time, though…
- LJDavid Purcey, 113 pitches to get through 4 2/3 innings, with 10 strikeouts and six walks.
Sounds a bit like like Scott Kazmir of 2006/2007. But Kazmir never had Brad Arnsberg and Purcey does. That could make a difference.
I think the most consistent hitter this season will be Aaron Hill. Very nice stroke.
- Ken PaganMike. I’ve wanted to know this, in general baseball conversation, when referring to runs batted in, I’ve always heard it referred to in its plural form as RBI’s. That’s how Tom always said it, Jerry has used it for as long as I can remember, but in the last 10 years it’s become RBI. Even the people who do updates on the Fan have said it that way as well. Who started it? Somebody had to start it.
What a great catch by Reed Johnson last night, taking a slam away from Prince Fielder. But that’s nothing new, it’s become routine for him.
Peter, St.Catharines
MW: Someone somewhere decided that since it’s “runS batted in” and not “run batted inS”, they’d try to sound smart and refer to the plural of RBI as RBI. It sounds horrible. An RBI is a thing on its own, and more than one are RBIs.
- PeterBrandon League came into yesterday’s game with his team down by one run. He gave up three more to put the game out of reach (i.e. no save opportunity for Kerry Wood). These things happen, but the scenario got me thinking . . . I really don’t have a good understanding of whether Brandon League has reached his potential, or even what his potential IS. Does he pitch consistently well enough to take on a set-up role . . . or a closer role if things are still shaky with Ryan a month or two from now?
League has been up and down to Syracuse quite a bit in the last 4-5 years. I’ve found it difficult to keep track of his performance at the ML-level and whether he is pitching at, below, or above expectations.
Any thoughts or insight on this one? anyone . . . (Bueller?)
- DCB
ps - on behalf of everyone involved (including your faithful listeners!), I’m glad to hear that your rain-delay bucket went 0-fer-1 :)
MW: Thanks. League has shown glimpses of what everyone believes he can be, even extended ones, but over a full season? Hasn’t happened yet. He’s still young, though, just having turned 26 last month.
- DCBHi Mike,
Yesterday was the first truly frustrating games of the season. Not because of how Purcey pitched, but rather how League just couldn’t keep Cleveland down. The Jays offense battled back to within one and then he gives up three runs. This is two appearances in a row where he has had some problems. It really hurts considering the Jays have Accardo in the minors, who I am convinced is a better and more reliable pitcher.
Hope they come out firing today and Litsch gets on track. Can’t wait to see Romero on Tuesday and Purcey in his next start!
MW: Accardo isn’t a better and more reliable pitcher until he finds his splitter.
- Andrew ClarkI can’t wait for the Raptors to be done and gone, so I can catch the game on my bloody radio. I can’t pick up 820 for some reason, and it’s annoying as hell.
Mike, all the Vernon haters need to shutup. For now, at least.
And where’s the love for Scutaro? Dude’s playing out of his mind. He can be the starting shortstop on my team. VIVA VENEZUELA!!!!!1
- eyebleafHi Mike,
Two quick points.
1.If you’re going to (even passive aggresively [qua sarcastically]) criticize another’s grammar, might I suggest doing so in a grammatically correct fashion. ‘Folks” in your sentence (”please note, folks, there is no “a” in definitely”) is not a clause and so should not be preceded by a comma. Read the sentence aloud - you’ll see. But, of course, there is an element of personal style in comma usage, so I may just be a complete (choose whatever word you may) for taking so much time to point this out. And more to that point, I’m sure that I’m making many of my errors of my own… so… MOVING ON!
2.It seems to me, and this is pretty arrogant of me being that there are several high paid and more expert coaches watching him, that DP’s control troubles stem from very minor mechanical issues – a lazy front side and a ‘drop and drive’ style. DP’s front side, which is responsible for direction, (backside = power) bails out on just about every pitch, though only slightly. If you watch the video of his outing yesterday you’ll notice that just before he comes forward his glove drops near his hip. Biomechanically speaking, this is really REALLY problematic, as there is a direct correlation between the direction of the glove side elbow through delivery and end/release point (it’s a dynamic balance thing – trust me [not knowing me, there’s really no reason you should]). The other small issue is that DP’s head drops 6-8 inches just before he comes forward, creating an ever-so-slight drop and drive motion. While some have been exceedingly successful with this mechanical flaw (Tom Seaver), most aren’t so talented. Virtually speaking, when DP’s head moves, so does the plate (from his perspective). Try, if you’d like, jumping up and down while trying to catch a ball – you may be able to, but it’s not as easy as when your head is still. The same motion and sight issues apply when trying to direct a baseball. To throw accurately you need dynamic balance and a stabilized posture through delivery and DP is just slightly lacking in both. Pitchers with above average to great control (look no further than Doc)excell in both areas.
Anyhow, love the broadcasts, always read the blog – keep going. Your sober analysis is a nice change from the usual Jay’s coverage thrust upon us in this hockey mad city…province…country…. OY!
MW: Appreciate the kind words. 1 - You’re right, it’s personal style, I don’t know why you wasted your time. 2 - Yep, very arrogant of you.
- AdamHey Mike,
few thoughts for you.
- I caught the end of the post game show the other day where you mentioned Lyle leading off. On a team with no real leadoff hitter, I’d be fine with the move.
-The bandwagon for Adam Lind seems to be the fullest its ever been.
- Roy deserves way more then the 14mil he makes.
-How is Casey Jannsens recovery going?
MW: See above.
- Brad S.I don’t know what’s more exciting, watching a Purcey or McGowan who have very good stuff but are still learning how to pitch and have untapped potential, or watching a Litsch or Marcum who need to hit their spots and rely more on their head then their mechanics or raw talent. It’s an interesting rotation, and I’m salavating at the thought of a Halladay, Marcum, McGowan, Litsch, and Purcey for next season. I have a question. I know they are starting Cecil in Las Vegas, but what do you think of Brett Cecil as a future closer.
MW: I’d rather get 180 great innings out of Cecil than 60.
- DomenickAbout Last Night
you a big rob lowe fan, m dub?
O-Dawg just hit for the cycle, and billingsley is the man.
that is all.
MW: It was a great movie, but not because of Rob Lowe.
- slobberfaceHey Mike,
I think the player of the week for the AL will probably go to Longoria (.481, 4 2B, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 1 SB).
Did you see that spectacular grab Reed Johnson made yesterday? That’s going to have Toronto-Reed Johnson fans moaning about Gibbons releasing him again. Do you think that if he were still in the Blue Jays organization that both Lind and Snider would still be in the majors? Johnson’s defense is exciting, but I think Toronto can settle for Snider and Lind’s average defense in exchange for the bats they bring to the plate.
MW: You were right about Longoria, and Gibbons didn’t release Reed. What’s interesting is that since that great catch there have been a couple of comments about people assuming that the Reed-lovers will start moaning and groaning again, but none of them have. Reed would have been in the way of Lind, for sure, and if they were short-sighted enough, then Snider, too.
- MelI guess we are seeing very little of John MacDonald this year?
MW: Seems that way.
- barbiThey all said that Miggy Cabrera had a “tough year” adjusting to the AL last year, but his numbers were foolish. Us Jays fans are used to having to focus on the negative, because well, normally we have to. I really hope that Vernon and Rios start hitting a few homers to quiet the nay-sayers. Also, how great is Aaron Hill looking? After missing most of last year he looks like he didn’t miss a game… great work ethic from him to get back to playing so well so fast…
MW: What do you mean normally Jays fans have to focus on the negative?
- Luke (Halifax)Is rational and reasonable not the same thing?
MW: It would appear to require extra emphasis.
- HowardDear Mike,
Okay, I’m a pest, but would still love to get a copy of “Doc”s” favourite book if you get a chance.
Best Regards,
MW: Keep being a pest, it’s the only way I’ll remember to ask.
- BobOverbay’s done as an everyday 1st baseman.
MW: It could be argued that he never should have been an everyday first baseman, with the exception of 2004.
- BPlease explain why Snider is batting 9th and Overbay 7th? I’d rather have Millar up there right now. Overbay has looked DREADFUL the last 2 years and again so far this one.
MW: I’d rather have Overbay in the field and not cut his legs out from under him a week into the season. Snider is batting 9th because that’s how Cito keeps the pressure off the kids.
- RenegadeHey Mike,
Is it just me or does Travis Hafner look like he’s about 20+ pounds lighter this season?
MW: It’s just you.
- DannoI’m going to be so glad when the Raps are done. 820 just doesn’t get all the way to Brighton.
At least Rogers is putting them on TV now… It’s hard to sustain my early-season excitement when it’s difficult to watch or listen to the games!
- KPIf Litsch misses the next start, what will they do? Start Mills or Cecil? I know Cecil is starting tonight for Las Vegas. Will they go with a vet in Wade Miller. Will they go with a combination of Tallet and Camp?
MW: It may be Cecil, it may be Wade Miller, but since it’s Cecil’s night, I wouldn’t bet against him.
- DomenickHi Mike, I’ve heard this before, forearm tightness. In Bluejay speak does this mean gone for the year? Seriously, why have they always been so secretive about injuries?
MW: It’s an update we got about an hour after he left the game, so obviously they don’t really know anything yet. It could mean gone for the year, it could mean he misses a couple of starts. Shaun Marcum left his last start his tightness in his right forearm, is all I’m saying. They may yet be secretive about the Litsch injury, but I think that’s the way all sports are moving. At least they haven’t gotten to the ridiculosity of “upper-body/lower-body” injuries.
- SteveI think it should be Cecil that they bring up. I notice that Mills did not have a very good first start at all, and Miller most definitely didn’t. Also, with Cecil starting tonight, it would seem to be a perfect fit. Lets hope he’s here to stay permanently, as well!
MW: I doubt he’d be here for good, given how they want to manage his innings.
- Ryan HallCould we trade for Nick Swisher so he can pitch in Litsch’s next spot up? He just got Kapler to strike out, Pena to pop up and Burrell to fly out.
- Vito2“On a slightly related note, I think i’m going to shell out the 30$ bucks to get this fancy radio delay device so i can watch on TV and listen to the radio feed without the delay. The three of you are an absolute pleasure to listen to, especially when compared to the other options.”
Such a device exists? Where can I find it? And will it work with an online stream? Inquiring minds want to know…
MW: Check with the drunks.
- WDMThe nerve of Travis Snider. Mike, is this guy for real or am I dreaming?
- Vito From HamiltonGOOD GOD!
snider hit that second homerun as hard as matt stairs’ playoff shot against the dodgers!
MW: No, he didn’t. It was pretty, though. That Stairs shot might have hit the roof.
- slobberfaceHey Mike, take a look at the box score from the Rays rampage on the Yankees. Did Nick Swisher actually pitch an inning?
MW: Yep.
- Pauldo you think when johnny mac pinch runs late in games as he did tonight he should stay in the game at short?
MW: Before this year, I would have said absolutely, but the way that Marco Scutaro has played shortstop so far has changed my answer to “it depends where they are in the line-up.”
- daveCecil’s line from tonight.
Las Vegas
- Tony from OakvillePlayer IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Cecil 4.0 4 5 2 2 1 0 4.50
Hey Mike
Since he does throw in the mid 90s,
How do you think Jason Farsor would do in the starting rotation? maybe the Jays should experiment on stretching him out.
MW: They have at least 10 guys I’d rather have starting ahead of Frasor, and he’s a very good reliever. Also, if the change/splitter is for real, he’s only a two-pitch guy.
- HardeepHey Mike
Do you see Snider moving up from the 9 spot or do you think Cito will keep his young gun stashed down there to keep the pressure off him?
MW: He won’t move him up too far for a while.
- AriMike,
Do you think we are going to see the Jays take a new approach to pitching this year considering the depth concerns of the starting rotation? I would like to see our stellar bullpen take a little more of the load. Why not send guys out for two or three innnings? Furthermore, if they do give longer outings to middle relievers how does that change how you manage the bullpen from game to game?
Mike I am so excited about this season. I don’t think we have a shot at the playoffs but man is this team going to be fun to watch. Last year we got to enjoy some good pitching, which was nice, but it was frustrating without the run support. I will take an equally one sided offensive team any day of the week.
Jeff
MW: It may get just as frustrating, though, if the bullpen has to come in in the 5th inning every night. You’d hope that they’d get a breather tomorrow, but with Ricky Romero going, I’m not confident. I don’t think asking the ‘pen to throw four innings a night is a good idea.
- JeffI don’t understand why people continue to mention Reed Johnson. Reed was a great guy and personally I liked him, but he is long gone and as far as I’m concerned, he’s irrelevant. Johnson had no future with the Blue Jays since Lind and Snider were fast emerging and releasing him was the most fair thing to do for the sake of all parties concerned. Johnson did not help the Cubs in the playoffs last year and would not have helped the Jays get there either. People who harped on topics like Reed Johnson and Frank Thomas are one of the major reasons I believe J.P. did not return to do another year of Wednesday night shows with you Mike. Too many questions were asked and answered many times. I’d venture to say you always seem to ask the most intelligent questions. You always did your homework about the clubs minor league talent and that really helped to keep me informed.
To fill space I’d like to suggest a weekly show with the Jays beatwriters or a segment with the players returning for “Flashback Fridays”, assuming that promotion will continue. I know Alan and Jerry interview them on the air, but that segment was not available in the hot audio section because it contained play-by-play. I work nights and unless I can get to my car during a break I always miss that segment. Thanks again for the outstanding job you did with “Wednesdays with J.P.”
MW: It’s an excellent idea to try to get the Flashback Friday guest on the post-game, though I don’t know that it would be that easy to do. I’m going to try, though!
- Jim in OhioI think Jim Belushi totally stole that movie and had some of the best movie lines of the 80s. I loved the way he and Elizabeth Perkin’s characters went after each other. Demi Moore was not hard to look at either.
MW: I couldn’t agree with you more on Belushi. Remember when he was actually funny?
- RezMike,
Great stuff, as always. I was wondering what the chances of the Hill guy the Jays picked up from the Nationals chances are of making the rotation with the injury to Litsch? He seemed to have promise, but was cut for a reason I guess. On another note, I have hears people blame JP all the way to Gibbons for the Jays pitchers getting hurt. Do you think any of it has to do with the young pitchers trying to emulate Roy Halladay’s training regiment and overdoing it? I’m not blaming Halladay but he has had his work ethic for years and maybe the pitchers are doing too much too fast. Thanks Mike
MW: The Jays didn’t pick up that Hill guy from the Nationals, he’s pitching in San Diego right now. No, it has nothing to do with Halladay.
- justinVito2…Mike, His Emminence, doesn’t deem us worthy of reply.
- Vito From Hamilton