1:45 AM Eastern
One night after managing just two runs over 11 innings, the Jays had six runs over the first four tonight on their way to a romp over the Twins. They have won seven of the first 10 this season, and for those of you who like to extrapolate, they’re on a 113-win pace.
When Scott Richmond fell behind early, it was certainly cause for concern in this corner. I like Richmond a lot, though I believe that his ceiling is not that high. I think he’s a plugger who will go out and give you a decent six innings - the perfect 5th starter. But left-handed hitters had simply destroyed him over the course of his six-start career going into this game. The reason he’s never really been beaten up (who knows, he may have escaped with another couple of scoreless innings if the rain hadn’t cut him short in Cleveland) is because he has either faced enough righties at the right times to escape, or because he’s managed to get his outs at the right time, which is unsustainable.
Here are some snippets of Scott Richmond, career numbers before tonight:
Left-handed batters against him: .403/.427/.736
Right-handed batters against him: .151/.193/.189
Opposition hitters, with runners on: .218/.254/.418
I don’t know about you, but those last two sets of numbers are really impressive to me, while the first set is scary as hell.
Tonight against the Twins, Richmond held a line-up that was comprised of only five lefties (including the switch-hitters) and four righties - about the best balance he can hope for - to just four hits over 6 1/3 innings. Tonight, the lefties hit .231/.333/.308, a major step up, while the righties managed a .100/.182/.100 mark. The change-up helped quite a bit tonight, it can work as an equalizer for a guy who has trouble with one side or the other.
Point is, I think, that maybe everyone is writing Richmond off a little early. Yes, he’s awfully old for a rookie, and he almost literally came out of nowhere, but this was only his 7th major-league start, and he hasn’t had a bad one yet. Not too many pitchers can say that as they begin their careers. And with Jesse Litsch out, he’s the 4th starter now, so there’s more pressure on his shoulders since he’s not the guy who gets skipped on off-days. Maybe he can actually be a lot better than many of us think. It appears as though he’s now going to get the opportunity to see, where a week ago I would have said otherwise.
As for the offense, it was a lot of fun to watch tonight. From the fireworks early with four homers over the first four innings to Travis Snider’s two-run gravy double in the 9th. Aaron Hill threw down with four more hits, and how many people had noticed that Marco Scutaro hadn’t had a hit since Saturday? He was 0-for-14 before his sixth-inning single, but over that stretch had walked SEVEN times!
Alex Rios went 0-for-5, though. He should probably be released.
The JaysTalk is posted below, but for the life of me, I don’t get it. The majority of the calls, it seems, have gone as follows: “Really excited about this team, love these young players, J.P. has got to go” or “No question in my mind this team is making the playoffs, I’m really enjoying this great start and I’m sure they’ll keep it up. When are they going to fire Ricciardi?” or “Wow, Ricky Romero was amazing, Travis Snider has got to play every day, he’s fantastic, and do you think Adam Lind will be the MVP? Oh, and who do you think will take over when they fire J.P.?”
It’s as though I work in Bizarro World.
Reasonable, rational comments are always welcome.
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Hey Mike,
First off, Great job covering this team!
I think that JP does not get enough credit for the team that he has built. He has been good at drafting and he has been able to sign free agents with track records of sucess! Why do you think that he gets crapped on? and do you think that there is a possibility that he stays?
MW: People don’t like him because they don’t like his personality. They find him arrogant. Others don’t like him because when he came in here he fired a bunch of scouts and traded popular players like Alex Gonzalez and Paul Quantrill. Yet others don’t like him because they believe he promised that the Jays would be in the playoffs within five years of his hiring and they weren’t. Also, some believe that no General Manager should be allowed to continue running a team, regardless of whether he’s doing a good or bad job, if that team hasn’t made the playoffs in eight years. Sure there’s a possibility that he stays, but I wouldn’t bet the house.
- David WHi Mike,
Love the blog, and the show. Do you ever get tired of having to defend J.P. and your positive opinion of him, to those who have been brainwashed by Bob McCown and his ilk?
I really like this years team, too bad they lost 60% of their starting staff..
MW: I get tired of it all the time. This year’s team has only lost 20% of its starting staff so far.
- BrentMichael of the Ballyard:
MW: I agree with you, but I don’t think the Rays took it easy on Swisher, no one wants to have to say that they couldn’t hit Nick Swisher.
I heard that the Rays took in easy on him on the Yankees message board — a few Yankee fans said it looked that way. It’s tough to believe the Rays would go from killing the Yankees’ starter (Wang) and bullpen (like, all of them) to incapable of hitting Nick Swisher.
Anyways, sorry, but I’m going to hit you with a few things tonight…
1) Were you surprised to see League in in the ninth? I thought Murphy was the long relief guy, so I figured surely he’d mop up both innings and they’d keep all hands on deck for a potential close game tomorrow or on the weekend.
2) A few nights ago you were defending JP and you listed a bunch of things he’s done right. I think most of your callers are weak in their articulation of why he should be fired so I’m not criticizing your defense, but I don’t get the criteria you used — you said he ‘built a good bullpen’ and ‘built a good defence’ and ‘built a good rotation’ or something like that.
What I don’t get is, is there a specific set of skills involved in building a good bullpen, defense rotation etc that are independent of each other? I figure at least with a good defense and rotation, it’s just a matter of acquiring the best possible talent in those positions.
3) You said in the comments this team doesn’t have a clear clean-up hitter. When do you think Snider could develop into one and what is it about Rolen that makes being a clean up hitter impossible?
MW: First off, a Yankees message board isn’t the best place to get information, I don’t think. As to the points: 1 - I thought Murphy would finish it up, too. 2 - The point I made, and continue to make, is that he’s put together the best pitching and defense in the game over the last two years, and I would think that fact would earn the guy laurels, not darts. Some are better evaluators of pitching than hitting, but I don’t think that’s the case with Ricciardi. 3 - I think Snider eventually develops into a 3-hole hitter, more important than the clean-up guy. Rolen could hit fourth, that was the plan last year, what makes you think it’s impossible for him.
- JCLhi mike
Rios is looking really behind when he is at the plate, when do you think he will get his timing down and when he does do you think he will finally reach his potential as a hitter
MW: Rios is doing just fine.
- A.J.Coming into this season I thought, heck I was certain, that Scutaro would have played himself out of the leadoff spot by May. His first two at-bats at the home opener only confirmed my pessimistic stance. But since then he’s been doing exactly what a leadoff guy should as he leads the team in OBP and Runs scored. Even with that long streak of 0-fers his average remains at .297 and his OBP is Barry Bonds-esque. God, I love being wrong.
I’ve noticed that Wells has only struck out once so far. He showed some increased plate discipline last year and I’m glad it has carried over to this year! Now if only he would stop popping out to the first base coach… then again, if he hits .326 he can do whatever he likes the other 67.4% of the time!
On the flip side, it looks like Rios’ strikeout rate is doing the opposite as it has gone up for the 3rd consecutive year. It’s a fairly small sample size thus far but it’s not a promising start by any means as his average seems to be suffering as well. I don’t want to be worried and I’m not yet.. but should I be? Has Rios developed some unhealthy habits at the plate over the past couple of seasons?
MW: If he developed any unhealthy habits, no one would have raved about how much he improved once Cito/Tenace/Murphy took over last season. He’ll be fine. He may never be the 30-30 guy everyone thinks he can be, but he may yet. I’m impressed with his .366 on-base so far and with the fact that he seems to be saving his hits for times when they’re most important.
- KPHey Mike,
First post for me in 2009, and I`ve got to agree with your last point their about the contradictary nature of Toronto sports fans. I was reading the sports section in I believe the Sun ( may have been the Star though) on opening day, and there were four or five pages on the Jays upcoming season. Half of the articles it seemed were saying how the Jays farm system was something that the fans could look forward to, and the other half critized JP for the terrible job he has done while here…. unbelievable. I, for one, have no problems with JP, and I’ve got to say while i don’t expect their current success to continue through the season, I fully look forward to watching this team play this year and many years to come.
I would also like to say what an amazing job done by the fourth and fifth starters of our rotation over the past two nights. When the pen was hurting and needing a rest, they came through with a solid eight inning performance from Romero, and a nice 6 and a third from Richmond tonight. With the Doc going tomorrow I’m sure all the arms will be plenty rested for the upcoming series against Oakland.
Sorry for the lengthy comment, love the blog and the show, keep up the great work Mike.
MW: You should read the comments more often if you think yours was lengthy.
- Matthew FabbricinoMike,
For all the J.P haters, it’s worth noting the number of JP draft picks that are currently starting for the Jays (and making BIG contributions to the 7-3 start):
Aaron Hill
Adam Lind
Travis Snider
Ricky Romero
David Purcey
And that’s not even includig Marcum, and Litsch, who would be starting if they were healthy. Or Brett Cecil and Brad Mills, currently waiting in AAA.
MW: Drafting is only part of team-building, there are so many other ways to acquire players.
- Scott ShepherdHey Mike!
May I borrow $16,995.95? Derek Bell’s 1992 World Series ring (yep, the same one he won by being on base ahead of Ed Spragues infamous home run off Jeff Reardon) is for sale on Ebay (item #330322659190) and I’d just love to own it. You don’t have to answer immediately. Your wife seems like the easy to get along with and understanding type from what you say about her, so I’m sure she won’t mind a bit if you fork that kind of money over to me. I’ll pay you back at a rate of $500 a year for the next 34 years. Oh, by the way, the shipping’s free!
Seriously, I’m not drawing any conclusions from the Blue Jays nice start. Any club can play well over a ten game stretch. Last years Diamonbacks started 21-9 and had a 6 and one-half game in their division afetr 30 games. Not only did Arizona miss the playoffs, but they had to win their last three games of the season just to finish above .500 for the year. I’m withholding judgement until about Memorial Day (that’s Victoria day to you). I’m looking forward to this weekends series with the A’s. It seems that whenever the A’s show up in Toronto bad things happen (like Ted Lillys infamous meltdown and blow up with Gibby or that series in April last year when the Jays couldn’t buy a hit with RISP). A beatdown of the A’s would be especially gratifying this time around.
I know the returns are early, but barring an injury, you are correct- Aaron Hill will hit at least 20 home runs.
- Jim in OhioMike,
I agree. The Ricciardi comments are getting annoying, plain and simple. Criticism is cool, as long as it is warranted and based on fact. I’m glad people phone in, but it seems a lot are not familiar with the show. This is not a phone-in-and-say-whatever-you-want-and-the-host-agrees show. You’ve got to back it up with facts and you’ve got to be prepared to defend yourself regardless what side you take (I’ve heard you take on people who both hate AND like JP). That is why I listen to your show and shows like Bobcat’s and not some other shows on the FAN.(please don’t go soft)
You definitely hit the nail on the head tonight though. I have to admit I was a JP-hater for some of those reasons you mentioned: he was arrogant, he made some unpopular moves w/ popular players, and he had this “used car salesman” thing that just threw me off. But once you look at the stats, (particularly defense and pitching, which following the steroid era are becoming more and more popular/relevant [Johnny Mac was even in a SI mlb preview article about the rising interest/importance of defensive metrics, Bill James, UZR etc.])and stats are the only thing you can truly, objectively judge by. I know a lot of callers then argue, “Well the best/most important stat is the Jays playoff statistics under Riccardi.” But, and you emphasized this tonight, you can NOT neglect the division the Jays play in. This is NOT the NHL or NBA where 8 out of 15 teams in a conference get in the playoffs. If so the Jays would have been in the playoffs. In the MLB you HAVE to win the division or get wild card and unfortunately for the Jays, they have two of the best and wealthiest teams in the league. I don’t know how anyone could look past that fact. If the Jays were in a different division, with the same team on paper, they would be making the playoffs and thus JP’s job would not be under question, in fact he would be praised. A caller said, “Well Minnesota contends every year. The Jays should do that. It’s that easy.” And thankfully you responded accordingly. Let the Twins not only play the Yanks, RedSox, and Rays a load every year but also have to compete with their bottomless payroll and see how they compete. JP can’t control the division the Jays are in and he can’t control how much money he is given (although Beest said he could give more if the right opportunity came along) and he can’t control the Canadian dollar.
Anyways, stay strong Mike.
MW: Thanks. Excellent comment, you really do get it.
- JoshSorry Mike, one more question for you. You mentioned on the show tonight that Snider was hopefully going to be the number three hitter for the next 10 years. Do you think the Jays have someone in their lineup or in their farm system that will be a legitimate clean up hitter for them? Or will they have to go outside of the organization to get someone to fill that spot? Also, if Snider is the three hitter, (assuming they are still with the club) where do you think Hill, Rios, Wells and lind will end up fitting in our future lineup?
MW: Good question. I think it’s a bigger deal to hit third than clean-up, which is why my saying that about Snider means that I think he’s going to be the best hitter on the team. Chances are the line-up will probably look like Rios-Hill-Snider-Wells-Lind eventually.
- Matthew FabbricinoMike, I agree - it is too early to cast off Richmond. Admittedly, you cast him off in last night’s Jays Talk. Also, you really though the twins would send out 7 lefties today?
MW: I did. Well, at least six. And when did I cast Richmond off?
- EliHi Mike,
When talking about ceilings I was wondering how close we have seen Alex Rio’s get to his. This is not in response to his 0-5 tonight, but more of a general question. He has been a bit undefined in what type of player he is, by this I mean in 07 he hits 24 HR and seals 17 in 08 he goes 15 / 32 respectively. I only quote the numbers to justify what he should be capable of.
What should we expect from him, it seems like our expectation should be 20/20 or 30/30 in the near future.
Thans
Chris
MW: Why do so many people put an apostrophe in “Rios”? Seriously, I need to know. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect 25 homers and 25 stolen bases from Rios on a yearly basis.
- ChrisHi Mike,
Great game tonight, bats are blazing and Richmond and Romero could vie for the Cy Young. When do you think they’ll fire Cito? Just kidding…I sympathise with your frustration over the calls you get. This is not a playoff team.
Quick question. During one of the Wednesday Nights with JP last year, you brought up something about a pet project of his in the minors…a small pitcher named Tim or something? Any follow up on how he’s doing?
Also…I forgot to remind you to ask Alan Lebouef in spring training if he played in the Cape Cod league in the early 80’s. He signed my glove for me as a 15 year old. If you remembered and actually asked him, your memory is impressive. If not, I’ll try and remember next year.
MW: Tim Collins? He’s continuing to kill it. Sorry, I completely forgot to ask Al LeBoeuf.
- OzRobMike,
I really hope Travis Snider starts to play agaisnt some lefties. Also if Overbay starts swinging the bat like he used to he is pretty good agaisnt lefties as well. I guess my point is, with Bautista and Millar in the lineup they struggle, but with Overbay and Snider in they rake. I know one game sample, but there is a special feeling right now that this lineup can pretty much overcome anything with all the starters in there. So I hope we don’t see much more of Millar and Bautista, more than one day a week is too much right now. And both shouldn’t be in there on the same day either, lefty or righty.
If 30 is the new 20, then the Jays are the new Rays.
MW: You’re being pretty harsh there. Also, Overbay’s not pretty good against lefties - in his great year of 2006, he hit .284/.305/.389 against lefties.
- DennisHi Mike,
You’re a baseball commentator that just tells us what you think without trying to sensationalize, and there aren’t too many of those around, so please, keep up the good work!
My question: What would you think about Rios in the leadoff spot, especially if his spookily-absent power-hitting again fails to materialize this year? One imagines that Snider will be moving towards the heart of the order before too long and Lind looks pretty happy there as well, so they may not have to keep Rios in the 3 spot. Rios hits for average and ought to be able to cause a little mayhem on the base path with his speed. How do you think he stacks up against Scutaro as a leadoff man?
MW: I don’t know if I ever thought I’d say this, but right now Rios just doesn’t get on base as well as Scoot does.
- ScrimAlthough I am sure your being sarcastic about Rios, do you see him hitting third all season?
Personally I am frustrated with Rios but I try not to let that overshadow my sensibilities. It makes me sad to see Rios hitting higher in the lineup than Snider. With the way Lind and Roland are getting on base though there are a few ducks on the pond for Snider, but he is losing out on at bats all around when he sits on the bench and by hitting 9th.
I had no idea Richmond threw over 90 and has a decent curve, slider and a changeup he is developing. He looked like a 12-14 game winner to me last night.
How many wins do you think Richmond can get in a full season if he keeps it together?
MW: I have no idea. It’s folly to try to guess such things. I don’t know that I see Rios hitting third all season, but I know Cito loves him.
- J.RSeems to me some folks equate the appearance of being knowledgeable with finding something to complain about, real or imagined. They’re playing .700 ball, due in large part to JP’s teambuilding. If I can see that, why can’t other people?
MW: It has nothing to do with J.P., it’s all Cito.
- MayashiHi Mike, did you catch the Bob McCown Sportstalk show the time Paul Beeston said that the new CEO would choose their own GM?
I was shocked the way he said it, I cannot quote but his statement more or less said that when the new CEO comes on board they will choose their GM.
I am not a Riccardi hater like quite a few of the voices that make it to the air. I hear your points about how he has drafted well, stayed out of stinky trades, and put a strong pitching and defending team on the field.
I think people are frustrated with how poorly the Jays performed offensively over the past few seasons and how little was done about it from a personnel standpoint.
I bet J.P. was frustrated about that too!! I think his hands have been tied financially over the past couple seasons and he would have loved to make some of the changes the fans dream of.
The reality is we probably have one of the best teams we can get for the money we spend, perhaps over the last couple years we seemed to be over invested in the pitching/defense side of the game but it only seems that way because of how great people performed, its not fair to say Riccardi didnt plan the team well.
He should be held accountable for the lack of changes to address critical concerns on the team like the offense, but the way I see it is he could never bring anyone to the team who was a better player than who he had already for the same dollars.
Riccardi will look like a genius at the end of this season when Wells, Roland, Snider, Lind all hit for over 25 HR and 90 RBIs.
But then people will have the pitching to complain about.
Last thing, how many wins do you think Roy will get this year? I am going with 24. I want him to beat Lee’s number by 1 for last season.
MW: It’s a worthy goal, but see above. As for the Beeston statement, I didn’t hear it, but I’d be stunned if the new president didn’t get to pick his own guy.
- J.RIf Rolen is healthy all year, would you sign him to an extension? (say 3yrs @ 7M) I know some people are counting the days untill his contract is up, but I really like him. If his shoulder holds up he could play till he is 36 or 37.
MW: No, I wouldn’t. Nor would he take that kind of money.
- DennisRichmond was excellent. He managed to get left handed batters out, tonight anyway. If everything works out for next year, the Jays will have a lot of pitchers. Halladay, Marcum, Macown, Litsch, Romero, and Purcey. That is already six and there are still Richmond and the prospects in the minors. Maybe this offseason the Jays will need to trade an arm to beef up the lineup even more.
MW: They might.
- RolinMike, a bit sassy don’t you think. I hear ya on most things you say but man, why so bitter. Is this the second coming of the Jim Rome show? Love the Rios comment by the way. Inspired a hearty laugh.
MW: I’m not bitter, just frustrated.
- keithMike
Just thought I’d say I love listening to your show after every game, and reading your blog before school starts. Keep up the good work!
- StevenWhat is absolutely amazing is the confidence this club is playing with. The feel from a year ago is just so different.
I agree with your comemnts on Richmond. Lets see where we are a couple of weeks from now with him. What will be itneresting for me is to see how he pitches as teams build “tape” on him and he sees clubs for the second time.
When Casey J. comes back I am wondering if he shouldn’t be put in the pen assuming Tallet is making out decently as a SP. First, Janssen could be a great 8th inning compliment to Downs and or be the set up man IF Downs needs to close some or all fothe time. Second, three lefties in the starting rotation will present most clubs with a lot of match up problems.
Thoughts?
P.s. What a job J.P. has done. MLB scouting may not rank Toronto with the best minor league system BUT when have you ever seen so many quality lefty starters coming out of the minor league system. Now if Cooper and JP Arencibia, amongst others, work out, Toronto will have had one of the best 3 to 5 year runs at developing kids that it has ever had. JP has done his job likely very well. EXTENDED HIS CONTRACT!
MW: The feel from a year ago is different because they’re winning, period. I would rather have Janssen in the rotation if he’s healthy.
- Tony from Oakville“Alex Rios went 0-for-5, though. He should probably be released.”
I laughed out loud. Good one, Mike.
Question - Beeston said a while back that there would be money available to spend if the Jays have a chance to contend. Do you believe that is the case? For example, let’s fast forward to around trade deadline time, do you see the Jays potentially trading for a high salary veteran who could help the team down the stretch, or do you think they’d be more likely to just ride it out with the roster they have?
MW: It completely depends on what’s going on at the time, but Beeston is adamant that money is available if the Jays want it.
- ColeOops sorry for so many spelling mistakes.
- Tony from OakvilleMike… great point about Scoots! Never realized that at all… have you noticed an adjustment to his approach at the plate? I know that you’ve said you don’t like him as a leadoff hitter, but he really seems to be embracing that role this season…
MW: It’s very, very early. I haven’t noticed a big difference in his mechanics, no.
- Luke (Halifax)MW:”Alex Rios went 0-for-5, though. He should probably be released.”
Mike, you ruined the whole blog right there. I bet there’d be atleast 20 Rios fans going ballistic over this not knowing it’s meant to be sarcastic. My over/under for such comments is 12, let’s see!
As much as I like Adam Lind, he’s NOT a kid. He’ll be 26 very soon and 26 is not a kid, not in life, not in baseball. So broadcasters should stop calling him a kid. Snider is a kid in baseball terms, so he deserves to be called one. He’s the baby on this team, not Lind.
MW: 26 is still a kid in a lot of cases, sorry. Let’s keep count on the Rios thing - so far there haven’t been any.
- BeburgI also hope that Scott Richmond can surprise everyone and have a solid season. The way he pitched last night is definitely a step in the right direction. After the third inning, even when the Twins were getting on with leadoff walks or whatever, I had this sense of confidence that Richmond would shut them down. Perhaps it was the Jays’ big lead, but more than anything he just looked confident.
The only blight on an otherwise great performance is Alex Rios. He seems to be searching at the plate, and from my perspective he seems spooked on any ball that’s hit towards the wall. He made that one nice catch on the full out run, but that wasn’t near any wall. Do you think that shot to the head the other day has him scared to go hard in the warning track area? On those two missed catches at the wall the other day he seemed to turn his head away just at the last second, almost like he expected to get hit in the face again. Then again he did make that nice trap catch, so what do I know…
MW: I think you summed it up pretty well at the end there. ;-)
- VavaWow, More impressive than the 12 runs for is the 2 against. And Richmond bounced back from a 2 run 1st. Back in 1st place!!!
2 solid starts in a row, good to see. Hopefully Doc can keep it rolling. With 4 wins on this road trip, I consider it a success. 5 - 2 would just be icing on the cake.
With Litsch out, is Tallet filling his role throughout the DL stint, or he going to get a couple of starts, then the Jays hope to have a better read on how severe the injury is?
Do you think Cito is an iconic manager in Toronto? What I mean is that he is a legend with the Jays and basically should decide when he is done wanting to manage, like Sparky Anderson?
The young kids are the fruits of what JP has been preaching since he got here. Build the team through the farm system and get some kids in the organization that can play. I’m glad he didn’t go chasing after free agents, or get in a bidding war for AJ Burnett. I don’t agree with everything the man has done, but no one can question the organization and the young talent that is ready to arrive. I think Cito has really helped JP. I could be way off, but it seems that JP is more hands off the on the field product than before Cito took the helm. When do Wednesdays with JP start up again?
MW: They don’t. The question about Tallet has been answered a couple of times. I do believe that Cito is an icon in Toronto, but I don’t think that means that he gets to decide his own fate.
- Aaron KerBottom line is you have to love a 7-3 start (especially with my “just enjoy MLB in Toronto and the kids development attitude”) and should leave it at that….but at what point do you get concerned about Rios and Overbay and perhaps Wells admittedly early run production?
And I DO think that Rios is a bit skittish on long fly balls near the wall since he was hit.
Go Jays; decent starting pitching and continued hot bats equals an entertaining season.
MW: At no point in the imminent future. Yes, Rios ducked at a ball off the wall Friday in Cleveland, but I haven’t seen him look skittish since.
- GaryMIke
What does Richmond throw? Maybe he can learn to throw a change that would fade away from lefties? Maybe that would help those lefty numbers.
MW: He is learning a change, didn’t I talk about that in the post to which you’re commenting?
- AriI am really enjoying this team early on in the season. I don’t think they can sustain a .500+ record with their pitching but I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts. We’ll get a much better idea when they play someone outside of the AL Central.
Watching Travis last night was really encouraging. They were trying to get him out with high fastballs and he made the adjustment quickly and drew a walk. Does he have a hitting weakness other than the “possible” lefty issue.
Alex Rios is still looking away on fielding plays that involve any risk to his body and it drives me crazy. If you watch the two plays early in the series up against the wall he looks away on both and missed/dropped the ball. Then he slid to get a fly the second game, looked away and missed the ball completely. Have you heard anyone else mention this before? It seems like something that would drive Cito crazy.
MW: I have only seen it happen once, and it wasn’t on a catchable ball. Snider strikes out too much, but I don’t see that as that much of a weakness.
- ChadMike
I suspect the JP haters are mostly Leaf fans. It seems Leaf fans fixate on a whipping boy and won’t let up until a player/GM/coach is let go. What’s your take?
MW: Could be. See my take above.
- DanI’m sure JP is really really enjoying the fruits of his labour right now, watching the likes of Romero, Lind, Snider and Hill have great starts.
I truly don’t understand why some fans think JP needs to go. I say sign him to an extension. I don’t believe any other GM could have done more with the set of circumstances Ricciardi has been working with.
- CamI was one of those who was clamouring for J.P’s firing the last couple years.
I will admit now that the team and the franchise are starting to come together and his drafts are looking a whole lot better. I would actually like him to stick around now. He deserves to see his hard work pay off with players like Snider, Lind and Romero taking off.
BTW, still haven’t received my Jays tape that I won during Beatles trivia. I will accept a pair of tickets to a game instead. Thanks Mike.
MW: Scott Douglas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Chris JonesHi Mike,
Great start by the jays hope they keep it up but what i want to ask you about is Timothy Collins in Dunedin. I heard you say you really liked him so ive been following him this season and man is he a stud reliver. 7.1 IP 13 K and a batting avg against of .043 crazy. Are they jays going to keep him as a RP or strecth him out?
MW: I think the plan is to keep him in the bullpen.
- ScottLike most I too am excited about the 7-3 start. I questioned Cito’s motivation to sit Snider against every lefty the Jays see but with the way Bautista has been playing I cant really complain. Do you think that they will start starting Snider against the occasional lefty? I hope so, so that he can become a more versatile guy at the plate. But you cant argue with his numbers so far this year.
MW: I do think that eventually Snider will become an everyday guy.
- Brandon FHi Mike,
It still blows my mind that people are calling for J.P.’s head while the Blue Jays are in 1st place in the AL East and are 2nd in the MLB in runs scored. I would expect those kinds of calls if the Jays were on a 7 game losing streak, but they are 7-3 right now! Can’t be just bask in the glory for now?
MW: Evidently not.
- IanHey Mike,
You’ll have to forgive me not following the games so far this season as I’m backpacking in Europe. I just checked your blog today and was surprised to see you say, “Alex Rios went 0-for-5, though. He should probably be released.” Could you explain?
Ryan from Lindsay.
MW: Yes, sadly there’s no “sarcasm” key.
- RyanI think the bashing of JP has more to do with his attitude towards fans. I know that you thought the radio program was great, but all it showed was contempt. It is a good PR choice not to do the show anymore because of his mouth. I lost JP when he made the Adam Dunn comments. JP showed me that he cares more about a players “love for the game”. I am not saying Dunn was the guy we needed to sign this offseason (although he came at a huge discount) but he sees a lot of pitches (no Blue Jay does that), hits over 40 home runs, and takes over 100 walks (.900 OPS!). Dunn would have fit in perfectly with this team last year and its great pitching. It bothered me deeply (still does) that our GM dismissed that type of talent when a fan dared to suggest we trade for him. Moneyball my foot.
MW: They couldn’t afford Dunn, anyway. Sorry he lost you with that comment, but check the big picture. And how a GM treats the fans - say, by going on the radio every week for five years to take their calls - has nothing to do with his team-building capabilities.
- JBWatching the game, I was really impressed with how Travis Snider adjusted to how the Twins were pitching him. He struck out twice on high fastballs, then in his third at bat, earned a walk by not offering anything that high. Shows quite a bit of maturity. Rios may have gone 0-5, but he was stellar in the field… that running grab in the 6th(?) was great. They Jays as a whole look more confident this year when at the plate, not swinging at first pitches as much. Thanks for the commentary Mike.
- Rahilif the jays had a solid #2, they would be unstoppable…any chance we could trade some of our young pitching for more experienced…for instance, when KC and mariners start falling off, perhaps dangle mcgowan/mills for a gil meche/eric bedard?
MW: Nope.
- jpI just listened to your jays talk. I agree with you that people are stupidly hellbent on firing Ricciardi. I will admit that i used to one of them but when you truly sit down and look at what he has done with the team it has actually been a decent job.
That being said, i kno wthat there is no way this team will win 113 games this year nor will anyone else. The one thing this start does do is give us a glimpse of just how good this team can be next year. With Lind seemingly starting to breat out this year and Snider showing ALOT of progress in his maturation as a hitter our offense should show the potential that it has and reach its peak next year.
Next year our Roatation will agian be among the best if not the best in the division. With Doc no doubt on top and 8 or 9 other options we will have a very deep rotation even if a couple of the prospects don’t work out and one of Marcum or McGowan are not ready for the start of the year. Our bullpen is also still among the best in baseball and is young so that bodes well for next year.
Although Scutaro’s effort has been valiant so far this year it is unreasonable to expect this kind of production from him over the course of an entire season. He is not a starter for a championship team but he will be one heck of a utility IF who should get a decent number of AB.
To sum up this long winded post i’d just like to say that what JP has built is very solid and with a little boost in payroll for next year the only real concern this offseason should be finding a legitimate #1 SS to put us over the top. This year they want JP fired but next October they will elect him Prime Minister.
- ChadI’m actually starting to come around on JP. I think what’s hurt him is the team loosing, which in reality he has a very small impact on how the team performs on the field from day to day. Also his free agent signings on offense underperformed at times and the fact we haven’t seen a lot of his draft picks start to shine until the last 2-3 seasons hasn’t helped endear him to the fans. The only knock I ever had against JP was him playing it safe with the FA’s but in hindsight his contract with Thomas and the way the team was easily able to get out from underneath it was a good move, so while they may not of worked we haven’t gotten stuck with a lemon either. Well thats pretty much all i have to say there. Just a couple quick things.
Scoot looks like a legit leadoff guy he’s getting on base all the time, I had no idea he had such a good eye at the plate the Twins would love it if they could ever get Gomez to learn that, but do you think Scoot keeps that up all year?
You mentioned that you thought that Richmond was as good as he was going to get, do you feel the same way about Litsch? If so do you think Richmond and him are the mostly likely to be traded considering if all the arms are 100% MLB ready at the start of next season they would be the odd men out by a long way.
Wells is doing well so far but people are still on him. I think that has a lot to do with Snider performing at the same level with half the plate appearances and a 10 year age difference. However could it also be because Hill is clearing the bases almost every time he comes to the plate and Rios is average a best thus far, so Wells doesn’t have a lot to work with when he gets to bat?
Lastly i see a lot of teams in the US tend to get hometown players quite often yet we have very few Canadians. Would this be something ownership would have to mandate because JP is more concerned with getting the best player not the best player from Canada. Or is it more of an issue where he would like to but they are either picked ahead of him or would be a reach when it comes time for him to pick?
MW: I don’t think it’s true that many US-based teams tend to get hometown players quite often. I don’t believe that place of origin should even be on the top-25 list of reasons to consider a player. I don’t think Scutaro can keep this up, and if this is as good as Litsch is going to get, that’s more than fine with me.
- Smittymike do you know if i can watch jays games on mlb.com from europe and middle east i have friends there who wants to watch the games ?
MW: I would think so, through the mlb.tv thing.
- nickMike, who’s your best bet to replace Rios?
MW: That’s one.
- Vito From HamiltonMike, I like to ask you a question. Matt Clement accepted his AAA assignment then retired. I was under the assumption that he was thowing ok but lacked command. Do you think he retired because he didnt want to go back to the minors because of family etc. I assume he is very well off having come off the lucrative Red Sox contract. I thought if he had gone down and found his command after a number of starts he have been a valuable pitcher to the organization.
MW: Evidently, he said his heart wasn’t in it, he didn’t want to fight anymore.
- Douglas McCallumI think J.P has a done a good job thus far this season of not putting himself in the limelight. As much as I enjoyed the weekly “Wednesday’s with J.P.” I think the best thing he could’ve done is put as little emphasis on himself as possible. This city can handle only one ego-driven GM, and that currently belongs to Mr. Burke. The thing that I believe irritates a majority of people is J.P’s arrogance, and when you back up that arrogance with nothing accomplished (at least in terms of playoffs no need to rehash the best pitching in the game or the best defense), it rubs fans the wrong way. Right now, I would say most fans believe this is Cito’s team, and if J.P’s ego can handle it, he should let it remain that way. If the Jays go onto a playoffs or at least remain competitive until September, I’m sure J.P will get cut a lot of slack. However, until that point, the only one who will be defending him will be you.
PS - What’s with the man crush anyway?
MW: No man-crush, he’s just put together a very, very good team. And I’m sorry, I can’t resist - who is the ego-driven GM that belongs to Brian Burke?
- BobbyRichard Griffin has an excellent take on Riccardi today.
MW: All you did was cut-and-paste Griffin’s column, I don’t see the point in that.
- B McFarlaneMike,
I have to say, your last paragraph is absolutely right. You know, I was one of those guys you mentioned. You booted me off your blog. I am now in J.P.’s corner and now in your corner. This is J.P.’s team and to have some Bizarro Fans praise the team than critize J.P. makes it a Bizarro World. Hi Vito from Hamilton.
- brunoHey Mike, you’re doing an outstanding job. The fact that you annoy alot of people makes your show even better. I think what bothers people is that you never admit you are ever wrong about anything. If you have, I apologize, but I have never heard it. Please don’t take this as criticism, it simply shows you are human. This is precisely why people are still bashing J. P. Ricciardi, because they don’t want to admit that he has built a good team. I hate to bring up the old Reed Johnson - Shannon Stewart argument because both of them are irrelevant to this teams success this season, but it helps me make my point that you can be stubborn. I agreed with you that Shannon Stewart was the right choice at the time but clearly both of us were wrong. Despite your logical and intelligent argument that Stewart was a far better hitter over his career, it cannot be ignored that Reed Johnson not only had a much better year last season but is still plugging away while Shannon Stewart does not have a team. Correct me if I am wrong but isn’t Shannon Stewart inactive because of ability and nobody has offered him a contract? I don’t think he’s hurt. As for J. P. Ricciardi, I have bashed him in the past, and now admit that I was completely wrong about him. You kept telling everybody that this team was capable of hitting and you were right. This team has good prospects knocking on the door and J. P. deserves alot of credit. I don’t care about Tulowitzki because nobody is perfect. J. P. has built a team that can potentially be outstanding next season. If the budget is increased he can upgrade the SS position as well. This is no disrespect to Scutaro, but he has really overachieved. I believe Lyle Overbay’s days are numbered in Toronto as well. I’m not criticizing him but Adam Lind at 1B in a year or two is a significant upgrade despite below average defense, and the goal is to improve. It’s way too early to ask you who’s available because it’s so early in the season and Overbay may still possibly revert back to 2006 form, but I hope there is a big time hitter available who become the DH next season and then Adam Lind can play first. I don’t want to write off Overbay yet, as I have been wrong before.
MW: There’s no one who has never been wrong, and only an idiot would believe that he or she is always right. I have admitted many times when I’ve been wrong - the biggest thing was last year with the Rays. As for the Stewart/Reed thing, we weren’t wrong. The fact that the right decision was made at the time hasn’t changed. No one has a crystal ball.
- DomenickThe J.P. trash talk has got to stop. Decisions are made by those who show up - and J.P. shows up. The only time I can recall him ducking was with this season’s cancellation of Wednesdays with J.P. And, as much as I loved listening, I can understand his decision.
The guy has given this team a face, an incredible pitching staff, a wonderful defensive core, and now - wonder of wonders - an explosive offense. He’s done it all with a mid-range budget and some pinache. He doesn’t appologize for his mistakes. He makes decisions - it’s what he’s paid to do. Lots of them don’t pan out, but many of them do.
For anyone to chalk the Blue Jays’ failures up to J.P. Ricciadi alone, is out-and-out lunacy.
I’d give him the key to the city before I’d give him the boot.
Anyone who demands perfection from a G.M. in any professional sport is just setting themselves up for disappointment.
MW: It really does seems as though that’s the big problem here - people don’t want a GM who is right more often than he’s wrong, they seem to want one who is almost never wrong.
- ChrisThe JP thing is really a very complex issue. One would need to write a book to address everything adequately. Maybe somebody will. There is lots of evidence to support the notion that he should be fired, and there is also lots of evidence to support the idea that he had been fine. Mike is asking his critics to make an over-whelming case that he should be fired. Of course that is impossible. There is no over-whelming case to be made either way.
Right now he is sort of blowing in the wind. Beeston who is now the interim president and who is supposedly looking to hire a full-time president, clearly, has no use for him. But he also has stated that he will not be making the decision on JP. That will be up to the new guy.
I think that in the end JP will be gone, but it won’t be because there is an over-whelming case that he should be. It will just be the personal preference of the new president or if Beeston does stay on, it will then become his decision.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the points that various people consider:
Drafting and Player Development:
This has often been cited a very poor area in JP’s record. The 2008 edition of Baseball Prospectus blasted JP’s draft record and player development mercilessly pointing our that the Jays had only one prospect in the top 100 and didn’t have Troy Tulowitzki, Ryan Zimmerman, or David Wright…..all of whom he easily could and probably should have had.
A year later the view is a lot different especially when one looks at the first ten games of this season.
Hill, Lind, Snider, Marcum, McGowan, Purcey, Romero, and Janssen are all products of JP’s drafting as was the acquisition of Overbay.
And there sees to be more young talent on the way - Arrencibia, Cecil, Cooper, Emaus.
As time goes by this area is beginning to look more like a strength than a weakness.
The team and farm system that JP has put together at the present time look quite promising for the next few seasons. If they were in any other division other than the AL East they would likely have quite a few playoff appearances in the next few years. However, since they are in the AL East this likely won’t be happening.
Now for the negative:
1) He has failed to come up with a solid catcher or shortstop for quite some time, although the emergence of Scutaro and Arrencibia could rectify that. But Scutaro is likely a flash in the pan and we’ve heard the same things about Thigpen and Quiroz with regard to catchers before.
2) He resides in Boston and commutes to Toronto.
3) He is arrogant and egotistical. A huge turn-off for fans and media.
4) Major fiascos - Gibbons challenging Hillebrand to a fight in the clubhouse, Gibbons physically attacking Lilly in the runway to the clubhouse, ridiculing and criticizing Adam Dunn and the fan who dared suggest that the Jays might acquire him on national radio, lying about BJ Ryan’s 2007 injury and justifying his lie as being OK. Unfortunately, fairly or unfairly, in other cities around the league these stories are basically all anybody talks about when it comes to JP
4) This is the worst one for me. In 2004 when the Mets were optimistically chasing a pennant and looking for veteran pitchers JP turned down an offer of David Wright for Ted Lilly. In an interview with Peter Gammons he basically justified that decision by saying that the Jays were set at 3B for the long-term with Eric Hinske who was in the process of posting a .687 OPS with horrible defense that season, but who had earlier been signed to a long-term contract and was a guy JP dealt for from his former employer. The Mets eventually dealt Kazmir to the Rays for Victor Zambrano. Talk about an opportunity lost.
5) The decision to deal Hudson for Glaus. Even though Glaus was the better hitter Hudson had the higher WARP and was the better all-round player when defense and base-running are considered. In the two seasons prior to the deal and all the three seasons subsequent to the deal Hudson has a higher WARP than Glaus and Hudson’s salary was less than 1/4 of Glaus’s. Imagine if the Jays had Hudson at 2B and Hill at shortstop for all of these past three seasons. Even though the Jays had Koskie at 3B and needed a DH, they gave in to the injury prone Glaus’s demands that he be allowed to play 3B, and JP then dealt Koskie (a terrific defensive 3B) to the Brewers and agreed to continue to pay half his contract. This whole situation smacks of incompetence in my mind. Rather than evaluating players by a modern and enlightened stats like WARP, JP still likes to look at HR and RBIs. This whole mess was a terrible waste of a good portion of the extra funds that Ted Rogers had allocated to JP.
6) Signing Frank Thomas who the A’s had signed to a 500 K deal in the previous season to an S18 M contract, when nobody else was even in the bidding.
7) Totally mis-reading the ability of Kevin Mench, Brad Wilkerson, and Shannon Stewart.
8) Sending Felipe Lopez, Jason Werth, and Cezar Izturis out of town.
9) The ridiculous and unjustified Vernon Wells massive contract. I kind of have to give him a pass on this one, because I am pretty sure he didn’t want any part of this one. I think this contract offer came from above after the Jays has struck out on the other free-agents they were after (Meche and Clement I believe). And because Wells had just come off a superb season and was a fan favourite.
In my mind dealing Wells to the Angels for the package of prospects they were offering and then spending the Wells’ money on other free agents would have been a lot more productive. But I’m pretty certain that this signing was not JP’s idea, so this an organizational screw up, rather than a JP screw up.
10) JP came into the job claiming that he could compete with the AL East’s monsters on a relatively low payroll, but just three years later he shifted gears and convinced owner Ted Rogers to push the payroll upward garnering a commitment of $210 million for the 2005 through 2007 season. And it was above $90 M in 2008.
11) The emergence of the Tampa Bay Rays in 2008 who very quietly had done exactly what JP said could be done, but didn’t deliver; winning the AL East and going to the World Series on a small payroll.
12) JP was hired as the GM of the Blue Jays on November 14th, 2001. While the Jays have been moderately successful, finishing above .500 in four of his seven years they have never been a factor in the pennant race. Their overall record under Ricciardi is 567 - 566 (a resounding half game over .500).
But it has to be conceded that the team as currently constituted has a bright future, and he has to given credit for that, so there is your conundrum.
The record of JP is indeed mixed and his personality is a large part of his negative image both in Toronto and around the league. I really doubt that he will land another GM job after he leaves Toronto, although you never know. It only takes one owner who decides they want him to land him a job.
MW: So much for a quick look. It’s incredible how you so quickly gloss over any positives and go into such detail on the negatives, only some of which are valid. I’m not going to go through them all, but 2 and 3 are completely meaningless, he didn’t run Jayson Werth out of town, he traded him for Jason Frasor when he was out of options and it was at least three years before Werth actually got good (and the Jays’ current OFs are better than Werth). You’re also dealing in rumour with the Lilly/Wright story and the alleged package the Angels offered for Vernon, and whether true or not, every GM ever has plenty of stories about trades he should have made. Also, Ricciardi doesn’t have a negative image in front offices around baseball, I don’t know why everyone thinks that.
- KenHowever you value JP’s performance as a GM, the enmity he seems to inspire in Blue Jays fans is undeniable.
What do you attribute that to?
Also: I would suggest you continue suppressing your rabid desire to emphasize the distinction between ownership and membership in callers’ use of the pronoun “we.” To add to the chorus, I’ll say it makes you sound pompous.
Your superior knowledge of baseball and your ability to express it is what makes you worth listening to. While your knowledge of language and usage is probably better to most, I find your implied assertions of same to be alienating and distracting. Taking such low hanging fruit in your on-air debates with callers actually undermines your credibility.
Respectfully,
MW: That wasn’t very respectful.
- MPDo you really think Rios should be released are you just being facetious?
If you are serious, who do you think a replacment should be?
MW: That’s two.
- Kyle SAm I going to win the cup this year?
MW: I don’t care.
- Roberto Luongo“It’s as though I work in Bizarro World”
After 7 years with JP, its just way too easy to give the credit to Cito and Gene.
Kind of the same way its so easy to hate Barry Bonds and Mike Mussina.
I Cant wait for Roy tonite.
It is nice to be able to look forward to watching Jay games again.
M-Dub,
That guy, awhile back, complaining about minor league arms getting rocked
in Arizona. You referred to Dodger arms showing no ill effects. You get a chance to catch any of that Kershaw magic lastnight? Unreal.
I dont know alot about journalists and commentators, but who ever the TV Voice of the Dodgers is; he must be somekind of a legend.
MW: Whoever the TV voice of the Dodgers is? It’s Vin F. Scully and you should be ashamed.
- slobberfaceMW: Alex Rios went 0-for-5, though. He should probably be released.
Released? You’re joking right? I’d much rather trade him for a 4th starter..
MW: That’s three.
- RenegadeMike,
I honestly think that the Jays could be division contenders if they had a healthy McGowan and Marcum in the starting rotation.
Halladay
McGowan
Marcum
Litsch
Romero
+ our starting lineup = 90-94 WINS
What do you think?
MW: Yup.
- BernardHi Mike, enjoy the blog.
I suspect the fire J.P. comments are largely a reflection of his personality and his extremely large ego. It is very difficult, as a fan since I assume most of your callers don’t know him personally, to like him.
Combine J.P.’s ego with your seemingly enthusiastic support of him through thick and thin, not to mention your extreme confidence and strong opinions on baseball and I think fans out there are just naturally turned off of the guy.
Nonetheless it is still ridiculous to speak of his demise while the team is performing so well.
Thanks and again I do enjoy your blog.
Mike D
- Mike DaviesMike, the reason I was talking about why “worst fears being realize” with regards to the AAA affiliate being in vegas is several fold, not the least of which is how detrimental it can be to a pitchers psyche to pitche well and have fly balls go for homers. Also, it renders the AAA data difficult to evaluate, both on the hitters and pitchers sides. I mean what do you do with a player with big time power numbers and a high average when those were accumulated in league full of band boxes and altitude? conversely, what do you do with the pitching stats? its just sort of video gamey if you ask me. Well, I guess there’s nothing that can be done about if for now.
What is your take on the catching situation of Barrett vs Barajas? Barrett has had a couple injury plagued, poor years but at least he HAS a history of being a solid hitter for a catcher. Hes not as old as people think as well. Barajas has proven that he cannot hit and he makes more outs than pretty much every big league regular this side of tony pena jr. Who would you like getting the majority of the starts?
MW: I’d like to see Barrett do a better job behind the plate, but I think that he has the potential to be a much better offensive player than Barajas. As for evaluating the minor-leaguers, you can’t do it by stats. You have to rely on the reports from your minor-league people.
- General Zodhey,
I’m just curious with all this talk about young pitching for next year, let’s say we have 6 or 7 legit starters for 2010. Halladay down through to Romero and even Richmond, do you think they trade Marcum or McGowan, or do they trade one of the younger guys, or do they send a couple of them to the minors to keep them in the system? And what would the trade value be for a Marcum after a year off if they decided to keep the younger (and hopefully healthier) guys?
MW: Marcum won’t have much trade value. I don’t think they’ll deal any of the young arms unless they’re handed an offer they can’t refuse.
- lennyMike
- TerryGreat to see the offence performing.I don’t think they will maintain this pace for the season of course,but I see them ending up with numbers closer to now than those pathetic numbers in the previous 2 years before Cito.Romero and Richmond are looking good.Glad to see them going deep in the last couple of games.One of my concerns was the bullpen being burned out early.If Richmond can only figure out those lefties,it will make things interesting when the injured pitchers return.I get a kick out of those JP haters.I think he could sign himself to a contract,lead the Jays to the playoffs,be world series MVP and ther would still be those wondering when he’d be fired.
MW,
I am with you when it comes to not understanding all these calls for JP to be replaced. When you look at the pitching staff from last year, the pitching possibilities for next year, the offense this year, and the young kids who are here now and coming up -especially the catchers - it is difficult to see how the team past performance is anything other than the fault of the players and some coaching perhaps. Still, given that there is going to be a new President, I think it is almost inevitable that JP will be gone. This is a tradition bound game top to bottom and traditonally new Presidents do not keep old GMs. That is the only argument I can see for saying JP will be gone. And even that does not mean he should be.
- GeorgeMike….Why doesn’t MLB alter suspensions to starting pitchers so they actually miss more than one start? And on the topic, wasn’t that pretty gutless of Beckett to throw at Abreu while the guy’s stepping out of the box and by nature, somewhat not paying attention to the mound?
MW: I would love them to alter pitching suspensions.
- chris m.Whats the deal with the J.P. Hating?
Hey Mike, love listening to you. I will take a stab at explaining the hate that the Blue Jays fans have towards J.P., its actually alot simpler than you think. When J.P. came here he was suppose to be the second coming of Billie Bean, that didn’t turn out to be the case, which is fine. What I think really rubbed people the wrong way is his arrogance. I know you love J.P. but you have to admit that his arrogance is too much, especially for a fan base who were use to Gellick and Ash. Its not about his performance as a GM only, its the combination of his mediocre drafting and free agent signing combined with his “I know it all, and everybody else doesn’t know what they are talking about” stance that makes people love to hate him and criticize every little move (wrong or right) he makes. Hope that helps.
MW: But do you think he should project “I don’t know that much, you media folks and fans know as much or more than I do”?
- NaderHi Mike
First of all, i would like to apologize for my choice of words in my post in the ‘Life with Cito’ blog. I wasn’t trying to be rude and I will be careful with my choice of words. I also stand corrected on the Alredo Griffin example I incorrectly used in my last post. For some reason I remember Alfredo batting in that series and Joe Buck questioning Cito for not pinch hitting for him. I remember his line clearly “and Cito Gaston will stick to his loyalties” I just can’t remember what game it was. oh well, I’m rambling on here…
Scott Richmond threw well tonight and for now, he has proven me wrong as I was the one always hating on Mr Richmond. I can admit when I’m wrong…for now. Still, as I have stated before, i usually wait until mid season to evaluate a rookie pitcher.
It is great to see Aaron Hill hitting so well. One is always concerned when a player sustains a concussion. Those things are so unpredictable in terms of recovery time.
You know, I don’t remember a jays team that had so many lefties as this team does. Downs, Carlsson, Ryan, Romero, Purcey, Tallet and newly called up Billy Murphy. It certainly allows for more flexibility in the ‘pen and gives the opponents a new look every game.
MW: Apology accepted. The word you used is never acceptable.
- IanLooking over the scoreboard from last nights game was suprising, I didn’t think that Richmond pitched bad, but I didn’t think it was that good.
I get excited when Hill comes up to bat, it’s fun rooting for him.
Rios was having a bad night, I guess, everyone has those right? He sure looked frustrated after striking out on his last at bat there though.
- MattHi Mike,
Can we read anything yet into Boston’s slow start? It looks like a lot of their veteran players are struggling and might be in store for off-years. What do you think are Boston’s critical success factors this year - aside from health?
MW: Health.
- JamieHi Mike,
Do you thing that AJ is enjoying wearing the black hat and running with the bad boys now (aka The Evil Empire)? Like really enjoying it? Not just enjoying it because of some crap he spewed about having a chance at the post-season. We know it’s all about the dollar with him (in fairness, as it would be for the vast majority of players).
He seems to be though, at least judging from the two solid performances he’s turned in so far, staying focused in Evil Empire Land – which is surprising and disappointing to me. I really, really, really, really want him to fail in NY – bad! I want the fans to turn vicious on him ala “Black Jack” McDowell (c. 1995). Is that wrong of me? I just want the man to suffer. You know, to experience the “Bronx Cheer” in all its glory.
MW: I know.
- JamieWith just over 6% of the season in the books there is no way we should be all that excited about this ‘09 bunch of Blue Jays with the .700 win percentage.
I’m a hometown fan and I once lost a tee shirt with the logos for the Leafs, Raptors, Rock and Argos on it. After looking everywhere it was right were it should have been….last place. Very dissapointing. With that said, to hang with the fact that our star 3rd Baseman may actually be made out of glass. Don’t sweat the fact that the last time the Jays won the World Series most of our starting pitchers were still striving for puberty. Forget that perhaps our biggest offensive weapon still gets ID’d in bars. The core of this team is solid. The young questionmarks are playing like vetran major leaguers right now. Could this be the season all Blue Jay fans have all dreamed about?
I’m falling in love with this “very pretty girl” Mike, I hope beyond hope that she doesn’t move to Boston and leave me looking for my Dave Steib replica jersey. I shudder to think where I may find it.
Keep it up Jays!!(pretty please)
- Mike BMike. I don’t understand it. Why do the callers want to throw J.P under the bus when I think, for the most part, he has put together a solid baseball organization, yet, they give Gord Ash. As you’ve said, J.P has never made a deal that has crippled the franchise. Gord Ash made a deal which did, the Joey Hamilton contract, which I still scratch my head about to this day. I hope that as long as the Jays keep winning, the J.P detractors will be silenced. Thanks Mike.
Peter, St.Catharines
MW: You forgot Michael Young for Esteban Loaiza.
- PeterI am pleased to see the good start from the Jays but it is still to early to say anything about the rest of the season but so far I like what I see. As for J.P. it would seem as though some of his drafts are starting to pay off now and so it would seem as though he might be able to draft good players but just not able to trade or sign big names.
I like the young team and the hustle they are showing, that has been something that was missing these last few years. Mike thank you for all your good work.
MW: Not able to trade? Where did Marco Scutaro come from? Scott Rolen? Jason Frasor? Brian Tallet? John McDonald? And you have an issue with his not being able to sign big names, but he has signed guys like Scott Downs and Jesse Carlson, at whom everyone had a shot for nothing.
- GraemeMike. True or False. If Cito does not play Snider against at least one of the two lefties this home series weekend, he is doing a poor job managing. JOSE BAUTISTA should not be playing 4 games out of 7 a week over Snider.
MW: No, he shouldn’t, but one issue doesn’t tell the whole story.
- Vito2So far so good.The pitching has been about as expected and the hitting has been great.It won’t stay this good all year but I expect it will be strong.Having a healthy Rolen,Overbay,Hill and Wells sure helps.Replacing Stewart and Thomas with Snider and Lind certainly doesn’t hurt either.I think it is going to be a very interesting year.
- Paulfans will always jump on the first rumor they hear, and beat the hell out of old news [ ie. J.P ] just not real fans… the team is doing better then i thought and im really excited the bats are alive… im watching the doc at work right now and am dissapointed j-mac is not in the game.. the bats are alive which means what better time to get him some AB then when his gold glove will get the most work… there have also been other games where it was close and cito never brought him in. how does he plan on using him???
MW: As the back-up shortstop, but the thing is that the starter has been playing really, really well.
- mike salibaDo you think Lyle Overbay at this point in his career, a platoon player?
MW: Yep. And I don’t think there’s a thing wrong with that.
- andrewunreal
- slobberfacewhat halladay just did to morneau in the 5th should be illegal
Do you think people are being hypocritcal of J.P. when they say stuff they have a great team, but J.P. has to go? How annoying does it get for you?
MW: I don’t think one can be hypocritical of something. But no, I think they’re misguided.
- andrewTop of the 7th, none out, runner on…
Bautista vs. RHP.
Starting to lose a lot of respect for Cito.
- Brendanwell , even with the hr by scuts i still think j-mac should have been in….
- mike salibaThank you, Mike, for saying “The Nationals CUBED the Phillies tonight, 8-2.” I love you.
MW: My pleasure.
- Dan Postmaim sorry what do you mean “that’s two”
MW: See a post well above yours about my Rios comment.
- Kyle SYou say that JP Ricciardi good trader right? Not so,The Jays have not fared well in trades since the Ricciardi regime has begun. First let’s look at the current Jay players who arrived in Toronto via a J.P. trade. I won’t go into detail on every trade they’ve made, but I get the overall impression that none of these trades has turned out to be particularly successful. Lyle Overbay and Scott Rolen could be All-Stars, but injuries and recent disappointments seem to preclude this. Both are not likely to dig themselves out of the current rut. To confirm this somewhat, there has been substantiated talk of trades for both of these players. The jury is still out on Troy Glaus. He gave the Jays one season of exactly what was expected of him, then seemed to fall apart, and was moved off to St. Louis for Rolen. Trading for Ted Lilly was a good tactical move, but his years of whining and complaining in Toronto did not engender much respect. His performance in Toronto was mediocre at best.
Moving Shea Hillenbrand and Eric Hinske were both good moves. Hillenbrand had become a cancer on the team, and Hinske needed a change of scenery. Jeremy Accardo came back in the Hillenbrand trade, and he could still be a promising reliever for years to come. Hinske’s value was quite low at the time of the move, but, as a former Rookie Of The Year and versatile player, he was worth more than the nothing the Jays received in return.
Moving Orlando Hudson was a mistake. Though injured, he is a productive player and Gold Glove winner. A middle infield with Hudson and Aaron Hill would be impressive. Miguel Batista was another player requiring a new venue (and a head-check), so his departure was needed.
Overall, Ricciardi has not done well in his trades. His only blockbuster move (Glaus/Hudson) turned out not to be to the team’s benefit. The only other big move (Koskie/Overbay) was a win, but not an overly impressive one. His other moves have had little or no consequence to the team at all. He has not traded for one player who turned out to be a diamond in the ruff, or at least significantly better than expected.
MW: Nope, not one. Certainly not Marco Scutaro, Jason Frasor, Brian Tallet, John McDonald, Justin Speier or Eric Hinske, just to name a couple. I disagree with you completely on the Hudson deal. It was a case of trading surplus for something the team desperately needed. And your logic about Overbay and Rolen’s likelihood to return to form is incredibly flawed (mentioned in trade rumours? Really?).
- andrewman, i’d love to see Halladay pitch in the playoffs. 3 outs, 6 pitches- whaat?
- MelRios is doing nothing right now. Trade him for Tike Redman.
- RenegadeLOL
Vin F Scully
I’ll make sure i remember that
and i appreciate the lesson!
I dont work in radio! i work in manufacturing! You should be ashamed you dont know what dye casting is!!
- slobberfacehahaha
MW: It has nothing to do with J.P., it’s all Cito.
Finally you see the light!!
MW: Sigh.
- MateoThe frustrating part for you is you know, as sure as you are sitting in your chair Cito will get ALL of the credit for the Jays success this year. Gibbons, Tosca both had much better teams to work with, deeper rotations, less injuries..what a job! Manager of the year!!!!!!!!!!
- Mateoi dont mind JP being arrogant and cocky.. in fact I like it. Look at how the Yankees are, they have that swagger.
We need that swagger.
- Jamie Tso why wouldnt you re-sign Rolen if he’s healthy?
Who would play third base in 2 years?
MW: Scott Campbell, Brad Emaus or someone for whom the Jays trade. Rolen will be going into his age 36 season when his next contract starts, and he’ll be looking for a multi-year deal. If he stays healthy, he’ll get a lot more than the Jays ought to be willing to hand out, both in term and money.
- Jamie TMaybe you should get an audio clip of yourself letting out a sigh. I think this would be wonderful to click on every time somebody misses the joke.
- Greg WHey Mike,
Here’s a little tip that you might dig.
There’s a trend I’ve seen some places online of using a Spanish upside-down question mark at the end of a sentence to denote irony or sarcasm.
To get the symbol you type ALT/1 on a Mac or ALT/CTRL/SHIFT/1 on a PC.
Don’t know if you wanna give it a whirl but there it is — the closest thing I’ve ever found that remotely resembles a ’sarcasm key’ on the glorious interweb.
Anyway, back to baseball:
I don’t know about you but I sure hope that when Shea Hillenbrand is elected to the Hall of Fame, he goes in as a Blue Jay¡
Take care.
MW: Thanks for the tip.
- SiguyHi Mike,
I had a good laugh reading the comments about people taking your Rios comment seriously. Anyways, about the teams younger pitchers who would you say has more potential between each pair of pitchers, and who has more trade value?
McGowan or Marcum?
Cecil or Mills?
Ricky Romero or Purcey?
“MW: The Blue Jays honestly believe that Scutaro and McDonald are almost equals defensively. I don’t agree, but Scutaro has played the heck out of shortstop so far this year and as I said yesterday, it now depends on where the Jays are in the order as to whether McDonald should stay in once he pinch-runs.”
So i guess we should start calling Scutaro the 3rd best defensive shortstop in the majors after Johnny Mac and Adam Everett…lol
Thanks Mike
MW: McGowan, Cecil and I think now Romero have the better potential, Cecil has the greatest trade value of the bunch (right now McGowan and Marcum have none).
- BradI guess i did not really take the time and was not informed enough about his trades but as for the big names those pitchers are good that is a fact I will not argue but for fans in TO they need a name for some reason to draw them out, not just good young talent. But I guess next time I write i need to get more informed first. Thank you and I look forward to hearing you all season long.
MW: Thanks, that’s all I ask.
- Graeme