4:50 PM Eastern
I daresay that it’d be near impossible to start a big-league career on the mound better than Ricky Romero has. Three starts, all brilliant, and but for a bobbled double play ball he’d be 3-0 with an ERA of 0.78. He has allowed 23 baserunners in 21 innings and has struck out 13 against four walks.
Romero dominated the Oakland A’s today, though he needed a great Vernon Wells to Aaron Hill to Raul Chavez relay to keep the shutout intact. That was pretty amazing, because there was a buzz in the building as soon as the ball got to Hill. You could hear the 22,000+ getting ready to roar once Hill turned and threw home to nail Mark Ellis by plenty.
Lyle Overbay, the guy I don’t even think should be in the line-up against lefties, drove in the game’s only run with a solid line single to centre in the second inning. Hey, it was his bobblehead day, he needed to be in there.
Scott Downs followed up his 2 1/3 inning, 20-pitch, facing-the-minimum outing yesterday with a perfect eighth, B.J. Ryan looked terrific in picking up the save, allowing only a flare single to right, and the defense shone again.
One great thing about this Jays team that often goes unnoticed (though people are starting to come around) is just how great the gloves are. Marco Scutaro made another phenomenal play (yes, I like that word), diving to his right while in the shift to grab a Jack Cust liner in the second, taking away a hit. Scutaro has taken a giant leap forward defensively – to go with his new Rickey Henderson-ness at the plate, and when the Jays have the seven guys they had behind the pitcher today, the defense is airtight. That makes the pitchers better, and will no doubt lead to a few more wins than you’d otherwise expect.
Alex Rios even got a hit, though it was only an infield single. Still, a very hard-hit ball into the 5-6 hole. He lost a ball in the lights in the first inning, unfairly scored an error, though I’m sure some people are pretty upset about it. I’ll wager that Rios comes out of the off-day a new man.
The Jays lead the American League at 10-4 after two weeks, their best start since 2001, and they have won each of their first four series of at least three games to start the season. It’s the first time that’s ever happened for this team, but only by the very strictest definition, and I apologize for the confusion yesterday. That’s what I get for taking others’ word for things without doing the research myself. In 2001, the Jays won their first six series of the season, but the first one was only a one-gamer, that season opener against the Rangers in Puerto Rico.
Travis Snider got a start against the lefty today, and went 0-for-3, striking out looking twice and hitting a fly ball to deep right-centre. Here’s hoping it’s just the first of many starts against southpaws this season and beyond.
I love me a good 1-0 game, and this was certainly a good one. Quick, well-played, marvelous. And now, the season’s first off-day!
Make sure you tune in to The Blue Jays This Week tonight at 7:00 PM Eastern. I’m actually not sure where you can get it, because it won’t be on the FAN590 because of Marlies hockey and Toronto FC soccer. I talked to Scutaro about his start to the season (and about Alex Rios’), and Downs answered 10 questions. If you can’t find it on the radio or online, the interviews will be posted here on the website shortly.
Here’s today’s edition of The JaysTalk, for your listening pleasure:
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Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome!
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Thanks to the Toronto Star Seasons pass, I have been able to attend all 7 of the Jays’ home games this season.
However, most fans I talk to have not even heard of the pass. Shouldn’t the pass be promoted more?
MW: You’ll have to talk to the Jays and/or the Star about that.
- SteveCito has really put the magic touch on this team in terms of chemistry, confidence, and karma. There’s no telling how good this team could be with a healthy McGowan, Janssen, Marcum, & Litsch…Here’s hoping we have enough healthy contributing arms come the ‘dog days’. Go Jays!
- raptorsnationonlinePitchers control three things, walks, strike outs and limiting home runs. The rest is defence. (anyone that doesn’t believe this should go read Vörös McCracken’s studies).
Romero’s minor league stats showed pretty solid K rate, and a good home run ratio but he lacked the control to be successful.
It’s only three starts but the most encouraging stat is that he’s only walked 4 batters in 21 innings.
Watching him you can sure see why Riccardi was enamored with his stuff.
- Jim MaronHi Mike
Jays bats have really cooled off. Is this the sign of good pitching, or were they really over achieving last week? My guess is a little bit of both. I hope they bounce back soon at the dish.
MW: There’s no question that they were really overachieving the first 10 games or so of the season, but it was a heck of a fall-off against Oakland. The good news is that they managed to win the series anyway.
- GarryHey Mike,
Just a quick question, I’ve been trying to find out what the Jays numbers with RISP are this year, but to no avail. Do you know what those numbers are, and where can I find them? Also, how do they compare to the numbers from last year either through 14 games or through April?
MW: I could compare them by going back into my scorebook from last year and looking, but ESPN is a good place to get those numbers for this year. Through 14 games, the Jays were hitting .289/.389/.492 with RISP this year.
- Matthew FabbricinoWhatever Arnsberg did with Romero worked he’s amazed me thus far. Along with the play of Hill, Snider, and Lind it should go a long way to taking some of the strength out of the arguments against JP staying as GM. It won’t stop them from making the argument but will make them look stupid and ignorant. Do you think there is a a chance Romero will be on an inning count as the season goes along to keep his arm from getting strained?
Also I was looking at the percentages if the Jays play .500 ball the rest of the way they finish with 84 wins, if they win 55% of their remaining games it will be 91 wins, which do you think is more likely to happen?
MW: I think the .500 is likelier than the .550. Yes, Romero’s innings will be limited at some point this season.
- SmittyMike,
As is too often the case, many Blue Jay fans and members of the media used the draft choice of Ricky Romero as “a knock” against J.P.
“Why didn’t he take Troy Tulowitzki? Ricky is only in his eary 20s, but he’s done!”
First and foremost, drafting in the MLB is not like hockey and basketball (as you constantly point out).
But, most importantly, the Tulowitzi only had one good season when he was lauded as the a “superstar.” His production since his rookie season, (granted, he was injured), has been nothing special.
Yes, Romero has only made three great starts. And, a true evaluation cannot be made in three games (not even close!).
But, it just shows you that how far Ricciardi bashers will go to prove their (mostly) incorrect points. If J.P. were as well-liked as Cito Gaston is, this discussion would probably not exist.
MW: Absolutely true.
- Jake RothHi Mike,
I just read that after todays game, Jack Cust was comparing Ricky Romero to Johan Santana.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290419114
What do you think about that comparison?
MW: I think it’s pretty swell, but it’s the only time Cust has seen Ricky and he threw a heck of a game.
- BradHi Mike
So does Romero win the Cy Young as well as Rookie of the Year or just the ROY?
Great start and lots of fun following the Jays this year!
Patrick
- PatrickI think its great that Cito’s bobblehead logic may have contributed to the win. I’m enjoying the various ways the Jays have come out on top so far this year.
Although the recent decline in runs are expected, I was hoping the Jays would continue to mash out the hits. Maybe when they get back out on the road.
- J.RHi Mike
this year the Jays seem deep in reserve players, even if their young, what better time to get experience.
Lets give a little credit to JP eh!!
How many starts do you think they’ll give Tallet, hes such a great long relief guy in the pen
We’re all listenin at work Mike Give Er!!
Glen
MW: Keep listening! I think Tallet gets at least a couple more starts, it depends on how he looks and on how Purcey looks. What do you mean by reserve players?
- Glen BarryDoes this mean that Downs is talking to the media this year? He’s such a great example of what Bill James talks about, how you should never give up on a pitcher until you try them in relief and how pitchers can turn their career around. Watching him at his best, he really knows what he’s doing on the mound and is in such control.
Great game and I’m not worried about Rios, it’s a bit hard to expect everyone on the Jays to be hot at the same time and I’d rather he be on fire late in the season than in April.
MW: Nope, Snakeface still won’t talk to the media during the regular season. We did the interview in spring training. Good perspective on Rios!
- WilMike,
I’ve been to five games so far this season and man, has it been a great start! I am extremely impressed with everything so far except for the fans. I mean, I don’t know the numbers exactly, but under 18,000 in games 2,3 and 4 against the Detroit and it can’t have been more than 25,00 the last couple of days.
Great start to the year, and thanks a lot Mike!
Haven’t seen the golden thong guy so far!
MW: Thank heavens for small favours.
- JordieMike,
How much of a difference do you think hitting and pitching coaches actually make, and can hitting coaches make more of a difference than pitching coaches or vice versa? I ask because alot has been made of how Arnsberg changed Romero’s delivery in Spring training and how dominant he has been since then. Also on that subject, how long is Arnsberg under contract for?
MW: I don’t think hitting and pitching coaches make as much of a difference as a lot of people do. I think they’re helpful, but in the big picture they act more as facilitators of work than anything else. For some guys, though, the little mechanical tweaks here and there can make a world of difference.
- Matthew FabbricinoCouple things I have to get off my chest about comments I’ve been hearing and reading about the Jays.
Don’t worry so much about Rios. The difference in AVG between .200 and .300 at this point in the season is a half dozen hits. Give the guy a break, fans down the first base line were on him this afternoon for no reason when The Beej gave up that single to Holliday.
As for Rios and The Vern not driving in runs, Hilly and Scootsy have combined for 8 funk blasts, which results in considerably fewer quality RBI situations for the 3 and 4 spots. RBIs will come, and aren’t a good measure of a hitter’s performance anyway.
The Vern can’t doesn’t drive in runs in the clutch? He cannot control who gets into scoring position ahead of him in close & late situations. Does he drive in more runs in blowouts? Of course, everyone does! But for a kick here is his AVG/OBP/SLG in various game situations:
Career – .284/.332/.480
Tie Game – .278/.330/.476
Within 1R – .282/.334/.469
Within 2R – .285/.334/.481
Within 3R – .285/.335/.482
Within 4R – .284/.332/.477
Margin >4 – .283/.334/.501
“Clutch Hitters” are a myth; look up any player’s close & late stats and they will be similar to his career numbers. Guys who regularly get hits in the clutch are guys who regularly get hits all the time.
And about the Jays getting respect: Who the flip cares what they think of the Jays down south? Less exposure = less pressure = more fun and more results like these past few weeks and therefore exponentially more fun. It’s science people. The more the baseball world ignores the Jays the more fun it will be when we get back to the big dance, whether it be in the distant future or perhaps very soon. Either way, enjoy this! It’s baseball!
Holy schnikes I’m done. Got all the numbers from baseball-reference.com so feel free to proofread ‘em.
- Lance Painter“MW: I actually haven’t seen the helicopter come out once this year.”
Perhaps he needs to break that out. Maybe the problem is actually not enough helicopter.
It’s a good thing Ellis was gunned down at home plate or this game might still be going. Neither team seemed all that interested in hitting today.
MW: Rios has a fever, and the only cure is more helicopter.
- Flaming MoeOh, and I just meant to add, it’s too bad Snider went 0/3. You know that’ll mean Cito won’t start him again against a southpaw till like June, now.
MW: I hope not, and I doubt it.
- Flaming MoeHi, Mike:
A quick question — I’ve seen a couple of different game stories which state that “Scutaro has reached base safely in 14 straight games”.
This is technically correct, but today the only time he reached was on an error. Doesn’t this “officially” end his streak? (If in fact there is such a thing as an “official” reach-base streak).
MW: Yes, the streak is over.
- NormMW: It proved your point that I said Rios has averaged over 15 homers a year the last three years? You’re going to have to explain that. Also, the difference between Rios and Young is, plain and simple, Rios has much more power. He’s also five years younger than Young, and while Young likely peaked with that 24 homer season and has been on the decline offensively for three years now, Rios has yet to enter his peak years. Young also gets to play in Texas.
mike, I said that I don’t expect rios to ever be more than a 10-15hr guy then you said I was ridiculous but then said his avg was 15hr so you just proved my point
how does rios have more power than young? just because he hits homers in batting practice? please explain this. at age 27 young had 56 homers then hit 24 homers at age 28. rios had 67 homers at age 27 and has 0 homers at age 28. the fact is young is very similar to rios in that he had 2 good power years then dropped off at age 28, just like rios is doing.
also you are implying that young hit most of his homers at home? no more than alex does. young 66 vs 51 home/away rios 39 vs 28
what do you define as peak years? I would say 28-30 is peak years. therefore rios is already in his peak years.
just for comparison jose cruz jr. who was a legit power hitter had about 116 homers at age 27, a lot more than rios. he peaked that year at 34 homers then dropped to 18-20hr for the next few years
shawn green peaked at age 29. wells peaked at 27. moseby 27. barfield 26. see a pattern here? and these are guys that had more power than rios and a better track record.
mike, for you to say that rios is capable of 24 homers just because he did it one time is ridiculous. just like it’s ridiculous for me to say that he will hit 1 home run because he did that one season also. you have to look at what is a reasonable expectation. for that you can either use the average or better yet use the median number. his median home run total is 15.
why don’t you just accept that players are inconsistent and most players peak at 28-30. once they reach 28 the odds of them getting better drop off dramatically. rios and wells are not going to get better at their age. their best years are behind them and we are stuck with them because of JP’s contracts. we have wells till 35! those last few years at 20 mil are going to be painful.
MW: Rios has more power than Young because of his swing, build and strength, plain and simple. I do accept that players are inconsistent, Rios has definitely been that, but I don’t accept your contention that he’s a 15-homer a year guy, and my saying that he has averaged OVER 15 homers the past three years (18.7, in fact) doesn’t prove your point in the least. Also, I love how you write that Rios has no homers at age 28 as though that means something. He has played 14 games at age 28. As for Jose Cruz, Jr., he played in a different era.
- chubbyMike. With regards to a caller on yesterdays’s Jays Talk mentioning why the Jays aren’t on U.S national TV, Fox and ESPN in particular. Why is that such a big deal, It doesn’t matter to me if they come to Toronto. Although, admittedly I recall being keyed up in about ’83 or ’84 when ABC Monday Night Baseball came to CNE Stadium, partly because Howard Cosell was there, and he was one of my all-time favorite commentators. I know one ESPN announcer who speaks highly of the Jays is Dan Shulman, of course, he’s a Toronto resident. If these Jays play well the networks will eventually take notice, but for now, let’s just enjoy this and not worry what our neighbors to the south think. Thanks Mike.
Peter, St.Catharines
- PeterMike, I have to give you some credit, I was one of “those” people who figured the Jays would struggle all year and be 81-81 and nowhere near the playoffs come October. Having said all that it’s still early and the Jays could easily start backing up. Iam pleased to say that I’m pleasantly surprised by the Jays start, 10-4 is a great way to start, and the defence has been fantastic. David Purcey’s been mediocre at best and I’d like to see more of Richmond as well, but Romero looks good enough to be a solid starter behing Halladay and Litsch. I hope it keeps up…this city could use a feel good story like the Jays right now. Oh and sorry Mike…lights or not that’s a big ol E on Rios in right today..ball hit him right in the glove…..easy call for the official scorer.
MW: If you lose a ball in the sun, you don’t get an error – why do you get one if you lose it in the lights?
- Blair MartinHi Mike; have you tried the new Quaker Steak and Lube yet? I always that a weird name for a restaurant.
MW: I haven’t.
- ZackHello Mike….Just a few comments….Ricky Romero reminds me of a young Ron Guidry in the the way he can change speeds with his cutter and can dangle that curve ball……….also Rios needs a trip to Fenway to get his swing back.He just loves to pepper that Green Monster but also needs to be told Gary Denbo is no longer employed by the Jays.
- Mark from ThoroldI know you hear this a lot, but I really feel like Vernon Wells lacks plate discipline and with him being the 4th hitter in our lineup, it has cost us some games. (yes…I refer to the Jays as if I am a member of the team, deal with it). One HUGE problem I have with Wells is when he pops it up too second, foul territory, etc. It happens way too frequently and it’s almost as if he is confused with high pitches. In todays game, versus Springer, I actually shouted in frustration (along with Wells) because he missed 3 fastballs in the exact same location. Now, please, do not interpret this as if I am stating that Vernon is not a worthy player because his numbers do the talking with regards to that, however I am suggesting that Vernon is not learning from his mistakes and I hope, I really really do, that Vernon and Gene Tennace and Cito can fix this bug because if they do…I can only imagine.
One more thing. Vernon is not having a good season, contrary to what you said before. He has 5 RBI’s…5…that’s a little sad considering Rios has more and Rios is doing HORRIBLY.
Thanks Mike
MW: Wells can’t control how many guys are on base in front of him and going into Tuesday’s game he was hitting .293/.359/.466. By no measure is he not having a good season.
- JakeDid someone really call you today to ask you about the hotdogs they will be serving at the game? It’s really mind boggling. As an aside, the Jays are playing great and I really enjoy your blog.
Linutor
MW: Nothing wrong with asking about the hot dogs, is there?
- Linutor“Jack Cust said of Romero. “He reminds of (Johan) Santana”…i take it JP’s predictions for romero are coming to fruition..Halladay-Santana 1-2 punch sounds pretty sweet….PENANT!
- jpThe thing with Tulo/Romero is just crazy. Tulo is not nearly as good as people suggest. He is overrated due to the fact that he is a position player who plays half his games in Coors.
His career batting line on the road in 646 PA= .260/.329/.399
His home line .290/.364/.482.
Tulowitzki is a decent shortstop and may even get better.
Just figured I would point that out, not sure if it has come up before.
Scott Downs is just amazing, the guy has looked utterly dominant for a couple years now. I like the fact that we seem to have a Chicago Cub thing going where our best relief pitcher(Downs/Marmol) gets to come in and pitch the 8th and in other big situations.
- Pee WeeWhat a start for Ricky!
I wish I had a list of internet geeks who acted like it was a lock that Ricky is useless from there experience watching him (aka. reading boxcores on milb.com)… It just would be fun to know!
Another thing I hate about the situation we have here, I constantly find myself defending JP to Jays fans; as a result, everyone thinks I love the guy… Why does everyone think that if someone doesn’t win a championship within a short time frame they should be fired? I know you hate comparing baseball to other sports, but look at the Steelers. They have hired 3 coaches in the last 40 years, some people wanted Cowher out after a couple of years, and he ended up being one of the top coaches in the game…
The point is, you hire the right people, and then you let them do there thing….. If you ask most financial analysts, thats how Ted built Rogers… That turned out ok!
Sorry for being long winded..
Here is my question for you:
Why does everyone say that JP can’t use the division as an excuse?
MW: People don’t want to hear why things are the way they are when things aren’t going well. They just want things to go well. But I’m with you completely on Ricciardi – I defend him because those who attack are so unfair and uninformed, not because I love the guy.
- Stevie H.Didn’t hear the game, just checked up on it on the internet. Romero seems to be the real deal. Was Millar in as the DH to give Lind a day off?
Good to see Overbay continue to build on his solid .308 road trip. He has 2 game winning RBI’s in a row, his value will never be higher, time to trade him!!! (Note the sarcasm)
Just enjoying this run while it lasts. Thought for sure that the Indians were going to take that game from the Yanks today. The more we win now, the less we need to win later.
Great way to start the year. Here’s hoping the fans are out to watch the series against the Rangers. Based on scores I have seen involving the Rangers, the Jays bats are going to have to be ready.
- Aaron KerMike
Have you ever noticed that the great majority of Rolen’s throws from 3rd are near perfect? Rarely do I see a bouncer or ‘sailer’. Maybe more jays fans should see this instead of his salary number?
MW: He’s one of the best defensive third basemen ever.
- AriI just read that piece on scutaro and his batting stance, and it got me thinking. Maybe Cito hasn’t started Johnny Mac yet because A: Scutaro is playing D just fine. and B: Cito thinks that Scoots needs the constant ABs to keep him thinking about his new stance.
I dunno if this is right, but it certainly seems to be consistent with Cito’s type of thinking.
MW: What piece on Scutaro and his batting stance?
- daveOh, and what do you think of this lineup.
Rios
Scoots
hill
Wells
Lind
Rolen
Snider
Barajas
Overbay
I think its the same idea as the 9th position leadoff man with Overbay. With him there, rios’ power wont be wasted so much, because every time Overbay gets on, Rios will be batting with a man on. And when the time comes to move Scoots down (which i dont know will happen, this is the biggest year of his career) then Hill can go back to 2nd, Snider to 3rd, and scutaro to 7th.
And BTW for the haters out there, 1b has been the most productive position (3 hr 5 2b and 15 rbi) on the team. GO JP!! Another weakness recognized (recognised?) and shored up with a MINOR LEAGUE CONTRACT!!! This guy and his good sense HAS to go!!!
And I think Ben Sheets could be a good mid-season pickup.
Cheers
MW: Why would you have the best on-base guy on the team getting the fewest plate appearances?
- daveScott Downs
current whip = 0.3
If I didn’t like snakeface so much i would suggest calling him S&M as he has a mean whip.
- Pee Weehey mike, you said inglett was not a high obp guy. well his career obp is higher than hill’s and their ops is practically the same so I guess hill is not a high obp either.
MW: I don’t recall ever saying that Hill was a high obp guy. He isn’t. Don’t try to pick a fight where there is none.
- chubbyMike,
At which point in the season does it become valid to make a comparison to a team from the previous year?
I ask because this team looks better than last years team, pitching be damned!
I LOVED the team going into last year, but I certainly didn’t think the staff would dominate the way they did.
I know there a tonne of ifs, but even a .500 clip the rest of the season would give us 84 wins; I’ll take that! Sure it’s not a World Series but it could end up being just as fun to watch.
Gravy Kool Aid!!!
MW: 50-60 games is a reasonable sample size. This team looks better than last year’s because it’s hitting so much better.
- JamieLyle Overbay, the guy I don’t even think should be in the line-up against lefties, drove in the game’s only run with a solid line single to centre in the second inning.
Ok to call that hit a solid line drive??? It was like a ten hopper that Sweeney had to run in like a mile to field, on top of that the fleet footed Millar scored and Sweeney after all that still threw home. So if that is your idea of a line drive, I guess Rios single was a bullet Steve McQueen would have been proud of. Overbay vs Lefties is still a terrible idea, he didn’t look good in his other AB’s. Just because Overbay hit a ground ball that had eyes does not make him the guy we want up against lefties. Come on Mike we didn’t watch the game on the radio we saw the worm burner, OK!
MW: I don’t know what you were watching, but that ball didn’t hit the ground until it got through the infield. That’s a line drive to me.
- Jimmy FingersMW, Do you think the Jays have any interest in signing Pedro Martinez to slot into that rotation and give a bit of depth. He’s only looking for 1 yr at 5 million.
MW: They’re not willing to spend that kind of money.
- NixonMike, I couldnt agree more with the heading of this blog because so far from what Ive seen of Romero I’m very impressed. He works very quickly and just looking at his composure he looks like he has been in the “show” for more than just 3 starts. People can be negative all they want about the 10-4 record but the reality is with the exception of Minnesota I believe over the last few years the other 3 teams have given the Jays trouble. Its nice to see Lyle swinging the bat pretty well again the last few games but then again with the exception of 1 or maybe even 2 hitters in our lineup everyone is hitting well. Enjoy the first day off of the year Mike. GO JAYS GO
- ChrisI think JP has done a great job. We have a good mix of players, and I think this will be a year that the hitters have at least average and maybe a majority have above average years. My question is, if that happens and the jays went out and got one more veteran starting pitcher to anchor the starting rotation, why would they not be serious contenders this year.
One other question. Would it not make more sense to move JMac and bring up Inglett? Inglett bats left, hits 300 and can play alot of positions on defense.
MW: But he can’t play shortstop. A team needs to have a back-up shortstop, and McDonald is perfect for the job. If the Jays got a very good pitcher, veteran or otherwise, to slot behind Halladay in the rotation then they’d have a much better shot, yes. But I don’t know that it’s not a better idea to give a real look to guys like Romero, Purcey, Janssen, Cecil, Mills and Richmond and see if one of them can step up without costing you anything in talent.
- RobMichael of the Ballyard:
MW: I agree with you on Mulliniks and Tabler, and Stairs, too. But Stairs didn’t say that the Gary Denbo approach impacted negatively on the team, he said it impacted negatively on him. And you’ll remember too that last year Denbo was blamed specifically for Alex Rios’ struggles, and yet, here’s Rios having the same problems this season, if not worse. Cito wasn’t being modest when he said what he did, he was being truthful.
—
No, the part about Stairs is flatly untrue. He was very specific that he felt he (and Rios) were not the only ones who were negatively impacted by the old regime:
PITTSBURGH – Matt Stairs likes what he hears from Gene Tenace, the Toronto Blue Jays new hitting coach. And he is not bashful about declaring that the former coach, Gary Denbo, did not suit his style.
Stairs believes he is not the only Jays hitter who regressed under Denbo. And he says Denbo’s approach also contributed to the Jays’ home-run drought this season.
http://www2.canada.com/edmontonjournal/sports/story.html?id=409ffeb9-1340-440b-85f4-3fceab9b828b
Okay, so let’s review the evidence that the old regime’s removal directly impacted the team’s success, to an extent that it should have been done much earlier:
1)Obvious statistical improvement, both as individual hitters and the team (collective averages, W-L)
2)Observed technical/philosophical improvements made by all of the colour guys (reitred players) on SportsNet.
3)Comments from Matt Stairs directly blaming the old regime for his woes and numerous other players’.
4)A reasonable person could not believe that the team would be in the same position it is today had the change not been made
5)You (and I, at least as far as is necessary for this to work as an argument) believe that a manager’s sphere of influence in *relatively* limited, yet the managerial change *did* have some impact. Surely, then, this minimal influence over the team’s performance that we’ve identified must be the total sum of the regime’s impact, right? A negative one.
Mike, I like you a lot. I think you’re one of the most enlightening journalists I’ve ever seen cover a beat (although I’d daresay being enlightening about baseball is a bit easier than politics or world affairs, but that’s neither here nor there). But I think you’re being really, really silly about this.
MW: I firmly disagree. In reading the article to which you linked, Stairs says he was messed up, and believes Rios was as well, but didn’t mention anyone else, nor could he get into anyone else’s head. Lyle Overbay, quoted at the bottom of the story, refutes Stairs’ claims completely. Under Gary Denbo, the New York Yankees took the lead into the bottom of the 9th inning of Game 7 of the World Series, and his work was heartily endorsed by several members of that team. Also, I don’t know how much weight I put in the comments of the retired players about this, since they won a World Series with Cito and I think that would colour their perceptions.
- JCLMike,
Would you consider the Rogers center a hitters ballpark or a pitchers ballpark? does this change when the dome is open?
Also you have said a couple of times that you see Snider as the future #3 hitter for a long time, correct me if i am wrong but doesn’t Snider have more power/potential then Wells?
MW: Yes, he does, which is why I think he’ll wind up being the #3 hitter. Rogers Centre plays as more of a hitters’ park than a pitchers’ one, I believe, and moreso when the roof is open.
- RandyThat was a big win, doing it on pitching and “d” and not just with the bat. Thats gotta give some more confidence in the clubhouse. They should be able to grab two of three from Texas with who theyre serving up for us. I see Travis Snider and Adam Lind having a huge week.
- Dave BrantfordMike, I love Scott Downs. Do you?
MW: Love is a strong word. I think he’s a terrific pitcher and, in spring training and the off-season, a really nice guy.
- eyebleafHi Mike,
I was wondering who votes on the golden glove awards and if the Jays have had the best defense in the majors last year, why didn’t any of them win one?
My second question is if a pitcher has to leave the game before the end of the fifth inning but has the lead and the score stands until the end, who would get the win?
MW: Managers and coaches, and because gold gloves don’t always have all that much to do with defense. That said, Rios and Overbay were probably the only ones who had an argument to win one last year, because Rolen missed so much time. If a pitcher doesn’t go the requisite five under your conditions, the win is awarded to a reliever at the discretion of the official scorer.
- JesseHow long do you think Scutaro can sustain this level of play? I realize you can’t look at his stats because they are such a small sample size. However, one can use their eye (albeit subjectively) and do some old-fashioned scouting to determine a player’s ability.
What do you think, Mike? Is he really a new player at age 33 or is he just having a great 2 weeks? Maybe a bit of both? Thanks!!
MW: I don’t think one can re-make oneself as a player at the age of 33. That said, this is the first time that Scutaro has ever had a full-time job and a set role, and that can have an effect. I don’t see him hitting 20 homers or having a .400 obp by season’s end, but I do think it’s quite possible that he’ll wind up having a much better year than most of us expected.
- Matt SHello Mike
Where are the boo birds now… Romero is pitching great, Ryan looked like he got over his early season jitters, looking like Ryan of old.
I loved the caller yesterday who asked about the hot dog quality – some ‘choice meat’ and another caller after asking the same thing.
Mike, a couple of questions
1. if Romero keeps pitching the way he is, can you see the Jays moving him up to the number 2 spot?
2. When does the jays expect to have Jansen back?
Thanks
Francis
MW: 1 – No. “Spot” in the rotation doesn’t really matter. They’ll make sure that he doesn’t get skipped if he keeps this up, though. 2 – Middle of next month.
- francisAfter so many sub-par April’s, its good to see the Jays get out the gate ahead of everyone else. Watching the Yankees vaunted pitching staff flounder in the early season has been quite pleasant. 22-4 to Cleveland on Saturday?
Watching parts of yesterday’s start and the start in Minnesota on Tuesday, Romero has demonstrated one nasty curve ball. He has made very good hitters look awfully foolish at times. While the true measuring stick will come with his second or third trip around the league, it is great to see the young man deliver.
I read in the newspaper that Cito Gaston’s won-lost record since returning to the Jays is .591 (give or take a percentage). Seriously, how did this man not get a major league job? Also, is it just me or does Cito look younger than he did back in the 1990′s. The man has become baseball’s Benjamin Button!
MW: Cito does look younger and more relaxed, for sure. Don’t forget Romero’s great change-up.
- Steve-O from WaterdownWHY WAS THE RIOS ERROR UNFAIIR…HE SHOULD’VE HAD THAT BALL…DO YOU NOT AGREE ?
MW: No, he lost it in the lights. And stop yelling.
- LaffinatorMike – just curious, fan of Cabbie on the Street?
MW: He does some funny stuff, for sure.
- Scot HowardMike
Good job on the radio and with the jays talk. Good blog too. I am real excited about this great start for the jays (april wins are still wins at the end of the year) and lets hope they can continue to play well. I have a few points and a few questions. First, I haven’t heard Curtis Thigpens name at all this year, is he still is the system or is he gone? If he is still around what is his status?
Second, what are the main attributes that determine a closer and a set up man, its seems to me that Scott Downs has the stuff to close games (im not writing off BJ at all, I just want to know who would be next in line)
Also Mike I truly enjoy the jays talk (and “extendo Jays talk” is like a second helping of cake) but you seem to let some callers go on for way too long as they incoherantly babble about pointless stupid points that you have already shut down. If there are so many callers waiting on the line then get to them sooner because maybe they have some normal conversation to bring to the table. Go Jays.
MW: 1 – Thigpen was traded to the A’s in March. 2 – Mental toughness and the ability to dominate, according to the decision-makers. You’re right about me not shutting some callers down soon enough. I have to get better at that.
- ZacThis has been a lot of fun so far. I think one of the biggest differences this year has been that this team actually has players swinging the bat from the left side of the plate that are actually threats to do a lot of damage. In the last couple of years that was not the case. It’s nice to see Overbay coming around. He has been one of the heros two days in a row. The pitching in the last couple of days has been awesome! Scott Downs just comes in and gets the job done. What an amazing curveball he throws. Lets hope the staff pitches well agains the big bats of the Texas Rangers. Go get’m Jays!
MW: It’s true that the last couple of years Overbay and Gregg Zaun weren’t big threats, but don’t forget about the major, major offensive contributions of Scutaro, Hill and Rolen to this start.
- Dan from ElmvaleMike, I love your headline as that is exactly what I was thinking. Hope Romero keeps up the excellent work. He looks like an ace out there. What is even more encouraging about the Jays start is that Rios has had a terrible start hitting in the 3 hole and Wells hasn’t been driving in runs at the clean up spot. Once Rios starts hitting along with Wells getting a little more timely with his hits, WOW. Now for my question, would you consider moving Rios down in the order until he picks it up? I would like to see Rolen or Overbay moved up.
MW: I would, but Cito won’t.
- KenHow are you Mike?
Ricky Romero is a bust. JP completely whiffed on him and that’s why JP’s gotta go. The only reason he’s on the major league team is to make JP look good for drafting him. The proof is in the pudding. Notice how despite the fact that Romero is a huge bust, he has a 2-0 start, thereby making JP look good? JP is running the team into the ground (proof: Frank Thomas and Reed Johnson) and he’s gotta go.
The only reason the Jays are winning so much is because of the fine head coaching job of Cito Gaston. Also, as you said in a previous post, Rios should be released
Vernon Wells is useless. “We” should trade him and a second round pick for Albert Pujols
Also, Roy Halladay is on pace for a 33 win season. He must be at a peak in value, so we should trade him
MW: I like this guy.
- CarlosThis 10-4 start is just absolutely unreal…
I think we might be in for a special season with Ricky Romero…
As long as he doesn’t suffer the fate of McGowan, Marcum, Janssen and Litsch- all hurt.
MW: Yeah – why be positive?
- Danmichael,
another game winning rbi for the better half of our 1b platoon.
lookin’ like it just might be prudent to hang on to him a little while longer before we run him right out of town. what do you say?
was down at the yard yesterday. love those 1-0 games that end in a win.
first look at chavez behind the plate. caught a great game indeed, added a hit. nice debut….
between his physical stature and his general makeup as a ball player kind of reminds you a little of a former catcher/manager in this organization. yes?
here’s hoping though that barrett makes his way back in good time. just have a strong feeling that’s he gonna be a significant contributor to the cause before this season’s over….
MW: I was thinking the same about Barrett before he went down.
- darrell bishopMike,
Just wondering who JP traded to the A’s for Marco Scutaro. Are they doing well? It seems to me that Scutaro was a steal for what the Jays gave up.
Also “IF” the Jays happen to make the playoffs, do you think people will still be out for Riccardi’s head. With the emergence of some of his draft picks really making an impact (and more good ones on the way) I hope people realize he isn’t all that bad at his job. Sure he’s made mistakes but who hasn’t?
MW: Maybe they’ll even realize that he’s actually very good at his job, but people don’t want very good, they want perfect. The Jays traded right-handed pitchers Kristian Bell and Graham Godfrey for Scutaro.
- DennisHi Mike,
I’m an accountant by trade and was therefore attempting to reconcile the Jays early season success recently. I performed the following SWOT analysis in support of my efforts:
Strengths
1) The Jays have arguably the Best pitcher in MLB, Roy Halladay, given his performance in recent season(s)
2) The Jays have arguably MLB’s Best Bullpen given the performance in recent season(s) – It’s balanced & deep with 4 lefties to provide good ‘match-up’ ability
3) The Jays have arguably one the best, or the best, Defensive Team in MLB – with top defensive potential at 3B/2B/1B/CF/RF, and solid defensively at C/SS/LF
4) The Jays have a long and balanced lineup with power spread throughout – no real superstars, but no real weak spots either
5) The Jays have a manager and an interim-president with proven track records of success in MLB
6) The Jays have a stock or stable of young good-looking pitching and position player prospects knocking on the door
Weaknesses
1) The Jays lack of proven starting pitching depth beyond Roy Halladay
2) The Jays lack of any real superstar hitter(s) (e.g., no Teixeira, A-rod, Longoria, M. Cabrera, etc.)
Opportunities
1) The Jays prospect depth should provide the ability to acquire some additional starting pitching if required
2) The Jays should have the ability to add payroll if warranted
Threats
1) The division the Jays play in affords little margin for error. Divisional competition (for the most part) has the resources to plug holes from injury or poor performances at will
2) The ever-present threat of injury (Jays could likely sustain losses to one or two position players, but not to Halladay say)
Given the above analysis, the Jays success is not really that surprising to me. They already possessed Doc, the deep bullpen and the great defense going into this season. Also, the Jays had a great offense in `06 and were considered by most baseball prognosticators to have another great offense going into `07. As we know, injuries and off years prevented that from being the case in both `07 and `08. Therefore, you could argue that the bulk of the offense was already in place before this season started and is now finally healthy (knock-on-wood).
The 10-4 record then really boils down to the good starting pitching performances the Jays have received from both Romero (3 starts) and Richmond (1+ starts), while Purcey’s been 1 good, 2 bad. That should be the primary ‘surprise’ thus far.
Mike, do you see any other weaknesses, strengths, threats or opportunities for the Jays at this point?
MW: I’m not an accountant. As for your evaluation, it’s pretty strong, though I would call catcher a weak spot in the batting order. The thing is, the lack of proven starting pitching beyond Halladay is a weakness large enough to warrant just one “threat” line.
- JamieGreat blog Mike. I keep expecting that 5 game losing streak to start but they keep on winning the next one and keep on winning the series. How do I get rid of that feeling that it’s going to all fall apart? I guess the best thing to do is just enjoy it!
Going back to your comments on diving into first — I would love to see a 100 metre sprinter try it. :)
Its amazing that someone like Robbie Alomar did it for his whole career. Maybe the cloud of dust causes a diversion and gives a perceeved edge to the runner? It would be interesting to see what Robbie’s success ratio was.
MW: I don’t know why you’d expect a five-game losing streak – why not just enjoy what’s happening? There is a school of thought that says the cloud of dust can confuse the umpire, that’s the only reason on Earth to dive into first. But then, if you don’t dive, you don’t need the diversion because you get there faster.
- pjAmazing pitching by Tallet, Romero and pen.. 2 runs in 21 innings!
- Chas CalzJust a great start at 10-4 .
Scutaro has really impressed so far. Doing everything he is asked. As much as I’m a fan of Johny Mac, there is no reason to put him in. I don’t you would want Scutaro out of the lineup right now. Same with Hill, so Mac is just going to have to keep himself sharp. He is a wizard defensively, but his bat really holds him back. At least he still gets to play the game and is a team player. Not complaining over playing time.
Keep up the good work. I enjoy your blog and game recaps alot. What does a typical offday look like for you during the season? Are you able to be away from the park, or do have other responsibilities?
MW: An off-day is an off-day. No going to the park, no blogging, no nothing.
- Aaron KerHi Mike,
Obviously enjoying the great start.
I realize this is a ways down the road but I’m wondering about interleague. If we were in a national league city tomorrow who would sit? I know with Cito it would probably be Lind or Snider. But say Rios continues to struggle (which I realize he probably won’t), could you see Lind in left and Snider in right against a right-handed starter?
Also, is Cito Gaston like the Jonathan Winters character from “Mork and Mindy?” I saw him on the post game yesterday and it looks like the man is aging in reverse!
Thanks as always!
MW: Someone made the “Benjamin Button” reference a little earlier but I have to say, I prefer Mearth. I don’t think Rios will still be struggling by mid-May.
- Rob H.how can any ball fan not be excited by what’s going in toronto right now?
with the yanks and sox looking like chumps, it’s anyone’s division.
MW: Neither the Yanks nor Sox are looking like chumps right now.
- marcHi Mike,
Just a couple of quick questions here,
1) In your opinion, who is the best player on the Jays 25-man roster, not named Halladay? Also, who do you think is the Texas Rangers best overall player?
2) As well, who’s pitching staff is more deplorable in your opinion, the Texas Rangers or Baltimore’s?
The Orioles pitching seems just terrible to me. The Red Sox hitters were ice-cold last week and the Orioles cannot get even one winning pitching performance at Fenway!?! What a wonderful gift for Boston this weekend. Just an awful pitching staff they have IMO.
MW: 1 – If I say Alex Rios, people will get upset, but I think it’s Rios. Just not for the first 14 games of this season. The Rangers’ best player is Josh Hamilton, followed very closely by Ian Kinsler. 2 – Coin toss.
- JamieHi Mike,
Just wondering how I can listen to The Blue Jays This Week from your show last night, I believe?
Keep up the good work.
MW: It should be up on the site.
- Matthewhey mike,
just wanted to know, has there ever been a rookie cy young winner in baseball. I would like to get my hopes up that Halladay and Romero combine to win 40+.
MW: Fernando Valenzuela, off the top of my head. I wouldn’t get your hopes up for that, just enjoy Romero’s success in the moment.
- paoloWhy not offer Pedro Martinez a one year contract for 6 or 7 million (or whatever it would take)?
A rotation of Halladay, Pedro, Romero, Litch and Jansen is certainly playoff caliber.
I know money is tight but imagine the possibilities…
MW: Pedro hasn’t been good for a couple of years now, I’m not sure why everyone still thinks he’s the Red Sox version.
- Brianhow much of a travesty was it for the MLB to lower Becketts suspension to 5 games? doesn’t that mean he doesn’t really miss any time?
how does that make any sense?
MW: It means his next start is pushed back a day. It’s ridiculous.
- RandyCaught the game from 18 rows up on the first base line. It was awesome to see such a good pitching duel, though that dropped ball by Rios in the first didn’t make him any friends in our section by the sounds of it. The whole family had a great time, and that throw to home by Hill was a highlight for sure. Also, my heart skips a beat everytime BJ Ryan comes in, though this performance helps to lessen the blow. Great stuff all around!
PS: What’s up with all the flying rats on the field? I kept expecting some sort of mating ritual to commence right in the outfield. Maybe that’s what distracted Rios on the routine catch that be botched?
MW: Rios lost the ball in the lights. There are a couple of birds (pigeons, I believe) who seem to be living at the ballpark.
- VavaHi Mike,
I’ve really enjoyed the start to the season the Jays have put together. Although it is still premature to say that they’ll be in it for the long haul, there are some good signs in the first 14 games. They are 2 games above where they were after 14 games last year (8-6) but the most encouraging sign is the rest of the AL East. If the Jays are to have any chance of making the playoffs the rest of the AL East has to have a tough year in 2009. Last year the AL East had 3 of the 4 best teams in the AL so obviously in order to make the playoffs they would have to finish higher than 2 of the Red Sox, Yanks and Rays. So far the Rays have looked the most vulnerable.
I liked your comment on the post game show about people attributing this start to the teams they’ve played. Their achilles’ heal is always beating teams they are supposed to beat. One more point to defend their record: the record of the 4 teams combined that they’ve played against teams other than Toronto is 19-18.
I love the defense of the Jays that you have talked about. On that note is there any way that they can talk to David Purcey about not trying to be so careful and perfect against hitters. Clearly, if the ball is hit in play it has a good chance of being fielded. He’s going to miss his spots, yes, but its not the end of the world if the miss is over the plate. It reminds me of when McGowan first came up and seemed to be afraid of letting the ball be hit. Purcey’s stuff is good enough that it will not always be hit hard, I guess that may be something he has to find out himself.
I’d just like to mention Scott Downs because he is so important to this team and he always seems to shut the door at the right times. His stuff is nasty, he doesn’t walk people and he almost looks unhittable right now.
Looking forward, I would say a potential tough series is the 4 gamer against Kansas City. Roy Halladay will not pitch in that series as he is starting tomorrow against Texas. Also, all 3 of Greinke, Davies and Meche will pitch for KC.
Keep up the great blogging Mike!
Scott
- ScottSee now this kind of stuff makes me tired:
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090420&content_id=4350296&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
Marlins, Kansas and Seattle are for real!!! The Blue Jays–well, to be fair, he did mention them in the article. Once. As an afterthought. I know the Jays have no presence in the US, and haven’t had any presence since 1993, but it does hurt to see something like this. Whether the Jays will continue to be hot or not, they have the credentials to go the distance, the best pitcher in the majors and they have been killing the opposition since Cito took over. Of course, if we are still in contention in August/September, we can rub this guy’s nose in it. And if not, then he was right not to pick us. But a start as unexpectedly hot as this does deserve some kind of recognition, I think. And not just in the Toronto papers.
MW: Why does it hurt? Who cares?
- reyesMike, thanks for talking Cito into starting Snider against the lefty! We had a great day at the park and you’re right, the crowd was electric when Hill got the ball and fired it home. I wonder if he has his arm registered with the gun registry? It was also great to see Scoot’s diving grab on Cust. The extreme shift worked wonders. I’m going to be enjoying first place for as long as possible!
MW: Glad to hear it!
- ChrisHi Mike,
It is unbeleivable that these so called fans try and always find something negative to say.The latest one is that they haven’t faced any real pitching but we just beat the A’s,we haven’t faced any hitters but we beat Detroit and Minnesota.They haven’t won anything yet but they are playing some good ball.Romero has been great Doc has been Doc and everybody but Purcey and Rios have been playing great.Why can’t these so called fans just enjoy the wins like the rest of us.
Go Jays!!!!
MW: I don’t know. But it does strike me as very odd that people actually try to find negative things to point out.
- marioHi Mike,
Scott Downs has been scary good for the Jays. he is almost always perfect out there. What has turned him from a very average pitcher into a guy who is almost robotic out there? The guy very rarely even gives up a hit. What makes him so unhittable. I have to admit, when he became a regular in the ‘pen a few years ago, I was always waiting for the bubbles to burst. I had no confidence when Gibby would bring him in and I was always expecting the worst. The bubbles has yet to burst a few years later.
MW: Bubbles is a plural. Anyway, what is it? He didn’t have enough of a repertoire to succeed as a starter and a role in which he rarely has to see a hitter twice is perfect for him.
- IanMike, Still early I know, but how do you feel about the catchers on this team? The guys they have are doing a fine job right now as is pretty much everyone else on the squad (we’ll give Rios a pass for now). I know they, on purpose, missed the boat on Pudge Rodriguez who would have looked pretty nice back there even though he probably can’t turn on a fastball quite the way he used to. Barrett han’t played a big roll with anybody for a couple of years now and I have doubts that he could pick up the torch here, Chavez never really has been a fixture anywhere and Barajas is in fact only a .241 career hitter and is our best option there currently. If wins = $$ for the team to spend, as Mr. Beeston indicated pre-season, do you spend some on a catcher as a priority? You would hope that the starting pitching will get even better once some guys return. Where are the potential land mines on this team? Is being proactive instead of reactive something the Blue Jays should consider to keep the winning pace, or is it a case of if it ain’t broke don’t fix it? It sure feel good up here in first place.
MW: It does feel good, but the Jays’ brass realize that they have to keep the long-term in mind. J.P. Arencibia is on the way, and will likely secure the catcher’s spot for years to come. Until he’s ready, they’ll have to live with Barajas.
- Mike BAny idea how many innings the Jays will let these young arms pitch? Any chance any of them could be shut down before the end of the season?
MW: Romero likely doesn’t go more than 180 innings. Yes, there’s a chance one or more may be shut down before season’s end.
- BruceHi Mike,
Romero has pitched great so far, very impressive. How do you think he will fair once the AL line ups have scouted him and get to see him a second and third time?
Also, I think the reason the entire city has bashed J.P. drafting Romero ahead of Tulowitzki has to do with the fact that he had this ultimate plan to have Russ Adams out there everyday, and that has exploded in his face (it also led to O-dogg leaving). The Jay’s have had a revolving door at S.S. for years (Approx 13 S.S. in J.P. tenure)!
Last question, the Jays are really struggling in attendance so far. Do you think the city just can’t get excited about baseball anymore? or is it weather? or does the Jays marketing department need to be revamped?
MW: I’m interested to see how Romero FARES his second and third time around, but I’m looking forward to it. So long as he can keep throwing strikes and getting hitters off-balance with that change-up, he’ll have success. How did Russ Adams lead to Orlando Hudson being dealt? And no, the Jays have never drawn well (post-95) in April. It’s playoff hockey.
- Rohey mike
well, what a season up til today. Seems like all the screws are being tightened every single game. It feels like, even with a couple injuries the confidence is there and they’re not gonna back down to anybody. Well I love the “Jays talk” can never get a line though to get on the air, no problem though, i know eventually ill get a chance. So instead of the wednesday’s with j.p. why not have Cito come on every other wednesday or something?? just a thought… anyway keep up the good work
MW: Cito isn’t available like that post-game. The screws are being tightened?
- DUANEHey Mike,
Read a couple different reports today that say Marcum could be back in August. HAve you heard anything around the club about this being true. Do you think that would be as stupid as I think it is because thats only 11 months after Tommy John? I know BJ did it but BJ isn’t a starter.
MW: Calling it stupid infers that you know more than Marcum’s doctors. I promise you you don’t. I’d be very surprised if we saw him back in August, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he got into a game or two in September.
- ChadHey Mike,
It’s been an amazing season so far and it’s been a pleasure to listen to the Jays Talk and hear a bit of positivity, even if more is deserved. I just wanted to ask some contract questions about Travis Snider and Adam Lind.
About Snider, a lot of people have speculated that the Jays would try to lock him long-term like the Rays did with Evan Longoria and as we’ve seen with many examples lately. Is that something we should expect to see soon? Does the Jays apparent financial limitations hold them back from being able to make him a long-term offer right now?
I know that the Jays have arbitration eligibility with Snider for a long time to come, but how about for Adam Lind? When would be the earliest he could become a free agent? Is it possible that the Jays look to offer a similar one long-term contract while he’s young?
MW: It wouldn’t surprise me at all if the Jays locked up Snider to a Longoriaesque contract within the next couple of months. Lind may be arbitration-eligible this off-season, and can become a free agent after 2013. I doubt he gets the same sort of contract offer Snider does.
- BretMike…..It’s nice to win the last two vs. the A’s the way we did because I’m sure you’ve been hearing ad nauseam since the rotation has been pieced together that the Jays have to win 9-8 every night that Doc DOESN’T pitch….Isn’t Scott Downs in the 8th such a relaxing feeling, like that first Tim Hortons coffee in the A.M? (assuming you’re a coffee drinker)…Mike..you can tell we’re 10-4 just from the tone of the callers..Even if they’re naysayers, the pitch of the voices are different when you’re winning and even yours has that winning lilt in it…Any more outings like that and we’ll start calling Ricky Romero “Fernando” or “Hideo” two guys that had extremely great starts to their careers..But my calendar, and I know yours Mike, reads April 20th and I like what you told us on the radio after Sunday’s game that it’s not against the law to be happy to be 10-4.
- chris m.Hi Mike,
thanks for the good work you do here and on the broadcasts.
My question is about the reaction, or I guess non-reaction, around the league to the Jays’ hot start. I just finished reading an article on MLB.com about the Royals, Marlins and Mariners and their own surprising starts. The only mention of the Jays was one throwaway sentence that basically dismissed them out of hand. I realize that they are a Canadian team and probably of minimal interest to anyone south of the border but are the Royals with their 7-5 record that much more of a draw? Have you ever spoken to any players about this and does the lack of interest down south bother them?
thanks,
MW: The players realize they’re far more anonymous in the U.S. because they play up here, but they’re resigned to it.
- Drewi’m a big rios fan, but to say that that play was ‘unfairly’ scored an error is being way too easy on the man…
it was a sharply hit ball, but he was there, and settled behind it…i don’t feel that losing a ball that basically rattles in and out of the pocket of your glove, in your home ballpark nonetheless, is an ‘unfair’ error…
having read your blog every day since the beginning of last season, i can honestly imagine what you’d have written if it was matt stairs (or another such substandard fielder) manning right on the day, and it’d read something like this: ‘ya, that ball was stung and was by no means an easy play, but if alex rios is in the field at the time, he makes that play…’…
to look at it from the other perspective, ya it was well hit, but it was basically right at him, and it hit him in the glove while he was perfectly still…so do you really think it would’ve been a ‘fair’ base hit to hang on romero?
obviously no right or wrong answer, i just don’t see where you’re coming from…
MW: He lost the ball in the lights, that’s where I’m coming from.
- Jay BMike,
I drove from Ottawa to the game on Saturday with my two oldest kids (7 and 5) and my wife. It was a great game, a great day, and a ton of fun.
I have a favour to ask – I am reluctant to, but frankly I know of no other way to get a message to my kids new favorite player – Scott Downs.
We were at batting practice watching the Jays when my mife got my attentionto tell that Scott was pointing over our way. He pointed to my daughter and threw a ball in for her. About 5 minutes later he did the same thing for my son. I was only able to give him the “cool-guy nod and point”, which he returned, but would love to be able to tell him just how thrilled my kids were and how much that kind of experience added to their day.
I know of no other sport that allows that kind of intimate fan interaction. Ain’t baseball great?
Mike, if you could tell Scott just how much we appreciated that gesture, we would be very, very grateful. To someone who does not understand it may be “just a baseball”, but to a fan of the game – it meant a lot.
Thanks Mike
MW: I wish I could, but Downs doesn’t talk to reporters during the season. I’ll try.
- DarrenMike,
Here is some wishful statistical thinking. By any standard of measurement other than their record, the Jays were a top 5 team last season. It is only a statistical anomaly that they lost far more close games than what would be expected with their great pitching and defense. Therefore since luck and the expected values were so low last year the law of averages will balance out and the Jays will win a disproportionate amount of games than they would be predicted to. You predicted them to win about 80-85 but since they are due to get some luck that they were robbed out of last season that number should be closer to 90. And since they are already six games above .500 they are 6 games ahead of that pace. Therefore, the only logical conclusion is that they will win 96 games and the World Series.
Thanks and I would love to hear this argument stomped!
MW: I love that you use the word “logical” in there. There is no law of averages.
- EliMike…Here’s a small preview of an upcoming film about the Beatles…Hope you enjoy!!http://www.seth.com/movie_a_year_in_the_life.html
- chris m.Mike, since would the fan keeps getting more properties ie. Toronto FC games and less time for Jays talk would the fan be interested in “baseball central” come July 2nd after Kypreos and Mallard are finished? And would you and Hogie be interested in doing it?
MW: I don’t think that’s going to happen.
- toseWhy aren’t you responding to us today? I came on to see if you were responding to comments and you’re not! What gives?
MW: Everyone needs a day off, no?
- Tomis PHey, I was wondering why Gaston doesn’t move Rios down in the order. Wells has primarily been a three hitter in his career and could fill in there while moving Lind and Rolen up while dropping Rios to six. This could lower the pressure and hopefully get his bat going.
I am a true believer in this team and think that we are ready to compete this year but are built for the future.
Thanks Mike, love the show.
MW: It takes a long time for Cito to shake up a line-up, and with the team going so well he doesn’t see the need.
- Paul MawdsleyPerhaps all the negativity around this team is because of the last 15 years of mediocre baseball. It seems as though Jays fans are the exact opposite of Leafs fans. Maybe Torontonians waste all of their optimism on the Leafs…..emphasis on WASTE.
As for “their best start since 2001″, lets not forget that they went 80-82 that year. Here’s hoping they keep it up, Im certainly enjoying it while it lasts.
- KevinYoung Mr. Snider reminds me of the early career of Olerud. I remember the first time John came to bat thinking …who the heck is this? and then watching him develop into a great player. I think Travis has the same future ahead.
MW: Olerud and Snider are very different hitters.
- KevinNEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A Florida high school pitcher tossed his fourth consecutive no-hitter Monday.
Patrick Schuster, a lanky left-hander, struck out 17 to help Mitchell High beat rival Pasco High 5-0.
Schuster’s streak began April 3. He’s piled up 60 strikeouts in the four games, helping Mitchell to a 19-3 record. He’s 7-0 on the season.
Schuster, whose fastball tops 90 miles per hour, has signed to play at the University of Florida next year but hasn’t ruled out going straight to professional baseball.
The record for consecutive no-hitters in high school baseball is six.
can the jays not sign players out of high school? a teenager with a 90mph fastball!
MW: No, they can’t, they go into the draft. And lots of teenagers throw in the 90s.
- chubbyWhen will Scott Downs become the closer?
MW: Don’t hold your breath. He often winds up pitching in higher-leverage situations than Ryan, anyway.
- Brett VHi Mike,
The offence is fantastic, we’re pounding out the homers, we’re winning the close games, the pitchings been solid, we’re coming back from behind and winning games in walk-off fashion. We’re playing like a championship team. It’s almost silly.
So on a “I’m a Jays fan and must therefore be negative” note…do you think Adam Lind is a bit streaky when it comes to RBI’s?
MW: Yep. Just like almost everybody else.
- Oz RobHi Mike
- Richard from ARI am a Loyal Blue Jays fan and look for something to excite and encourage me each year. This year it is the 10-4 best record. Today I read a stat that adds to that excitement and tells me the Jays do have a good chance this year:
Since 1995 (the wild card)161 teams have started the first 10 games below 500 and only 21(13%) made it to the playoffs. This year in the AL that is Tampa, Boston, Minn, and Cleveland. The Jays have the best record in the AL and would have to loose 6 in a row or 4 straight 3 game series to get down to 500. Those are great numbers to excite. Please put a muzzle on all naysayers.
No matter how it turns out we Jays fans have a lot to be excited about
Hi, Mike:
It appears the Jays may have another lefty on the way!
In three games at AA New Hampshire, Fabio Castro has thrown 16 2/3 innings, given up 11 hits, 2 walks and zero runs. WHIP of 0.78 and ERA of 0.00 — with 17 Ks.
He’s another “tiny” one — only 5’7″, 180 lbs. 24 Years old, from the DR.
It will be fun to watch his development.
MW: Castro came over in the Matt Stairs trade, and already has quite a bit of time in the big leagues. He should be dominating AA.
- NormRicky Romero the next Johan Santana? Mike, I see some similarities both height-wise and stuff wise. Do you see some Johan in Ricky too?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how unwise would it be to give Rios a whole series off? Let’s give him some time off to get his head clear. The fact that everybody else(almost)in the line-up is going nuts with their hitting must be bugging him too. How to deal with Rios saga? The guy has been a huge bust thus far.
MW: Let’s see Romero pitch a month in the big leagues before we hand him the Cy Young. As for Rios, I’d say it’s about a 1. How to deal with it? Give him time.
- BeburgI think it is notable that the A’s have hit only three home runs so far this season. That’s notable because they’re dead last in the majors and Matt Holliday plays for Oakland. Holliday is in his walk year and must prove to skeptics he can hit outside of Colorado. That, in turn, becomes notable because Troy Tulowitzki plays in Colorado and probably has his numbers inflated by playing half of his games in Coors field. It was easy to berate J.P. for passing on Tulowitzki to draft Romero, but who is to say Tulowitzki would be anything but marginal outside of Coors field? The arguement that the Jays should have taken Tulowitzki over Romero does not hold water and never did.
MW: Well, it did a couple of years ago, and it still might wind up doing so. But until more time has passed, it’s an argument that ought not to be made.
- Jim in OhioA few days ago, a caller asked why you publicly narrate about the “good and the bad” regarding Cito Gaston. You couldn’t believe that Snider stayed on the pine while Bautista went out and flailed away…which leads me to my point.
It’s Cito’s club house managing that has this team in a different groove. You get different results with different mixes, and the Jays winning could quite possibly be result of the confidence these players have under a new regime. By Gaston not mixing and dishing each day, this team is playing like a unit, and not pile of paper. So what he doesn’t use Snider as a pinch hitter? You put in Snider (who is not guaranteed a hit) to lower the confidence of Bautista, and subsequently might see a ripple through the clubhouse. With each player able to focus on their job, and only theirs, it provides opportunity for them to stay focused and get better. This game has more to do with confidence (as we can see with Alex right now) than it does about matchups. It’s comments like yours Mike, where you should just admit you’d like the heart taken out of the game, and for us to draw up winners and losers based on a teams numbers on paper.
MW: No, I’d just like the manager to put his team in the best possible position to win in every game.
- ChrisHi Mike,
love the blog and show, wrote and called a bit last year
curious as to why you say rios’s dropped ball (which he lost in the lights) was unfairly called an error?
Romero shoulda got charged with giving up a hit?
it was a routine ball
the fact it was lost in the lights doesn’t make a difference.
MW: See above.
- joshMike,
I’ll take that wager regarding Rios coming out of the off day a new man. I hope I’m wrong but I doubt it.
- IanHeard the other day on the Jays broadcast that Alan Ashby turned down a trade to become a Pittsburgh Pirate ( I guess this was in the mid 80′s). Can you find out for me the reason Alan declined (within his rights as a player) to go?
J
MW: Alan had just signed a contract with the Astros that off-season in which he gave Houston a hometown discount in order to stay home and be close to his family, and six weeks later they tried to trade him to the Pirates. He declined, and I don’t blame him.
- #1 Pirate fanIt’s funny. Tulo has a great year in 2007, and the entire baseball world is ready to rip JP for missing the boat on the so called second coming of Derek Jeter. This, after only two years of Ricky Romero being drafted. Now, I’m not saying that Tulo will be a bust, but his 2008 was beyond bad (albeit he was injured) and let’s remember that he only has had one above average year (see Ben Grieve and Eric Hinske for other ROY who have flopped in subsequent years). People are so quick to hammer JP for any inkling of a mistake but when it comes time to praise him, all anyone ever says is “it must be Cito” or “it’s only 3 starts for the kid, just give it some time”. Well, maybe all the skeptics out there should have given JP some time before they assessed that infamous 2005 draft where Romero went 6th and Tulo went 7th! It is a very common occurrence that pitchers take longer to develop than hitters. Ripping JP for choosing the best available arm at the time was short sighted and yet another classic example of how fans in Toronto just can’t seem to give the guy a break.
- KarimMike, I trust your opinion. For fantasy baseball, I got offered Marco Scutaro and Bronson Arroyo for Alexei (super slump) Ramirez and Kyle Davies. Would you do it?
MW: It depends what the rest of your team looks like.
- RandyDoc should be sued for malpractice for today’s performance. Embarrassing.
MW: Seriously?
- RandyMike,
could there be a more overpaid #3 and #4 hitter in the history of the game??????????? seriously…?
MW: Sigh.
- GregThe reaction shot of Rios after he made contact for his double was very telling. When he spotted Hamilton running for the ball you could see his disappointment, expecting a flyout.
I thought it was odd that he hit a ball 375-390 feet and didn’t feel like he’d gotten all of it. I hope he turns it around soon. Maybe he should ask Aaron Hill what he’s eating for breakfast.
I was watching the Sportsnet coverage of Hill last at bat, and Rance suggested Hill might think about taking a strike to work the count. Luckily, Aaron couldn’t hear him and doubled on the next pitch.
Exciting game, even though I would’ve written a different ending.
MW: Rios didn’t get all of it, so I’m not surprised he looked as though he didn’t. I think people read WAY too much into the looks in people’s eyes on TV.
- Greg WMike, what do you think about flipping Wells and Lind in the order ? Lind is a better bat vs. RH pitching, and this way, you don’t get the 4 RH bats to start off with.
MW: I think eventually you’ll see Snider hitting 3rd with Lind 5th, just not this season. I don’t think Cito would flip Lind and Wells.
- Alex HMW: No, I’d just like the manager to put his team in the best possible position to win in every game.
Snider is still learning his craft. We saw that today. Bautista is a veteran. Snider might get up there, strike out, and lose confidence. Bautista knows tomorrow is another day.
As for the comment about Rios and Wells, they may not be the most overpaid in the history of the game, but they certainly aren’t doing too well right now. Rios got a double. Which was nice. But again, it was a misplay by the other side that got him the double, and he again misplayed a ball on the field. Wells could have gotten us the win today and didn’t. Both of those players are making a fortune. Both of them are under-performing at the moment. Neither of them are tradeable now, and all that stuff about Well’s hamstring makes him probably untradeable in the future. It’s certainly possible they’ll turn it around. The rest of the team has played wonderfully well. But tonight’s game highlighted our deficits. And they bat 3 and 4. You may sigh all you wish. We lost. Both Wells and Rios had multiple chances to change that outcome and they didn’t.
MW: How does 1-for-4 with a double indicate that Snider is still learning his craft? I’ll wager he has plenty of days like that in his 15th year in the majors. If striking out in a big situation is going to make Snider lose confidence, then he shouldn’t be in the big leagues at all. As for Rios and Wells, it wasn’t a misplay that got Rios the double – he hit the ball over the centrefielder’s head. I don’t recall him misplaying a ball, either – he couldn’t have caught that little flare by Byrd in the 2nd, if that’s what you mean. Yes, both Wells and Rios had the chance to help the Jays win tonight and the Jays didn’t win. And yet, they still wound up combining to drive in 50% of the runs that the Jays scored. So maybe the fact that the other seven guys only combined to drive in two runs may have had something to do with it, too.
- isabella reyesI agree… #3 and #4 are being over paid. Wells tonight staring down 2 strikes down the middle was ugly in the 9th… to then poping out to end the game.
MW: I’m not sure what Wells was looking for there. But hey, nobody likes it when he swings at the first pitch!
- Jnmike, why are you not answering my question on what you define as peak years?????? I think I made a strong case that most players peak powerwise by 28.
also you said rios has avg 18.7 homers per game last 3 years. ok so then how many homers do you predict he will hit this year? you see mike, I dont think he will hit 18, I think he will hit less than 15 probably less than 10. stats are useless mike unless you can use them to make a somewhat accurate prediction.
MW: I don’t think that’s true at all. Stats are an accurate record of what a person has accomplished, and can be used to attempt to predict what a player can accomplish. I prefer to take the word of everyone I have ever spoken to who is affiliated with a major-league team about Alex Rios than that of angry fans. I think he’ll probably hit at least 20 homers this year.
- chubbyEveryone will be loving Well/Rios when they heat up during “summer baseball” – fairweather out in full flock! The Rios fielding play cost us the game tonight.
MW: No, it didn’t.
- MateoI went to the game tonight (the 21st). I had a ton of fun. If not for those 4 bad pitches thrown by Doc it would have been almost perfect.
One thing that drove me crazy during the game was the Jays running. At least 3 times, Jays runners stopped when they could have taken at least another base. The third inning particularly annoyed me, and i think in the eight as well.
I realize that I could have not seen something important because I was in section 209. Why didn’t the Jays take those extra bases?
MW: The only time I can recall a player giving up a shot at an extra base (off the top of my head) was Snider stopping at second when he could have maybe had third on his double. I was a little surprised, but it was probably too big a risk. Sometimes discretion is the better part of valour.
- Sam McLeanyou still didnt answer the question!! WHAT DO YOU DEFINE AS PEAK YEARS!!!!
MW: I’m certainly not going to answer if you yell at me.
- chubbyMW: I prefer to take the word of everyone I have ever spoken to who is affiliated with a major-league team about Alex Rios than that of angry fans. I think he’ll probably hit at least 20 homers this year.
so you are now on the record, please dont say “I never said that” when alex hits 5 homers at season’s end.
also mike, players and coaches practically never criticize other players so why would you expect anyone to criticize rios?
if snider was struggling in his 6th year would you still say “he’s just fine”. would you say snider had this great power if he only had 67 hr after 5 years?
I’ve also noticed that rios has now raised his right arm in his batting stance. before both arms were down.
MW: Happy to be on the record with that. There’s a difference between not criticizing and the way people talk about Rios. And I wasn’t just talking about his own teammates and coaches.
- chubbymike, I have to yell because I am asking 3 times with no answer. It’s a simple question. maybe you just don’t like the answer.
MW: No, you don’t have to yell. And I’m not obliged to answer, I do this because I think it adds to the blog, but I’m rethinking it. Smarter people than I have stated that a player’s power peak is from the ages of 28-31, and you have a fine sample size with Rios’ 15 games as a 28 year-old.
- chubbyrios’ highest career ops were when he batted leadoff and second. he obviously cant handle the pressure of 3rd. I say move him back to where he feels comfortabull
- chubbyMike, I have to give you some credit, I was one of “those” people who figured the Jays would struggle all year and be 81-81 and nowhere near the playoffs come October. Having said all that it’s still early and the Jays could easily start backing up. Iam pleased to say that I’m pleasantly surprised by the Jays start, 10-4 is a great way to start, and the defence has been fantastic. David Purcey’s been mediocre at best and I’d like to see more of Richmond as well, but Romero looks good enough to be a solid starter behing Halladay and Litsch. I hope it keeps up…this city could use a feel good story like the Jays right now. Oh and sorry Mike…lights or not that’s a big ol E on Rios in right today..ball hit him right in the glove…..easy call for the official scorer.
MW: If you lose a ball in the sun, you don’t get an error – why do you get one if you lose it in the lights?
if you lose the ball in the sun and it still manages to hit right smack in the middle of your glove and is dropped. you DO get an error
MW: No, you don’t.
- joshMike, I have to give you some credit, I was one of “those” people who figured the Jays would struggle all year and be 81-81 and nowhere near the playoffs come October. Having said all that it’s still early and the Jays could easily start backing up. Iam pleased to say that I’m pleasantly surprised by the Jays start, 10-4 is a great way to start, and the defence has been fantastic. David Purcey’s been mediocre at best and I’d like to see more of Richmond as well, but Romero looks good enough to be a solid starter behing Halladay and Litsch. I hope it keeps up…this city could use a feel good story like the Jays right now. Oh and sorry Mike…lights or not that’s a big ol E on Rios in right today..ball hit him right in the glove…..easy call for the official scorer.
MW: If you lose a ball in the sun, you don’t get an error – why do you get one if you lose it in the lights?
if you lose the ball in the sun and it still manages to hit right smack in the middle of your glove and is dropped. you DO get an error
MW: No, you don’t.
yes you do
they don’t score that a hit
MW: No, you don’t. They score it a hit far more often than not.
- joshI don’t know how you don’t tell some of these people to *expletive* off. I think I would have been fired tonight if i had your job. I love how no one mentioned Overbay’s solid play tonight. Ah, but they will if he goes 0 for 4 tomorrow.
Getting ahead of myself here, but can you see the Jays re-signing Scutaro at the end of this year? He is getting up there in age, but if he puts up something like .280/.360/.400, would they want him for another year while they wait for Justin Jackson to develop?
MW: Thanks. I think they’d love to have Scutaro for another year, but he’d want three or four.
- BrettRE Post #70 and #81
The author’s credibility is seriously impaired when he says KC finished third last year — in fact, they finished fourth, 6 games behind third-place Cleveland, and only avoiding another last-place finish by one game.
Sure, they show signs of improvement this year (and did last year as well) — but it’s a lot easier to climb the standings in the AL Central than the AL East.
- NormComment #1
agree 100%
1 used to have a Star Pass
Heard of it from a friend, or would never have had a clue. Always did my best to sell the idea to family members and friends. A lot of them got on board for a couple years (last year put an end to that)
Im not sure how you can have your own radio show, where you talk about the bluejays, make comments about, at times, pathetic attendance and then shrug your shoulders when somebody points something like that out to you.
Its called PR, M-Dub.
PR that helps your own cause.
Not cool at all.
-10 points.
p.s. lasts nights hot dogs were half decent. Not the normal ones, but not “weird value meat”
MW: I don’t really see what the Star’s season pass has to do with me at all.
- slobberfaceMW: He lost the ball in the lights, that’s where I’m coming from.
obviously…but that’s why i say you’re being easy on the man…
the fact that rios lost it in the lights underneath which he plays 81 times a yr, means he should be saddled with the stat, rather than romero…
i don’t think he should be tarred and feathered for it, because it happens, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an error…
MW: Yes, it does.
- Jay Bmike i think you’re great but this is a factual inaccuracy when you say that a ball lost in the lights that hits the outfielders glove is scored a hit.
I don’t know what you are talking about.
Can you give an example of this ever being scored a hit? and maybe send the clip as well if you have time?
MW: The clip? No, I don’t have the clip. But it happens all the time.
- joshi don’t think he should be tarred and feathered for it, because it happens, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an error…
MW: Yes, it does.
for those of us that have seen plays of that nature called an error on dozens of occasions, you just lost some credibility…
funny thing is, i think you know you’re wrong about this one, but since you’ll never give an inch, you’ll go down with this ship…
MW: Yep, I never give an inch on anything. Never been wrong once in my life.
- Jay B