12:30 AM Eastern
The Blue Jays came within a hair of beating the Texas Rangers tonight. Ok, maybe not a hair, but less than a foot. That was how much higher, or further to the left or right, Rod Barajas’ screaming liner in the 8th had to be for it to have wound up a two-run single or three-run double, rather than an out.
Michael Young made an incredible catch on that laser beam, snaring it after it had already gone past his head. Michael Young. Just imagine what the Jays would have looked like the past seven years if they had never traded Michael Young. Oh, well, at least Esteban Loaiza gave us some laughs along the way.
With the bases loaded and one out in a one-run game in the 8th, Barajas fouled off a couple of two-strike pitches from Frank Francisco, then barreled one up about as well as possible and hit that line drive just about as hard as anyone can. Right at Michael Young.
And so the post-game was full of people who wanted to talk about how terrible Vernon Wells and Alex Rios are. It’s nights like these that make me keep having to remind myself how much I love my job.
I think Helia, the caller whose name I mispronounced, had the best take on the whole thing. I just wish I heard from the silent majority more often, rather than the fairweathers and clowns who seem to call in on a regular basis. It’s the “smartest guy in the room” syndrome. The believe that everybody else might be pleased with a 10-5 start, but only they see what’s really going on, and they want to make sure nobody gets too excited.
Roy Halladay wasn’t Roy Halladay tonight – he rarely is against the Rangers, for some reason, Rios and Wells didn’t contribute (other than knocking in half the team’s runs), and yet they were still a hair’s breadth away from coming out of it 11-4.
It’s funny how timing is everything. The Blue Jays played May of last year at exactly the same rate as they have played April so far this season, winning two out of every three games. Yet this year, the people who aren’t incessantly negative talk about how they seem more confident, how they have a certain look, how this is a more exciting team than we’ve had around these parts in years. I didn’t hear any of that last May.
Maybe it’s not timing, maybe it’s expectations. It definitely happened with the Leafs this year – they were 18th in the league in December instead of the 29th that we all expected and people raved about what a great year they were having. I wonder if there would be such excitement about this team a year ago if they’d started 10-5. It doesn’t matter, really, what fans should be doing is enjoying it, but so many seem not to have the capacity to live in the moment.
Why can’t we talk about what a great start Ricky Romero is having without talking about him being a Cy Young candidate? Why can’t we enjoy the fact that the Jays are in first place without worrying about whether they’ll make the playoffs, or when it’s all going to come crashing down? I don’t get it, and I doubt I ever will.
All I know is that if the Jays are 78-63 in September and three games up on everybody else, I’ll still be taking calls about how bad Alex Rios and Lyle Overbay are, how B.J. Ryan is done and how Vernon Wells makes too much money.
Here’s tonight’s edition of The JaysTalk, for your listening pleasure:
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Honestly, rational and reasonable, please! It’s not even May yet, I can’t be coming home angry from work every night.
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Hi Mike,
Tough loss tonight. I thought that Hill, Rios, Lind and Barajas stung the ball hard all night. Too bad they couldn’t find enough holes.
That Ian Kinsler is pretty good. The guy hits for the cycle, wins AL Player of the Week honours, and for an encore takes Doc deep to the opposite field no less!?! That’s quite the power display. He kinda looks a hobbit though. I’m serious. Check out the ears.
The Rangers seem to have become a real Achilles’ heel for the Jays the last few years. Kind of like what the Milwaukee Brewers used to be. It doesn’t seem to matter how well the Jays are playing, or how poorly the Rangers are playing, they always play the Jays tough. And this year the Jays make two trips to Arlington. Yikes.
Anyway, I think it was a bit too cold for golden-thong guy tonight. Maybe Thursday. Didn’t he also mention that he was kind of a large fat guy? Terrifying.
- McLovinAlright Mike, there are so many things to tackle tonight. This could be lengthy.
1. Please don’t complain that “the knuckleheads are the only ones who call in.” By doing so, you’re doing the same thing you seem to hate… complaining about something that isn’t true. You had a couple of positive callers tonight who had nothing but nice things to say.
2. I know this has all been said before, but it feels appropriate to bring it up tonight. Do you really want every caller to call in about how good Romero looks? I know you think you’ve got all the callers pegged really well, but I think a lot of the people who call in and complain do it because it’s the only sensible thing to do sometimes. You can’t have a show where every caller says how awesome the Jays are. What do you expect people to do while still keeping things fresh and interesting? Every sports radio show is about arguments… the calls where there’s nothing to actually “discuss” between you and the caller get old after a while. Maybe you should provide a list of things you want the callers to say if you don’t like things the way they are.
3. Nitpick: Rios was 1/5 with a double … hardly a “fine night”.
4. Also in regards to Rios, you mentioned that a lot of people STILL think he’s going to put it all together. That may be true, but there are also a ton of people who base their opinions on more than what they see with their eyes who think he’s as good as he’s ever going to get.
5. “Taking Cito’s word for it” doesn’t seem to be a very good attitude for “neutral” media to have.
And finally, my main problem, which is your unmoving stance on the Wells issue. The caller made an excellent, cogent argument. If you think the signing was Godfrey’s idea, that’s fine. I’ve gone over this with people on the DJF boards, but basically, you can think it was Godfrey’s idea, but thinking that doesn’t mean you can’t place any of the blame for the contract on JP. It goes back to much of what the caller was saying… that if JP really disagreed with the move(as he should’ve), he could’ve done something about it. He agreed to it, he gets some of the blame. To say “if your boss tells you to do something, you do it” is overly simplistic. JP’s a big boy, he can stand up for what he believes in. Clearly, he didn’t, or worse agreed with the move in the first place. He deserves criticism for either of those decisions.
Also, There are a lot of reasons to think it wasn’t Godfrey’s idea… mainly that the signing makes zero business sense. I won’t go over the numbers, but thinking that signing Wells to that contract makes sense from an “added revenue” or “revenue from good faith” aspect is almost certainly wrong. For Godfrey to say that would be analogous to throwing away money. I don’t think that that’s in Rogers corporate culture.
As for the contract itself, you misstated it on the air. Including signing bonuses, Wells will indeed be paid $10M this year. However, you forget to add the signing bonus in 2010, as he will be paid $21M, not $12.5M. You stated the $12.5M in 2010, then jumped forward and said he’d make $63M over the last 3 years of the deal, conveniently leaving out the $23M he’ll make in 2011. I know it was an honest mistake, but the way you represented the contract over the air misrepresented it to listeners.
Oops, a couple more things I had from last week:
1. You said that “none of the players are complacent”? No one is complacent? I agree with your argument, but to say some players aren’t complacent is silly. Does it have a huge effect on performance? Probably not, but saying there aren’t any players on the team who are complacent is absurd.
2. The bigger issue is that you continue to overestimate the effect of being in the AL East. You said that if they were in the AL Central, the Jays would’ve made the playoffs 6 of the last 10 years. Assuming we’re basing everything on the performances as they happened, and that no other team would switch divisions, the numbers say the Jays would’ve made it into the playoffs in TWO of the past 10 years. 2003 and 2008, that’s it.
MW: If I don’t go through this point-by-point, you’ll think I’m ducking you. 1 – Never said that the knuckleheads are the only ones who call in. 2 – Argument is not essential to good talk radio, though it can be fun. I don’t mind if people disagree with me, and I don’t mind negativity when it’s called for. But to have the overwhelming majority of calls be negative after a win or when the team is in first place is a little too much. 3 – Rios doubled, scored a run and drove in a run. That’s a fine night. 4 – If one thinks Rios is as good as he’s ever going to get, that’s fine. That’s not what I’m hearing. I’m hearing that he sucks, or he’s regressing, or he’s never going to be any good, all of which is ridiculous. 5 – And yet Cito knows so much more than I do, some feel that no one who hasn’t managed a team to a World Series title should be able to disagree with him. I stand by what I said about the Wells contract. I guess I did leave out the 2011 thing, the caller and I talked over each other and he started with the last three years. Honest mistake – they’re allowed, I’m human. And I couldn’t disagree with you more about the division.
- Dan W“The believe that everybody else might be pleased with a 10-5 start”
You mean… “The belief…” right? (sorry, couldn’t resist!)
So I was your last caller on the show tonight and again I thank you for taking my call.
The Jays are off to a great start, and I think that people should really learn to enjoy the ride more. They’ll most likely win the next two after Purcey bounces back from a terrible outing and Tallet comes out strong (enough) again to let the offense do the work.
The one thing I wanted to finish with (but we ran out of time) was Kinsler. I don’t fault Halladay whatsoever for the 2-run bomb Kinsler smacked tonight. Here’s a guy hitting .460 coming into tonight’s game (on 50 ABs!) and hit for the “cycle and a half” (as you said today in the morning) and his terror continues.
Also, I was actually shocked at the score tonight only being 5-4. With the top two offensive teams in the AL, I would have expected something more like 9-8. And what people perhaps didn’t realize (and we saw it all night sitting 5 rows back of 3rd) was the ball wasn’t carrying at all tonight. It would get hit well, then seem to hit a wall. There were a ton of well hit balls that, if say we were in New York, would have gone yard in a hurry.
Finally, perhaps you can give me some insight on a discussion my wife and I had on the way home.
I think the biggest frustration with Wells and Rios is the perception that they don’t hit well in the clutch. I think that if it were 1993 and it were the bottom of the 9th and the top of the order was up, there would be no doubt that White, Alomar, Molitor, Carter and Olerud would have EASILY produced two runs.
But how true is that?
Were Molitor and Carter anymore clutch than Rios and Wells? And I mean on a regular basis, not just the bottom of the 9th, in game 6 of the ’93 World Series!
Angelo
MW: Chances are Molitor was, because he was by far the best hitter of the four. Carter hit .271/.338/.467 for his career with runners in scoring position, 34 points of OPS better than his overall numbers. Wells’ career OPS is 18 points better with RISP, and Rios’ is 20 points worse. In case you’re wondering, Wells’ career OPS with RISP is 25 points better than Carter’s. Molitor, by the way, had a career OPS of .817, and it went up to .864 with RISP.
- AngeloI spent a second curled on the floor in sympathy until I realized that the Doc was OK after the line drive off his leg.
Do any pitchers (particularly tall, non-great apres-pitch-position ones) wear shin guards or any other protection on their legs? I don’t want to interfere with their leg bendiness, but wouldn’t mind not seeing shin bones flying about for the love of Pete.
MW: I’ve never seen a pitcher wear a shinguard or any sort of reasonable facsimile. Their only defense, for now at least, is to get in a better fielding position after releasing the pitch.
- James (from the 'Shwa)Mike, you say that Snider is a future number 3 hitter for the jays, but why not a cleanup hitter? What is the difference between a good 3 hitter and a good 4 hitter?
MW: The 3 hitter always gets up in the first inning.
- KyleSeemed to me Doc actually had really good stuff tonight. He simply made a bad pitch to Kinsler and he paid for it. The homer to Cruz was really not a bad pitch, in and under the hands is usually a good place to throw a hitter, guy just was a foot in bucket hitter and got hold of it. No walks, and a ton of strikeouts tells me he did have his stuff. Ive noticed the that Doc has been employing an espeically slow curve ball this year…i dont think ive seen this in the passed…coming in at the mid to high 70 mph range and I have yet to see anyone come close to hitting it. Is this really a new wrinkle or have i just noticed it this year? I know he has always thrown a solid curveball for sure, but i remember it being thrown harder.
MW: I haven’t noticed an especially slow curveball out of Halladay, not moreso than usual.
- General ZodThe problem I have with JP is that Vernon’s contract is overpaid. A major mistake on jps part. Wells is around the fifth highest contract in baseball. I can think of 25 players off the top of my head I would rather have than him.
MW: Yes, you can. So can I. But market forces often dictate contracts, and they certainly did with the Wells contract. Look at guys like Alfonso Soriano and Torii Hunter for comparison.
- andrewMW: 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.
horrible grammar, it should be “smarter people than me”. the noun for the verb “have” is “people” not “I”.
MW: Actually, you’re completely incorrect. In fact, you couldn’t possibly be more wrong.
- mudpieWe need a preliminary quiz for all the callers in order to get on the air.
Questions will be those such as is heart worth more than production?
Should we make any sort of lineup or personnel move based on tonights results?
And so on…
MW: Not a bad idea.
- CoreyI think everyone still recognized last year that May was a pretty great month. What strikes me as different this time around is that the Jays didn’t have that overwhelming offense last May that we’ve been seeing the last two weeks. It was more of the little breaks going our way that we didn’t seem to get the rest of the season.
Watching the production from guys like Lind, Snider and Hill, all guys that were pretty big question marks at the beginning of the season, is what has really made this exciting for me.
Love the show and the blog. Any chance of getting the show posted to iTunes? I like listening to PTS on my ipod and I’d love to get JaysTalk.
MW: Many have asked about that and so far, no results. Sorry, but it seems as though you just have to sit on the page and listen.
- RoddyAfter listening to tonight’s Jaystalk, I have a suggestion. Why not have a Wells and Rios free night. No talking about them, or their lack of hitting, or their contracts. For just one night, let’s have a little variety, and maybe some of these guys that phone in constantly looking for a fight will give us all a break
MW: Then they’ll just call about Overbay and J.P.
- sandyMichael of the Ballyard:
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.
—-
I knew you’d bring that up about Overbay. While he may not have agreed with Stairs’ exact assessment, he did have another criticism of the old regime that he felt was fixed by the new one:
“I think it’s just more hands-on,” said first baseman Lyle Overbay. “It’s just talking about the game and talking about situations — that kind of stuff — where I don’t think that happened before.”
http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090420&content_id=4351564&vkey=news_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor
Perhaps Stairs, having named one teammate who also suffered and overtly criticized the coaching staff, didn’t want to go as far as bringing other players into it? That hardly questions the credibility of his statement.
Denbo was coaching an entirely different team with the Yankees. They were veterans who could do their own thing — tune the coaches out and go back to what brought them success, as you like to say — while with the Jays, there were/are many emerging hitters who are starting to blossom under non-Denbo tutelage.
I don’t think a reasonable person could believe that the former players’ ability to analyze and identify improvements in the current team is clouded by the fact that they won a World Series under the current coaching staff. Quite frankly, that’s not a very nice thing to say about the journalistic skill of the colour guys.
MW: I don’t think a reasonable person could argue with that assessment, so we’re going to have to agree to disagree. And I take offense to your final statement. It’s no shot at the journalistic skill of the analysts, they’re not journalists. Their job is to tell us what they think of what’s going on in front of them, based on their personal experience and knowledge. And a lot of the best parts of taht experience came under this coaching staff.
- JCLMike i think you give too much attention to those negative fans out there that its becoming so redundant in both the blog and pre/post game. As great as roy is ( i dont know if the facts support it) but doesn’t he give up alot of hr(relatively more than hits)?
MW: No, he doesn’t. For his career, Halladay allows 0.8 homers per nine innings, far fewer over the last seven seasons.
- nickMike,
great to see Ricky Romero working out. Props to Arnsberg for fixing his mechanical flaw.
Just wondering why Jeremy Accardo is in the minors right now? Is he re-habbing an injury? He seems to be pitching pretty well down there.
If Accardo does come back up is moving Downs to the starting rotation an option?
Thanks.
MW: Accardo is in the minors because Cito didn’t want to break up the bullpen that pitched the last few months for him last season, and he stayed down when Litsch got hurt because they wanted a long man. Downs isn’t an option to start.
- JabesRoy Halladay lost a game! The sky is falling! Fire JP and bring back Gillick so he can get us some real corner infielders!!!!!
Hmmmmm… that wasn’t any fun. Given the number of people who say those things every time I tune in to the post-game I figured there must have been some secret enjoyment in spouting off things like that. How very strange.
Come on people. How incredibly insecure and childish are you? Are you afraid that if you get excited about the Jays playing .700 ball in April somebody will come up to you at some point in the future, perhaps August, and belittle you for it? Saying things like “oh they fooled you, getting you all excited about watching fun baseball and whatnot.” and “What a nincompoop you are!”
Or maybe it’s that “smartest guy in the room” syndrome MW referred to. Just because most people are thinking something doesn’t mean you have to come out and declare the exact opposite to be true. Nobody is impressed.
In any case, I am still excited about the Jays. Not necessarily the ’09 Jays, the ’10 Jays or the ’19 Jays, just THE JAYS. Sure, I’ll get discouraged if they go 0-147 for the rest of the year (they won’t) but I will still pump my fist and high-five everybody in the room every time Travis Snider hits a home run or Aaron Hill turns a jaw-dropping double play. I will. I promise. And if that’s a crime then lock me up and force me to watch footage of all of the 55 innings that Kerry Ligtenberg pitched in 2004.
Well… maybe just lock me up. *shudder*
Go Jays.
- KPI am surprised that many people do not realize that Wells typically starts off slow in April (lowest batting avg for example).
Are you surprised to see A.J. Burnett performing very well so far? (I know it is very early)
MW: I don’t know that they don’t realize it, but they don’t consider it, and I’m not sure they should. But Wells is doing just fine. No, I’m not surprised to see Burnett pitching well, he’s a good pitcher. My suspicion is health will be a bigger issue for him than performance.
- Gagan Samramike, you know why everyone is upset about rios? because people are starting to realize that this guy is a bust. a guy in his 6th year should not be struggling. everyone is tired of waiting for his potential. and he looks lost at the plate. he takes horrible swings. his swings are line drive type swings, not home run swings. and he is not struggling for 15 games, this is a continuation from last season. baby barajas is also struggling but you dont hear ANYONE complaining about him. you know why? because he takes good swings and hits the ball hard so you know the home runs will come.
MW: It’s a continuation of last year, is it? You mean last year when Rios hit .300/.337/.542 after the all-star break with 23 doubles and 11 homers in 66 games? That last year? And as if that statement doesn’t lose you enough credibility, are you serious about a comparison to Barajas? The reason that no one is complaining about Barajas is because he’s not a very good hitter, and no one is expecting much from him. I understand that all you want to do is argue with me, and if that’s what makes you happy that’s your issue, but you’re really making yourself look silly here.
- chubbyhey Mike,
Was it just me or was that a pretty good crowd for a Tuesday night with no booze? (Maybe no in terms of attendance, but I thought it was getting fairly loud in there) With all the jeers and taunts from the bleachers you could have fooled me that the place was dry.
One thing you didn’t mention in the blog is what happened to the ump tonight. I understand that he is alright, but there were concerns in the stands that he was (more) seriously injured. Why wasn’t there some kind of announcement – they had ~10 minutes to figure things out, and from what I’m reading now – it was clear that his condition was stable all along, but that the precautions were in case of a spinal injury. Like I said, people around me thought he had died on the field. I nearly left.
That aside, even though the Jays lost AND the fact that the doc was not ‘in’ – that was another amazing game to watch.
Anyone that isn’t enjoying watching this team probably isn’t much of a ball fan to begin with, Mike. I wouldn’t take them too seriously.
Last year, at the start of the season Tampa Bay was an over/under for 72 wins (if I recall correctly). Most people thought (knew) they were better than that – but even in August some ‘experts’ assumed the wheels were going to fall off.
I want the Jays to win, to make the playoffs – but winning isn’t everything; one thing that isn’t said nearly enough concerns the make up of the players on this team. On the whole – they seem like decent human beings. Maybe it’s all PR, but I like to believe otherwise. If you go to a game and you know you’re going to see a team that has a 50% chance of winning or putting up a fight like they did Tuesday – what is there to complain about?
MW: Lots, evidently. If most people thought (knew) that the Rays were going to be much better than 72 wins last year, Vegas would have lost a whole lot of money. I don’t know what the protocol is for the injured umpire as far as informing the crowd about what’s going on. You’re right, though, you shouldn’t be kept completely in the dark.
- AndrewYour a beauty Mike Wilner! We are lucky to have you.
- Justin HughesMike,
You said, on air last night, something to the effect of “sacrifice bunts fail much more often than most of you out there think they do.” You also said that opinions should be based on fact.
I would assume that your callers represent a minority of your listeners. Of that minority, there are some who think the Jays should bunt more. So, you’re basing your opinion on what the “silent majority” (your words) thinks on the views of a fraction of the minority.
You always have your cherry-picked stats to back up your smugness – “Vernon Wells was hitting .293 going into tonight’s game,” to the caller who knocked Wells’s more current .270 (or so) average – but you have nothing back up your view that your average listener doesn’t know about bunt-success probability.
MW: To back up my smugness?
- Evan WhiteMike,
Do you believe there is such thing as a skill at “clutch hitting”? That is that certain players have the ability to perform better in clutch situations than others. I have been having this debate with some baseball purists who are unwilling to accept that even if it does exist it has VERY minimal influence on the game. The stats suggest that nobody can maintain their clutch numbers, so a clutch hit is merely a hit at an opportune time. Vernon Wells didn’t choke- he is expected to fail 7 out of 10 times. Conversely, David Ortiz’s single-handed performance in the playoffs was either a hot streak or a very lucky streak because his career numbers in clutch situations are not as high. And what would happen to a purist when a clutch pitcher faces a clutch batter?
Thanks,
Eli
MW: I thought the purists did believe in clutch hitting as a skill. It has been proven thanks to years and years of data that there is no such thing as a clutch hitter, although there definitely are clutch hits.
- EliHey Mike, I like what you mentioned about expectations. I really do believe they drive everything. If before the year you had told me the Jays would be 10-5 to start, I would have first laughed, then said that I’d take that in a heartbeat. But with the team doing so well, my expectations have increased to the point where I can’t help but being bugged about the team blowing a 5-1 lead against Oakland last Friday night. I know it’s not right, but all I think about is how this team should be 12-3 instead of 10-5 (if we take last nights game and last Friday’s game). It’s totally a “psychological expectations” thing and I am aware that it’s not the right way to think, but I can’t help it. I think I need some baseball therapy! Keep up the great work and you hit the nail on the head when you said that there is a certain personality (in general anyway) that enjoys calling in to radio talk shows.
- Todd MHey Mike
Loved the debate you had with Mark from Caledonia last night, its unfortunate it ended with a bit of a cheap shot but it sure was an interesting discussion. The Vernon Wells contract was clearly a bad one, and if the club had the ability to opt out of the deal you know they would in a heartbeat. Vernon is a decent outfielder however he will continue to get loads of criticism because he hits in the middle of the lineup but isn’t a dominant producer, and he also makes on average 18 million/season. I don’t blame Wells at all for signing that deal, who wouldn’t? But you must understand that when you are paid to be the franchise player you had better perform like one or the criticism is sure to follow.
One thing that scares we about loading the contract up on the back end is the possibility that it my handcuff the team’s ability to spend over the next few years. It would be tragic if the team couldn’t or wouldn’t resign Doc because they have too much money committed to Rios and Wells.
Do you think the team would be better off by batting Overbay and Lind in the 3/4 slots and dropping Rios/Wells into the 5/6 spots (vs righties)?
MW: I’d like to see Overbay hitting higher in the line-up, but Lind has hit a cold streak over the last week and change, so I don’t think people would stand having him in the clean-up spot for too long if he doesn’t get back to his first-week craziness. There’s not a chance that the Wells contract prevents the Jays from signing Halladay.
- rickHey Mike, have any of the bluejays ever commented on your blog and user comments? Do they ever read this stuff for laughs?
MW: If they do, none of them have ever said anything.
- Dave BrantfordDo you think they should have sent Scutaro home on Rios’s double. That would have put Rios at 3rd and provided another run on Well’s sac fly
MW: I thought it was a close call, and with one out and the 4-5 coming up it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- ChrisHey Mike,
What is it with the Rangers and Halladay? I NEVER like watching him pitch against them because they always seem to have his number. Actually, the best start I can remember him having against them was a few years back, and that was cut short by then-Ranger-now-Nippon-Ham (or something along those lines) Kevin Mench ripping a ball off Halladay’s leg, breaking it and ending what would have been his 2nd Cy Young season. I told my girlfriend last night before the game about that being a reason I hate the Rangers and when that ball ricocheted off his leg last night we both sat there with our collective breaths held. Thank god he was okay… even though he did take a loss, he’ll be back in 5 to pump out a W for the squad!
- Luke (Halifax)if one of the current ‘starters’ gets sent down or back to the pen, is castro now on the top of the list to get the call?
MW: I doubt it, but you never know. He has big-league experience and the Jays have been known to go with the hot hand in the minors before.
- Paul OI’m excited about the fact that I can’t remember one of their 5 losses where they weren’t in the game with a chance to win. Obviously they’re bound to get blown out once in a while especially with the young staff but the fact that they’re battling in every game win or lose is very encouraging.
MW: Indeed. Same as last year.
- RobHey Mike,
I could not agree with you more, last night, I was driving home from work, it was mid 7th, I believe, and I made sure to take the long way home so I could listen to the end of the game. Literally on the edge of my seat as Barajas is at bat, with the bases juiced! I don’t expect the Jays to finish first, it’d be great to see them contend for a wild card, or even just play meaningful games in August and September. But lets enjoy this now, almost everyone is hitting the ball very well, the pitching is above expectations, I’ve been to a couple games already and it’s been a blast!
- Bill MacTavishI’m on this train till it slows down, until then, full steam ahead baby!!
Very disappointed with Snider breaking his bat over his knee last night. I’m a huge Snider fan, but Cito needs to nip it in the bud and have him sit a few games.
Is there the potential that Rios needs glasses? I know it seems a little outrageous that this could be overlooked but its obvious he isn’t seeing the ball at the plate nor reading it off the bat in the field. I’ve noticed at least 5 times where he got a bad jump on a ball this year.
Great sink to the ball by League last night. When he throws strikes, he is a huge asset in the pen.
MW: I didn’t see Snider do that, but sitting him a few games because of it would be a massive overreaction. I don’t know that there’s actually anything wrong with it. If Rios was having vision problems, I’m sure he would get something done about it – it’s not as though he wants to be hitting .200.
- Mike MississaugaMike, re Roy v. the Rangers. Any chance it is a “sub-conscious” thing, related to the Mench line-drive/broken leg?
How do his records vs. the Rangers pre and post the Mench incident compare?
MW: It’s not a subconscious thing. I seem to remember him always having trouble with the Rangers, and the Mench liner was just another notch on their belt, not one that acted as a turning point.
- NormMike,
I’ve watched the away team’s broadcasts and their commentators always talk about the “turf” in Toronto in a negative way (saying their players feel there are too many uneven patches/bounces, bad seams, etc). Do you think the turf is really that bad or perhaps is it worst this season than previous? I’m sure there may also be some uneven patches/bounces on regular grass surfaces in some stadiums as well right?
MW: There are, but not as much as on this turf. It seems to really be an issue here. It’s strange that you can see the borders of the patches of turf here far easier than you can see them in Minnesota and Tampa Bay.
- Joachim TsuiHey mike,
I was at the game and i thought rios misjudged the first loop base hit of the game for Texas that he kinda trapped and then booted forward. It seemed like he thought he was on line for it originally, and then turned on the afterburners realizing that he had misjudged it. If i am not mistaken, the next guy up hit a homerrun. Damn talk about bad luck ehh.
MW: I didn’t see Rios break back on the ball and then have to reverse his field, I just saw him sprint as hard as he could and not be able to get to the ball. I assumed he was playing deep, but I could be wrong.
- paoloyah it was Byrd in the 2nd who got a double for it, quite weird, i figured a single plus an error max. If not an error for rios for completely misjudging it.
MW: They don’t give errors for misjudging fly balls.
- paoloThe exciting thing about the Jays is that they have had a chance to win every game. Didn’t get to see any of the game, but all you can ask for is to hit the ball hard, if it ends up at somebody, then that’s what happens.
Let’s hope Purcey throws a good game tonight. Halladay put in a workman like effort last night. Still went 8 innings and struck out 9.
Good to hear there was a nice crowd out last night. Just imagine what the crowd would have been like if the Jays were 5 – 10.
Hope fans just start enjoying the ride that we are on this season. Enjoy the young kids (Lind and Snider) and Hill being back at 100%.
Time to even up the series tonight.
- Aaron KerHey Mike, is there any way to get the postings up on your blog a little faster, even if it has to be without your reply or post them as you reply instead of 100 at once?
Who wants to go back and read replies to games that happened a day or to ago?
It’s more fun to check back awhile later and see your answer.
-hoping not to get a nasty reply from you, it’s just a question.
Great game last night, I really thought they were going to pull it out in the 8th. So far, I’m just optimisitc that they can come back (or hold) every game.
MW: I don’t know if there’s a balance there. I think it’s either put a bunch up every once in a while with no response, or put them all up at once having responded to them. I tried to respond more often last season, like the next morning and maybe again in the afternoon before leaving for the park, but I just can’t do that.
- GaryHey Mike!
Was having a chat with a buddy last night about why the Rangers really haven’t had many playoff teams in the past couple of decades…
When I was listening to the broadcast last night, there were a couple of minutes when Jerry and Alan were talking about how potentially the could be a “Coors Field” effect of sorts in Arlington, where since it’s such a hitter’s park (right?) that most pitchers they pick up or develop tend to not do so well with the Rangers.
By “Coors Field” effect, I mean that the pitchers get beat up enough there from opposition’s offense (or not evaluated properly?) and they don’t pitch as well as they could.
What do you think about this? There might be some truth to it – Chris Young, Edison Volquez, Kevin Millwood (to some extent before Texas) are some names that come to mind who’ve had success outside of Texas…
(Maybe this is why they try to load up on offense & defense?)
P.S. – I vote for a “Spell-Check” button next to the “Submit Comment” button here for the people who are lazy or don’t know their grammar rules :)
Shawn
MW: Sadly, spell check doesn’t do anything about grammar or about the most common mistakes (there/their/they’re and your/you’re). There may indeed be some truth to the Coors Field effect thing, as well as the intense heat in Texas in the summer, but I think the bigger problem is the fact that the Rangers have traded so much of their good, young pitching lately (Volquez, Young, John Danks, etc.).
- ShawnMike,
I guess I’m a glass half-full kind of guy, but I’m thinking that we’re 10-5 and our best two hitters haven’t been our biggest contributers. I’m more concerned that Lind and Snider will stay consistent. If they do we’ll be in good shape because at the end of the day (season), Rios and Wells will be leading this team in all the significant offensive categories
Go Jays!
MW: Good perspective.
- Rob H.Hi Mike,
If last year’s team started 10-5, we would have been watching October baseball at the Rogers Centre.
Of course no one was saying how exciting the team was LAST May, and that is strictly due to the fact they got off to such a bad start in April.
Yes, I’m very happy at how well Ricky Romero has pitched thus far, and I’m happy that the Jays are in first place as of this very moment. However, I think it is perfectly fine for people to be upset about Alex Rios so far this season. He is not playing to his ability, and we have a right to call him out for that.
I suggest that you maybe stop writing your blog so that it caters/complains to the very people that you are trying to avoid, and just focus on the game. I’m not here to read about your annoying callers, because I have to listen to them, too!
Also, I read your comment about Michael Young with great interest. Why? Because I wondered right away what you would say to a caller who might have called in and said the same thing… would you berate them for bringing up something that was in the past that they can’t change? Or, would you have said, ‘Yeah, imagine that!’ I’m taking the former on that one.
Thanks, Mike.
MW: Why would I berate someone for mentioning Michael Young? It was likely the worst trade in the history of this franchise. Last year’s team started 8-7 – how would two more wins have gotten them into the playoffs?
- JeffWhatever, Doc has one bad game every 15 and it was only 5 runs. At least he didn’t go Chen Meng Wang on us.
My question, why Texas Doc struggles with? It has to be more than coincidence. Is it they advance scout him like no one else? Is someone in their org related to him and just have him figured out? The colour of their unis?
“We” could easily have won that game. Things that have happened for us early this season simply didn’t go our way last night.
Rios doesn’t suck, but this slump he looks terrible. I’m no batting instructor, but I’d like to see him stand up a little more to use his God given leverage. And maybe Cito, bump him down a bit.
Thoughts on Doc V. Texas?
Thanks, Ian.
MW: The only thought I have on that is that sometimes a team has a pitcher’s number, and vice-versa (Halladay vs. DET and MINN, for example). It just happens, and it’s unexplainable.
- Ian JHi Mike
I hope you get your smile back soon.
I too, cant figure out the negativity and poorly thought out rants.
It is fun to watch the Jays compete and they always play with heart.
The one thing I hate is the stupid blackouts of games. I live in Little Rock which the Rangers call their territory even though we are 500 miles away and dont get any of their broadcasts. But not to be able to watch the Jays play the Rangers in Toronto is assinine. I am sure the fans in Western Canada feel the same way when Rogers blacks out the games. I thought the owners were going to give up this nonsense. Do you know what happened to that discussion?
MW: I have no idea. I don’t get the blackout thing at all.
- Richard from ARVernon Wells hit his first career sac fly last night! Oh wait, it was his 49th. Some people eh Mike?
MW: Indeed.
- ScottMike,
Your take is BANG ON!
The only people we can “blame” for last nights game are some of the folks wearing Rangers jerseys — how dare they!
I will never understand how people can take something that is supposed to be enjoyable and turn it into a “negathon.”
That being said, I was hoping you might sign my petition to move the World Series from October to April.
Spring Classic; here come the Toronto Blue Jays!
- JamieHello Mike
Like any job, you have to take the good and the bad. Your job, no matter how excellent it may be, is no exception (and I would trade mine with yours any day).
I agree with you on the liner by Barajas, it was such a screamer and would have won the game easily. I still don’t know how it got caught. Two runs would have scored for sure.
For those blue jays bashers, Rios drove in a run yesterday and is improving, overbay is hitting .333 the last time I looked.
a bit on the negative, I think Snider is going through growing pains now, pitchers takes him seriously now and are adjusting. He now needs to adjust to have continuous success.
Funny thing on the game last Saturday, I was at the stands and Tallet dropped the line drive that was hit towards him, a second one in the game. The lady behind me shouted at the top of her lungs ‘Jezzzz Brian, will you hang on to your balls!’
We just about died laughing
Francis
- FrancisDoc does have a tough time against the Rangers for whatever reason – happens to lot’s of guys and specific teams.
However, there was nothing wrong with his wicked curve ball. He came back after each HR with a vengance as to getting the “K’s”.
You have to give credit to the Rangers here also as to their hitting – wow, talk about a team that must have worked hard on hitting inside pitches by pulling their arms into the body and getting good wood on the pitch.
A lot of time is spent with good hitters having their backs against a post so there is no where to go when an inside pitch comes at you during BP, nice hitting.
Wells and Rios will come around and those negative comments will turn into cheers rather than jeers. Rios hit a nice double last night – very solid contact there.
Does Rios wear contact lenses Mike – do you know? Seriously, I am not trying to find fault here or sound negative, but I sometimes wonder about his eyesight as again last night he had that kind of “deer in the headlights” in the outfield (one particular fly-ball he seemed to loose for split second). Other times, at the plate his timing looks way off.
Hmmm, wonder where all the Overbay bashers are hiding? Just like him, things will turn around for Rios and Wells!
It was nonetheless an exciting game, I was there last night for my 3rd game this season and thoroughly enjoyed it (despite the loss). What a game this is! I don’t buy it for one second when some say, Toronto is not a baseball town! However it sure would be nice to see more seats filled up, especially when a gem like the Doc is pitching.
Any word on the home plate umpire Mike – that was scary for sure with a direct hit in face like that.
Thank you.
MW: The umpire, Kerwin Danley, is still under observation, but is expected to travel to Arizona in a couple of days to be re-assessed.
- Bob from BurlingtonI agree wholeheartedly Mike! I found the callers last night upsetting they were so vindictive against Alex and Vernon and J.P. Enjoy the fact that for the first time in ages, there is hope…that the Jays are in every game and that even if they get down a run or two, they can come back. Haven’t felt this good about them for years.
- LaurieYour bang on again Mike – for whatever reason there are some, seems like more and more who just don’t see this game and appreciate it for what it is, a great night out with the opportunity to witness in person some fantastic athletes doing what they do best.
It seems like more and more these days, there are some who just can’t wait to “get there” rather than, “enjoy the journey”. These are likely the same ones who sat in the back seat of the car asking over and over and over again “are we there yet”?
Yes, you do have a great job Mike, and believe me your love and passion for it and the game shines through every night! Despite the negativity and comments from those who just “can’t see the forest for the trees”!
Keep up the great work you do!
Thank you.
MW: Thanks!
- Bob from BurlingtonMike, perhaps I’m oversimplifying (and keep in mind I don’t have any background in broadcasting) but why aren’t your producers doing a better job of screening the callers before they make it to air? Really, there has to be a way to keep these dopes off the airwaves.
MW: I’m not sure what sorts of options my producers have.
- RobHey Mike,
I trust you’re not unwell.
Would you agree that for the Jays to have a legitimate shot at the post-season this year, Purcey, Romero & Richmond (or whoever the 3/4/5 starters end up being for the most part) must average approximately two wins each per month? I see this as the most critical success factor for the Jays this season. Two wins each per month would give the Jays 10 – 12 wins out of each of those spots by the end of the season.
Romero’s already got his quota for April (2 wins), and Richmond is halfway there (1 win), but Purcey…oh boy. Purcey’s kind of like that proverbial box of chocolates… you never know what you’re gonna get!
MW: Three starts into the season, yes he is. I wouldn’t agree, because I don’t think pitchers can control their wins. If they pitch well, and the bullpen wins it, fine by me.
- JamieHey Mike,
Hang in there!
Wells and Rios will hit, it’s just not happening now as much as everyone would like. More than likely they’ll get hot when some of the others cool for a stretch. That’s the way baseball works.
MW: Yes, in fact, it is.
- Cameronmichael,
the game of baseball is certainly a beautifully frustrating sport.
like no other, patience is indeed the thing that’s needed most in watching this fine pastime.
sure frustration & impatience can endure.
what i can’t believe is why we have the only ballteam in all of mlb with a couple guys struggling in april. how is this happening to us. i ask you?
anyway, that’s it for me. we’re now 10-5 not 11-4, our lead in the east has shrunk 1.5 games only as our ace lost his first start of the year. we needed that game !
i’m sorry but i’m outta hear. see you later michael…
have a good season……
MW: Hilarious.
- darrell bishopHi Mike,
Rough Jays Talk with a lot of reactionary callers – wow! People that call in with these arguments about wanted to dump on Wells need to realize that over the course of the season, Vernon is still going to bat .280 with RISP and drive in runs that are going to help this team win!
It’s a shame that we (Jays fans as a whole) choose to remember the failed opportunities when a Wells or Overbay strikeout/fly out/GIDP with RISP. On the flip side, when these players do succeed it’s as it was expected of them and full credit is never really given when it happens.
Anyways, I enjoy the blog, your work on the broadcast with JaysTalk and congrats on your successful stint in the booth during the WBC – well done!
MW: Thanks!
- LeeHello MIke…How are you?..I believe that the fans venting at you has alot to do with JP Ricciardi being unapproachible.The Jays fans are accustomed to venting their frustration and getting answers to their questions from JP himself on your “Wednesday with JP Show”.Now that he has made himself not available has the fans more frustrated and has nothing to do with their 10-5 record.The jays fans feel that he has turned his back on them and are going to use you Mike in a combination of middleman and complain to guy.Alot mite be blamed on Brian Burke’s personality whom is front and center with the feeble minds of Leaf nation and answers their questions in a loud and arrogant way.All this while JP is invisible and unapproachible and silent…hang in there Mike unfortunately the complaining will get worse the longer JP stays away.
MW: Burke doesn’t answer Leaf fans’ questions any more than Ricciardi answers Jays fans’ questions now. You make an interesting point, but the fact is that Ricciardi’s loudest call-in critics rarely called in on Wednesdays in the past.
- Mark from ThoroldMike:
When is Cito Gaston going to rid his old school ways and get Rios out of the #3 spot? I know he hit a double last night (on a 3-1 meatball) but he does not look right at the plate when quality pitches are made. Why not “put less pressure” on him (and the lineup for that matter) and bat him last until he gets into the grove again? I know the answer is no with the current manager, but I hope the media is taking him to task on stuff like this.
MW: He’s not being taken to task, because he knows that it’s a long season and that Rios was just in a slump. It happens, and you can’t yank guys around like that.
- JBMike,
“Roy Halladay wasn’t Roy Halladay tonight ”
I respectfully disagree.
He gave up 5 runs, true, but still – 8 innings, 8 hits, no walks, 9k’s…that’s vintage Halladay. He hung a pitch to Kinsler (and even that looked like it should have been a fly ball) but if not for that jam shot off the bat of Davis with two out, he’s got a no-decision and maybe a win. That’s baseball.
MW: You’re entitled to disagree, but five runs, two homers, giving up a run immediately after the Jays tie the game – that’s not vintage Halladay.
- Scott ShepherdHi Mike,
Just an observation here, but it seemed like you were getting quite a few of those “silent majority” types you seek during the WWJP shows last year.
There are justifiable reasons why WWJP has been discontinued, but perhaps– for both your sanity and our listening enjoyment–you might want to try to bring in some Front Office-y type guests on a regular basis. Bart Given, for example, is a name that comes to mind and he is apparently on the Rogers payroll now as a Sportsnet blogger. There must be others.
JW
p.s. isn’t there a term a bit less pseudo-racist and Nixonian than “silent majority”? I’m sure you’ll think of something better
MW: Pseudo-racist? Are you kidding me?
- johnny wasHey Mike,
Don’t let the smart guys get you down. I love the Jays for what they are – a group of talented athletes who play a great sport, and who happen to be playing at a higher level than most other teams right now.
I think the problem we all run into is that we’re forming all these opinions on these tiny sample sizes and extrapolating them to generalities and wild predictions. Deep breath, folks – one pitch, one at-bat, one inning, one game, one series, one month, one season. That’s the way the game goes.
All the best, Mike!
- Dan in WaterlooMike it was a tough loss for the Blue Jays, but I wouldn’t say it was a great catch by Michael Young, it was a “look what I found catch” he hardly moved. I agree it was hit hard and 2 or 3 inches either way and the Blue Jays won this game. I’ve been listening to Jays talk and it seems that too many fans have the glass half empty attitude. It’s ok to voice your opinion, but usually negative attitudes come when the Blue Jays are in a losing streak and last place, not 1st place in the American League and a 10-5 record. What’s going to happen when they start a losing streak and fall in their division?
MW: Then all the negative callers will phone in to talk about how smart they are because they called it in April. Young moved plenty – at least enough that if he hadn’t, he wouldn’t have caught it.
- MarkMike. I just read that the Pirates designated Dave Davidson for assignment. Is there any chance the Jays could sign him, or acquire him by waivers, or trade? He was very good in the Canada-USA game in the WBC, retiring Ryan Braun, Dustin Pedroia, and Chipper Jones in his inning of work in that game. Hope the Jays bounce back tonight. Thanks Mike.
Peter, St.Catharines
MW: I thought Davidson pitched well for Canada, too. Why not take a flyer on him if he’s available?
- PeterMike
I think the problem is that you are dealing with a lot of World Series fans rather than baseball fans. I was at the game with my wife, had GREAT seats thanks probably to the alcohol ban (three rows back from first base) and enjoyed every moment. In truth, I was wishing that Millar had been at the plate rather than Rod. I think his offensive skills might have been valuable at that point in the game and the outcome might have been different but….
Oh yes, and don’t you think that perhaps switching up Rios and Overbay for a while might take the pressure off Alex and let him get back to the form that we know he really has. Cito IS a patient manager but maybe just a little tinkering might be in order.
MW: Rios will come out of it and will wind up the season as one of the Jays’ best hitters. They’re 10-5 with him not contributing, there’s no reason to push the panic button on him.
- Jim EverettFor the record, I don’t want to know. I trust Cito too.
I’m still excited about the Jays. Will be at the games today and tomorrow.
Thanks Mike.
- RahilHey Mike,
Man! I know YOU’RE frustrated but I gotta say, as a listener (and very big fan of your show), I found a lot of last night’s JaysTalk really effing depressing!
Yes, we (sorry the Toronto Blue Jays of which I am a fan, not member of) lost last night… but it wasn’t an embarrassment. We weren’t blown away. It’s like we’re NOT the third best team in baseball, top of our division, with the best run differential in all of MLB!
Anyway, I feel your pain Mike. I really do. Obviously you don’t want to have a show where there’s NO debate, but is there anything that can be done to curb the amount of useless, outrageous and totally uncalled for negativity that makes it to air? I know I’m preaching to the choir here but I can’t tell you how much of a bummer it is.
Anyway, keep up the good fight.
MW: Thanks.
- SiguyHi Mike,
Did you notice in the fateful 8th inning last night that Frank Fransico tossed Overbay a 3-0 breaking ball that missed to load the bases? I understand wanting to pitch around Overbay (LH hitter) with Barajas (RH hitter) on deck. I get that. That I get. But what I don’t get is that the walk to Overbay pushed the go-ahead run (Rolen) into scoring position!?!
Can you help me understand the Rangers’ logic or strategy with that decision?
MW: Sure – Francisco couldn’t throw a strike and got behind 3-0, then didn’t want to give in.
- JamieHi Mike, I love your show, but last night was the last straw; there are too many pathetic idiots who call in with nothing meaningful to say, they probably want to just hear themselves on the radio, I can’t listen to it anymore. That’s not to say I always agree with you either, but I give you credit for backing up your arguments with FACTS (a word many callers are probably having to look up in the dictionary before they read on) and admitting when you’re wrong.
It’s amazing that you can put up with all the crap without losing your mind on the air, and I will continue to read your blog and listen to the games on the radio, you do a great job, keep it up buddy!
MW: Sorry to hear it.
- ThomasSo why is it again that it’s nights like this that remind you of how much you love your job, and yet you say you go home angry every night? Mike, don’t let the negativity get to you. I think you hit the nail on the head a few posts ago when you stated that those who are negative are simply attempting to “insulate themselves” against (what they assume is inevitable) disappointment.
Me? I’m loving the Jays right now. Yeah, this loss hurts a bit since they were pretty close to pulling it out for Doc, but they are 10-5 through almost 10% of the season. Not bad at all. It was strange to see Wells take not only the first, but also the second pitch as the last batter in the 9th. I was certain he’d get bat on ball on the first pitch since everyone and their brother was expecting it to be a strike. Why didn’t he swing?
MW: I don’t know. Maybe he listens to all the people who complain about how often he swings at the first pitch. As for your opening sentence, read what I wrote again. It’s night like that that make me have to remind myself how much I love my job.
- VavaMike I was one of the silent listeners last night, shaking my head and wondering why so much anger about things like how much Vernon makes etc. I agree with the caller that pointed out at least it shows there is a lot of passion out there. Just like Scott Ferguson before you, you get to be the lightning rod.
I will repeat what I said to you last year. As a season ticket holder and a listener on most nights, I am delighted with what the Jays are providing this year. I think when you invest a lot of time supporting a team, what you really want is for them to be competitive and “in” each game.
So once again I think the Jays have an excellent recrod in GBI – games they have been in. Can you think of any game so far this season that the Jays have not at least had a chance to win ? I’m talking about never quitting, getting game-tying runners to the plate, etc. I think you can make a case for 15-0 so far. There are a lot of teams that can’t claim that this year.
MW: Very true – and a lot of them are ones the Jays have played.
- RezHey Mike,
Since everyone always bashes J.P. Ricciardi (usually incorrectly), I thought I’d provide your readers with a look at five reasons to appreciate the Jays’ GM…
5.Bullpen:
Downs, Camp, Tallet, and Carlson, generally speaking, cost the Jays nothing to acquire. The Jays had the best bullpen in baseball last season. This year may very well be the same.
4. No Franchise-Crippling Moves:
Sure, Frank Thomas did not work out, but, he was only on a two-year contract (not including the option year). Thomas did not hurt the Jays.
3. Drafting Aaron Hill:
Self-explanatory.
2.Roy Halladay’s Contract:
J.P. Signed Halladay, the top pitcher in baseball, to a 3-year, $40 million deal in March of 2006. This is, arugably, the best contract in baseball.
1.Having one of the best teams in the American League
- Jake RothI didn’t get a chance to take in very much of last nights game and so I need to ask, “how did Rios perform last night”. Just kidding Mike, I’m not trying to get your blood pressure going again. You get some real weird calls. Your first caller last night wants Rios moved out of the “3 or 4″ spot? The guy doesn’t even know where Rios is hitting and all he knows is that Rios should be moved in the order. He must have heard another person say that. Another caller mentioned that he used to be a hockey guy but now he is a ball fan. I could say the same thing except I am a fan of both sports. I am however a bigger ball fan and I think the big reason for that is, I can afford to go to as many games as I want to go to, unlike hockey. Baseball is still an affordable sport to watch. One bit of advice for you Mike. Many times you get an idiot caller and he seems to get more time than a reasonable caller. When you get a jerk caller, one who has comments that you have already answered 100 times or so, why not just pull a McCowan on them and cut them off until you get to a “rational and reasonable” caller? What do you think? I listen to be educated, informed and entertained, not to be frustrated and bored.
MW: It’s a good point. I just worry about the backlash from cutting off a guy for no other reason than that he disagrees with me.
- Dan from ElmvaleHey Mike,
Love the blog.
I want to bring some buddies to a Jays game. Can you recommend a few good eateries downtown (close to Rogers Centre)? Thanks!
MW: Hmmmm, what are you looking for? There’s always Alice Fazooli’s!
- PaulHi Mike
Nice job navigating your mine field tonight.
Do you think the Blue Jays as an organization (owned by a media company) have an obligation to do a better job of marketing the team in this province. We have stunning talent on this team that most Jays fans don’t even know about.
Thanks
Trevor
MW: I don’t really know much about marketing, but I think they do what they can. It’s always been an issue for the Jays.
- TrevorSeriously people…you need to listen to Mike, “rational and reasonable” comments only! We can’t have him going home angry every night, or else he might want to discontinue this very blog!!
MW: Well, I don’t think they’d let me discontinue it. But certainly cut way back and stop answering comments.
- Marlin LichtiOne follow up…
In your opinion is Snider on track to be an above average fielder or is he just sowing that Rookie shine right now?
Thanks
Trevor
MW: I think he’ll wind up being a good outfielder.
- TrevorGiven Roy’s history with the Rangers, and the how he was battling all night, do you think Cito should have relieved him in the 7th?
MW: No.
- BruceRemember in the last blog post, some comments linked to mlb.com’s article about who is for real among the teams with hot starts? Well I read 11 pages worth of comments and they were filled with enraged Jays fans, with a few Padres fans scattered here and there. I found that kind of funny. I wonder how many of those commenters came from this blog
“All I know is that if the Jays are 78-63 in September and three games up on everybody else”
Alright, I’ll be back in September. Expect me to misconstrue this quote and call you an idiot should the Jays have 77 or less wins at this point
MW: Deal.
- CarlosWhile Rios-Wells may not be the worst 3-4 in MLB, I thought last night was pretty telling as to what other big league managers think of at least Wells. Hill was on 3rd with 2 outs and first base was open, and the Jays had PR for their DH with Bautista. Yet Washington lets his closer pitch to Wells instead of putting him on and facing the bench. Interesting, and goes to show you what people think of Vernon around baseball.
MW: Or maybe the manager didn’t want to put the winning run on base in the bottom of the 9th.
- AriAnd just to add, I know you don’t want to put the winning run on base necessarily, but I still think many managers would walk certain guys in that spots. I guess Vernon just isn’t that guy, or that the difference between him and Bautista wasn’t anywhere close to enough to warrant such a move.
MW: Vernon isn’t that guy. Barry Bonds is, and he’s just about the only one – unless the pitcher is on deck and there’s no bench left.
- Arihey Mike,
it’s so good to see Aaron Hill back and doing as well as he is. if he continues to play the way is playing, will this be the year he gets recognized by the rest of the league?
also, if Rios threw his glove in the air and knocked Kinsler’s home run ball keeping it in the park, would it still be in play?
i’ll bet people would love Rios again if he had done that.
MW: Recognized by the rest of the league how? If Rios had done that, it’d have been a ground-rule triple.
- DiegoListening to Jays Talk – wow, I really wish any discussion of a player’s ability would NOT include how much money they make. What does it have to do with anything? It seemed for the first year BJ was here, every article written about him mentioned the numbers in his contract. Now it’s Vernon. While we’re on the subject (er…okay, bit of a non-sequitor) I’ve heard enough of JP bashing. My in-laws are from NYC – and they have the same kind of way of talking – it’s kind of a common sense straight forward style. I’ve always found his way of talking more refreshing than Ash’s.
P.S. Re: Knuckleheads – actually they are worse in the U.S. cities I’ve had a chance to listen to on the radio.
MW: I know they are. I don’t get what players’ salaries have to do with it either, but it’s obviously a major sticking point for a lot of people.
- BruceI completely agree with all that you said in your blog Mike. It is so frustrating listening to the callers on your show, I sometimes have to turn it off. There are many positives this year that definitely take away any negatives that the Wells/Rios pairing has caused. They are showing signs of possibly snapping out of their funk by some good at bats and hard hit balls the last few days.
Barajas is a strange player to watch. He has seemed to have some of the worst luck on the team this year. I think he has hit the ball just as hard as hill and Scutaro but they always seem to go right to a defender. It must be frustrating. For me the biggest surprise for me so far this year is the way that Overbay is just pounding the ball into the gap. It looks like the Overbay of old, and will definitely help this team over the course of the season.
MW: It’s difficult to read that so many of you find the show difficult to which to listen. I’m going to have to do something about that.
- Andrew ClarkHey Mike,
I have to say that I love the name of the Oakland reliever Josh “Outman”…what a great name for a pitcher!
I’ve noticed a couple of people compare Snider to Olerud…I would compare him more to Delgado. A power hitting lefty who comes up at the age of 21 and hits the cover off the ball. Carlos came up and hit 8 or 9 HR’s in April of 1994 and was sent down to AAA by June. I know you don’t like comparing players but do you see any similarities with Delgado’s huge start compared with Snider’s? Do you think Travis will be able to sustain his great start over the course of the season?
I was curious about the “Official Scorer’s” ruling of a ball being missed due to sun/lights and the rule states: “The official scorer shall charge an outfielder with an error if such outfielder allows a fly ball to drop to the ground if, in the official scorer’s judgment, an outfielder at that position making ordinary effort would have caught such fly ball.” It’s a pretty subjective ruling so I think the argument could really go either way. I do agree with your point about lights being the same as sun.
I think people need to stop ragging on every move Alex Rios makes…yes, he is struggling, we all know he is struggling…we are only 15 games in…relax people!
Thanks Mike
MW: I would compare Snider to Delgado moreso than to Olerud as well (I think I have – a few times), but that doesn’t mean that Snider will follow Delgado’s career path exactly, if at all. As far as the ball in the lights, if you can’t see it, you can’t catch it, ordinary effort or otherwise.
- BrendanMike,
- JoshAgain another disappointing JaysTalk… It really is just pure laziness on the part of the anti-Jays crew. Even guys I know who don’t follow the Jays, can (and DO) repeat the standard anti-Jays lines verbatim: “Riccardi should be fired, Wells sucks, screw Rios, and drop BJ.” When I asked what they think of Scott Downs, Marco Scutaro, or Ricky Romero they say nothing or “It’s too early to tell.”
To those that say it is too early to celebrate, MLB has started voting for the MLB All-star Game in JULY! You can vote 25 times per e-mail address so I thought I would give it try. It has a feature where you can compare the offensive stats of every player per position in their respective league. Guess who leads all shortstops in HR and RBI in the AL? Scoot! Granted AL shortstops aren’t known for their offensive prowess and, personally, I think voting for the All Star game should have to do with more than just offense, particularly at shortstop, but I still thought that was pretty cool.
Anyways, take it easy.
Mike,
- DennisI just want to let you know that your work is appreciated. Thank you for informing me who was traded for Marco Scutaro. I checked out the guys stats, Bell, and Godfrey and both are in double A with ERA’s currently over 7. So JP basically got Marco Scutaro for nothing, becasue by the looks of it these guys will never play in the Majors.
Keep up the good work.
I attended the game, never heard so much booing in my life. But it was a different crowd too, lots of kids, teens and really really enjoying themselves. It was nice and I am glad I went. field level seats would have been more fun.
Rios, came through. Did you think he looked nervous?
Unbelievable catch the Texas player made in the corner, into the seats. What did you think of that crowd?
MW: I didn’t think Rios looked nervous. I thought the crowd was louder than it should have been, given the size, which is a great thing.
- barbiMike,
The truth is that the Jays have been winning in spite of Rios and Wells. As far as driving in half of the runs yesterday, Hamilton should have caught Rios’ so called double.
What does it say when Hill and Scutaro both have more home runs than Wells and Rios, combined?
I hope both turn it around before we start playing the East and facing much better pitching. If not, May won’t be pretty.
Cheers,
Tony
MW: Sigh.
- tonyMike, I don’t know how you do it. You have amazing work ethic and you obviously love what you do for a living. Good on you for that. I do have to say that sometimes I think you try to create a negative reaction from your fan (blog) base. The comments you make on your blog about the jays talk being negative and you sometimes refer to idiot callers is negative and you bring on people saying stupid things on your blog. Absent that I think you do a good job.
Tomis
MW: I think you’re right that my reactions don’t help with the negativity, but I don’t know if I can change.
- Tomis PGood Afternoon Mike,
I’m very encouraged with what I’ve seen so far this season. Although Rios and Wells are struggling somewhat, they both have great ability and will bounce back ! Geeez people there are still 147 games remaining, take a chill pill!I have 2 questions: My 1st question is regarding Scott Richmond. He seems to have really below average stuff. His fastball is slow and flat and none of his other pitches seem very impressive either. Do you believe Richmond is on a short leash (or any leash?) this year with the young promising arms coming up in the minors? #2.) There are quite afew left handed starters coming up (Cecil, Mills, Castro). Are there any promising righties on their way? I know you’ve mentioned Tim Collins as someone on the up, but isn’t he projected as an closer? As always your thoughts are appreciated. Keep up the good work.
Tommy
MW: Richmond throws 92, and for some reason people think that’s unimpressive. It’s not. He doesn’t have fantastic stuff, but he has never been beaten up in his (short) career, which is not something most pitchers can say, even seven starts in. That said, I still believe the Jays see him more as a placeholder than as a long-tern option. Most of the promising young starters are lefties, it’s true.
- TommyGood take-away here for JaysTalk nation: Don’t lose the substance of this team in the outcome of a single game.
Afterall, it is a GAME folks. No need to lose our minds over a 10-5 team. I don’t think Vernon Wells is losing any sleep worrying about the impending collapse of an overperforming team and I don’t think we should either. Let’s enjoy the ride.
Truth is Mike, you’re doing a hell of a job… one of the most “clutch” hosts in the biz.
E
MW: Much obliged.
- Big EHi Mike,
It was nice to see League in shut down mode yesterday.
I remember being amazed watching Doc pitch last year at just how consistent his curveball was. It seemed to always be 78 or 79mph (according to the display on tv). I don’t know if that is a false memory, but I have noticed that it is fluctuating by 4 or 5mph this year. Am I the only one who’s noticed that? If it is the case, could that maybe have something to do with us not seeing the ‘usual’ Doc? Not that he’s been bad…we’ve just come to expect unfair to the opposing hitters.
MW: And he has been, in every start until last night.
- ChrisMike,
I understand the fact that you get sick of hearing fans beat up on Wells and Rios. I even understand that Wells’ numbers are pretty decent so far, BUT, he is not a clutch hitter, he shows no emotion, and on a team that is building some good character, he doesn’t seem to be excited to be a baseball player. Guys like that need to take a step back and look at where they are in life, I mean they’ve got it pretty good. I am not a Wells hater but every team has a whipping boy and for the time being he is it. That is sad cause V-Dub is not the player on the team that you expect to play that role.
Not to beat up on him too bad, but what would he command in a trade. Their feild is pretty decent and could get a pretty decent pitcher for him. Do you agree?
MW: It depends on your definition of “decent”, but the market isn’t strong for Wells right now, with so much money remaining on his contract.
- Jersey“the silent majority”
Careful Mike, you are starting to sound like Nixon.
Romero does look great though.
- ProkopecConsider me one of the silent majority. I’m too chicken to call in, but am sick of those know-it-alls who call in with all the answers. I enjoy watching the Blue Jays win or lose. When they win, I rejoice. When they lose, I’m not thrilled but realize that it’s only a game when all is said and done. Relax Jays fans and enjoy the ride. We’re lucky to have a baseball team here and could very easily end up like the Expos did, for all the respect we get south of the border. Great job Mike. Sometimes I think you should receive danger pay.
MW: Me, too. Why are you too “chicken” to call in?
- JOEIs it possible for MLB to stop bats from breaking?
It seems dangerous that at any point during the game, a piece of wood can come flying at you at a VERY HIGH speed. As happened today, the home plate umpire got the worst of the barrel of the bat. MLB should use a material that won’t shatter/splinter (in the next 5-8 years of course).
MW: If you can find wood that doesn’t break, I’m sure MLB will be happy to use it. Until then, they’d have to come up with some sort of material that acts like wood but doesn’t break. Aluminum isn’t the answer.
- TheSunkenZealotAHAHAHAHAAHA
MW: It’s nights like these that make me keep having to remind myself how much I love my job.
Mike you are an excellent analyst, comedian, realist, and you stick to your opinion.
I enjoy your blog, post-game shows, and my FAVOURITE : the extendo jays talk.
You are awesome :)
- TheSunkenZealotHey Mike,
Don’t let the negative yahoos get you down. There IS as silent majority out there (like me & my friends)who are really LOVING every minute of this spanking new season. Unfortunately call in shows attract the kind of people that are a bit out there. My theory is noone else will listen to them so their only other option is to call you and gripe because you HAVE to listen, even for a brief time and that seems to validate them somehow. I’ve thought of calling in and being positive and chat baseball with you but I do that with my pals and have no real urge to do it on the radio. Know this though – it’s pretty entertaining to listen to you smack down the irrational boobs who call in. It really is stellar radio at times. You just have to laugh at them a bit more and not take them so seriously.
Anyhoo… I digest. (don’t correct me on that, it’s a joke) :)
Have you heard how Jansen & Accardo are doing lately? Sorry if you’ve mentioned it on the show, I haven’t caught the last few.
MW: Janssen hasn’t gotten into a game yet, and Accardo is doing OK. Not spectacular, but I haven’t heard anything about his splitter.
- Scott BWhat’s up with Dustin McGowan? I thought he would be rehabbing in Dunedin, but I’ve seen him in the Jays dugout the past few games hanging out with the other guys.
MW: He’s not close enough to being ready to be rehabbing in Florida. I’m sure he’ll go down there after this homestand, though, if he hasn’t already.
- ChrisMike:
Do you know what all of the following players have in common?
Jim Kaat
Greg Maddux
Johnny Bench
Pudge.
Keith Hernandez
Roberto Alomar
Ryne Sandberg
Brooks.
Mike Schmidt
Ozzie.
Omar Vizquel
Roberto Clemente
Willie Mays
Ken Griffey, Jr.
Al Kaline
Andruw Jones
Give up?
They all have won a minimum of 10 Gold Gloves.
And Jones and Vizquel?
From what I can see, they are the first pair of 10 time Gold Gold winners to play on the same team, as teammates.
You’re welcome!
- brentoAs Rance Mulliniks suggested, it looks like Rios is beginning to look like he’s coming around at the plate….what a difference a day makes. Nice hit up the middle in the 4th. He really turned on the pitch and drove it hard.
If you look at the replays of Barajas’ homeruns, it’s very evident that he generated the majority of the power to crush his shots from his lower half. He started with a bit of a take-away of his hands back towards the catcher to get things moving then accelerated through the ball, generating the torque as he snapped around his hips…great swing.
I listened to TheJaysTalk from last night Mike and you took a little abuse…wow.
Congratulations for not going all “Milton Bradley” on some of the callers…must have been tough to hold back.
So far this season, we’ve got a team here in T.O. that won’t lay down when they get behind…something that’s been missing for a couple of years….Go Jays.
- DJJAYmike, you allan and jerry do a phenomenal job during the games. but i have some suggestions: during the 6th or 7th inning why dont you get a regular writer like griffen or someone? or another suggestion: more clips from cito or the players to be played in 6th or 7th like todays cito clip? and i think you need to intrude more often i like when you and allan exchange questions…. keep up the good work
- nickHow do you really feel when callers say that Rios Sucks or Vernon is not living up to his contract, stuff like that?
MW: On the first, frustrated, and I don’t mind when people suggest that Wells isn’t living up to his contract, he isn’t. But it’s not as though he should have turned it down because he’s not a superstar. The suggestion seems to be that Wells should have become a much better player when he signed the contract, and I don’t get that.
- andrewYou’d think that Halladay would have had to win on tuesday for the Jays to have a reasonable chance to win 2 of 3 from Texas with the struggling Purcey going tonight and Richmond going up against Kevin Millwood on thursday. But, with the Jays pleasant start to the season, I’ve become greedy and expect them to win tonight and tomorrow night. I hope Purcey is competent tonight because this team really has no options right now. Mills and Cecil are not tearing up AAA right now and the plan is to keep them in Las Vegas anyways. Cito is now 61 – 42 since taking over for Gibbons and is getting the results. If I had your job I would love to ask Cito a question. I would try to word it in a way that didn’t sound insulting. WHY DO YOU REFUSE TO PINCH HIT A ROOKIE FOR A VETERAN IN A FAVOURABLE MATCHUP, BUT YOU WILL BRING IN A ROOKIE PITCHER TO RELIEVE A VETERAN PITCHER? For example, Shawn Camp pitched to Nelson Cruz and then a less experienced Jesse Carlson came in to pitch to Chris Davis because of the favourable lefty matchup. Isn’t this a contradiction? By Cito’s logic, wouldn’t letting Camp face a left handed batter be okay because he doesn’t mind losing a game now to win one later? I love Cito Gaston but I would love to hear his explanation of this contradiction. GO JAYS GO!!!
MW: Carlson isn’t a rookie, Snider is, but I see where you’re going.
- DomenickThere was an earlier issue regarding Snider moving up in the lineup if he was considered up to task. If the other lefties in the lineup continue to progress could you see them move up in the order too?
There is a piece of music going into your breaks that I wonder about, is one Hey Bull Dog by John Lennon?
thanks
MW: I don’t think any of our bumper music is an actual song. It might sound like Hey Bulldog (by Lennon and Paul McCartney, by the way), but it’s not it. By the other lefties, I’m assuming you mean Overbay and Lind? I don’t see Lind hitting higher than 5th, but I’d like to see Overbay higher up. Things are working pretty well as is, though.
- marcusDo you know what’s up with that patch on Carlson’s neck? I thought it was a nicotine patch haha
MW: Looks like a band-aid to me.
- Brendanthe umpire called andru jones safe in the 8th despite jones not even touching the bag when he hurdled millar. thats a new one. millar should have just tagged him after.
- chubbyI remember him having the patch earlier in the year as well, maybe it’s a sports thing, I don’t know, I’m curious though!
- BrendanOne last thing – do you think Overbay should be in the game defensively right now? i think he catches that off-line throw from Aaron Hill..
MW: Maybe Overbay catches it, I always make the defensive move late, but I don’t know if I would have with a three-run lead.
- BrendanThis should be it for B.J. As I write this, it’s bottom of the 9th and I am not sure if Jays are gonna win this one.
Won’t you be surprised if B.J is called upon to close a game in the near future? The guy has high school stuff now, he’s finished!
MW: He’ll get the next save opportunity. If Aaron Hill turns the double play, the game is over.
- BeburgDo you Cito will re-think who the closer is after Ryan’s blown save tonight?
MW: See above.
- Jake RothOne more question…Why was Snider brought into pinch run for Lind?
MW: Aside from the fact that he’s a better baserunner, my guess is that Cito knew he wasn’t going to use Snider as a pinch-hitter.
- Jake RothWow, getting excited to hear Jays talk tonight! Have fun with it tonight Mike, it will be very positive.
Quick question for you… early in the off season you mentioned that J.P. was a big fan of Ben Sheets. Last night you mentioned that he might not pitch this season. Can you fill in my logic gap?
Cheers.
MW: Early in the off-season we didn’t know that Sheets was going to need shoulder surgery.
- ColinHi Mike,
True about Hill not turning the double play but Ryan came in from the pen wild, hit the first batter and walked the no. 9 hitter to bring-up the hobbitesque and red-hot Kinsler.
The thing that scares me is the disruption that will occur to the rest of bullpen should BJ be demoted out of the closer role. This really, really sucks.
MW: And yet the hobbitesque and red-hot Kinsler hit a textbook double-play ball. Ryan’s not off the hook at all, but he deserved better.
- McLovinTime to see if Rios got to the park early tonight.
MW: Because four hits aren’t enough?
- ColinI’m not certain I’m going to enjoy the final score of this game, however, I have totally enjoyed watching.
Question: What are your favourite fiction and non-fiction baseball books.
Good luck with the J.T. tonight, can’t wait to hear the aural tug o’ war your callers will invariably be engaging in — Wells stinks, Ryan stinks etc.
Godspeed.
MW: We’ll see. If the Jays win, the tenor will be different, I’m sure. Favourite baseball books? I’ll always have a soft spot for “The Wrong Stuff” by Bill Lee as far as non-fiction. Fiction? Is there anything better than “Eight Animales Play Ball”?
- JamieMillar came with roller skates strapped to his feet ;)
- JamieHow many guys hit 30 homers and hit 300 last year in the AL?
the answer is 3.
Some of your callers are just plain stupid.
You are the man btw, you have a really tough job. Hopefully you don’t take it home with you because I am a big fan.
- chris GerardiClear evidence tonight that when you get to the park determines baseball success! Look what happend to the Texas pitcher O’Day.
(Sarcasm on the Rios comment may not be overly apparent when typed – sorry.)
- ColinMike, the people who can take the same approach to baseball as you and just enjoy each game for what it is aren’t the ones who are going to call in. No offense but your show would be boring if everyone agreed with you, and didnt have anything drastic to say. Take solace in the fact that there are those of us who idle in their driveways unable to go inside the house, back to reality, all because of our love for baseball and the calm of Jerry’s voice.
- Jesse ColauttiHey mike I would like to know about your back ground and bio , not a stocker just love your materfactuals, great show and dont leave thx dave
MW: Materfactuals?
- Dave LivingstoneA pitch on the hand shouldn’t be a HBP. This is a ridiculous rule. If the ball doesn’t hit the hands, it’ll hit the bat, so the hand kinda becomes part of the bat. Similarly, if a batter gets hit on the hand and the ball loops up in the air and a catcher catches it, he should be out.
Another rule change should take place. Foul tips caught by catchers should be out regardless of the number of strikes on a batter. They call it out on strike two but not on strike 0 and 1. Any opinions on my creative thoughts?
MW: None you’d like.
- BeburgMike,
Why didn’t Cito pinch hit Millar tonight in the extras? Overbay was there and he let Millar swing away and get the game winning hit. Man that Cito, that bad side of him coming out again, he really needs to pull the Gibbons and bring in the lefty.
…ok enough sarcasm
If your post tonight does not reference Cito’s style and how it led to the win tonight after spending 3 paragraphs bashing him last week, I would be embarrassed for you.
MW: Go ahead and be embarrassed, then.
- Mateohey mike,
I wanted to tell you over the phone, however i was unsure if i would be able to make good talk radio. However, i am very well spoken in the blog world.
I wanted to let you know what amazing insight i had grasped today. I was sitting with my friends in section 124 of the rogers centre, and we were cheering and being the best fans there as usual. Then someone taps on my shoulder from behind and asks me how i thought the jays were doing i said and i quote “amazing”. Anyways back to the story, he asks me how we feel vernon is doing, and me and my friends then all agreed he was doing things vernons way, overall a (1a) player, good batting, fielding, etc. We then move on to talk about vernon in general, where we think he lives, what car he drives and so on.
Then he says, well thanks for the insight, by the way my name is “Noah Scott”, the name rang a bell but i couldnt put my finger on it. Then he said it “i am vernons personal trainer. I was like wow. He then progressed to tell us some very fascinating things. He then went into vernon as an athlete. He said Vernon came into spring training in amazing shape, because he spent all of spring with vernon. Once the season started, Vernon began to rarely workout with Noah. He mentioned the last time they worked out to be 2 weeks ago. He said this is unlike most other players hes trained with before (pedroia, for example, the rest were football players). Nonetheless, this doesnt take into account all the on and off-field work vernon does to improve his game. But it does seem odd that he wouldnt want to continue strength and fitness training in order to continue being fit, while using his god given talent.
He said that vernon could be such a more complete player if he worked on consistent strength training. Noah then said that he feels useless because Vernon comes home at 1130pm and goes straight to bed, and leaves for the park at 330pm, and Vernon doesnt seem to want to workout in between. He said vernon seems to make it look like a daunting task.
Anyways, to end the story, he proceeded to give me his business card and all his contact information, and he left in the 8th to watch the denver nuggets game as he said hes from colorado. His business card confirmed his identity to me, and thus i just had to pass on this interesting tidbit. If you would like his contact information to further inquire do not hesitate to email the email i have provided.
Anyways i would like to gain your perspective on what he told me, sorry i couldnt say this over the radio.
MW: It’s very interesting, if true. If you could pass along his e-mail address, that’d be great, because I’d love to talk to him myself.
- paoloRios looked a lot more comfortable at the plate tonight, much less flailing around. Not sure if you have monitors up there with you or could notice this from the booth, but did you think Rios was more upright tonight than he’s been all season? Sure looked that way to me.
BTW, the Rangers TV guys said that the Dome’s broadcast booth is one of the best in baseball.
MW: Nice of the Rangers’ guys to say that. To me, Rios looked exactly the same as he had the first 15 games, he just got hits.
- AriYet so far awaaaaaayyyy
Hey, if you can’t quote Hull & Oates, who can you quote?
MW: We believe in tomorrow, but we’re stuck in today.
- Kyle SalemWhat happened to BJ Ryan?
MW: Tightness in his left trapezius muscle.
- Jays Fan