1:23 AM Eastern
And that’s what it really comes down to, isn’t it? There was a myriad of decisions that one could pick apart in tonight’s win over the Rangers, but when it’s all said and done, it was tonight’s WIN over the Rangers, and that’s what counts.
So Travis Snider was used as a pinch-runner, then asked to bunt because he was facing a lefty. So Lyle Overbay wasn’t inserted for defense in the 9th inning, and then wasn’t used to pinch-hit for Kevin Millar in the 11th. You could call it a “bad beat” for Texas if they had deserved to be in extra innings in the first place, which they didn’t.
These kinds of games are the reason that more people are excited about the Blue Jays now than they have been in years, even though this is arguably the worst team the Jays have put on the field in the last four seasons. These are the kinds of games they just plain didn’t win on a regular basis for the last few years.
Cito Gaston comes out smelling like a rose, because Millar winds up getting the game-winning hit off a Rule 5 pitcher who had just showed up at the ballpark and had to wear somebody else’s uniform. Stunningly, the ruling is that the Millar hit will be charged to Kason Gabbard.
Truth is, though, there were things that Gaston could have done that may have made this win a little easier, or made it happen a little earlier. Of course, they may not have. Would Overbay have driven in Vernon Wells in the 11th? Maybe not, but there’s no way I have a righty hit against a right-handed side-armer if I have a better option. Would Overbay have held on to that wild throw by Aaron Hill in the bottom of the 9th? Probably, but they still likely wouldn’t have gotten the double play, and so maybe Michael Young’s homer would have been a game-tying three-run shot. Would Travis Snider have been better suited to be used as a pinch-hitter for one of Rod Barajas, Millar or Bautista down the stretch? Probably, but Bautista wound up with four hits and Millar took care of things in the 11th with Barajas on deck.
Hey, it worked.
As for B.J. Ryan, after the game he used words like “brutal”, “terrible” and “stupid” when discussing his performance. So at least we know he has a good sense of self-awareness. Aaron Hill shoulders some of the blame for throwing away what I believed to be a routine double-play ball, but the fact remains that Ryan still wound up with a one-run lead with two out and nobody on even after that, and couldn’t get the job done. Location is the issue with Ryan – when he throws strikes, he’s good, when he doesn’t, he’s really not. He only gave up the one hit tonight, hanging an 0-1 slider to Young.
Will he be the closer tomorrow night? I doubt it, having thrown 23 pitches in that ugly 9th. Scott Downs gave up a run in the 8th – his first of the year – but still only needed 13 pitches to get out of it, and he’ll get the call if necessary, but does that mean Ryan has lost the job? I don’t think so, not yet. One more and maybe he goes to work in lower-leverage situations earlier in games until he figures things out, and then Downs will be the closer. Jason Frasor certainly seems ready to step in for Downs and work the 8th. He was great again tonight.
Alex Rios had four hits tonight. Just thought I would mention that.
Here’s tonight’s edition of the JaysTalk, for your listening pleasure. It was very civil tonight, the callers certainly raised the level from where it had been the last couple of nights, and I appreciate that. It couldn’t just have been because the Jays won, because Ryan did give up three runs and Vernon Wells went 0-for-4.
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Tomorrow, a chance for the Jays to win a 5th straight series, something they haven’t done to start a season in eight years. As well, a chance for them to exceed their win total for all of last April. Scott Richmond is charged with slowing down this incredible Texas offense. The good news? He’s only likely to face four left-handed bats. The bad news? They belong to Josh Hamilton, Hank Blalock, Chris Davis and Jarrod Saltalamacchia.
Richmond is one of a VERY few starting pitchers to go his first seven career starts and not once allow more than three earned runs. Among those with whom Richmond does not share that distinction? Roy Halladay (more than three runs 4 times in his first seven starts), Dave Stieb (3), Jimmy Key (1), Roger Clemens (5), Pedro Martinez (2), Randy Johnson (2) and Greg Maddux (4). And just for the heck of it, Johan Santana (5), Roy Oswalt (1), CC Sabathia (1), Cliff Lee (2), John Smoltz (3) and Cole Hamels (4). And Tom Seaver (1) and Nolan Ryan (2).
And you know the funny thing? I put all those names up there before I even checked whether or not they’d given up more than three runs in any of their first seven career starts, and I only had to take one name off the list – Brandon Webb. It took him until his 14th start to give up more than three runs.
What does this all mean? Nothing, but it’s kinda cool. Also, I have to imagine I’m not the only one thinking that Richmond’s streak is likely to end tomorrow. But plenty of people have thought that before.
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome!
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Great extra innings win tonight! In regards to a post on the last blog entry regarding Ian Kinsler, since when is 6’0 and 200 lbs considered “hobbitesque”? After everybody’s complaining about moron callers on Jays Talk, maybe I should be glad XM cuts off after the game. Thanks for the blog, I always enjoy it.
MW: He’s not short like a hobbit, but he kinda looks like one. I think it’s the hair.
- Sean C. in Lethbridgehey mike. hope you are not unwell. i just wanted to say that even though they both kind of had slightly off nights tonight, aaron hill and scott downs are probably two of the best unknown players in the majors today. i think i have heard you say you really like downs pitching in the 8th but i think he deserves the next chance to close after what happened to the beej tonight. i think ryan needs to start to take on a lesser role in the bullpen until he figures out whats wrong.one more thing mike. have you seen the way SALTALAMACCHIA goes around the back of jarrods jers? i just find it hilarious…take care mike.
- trevor bHey Mike,
Anything new to report about the mysterious 1st base conversations? I just thought I’d perhaps remind you in case you’ve forgotton. I’m not sure if I should keep reminding you within the next few weeks, but then again I’m not sure how else you’d get back to me. Anyway, I hope I’m not coming off too pushy, because it’s all just plain curiousity!
P.S. You surely realize that way more people love your blog and appreciate your honesty and insight than not (including me). The idiots just happen to get a hold of their phone and call before most of the rest. I must admitt though, those calls sure are entertaining, for us at least, but I’m sure not for you, so hang in there! I know I’d be going crazy.
MW: Thanks. Keep reminding me, I didn’t get the chance to ask anyone during this homestand.
- DeanDerek Holland, the pitcher Texas brought in to pitch in the sixth inning, is from my hometown. Tonight was his big league debut. Derek is the first guy from my hometown to play in the majors in 72 years. I hope he does well, but not at the expense of the Blue Jays. I was hoping Scott Rolen would hit a grand slam off him in the sixth Inning (Sorry Derek).
I have a feeling Kevin Millar will hit like this all year (tough in clutch situations). Imagine where last years club would have been had the likes of Wilkerson, Mench, Shannon Stewart, Frank Thomas or Matt Stairs produced at all. Too much time and way too many at bats were wasted on those guys. Are any still in the major leagues?
MW: Stairs is, he homered off Dave Bush today to break up the ex-Jay’s no-hitter in the 8th. Mench is playing in Japan and the rest are done.
- Jim in OhioMichael of the Ballyard:
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.
—
Could argue with what assessment? That the Yankees’ veteran team tuned him out and just did whatever had brought them previuos success, which is what you’ve said numerous times you believe veteran teams do? The Jays that Denbo coached, by and large, had not ever experienced long-term, sustained success at the big league level or were coming off injuries or off seasons, and that distinction could absolutely make a difference on his ability to impact either team. A reasonable person should have no trouble seeing that.
And secondly, I would say that the colour guys are close enough to journalists — they are, after all, paid to cover a specialized beat, which they have some kind of exceptional knowledge of, and convey information about the intricacies of that beat to the layman.
I apologize if ‘beat’ can’t be used to describe non-print media, but the point remains.
I think it reflects poorly on their skill as analysts (if you don’t want to call them journalists) to suggest that the correctness of their analyses (ie the fact that the new coaching staff has caused positive change in the hitters’ approaches) can be questioned by the fact that they won a World Series under Cito. It’s like saying that your coverage of the Jays is factually slanted because you grew up a Jays’ fan — it suggests that some personal factor impairs what is supposed to be an objective job.
MW: I think the issue there is that you think it’s supposed to be an objective job. I’m not so sure that it is. And there’s no question their analysis, even the way they see the game, is coloured by their success under Cito. Look, you’re not going to convince me you’re right and I’m not going to convince you that I am.
- JCLNot to complain, Mike, but is it just me or is it massively hard to hear the questions in Cito’s postgame presser? It basically gets to the point where you have to use the answer to guess what the question was; which is fun, but I’m guessing not what you’re aiming for. I don’t know if you guys have the potential to work around that as I’m guessing you just grab the raw audio once it’s done.
MW: We know that there’s that issue and we’re trying to get through it.
- TylerHi Mike,
Scott Richmond is destined for the Hall of Fame. That’s what your analysis clearly shows.
Is it just me, or is anyone else really pleased about Jason Frasor?
MW: Lots of other people are very pleased about Frasor.
- Oz RobMike,
Heard your little game recap. Why do you continue with the “should haves”? As in the Jays won, but they “took longer than they should have.” Why is it that Bautista should have had four hits, and that Barajas should have hit two home runs, but the Rangers should not have extended the game by scoring against one of the worst (if not the worst)closers in baseball?
Yes, the odds favour the team with the lead in the ninth. But I don’t ever hear you say that the Jays “should have” lost a game when they were the team that came back to win in the ninth.
Also, in yesterday’s blog, you failed to directly respond to my question as to why you think that “most of the listeners out there” don’t know the success ratio of sac bunts. Why is that you think you know something the rest of us don’t? If the people who don’t call in are the “silent majority,” then how would you know what they know?
MW: I don’t know what they know, all I know is what the people who call and talk to me know. Most of the people I talk to, both on the air and off, seem to believe that bunting is an incredibly successful strategy. I apologize for offending you so greatly. A team that takes a three-run lead into the 9th inning should win without going to extra innings well over 95% of the time.
- Evan WhiteI have a question for you… if a hitter gets beaned does it help his on base %?
MW: Yes. It doesn’t matter whether he gets beaned or hit in a different part of his body. A hit-by-pitch counts the same as a walk as far as obp is concerned.
- Dodge-Viper-Rules!!!Mike,
Nice to see Purcey not chewing gum on the mound this outing and concentrating more.So kudos to him. But let’s stop the charade with BJ Ryan as an effecive closer.He admitted he wasn’t ready for the US team in the WBC,Is he ready now for the Jays lineup?
MW: Nope, he sure isn’t.
- MarkI was at the game, and in this first at-bat, Rios popped out, as has been his wont since the season began. But at the second at-bat he sent 3 balls into the left field seats. And they were hit hard on a line, so I thought that maybe, finally, he’d gotten his swing back. And low and behold! He got 4 hits. And all of them were singles. Which suits me fine. Enough of making him into a power hitter! If he turns into one, let it be by a natural process rather than by shoving him into the 3-hole.
- isabella reyesHey Mike
Cito needs to take BJ out of the closers role for now. Its just complete luck that he hasn’t cost the team a few wins yet. Never mind his velo, BJ has lost his control and until he returns to form the team is better off with Downs, Fraser or League closing ballgames. Why wait until the inevitable happens and he blows a game?
MW: They’re not waiting.
- rickHey mike, love your show and I listen after every game! I just wanted to say that although Blue Jays won last night, How many more saves does B.J Ryan have to blow before we give the closing role to one of the amazing relief pitchers that we already have??? Even if he does get the save, it is soo shakey and all we expect is 3 outs from him. Cito should be using scott downs in situations like that no doubt!
whats your take on this situation??
MW: As it turns out, Ryan is on the DL.
- wahhab seddiqiMike,
I’m probably not the only one but im really starting to think Ryan will never be as effective as he was before his surgury. Some guys come back 100% some guys don’t. He may figure out how to deal with what he is going through but the longer it takes the less likely that is going to happen.Is a second surgury on the horizon?
MW: I doubt it. Second TJ’s are very, very rare. It turns out he’s hurt – conveniently or otherwise – but I think it’s far too early to say he’s done.
- DennisHi Mike,
I would not have pinch hit Overbay for Millar in that situation or any situation. I am more confident with Millar’s veteran bat up there than Overbay’s. Millar has had some big hits this season. I just don’t think there is any need to hit for Millar as he is a proven hitter, unless he was absolutely brutal against righties. Just my opinion, Mr Wilner.
As for BJ Ryan, I think it is time to relieve him of the closer’s role for now. He has very poor command and there is just no bite to that slider that has always made him successful. He looks very hittable and the Jays cannot afford to let him work out his issues in such a crucial role. The Jays need to rack up as many wins as possible since it appears that the Sox, Yanks, and Rays apepar to be coming out of their early season funks. I think BJ needs to sit down, have himself some deep fried Crawdaddies and a few cans of cream soda and just reflect on his season and work things out in a 6th or 7th inning role. He is a very valuable part of the team and we’ll need him later as the closer. There have been many times when good pitchers have had rough starts. I recall Jimmy Key starting the 1986 season 0-3 with an ERA of 13.27 and he worked things out and finished strong.
My feelings about Scott Richmond are well documented as you are well aware. I think he will get slaughtered tonight by the Rangers. There is just no way he makes it past the 5th and you can quote me on that :). If I am wrong, feel free to tell me so on air during Jays talk. You may say Ian from Whitby was wrong again about Scott Richmond. I hope I’m not annoying you, but I’m just trying to have some friendly fun with you.
MW: I appreciate it, but I won’t be calling you out on the air if Richmond makes it into the 6th. As for Millar, Overbay is just so much better an option against a right-hander, even though the move worked. Last year, Millar hit .232/.316/.393 against righties and Overbay – in what was a bad year for him – hit .294/.384/.481. It’s not close, and the veteran-ness of Millar’s bat doesn’t change things.
- IanMW,
Sometimes this season it feels as if we are all at a great party but everyuone is waiting for the cops to raid and shut it down. What I like about this team so far is the ability to come back in adversity and the symbiosis ( sorry about that ) of the team; that is, when one part falters ( Rios and Overbay at the start of the season ) another picks it up (Scutaro, Hill, Rolen, Lind ). And what about Kevin Millar? This kind of balance working at the right times can paper over alot of apparent weakness. Even the problems with BJ can be picked up by Fraser and Downs. I hear Jansen may be ready in a month and Marcum sooner than expected. Who knows? We could be in for one of those miracle seasons baseball offers every so often.
MW: Despite your incorrect use of symbiosis, your point is well taken.
- GeorgeWhat other options do the Jays have with B.J. Ryan? Is there a chance that he could end up in Las Vegas trying to work things out? Kinda like they had to do with Roy Halliday about 7 years ago? Maybe a trip to Las Vegas would allow B.J. to find his command and confidence? Just a thought.
MW: Vegas was never an option. Ryan would have had to have given his permission to be sent down, and that was never going to happen.
- Todd MThis is all why Cito is the manager and you’re not.
I appreciate how Cito tries to manage his players’ phsyche while hopefully raising their confidence level, but the B J situation must be dealt with immediately. Especially when Downs and Frasor are easily a better alternative.
MW: So I’m wrong about Millar/Snider and all that, which is why I shouldn’t be the manager, but Cito was wrong about Ryan. So that means you should be the manager?
- steveLooks as if BJ Ryan has lost a little bit after his surgery. But even more important is that his swagger is gone. That’s deadly for a closer.
I expect BJ will be on a short leash.
Do you think he can get it back, or is he on the downhill slide? How far wil the jays go with him when Frasor and other guys in the bullpen are hetting the job done.
MW: I think he can get it back, and now he gets to take his time.
- Ken in KingstonMike, there was a question in yesterday’s blog (#108), and a caller tonight, concerning why Snider pinch-ran for Lind. Your response was that Cito had decided that he wasn’t going to use Snider as a pinch-hitter.
My take is slightly different — if you concede that Cito wanted a pinch-runner for Lind, the choices were McDonald or Snider. Since Lind was the DH, which of these two (J-Mac or Travis) would you prefer to have continuing in the game?
The fact that the later AB for the DH happened to be a sacrificing situation is immaterial — the probability of needing the “big bat” instead of the bunt is much greater. Hence, Snider, not J-Mac as the pinch-runner.
MW: That may have something to do with it, indeed. There’s a very real reason that Cito wanted Snider’s bat in there later on, but didn’t want to use him as a pinch-hitter for fear of embarrassing a veteran. Still, he handcuffed his pinch-hitting opportunities by using Snider there.
- NormEveryone chill and lets enjoy this great April ride…the first good start I recall in a number of years.
Regarding Mike’s blog and the numerous questionable decisions Cito did/didn’t make….I gave up the second guessing of the man back in the 90′s!
His strength as a Manager is the way he shows respect and confidence in his players, not to mention his calm demeanour and seeminly his ability to be “unflappable”.
It has been a very enjoyable 2.5 weeks of watching the Jays, and not being buried by the end of April is a welcome change!
Mike D in Cambridge
- Mike Daviesfunny, frasor on pace for cy young. how awesome is it that every time a pitcher is forgotten in the bullpen to some extent, he comes back and makes us remember. Have you contacted Noah Scott yet.
MW: I haven’t, but I will. I appreciate the info!
- paoloHey Mike,
I heard a report that BJ Ryan tinkered with his mechanics this off season and for a little big in Spring Training to help take the pressure of his surgically repaired elbow. Is this true? Could this be the reason why he’s struggling so much? I am getting fearful that might be developing the “yips” sort of like Steve Sax and Chuck Knoblauch from a few years back.
As well it’s been great to watch Rios starting to round back into form. I think he’s starting to listen to Gene and Cito about shortening up that swing and driving the ball.
MW: It turns out Ryan has a muscle pull. But really, comparing Ryan to Sax and Knoblauch? That’s a mighty big stretch. So is your point about Rios.
- JeffHi Mike
- marioAlmost a great win but then again any win against Texas is a great win.It is hard to watch young and not curse Ash.Probably the worst move ever made by a G.M IN BLUE JAY HISTORY.
Go Jays!!!
Were you kidding when you said the winning hit will be charged against Gabbard? I hope you were, because if true that would be the most bush-league ruling I’ve ever heard.
If the name on the uniform “rules”, why do the Yankees have any statistics at all? Obviously, everything they do is done by “nobody”.
MW: Come on.
- NormIt was nice to see Rios have what I hope is going to be looked back at as his break out night.
As for Ryan, I think that there is real cause for concern – his fastball is 10 mph slower than it should be (85-88 mph over his last few appearances), and he has real trouble locating his pitches. If he’s going to succeed, he’s going to have to become more of a finesse type pitcher than he has been in the past. Velocity doesn’t often rebound like control can (unless you’re one of the rare exceptions ie. Brandon League).
In any case, there’s a spark to this team that hasn’t been there in years. I know it’s early yet, but wow, what a fun team to watch.
MW: Yep, there’s something wrong with Ryan. But how hard do you think he should be throwing?
- Terry BradleyLooks like Aaron Hill may have traded in his gold for silver…(glove for bat) and I’m alright with that. But you have to have the feeling his defence is going to be there sooner than later.
MW: I certainly do. But if his defense falls off a bit and he hits .370 with 30 homers, there’s no problem.
- DennisMike,
I may have discovered part of the reason that many of your callers and bloggers are negative and uniformed. The Toronto Star. I was absolutely appalled at the article in the paper this morning by (I believe) Mark Zwolski. The article absolutely blew my mind. In it, he quotes Cito as saying that as long as he (Ryan) doesn’t cost us games hes going to be our closer, and then points out that Ryan has cost the Jays two wins this season and that should be enough to take him out of the closers role. (for the record, the Jays are 6-0 in games in which Ryan appears). He then says that Ryan will likely not be pulled out of this role though, as the Jays do not have a ready replacement…. meanwhile one of the best relievers in the league is closing the door in the eighth. It frustrates me terribly that articles like this make their way into a paper, (on the front page of the sports section no less) and the majority of people reading take it as the truth. I plan on writing in to the Star and Mr. Zwoloski as well, though what good that’ll do is anyones guess.
So in conclusion to this rant Mike, I would like to thank you for always being a reliable source of information,(with the exception of the recent series wins to start a series thing) and voice of reason among Toronto press members. Keep up the excellent work.
MW: I try. And it should be noted that I’m a very big fan of Mark Zwolinski.
- Matthew FabbricinoGreat game again. A little bit of everything. I gotta say I was impressed with Rios tonight. He seems to be getting more comfortable and confident every day. Hopefully Wells starts to pick it up.
It was great to see Purcey pitch so well today. I was surprised he was pulled so early but I guess they had the bullpen set up perfectly with two days without much use. It was also nice to see Barajas hit the two homeruns. He has been scortching the ball lately and he finally decided, why not just put them out! Good game and look forward to seeing Richmond tonight!
MW: Yes, it’s about time Barajas decided that.
- Andrew ClarkHi Mike,
How about that Jason Frasor? He’s pitching with confidence and Cito is showing faith in him in high leverage situations. Really nice to see.
- JamieYou are very knowledgeable and I appreciate your effort on this blog. You wrote this without one condescending comment toward negative callers and attitudes. Keep it up. When you waste time talking about them incessantly you draw more attention to them and take away from your analysis. You also start to sound like one of them.
- ChadKevin Millar was the starter last night and had the game winning hit against a right hander.
My question is how well does Lyle Overbay hit as a pinch hitter? When he comes in cold after sitting for most of the night does his batting average or his defensive play drop off?
I don’t mean to pick on Overbay as I think most players are less likely to succeed after they have sat on the bench most of the night.
There may not be enough data to be significant but I don’t think the case for using pinch hitters is as clear cut as you make out.
MW: Overbay is not significantly worse as a pinch-hitter in his 85 career pinch-hit appearances. He has hit .264/.353/.417 as opposed to his overall mark of .282/.363/.449.
- Jay D AI was happy with the whole team last night barring the obvious.
What really stands out for me this year is the runs scored with 2 out. Especially when there are none with 2 out and they still manage 1 or 2 runs.
Don’t look now, but here come the Yanks and Sox. This is going to be one heck of a race this year.
- Mike MississaugaHi Mike,
Does JP not come on the show Wednesdays anymore? Sorry if this has already been mentioned elsewhere in the blog.
MW: He has declined to do the show this year.
- TCHey Mike,
You’ve mentioned on the blog a couple of times that Ricky Romero will be limited to 170-180 innings this year. How solid is this innings cap? Hypothetically speaking if September rolls around and Ricky is the second best pitcher on the staff behind Doc and the Jays are in contention for a playoff spot do you think the Jays would still shut him down? I realize that there are probably a million factors that would come into play here but I was just curious about how set in stone his cap is?
Thanks Mike
MW: The question is now moot, unfortunately.
- BrendanMike, it is nice to see the Jays winning these type of games but like you said, it shouldn’t have gone to extra’s. I am not willing to give up on BJ yet, however he does need to be removed from the closer role until he sorts out his issues. It is one thing to have a 85 mph fastball which is what he was throwing last night but when combined with limited command, that is a huge problem. If your going to throw mid 80′s, you better have excellent command. At this point he is the worst reliever on the Jays. Regardless of his status as the deemed as the “closer” or his salary, he should not be used in critical situations until he shows a lot of improvement. Cito needs to be put in the best position to win the game and BJ is simply not going to give you that at this point. He may be done, I hope he is not. Do you think we have seen the best days of BJ? Also, how is Accardo pitching in the minors?
MW: I think Ryan’s best days are behind him, yes, but I do think he can get back to being a very effective closer. He wasn’t throwing 85 last night, he was hanging out around 87-88. Accardo is doing OK, and hopefully he gets the call.
- KenMike,
Any word on Barrett? I heard that he has a muscle tear and possibly a broken bone in his shoulder…have you heard any more specifics about the injury?
Thanks
MW: Nope, that’s about the size of it.
- PatHi Mike
- Richard from ARI trust the knucklehead Rios bashers are now back in their holes
4 for 6 and 2 RBIs not too bad for a lousy hitter.
Looks like Purcey had a good night too. Too bad he couldn’t get the win
As for as the performance of Alex Rios last night it appeared to me that his knees were not quite as flexed as in previous games. Prior to last night it looked as if he was sitting on a toilet. This may not be a big issue in hitting singles but I do not see how any power can be generated if you are crouched too low(although it does make the strike zone smaller). You have the equipment at your disposal to check this so I would appreciate it if you could check this out and provide your comments.
MW: I didn’t notice a big difference in his stance. Just in his results.
- EdHi Mike: I was just reading your blog this morning, only half listened to the radio last night. So I missed the saga of a pitcher only just arriving in the city? and getting to pitch in major league ball. What a story? And I just watched Millar on mlb. so someone has finally realised that we are quite a team here.
So thanks for catching me up on the game.
MW: No problem. It was O’Day’s major-league debut or anything, though. He pitched with the Angels last year and the Mets earlier this season.
- barbiHi Mike,
Nice outing for Brad Mills in Vegas last night. Quality start, 60% strikes, 7 groudouts & 4 k’s. What do you think Mills has to accomplish to get a call-up?
Also, is there any kind of conversion method for evaluating pitching performances in the hitter friendly PCL?
MW: There’s no conversion method, you have to actually talk to the scouts. I’m sure someone has come up with a formula that tries to determine by what percentage the PCL increases offense, though. I think Mills has to wait, that’s all.
- JamieHi Mike,
Yeah, it’s early, but BJ’s control problems are nothing new. He walked 4.3 batters an inning last year and he’s walked a batter an inning this year. That wildness has also resulted in more than a few fastballs that have strayed over the middle of the plate. And BJ’s fastballs aren’t that fast anymore. I’m afraid he’s going to save his next game, maybe two in a row, then blow another lead, then save one, then blow another one. The old Joe Borowski routine.
Silver lining in BJ’s troubles is that Cito has had to go to Jason Frasor to bail the Jays out of trouble, and he has looked great. That splitter he’s throwing has slowed down opponent’s bats. He is a legitimate closer option at this point, which Cito(to his credit) has acknowledged with meaningful innings.
MW: Yes, he has, though Downs is the closer now. Frasor calls it a change-up, but calling it a splitter is kind of OK, too. I’m sure you meant 0.43 batters an inning last year.
- steveHolding off the hard charging Sox.
Frasor seems to have it working, so I would give him the ball. It’s frustrating when the guys who are not young players in the league are the ones not producing. Ryan’s struggles would be alot easier to swallow if he was a rookie.
The expectations for this team are not very high, so get as many wins as you can and enjoy the ride.
The inconsistency is expected from the starters and the rookies in the starting lineup. Having growing pains, but the vets need to produce.
11 – 5 is a fantasic start, and I wish I lived in the Toronto area so I could get to more games. Is there any clause in Ryan’s contract that prevents him from being sent to Vegas to work out his issues? If Accardo is doing well, then swap them for now. When BJ starts dominating at AAA, then bring him back.
I was surprised that Camp only pitched to 1 batter last night. Cito doesn’t seem to be the type of manager that tries to match up throughout an inning.
Any idea the probable rotation for the series in Chicago this weekend?
MW: You know about Ryan by now, and there hasn’t yet been word on whether Accardo will get the call. This weekend in Chicago, it’ll be Tallet, Brian Burres and Halladay.
- Aaron KerMike. Is Richmond going to be with the club now longer than was expected due to Litsch being on the DL? I’m happy for him he’s off to a good start considering the way he was, or wasn’t used by Team Canada in the WBC. Another thing, with the Jays in Chicago and Kansas City starting tomorrow, will there be some pre-pre-game JaysTalk before some of these games? Thanks.
Peter, St.Catharines
MW: Richmond will be with the team as long as he continues to pitch well, but the injuries to Litsch and Romero do mean that he won’t have to look over his shoulder. There will be some pre-pre-game JaysTalks on this road trip.
- PeterMike,
Have you seen JP much thus far this season? It seems like he’s completely out of the lime-light and he’s so under the radar in terms of less interviews, being a bit more political if he does an interview, and I have seen much of anything on tv even showing him around the team like previous years.
MW: He’s just as around as he’s always been.
- Joachim TsuiYou’re right Mike, it worked.
If I recall, the previous manager of this team seemed to always “play it by the numbers” so to speak, and what did it get him? a 305-305 record in 5 years, and a team in the final year of his tenure that couldn’t seem to put bat on ball with RISP with much regularity.
Though I was also slightly perplexed last night by Snider running for Lind (the rest I can live with), it’s hard to argue with a combined 62-42 record (this year and last).
MW: Hey, it worked.
- Kevin A.Hey Mike,
I noticed a change in Rios stance today, he was much more upright than usual and he stayed more square.
He always keeps his front foot positioned towards the 3rd base line and it makes him open up too early, whicb results in him not being able to hit the outside pitch.
I was watching the Minny broadcast on MLB.TV when the Jays played them and Glenn Perkins even said in an interview all you have to do is throw outside to Rios because he tries to pull everything.
Good to see adjustments are trying to be made, on his first hit that is a prime example of what he needs to do.
- CoreyMan, it was definitely nice that the Jays pulled this one out given the fact that I was so ready to go to sleep when the bottom of the 9th started, but then once committed I had to stay up to the (luckily not) bitter end. Frasor was unbelievably good yet again in what might be the most “pressure filled” situation an early regular season game can offer, and that is a very nice thing given how sparingly Gobbons used to use him. Think Cito has confidence in him? Yup. BJ is another story. Mr. Cardiac Arrest, as I call him, once more raised my normally low resting heart rate right from the get go. When he hit the first batter I thought it would be ruled a foul ball, but I guess I was mistaken in thinking that the hands are part of the bat. Getting my basketball rules mixed up I suppose. If the batter gets hit on the hand while following through would that result in a foul ball or is that still considered a HBP?
Great broadcast and show, as usual! (I just wish the radio play-by-play could synch with the TV…) Maybe have to hook up my old guitar delay pedal to the radio and synch it up that way… Hmmm…..
MW: There is a device that can synch up radio and TV, actually. Frasor didn’t have a change-up before this year, it’s definitely made him more effective. If a batter gets hit by the pitch in the act of swinging, it’s a strike.
- vava@bikerider.comHey Mike,
Great win tonight – those can be devestating to a team’s morale if they don’t come back.
You are right about Ryan’s location – simply not where it needs to be consistantly. To me (one of a bit of pitching knowledge) he seems to be really aiming instead of throwing – almost seems to be short-arming his delivery.
I’d keep him as the closer for another week and see where he’s at. It would seem that Frasor and ole Snake Face can get the job done – at least short-term if need be.
Keep up the great work and remember the Jays are in first place people!
- CameronHello Mike………Its amazing how the negativity subsides when the Jays win and when Rios finally shows signs of coming out of his slump…..anyways what can you tell the Jays fans about prospect Tim Collins of the Dunedin Blue Jays.At just 19 years old and standing 5’7”his stats are better than Cecil and Mills’s were at this level.Is he a legitamate prospect alomg with Eric Thames and New Hampshires Castro who they got from the Phillies for Matt Stairs…do you have any insight on these prospects….Thanks
MW: I have never seen any of them pitch, but man, are Collins’ numbers ever exciting.
- Mark from ThoroldLet us look at horse racing this morning, the best horses are often big, strong and muscular – winners like Secretariat. Many prized horses at some point in their careers suffer a critical leg injury and no longer have the power to win races. After these injuries the horses cease to have value and end up getting shot or sent to the glue factory….
Let us now turn our attention (and scorn) to BJ Ryan. Just a few short years ago he was a premier MLB closer. Standing well over 6 feet and 225+ pounds he was very intimidating and had the velocity on his pitches to back it up. He was the antithesis of a Greg Maddux or Jamie Moyer, all control, and movement with little need (or ability) to over power hitters. Fast forward to today, where we are forced to watch BJ Ryan try to intimidate batters with a fastball that won’t top 87 MPH. He doesn’t have the control to paint corners, or the movement to fool batters. As witnessed last night, we are left with a race horse that can’t run, a power pitcher with no power. It is time to send BJ Ryan to the glue factory, to put him down. Make every effort to unload his salary in return for anything – minor league prospects, new shoes for Aaron Hill or some cash to give to Halladay in return for making him go 9 innings on a regular basis. Last night was painful, perhaps because it mirrored Ryan’s effort in Cleveland two weeks ago. The fact that the Jays won is irrelevant, if we want to contend we need a closer – if you disagree just ask a Mets fan – to have a chance at playing into September and October.
Regards,
A very angry Jays fan.
MW: Very interesting take, and not even the slightest bit based in actual fact. Truth is, when Ryan was at his most dominant, he threw 91 miles an hour, and relied on pinpoint control and a deceptive delivery. Well written, though.
- DavidMW: 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.
The problem, though, is that in all but the most formal contexts, “than I” sounds stuffy, even unidiomatic. Most people, in most contexts, treat than as a preposition, and put all following pronouns in the objective case, whether the things being compared are subjects or objects. “He’s taller than me” sounds more natural to most native English speakers.
This isn’t a recent development: people have been treating than as a preposition for centuries. Consider the following from big-name English and American writers:
Matthew Prior, Better Answer: “For thou art a girl as much brighter than her,/ As he was a poet sublimer than me.”
Samuel Richardson’s Clarissa, 1.10.58, “I am fitter for this world than you, you for the next than me.”
Lord Byron’s letter of 2 November 1804, “Lord Delawarr is considerably younger than me.”
Robert Southey, Well of St. Keyne, 51: “She had been wiser than me,/ For she took a bottle to Church.”
William Faulkner’s Reivers, 4.82: “Let Lucius get out . . . He’s younger than me and stouter too for his size.”
MW: Wow – thanks for the in-depth review. You’re right, even I think that the proper use sounds stuffy – but it doesn’t make the above correct.
- jackI think Scott Richmond is sort of the ‘invisible man’ on the staff because there’s nothing particularly pretty about the way he pitches. What do you say about a guy who’s consistently just above average?
There’s also nothing ugly about his pitching either… he doesn’t bounce pitches, send them sailing to the backstop. He’s unremarkable, which is fine by me. The Jays can certainly win when handed and unremarkable 6 innings of 3 run ball.
I am amused by the way he lands at the end of his delivery, some guys look like they are going to stumble right over to the foul line, Richmond looks like he’s going for a nice little stroll before his next pitch.
MW: Unremarkable – the perfect way to describe Richmond? Or maybe we have all just underestimated him.
- Greg W—————————–
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.
—————————–
Mike – thanks very much for the effort. I know Downs has this “media” thing during the season, so I will understand if he won’t talk to you. Thanks for trying!
Oh – and I am with you. A win is a win!! I thought Purcey looked a little better, Frasor looked great, and Rios has hopefully turned a corner.
- DarrenI am loathe to look for easy, quick fixes. I hate being the guy that suggests inane moves by management. But has anyone seriously considered an incentive-laden deal for Pedro Martinez? Clearly his best days are behind him, but I’d much rather see him as the #5 while Litsch is out than The Wolverine, whose true value is in the ‘pen. If nothing else, the veteran presence could help sustain the current run – look at what Millar has added to the team in terms of intangibles (or so we keep hearing). Thoughts? And be kind…
MW: Can you still call Tallet The Wolverine, now that he’s rocking the ‘stache? The problem with Pedro is that he hasn’t been very good in a couple of years. You’re hoping for lightning in a bottle with him, and I assume he’d have to go get stretched out for a few weeks, so his arrival time would coincide with the returns of Litsch, Janssen and Romero. Also, he wants too much guaranteed money.
- RobHey Mike,
I listen to your show everynight after the Jays’ game, and must say that I’m getting pretty tired of the people who call in to complain about this team, specifically, Vernon and Rios. These guys don’t want to be in these slumps (although Rios seemed to come out of it today going 4 for 5) and instead of bitching about how they are underperforming for how much money they are making, why not get behind them? I live in San Francisco and can tell you first hand that the Giants are aweful, but the city and fans don’t make life worse by only taking the negatives out of every game (and most of them are losses!). After saying that, however, do you think there would be any advantage of moving Ryan up in the bullpen rotation, and have him come out earlier in the game as a lefty specialist? Maybe take some of the pressure off so he can find his game again..
Thanks Mike
MW: A moot question now, with Ryan on the DL. I did think he was one more bad outing away from that, though.
- JohnHey Mike,
Frasor, 6-up, 6-down. Nice to see. More confidence in him working the 8th when Downs is closing.
Move BJ into a lefty specialist role and let him try and get some confidence in doing a job well.
Or bring bick Dan Plesac;
- Ken PaganLost in all this Jays excitement is the fact that Brad Wilkerson retired over the weekend, the Cat is still unemployed, Josh Towers was hammered in his only outing @ Syracuse and our other friend Gustavo Chacin is on the 7 day disabled list in Clearwater!
MW: I wouldn’t call it lost. And Cat won’t be unemployed for long.
- tomasHey Mike,
Just wondering if anyone has mentioned anything . . .
the Sportsnet broadcasts have white advertising signage every few innings behind home plate on the TV broadcasts. Makes it difficult to pick up the ball from the centre-field camera if the ball gets lost in the signage. As a middle-infielder, I would not want to have to be looking for a line drive if there’s white signage in the background. That’s the reason most parks have a “batter’s eye” blacked-out centre-field.
Does this white signage only show up on TV or do players on the field have to deal with that at Rogers Centre?
MW: They don’t have the funky chroma key green thing at the Rogers Centre, so what you see is what they see. I’ve never heard anyone mention it yet, though.
- Ken PaganIf Arnsberg has “fixed” Ricky Romero’s arm angle; delivery; why can’t he help David Purcey find a more consistent arm angle for his delivery?
MW: A good question. Maybe Romero takes direction better, or maybe Purcey’s issues are tougher to crack.
- LaurieHello Mike, I usually try to catch Jays talk every game & if not, I catch it on the fan590.com. I’m sure the station is happy about that…I wrote in after the Jays lost that game against the Twins & was critical of you because you were so negative on Cito. You were like never negative with Gibby on air & if you did, you would let him off the hook easily. Actually, I don’t recall you really disagreeing with Gibby’s decisions ever. There seems to be a double standard with you & giving Cito the credit he deserves for some reason. The main reason you were so negative that night because he didn’t switch-hit Baptista with Snider that game. You were so negative that you had to mention it the next Jays talk…& you are the one always telling callers to be positive because they are off to a good start & when they lost that game you were very critical & negative on Cito even though they had a good record at that point. That was being hypocrite & unfair & Cito does deserve more credit from you instead of say all the time “because that’s the way Cito likes to do things” like you’re saying it in a condescending or sarcastic way.
Now having said that, yesterday’s game Cito did not pinch hit for Millar in the 10th inning & was the right move. Just disappointed that you gave soo much heat for Cito not making the pinch hit in the Twins game but gave him so little credit for him keeping Millar in as he likes to keep veterans in & make them accountable a lot. If he put Overbay in last night as stats & righty vs lefty & as you would say, Overbay might of struck out, popped up or even hit into a double play which he did so often last season.
So, my point is that a manager is there to try to make the right move to win the game how HE thinks it, not going by you or the book all the time. If managing was as easy as going by stats & numbers all the time, you, Mike would be managing in the pros easily. There has to be some ‘gut’ decisions involved. That is what separates the good from the great managers…& there will be more times that he doesn’t pinch hit when the stats & numbers say(won’t be the first time) & doesn’t work out. But, by going by Cito’s track record(2 World Series wins & like a .600 winning % since last year), it will work out more often than not & the team will be more successful this season than a lot of people think including you.
Cito even said that the Baptista/Snider decision was an ‘iffy’ one pinch-hitting a veteran for a rookie. But, he also said that he would win a game like this leaving a batter in when a stats or the ‘so called’ right move would be to pinch-hit…And true to his word, it happened last night…So, leave Cito alone when you disagree with his decision. He has the alkaloids & let him do his thing as long as he has they Jays winning the way he has so far this season…We sure can’t be negative on first place.
MW: There’s nothing to be negative about being in first place, but my job is to talk about what I see and to give my opinion on it. And my opinion is that Cito Gaston has made several in-game decisions which did not give the team the best chance to succeed. I did the same with John Gibbons, he just put his players in the positions to best succeed more often (though they often didn’t). There’s no double standard, and I don’t tell callers to be positive. I tell them that if they’re going to criticize, there should be a reason behind it. And I had Cito’s back in the way he has handled Rios, which has paid off. The pinch-hitting a rookie for a veteran thing says quite a bit to me – decisions should be based on who is the better player, not who has more service time. And in no way was it the right decision to leave Millar in the game in the 11th, even though it worked.
- David F.This is what I don’t get:
Snider PR for Lind = marginal benefit/but cost is to lose hottest hitter and PH option.
Defensive replacement Overbay for Millar = major defensive improvement/little cost with bat.
Yes I know Cito does this his way, but I want the kids at home not to try on their playstation.
- JBMike
Since a hockey attitude pervades most fans in Toronto, they don’t understand the subtleties of baseball, hence a lot of uninformed fans. To elevate the baseball “IQ” in this City requires more kids play organized baseball. My sense in the past 10 years organized basbeall’s numbers have fallen dramatically. I’m not sure of the reason but I suspect it is a combination of the Jays not winning, greater choices such as electronic gaming, the emergence of soccer, and hockey turning into a 365 days a year sport. I think it is incumbent on the Jays to invest and support youth baseball to create fans. Do you know if they support minor baseball in the GTA?
MW: In fact, they do. They do this whole big Rookie League thing for kids, and Vernon Wells is the commissioner.
- DanHey Mike, TSN is reporting Romero has been put on the 15 day DL. Man this is getting ridiculous, what do you think they are going to do now?
I think its Pedro time, too many young guys and with even more possibly coming up innings can’t be controlled properly.
MW: Brian Burres is going to start on Saturday, as the Jays continue to try to control the innings of Cecil and Mills.
- PaulHi Mike,
I want your input on the team after-effect, if any, of the (perceived to be) demoralizing 9th inning type of blown-save loss. Specifically, is it real that this can send a ball team spiraling into a losing streak or a slump? Or is this just a perception?
Interestingly, Cito mentioned in his post-game last night that had the Jays lost last nights game, it would have been difficult on the team for today’s game. He indicated or intimated basically that coming off a tough loss in the Halladay game, and then heading out onto the road for Friday’s game, would have adversely affected the team’s performance somehow.
I think that there may be something to this effect, as I recall a couple of recent instances in Blue Jays lore:
1) Late July 2006 – The Jays are on the cusp of the AL East race and need wins badly to stay “alive.” The Jays take 3 of 4 from the division leading Yankees at home with a tense, hard-fought series, including a blowout of the Yanks in the final game. The Jays then remain just on the precipice of the race.
Next, they travel to the west coast, and play kind of mediocre in both Seattle and Oakland, but then, just as they’re about to lose the final game of the trip in Oakland, the Jays come back and take the lead in the 9th inning against (then tough) closer Huston Street, and seem poised to salvage both the series and the road-trip.
However, in the bottom of the 9th, with two out, Mark Kotsay worked like a 10-15 pitch walk of BJ Ryan and Milton Bradley promptly hit a walk-off homer – off of the presumably tired Ryan.
The Jays then take the 6-hour flight to NY and are immediately swept three straight, scoring something like 4 runs total in the three games. The losing streak continued after that with the Jays effectively eliminated from the race.
2) Late May 2008 – The Jays have rebounded from a disappointing April to have a scalding hot May. As you remember, they would finish 20-10 that month to move 4 games over .500 with two thirds of the season still remaining.
However, late in the month, Burnett pitches a solid game against the division leading Angels in Anaheim and BJ Ryan ultimately comes out to protect a small lead in the bottom of the 9th. Ryan is wild and eventually hits Howie Kendrick with the bases loaded to lose the game and the series.
Within a week or so (early June), Ryan comes out again to protect a 2 run lead in the bottom of the 9th, this time in NY against the division rival Yankees. He gives-up the infamous two out, bottom of the 9th three-run Giambi homer, and on a 0-2 pitch no less. This was after there were two outs and nobody on. After that game, Giambi said something like, “he threw me a slider that just didn’t break at all.” As we know, the Jays went on to have a brutal month of June, which effectively ended their season (in terms of contention) and that was the month that included the sweep in Milwaukee that ultimately got John Gibbons fired.
Is there anything tangible here, Mike? What do you think could explain this stuff? Is it coincidence, perception, reality or some combination? I think Cito’s input might be telling here.
MW: I think it’s more than a coincidence, but it’s not a predictable thing. It doesn’t happen all the time, but it certainly can happen. Players are human, and emotion can have an effect. I just don’t believe it has nearly as much of one as others seem to. The loss to which you refer against the A’s was particularly gut-wrenching, given that they had just come back in the top of the 9th to take the lead in a game they had no business winning.
- JamieAny idea what happened to Romero? Who will the Jays call up to replace him now that the rotation is down two starters?
MW: He strained an oblique muscle sneezing. Brian Burres will be called up.
- Alex BlackMike,
Is this true, I read it in the paper today. Because he was wearing a uniform with Gabbard on the back, the hit given up in the 11th inning is chargable to Gabbard, who at the time of the game was assigned to the minors. Is that true? Has that ever happened before?
MW: Of course it’s not true!
- IanMike,
That 7 Starts Stat for Richmond is very interesting, but makes me pretty nervous for him. The history of baseball is riddled with phenoms who start out great and then fall apart. From what I remember from my Bill James books, the one’s that have low strike-out rates are especially of concern.
What are Richmond’s K/9 innings like? He’s not a trick pitcher type which helps.
Also from my memory of the 1988 Bill James Journal:
“The 1987 featured an awful collection of rookies, most of whom will never be seen from again. The two that might have a bit of potential are Palmeiro and Maddux.”
Maddux had an awful first year, and Randy Johnson wasn’t really pitching at that time, just throwing really fast.
MW: Richmond isn’t a phenom, nor has he started out great. He’s been pretty average. Going into tonight’s game, he had 6.5 K/9 for his career.
- NevinHi Mike…love your work!
I tried to call the Fan yesterday when your program director was on to ask for more baseball coverage – instead a bunch of guys asking for more soccer and hockey got through. Ah well.
Do you think there’s any chance Romero is on the DL now simply to keep his innings down? It kind of makes sense .. if he kept up his pace, the Jays would probably have to shut him down after August.
MW: No, he’s on the DL because he’s hurt. They wouldn’t put him on the DL to save his innings, they’d just send him down.
- James HRomero’s hurt too now!?! What are the Jays cursed or something? I know that baseball pitchers are the china vases of professional sports, but this is completely ridiculous.
Can’t the Jays just have one bloody season when everybody stays healthy and the team challenges for the division title? Just once please!?! Man this is beyond frustrating now! This will now (most likely) expose just how little starting pitching depth the Jays have remaining. How can a team contend with 4 starting pitchers on the DL?
If I have to watch Jeter and Posada and the freakin’ ageless Mariano Rivera throw seeds on the outside black for one more post-season I’m gonna puke, Mike. I’m sick of the Jays pitching injuries and I’m sick of the Jays not being in the race every bloody year. It’s gotta stop, Mike. I can’t take it anymore.
MW: They actually have five starting pitchers on the DL – don’t forget Casey Janssen.
- Jamiewho would have thought frasor would be tied for the most wins in baseball.
MW: Not I. But reliever wins are completely unpredictable.
- John terryMike…startin to love Jason Frasor…his new off speed pitch, is it a change up or splitter or does he throw both?
MW: He calls it a change-up, but doesn’t care if you call it a splitter.
- JeremyHi Mike
A question about Andruw Jones safe call.
as your caller ctated he jumped over the bag and landed a full foot and half past it. It would have been clearly seen from the first base dugout and second base. I have forgotten, is the Jays dugout on the first base side? Why didnt someone on the team tell Millar to tag him I wish he could have heard me screeming “tag him”
MW: The Jays’ dugout is on the third-base side.
- Richard from ARI listened to your post game show last night (after my first comment) and you were much more reasonable on air (with respect to Cito) than you were with your post. I am confused.
Do you walk with Cito or do you not?
MW: Do I walk with Cito?
- Tom TomThe Jays are off to a good start and the bottom line is wins and losses, so they should be given full credit for their record to date.
That having been said, it is a 162 game season, and judgement on this team must be reserved until October…most teams go through hot streaks and slumps over the course of a season….some team get off to a hot start then fade, others start off slow then come on like gangbusters in the second half, etc.
One stat I saw posted on a recent TV telecast: Since Cito Gaston took over as manager, the Jays have the second best record on the entire American League. He and his coaching staff seem to be making a significant difference in helping the players get the most out of their skills. Go Cito!
Nonetheless, while it is fine to enjoy the current run, judgement must be reserved until all the games have been played.
MW: No, it mustn’t. I mean, you can’t judge a team after three weeks, or even a month or two, but you don’t have to wait until October.
- jimLooking at the box score from last night, B.J. Ryan was credited with 3 ER given up. I can not figure out how the Chris Davis run is counted as earned, considering he came home on the error. Can you explain the ruling for me?
- Matthew JonesHi Mike,
With Romero and Ryan out now, you would have to agree that our rotation is going to be way too inexperienced to compete once we have to play the yankees and red sox. That being said Mr Martinez is still out there looking for a contract. I am wondering but if BJ ryan is injured and presuming that the blue jays have some sort of insurance policy covering his injury do you think the jays should pursue Pedro considerting his performance in the WBC?
MW: The rotation isn’t going to be any less experienced without Romero, who had three whole big-league starts under his belt. Insurance only covers an injury that would cause a player to miss the entire season, so it doesn’t enter into it on Ryan. Litsch, Janssen and Romero should all be back by the time the Jays have to face the Yankees and Red Sox.
- MotiRe Post #51
From what little I know about racing, it seems to me that many (if not most) of the horses that can no longer race effectively are retired to stud!
Not sure where David’s analogy goes from there, however.
- NormEdwin Jackson for Matt Joyce is starting to look like a bad, bad trade for the Rays. As the Drunks’ would say, Jackson’s been nails so far this season.
Strangely, this trade could end up looking as bad for Tampa as Garza/Bartlett for Delmon Young/medicore backup infielder guy looks for Minnesota.
MW: Give it time.
- McLovinI think I jinxed Jackson. Since I posted he’s given-up three runs – including a homer and a basesloaded walk.
- McLovin