EDIT 6:00 PM Eastern
I went on the air with this at 5:00, but haven’t had a chance to get back to the ol’ laptop until now. You’ll see below that I reported Brett Cecil will make the start for Romero on Saturday night in Chicago – that’s wrong. Totally my fault, as the source to whom I spoke gave me a very broad hint which I misinterpreted. Brian Burres will be called up to make that start instead.
Also, B.J. Ryan was placed on the 15-day DL this afternoon with tightness in his left trapezius muscle (connects the shoulder and neck on the back side). He’s going to see a specialist in Dallas on Monday. This was the first the Jays were made aware of the problem, and when asked if this might have been an issue in the spring, J.P. Ricciardi said “You’ll have to ask (Ryan).” We wanted to, but according to the communications department, Ryan was “not interested in discussing the injury.”
Other updates – Casey Janssen is expected to throw two or three innings in a minor-league game early next week. Jesse Litsch will throw off flat ground tomorrow, and if it goes well, he’ll get into a minor-league game early next week, as well. Shaun Marcum is going to throw a bullpen tomorrow or Saturday, and will throw another bullpen for the big team in Kansas City when the Jays visit next week. Ricciardi seemed to think that he’ll probably be able to pitch for the Jays at some point this season. J.P. said he’s hopeful that all of Romero, Janssen and Litsch will be back with the big club by mid-May.
1:48 PM Eastern
Ricky Romero’s early chase for the rookie of the year/Cy Young award hit a bump in the road this afternoon when he was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right oblique strain. There’s no word yet on how long he’s expected to be out, but one would think it’ll be more than the 15 days, probably closer to a month.
Romero was off to an incredible start to his major-league career, with three fantastic outings in a row. He had become the de facto number two pitcher in the rotation, so he’ll be missed. I should have known something was up yesterday, because now that I think about it, I don’t remember seeing him participating in the Pitchers’ Fielding Practice drill before batting practice.
Brian Tallet will move up a day to start Friday night’s opener in Chicago – he’ll be working on five days’ rest – and Brett Cecil will be called up from Las Vegas to make his major-league debut on Saturday night.
Check out The Grill Room on SUNTV tonight at 6:30 PM if you’re in the Toronto viewing area. I’ll be on there and it could be a lot of fun. I woke up with a stiff neck today so TV is going to be a bit of a challenge!
Also, there are over 100 comments from last night/this morning that I need to get to. They’ll be posted during tonight’s game.
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Re: eateries in downtown Toronto close to Rogers Centre.
Thanks – I’ve heard about Fazooli’s. Any good “meat and potato” joints?
MW: You can get meat and potatoes there. I’m a little uncomfortable recommending restaurants – free advertising and all that, you know? I could get in trouble.
- PaulMike,
Can you PLEASE confirm that Darrin Fletcher will not be back with Sportsnet this year as an analyst?
MW: I’m pretty sure he will. Probably this weekend.
- JaysonAhh that’s unfortunate. Romero was looking good. The silver lining is that Cecil can come up and get his major league career going, too bad it is at Ricky’s expense.
MW: Actually, it’s not. My bad.
- Mike MHi Mike,
Well this came out of nowhere. I hope this isn’t a sign of things to come. First Litsch and now Romero. This is the one thing that could mess this good start up. Oh well, it gives us all a chance to see what Brett Cecil or other guys on the farm.
MW: Unfortunately, it doesn’t yet.
- IanHow is it that every year the Jays have so many injuries. I do not think it is a coincidence anymore. The training staff must be horrible and its time to replace them.
MW: Yeah, those sneezes are a real issue with the trainers.
- aviSorry I may be ignorant, but how does a right oblique strain effect a left handed pitcher?
MW: Any sort of muscle strain affects any human being.
- Jesse ColauttiMike, I just found about Romero, what a shame indeed, he has been a pleasant surprise so far this year and I hope is back very soon. Is it a coincidence that all our young pitchers are getting injured? Is it something in the training they do wrong? I’m sure the negative comenters and callers will find some way to blame Rios,Ryan and Wells for this as well.
Thanks for the quick update on Romero
MW: I do think it’s a coincidence. It’s not as though they’re all getting hurt the same way.
- ChrisMike
Was calling up Cecil at this point really the right move? I mean, he does have a very bright future, but he has been getting a bit roughed up in Las Vegas. Would Fabio Castro have been a better choice?
MW: Turns out they didn’t call up either one.
- JeffThanks for the Update Mike.
Not having any medical knowledge, what is and where is a right oblique strain. Is this a 2-4, 3-5 or 4-6 week injury. Before this occurred I projected this team at 15-9 for April. Will they be close?
Thanks Mike
MW: It’s a ribcage muscle strain. Hopefully it’s less than a month. They’re already close to 15-9.
- Richard SpackmanNOOOO!,
At least we’ll all get to get a good look at Cecil….
I’m guessing this only makes things more interesting for the Jays. The injury bug loves Toronto.
MW: Nope on Cecil. Sorry.
- RandyMike,
How much longer is Casey Janssen suppose to be out? Also do you think Wade Miller down in AAA would be an option for the Jays any time soon?
MW: Janssen could be back by mid-May. I think they want Miller to have some more time down in AAA before giving him a shot.
- Jeff G.Hey Mike, just a question. I don’t hear much about the Jays minor leaguers short of the highly touted guys like Snider.
Is there any chance you could on here, or on the show after the game talk about some of our 2 or 3 year away prospects that you think are folks we should know about, both pitching and hitters or possible someone who has a weaker bat but exceptional fielding skills. Thanks Mike, appreciate it.
Rob
MW: I do occasionally talk about the prospects on the way up.
- RobAny idea what happened to Joe Inglett.
He hasn’t played in a while for LV.
MW: He got hurt, I can’t recall what it was.
- ChrisAny idea how he strained his oblique. With the paper thin rotation as it is, this is a blow. Hopefully he is able to bounce back quickly. Is a rehab stint in Vegas going to be required, which will make his return more than 15 days?
MW: He hurt it sneezing, and it will likely require a rehab start.
- Aaron KerGiven the situation, my headline would have been “Romero, Romero, wherefore art thou Romero?” but I suppose that’s a matter of personal taste.
Your Tulowitzki headline still is the best.
MW: Thanks. But yours doesn’t make sense.
- Greg WNoooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!
- Sean C. in LethbridgeHi Mike,
How about castro from Double A?Has some good numbers.
GO JAYS!!!
MW: He has some ridiculous numbers, and Saturday is his night to pitch, but I trust my sources (once I figure out what they’re telling me).
- marioHey Mike, It was said at the beginning of the year (before Litsch and Romero went down with injuries) that depending on the Jays position in the standings at a later point in the season that JP had the green light to add payroll in an attempt at a push for a playoff spot. Now I know it is still incredibly early in the season, but let’s just say that in the next couple of weeks without Romero the Jays still manage to produce, and are able to keep on top of the AL East standings. Do you think that if this was able to continue dispite all the injuries that JP may look to add some legitimate pitching help SOONER rather than later? Basically, at what point does JP look at the team and say “wow, look at what we’re able to do with a paper thin pitching staff! Imagine what we could do if we could add a legitimate veteran starter!” Or are the Jays going to continue with the “we’ll get em’ next year!” strategy?
MW: I don’t think they’ll add anything, payroll-wise, before July – if even then.
- KyleHey Mike, Sigh… Ricky too? It seems like the moment a pitcher shows some promise, they’re gone with an injury. Hopefully though, this will be Cecil’s chance to show the fans in Toronto something.
I was wondering if you could give me an update on a few players. Jeremy Accardo, Matt Clement and Mike Maroth
Thanks…Keep up the Great Work
MW: Accardo is doing OK as the closer in Las Vegas, Clement retired and Maroth was released.
- SMAck! Now BJ Ryan! is Nick Swisher available for trade?
- RandyWell now more then ever its imperative we need to get some dangerous hitters for the 3,4 spots to protect the bottom of our order.
- Steve TkMike,
How will Downs’ superstition of not talking to the media work if he’s the closer?
I know he’s red-hot for now but if/when he eventually coughs one up he’s got to talk to the media right?
MW: One would hope so.
- JamieMike,
Janssen, Marcum, and McGowan have all suffered long-term injuries. Now, Litsch and Romero are out. Is this just bad luck or is there something here? Could Brad Arnsberg be to blame?
MW: Janssen was the labrum, Marcum an elbow ligament, McGowan the rotator cuff, Litsch the forearm and Romero a sneeze. I don’t see a common thread.
- Jake RothTrap tightness. Completely made up injury but I’m not complaining. I take it Scott Downs now has the job. Also, what is up with all these injuries under Arnsberg? It cannot just be bad luck or coincidence at this point.
- Renegadeany new news on Casey Jansen’s or Jesse Litsch’s progress or timetable?
Thanks,
MW: Re-read the post.
- DavidIs there a more dangerous investment in major league sports than a pitcher?
MW: Skeleton racer?
- JGAHow much longer before we can proclaim these Toronto Blue Jays a true pitching injury dynasty? (and how have they managed to be so good in spite of it?)
- Adam“Shaun Marcum is going to throw a bullpen…” Did you mean McGowan?
MW: Nope, I meant Marcum. McGowan is going to try to throw on May 1st, but not off a mound.
- Jake RothNice appearance on the Grill Room tonight, Mike!
- JordieMike, is there a more undeserved nickname in MLB than James “Big Game” Shields? How’d that happen? Just stupid IMO.
MW: I couldn’t agree with you more. A good pitcher, but come on.
- McLovinLyle Overbay is having a great start to the year, despite what the “trade Lyle Overpaid” people seem to think.
What would be his end numbers (HR, RBI) over a full year based on his start?
Something like 30+hr and 100RBI, right?
MW: Pro-rated, his numbers to this point (before tonight’s game) would work out to 20 homers and 91 RBIs. After tonight, though, they would work out to 29 HR and 95 RBIs.
- Jamie TI”m watching the game on TV tonight, and I can’t help but notice that it looks like Millwood has KKK written in white near his right temple (on his cap). What’s the explaination?
MW: It’s “HK”, a tribute to the late Phillies’ broadcaster Harry Kalas.
- Sam McLeanHi Mike, I am a little surprised with whom the Blue Jays decided to give Romero’s start to. I know more goes into the decision than pure stats but the stats would dictate it would be Mills or Wade Miller. It is really too bad that Matt Clement didnt stick it out longer. You see the Blue Jays bringing a SP in? I am pleasantly surprised with Richmonds last couple of starts. If the Blue Jays get through the next couple of weeks, this would really bode well for this team making some noise later in the season. Mike dont let the negative people get you down, this is a very nice very exciting team here!!
MW: I’m surprised it’s Burres, too, but he’s pitched OK in Vegas. They obviously want to be able to control the kids’ innings for a while longer. It’s true, if Clement had stuck it out, he’d likely be on his way here.
- Douglas McCallumHi Mike, is there a chance that B.J’s trip to the DL is actually for a reason other than what the Jays are saying?
I get the feeling its a less dramatic way to relieve him from the closer role, at least temporarily so he can work on things, without having to do so in a way that directly indicates Ryan is not performing well.
MW: Yes, there’s a chance.
- J.RMike, what about an update on McGowan? On the SportsNet TV broadcast they seemed to indicate that he has increased range-of-motion.
MW: McGowan is feeling well, and there was a good report about his range of motion. The latest on him is that he’s going to try to throw, off flat ground, on May 1st.
- McLovinSo, is there a chance that Marcum will pitch this season?
MW: Yep.
- Jake Roth“Russ from New Jersey” is far and away my favorite regular caller on The Jays Talk. The guy’s comments and observations about the game are really insightful to me. Plus he’s a New Yorker who hates the Yankees. Ah, gotta love it…
“Shawn from Markham” was my second favorite caller on The Jays Talk. Whatever happened to him?
MW: I haven’t heard much from him anymore.
- McLovinIt seems like a good sign that Lyle Overbay is being IBB’d. A Sign that he considered to be a threat.
MW: His OPS is over 1.200. Of course he’s a threat.
- Sam McLeanMike, we’ve got to come-up with a curse nickname for the Jays:
1) The Red Sox had “The Curse of the Bambino” which involved 80 yrs. of heartbreaking losses, many on the brink of a championship.
2) The Cubs still have “The Curse of the Billy Goat” which is basically just 100 yrs. of suckage with the odd post-season appearance.
3) The Jays curse involves 15 yrs. of fielding solid teams year-after-year, pitching injuries, surgery, depleted roster depth, playing in the AL East and being out the race annually each July.
How does “The Curse of No Meaningful Games in September (or August)” sound? Got a nice ring to it, no?
MW: Why would you bring this up now? 12-5 isn’t good enough for you?
- McLovinMike, I’m really excited about the great start. It’s just the pitching injuries are wearing me down, you know? The Yankees and Red Sox get injuries too, but not like this.
MW: And yet they continue to win.
- McLovinPlus, this year the Jays are gonna break the curse.
MW: Ahhhh, gotcha. But if they don’t, that’s OK, too.
- McLovinScott Richmond is making a believer out of me, maybe not as a long term starter, but as a righty specialist in the pen. He’s got great control and throws strikes. Brian Burres has terrible numbers. Has he been stretched out in Syracuse? What kind of pitch limit will he have?
MW: He’s been stretched out, but in Las Vegas. I doubt he’ll be on a strict pitch count.
- DomenickMike,
- JoshJust heard the caller who mentioned Vernon Wells and his great use of his personal trainer. He clearly doesn’t read the blog. Hope to hear more from you in the future about his supposed jaded personal trainer and Wells’ training regime (or lack thereof). Regardless, Well did well tonight.
I told you so Mike! B.J will never close a game for the Jays and today was the beginning of that process. He ain’t injured, it’s just a distraction technique that has become too common in pro sports. Soon they’ll say he needs a season-ending surgery and it’d be a perfect ending for B.J’s embarrassing season. So you are still adamant that he’ll close again for the Jays?
MW: Yes, I still think he’ll close again for the Jays.
- BeburgMike, got a ferocious debate going on on another message board.
Two out, 0-2 count, man on third. The runner breaks for home on a steal attempt. The pitcher, pitching from the windup position or just being slow or whatever, delivers the pitch very late, and the runner slides across home safely BEFORE the pitch arrives. The batter swings and misses, strike three, three out. Does the run count by virtue of having happened first? (The definition of “Batter-runner” is sort of the crux of the issue, at least as we’re arguing it.)
I can’t seem to find an MLB umpire with a blog, so I turn to you.
MW: The batter-runner is the guy in the batter’s box, and once he leaves the box he becomes a runner, hence the name. It’s an interesting debate, but it’s moot, because there’s no way that the batter stays in the box with the runner coming.
- Rick JonesMike
Brett Cecil is pitching for AAA tonight which means we wont see him Sat. Do the Jays not want to recall him so soon because he has had a slow start or is it more to do with the fact that if they call him up too soon they will lose one year on his arbitration date
MW: It’s more that they want to be able to control his innings than anything else.
- Tarun JosephMike, which walk-off homer was worse for the Jays, Milton Bradley’s some years ago or Giambi’s last year? Both seemed to send the team spiralling into the abyss I recall.
MW: Both did seem to do that, it’s true. They both hurt a lot. Do they have to be ranked?
- McLovinhey mike, has adam lind ever been worked out at 1ST base before? since he’s not getting any time in the outfield, would it be wise to put him at 1st for the future rather than DH?
thanks
MW: He played first in college.
- Stache MackenzieMike, how about those amazing jays? Hate to look back, but we would be a contender with AJ pitching for us this year.
MW: They didn’t offer Burnett enough money.
- AlbertI took Scott Downs one save to do a postgame interview with Sam Cosantino (probably missed the spelling on that) on Sportsnet. Obviously his personal policy was not written in stone.
MW: Excellent.
- Greg Walso has the pitching staff being overworked too much? accardo, ryan, mcgowan and marcum all down with severe injuries. doesn’t this show us something?
MW: What does it show us? Also, Ryan’s injury isn’t severe, and Accardo isn’t hurt.
- Stache MackenzieAm I the only one that gets the feeling that we’re basically taking a knee by throwing Burres out there on Saturday? When has he ever been successful? His career numbers are absolutely atrocious and I find it hard to believe Wade Miller or Fabio Castro wouldn’t be a better bet. Please assure me I’m wrong.
MW: I can’t.
- Bill1)Mike, is Brian Bullington the only 1st overall pick to never get a win? 2)What about Dirk Hayhurst: all those strikeouts in the spring 13 per 8IP’s,low whip and era, seemed to not get a fair look and a great blog. What’s he up to down in the minors? 3)Why are there so many injuries with our young pitchers in the last two years?
MW: 1 – I doubt it very much. 2 – He’s struggling in Vegas, though he did have a great spring. 3 – I don’t know.
- JoshMike, in a Bizzaro World alternate universe where Mariano Rivera never pitched for the Yankees and Jeter played for Tampa Bay, do the Yanks still win all those division titles and championships?
MW: Good question.
- McLovinMike. When Brian Burres makes his start vs. the White Sox Saturday is he on a pitch count the same way Brian Tallet was when he started last week? Thanks.
Peter. St.Catharines
MW: See above.
- PeterMike, do you think that Halladay’s disciplined conditioning program helps him keep his arm healthy (knock-on-wood)? Or are these pitching injuries just kind of random events?
MW: Halladay has had some serious arm problems in the past. I don’t think pitching injuries can be controlled.
- McLovin“Henke doesn’t belong on the Level of Excellence, because he didn’t do it long enough”
Players currently on the Level of Excellence:
Bell 9 years as a Jay.
Stieb 14 years a Jay.
Carter 7 years a Jay.
Fernandez 12 years a Jay.
Alomar 5 years a Jay.
Henke, 8 years a Jay and as dominant in his last year as his first.
Delgado who you correctly suggested does belong on the Level of Excellence, was a regular with the Jays for 9 years.
In conclusion, if longevity is a criteria used, you are likely wrong to suggest Henke lacks tenure or a history of excellence as a Jay.
I write this in case any fans were mislead by this off the cuff comment.
MW: You know what, I was thinking about that as I said it. But I also thought that Carter and Alomar were special cases. I might be being too tough on Henke, and I don’t mean to be – he was awesome. But was he “retired number” awesome? I don’t know. And it certainly wasn’t an off-the-cuff comment. And, as dominant in his last season as he was in his first? In 1985, Henke allowed 8.3 baserunners per nine innings with 9.5 K/9. In 1992, it was 10.1 baserunners per nine with 7.4 K/9. Not close. I write this in case any fans were misled by your flexibility with the truth.
- ProkopecIan from Whitby was wrong again about Scott Richmond.
Richmond was missing a lot of bats tonight, his curve ball was kept down in the zone and he looked very impressive. I think Ian and a bunch of us were led to believe that Scott Richmond’s ceiling is about as high as the seven dwarfs, mainly due to where he was prior to signing with the Jays. But in reality his velocity is avg, he has a decent curve ball and he throws strikes, with some more seasoning and experience it is not impossible that he becomes a decent #3. Agree or disagree?
Thanks,
Thanks Mike
MW: His velocity is above average, he’s low 90s consistently. It’s definitely not impossible that he becomes a decent # 3, he’s doing a great job of proving us all wrong.
- Pee WeeMike,
Hmm….I wonder if the caller “Shaun from Markham” was just a play on Shaun Marcum.
Quick question: apologies if I’ve missed an obvious link, but are the Jays talk segments available for download as podcasts and if not, is there a chance of this in the future?
MW: They’re not right now, you have to click on the page and listen. I don’t know if they will be.
- Oz RobWHERE ARE ALL THE FANS? WHERE ARE ALL THE FANS?
I am getting worried. The TFC drew 20,000 last night in the cold! The Jays are in 1st place and can’t even draw 20,000.
MW: It’s cool to go to FC games.
- LosAngelesJaysFanWINFIELD WANTS NOISE!!!
- LosAngelesJaysFanhey mike big fan just started listening to jays on radio curtesy of freebaseballradio.com and love jays talked tried to call in past couple days i get no ring or busy tone so idk. but my comment is now that bj the blower is out thank god and romero now out it makes me think that i know every team will get injuries during the years its a part of the game but every year for us it seems to be the guys we need and at critical points in the season i really hope he comes back pitching awsome. makes me wonder how would our team look now if we kept a hold onto CHRIS CARPENTER yes i went there i love him and him and halladay wed win the al east every year i think. and also do you think we shouldve let delgado go too?
MW: Yeah, because Chris Carpenter never got hurt. They had no choice on Delgado, they couldn’t afford him.
- joe from new jerseyGlad to see Kinsler, Padilla Bilbo and the gang go back to The Shire.
Now the Jays just have to survive the two trips into Arlington this year. That place has been a real horror show for the Jays over the years. They play that annoying music from “The Natural” down there too – just to rub a little salt into the wound.
Yet, when the Yankees play in Arlington, the Rangers suddenly morph into the ’62 Mets. Go figure.
MW: Man, you post a lot. Cleveland was a house of horrors for the Jays, too, until two weeks ago.
- McLovinWait, I’ve got another name for the curse! It just came to me:
“The Curse of Budd Selig’s Unbalanced Schedule”
Yeah, that’s it.
- McLovinBLUE JAYS 2009 WORLD SERIES CHAMPS!!! ABSOLUTELY FOR SURE!!!
- CAFMike,
Do you believe that Ryan’s
injury is real? Or are both JP and Cito “putting their feet down” claiming zero tolerance for Ryan’s escapades claiming that Ryan is not prepared for the season.The DL time is for Ryan to shape up.
I think if Ryan had won the game on Wed he would not be on the DL.
MW: Escapades? The injury may not be real, but if a guy is on the DL healthy he has a grievance, and I think B.J. would make a fuss. Maybe he didn’t save the game on Wednesday because he should have been on the DL.
- MarkMike-I agree with McLoving that Russ from Jersey always has something interesting to say.As for Steve K(21)how did the 3,4 hitters do tonight?Unfortunately,some people are not even happy with success.The Jays are 12-5 and he’s worried about 2 guys that will probably be their most productive hitters by seasons end.Enjoy the ride.
MW: That’s why I didn’t respond to that guy.
- Dennis SMike, the Bradley homer was much, much worse than Giambi’s because the Jays had played the Yankees so tough at home the weekend prior (that series included Vernon’s walk-off against Mo Rivera) and the Jays were headed to NY for another showdown with the Yanks right after the A’s game. The Jays win that series in the Bronx and they were right in the race.
I believe the Jays had also set-up their rotation for that series in the Bronx (Halladay, Burnett, et al.). But it all went for naught as the Jays couldn’t score against a very mediocre NY pitching staff.
MW: Wouldn’t that mean that the Giambi homer was worse?
- McLovinIs Scott Downs the best non-closer reliever in baseball? Sportsnet showed a graphic that he had the best ERA of the past 3 years out of any reliever. In fact, he was the only one with a sub-2.00 ERA.
If not, who is? Can you give us a top 5?
Thanks!
MW: Over the course of the last two seasons plus this one, it’s Downs. He may not have been the best in any one of those seasons, but in the overall, it’s got to be him.
- Jamie THuh?
- McLovinHey, I thought “Shawn from Markham” was a real guy!?!
- McLovinMike, really weird stat on the Rangers in Arlington:
When Zack Grienke of the Royals shut them out last weekend, it was the first time the Rangers have been shutout at home since 1985. Incredible.
- McLovinHi Mike. Love your show. Missed a bit of it live tonight, but always listen to the replay here.
My question — why not call up Accardo to replace BJ? No need for a one-inning guy?
MW: I guess they thought everyone would move up a step and without Tallet in the ‘pen for a while they wanted a guy who could go longer.
- andrewHey Mike,
In the Sun, Bob Elliott is reporting that the pitching “cavalry” is on the way and Marcum is scheduled to throw a bullpen in Kansas City and could return in May.
I tend to think Mr. Elliott got mixed up and meant to say that Romero is expected back in May.
But how close is Marcum from returning?
MW: Mr. Elliott didn’t get mixed up at all. Marcum is going to throw a bullpen in Kansas City. He’s not going to return in May, though. Romero, Litsch and Janssen are expected back in mid-May, as I wrote in the entry on which you’re commenting. Marcum, sayeth J.P. Ricciardi, could very well pitch this year.
- Ken PaganIs it just me or have all the posters on this message board failed to realize that based on JP’s comments today, we could in a perfect world, potentially have a September starting 5 of Halladay, Marcum, McGowan, Romero and Purcey/Richmond/Janssen
I know its smart to be wary that this run the Jays are having to start the season may well be a mirage, but if the starting lineup resembles those 5, wow it would be a great way to approach meaningful September games in September for once. However, I am not naieve. Its likely a longshot.
Mike, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest, what would you say the likelihhood is of Doc, Marcum, McGowan, Romero and David Purchmondssen finishing the season active, barring any futher injuries later in the season?
MW: I’m going to say it’s about a 3. But what about Litsch and Cecil?
- Anthony LAh, I get it now: The Bradley homer was more potent (i.e., damaging) than Giambi’s (i.e., Giambi’s was worse than Bradley’s). True.
- McLovinHey Mike,
the blog says it’s the first the Jays were made aware of Ryan’s injury, but J.P. was quoted by Bob Elliott as saying, “He came in a couple of days ago and said his trapezoid was bothering him.”
MW: Yep. J.P. said both things. Not trapezoid, though.
- Ken PaganAre you a little surprised that Burres is getting the start and not Bullington?
Some factors :
1) Bullington is having the superior season in AAA.
2) Chicago destroys LHP, especially with Quentin-Dye-Konerko in the heart of the order.
3) Chicago has already seen Burres 3 times.
Far be it for me to question the motivations that guide Sir Cito, so I was wondering if you had any more insight into this – perhaps from Cito’s impressions on the two of them this spring.
MW: 1 – Bullington isn’t stretched out. 2 – Quentin actually hits righties far better than lefties. 3 – Last April, Burres threw eight innings of three-hit shutout at the White Sox. This was just as much JP’s call as Cito’s, if not more JP’s, but I think the most important part is that Bullington isn’t stretched out.
- AriMike,
Janssen, Marcum, McGowan, Ryan, Accardo – long term… Litsch and Romero – short term…
I’m wondering if any other team has been hit with this degree of injury to key pitchers over the past two plus seasons (since Ryan went down in 2007)…do you know?
If not, and I really don’t know if that’s the case or not, but, if not…then is there something to look at in the Blue Jays system like coaching, training, innings management – not sure what else there might be – that might be a cause of the extent of the injuries.
Or is it just bad luck?
MW: I’m going to go with bad luck, but you never know. The thing is, no one has been able to figure out a way to prevent pitchers from getting hurt, no matter how many precautions they take.
- Steve in HHHi Mike,
Two quick questions from a couple of games in this series:
A – I noticed a couple of times that a Blue Jay called time (I think the first or second game it was) and stepped out of the box immediately. It seemed that after stepping out of the box, the umpire looked at the player and said something, to which the player responded briefly. I also did not see the umpire raise his hands as to alert the pitcher of the call of “time”. Did you notice? Is it possible that they were stepping out without permission and were lucky the pitcher did not throw?
2 – Ian Kinsler stole third base during the ninth inning of the second game. But for why? His run was meaningless and getting the out there would be very bad for his team.
Thank you for your insight and be continuing in your good work.
MW: A – Yes, or at least assuming permission before their request was granted. 2 – Good question.
- Pierre from BloisQuentin may have hit righthanders better last year but it’s pretty likely to just be a fluke. Over time, he’ll probably hit lefties better; at least, that’s the way to bet. Single seaso reverse platoon splits are usually random chance. (He’s certainly off to a good start against lefties this year.)
MW: Take a look at his career splits. I wasn’t just talking about last year.
- Rick JonesMW: The batter-runner is the guy in the batter’s box, and once he leaves the box he becomes a runner, hence the name. It’s an interesting debate, but it’s moot, because there’s no way that the batter stays in the box with the runner coming.
let alone swinging his bat with his teammate sliding across the plate…
interesting debate indeed, though…full marks for creativity on this one…
- Jay Bmike dont beat yourself up about the cecil thing, according to an article on mlb.com he is starting tomorrow, so you’re not the only one to make the mistake.
MW: My fault.
- Matthew FabbricinoMW: I might be being too tough on Henke, and I don’t mean to be – he was awesome. But was he “retired number” awesome? I don’t know. And it certainly wasn’t an off-the-cuff comment. And, as dominant in his last season as he was in his first? In 1985, Henke allowed 8.3 baserunners per nine innings with 9.5 K/9. In 1992, it was 10.1 baserunners per nine with 7.4 K/9. Not close. I write this in case any fans were misled by your flexibility with the truth.
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While its encouraging to see you admit your haste in judging Henke, with some irony, your correction actually raises new inaccuracies.
The bottom line in assessing a closer’s dominance is his ERA and saves to blown saves ratio. Henke was 13/13 in save opportunities in 85, with a 2.02 era, and was 34/34 with a 2.26 in 92.
Any chance you could apologize to your listeners tonight for these off the cuff inaccuracies?
MW: I don’t think I’ll be posting many more of your comments, if any. You’re always looking for a fight, when there usually isn’t one. They’re in first place, so you can’t take mindless shots at J.P. anymore, so you’ve shifted your focus to me. Congrats. And come on, you are the ultimate authority on how to assess a closer’s dominance? Give me a break.
- ProkopecMike:
I was a tremendous fan of Henke, but I am inclined to agree with you, that his numbers may not be “retired number” status. (Mind you, except for Jackie Robinson’s 42, the jays have never retired a number.) From 1986-92, he was only in the top 5 for saves twice: 1st in ’87 and 5th in ’92. He’s nowhere near HOF numbers by any metric. Among pitchers listed under “Similarity Scores” at BaseballReference.com only one HOFer, is listed and he’s the 9th most similar.
However, he was a fan favorite for 8 years, and his numbers – particularly strikeouts – were very good, so maybe some day they will honour him.
- Alan the stat geek“Oh Ricky You’re So Hurt”
I doubt you’ll top this headline, this season.
- slobberface