1:25 AM Eastern
No, not THAT dream! Sheesh! I mean, all it took was for me to open my big keyboard last night and write that I was starting to think that the Jays may actually have a legit shot at the wild card for them to go out and lay an egg like they did tonight. Has my opinion changed over the last 24 hours? Of course not, that would be ridiculous.
The dream that sadly died before our very ears (you all listen to all the games on the radio, right?) was that dream of not losing a single series all season. The best the Jays can do now is split with KC, and with Brian Burres on the mound for the finale, that’s not terribly likely – though not as incredibly unlikely as many of the callers and commenters seem to believe.
Brian Tallet got beat up tonight, far worse than he ever had in his big-league career. Granted, he’s pitched almost solely out of the bullpen, but only once prior to tonight had Tallet ever given up as many as four runs in one outing – and that was in a game the Jays won! Tonight, Tallet stayed out to give up 10 runs on 11 hits in just four-plus innings, and he wasn’t happy about it.
There was some real tension between Tallet and Cito Gaston after the lefty came out of the game, likely going back to Cito’s visit to the mound in the third inning. They even had a not-quite-animated discussion in the dugout afterwards. Rarely does Gaston go out to the mound when it’s not to make a pitching change, and when he does, it’s to deliver a message. Tonight, the message was delivered after Tallet gave up a two-out, two-run double to Billy Butler on an 0-2 pitch to give the Royals a 3-2 lead.
I’m not sure what Cito’s philosophy is on throwing 0-2 strikes, but I do know that no manager likes to see a pitcher give up a big hit 0-2, especially if it’s not a good pitch that the hitter somehow went out and got.
It is kind of interesting that Gaston takes such great care of his hitters’ psyches – keeping Travis Snider in the 9th spot, shielding him from lefties, not pinch-hitting, never disturbing his batting order – but he doesn’t seem to have the same philosophy about dealing with his pitchers. He’s great at giving them rope, testing their fortitude by allowing them to work out of jams, but he’s not shy about showing his disappointment in a public forum when he feels it’s required.
That’s not to say he does it all the time, or even often, but it seems in opposition to the way he handles his hitters.
It’s true, though, ahead 0-2 with two on and two out in a game you’re leading by one, you have to give a guy like Butler at least a couple of chances to get himself out. But I’m sure Tallet was well aware of that, pretty much as soon as that ball got down the line past Scott Rolen.
I wonder how much of Tallet’s irkedness was due to the fact that he was left out there to give up nine runs (the 10th scoring after he was yanked). In a situation like that (facing Greinke and with Burres going the next day), he had to give them as many innings as he could, so I don’t have a problem with him being left out that long.
Butler was the star of the show, for sure, going four-for-four with two homers, that double and four RBIs. Zack Greinke pitched awfully well, but he was finally touched up – allowing two earned runs over the first three innings before settling down for four innings of one-hitter as his Royals built their big lead.
And that Vernon Wells! He drove in a run in the first, the first earned run Greinke has allowed this season, and gave the Jays a 1-0 lead. Thing is, though, he never drives in runs in important games. They wound up losing by eight, Wells is so not clutch.
Before I go, I have commented in the past on how much I love the way that Cito Gaston argues with umpires. I love that he goes out there disappointed, as opposed to angry. In an almost fatherly way, as though he’s saying “Son, I know you messed up, and you know you messed up, now what are we going to do about it?” Tonight was different, and with good reason.
In the bottom of the 5th, Alberto Callaspo hit a line drive that appeared to land on the foul line in right field. That would make it a fair ball, but first-base umpire Lance Barksdale called it foul, threw his hands up in the air to stop play (prompting an “are you kidding me” reaction from Callaspo as he ran towards first), then immediately signalled “fair ball” and allowed play to continue.
Rios hadn’t given up on the ball in right, though he wouldn’t have been wrong to have done so, and Callaspo kept running once he saw Barksdale change the signal, but that doesn’t really matter. An umpire changing a call mid-stream, while play is going on, should never happen. Even if he believes he made the wrong call, he has to let it stand, and that’s why Cito was out there arguing. This one wasn’t a typical mistake to be calmly discussed and I’m glad that Cito let him have it.
Three editions of The JaysTalk for your listening pleasure tonight!
First, the pre-pre-game show:
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Then the Rain Delay Programme:
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Finally, The JaysTalk:
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At least there’s a day game coming after the night game (weather permitting) so it doesn’t leave THAT much time for the mass rending of garments what with the blowout loss and the prospect of a Brian Burres start.
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome!
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Tallet…..I am dissapoint
- shapoopyJeez, I almost feel for Brian Burres. Never can I remember a guy in Toronto getting so much heat over such a short time of being with the team. Sure the guy has somehow managed to get more than just a cup of coffee even though his stats reflect someone who should have chosen a different career path, but man. Whatever happened to ‘rootin’ for the underdog? Perhaps in the magical quest that has been April, Jays fans have adopted some sort of mentality where only the absolute best is acceptable. This is fine and fans should expect the best from their team and its ownership, but who in the heck would have expected these epic losses to the rotation? In no-way do I fault the jays for handing the ball to Burres, what else could they do really? Unless Clement agrees to quit quitting baseball, were left with guys like Brian for now.
And that’s fine by me. Give em hell Bryan and allow for a split in this series!
MW: I think that it’s just a case of really not having had to deal with too much mediocre pitching for a couple of years now. There are lots of teams in the majors that have to deal with having Brian Burres types on a regular basis.
- KeithHey Mike,
Reading a book about the 1984 Jays right now and Tom Cheek was interviewed . . .
just wondering if there is access to archived audio clips (similar to how you post the Jays Talk clips) from Cheek’s era, whether it’s World Series, playoffs or any Sunday afternoon game from the 80s?
That would be great radio to relive. Are those games available from The Fan?
MW: As far as I know, they’re not. We have them all archived somewhere, but I don’t think they’re available for public consumption.
- Ken PaganHey Mike,
I have heard several comments on the post game show and on the blog mocking the JP detractors for their lack of correspondence during the clubs winning streak. I’m one of the many people that feel JP should be canned for his mediocre performance over the last 8 years, but i’m also a Jays fan 1st and obviously would prefer to see the team winning. At this point, i’m just happy to be enjoying the ride, even though i know it is just a mirage. If the pro-JP gang thinks that a 15-8 start finally validates JP as a GM, thats just laughable.
Even the cock-eyed optimist Mr.Wilner himself has stated it is very unlikely this team is a contender in 2009. While i’ve enjoyed the hot start, i also realize that with the starting pitching in complete shambles the Jays are more likely to finish 4th than contend this season.
In the end, i think JP will be given one final opportunity in 2010 to get the job done and put the Jays back in the post-season. Anything short of a playoff appearance in 2010 will surely lead to his dismissal.
MW: It’s not that the 15-8 start validates Ricciardi as a GM, it’s the players who are contributing to it.
- rickcan rios be sent down to the minors
MW: I doubt he has an option left, but he might.
- coryI’m glad Cito came to give Tallet that message. He was so close to getting out of a tight spot and many Jays fans like me must have been frustrated it went south so fast there.
Mike I wanted to comment on the sound quality of the broadcast from KC. Maybe it’s just me but Jerry and Alan sound like they are running a boiler room there. There is an echo that sounds very different from other “booths”. It sounded like they were stuck in a small room far form the field. Phones are ringing in the background, and the game noises sound very distant. I wonder if they have been relocated at KC or there were/are some renovations.
Anyway I still love the broadcast; just thought I’d comment in case you detect it as well.
MW: Someone else has mentioned that, but I can’t hear it on the feed I get in the studio.
- RezLeaving a pitcher in to take a pounding after chewing him out is not too bright in my mind. An angry pitcher is more likely to over throw and hurt himself.
Grienke is truly a wonder to watch. In one a bat he’s likely to throw pitches in speed ranges from the 60′s to 96. That guy has some serious talent.
- Jim MaronHello Mike
quick question – who is Hill’s back up? Johnny Mac?
By the way, great show, I sure learn a lot about baseball from you and even from some of the crazy callers.
Francis h
MW: Hill’s back-up is McDonald, but he’d play short and Scutaro would move to second.
- FrancisAt least Tallet didn’t chuck the ball down the Left field line like another mustached lefthander after getting the hook from Cito.
MW: Ahhhh, Boomer.
- JeffMike,
I didn’t mean that Purcey will be the next Randy Johnson – I dislike those comparisons. It’s just that it takes some guys a bit longer to figure out how to pitch as opposed to just throwing.
MW: Yes, it does. Most of them. Developing a pitcher generally takes a really, really long time.
- Wayne in Scarborough2nd inning a ball dropped in front of Rios and he missed it. Not because he wasn’t close enough. Once again he was blatantly looking away apparently afraid to get hit. That was the fourth time this season I have seen it happen. All four times he was in place to catch it but missed the ball. How can a professional baseball player do this so often without anyone commenting on television or radio?
MW: Because that’s not what happened. He slid on the soaking wet grass trying to make a spectacular catch. He didn’t miss it because he was afraid to get hit.
- ChadMike, you said it in your post…Wells is not a clutch hitter. Going back a day or two you questioned why fans think Wells is bad…it’s because he’s playing the wrong role. He doesn’t have the intensity to be the clean-up guy and I’m not talking about showing frustration after grounding into a DP or popping up with a guy on third and less than two outs. I think you want a guy who goes up there with a scowl on his face, who intimidates pitchers and is absolutely convinced he’s going to get a hit. Wells isn’t that guy and so it frustrates us. He’s good in many ways but clean-up and intensity at the plate are not his strong suits.
I think Cito’s got some flexibility to move a couple of guys up a spot or two and down a spot or two but I know I’m arguing with the success of Cito’s current order so far this year.
MW: I was kidding about the not clutch stuff. How is driving in the first run of the game with a two-out hit not clutch?
- KevinHey look, I think it says 15 wins. Tied for most in Majors.
I think Cito is very tolerant, that is until you disobey him then I think there’s trouble. We don’t know what happened between him and Tallet, but I suspect it was warranted. Maybe Tallet shook off the pitch Cito wanted called and then served up the meatball. Who knows, but I would suggest Tallet did something he didn’t like. Not sure I agree with leaving him in for 10 runs, but I bet the message was heard. It’s not like Cito is like Pinella who openly admits to hating pitchers. <- he actually said so in an interview in Chi once.
I think Burres pulls it off today and the Jays bats help him out.
What say you? And do you think Cito and Tallet are back to being friends? Or is it Patty Roy all over again?
Thanks.
MW: Tallet isn’t quite on the same level as Patrick Roy. I’m sure he and Cito are fine.
- Ian JThanks for the backing from the folks yesterday on my assesment of Rios’s deffence. Mike, we do watch the games, we know what we see and your opinion is your opinion. That doesn’t make you wrong but you have to give us the same respect, that our opinions may not be wrong either. You told one of your callers last night that he was wrong in his critisizm of Alex. Are you telling him he didn’t watch the game? You ask us to read the blog and to phone in but when someone doesn’t agree with you or has a different opinion, you simply tell them that they are wrong. No chance I guess that you could be wrong? Last night you told me Rios was the only fielder that had difficult plays to try and make. The fact is, he made those plays look difficult because they where routine. Look at the play Van Every for Boston made last night in right field when he dove head long to catch a ball near the foul line. You won’t agree with this, but in my opinion, and from what I am hearing and reading, in the opinion of your loyal listeners/bloggers, no way does Rios make a play like that. How often in his career have you seen the man on a highlight reel? Nice to have this forum Mike, and I realize you get many non educated responses but for the most part, we know what we see.
MW: First of all, you’re completely wrong. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I don’t simply tell people they’re wrong when they disagree with me. I tell them they’re wrong when they’re wrong, which is to say when they don’t have their facts straight or when their opinions are formed based on either incorrect information or that knee-jerk “I have just seen it happen, and I remember seeing it happen before, so it happens all the time” thing that so many people do. Van Every made a spectacular catch in Cleveland – Rios has made that same catch many times without leaving his feet. One of the reasons Rios doesn’t show up on a lot of highlight reels is because he usually doesn’t have to do something spectacular to make a great catch – another of the reasons people think he’s lazy.
- Dan from ElmvaleHi, Mike:
With the Jays about to finish April with a very respectable record (15-8 with one left to play), a lot has been said about their strength (or non-strength) of schedule, so I thought I’d have a look.
Here’s what happened in April LY (last year):
Vs. NYY — 1-2 away
vs. Bos — 3-0 home, 0-2 away
vs. Oak — 0-3 home
vs. Tex — 0-2 home, 3-0 away
vs. Balt — 1-1 away
vs. Det — 2-2 home
vs. TB — 0-3 away
vs. KC — 1-2 away
Totals 6-10 away, 5-7 home, 11-17 overall, 28 games.
Splits vs Div
Vs. East — 5-8
vs. Central — 3-4
vs. West — 3-5
This year:
vs. Det — 3-1 home
vs. Cle — 2-1 away
vs. Minn — 3-1 away
vs. Oak — 2-1 home
vs. Tex — 2-1 home
vs. Chi — 2-1 away
vs. KC — 1-2 away (one to come)
Totals 7-3 home, 8-5 (1 pending) away, 15-8 total
Divisional splits
Vs. Central — 11-6 (1 to come)
West — 4-2
East — 0
While it is true that the Jays have not yet played the “beasts of the east”, it is also true that they were not significantly worse (in April) against the East last year than they were against the other divisions. They have shown substantial improvement this year against both of the divisions they have played — I see no reason to assume they would not have made a similar improvement against the East, especially given that they came back from a “poor” April to finish 37-35 vs the East LY. Bottom line — I don’t think the “Strength of schedule” argument holds much water.
What will be very interesting to watch will be their record in May, where LY they went 20-10. If they could match that TY (or close), we could REALLY start to get excited!!!
- NormHey Mike, is there a way to find out how many 2-out RBI’s the Jays have? It seems like we’re getting timely hits with 2 outs this season…and a lot of them have come with 2 outs…it’s really great to see, I just wanna see how many we’ve gotten so far this year versus what it would have been at this point last season….
MW: Most of the big websites have “2 out RISP” as an option on their stats pages. That won’t give you the whole story, but it’ll show you something, at least.
- RandyHi Mike.
With all of the success that Brad Arnsberg has had with the young Blue Jays pitchers, the question has to be asked: Is he an arm killer? The proliferation of injuries to young arms on his staff can’t just be a coincidence.
MW: Why can’t it?
- JayMike, I recall last year that you were not very optomistic about the prospects of Brian Dopirak making it to the “bigs”.
Has your opinion changed at all? He is currently hitting .333/.370/.573 at NH, riding an eight-game hitting streak during which he is hitting .438.
He is only 25 years old, so it seems that even though he spent some extra time in A ball, he could still make it.
What do you think?
MW: I think he has a chance. Obviously there’s a big difference between a 24 year-old tearing up A-ball and a 25 year-old tearing up AA, though it’s early. It was good to see him get so much time in big-league camp this spring, too.
- NormI found it hard to believe that the 92 Jays didn’t lose a series all year. For the record, they lost 17 series that year.
I didn’t see the Tallet/Gaston exchange last night, but it made me recall the David Wells incident. Maybe Cito just has it in for lefties that move from the pen into the starting rotation.
Looking forward to hearing from Paul Molitor tomorrow, any news if he will be on the JaysTalk?
Thanks!
MW: No news on that yet, I’m going to ask Molitor at the ballpark tomorrow and hope he says yes. The Tallet/Gaston exchange wasn’t close to the Wells/Gaston tiff way back when.
- Gary Whi mike
just wanted to comment on the Alex Rios being a “terrible” fielder rant by one of the callers. Isn’t it possible that since Rios is such an amazing athlete that he makes impossible catches look almost possible and therefore to the average fan it looks like he may have botched the play, but in reality it was just him being really athletic. Just think if we had a non athletic out fielder like a Dunn or Manny, those almost plays wouldn’t even be close. Don’t get on Rios about his fielding, he is truly gifted.
- A.J.Mike. What’s the forecast for the Kansas City area today? Do we hope for a rain-out with Brian Burres pitching? I guess we do. Thanks Mike.
Peter, St.Catharines
MW: No rain out.
- PeterMike, this summer I will be going to see the Jays play in Baltimore.
Do you think I should stay at Super 8? I heard they got free breakfast and internets!
MW: I think you should. But the talking sign might keep you up at night.
- Chris JonesPotential for a 4 – 3 road trip and to wrap up the month 16 – 8. Tell me who wouldn’t take this when Spring Training started.
Let’s hope the quick turnaround let’s the boys have the bats ready. I thought looking at the weather report that last night and this afternoon would get washed out.
Any word on Litsch and Romero returns? What is the AAA teams name in Vegas, so I can find the website to track some of the other players and find out when they are coming to Buffalo (where the team should have ended up in the first place!)
MW: Litsch should be back before the end of May, Romero sooner than that. The team in Vegas is called the 51s – they don’t come to Buffalo because they’re in a different league.
- Aaron KerHi Mike. I cannot believe that umpires double call on the fair/foul. To make matters worse, how could the umpire not realize his mistake and put the batter back up to bat. I have umpires fastball for 10 years and the cardinal rule is if you kill the play (by calling foul) you cannot change your mind. I cannot believe that Cito didn’t get tossed for that. I definitely would have! The team was getting spanked and the umpire completely blew it so I would not have stopped until he threw me out of the game. Who knows? It might have given the Jays a spark.
I am also quite angry with Rogers Cable today. Last week the Jays announced that 5 games will be put onto TSN2, with more probably going to be included as the season progresses. The problem is that I have rogers. Why the heck would they put their own team on a channel that the city of Toronto cannot see? Then I called to complain and they said there was 0% chance of TSN2 ever being put into the Rogers package. The operator said it was because of hockey rights which is complete BULL !*%&. They better simulcast those games on Rogers Preview. I already cannot watch half the Raptors games in the Winter, if I now can’t watch the Jays I will not be impressed.
Thanks for your work Mike and sorry for the rant!
MW: It’s OK, I understand your frustration. Just remember, the five games that are moving to TSN2 would not otherwise have been televised at all.
- Andrew ClarkMike you need to be more rational with the injuries thing.
Everybody has a different body and different throwing mechanics. So it is just stupid to say that for all the injuries to be related they would have to be to the same body part.
It is impossible to predict how a body will react to overusage, there are so many factors that cannot be controlled.
Excluding Romero, notice how all the injuries are on young pitchers after they’ve been up with the big club for about two years. I think there is a trend.
MW: There’s definitely a trend, but that doesn’t mean there’s a common thread.
- PaulI noticed Hill has reached via error a number of times this season, how many times is that now, including last night’s game?
MW: Three
- DanA win today would be absolutely huge. A 16-8 record in April with Doc pitching at home on May 1st! And more importantly not a single series lost in the whole month. It’s a huge game today, as huge as it could get in April.
Batting averages are dropping slowly as they usually do during the course of the season. Don’t you think it’s time for some tinkering? Scutaro should come down and Snider should get a promotion to 7th, Hill to leadoff and Overbay to bat 2nd. Scutaro to bat 9th.
MW: Why would you hit Scutaro and his .400+ on-base percentage 9th? And don’t kid yourself, this is not a huge game.
- BeburgMike,
is that Rogers centre video store still at the park?
have you checked out any of the new concession stands on the 100 level?
MW: Yes and yes.
- AnthonyMike,
Tallet got shelled last night but I really not his attitude and approach to the game. Hopefully he bounces back because I think he is a great professional for the team and is an excellent team player. Nice for the Royals to finally have Billy Butler come around, he was due, too bad it was against the Jays.
MW: You not Tallet’s attitude and approach?
- IanHi Mike,
Last year, after Cito was re-hired, your very radio station ran a program that had Duane Ward on as a guest. Can’t remember the exact program – could’ve been Stormin’ Norman though.
Anyway, Duane reminisced that Cito was great if you were a hitter, but he also hinted that if you were a pitcher, not so much. Then Duane, in a moment perhaps of pure honesty (and perhaps half in jest) said, “I don’t even think that Cito likes us pitchers at all.” Very candid and interesting.
Last night did remind me some of the Cito and “Boomer” Wells encounter (c. 1991).
Maybe Cito’s distaste for pitchers can be traced back to his dual careers as both hitter and hitting instructor. Traditionally being loathe for pitchers may also garner him some credibility with his hitters, no?
MW: Assuming you mean what I think you mean by “being loathe”, I would have to say no.
- JamieODE TO TALLET
Oh, rotation stand-in on behalf of Jesse Litsch,
is it right to question the selection of your pitch?
Or was it poor location, not pitch selection?
Simply failure to get in the batter’s kitchen?
You were once regarded as The Wolverine.
Yet if only Rod Barajas had forseen,
those awful pitches to Royal Billy Butler,
perhaps he would have called for a knuckler.
Even though the ladies may find you hunky,
it’s not often there’s a chance to beat Grienke.
At 6’7” you may be a giant southpaw,
but to win you’ve got to pitch with a lot more chutzpa.
A Flashback Friday’s, old school type of throwback,
- JamieCito’s mound trip sure brought some angry feedback.
And although your facial hair you may re-arrange,
Please, says Cito, next time on 0-2 just throw the change.
Mike,
A good book to add to your library “The Book on the Book”. It basically goes into the probabilities of various baseball strategies actually working ie. sacrifice bunt, the steal etc. The book looks big but over half of it is data that the author included. Sweet read!
- IanMike, is there anyway for you to get Kevin Millar to read the “ODE TO TALLET” to Brian on this coming homestand? I think it would be freakin’ hillarious to hear Millar serenade Tallet with that.
MW: You should really let someone else suggest that, given that you wrote it.
- JamieHi Mike..It seems the hitting has come back down to earth especially in the power department….Snider and Lind have been stuck on 3 homers for an eternity it seems and Overbays average is decreasing by the day…I hate to be negative but if the hitters cant pick up the pitchers they will be .500 in no time
MW: In no time? It’ll take at least a week of no wins for them to get to .500.
- JeremyTo say ‘no rightfielder in the game’ is going to make the catch Rios dropped last night while sliding, as you say, is not even close to true.
Even Rios himself if he gets another shot at it, probably makes that catch. If you watch the replay he got to the ball and it hit off the heel of his glove. It would have been a fabulous play, but it was catchable.
Any rightfielder who got a good jump and gets to the ball has a chance to catch that ball. I’m not saying I blame Rios for not catching it, nor am I suggesting it was a can of corn, but in defense of Rios saying ‘no one in the game’ would have caught it, that just isn’t true.
MW: Fine – it’s untrue that no rightfielder in the game would have caught that ball. Only those who are among the best rightfielders in the game could have caught that ball – unless an average guy was playing really shallow.
- ColeWell as one of the naysayers I must say that I’m impressed with the Jays so far..I know its still early but they look much more determined this season..It feels like these guys have a different attitude this year..
However, they won’t be able to hit like this all season..Sooner or later their pitching deficiencies will catch up with them..Why not sign Pedro Martinez or Orlando Hernandez?..I think they are still available..It wouldn’t cost a boatload to bring them aboard..
I realize Janssen will be back soon and perhaps Mcgowan but how good will they be after such long layoffs?..It would be a shame to see the Jays hit so well this year and still fall short..
MW: The Jays are likely to get more out of Litsch/Janssen/Romero than they would out of Pedro or El Dookie. And don’t kid yourself into thinking a free agent would be able to step into the rotation without having to get stretched out in the minors.
- ray bWhat did you mean by Joe Inglett’s average last year being “empty” ?
MW: I meant that there wasn’t much slugging – he hit mostly singles.
- ColeMike,
If the Jays win today they still haven’t lost a series.
I am glad you commented on Cito’s relationship with his pitchers. I was wondering about it as Tallent was being shelled in the 3rd and 4th.
MW: You’re right – I meant the dream of winning every series.
- JWHey Mike I was just wondering if there is any update on how Jeremy Accordo’s splitter that was so dominant just 2 short years ago is coming along. If he could rediscover this pitch I would think he could drasticlly help our already strong bullpen! Any update would be appreciated
MW: I don’t know how his splitter is coming.
- Lee Coatesmichael,
b. burres tonite. 7 inning, 6 hit shutout.
that’s right mister. you heard me…..
MW: Oops
- darrell bishopI thought Greinke looked really tough, too bad the Royals brought the heavy lumber. Even great starting pitchers have bad days, and hopefully last night was just a bad day (or night, as it were) for Tallet. The sky is not falling. If the Jays can continue to weather this storm of pitching injuries they will probably be ok for the rest of the season, but who really knows how it will go?
MW: Who indeed.
- Mike MHi Mike,
I’m sure some people will express their disgust that the Jays lost (or didn’t win?) their first series of the year to the ‘lowly’ KC Royals. But four game series are hard to win, requiring a team to go 3 and 1. Furthermore, the Royals are a much better team this year than last year with improvements on both sides of the baseball.
That call by the ump was ridiculous! In all honesty it was the furthest thing from a game changing play but that a frustrating thing to happen! Another source of frustration for the Jays, particularly Tallet, must have been all the hard hit balls down the line. So far this year those have been heading straight for the gloves of Rolen and Overbay but last night they were ALL landing fair. Rough game but they happen.
And now for a question: Tim Collins, My new favourite Jays prospect, is continuing to dominate everybody… all the way down in A+. According to Fangraphs (which may or may not be updated) he has a K/9 of almost 17(!), a K/BB ratio of 6.5:1, a WHIP of 0.57 and a sizzling ERA of 1.29 through 14 innings pitched. It seems pretty clear that he is a very promising prospect. I understand that A+ is very low but are they going to start letting this guy climb the organizational ladder in the very near future?
MW: He has been climbing the organizational ladder pretty quickly – he’s in high-A ball at 19 years of age! Also,the Blue Jays won their first series of the year – they took three of four from the Tigers.
- KPMike,
Just saw this on the SI site; Tom Verducci’s Top 10 Closers in baseball history and there at #10 one Tom Henke.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0904/mlb.verducci.top10.closers.all.time/content.10.html
Once again, thank you Texas. That was a fine move in signing Cliff Johnson in 1985.
Note: Kelly Gruber’s hair is visable in the background. Not visable on the list: Jim Acker.
Anyone not on the list that you think should be there?
MW: Not Jim Acker, since he was never really a closer. Were I you, I’d have said “not visible: Joey McLaughlin”. I like how Verducci gave the proper respect to the old-time closers. No Mike Henneman? Bobby Thigpen? The late, great Rod Beck?
- WilHi Mike
Well it is finished the Jays are a complete bust and wont even have a break even season. They should blow it up and start over Fire JP trade Doc,Snider,Wells and Rios
Now let’s get serious
Divide the season in thirds and that means all teams will win at least 54 and loose at least 54. Over the years how many teams have lost less than 54.
The Jays are going to loose at least 46 more.
The part I liked about this game was that even when the offence is in a one day slump they magaed 2 ER against a pitcher that many other teams couldn’t.
I think the home run rattled Tallet and he will recover.
It also wont mean the end of the world if we loose this series which we havent done yet. Burres (sp?) might just surprise and the offen likes to get mean after a blowout loss
MW: THERE IS ONLY ONE “O” IN LOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Richard from ARMike listening to the rain delay program.
Maybe someone was wearing Casey’s jersey which is why his name is appearing in the box score(¿)
MW: Heh
- DavidAHAHA, hall of fame for Rios?
He’s already 27 or 28 and his career HR’s are below 100. To make it to the hall of fame he’d have to play until hes 45. He would also have to be good, which he currently isn’t.
MW: You shouldn’t laugh at Cito. He doesn’t like that.
- PaulI vaguely recall sometime ago hearing that Cito’s general management philosophy is to concede short term success (i.e. game) in favor of longer-term success (e.g. series). If this is true, then perhaps the decision to stretch out Tallet (as far as humanely possible in a blow-out) was for bullpen management.
At this point, I’m still quite impressed with Jay’s performances, especially with respect to fielding, offence and the bullpen (sans Ryan) and Cito certainly deserves much of this credit. My only issue at this point (to no fault of the coaching staff) is that 1 win from 11 game starts by Tallet, Purcey, Litsch, and Burres is not looking good for the long-term. Richmond and Romero have been pleasant surprises. Let’s hope the others can turn it up a notch (esp. Purcey) and some of the DL pitchers have a successful return to action soon.
Q. Might we expect to see Accardo back with the team in the near future?
MW: Maybe – he might be the guy to come up when Burres gets shipped out (tomorrow?) but he may not. Who is Jay?
- BrendonWOW, I went to microwave some chicken to eat during the game and by the time I got back, Burres already gave up a run. It takes talent to be that good at being so awful.
MW: You guys seriously need to get off this Burres thing. He’s bad, but he’s far from the worst ever to suit up.
- BradMike, why does Brian Burres pitch behind in the count so much? A guy without great stuff has to pitch ahead to be successful, no?
Is this just his strategy (e.g., guessing with the hitters), or is his control just not that good?
MW: Pitching behind is no one’s strategy.
- JamieHoly double play balls, at least that should be it for the day.
Mike, I just can’t take Burres at all, there has to be another option even if they want to keep Cecil and Mills down.
- PaulWilner,
Is that the last we see of Brian Burres as a starter or in a Jay uniform?
MW: The last time for this tour of duty, I would think.
- Bobbythe dream isn’t over (yet) Mike, don’t give up hope! they might not WIN every series, but they can still not LOSE them (i.e. TYING) They might ruin it today though. Is it terrible pitching by the jays or is it good hitting by the royals? And WHY did they allow Burres to pitch today after his terrible last outing?
MW: Because you don’t pull the rug out from under a guy after one bad outing. Two, though…………
- ajZack Greinke:
5-0 36 IP, 24 H, 8 BB, 44 K, 0 HR, 0.50 ERA.
Roy Halladay:
4-1 36 IP, 35 H, 4 BB, 32 K, 4 HR, 3.75 ERA.
Is there any chance that Cy Young Award voters will look at Greinke’s stats and award him votes that rightfully belong to Roy. After all Halladay has given up fewer walks and was the better pitcher last season. That should count for something.
MW: Sigh
- KenI’m usually not one to flame the GM because overall I think that JP has done an ok job, but I have no idea what JP was thinking when he signed Brian Burres! This guy sucks in relative terms(worse than Willie Bloomquist) and has absolutle no buisness in a Jays unifrm let alont an MLB uniform! He is the absoute bottom on the barrel option type player in baseball and I have a hard time believing that there isn’t a better option for spot starts! End of rant!
MW: Every team has guys like Brian Burres kicking around in AAA as emergency insurance. It’s not like they’re running you or me out there.
- Matt from BCI’m wrong again.
Sigh!
MW: Chin up, though. Someday you’ll be right!
- Dan from Elmvaleoh man. burres is on of the worst pitchers i’ve ever seen. i have no confidence in this guys skills. can’t jp do any better?
MW: Yes, he can. There are at least 12 starters better than Burres in the Jays’ system.
- jonathanMike: True or False.
A) Burres should be DFA’d, Castro called up after his AAA start.
B) Bautista should NEVER face RHP’s.
C) Rios’ defense has not been subpar by his standards so far this year.
MW: A – Neither true nor false. I don’t know if Castro is the guy – Bullington maybe gets the Tuesday start. B – False. Rolen can’t be run out there everyday. C – False.
- Renegademichael,
- darrell bishopi didn’t know it was a day game. burres isn’t an afternoon pitcher. he likes it at night.
Wow 5 double plays. That’s brutal!!!
MW: How about six?
- Bobbywow double plays killed m,ost of the oportunities for runs today and not even counting the ground outs with 2outs. mike is there a way that you can prevent double plays? was this the last time we’ll see buress, jeez he couldnt get an out ?
MW: Burres actually got six outs, but I’m thinking that yes, this is the last time we’ll see him for a while. The way to prevent double plays is by starting runners (though that would probably lead to more outs) or by not hitting ground balls at infielders with a runner on first with less than two outs.
- nickI think the Jays could find a way to ground into 10 double plays in a 9-inning game.
- BradBautista taking 3 called strikes in the 8th inning when he was the tying run.
Shameful.
MW: For shame!
- NickDoes Cito honestly think Chavez batting in the 8th there gives the Jays a better chance to win both now and in the future than pinch hitting Lyle Overbay. Where’s Gibbons? Tell him to switch dugouts
MW: Cito doesn’t pinch-hit, usually.
- ChrisHi Mike,
I love you show, thats for being so patient…Wow , I could not do your job, and listen to the same damn argument over and over…I just had a question…Why won’t MLB allow The FAN590 to broadcast Jays games online? We do alot of traveling, and have even been on the beach internationally trying to tune in some games…And don’t be that guy who says something about laptops on the beach!!Its just for the games…haha..Anyhow.Without paying MLB (which I refuse to do) How else can we get the feed…I hope this also is not a ROGERS COMM. thing as well. God knows I pay enough for my rogers service..And don’t even get me started on TSN 2..I had to watch the Devels play their game 7 on a bell expressview feed..A stolen feed nontheless…Thanks for everything Mike…Keep up the good work..
MW: MLB doesn’t allow anyone to broadcast any games online – they control it all through their audio package.
- Jay HallettCan I second, third or fourth the request for a podcast of the Jays talk, maybe even an extended Blue jays this week?
Im mostly online with my Phone and would be 10 times more convenient.
Thanks again for all the work on the blog.
- Sean LafortuneFabio Castro is putting up amazing numbers pitching for New Hampshire. Why do the Jays allow Burres to take to the mound when a talent like Castro is down there waiting to be called on.
MW: Castro pitched for Vegas tonight, and wasn’t terrific.
- PatIf I recall correctly, Halladay faced three tough hitters in the all star game last year, (Berkman, Beltran and Pujols, maybe?). Pujols was definately in there, and he was the only guy to get a hit off Halladay, and then Suzuki threw Pujols out at second. I’m actually amazed at how much of that I remember as I type this.
Anyway, I just wanted to mention that in reference to yesterday’s caller on the rain delay show talking about Halladay and Pujols facing each other.
Cheers Mike!
- Matt McLeanYou want a rational comment, I like JP, I really do. How can Burress be the best option??? To give away 2 games like that is inexcusable, I can’t believe there is nothing better down there. Come on management why do this stuff to the team, you tell me the guys aren’t saying amongst themselves. What is this guy doing here??? Not one fan or radio announcer thought this was a smart move. If this guys sees the rubber again someone needs to answer!
MW: The rending of garments over Burres has been amazing. It’s as though the Jays were sending someone out there who found a golden ticket. Burres has pitched well, on several occasions, in the major leagues. Sending him out to the mound is not giving a game away.
- tony43I don’t have anything against Burres as a person, but as a pitcher, I’m with everybody else on the blog. The Jays staked all of their pitchers to a lead in this series, and only Richmond didn’t cough it back up the following half inning. That’s just hard to watch.
I would have to say that, despite the ridiculous double play action, the offense looks good. To keep grinding, five runs down late in the game, I respect that.
Looking forward to tomorrow, even if Doc has a bad night, it has to be more fun back at Rogers Center.
- Greg WHey Mike
Its bloody BP out there, please, no more Burres. I know the club wants to control Cecil’s innings but for the love of god, bring the kid up and let him pitch. I understand the desire to protect Cecil, but they can limit his innings at the end of the season as well. At least insert him into the rotation until Litsch or Marcum are ready to go.
- rickHi Mike,
I think this city has some of the most narrow minded fans.. Kansas City is not an easy team and we should give them some credit. we’re stil 15-9.. last year we wouldnt have made a comeback effort and woulda been blown out (at least from the beginning of the season) I feel the fans need to cool down and relax and watch the Jays. If someone offered them a 15-9 record at spring training.. i could assure u most of them would jump at the offer.
Jays fans just need to cool down because we arent going to win every game. Also, I hear so many people saying theyll be last by the end of may… those people are just idiots. They dont appreciate the game… its a shame. Hopefully we’ll get some big crowds this weekend to show some support unlike what has been seen so far.
- WarrenNow, one question.. are there any pitchers who havent been signed that could fit in as a spot starter to replace Burres? 2 awful starts… no point risking a 3rd if they have another option via free agency.
MW: There’s no free agent option who would be ready to go on Tuesday.
- WarrenLovin’ your phrase turning on last night’s Jay’s talk. “Don’t lose sight of the forest because the first 22 trees are so pretty,” and “You don’t have to like it, but you gotta love it.”
You got a touch of the poet to ya, Mikey.
MW: Why thank you.
- Matt McLeanGo to YouTube and type in:
Batting Stances Blue Jays
Enjoy…this should help some people get over a couple of losses…funny stuff!!!
Go Jays!!!!
- DJJAYHey Mike, first post this year. I have seen a lot of people mentioning Rios in this blog, but I beleive that he looks like he doesn’t care at all this year. He has taken a few bad routes on balls, a few liners at him, he has misjudged. He really does look like he is nonchalant going after the ball in the field. And please don’t give me, he is a great athlete, that is why he looks like that. Devon White was a great athlete, and I never cursed Devon for going after a ball half assed, because he caught it.
MW: He didn’t catch them all.
- Jason Deneaultmike, did you get a chance to ask vw if he would have taken 100mil? btw mike, can you even imagine ever being in a situation where somebody offered you 100mil and you thought “no thanks I can do better”
also why is burres up here instead of fabio castro. you keep raving about him. what is jp’s explanation. is this another mench where there is no logic.
MW: I haven’t been raving about Castro at all. He’s an option, and he may well be here by Tuesday. Of course I can’t imagine a situation where I would have thought I could do better than $100 million, but Wells was, and he did.
- harimichael,
6 double plays in one game.
is that lot?
MW: Nah
- darrell bishopHi Mike
I am watching the Yankee- Angel game and apparently, the Angels are having the same problem we do with pitchers. Lackie, Santana, Escobar are all out – and you think we have problems
Good news bad news – I am going to the game this week-end. Bad news – Purcey is pitching. Being an optimist, at least I am not seeing Burres on the mound.
Mike, what is the injury to Barrett and when will he be back. I like him and hopefully he will be back soon?
Thanks
MW: The Angels are having pitching issues, for sure, but they’re 9-12. The Jays are 15-9. Barrett has a torn muscle on the back of his right shoulder, he won’t be back all that soon, I don’t think.
Francis
- FrancisMike,
I see that Castro is pitching for Las Vegas tonight. I wonder if it’s to better prepare him for a start with the Jays that would be in 5 days from now.
Would make sense, no?
MW: There’s a chance. He didn’t do well, though.
- RMmike, you do tell people they are wrong even when they provide hard facts. case in point. rios is not this great power hitter you claim him to be. is frank cat a great power hitter? nooooo compare their numbers:
frank 83hr/3655ab = 13.6/600ab
rios 68hr/2732ab = 14.9/600ab
so given 600 ab rios only hits 1.3 more hr and that’s including frank’s declining production as he got older
frank’s carrer ops is .807, rios is .788. their slug is almost the same. they are pretty much the same hitter, rios is actually worse. but frank doesnt cost you 10 mil. so please stop telling us how great rios is. he simply is not.
MW: I don’t believe I have ever said Rios is a great power hitter. I have said that I think he can hit 30 home runs. I have also said many times that I don’t think he should be a 3-hole hitter in the majors, because he doesn’t walk enough. The more I think about it, he is 28 already – I guess he’s washed up.
- rickyalso mike, you keep saying “people around the league” keep saying how great rios is. well we’ve heard this story before haven’t we? a few years ago wells was this great hitter and the “best defensive cf in the league” well what happened to that? all it takes is one bad year and everyone forgets about you. nobody would take rios’ contract now.
MW: There would be quite the line-up of teams ready to take Rios’ contract if the Jays put him on the market. Don’t kid yourself.
- rickyMike, you’ve talked a few times about Cecil or Mills being up here by the end of June, or sometime a bit later this season. I haven’t heard you say what time you expect to see J. P. Arencibia this season, if at all.
Thanks
MW: You should listen more often! I figure Arencibia could be up by August, depending on how things are going with him and with the team.
- vj“Sorry to chime in on the 1992 team, but that team didn’t get swept in a series all season.
That team lost many series that season, but they were never swept.”
You know, the 2009 Jays have not been swept in a series yet. If the Royals couldn’t do it, I really doubt than anybody will.
MW: Uh-huh.
- Kenmike, the 3 worst slug on the team among regulars belong to rios, wells and rolen. and these guys all bat in high leverage situations. half the rbi’s come from only 4 players. unless hill, scutaro, lind and snider drive in 150 rbi’s each the offense is in big trouble when these guys cool off. you keep praising how great the offense is. it’s only a few guys carrying the rest.
MW: You can’t drive in an RBI. I don’t keep “praising how great the offense is”. What is this with so many people putting words in my mouth tonight? It’s astounding, though, that you don’t believe that Rios and Wells will heat up at some point.
- rickymike, you compared trading rios to vince carter. these are completely different. in nba there are only 5 starters and vc was an impact player so trading him you would not get fair value in return. rios is not a star player and its a 25 man roster so 1 player does not have the same impact. also its not just the player you are trading, its the contract. the jays can easily replace rios with the 10 mil they saved. they dont actually have to get anyting in return, same for wells. how many teams do you think want to take on a big contract? they dont so they are not going to do that PLUS give you a prospect in return.
MW: The Jays don’t actually have to get anything in return for Rios to get value? Too ridiculous to waste time on a response.
- rickyhey mike, what’s your opinion of jayson werth? is he a great hitter? he has 59hr in only 1467 ab’s. that’s double the production of rios. his ops is also higher. rios is totally avg there are hundreds of better hitters out there.
MW: Werth isn’t a great hitter. Nor is Rios yet. But I’ll take my chances with him.
- rickyMike, True or False:
1) Shaun Marcum believes his celebrity look-a-like is Scott Downs.
2) A-Rod’s man-boob size is a 36B.
3) Nobody – I mean NOBODY, feels sorry for the Steinbrenner’s that they bid against themselves to sign A-Rod to that insane contract.
- McLovinAs amusing as I find the show, and inane ranting in general. I fail to see how one can claim “long time listener” and then proceed to ask when Markham is returning. This last week has sounded just like every episode previous. If your going to ask the same questions as were asked and answered, don’t call yourself a listener.
MW: I’m trying to resist the urge to say “my going to ask the same questions”. Sorry, couldn’t do it. I’m sure the callers who say that they’re long-time listeners mean that they have been listening to the show for years, not listening to every show for years.
- deth2pplDo you have an update on Jason Lane, Fabio Castro, and Wade Miller.
Also, do the jays haave any chance to get a guy like Joey Devine, underatted but fantastic set up.
MW: Lane is struggling in Vegas (.605 OPS in a hitters’ league), Castro didn’t look great tonight in Vegas, Miller is having severe control issues (13 walks in 19 2/3 IP) in Vegas, but doesn’t seem to be paying for it (4.12 ERA). Devine just had season-ending elbow surgery.
- Lukas MigottoThe Jays had a wonderful April.
The Kansas City pitching especially Greinke. was too much for them.
Lets a) get out of Kansas City
b) have a day off.
Including Cito. The team has exceeded expectations, nuff said.
MW: Nuff indeed, but they don’t get a day off until May 11th.
- barbI sent in a post on
Cito’s argument with the umpire about the damage that was caused to the Blue Jays when
the umpire called a fair ball fair. I guess it got blown up.
MW: Yep, it got blown up.
- Ken1) FIRST OFF – mike wilner has the coolest job in the world, just talking baseball for a living.
2) Please explain, in depth and detail, why momentum is not a factor in a baseball game.
3) Please explain, why you base a lot of your opinions on statistical information, rather than on-field situations. (i.e. (tight situation)runner on second, nobody out, two strikes (bunt option unavailable), batter deliberately hits the ball to the right side, enabling runner on 3rd, 1 out. That is a ZERO in every single statistical perspective, yet plays such an important factor in games)
4) Please explain why Jays trivia is gone. I used to love that.
5) Please explain any way to statistically analyze defense (not that stupid fielding pct.)
6) who’s constantly laughing in the background during the jaystalk?
MW: 1 – Very true. 2 – How much time do you think I have? Momentum only lasts until the other team does something spectacular. 3 – I’d rather have the batter deliberately hit the ball to the outfield for a hit. 4 – No sponsor. 5 – There is, such as UZR, range factor, plus/minus, runs prevented, defensive misplays, all kinds of cool stuff. 6 – Tom Young.
- TheSunkenZealotHi mike,
you are such an amazing baseball analyst. you have such valid opinions, you tell the truth, you admit your mistakes (like predictions).
Mike, i love your blog and post game show so much, i personally deserve you belong on the level of excellence.
MW: Not a chance.
- TheSunkenZealotmike would you rather see overbay playing more regularly, and at the top of the order?
MW: I would rather see him playing every game against righties, and late in every game for defense and nearer to the top of the order, for sure.
- oliverHi Mike,
I am trying to figure out why so many people are constantly asking for Accardo updates. Its getting rather annoying. The bullpen is great and doesn’t need him at all. What the Jays need is starting pitching so lets focus on that. To me, Accardo had one good year and would need to string together a couple of more to be taken seriously. people must remember his struggles began late in that 2007 season and continued through 2008. Enough already! People need to move on and stop overrating this guy. Its unbelievable. I hear it on Jays talk and in this blog. The same question over and over again “any news on Accardo?? “when do you think Accardo will be back??” ahhhhhhhh!!!
Ok, I got tat off my chest.
MW: I find it more astounding that people are constantly talking about how bad a baseball player Alex Rios is. I look forward to hearing what they have to say in a couple of months.
- Ian from WhitbyHi Mike,
Speaking of the Tallet/Cito incident, I didn’t see what happened. What did happen? I recall in 1992 when Boomer Wells tossed that ball down the leftfield line. I also recall the payback Cito dished out later in that season when Wells started in Milwaukee. Cito left Wells in for 13 earned runs in a 16-3 shellacking by the Brewers. Cito has a subtle way of dishing out punishment. It is never a good idea to cross Mr Cito Gaston!
MW: It wasn’t really an “incident”.
- Ian from WhitbyHello Mike
Isn’t this fun to guess who will come up to replace the double B or the Brians. Like you, I am puzzled as to why Bullington was sent down. He pitched OK until yesterday, maybe too many lefties?
I’d like to see Accardo brought up. His number looked good in Vegas.
Mike, did you ever find out how McGowan, Litch and Romero did in their flat ground throwing exercise?
Thanks
Francis
MW: McGowan was supposed to throw today, and we haven’t gotten an update yet, Romero will throw a bullpen this weekend (maybe today, I can’t remember) and Litsch is on his program in Florida.
- FrancisHi Mike
“MW: THERE IS ONLY ONE “O” IN LOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
why do you always yell at me, I am sorry I misspelled the word but I was trying to be reasonable and maybe a little cute parodying the bandwagon fans who call for doom after one loss and then I wanted to interject some civility into the situation.
MW: Sorry I yelled at you, it’s just that you were the straw that broke the camel’s back after so many “loosers”.
- Richard from AR