12:30 AM Eastern
The Blue Jays weren’t going allow their losing streak to reach ten games. They dug deep, found every ounce of grit and heart and determination they could muster, and used it to beat on the knuckleballer they couldn’t touch a week and a half ago – solely because he was the one who started them on the streak. With the losing streak in the past, the Jays will no doubt be embiggened enough to rhyme off seven or eight wins in a row and coast into the playoffs.
Or……..the Jays were patient with Tim Wakefield, got some knuckleballs they could handle (with an assist to the closed roof) and put together a big inning. They got big hits with runners in scoring position and got a solid start from Casey Janssen along with great relief efforts from Brandon League and Scott Downs, and got the homestand off on a good note by snapping the long losing streak that couldn’t possibly have gone on much longer. And they caught a huge break when David Ortiz JUST missed his pitch in the first. Vernon Wells tracked it down right at the 400-foot sign – it was about ten feet shy of being a Grand Slam, at the most. If only Ortiz had eaten one more Wheatie for breakfast. Or, umm, something.
Which of the above paragraphs do you think I believe?
It was great that they snapped the losing streak, no question, but all they did to do it was repeat what they did in large part over the first 41 games of the season. Hit well, pitch well, defend well. These Jays are capable of doing that more often than not. It’s a good team.
It was especially nice to see Casey Janssen out there, too. He wasn’t fantastic, but got himself out of almost every jam into which he got himself. He didn’t walk people, and spread out the 11 hits he allowed over seven innings enough that he only gave up three runs. Janssen got his first win as a starter since June 30, 2006, when he beat the Phillies with six innings of five-hit shutout.
Good for Casey, and good for the Blue Jays. He has a very bright future ahead of him in this rotation, I think.
League was electric, teasing us again with a 10-pitch, 3-up, 3-down 8th. He showed yet again why so many believe he can be a dominant closer someday, and Snakeface shook off a poor outing Wednesday (and a minor hamstring strain) with a perfect 9th to close it out.
The Jays improved to 2-2 at home against the Red Sox and Yankees (0-3 on the road) and remain just a game and a half out of first place in the A.L. East, though it’s now the Yanks who are on top.
The thing I’ll remember the most from this one, though, was the sight of Rod Barajas chugging all the way around from first base on Marco Scutaro’s two-out double off the centre-field wall in that big 5th inning. Barajas, who I interviewed on the field after the game, told me he didn’t have an extra gear into which to shift, and that as he lay in a heap at the plate after sliding in safe, his heart was racing and he couldn’t feel his legs. When he dove for the plate, he touched it with his outstretched left hand and just lay there, face-down, for way more than a good three-count. It was hilarious – a fun moment during a fun game that the home team won.
And hey, the Jays are on a five-game home winning streak!
Here’s tonight’s edition of The JaysTalk, for your listening pleasure:
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We had some technical issues with the blog that prevented me from posting anything after Tuesday night’s loss, so Tuesday night’s edition of The JaysTalk was never posted here. Until now, that is:
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It’s kind of dated, I’m sure, but enjoy anyway!
Tomorrow we’re on at 12:30 PM Eastern, I’m going to try to get Janssen for the pre-game. Make sure you tune in on the Fan590 or on this very website!
And by the way, thanks for the 200+ comments on the last post. I think that’s a record. Maybe I should keep it to ten words more often, it would sure make my life easier!
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome.
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“You get to sleep in your own bed”
I rest my case, Michael.
MW: How?
- Wyatt BaileyHey Mike,
Nice to see them pull out a win tonight. Let’s hope their luck turns around after giving it to Wakefield who started that streak. I was wondering why the dome was closed. Who makes the ultimate decision on whether it’s closed or open?
MW: I would assume that the ultimate authority lies with Paul Beeston, but I doubt it ever gets that far.
- JulesHey Mike,
Sorry to not post on your record breaking blog day. However i want to address a few things here.
It was a nice win tonight, stopped where it all began, against Wakefield in his kryptonite, an indoor stadium.
On another note, do you know why Scutaro (2nd at SS), Hill (3rd at 2B), and Rolen (4th at 3B), are doing so well in fan voting… I started numerous groups in Facebook, Twitter and Myspace asking for votes for all jays, Lind, hill, Scutaro, Rolen, in particular…I have also voted roughly 2100 times myself for all the Blue jays. Now that I start fulltime next week at a desk, expect that number to increase exponentially until July 2nd.
Thirdly, when i go to Washington in June, can you tell me how hospitable the Jays are for signing autographs, because I will probably one of few jays faithful in away gray.
Finally, in the post game interview, you looked a little older than your blog picture, was all the stress of the recent losing streak getting to you….Relax mike, wooooosawwwwww….
P.S. You need to bring up other peoples spelling errors a little more frequently, when reading posts it upsets me to see people spell Carlson “Carleson” and Janssen “Jansen” as well as other things.
Cheers Mike.
MW: I’m surprised that those Jays are doing so well in fan voting, but I hope it continues. They’re all deserving of those votes. I don’t know how often the Jays sign on the road, sorry about that. I need to bring up spelling errors MORE often? How much more grey do you want me to get?
- paoloHey Mike,
If a player takes a blood test today, and from this test, the team doctors could infer that this player (lets call him “bj”) has been on PEDs for some years. Would the employing team have the right to nullify his contract? I figure theirs gotta be some “false-advertising” legal precedent to support such a motion, especially if the players performance has diminished in correlation with the anti-doping regulations
MW: Can a test show that someone has been on something for more than two or three years? I doubt that. The Rangers didn’t get any money back from Alex Rodriguez, nor did the Yankees ask for any back.
- jpIn regards to the starting five from the last post.. I’m not a Clemens fan, but my feeling is that stats are stats, and that considering them ‘tainted’ or not is a dead end conversation. So Clemens back to back pitching triple crowns as a Jay means he makes the starting five. Even though he’s an idiot, as near as I can tell from every time I’ve ever seen him interviewed.
I’m too young to have ever seen Clancy pitch, so I’ll trust you on that one.
About tonight’s game, its just more fun when you win. And you could definitely tell that Barajas ran out of gas about two steps after he touched third. It was a fun moment when everybody greeted him at the dugout steps.
It actually reminded me of an in the park home run I remember for ’91 or ’92. Rance Mulliniks hit it, I think in the Kingdome, and it rattled around in the corner. By the time he got home, he looked like he would have been much happier with a double.
MW: If I remember correctly, I saw a shot of Rance getting oxygen in the dugout after that one. You’re right on Clemens, but I wasn’t talking about tainted numbers, I was talking about the fact that he’s a jerk. Also, he was only here two years, though they were two incredible years.
- Greg WThat post-game interview was great! Good job by both yourself, and B.A. And that play sounded classic. I’m going to have to check out the highlights, since i radioed the game.
It may only be one game in May (don’t mean to embiggen it), but tonight sure feels better than Wednesday evening.
Question the only: Is it possible that we see Johnny finally get some starts at short, now that Inglett is in The Great White North?
This may depend on Inglett’s bat waking up, but, hypertheoretically, if it does, he can lead off, so it’d still (except when LInd’s in left) be the LF and SS hitting first and ninth, just switched.
I know Cito doesn’t like to change things, but guys do need days off here and there. I think fatigue was at least a small factor in losing 9 winnable games in a row. But maybe he’ll just keep putting Marical Hendutaripken out there. And I don’t mean to sound like I’m complaining about, or blaming anything on, Scutaro. It just seems odd to me to have some guys play all (or close to it) of the 50 games in 52 days and J-Mac playing… uh……..
Thanks
MW: Cito doesn’t like to change things when the team is doing well, and he doesn’t like to change things when the team is doing poorly. But I think he has realized that the arduous schedule took a toll on some of his everyday players.
- Dilly in DundasHi Mike,
I have been AWOL for the last week because of work and was unable to watch a single one of those horrible games. I blame myself for the losing streak! Just kidding :)
I have been homeful that Janssen might be a possible stud pitcher in the future and definitely has not disappointed since coming back to the team. Three runs in each game in 13 innings is not a bad start.
My question revolves around Carlson. Why does Gaston seem to have so much faith in this guy? Fasor has been so good this year but Carlson always seems to get the call in close games. It is definitely frustrating to watch. He started out pitching well but now he has been over used and not as affective.
I am also still confused over refusing to promote Accardo. He is better than Carlson, Wolfe, Camp, et al. He has a 2.84 and 6 saves so far. Is that not much better than what those three have done in the majors this year? I know that AAA stats do not always translate to the majors but this guy has been great in the past. Why not give him a chance to be great again?
MW: I don’t know why they haven’t called up Accardo. I would say that the reason Gaston has so much faith in Carlson is the job that Carlson did for him last year, when he was among the best relievers in the game. And the truth is, Carlson hasn’t been bad in the overall this season – he’s only allowed 29 baserunners in 26 innings.
- Andrew ClarkBrandon League was electric alright. That was the best we’ve seen of him for quite a while. Lowell looked like a rookie, not knowing what he was swinging at. I loved it!! I hope he can keep it up. Do you think he’s the go to guy right now in the eighth inning since carlsson has been struggling?
MW: I would like to see Jason Frasor as the go-to guy in the 8th.
- SamOh, one more thing…
I think the giant Super8 sign has some serious competition now. That tuxedo ad is a beauty!
MW: Does the tuxedo have free breakfast and internets? Didn’t think so.
- Dilly in DundasHey Mike,
Just read the first paragraph and was going to comment on how much of a knucklehead you were, since “digging deep” and “finding all the grit and heart and determination you can muster” has little effect on a baseball game . . .
So I guess you believe the second paragraph, eh?
I agree with your assessment of Janssen’s future. I just finished reading Joe Torre’s book, and Tom Verducci illustratees the trend of successful teams in the 2000s to combat the big-spending Yankees — making the most of home-grown talent that comes cheap. The Jays are doing this to J.P. Ricciardi’s credit.
The knock against this team, however, is the money allocated to established veterans — if only that $20 million spent on Ryan and Overbay could be put to better use.
MW: I don’t understand the constant knocking of Overbay. He doesn’t hit home runs, but he’s one of the best defensive first basemen in the game, he kills right-handed pitching, and he’s hitting .355 with runners in scoring position.
- Ken PaganMike, nice work with the on-field interview again, and of course on the blog and JaysTalk. I hope the crazies don’t get you down as much as it seems, because it’s pretty much inevitable I think, and sometimes I bet they just get more enraged by your pleas to be rational.
Just one little thing, and I think Alan mentioned it on the broadcast, but playing indoors has actually been good to Wakefield over the years. He has a 3.93 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and opposing hitters are .230/.316/.384 against Wakefield indoor, vs. 4.36, 1.35, and .254/.328/.416 outdoors. Joe Niekro was better indoors by an even wider margin.
Then again, if you look even closer, Wakefield and Niekro piled up their good performances at Tropicana (against terrible teams until last year) and the Astrodome (a huge park if I remember right). At other indoor stadiums (Metrodome, Kingdome, Rogers Centre) their numbers aren’t really any different. Most notably, Wakefield’s career ERA at Rogers Centre was 4.33 going into tonight, pretty darn close to his 4.36 outdoor ERA (though some of those Toronto starts were outdoors, and I’m not going to go to the trouble of figuring out his indoor/outdoor splits at Rogers Centre).
So I guess in conclusion, I don’t think the indoor/outdoor thing makes much of a difference. Your thoughts?
MW: I think that there’s a case to be made either way. It really does depend on how the wind blows. If there’s too much, the knuckleball will move faster, spin more, and be much easier to hit. If there’s a strong wind right in the pitcher’s face, it’ll make the knuckler dance that much more. I guess weather factors wind up evening out over time. I know the Jays believe that Wakefield is a better pitcher outdoors.
- DarrenThanks so much for posting the JaysTalk for those of us that missed it. Any chance of getting Wednesday’s JaysTalk uploaded?
MW: There wasn’t one on Wednesday.
- RichardI’m trying to figure out who is right on the knuckleball issue. I know you had said previously and then again in this column alluded to what I took as fact, that the closed roof benefited the Jays. But listening to the TV guys, especially Pat Tabler, they seemed to think having the roof open would help the Jays, and Pat implied he had talked to some of the guys in the clubhouse and the consensus was dome open vs. Wakefield. I’m confused.
I’m also elated. Fun game to watch, I don’t have to be worried every day now.
MW: See above, there may be no right answer. Why did you have to be worried every day before yesterday?
- Sean in LethbridgeGreat game! Let’s hope that they pull off a 9 game winning streak and wipe out the previous 9 game losing streak.
MW: Or you could be realistic, but that probably wouldn’t be as much fun, right?
- BrentMike, that opening paragraph was nothing short of pure genius. Love the use of embiggened. This blog is nothing short of pure cromulence.
Do you think the parade should come down Bay or Yonge?
Good win, love Casey Jansen. I don’t agree with Cito who said it was a good start, and Jamie Campbell and Alan Ashby who both called it very good. In my opinion it was adequate and had the potential to go very wrong a few times. He just, just did enough.
Is there a bigger enigma than Brandon League? do you ever know what you might get from him? At least he’s interesting to watch. He could be scary good one day.
Chris
ps Totally of topic, but who is the nerdy laugh in the background in the booth whenever Alan or Jerry say something funny?
MW: It’s Tom Young. It was a fine start, not especially good but certainly not bad. As for League, he’s one in a long line of very talented pitchers who aren’t quite able to harness their fantastic stuff. There have been hundreds of them, if not thousands. They tantalize and tease, and some never put it all together, but some do. The good thing about League is that he’s only 26.
- Chris Thompsonwhat do you think of accardo as being the setup man?
MW: I think Frasor should be the set-up man.
- nickWakefield wasn’t as dazzling as last time, and they made him pay. The only thing that made me uptight was Lind taking the first two pitches (there were already two walks ahead of him) and then swinging at the next pitch he saw…he should have had more patience.
Nice to see them making contact and not stranding as many.
That Bard(sp?)sure reminds me of AJ, especially with that late-breaking 96-er.
It’s going to be a long season!
MW: Bard is a good one, for sure. You can’t be upset with Lind for that – when you’re facing a knuckleballer, all that goes out the window.
- JackTuesday on Jays Talk the subject of the worst Blue Jay ever was brought up. I suppose the whole idea is subjective, but as someone who has followed the club for 33 years, I feel qualified as any on this subject. My criteria would be a player expected to make a big contribution, but failed to do so and failed in a big way, therefore it’s hard to finger players like Lou Thornton, Jose Nunez and Willie Canate. The best of the worst can mostly be found in the clubs early years. Pitchers like Balor Moore and Jesse Jefferson were awful but Phil Huffman (6-18, 5.77) and Mark Lemongello (1-9, 6.27) were far worse and the club traded Alan Ashby to get Lemongello. Joey Hamilton is a good choice as would be Luke Prokepec and Pedro Borbon Jr. It’s also hard to ignore the non contributions of Darrin Jackson and Erik Hanson. Hanson was paid to play golf all year (6 million to be exact). That would put him third on the PGA’s money list for 1998.Alex Sanchez was a huge bust as well. I can forgive Eddie Zosky. He was never supposed to hit anyway. My list could go on forever, but I’d have no problem ranking a top 50 with Hanson or Hamilton the winner.
I’m glad the streak has ended. I was hoping the club would move back above .500 all time this year but the streak may have fixed that. The Blue Jays now stand 2,541-2,568 all time for a .497 winning percentage. Other clubs who are close are Arizona (+12), Atlanta (-40)
MW: Now that I think of it, the top guy on the list has to be Mike Sirotka, doesn’t it?
- Jim in OhioHey Mike. Just to follow up with the comment you left me about not sounding like someone who loves the Jays. Do you think my prediction that the Jays won’t be playing meaningful games in September means I love them any less? You yourself predicted at the beginning of you year that you thought they would win around 80 to 85 games. That sounds about right. I don’t think in this division those sort of numbers will get you in a close race near the end but I also don’t believe it would make you any less of a Jays fan yourself… I hope I’m not wrong. I just make honest predictions.
MW: What that comment showed me was that even though they were only a game out of a playoff spot at the time (still are), you were ready to pull the plug on them because they’d lost nine in a row.
- Matt from BCGreat game to put things in perspective. Also nice to see some rbi’s with 2 outs, and to see a packed RC due to recent events.
I’m heading to the game today and hoping for more of the same.
Do you think Cito has been humbled a bit, and might pass on Carlson in late innings with a small lead?
Nice use of ‘embiggened’!
MW: I don’t think Cito has been humbled at all – why would you think he needed humbling?
- urmomHi Mike,
I was at the game and my friends and I enjoyed the game and we really enjoyed your interview with Rod after the game.
Thanks,
Liz
MW: Thanks!
- LizI love Rod’s comment in the cover story — “If I had to run 10 feet further, the paramedics would have been out there giving me mouth to mouth!”
Can anyone say “beached whale”?
MW: Not nice!
- NormOn the Jays Talk, a caller asked about home-field advantage. You mentioned last at-bats as one of the reasons. I’ve never understood that. Each team has 27 outs, which they try to avoid making in the process of attempting to score as many runs as possible. I don’t see how those bottom-of-the-ninth at bats are more valuable than the visitor’s top-of-the-third at bats. The only difference is that if a team is batting in the bottom of the ninth, it is either tied or losing. Most likely they will be facing the opposing team’s closer; most likely they will lose. So what if they know how many runs they need to tie or win? It’s not as if the visiting team doesn’t have the same information, and won’t defend accordingly.
Those last-ups certainly didn’t help the astros last year in their so-called “neutral site” games against the Cubbies in Milwaukee. Granted, it was only two games, and the neutral wasn’t so neutral.
But home teams in other sports enjoy a home field advantage, without any last at-bats.
And does a hockey team (whether it’s visitor or home) that shoots last in the shoot-outs have an advantage? Of course not. The last chance is not an extra chance.
MW: Home teams enjoy very tangible advantages in other sports, such as last change in the NHL and the possession arrow in the NBA. I think you’re really selling the last at-bat short. It’s a lot more important than you seem to believe.
- Evan WhiteMike,
I was really surprised no one brought this up on Jays Talk, but did you not find Toronto’s lack of movement on the basepaths in the early going of the game a bit confusing?
There were several chances to steal a base (usually a fairly easy task against Wakefield, no?) when Scutaro, Wells and Rios were on base and they stayed still. Finally Wells swiped one (quite easily) … But I was just wondering what rationale you think there was for the Jays playing station to station in the early going when it was still a very tight game?
MW: Rios got thrown out last time against Wakefield, so I’m guessing he might have been a little shy, with the others it’s a matter of reads and jumps – I didn’t see as many situations as you did.
- ColeMissed the first three innings coaching baseball to little people, but I must say that it was nice to tune in and hear a 1-1 tie when I got back in the car. I took an extra breath before turning on the Fan. Caught the onslaught on Tv with the boys jumping up and down and all over the bed upon which I sleep, and that too was nice. League still made me nervous, but his stuff was ON! In short, good game. Now let’s just hope for more of the same kind of effort – win or lose, if they play well I’ll be a happ(ier)y fan.
- VavaCarlos Marmol for the Cubs made the All-Star team last year as a non-closing reliever.
MW: I had forgotten that, but it doesn’t happen often.
- ProvanI thought Janssen was better in this outing than he was in his first outing. I thought in his first game that he could have been hit much harder than he was because in my mind he threw some hangers that he got away with. He was much more careful with location on Friday night so good on him.
- Dan from ElmvaleOr, umm, something. I agree 100%.
I thought for sure you were gonna say ricky romero as the third starter.
Do you see more potential in cecil and when do you think he will be back
MW: I definitely see more potential in Cecil, but I don’t know when he’ll be back.
- John terryHey Mike,
I have got a question about Travis Snyder. When he is called back up in a couple months do you think that Cito will continue to keep him out against left handed pitching? Cant wait to see what this kid can do on a everyday basis.
MW: I hope that when he comes up, he’ll be up to play everyday, but I doubt it.
- shawnWas at the game last night and it was fun with 32k strong.
The California Kid, Casey Janssen, was very good. And good on him. If he can give us those kinds of starts more times than not, we’ve definitely strengthened our starting rotation.
I was a little confused as to why Overbay was dropped from the 7 spot in favour of Millar. And really, I’m not a big fan of the lack of speed in the bottom 3 (Millar, Overbay, Barajas).
The Jays need to follow up last night’s strong performance with 2 more this weekend. Boston needs to feel the brooms this weekend.
June looks really interesting doesn’t it? We don’t face an AL EAST team until we meet Tampa Bay on the 29th.
Whew!
Let’s rack up those wins against the Central and West like we did in April!
MW: The Jays don’t NEED to sweep this series by any means. I’m guessing that Overbay/Barajas were moved down because of Millar’s career success against Wakefield.
- AngeloHey Mike,
Sorry if you’ve explained this already but I just wanted to know if J.P. gave you a reason why he doesn’t want to do “Wednesdays with J.P.” anymore.
I respected J.P. for giving up some of his time once a week to come on air and talk to the fans of his baseball team. Not a lot of people would be so accomodating.
Quinn
MW: He said he didn’t want to do it anymore.
- QuinnJanssen is a typical Swedish name and Casey looks so Swedish-looking. Just to confirm, is he indeed of a Swedish background?
MW: I have no idea.
- BeburgUnbelievable, the amount of comments on your blog prior to this one Mike! There is no doubt this is a record even beating out the one from last season when most defended you on comments made on PTS by another Mike! This blog of yours has got to be ranked the #1 blog out there!
One comment from yet another Mike yesterday stated the following….
“I got tickets to a game this weekend and i dont wanna go anymore..I dont wanna read about this team,i dont wanna watch em…..i dont wanna hear about em….how do you go from red hot to ice cold overnight….
My question to the above comments is – “how do you go from being a fan to a non-fan, overnight”? Further to the above I am sure there are plenty who would gladly take your ticket. Although I’m sure if you do have one, you will be at the game!
When Brandon League works quickly his best comes out. I was surprised a couple of Bo-Sox hitters never stepped out on him. It was nice sitting amnongst a good crowd last night for sure. Plenty of Boston fans there also!
Truly looking forward to the next two games!
Janssens’ stuff was magic, tons of movement on the ball. The true test for a pitcher is getting out of jams he created himself – he done that also! Nice to see him back out there!
That was hillarious for sure watching Barajas chug around the bases like an old steam engine! Seeing him laid out at home plate, I said to my buddy – someone might have to call Greenpeace to move him into the dugout.
Gotta have more of the same as to the 10th man in the stands people! Keep it up! Said it before and will say it again – the bats have always been there and the pitching is coming back with those who have the most big league experience.
Keep up the great work you do Mike!
- Bob from BurlingtonWakefield pitches much better with the roof closed; he has huge numbers at rogers centre and even bigger ones at the trop. these came with the roof closed. The tv broadcast said the team actually wanted the roof open.
MW: See above. It’s just not true.
- JI am a baseball fan, though I’m not as much of an expert as a few of the callers to Jays Talk are. From listening to some of them over the past week or so here is my take after this win, now that they’re clearly back to the way things were:
The Jays are going to win the next two games against Boston, and finish .500 for the month of May.
Then they’ll carry on to make the playoffs.
Cito clearly is the man who got things turned around for them.
J.P. needs to be fired right away, as he clearly caused this slump.
His replacement should immediately deal Scott Campbell of AAA Las Vegas to New York for Jeter, Sabathia and Posada.
That is, unless they lose today, in which case they are clearly going to lose 15 of the next 20, and likely will not win again for the rest of the season.
________
All that being said, it was nice to see a win, particularly after the loss on Thursday. That was a hard game to listen to.
MW: Wednesday, but yeah. We actually haven’t had any of the crazy trade ideas yet, but you’re bang-on. I’ll say, though, that if they lose today, some will say that this is part of that predicted 5-15 run that they knew all along was coming.
- ScottI have to admit, the hype regarding Matt Wieters was beginning to grate on me just a bit. Akin to watching a golf tournament where 49% of the coverage is devoted to the tied-for-77th place Tiger Woods.
But I could never have summed it up as well as Joe Sheehan in this free BP article:
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=8964
I had to stop reading for a second to wipe my eyes when I got to the bit about little Sally.
MW: Good for Joe, but why couldn’t Wieters bring peace to the Middle East? What’s wrong with that guy?
- James (from the Church of the Double Steal)hey mike at the game last night. On the score board for the first few innings they had sniders name hitting 5th instead of lind lol caught me off guard because i was up in the 500s lol,
- Ryanhello Mike, soo glad the Jays snaped out of that horrible 9 game loosing streak…I was beginging to get nightmares. It was the most bizzar 9 games I have ever withnessed in Jays history. How can a team playing so well after sweeping Chicago loose 9 games in this road trip??…It’s how they loss too meaning it’s like someone flipped the switch or put a curse on them as soon as they went to Boston & they couldn’t score if their life depended on it…The bats did come around in that nith loss but a bullpen that has been gold for the Jays, imploded big time for the first time in recent memory. It’s like no matter who Cito puts out there, it’s like they were meant to loose that game. Can do no right. Weird. So, good ridence 2 this horrible bizzar road trip that no one in their right mind could of predicted. I was hoping for 6-7 wins but I’ll take that 5-4 you hoped for any day Mike. Anways, keep up the good work.
MW: Some would say it’d be nit-picky to make a remark about the spelling.
- david fHey Mike,
I do not understand when people say that Brian Tallet needs to be in the bullpen again. He was the long man and was very rarely put in the game in critical situations. I think he is turning in to a fantastic starter and I look forward to his turn in the rotation every fifth day. Anyways, watching Brandon League last night, do you think if he is given a consistant chance of being the set up man he will be able to get in some kind of groove? He is a hard thrower and has the type of stuff that you would want out of a one inning set up guy.
MW: I couldn’t agree with you more about Tallet. As for League, someday it’s just going to click for him – or it isn’t. I don’t know that regular work would make a difference, they’ve tried that before.
- BrendanHey Mike
- JamesNice to see the jays snap the streak. My point I want to make though is that I havent seen League pitch like that often this year and I hope that he continues. Correct me if im wrong but he didnt get off to a stellar start last season but he ended last season remarkably so lets hope that hes turned it around from here on out.
Hi Mike,
It’s not fair the Red Sox have two Canadians one an everyday player. I’m sure alot of fans here in Toronto would welcome some top Canadian players to cheer for. Do you think Jason Bay would be a good fit hear in Toronto?
MW: It’s not fair?
- brunohey mike;
Just wanted to say I’m fond of your comments and allen ashby’s diatrabe, but lay off rod barajas, and the weight issue inferences, this guy may be the best hitting catcher since molina/santiago the jays had and he won us the game singlehandidly. He is no slower on the baspads than millar, and is definatly quicker than frank thomas was-who was pulled for a pinch runner almost every oppertunity. Barajas had a stolen base last year-he may have one again. He may not be rios on the bases, but if rios hit like barajas they jays wouldn’t have lost nine in a row. P.s only reason asked about adams or even buck coates is they have performed well @ the plate when called up previously, hate when riccardi gives up on prospects prematurly, aka chris carpenter, dave bush etc. Thanks for the great blog mike, as usual.
MW: What was Alan Ashby’s diatribe? I have never referred to Barajas’ weight, just his lack of speed. Even he talks about it. Buck Coats is a career .200 hitter as a Blue Jay, and Russ Adams hit .233 in the majors in ’07, .219 the year before. I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but it’s probably from the same source that told you Ricciardi gave up on Carpenter and Dave Bush.
- robert.sWell now I know it was my fault. Last night I had to attend my daughter’s ballet showcase thingy so I didn’t hear a single pitch. The previous 9 games I was watching/listening closely.
If it’s any consolation to Jays fans who may be mad at me, I’m pretty sure I added several gray hairs over that 9-game ugliness.
MW: Just don’t watch or listen to any more games this season.
- RezEven before Brian Tallet had his very first start I predicted that he would be a very competent starter and was much better then a long reliever. I’m not going to pat myself on the back too much because I also predicted a 70-92 record this season, and Tallet has been far better then competent. I think he has 4th or 5th starter stuff and still walks too many guys. He has performed like a number two starter. I don’t have the numbers to support this but I think the Red Sox make teams pay for walks more then most teams and today can be a tough outing for Brian Tallet. When will Vernon Wells go on a hot streak? I am not a Vernon Wells fan and have never criticized him on your blog because everybody else does anyways. I see no reason for moving him out of the cleanup spot because I don’t think this team has a true cleanup hitter right now but it’s about that this guy gets going. I’m glad that he is stealing bases and doing some of the intangibles and his defense is still far above average. But, 23 RBI in 51 games is not acceptable. You have said in the past that RBI are a product of the players getting on base before going up to the plate. Well, Scutaro and Hill have a combined .390 on base and have gotten on base for Vernon. Everything I have said about Wells also applies to Rios against the stolen bases and defence in which Rios has been disappointing. It has taken me until Game 51 for me to finally lose my patience in our 3 and 4 hitters. When will they get hot? Rather then ask you to answer an unfair question like when will Rios and Wells get hot, I have another question for you. Which outfield would you rather have? An outfield of Rios, Wells and Snider or an outfield of Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, and Nolan Reimold? Is your answer the same as it was a year ago? I love Travis Snider and and I believe he has more upside then Nolan Reimold but I would take Jones and Markakis over Wells and Rios in a heartbeat. Jones is far better then Wells who has no upside and appears to have plateaued. Markakis is much better then Rios even if Rios improves significantly. Your thoughts?
MW: My thoughts are that you’re right about Tallet – he walks too many people, but has been incredible. Like you, I would take Jones and Markakis over Wells and Rios, but I don’t believe that Wells has no upside or that Markakis is much better than Rios even if Rios improves significantly. When they’re both doing what they should be doing, the only difference is that Markakis walks more.
- DomenickIf Scott Richmond is to be used in relief before his next start it will probably be in long relief. I hope he gets a shot to pitch in the 7th or 8th to prove what a great late inning guy I think he can be especially with the way Carlson has been struggling and overused.
MW: Don’t hold your breath.
- DomenickA noble spirit embiggens the smallest man.
Nice one.
MW: That it does.
- WesMike,
I had 6 internets going nuts at a conference yesterday, the same day the Jays broke their losing streak… Do you think my internets helped the Jays?
-Andrew (Guelph)
MW: Was there free breakfast at the conference?
- AndrewIn regard to post #18, Sirotka was a bust, but he never actually played a game for the Jays. That was Gord Ash failing to get a proper physical evaluation before the trade (of course I know you already knew that). Sirotka would deserve being ranked in the “Flop Ten” for certain.
MW: With Ken Dayley. I put Sirotka in there because you put Luke Prokopec in there. I know Prokopec actually pitched a bit, but it was the same thing.
- Jim in OhioMike, I have never commented on your blog about something happening during a game before the game is done because I know you don’t like that but with Scott Richmond warming in the pen, it appears that Cito and I may be on the same page in thinking that Richmond can be a filthy late inning reliever. There are four straight right handed batters coming up in the eighth and if Richmond comes in, he will be tested big time as 3 of the 4 are some of the best hitters in the game. (Pedroia, Youkilis, Bay, Lowell) I am excited and glued to my coach anticipating one of the filthiest pitchers against right handed batters in the league make his bullpen debut. I apologize for posting a comment about a live game and will never do it again.
MW: That’s actually not a bad in-game comment. I just don’t like the knee-jerky shouts and whines. But as you see, Richmond was only going to be used for the 7th had Tallet not been able to retire Ellsbury. I’m with you, actually, I would have loved to have seen Richmond come in to face the four straight righties in the Red Sox’ line-up in the 8th.
- DomenickSo do you think League is the setup guy now until he implodes, or is that just a lefty/righty play on Cito’s part.
Maybe Frasor is next in line if League isn’t available and tomorrow’s game is close.
About Rios, when he goes 4 for 4, he looks like, I dunno, Willie Mays? I know he’s not hall of fame material, but do you think his graceful swings, solid contact, and great speed actually cause fans to gripe more when he’s 0-for his last whatever?
Also, I’ve noticed that the number of trade proposals has declined sharply since the middle of the losing streak. How many games over .500 do you think we’ll need to get to before you’re back to explaing why trading Rios, Overbay and half the AAA pitching staff isn’t the ‘fix’ for this team?
And now I wait to see which question you will actually have time to answer….
MW: I think League probably gets trotted out there again today if the situation arises. He’s pitched two days in a row, but only thrown a total of 21 pitches. I think what you say about Rios has a lot of truth to it. Graceful is a good word to describe his play, but effortless is another, and when things appear to come so easy to a guy, people think that he’s not putting a lot of effort in when he’s not doing well.
- Greg WTallet has 6 Quality Starts in a row, using the conventional measure, and 8 of 9 starts have been quality starts using Bill James’ Game Score metric. Like you, I cannot see how anyone can be calling for him to return to the ‘pen. His WHIP bothers me somewhat, but he’s also shown that he battles and gets out of jams with little, if any, damage.
Of the relievers, Frasor and Downs are 1-2 using almost any metric, both with WHIPs under 1.
I also measure pitchers’ effectiveness using the ratio of batters faced to outs (BF/O) which deliberately factors in defense, since a walk or single is not as threatening when you have a groundball pitcher such as Halladay. On this measure, he’s the gold standard on the Jay’s allowing more than 1.4 BF/O only twice in 11 starts, and the two times he was over 1.4, it was only by a small margin.
Among the relievers, Frasor (BF/O under 1.4 in 16 of 20 appearances) and Downs (BF/O under 1.4 in 17 of 22 appearances) are still the best, with Brandon League in third with BF/O under 1.4 in 14 of 20 appearances.
Carlson, Ryan, Camp and Wolfe have kept their BF/O under 1.4 less than 60% of the time.
- Alan the stat geek(Interestingly, Bill Murphy would be 4th on the staff, although he was used on only one pressure situation.)
hey mike.
bandwagon jumper here.
just a quick note to say i get a big kick out of “jays talk.”
question: who’s your dream caller and what would they ask?
MW: Good question. I don’t know. I mean, I’d love to have a good, calm, rational debate about something. It happens a lot. If Geddy Lee called, that’d be cool.
- matt