5:30 PM Eastern
It’s a real shame that the Blue Jays proved earlier this season that they’re just not good enough to play with the Red Sox and Yankees, isn’t it?
Turns out a three-game series here and a three-game series there don’t make a season, after all.
The Jays now have a chance to sweep the Bosox and perhaps sweep their way right back into first place on the heels of that ugly nine-game losing streak, depending on how the Yankees do in Cleveland tonight and tomorrow.
I don’t know why it continues to amaze me, but it always does – people who think that a long losing streak proves a team is no good, or that the first 41 games were a fluke but the last nine aren’t, or that an 0-9 road trip means that a team will sink like a stone and be in last place within a week or two. It doesn’t. A nine-game losing streak is a nine-game losing streak. When it’s over, you look at why it happened, take stock of where you were and where you are, and go from there. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
The Jays were in every single one of the games on the 0-9 trip, which is a good thing. They stood half a game out of a playoff spot when the losing streak hit nine, which is also a good thing. They’ve won two tight games against a team that’s probably better than they are, which is -wait for it – yet another good thing. And they have the chance to sweep the Red Sox without using their best pitcher.
Brian Tallet had a Jekyll and Hyde day today – 59 pitches over the first two innings, 49 over the next five. Over the first eight batters he faced, he gave up a single, a homer and three walks. He faced 20 batters after that and allowed one hit and one walk and hit Dustin Pedroia in the knee. Maybe Tallet is becoming an honest-to-goodness starting pitcher. You know, one of those guys who you have to get early if you’re going to get them at all.
Good for Tallet, who took his last two losses pretty hard for no reason. He picked up the win today because Cito Gaston, in true Cito fashion, rewarded him by letting him pitch the seventh inning so that he’d have a chance to get it. The Jays went ahead for the first time when Alex Rios picked up his fourth hit of the day, a line single to centre to cash Marco Scutaro. Vernon Wells followed with a double to left to bring in Rios.
It was only the third time this season that Rios and Wells each had an RBI in back-to-back at-bats, and they did it against Ramon Ramirez, who you may not know, but who had been ridiculous to this point this season. Going into today’s game, Ramirez had pitched 24 1/3 innings and allowed just 11 hits and only seven walks. The opposition was hitting just .139 against him.
Brandon League looked terrific again, using 11 pitches to get through a 1-2-3 eighth inning. That’s back-to-back great outings, in which he’s needed just 21 pitches in all. Let’s hope that Cito doesn’t fall in love with him and use League at every conceivable opportunity. If League has found his stuff, if “it” has clicked, then that’s another devastating weapon the Jays have in the back of their bullpen.
Here’s today’s edition of The JaysTalk, for your listening pleasure:
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Tomorrow, the brooms are out, and it appears that the Sox will have to face Ricky Romero without one of their lefty-killers – Rocco Baldelli hurt his left knee when he slammed into the wall in foul territory chasing an Aaron Hill pop-up that went in and out of his glove. X-rays on Baldelli’s knee were negative, but that doesn’t mean anything as far as ligaments and tendons are concerned. I’d be very surprised to see him out there tomorrow.
The Sox will counter with Jon Lester, who beat the Jays at Fenway last week (proving that the Jays are terrible and won’t ever beat Boston). Lester was good then, but hasn’t been good in the overall this season, posting an ERA over 6.00 and having allowed 11 homers in 59 1/3 innings. The league has hit .307 against him.
We’re on the air at 12:30 PM with the pre-game, and I’ll spend the morning running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to get an interview for the pre-game and then two more for The Blue Jays This Week. I still don’t have a clue as to who I’m going to get. I’m thinking maybe Rios for the pre-game, but beyond that I really don’t know. We shall see!
Tonight, I’ll be on with Erik Tomas at 7:20 PM Eastern, if you need another dose of me – and really, who wouldn’t?
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome!
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Hey Mike, what are the chances the Jays sign Bay, Holliday or Damon in the offseason to play left field?
Thanks and keep up the great work, Jay
MW: No chance on Damon, I don’t think, not much chance on Holliday and slightly more of a chance on Bay. It would take a lot of money and a lot of years to sign Bay (or Holliday, not so much Damon), and the Jays have a lot of money tied up in Wells and Rios for a while. I think Travis Snider is the likely left fielder next year.
- JayHi Mike
Do you think the bad weather had something to do with the horrid road trip ? In football, dome teams don’t tend to win in cold weather stadiums come playoff time … could it be the same effect with the Jays ? At the beginning of the season, they’re too used to the comfy Rogers Center ? The weather was bad in Atlanta and Baltimore, I think.
MW: The weather was bad – cool and rainy – but I don’t think that can be used as an excuse. Bad weather doesn’t stop a team from getting hits with runners in scoring position when it’s hitting the rest of the time.
- Alex HMW: Does the tuxedo have free breakfast and internets? Didn’t think so.
Apparently, it (its competitors actually) may come with a free dinner, but, yeah, you got me.
“Rock. Freaking. Bottom.
Sweet mother of Cheez Whiz.
I mean, come on.
Seriously.”
That’s what she said.
I hope the Jays get the sweep tomorrow, because then Boston will be at the start of a 5-15 stretch.
- Dilly in DundasMike,
I just wanted to get your opinion on weather or not the Blue Jays should try to trade for Erik Bedard. He has a ton of potential, and I personally do not think he will cost very much to acquire
MW: I think you’re rather incorrect with that assessment. Before I answer, why is it that you think Bedard won’t cost much?
- JazzHi Mike
I was at the game today, great game and my hat is off to Tallet. 50 pithces by the end of the second inning and I thought the game was over. But he got tough, really tough. Good for him, it shows mental toughness.
A question for you Mike. It was in the Jays talk and someone asked who you would see at the end of the season as the starting pitcher for the jays.
You said – Halladay, Janssen and Cecil. Interesting – you must think that cecil is better than romero. Can you tell me your reason? I am curious because I think they are neck and neck
Francis
MW: I don’t think they’re neck and neck at all, mostly because of track records. Look at what Cecil has done in the minors on the way up, and look at what Romero did. Cecil is a big, strong kid with four potentially plus pitches. That’s not to say I don’t like Romero – I think he has a chance to be good, maybe even very good – but I think Cecil has a chance to be great.
- francis xHey Mike,
I was one of the 35,484 fans there today. Really good game overall; entertaining to watch. Tallet had a rough first two innings but looked outstanding his final 5. His last hitter that he faced was Ellsbury after he ahd thrown roughly 115 pitches. Risky move by Cito to leave him in there in a tight game but I guess all worked out in the end. If Tallet would have lost Ellsbury on a walk or something do you think Cito would have pulled him after that? I’m surprised they left him in to face Jacoby.
MW: That’s Cito’s style – Tallet gets to face Ellsbury so that he gets the chance to get a win as a reward for having pitched so well. Ellsbury was going to be Tallet’s last hitter no matter what, I think.
- AdamMW: 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.
From 1977 to 2006 there have been 6,591 times when the teams were tied after 8 innings. The home team won 52.2% of these games. I think I’ll take the last at-bat, thank-you. History teaches us that it is clearly worth something significant.
games: 6591
home won: 3438
expectancy: 0.522
MW: What’s the overall home team winning percentage for that period, though?
- kitHey Mike,
Quick Couple Questions:
1, What do you think Scutaro is looking for and will get in a contract and should the Jays resign him. The problem is the guys 35 and he’s having a career season which looks fluky to me. 5 million for two years (5 per I mean) seems pretty reasonable and isnt that bad longterm. Otherwise I let him walk. Your thoughts?
2. Also how is JP Arcenbia progressing? Will he be replacing Rod for next year’s opening day? Or will we resign Rod or aquire another starter?
3. How long will Barret be out?
4. Also if McGowan is throwing soon does that mean he could return this year to the rotation?
MW: 1 – Seems fair to me, but I think Scoot will be looking for much more in both money and term and he’ll likely get it. 2 – Arencibia has had an up and down season in Vegas. He started slow, heated up in the early part of May, but has slid back and is struggling again. I think he’ll fight for the Opening Day job next year, but maybe with Michael Barrett. I don’t expect they’ll go that hard after Barajas, but that could change. 3 – At least until the end of June. 4 – Maybe.
- DarrenSweep.. sweep… sweep!
You said they don’t “NEED” to sweep the RSox.. and technically, you’re right. But by your logic, they don’t NEED to win either though. ;)
I’d argue they need to sweep Boston to send a message and I think sweeping the RSox, without Halladay, sends a very strong message.
This is a great race we’re going to be a part of.
The Jays have both Romero and Richmond available for tomorrow and what a nice ace in the hole that is! If Romero isn’t sharp and say only goes 3-4.. no reason not to bring in Richmond.
Tallet was very good today, as far as his composure and attitude goes. After throwing 59 pitches and giving up 3 runs in the first two innings.. this guy was lights out! Good for him.. ANOTHER quality start from the starting rotation.
The only concern I have is we play 1/2 of June against the NL. The Jays have always struggled against the NL (compared to the RSox and NYY). But ya, one game at a time!
Question: If Romero gives them 7 strong again, do you bring out League again for the 8th? I mean, can a guy, like League be the set up guy and be effective every time out? Or will 2 straight days of work factor into the decision?
MW: I don’t know that a sweep sends a message to anyone other than the fans. See above for League.
- AngeloHi Mike,
Trust me….I won’t be thinking playoffs until September, but it’s fun to throw in a positive knee jerk reaction for a change.
I don’t think you can dismiss the 9 game losing streak entirely…yes, we were in most games, but the two contributing factors were: i) the offence feel asleep when it came to timely hitting; ii) the bullpen slumped towards the end. This can happen again during the year I’m sure. We are in a division where we can’t afford to have another streak like that.
A few days ago I said we lacked a dominant rbi guy and you were right, such a hitter doesn’t really exist, but we do need a DOMINANT hitter in the lineup. Absolutely.
A lot of people, including yourself think 2010 could be a big year, or at least the start of a great team.
My question is: where is the dominant hitter going to come from in order to make it a very good team? Internally I can only think of Travis Snider and that would be asking a lot of him in the next 1-2 years.
MW: I think it could be Snider, actually. The thing is, I don’t think they’ll hit him high enough in the order.
- OzRobWe weren’t the only ones who were fed up to the back teeth and ready to jump after game 9 of the streak. Your blog entry after that game wasn’t exactly upbeat either.
But they won today, which was great. I’m not going to think about sweeps, I’m just taking it one game at a time. It was nice to see Rios and Wells perform well, especially Rios. If he can just keep that approach to the ball, he’s in business.
MW: My blog entry didn’t say that I was fed up and ready to jump – it said that I couldn’t believe that after the previous eight games, they would lose a game in such ugly, frustrating fashion.
- isabella reyesHey Mike
Theres some talk arousing now about why there not bringing up Accardo for Vegas. The last I heard he didnt have his split finger working. I was wondering wether or not he has found that pitch again because if he has hes a very good pitcher. His splitter was electric in 07.
MW: It was, and the last I heard his splitter was OK in Vegas.
- JamesHey Mike,
- tom stewHappy to see the Jays playing some solid ball. Tallet was great. I was wrong, I wanted Tallet in the bullpen. Thats two games in a row Brandon Freakin League was down right nasty. The only move I would make would be send Camp down and call up Accardo or another quality arm. Thanks
Mike, Rios has been getting a lot of attention of late. Previously because of his struggles, and today because of a fantastic day at the plate. I would like to offer the following observation about Alex Rios: he is not “under-performing” this season. In fact, he is performing almost EXACTLY how he should be expected to perform, which is also to say that he cannot be the number 3 hitter on a playoff team. Through more than 4 seasons now, Rios’s seasonal averages based on 162 games played are: .286/16/77 with a .789 OPS. This season, he is on pace for .276/16/76 with a .760 OPS. I think 751 games is enough of a sample size to determine what kind of player Rios is. Perhaps he has the tools to be something more, but he has been in the big leagues long enough to prove that and so far he has not done so over the course of an entire season. I’m certainly not saying he sucks, or that the Jays should get rid of him, but it seems clear to me that his role in the team’s offense should be reconsidered and expectations adjusted accordingly.
Keith.
MW: The thing is, everyone in baseball who watches him doesn’t just seem to believe, but seems to KNOW, that he’s got so much more in there. But what you say isn’t unfair.
- KeithMike love the blog, I trust You’re feeling better now.
If you play devil’s advocate, how long does Brian Tallet start?
Don’t get me wrong,he is a thing to behold on the mound,usually .
MW: I’m not sure what you want me to do – you want me to present an opinion with which I don’t agree? I don’t see a reason why Tallet shouldn’t stay in this rotation for the foreseeable future.
- bruceHi Mike,
I enjoy reading your blog and I have it sent via email to my Gmail account but it takes so long (12 hours) to get from being published to appearing on my iPod – anyone you can chat with to speed up the process?
Ed in Scarborough
(I can’t hear JaysTalk as much … I’ve subscribed to mlb.tv … who knew Dennis Eckersley was such a good colour man?)
MW: I have got the faintest idea what that process even is.
- Ed in ScarboroughAND to lose 9 in a row, and still only be 2 games back is commendable, with doc not pitching against Boston twice.
- bruceMike,
- Double AI need to take a sarcasm shower after reading this post. According to the title one would think the Jays are back to their losing ways but after reading your post that appears to not be the case.
Mike can you explain to me why a guy who has given up two earned runs in his last 12 innings pitched with 12 strikeouts and 2 walks be skipped in the rotation? I cant really think a good reason barring some injury that has not been reported.
In other news TOMO OHKA IS IN THE BIGS AGAIN
MW: The reason is, or reasons are, J.D. Drew, David Ortiz, Jason Varitek and Jacoby Ellsbury. Also, I think, because the Jays like Romero’s stuff better than Richmond’s and because Richmond can be a great help in the bullpen if needed.
- General ZodOn 01/30/2009 the Bluejays sent out a press release that they had hired more scouts. Great! Maybe they were actually thinking of the future?? Well just a few days later (02/06/2009) they send out another press release saying they’ve signed LHP KEN TAKAHASHI to a minor league contract for the 2009 season, with an invitation to major league spring training.
Now, he posted an 8-5 record with a 3.50 ERA in 21 games (20 starts). From this stat Bluejays fans should be happy. It was the following information that really upset me. He’s 39!!! What I can’t understand is that if they are trying to promote the fact that they are expanding their scouting, then they would sign a 39 year old pitcher who is 66-87 lifetime, with a 4.23 ERA in 433 games, including 160 starts.
What a slap in the face to Blue Jays fans. It sure looks like JP was thinking long term on this deal…LETS BRING IN SOMEONE WHO KNOWS BASEBALL.
MW: You’re really grasping at straws here. One has nothing to do with the other. The Jays didn’t hire a bunch of scouts to bring in a group of players within a week. They also released Takahashi in spring training, and he’s since hooked on with the Mets and is pitching well out of their bullpen. Seriously, though, getting upset over ANY guy who signs a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training is ridiculous. Teams should sign as many guys like that as possible – it’s a free look at potential talent.
- ChrisNow it seems that all the talk about all the hurt pitchers coming back may have had an effect on the ones that were already up.Mind you, Percy had 1 1/2 bad starts, but,man, if it ain’t broke, don,t fix it.
MW: Huh?
- bruceHi Mike,
Just in the process of filling out 634 stolen all-star ballots for the all of the Jays (my hand his getting to the point where “Adam Lind OF AL” flows quite naturally).
I’m just wondering if you think that Aaron Hill (since Pedroia will obviously go to St. Louis) truly is having a better season than Ian Kinsler.
Great work!
MW: I do. Hill and Kinsler’s numbers are very similar overall, but Kinsler is getting a MAJOR boost from his hitter-friendly home park.
- Jordie“keeps turning up like a Brad Penny.”
That was terrible.
MW: Thanks!
- Flaming Moewhat you you think of an 8th/ 9th battery of league, ceccile.
Those 2 have movement like D.W and, Heinke.I have not seen movement like that since Tom,splitter in the dirt.
MW: I think Brett Cecil is going to be a very good starting pitcher.
- bruceHey Mike,
Great to see the jay’s winning today. I gotta say I love watching the jay’s on TV but i hate going down to the ballpark. It may seem like a silly reason but one of the major reasons I don’t go is because they never show replay’s of anything controversial. Is the only reason for this that they don’t want to show up the umpires?
It seems to me that a big complaint of fans going down to the park is they find the game long and boring. Wouldn’t letting the fans see the close plays and boo or cheer if the umps get it right make the whole experience better?
Matt
Thornhill
MW: Slightly, maybe, but the umpires won’t stand for close plays being replayed on the in-stadium scoreboard. I have to tell you, that’s a pretty weak reason not to come to the ballpark.
- MattMW: 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.
But if you’re going to devote 10 per cent of the team’s payroll to the guy, you want more than a platoon player who hits seventh in the order.
Is the $7.95 million spent on Overbay that much of an upgrade over the $1.5 million Eric Hinske gets paid?
There are only a few roster spots where Ricciardi can lock up established talent and pay the player as such. Overbay is a seventh-year guy just like Jason Bay, Justin Morneau and many others. (Overbay rakes in a bigger paycheque than Jason Bay, by the way)
The “knocking of Overbay” is not so much performance-related . . . it’s that the general manager chose to spend that money to lock up the player beyond his sixth year of service to avoid free agency, similar to what teams have done with Justin Morneau, Ryan Howard etc. But the Jays have devoted this money to a platoon player who hits seventh.
Is there another team in major league baseball who has locked up a similar player?
And then, there’s that 7th-inning lefty who was the highest-paid reliever in baseball history when he signed . . .
MW: It’s not Overbay’s fault that he hits seventh, his performance certainly warrants a more important place in the line-up. Other teams who have locked up similar players? Specific circumstances, maybe not – but there are contracts like Boston’s with Julio Lugo that are much, much worse.
- Ken Pagankuddos for your talk on boston,s station.And your right, doc,s line is 8 hits, 3runs, is he hurt.
MW: Huh?
- bruceHey Mike,
Great game today! Go Tallet! keep it up. Hopefully the Jays could bring out the brooms tomorrow. Mike I want to know what you think of League in the starting rotation? I mean maybe not this year, let him build up his arm a little more the bullpen (like the way Tallet did). I think he’s got a powerfull arm and should be good enough to be a top of the rotation guy. Just something Jays should think about or experiment. I know the Jays think he could be a closer of the future, but maybe he’s better then that!
MW: He would need to show both control and a legit third pitch to go back into the rotation.
- Hardeepjust wondering about the play where baldelli dropped the ball in foul territory, why did Scutaro head back to first?
MW: Because it was a foul ball.
- urmomI think Snakeface has looked ridiculously good, like more recently hes looked really good but I did miss last Wednesday, I think you said he had a tough go around that game and was he not in on that Thursday game too?
MW: There was no game Thursday. Downs didn’t look good at all Wednesday, and complained of a slight hamstring pull, but it doesn’t seem to have affected him since.
- DenRoy Halladay is certainly taken for grant in this city, but I’m starting to believe he is getting a lot more attention south of the border.
David Cone, a great pitcher of his time in the ’90s, recently commented on a MLB Network interview, that Roy Halladay is the one pitcher he loves to see of all the pitchers in baseball today. I mean, it’s phenomenal how he described Halladay’s arsenal: he has Mariano Rivera’s cutter, Bret Saberhagen’s curveball, and Greg Maddux’s sinker. This is a great pitcher commenting on a phenomenal pitcher in the game today. I was just smiling ear to ear just watching Cone make those descriptions. I just hope Toronto signs this man to a long term deal, and give him the money that he truly deserves. He is the franchise!
Just one question. Is there any chance that the Jays make a trade offer to perhaps bring Roy Oswalt to Toronto? I know he has once stated that he would retire at the end of his contract in 2011, but he can certainly be a nice asset to this team that would look for a long-term player (2 years+) and he’s an ace of the Astros. He can certainly help the Jays down the stretch, once they get back most of the pitchers back from the DL.
MW: Oswalt could indeed help the Jays, despite his struggles this year. Thing is, he’s the Astros’ version of Halladay, and much like you believe the Jays should never let Halladay leave, the Astros have no inclination to move Oswalt, either.
- Shindujan Y.still on the topic of relievers that made the all-star game…has anyone mantioned okajima yet?
MW: Nope.
- BrendanI believe I’ve heard you say a couple times something along the lines of there being no player in the game today that wouldn’t surprise you if they tested positive for a performance enhancer.
Though for the most part I agree, I do have one person on my list that would still be a surprise to me and thats Johnny Mac.
Could you really see Macdonald using anything to help him achieve his career 240 average and 9 homeruns?
MW: Nope. It’s true, it would thoroughly stun me if John McDonald was found to be using iPEDs.
- Kevinmike,
the best things about cito are also the worst in my opinion. i was at the game yesterday and missed the first part of jays talk so maybe this question was asked. why with the leadoff runner on in the 7th and a tie game, did hill not bunt scutaro over for rios and wells. i would love to know if it is just personal preference of cito’s (i know hill’s stats) or is there baseball logic that says do not do it.
thanks,
mark weiner(say hello to berger for me)
MW: There’s a great deal of baseball logic that says never ask your best hitter to get out intentionally.
- mark weinerMW,
Brian Tallet is really coming on strong in the rotation. I particularly like the way he seems able to work through his tough times on the mound. Yesterday was a perfect example of this. Also, we seem to have recovered our hitting prowess. I was at the game yesterday and at one point we were outhitting Boston 14-3. Maybe it’s time for their fans to worry a bit.
They sure were quiet by the end of the game yesterday. Question: David Ortiz looks lost at the plate. Is this a slump in your opinion or has age caught up to him?
MW: It’s an awfully bad slump but maybe it’s age, in combination with his size and general lack of athleticism. Guys who aren’t in great shape do tend to get older faster.
- GeorgeI went from not even wanting to go to the game on friday to it being 7:45am and chomping at the bit.
M-Dub, question,
Jays had a day off thursday, a day off tomorrow, another day off on the 15th and then again on 22nd of June. Do you think Cito uses the time off to skip a man on the 16th and get Roy in against both the Phillies and the Nationals?
Do you think he should?
MW: Halladay will pitch on his regular 5th day as often as possible.
- Slobberfacecarl crawford is the biggest jays killer..he steals every base..
MW: Crawford hits .320/.343/.483 lifetime against the Jays, with 14 homers (FAR more than against any other opponent) in 460 plate appearances. He’s 45-for-52 stealing bases against the Jays, which makes them his second-favourite victim. He’s 52-for-56 against the Red Sox.
- DanHey Mike,
Was reading over at ESPN and saw this comment from a Red Sox fan:
“This road trip the Sox have been flat out terrible. Scoring 6, 2, 2, 3, 3, and 3 runs so far. Hopefully we can actually take a game from the Jays tomorrow.”
Sound slightly familiar?
- Kevin A.Hey Mike,
Just wondering how David Purcey is doing in the minors?
Unfortunately we don’t even hear his name mentioned anymore.
Also who is your favourite National League team? (If you have one)
MW: Purcey is doing OK In Vegas. He had a rough start against Oklahoma City, in which he allowed 11 baserunners (6 hits, 5 walks) in only 5 1/3 innings, but outside that one, his previous three starts have been good – allowing two earned runs on 16 hits and seven walks over 22 innings, with 16 strikeouts. I don’t really have a favourite NL team.
- Steve GodsoeHi Mike,
- Gord FergusonI’m a regular Jays Talk listener; I enjoy the program
tremendously. A few days ago
I started reading your blog and it is now part of my daily
“routine”.
Great stuff! Keep it up!
Not Jays Talk – Mike, have you
been to Labatts Park in London. One of the oldest and prettiest minor league parks you find anywhere. In
my “younger” years I was a huge fan of the old London Majors who were a powerhouse in the Inter-County League back in the late ’40s. As a
14 year old I remember going to see the Majors beat Ft. Wayne, Indiana, to win The World Amateur Baseball Championship. Crowds of up
to 10,000 fans packed the park
to see the games. Some of the names I remember – Tommy White, Russ Evon, Gord
McMacken, Joe Bechard, Ken McFadden, Red Kane – trememdous players!.
My Sunday morning memories – hope they haven’t bored you.
Keep up the good stuff!
Hi Mike
- Richard from ARI thought the technical issue with the blog was you not liking to hear from the “fans” after a long loosing streak.
I would surprise me not if the Jays were to sweep, but even without it they have taken the series. As you say, this IS a good team and fun to watch. BTW I guess the Jays need to bench Rios, after all he only went 4 for 4 and 2 RBI and 2 runs
Mike,
I was a big Reed Johnson fan because of the energy and grit he brought to the diamond and I am really impressed with how Lind is handling himself at the plate, Tallet on the mound and Hill overall…….Jays fans should be encouraged when they see the what these guys do day in and day out especially against the Bosox and Yankees with how they “Buy” their talent….
Keep the faith people Jays are coming along nicely!!!!
- MikeHey Mike. I can’t help but think you yourself are changing your mind on where you thought the Jays would end up. I know that the Jays are still within strinking distance of first place “currently” but after a nine game losing streak I couldn’t help but think that you yourself had tried on a pare of what you refure to as “rose coloured glasses”. I almost think people will read your current blog and get their hopes up. The real question with this team is do they have the horses to carry them deep into the season in a race with the top dogs. I dont think the Jays will play as good for the rest of the season as they did the first 41 games, but I also don’t think they will have as bad a stretch as they did on that last road trip. I’m guessing they will finesh somewhere in the mid 80′s in wins. On the other hand there are a billion different scinarios that could occur. Do you think the Jays will be in a close race in the month of september?
MW: I’m not sure, to be honest. But the more I see of them, the more I think they could be. You’re exactly right, though – they’re not going to win 2/3 of their games the rest of the way, and they’re not going to have another 0-9 road trip.
- Matt from BCMike…Was Tampa’s David Price injured or did he have a poor spring training? Because watching the hi-lites of him in Saturday’s game, I was checking if there was a # 32 and Koufax name on his jersey…Wow..Scary good! and consistently 95mph plus.
MW: Price was terrific last night. He was neither hurt nor bad in the spring, the Rays wanted to hold him down for a while both to buy themselves some extra service time and to make as sure as they could that when he was ready to come up, he’d be up for good.
- chris m.Good for tallet, glad to see some optimism
In jays land again. Brandon League is proving
That his stuff is major league ready, and should
Be a deadly set-up man, or even the closer one day soon.
MW: We’ve seen this from League before, though.
- ericB.J Ryan and David Ortiz have raised a tonne of eyebrows over their lack of production this year. In B.J’s case, the raised eyebrows are not all that surprising. You just have to see his REDUCED neck and muslces this year to assume that he may not be taking some kinda ‘supplements’ now.
Ortiz’s physique hasn’t changed but his clear lack of hitting home-runs has forced a lot of people to make him a prime suspect. You just can’t go from a champ to an absolute joke in a span of few months naturally. They’re both done and it’s embarrassing to see them go out there with a ‘dead arm’ and a ‘dead bat’. What do you think Wilner?
MW: How many people have you said were “done” already this year?
- BeburgTo be more precise on the first caller, someone reported League does long toss overhand… Which Arnsberg find problematic because long toss helps pitchers find their release point…
I think it probably is an interesting technical thing to look into if you ever get a chance taling to League or Arny!
MW: Indeed.
- Stevie H.I’ll also use a Simpsons reference (embiggened) for how I would describe the Jays season thus far: The dizzying highs! The terrifying lows! The creamy middles….
- Brenti THINK that toronto baseball newspaper writers are knee jerky reactors. they were so willing to write off the team and so much pessimism was being venomed during the l streak. so its not only the fans…
MW: The headline writers, for sure.
- nickWho do you think the better shortstop this season, Marco Scuturo or Derek Jeter? Do you also think Marco Sceutro could be the back up shortstop to Derek Jeter in the all star game?
MW: I think Scutaro is better right now, but I don’t think he’ll be at the all-star game.
- andrewi was just reading over the mlb stats page…gotta love how our fellow tribesman are doing..marquis leading the NL in wins…youkilis/braun/kinsler all kicking a**…booyaa
- jpMW: It’s not Overbay’s fault that he hits seventh, his performance certainly warrants a more important place in the line-up.
Well, when you say that, you only have Overbay’s numbers against righties to go on.
If Overbay plays every day like most of the other $8-million guys in baseball and faces lefties, then his numbers certainly wouldn’t be as high.
The point is, Overbay was sought out in 2006 to be a cornerstone of the batting order and was locked up beyond his first free agency years.
Is that where you want to spend the money, locking up a below-average hitter for his position?
Very similar to the story about former Columbus Blue Jackets GM Doug MacLean drafting Alexandre Picard 8th overall in the 2004 NHL draft and then proclaiming “We just got our third-line winger for the next 15 years.” A reporter then responded, “That’s what it’s come to? Taking third-liners in the first round?”
The money the Jays have to spend on established talent is limited, and in the case of Overbay and Ryan, a case can be made it’s being spent on mediocrity.
MW: Ryan seems to have been a great deal of money wasted, certainly, but I really don’t have a problem spending $8 million on the important half of a platoon first baseman who hits righties extremely well and plays terrific defense, especially when the other half of that platoon can easily be filled for a million bucks or less. First basemen who can hit lefties are abundant in the wild.
- Ken PaganMike,
Why was Richmond’s start skipped? Clearly, he has proven more than Romero has.
MW: Neither of them have proven all that much in the grand scheme.
- Jake RothHey Mike,
When Overbay’s contract expires after 2010, you can bet:
1) he won’t be getting $8 million per season on his next deal
2) J.P. Ricciardi won’t be hunting for an established major league platoon player to replace that $8-million salary slot
MW: Both those points are well-taken. But there was no crystal ball back when Overbay signed that deal, which averages $6 million per season, by the way.
- Ken PaganHey Mike,
I am concerned about how the blue jays brass, specifically cito views Romero. It seems that romero can have a bad start and cito will still say he pitched better than the numbers indicate.
How long of a leash do you think he has on him. I for one think richmond looks much better than him, and am hoping that if Romero has 1 more bad start we see a change in the rotation. Maybe purcey, or cecil back up.
MW: I’m wondering how you would come to that concern, seeing how prior to today, Romero had only had one bad start in his major-league career.
- ChrisI listened to his minor league starts during his rehab which wasn’t very good.
Essentially me saying he is bad based on 1 and now 2 major league starts is the same as you saying he is good because of 3 major league starts.
His career in the minor leagues provides more credence to the fact that he has struggled as opposed to been solid.
MW: As opposed to Richmond? Neither of them have proven anything.
- ChrisHi Mike
Romero just didn’t have it today did he. Despite going up one less run today than his last outing in Baltimore, I think Romero had a stronger outing in Baltimore than he did today.
I see that snider is getting back on track, he is hitting close to .300 now.
When do you think Snider will be called up again. Joe Inglet hasn’t exactly been hitting up a storm so far
Francis
MW: I don’t know that Romero was all that bad today, though he certainly wasn’t impressive. The five walks were troubling, for sure, but consider the fact that the three-run homer that really killed him was about as cheap as it gets. I expect Snider to be in Vegas for a while.
- francis x1) Richmond should be starting over Romero.
2) Wolfe should not be up here with Accardo down in AAA.
MW: 1 – Two starts do not a career make. 2 – Wolfe was pretty terrific up until his last time out, and he’s in a much different role than Accardo would be playing.
- RenegadeGetting back to the losing streak. I agree with you Mike, while they are awful, they are overrated (unless you are a really great or horrible team).
I remember, last season sometime, a friend and I were curious about all the talk about “if the the Jays go on a 10-game win streak, they’ll be right in it.” So, we checked into it. In the history of the Jays, from what I can remember, their longest win streak was 11 games. And, a majority of the time, the longest win streak of the season is in the single digits. I suspect that it’s the same for losing streaks.
So, while I expect the Jays to tear off a seven-game winner sometime this year. It’s far more important that they do what they just did against the Red Sox, and take two out of three.
MW: Indeed.
- RomeMichael,
when they make a film about the Jays incredible ’09 season, can you think of anybody better than John Turturro to play J.P.?
MW: Given time, mayhaps.
- Uncle BenGood signs from Rios. Not this year, but I still predict Rios to breakout and have a career year where he will have a 30-30 season, 120 RBI, hit .330 or so one of these days. But I see him easily as a .300, 25 HR, 100 RBI guy with some great defence.
Jays no longer have a lights out bullpen. Camp and Wolf jsut don’t cut it in any role. Painful to watch BJ pitched the way he is after only 3 years ago when he was Mariano Rivera basically.
MW: It hasn’t been so easily to get Rios to that level, not at all. To say Camp and Wolfe don’t cut it “in any role” shows just how spoiled you’ve been by this bullpen the last couple of years.
- Francis“The reason is, or reasons are, J.D. Drew, David Ortiz, Jason Varitek and Jacoby Ellsbury. Also, I think, because the Jays like Romero’s stuff better than Richmond’s and because Richmond can be a great help in the bullpen if needed.”
The sox best hitters, pedroia, youkilis, bay, lowell, are right handers. noone is afraid of big papi anymore. ellsbury is decent but nowhere near as powerful as the righties, and varitek is a switch hitter anyway. Ill trade you romeros stuff for richmonds command. I think it was a stupid move to skip him. not saying he would have won, but just as illogical it would be to start doc on threes days rest in may, it is equally as misguided to skip Richmond in favor of an inferior option. just dont skip anyone, take the off day, and give everyone an extra day off. as you always say, its a long season. Its not like romero had been killing it on his rehabs or in his first start back. just when richmond rights his ship with two good starts they skip him. this is nothing more than a case of running out the hot shot over the vanilla reclamation guy. it was not a move based on data and logic.
MW: It was likely based on data, but not logic, if that makes sense to you.
- General ZodIf Kevin Millar does indeed stride up to the plate to the strains of “Tiny Dancer” he should be retained well beyond this season…
MW: Hold me closer, Tony Danza.
- KenMW: Ryan seems to have been a great deal of money wasted, certainly, but I really don’t have a problem spending $8 million on the important half of a platoon first baseman who hits righties extremely well and plays terrific defense, especially when the other half of that platoon can easily be filled for a million bucks or less. First basemen who can hit lefties are abundant in the wild.
Well, I think there are about 29 GMS in the league who WOULD have a problem with that contract…
MW: You’re entitled to think that, but you’re wrong.
- KenMike, further to Post #34 (bunting)– As is my usual practise, I listened to Jerry & Alan’s descriptions, while watching the game on TV.
In the latter innings, Jerry for sure, and maybe Alan also, analysed the Red Sox sacrifices as “both factoring into runs”.
I’ll (reluctantly) agree that the second, which advanced Green from second to third and set up the Sac fly, MAY have “factored in” — although since the Sac fly was then followed by back to back “jacks”, you could argue that the bunt was meaningless.
However, Ellsbury’s bunt IN NO WAY factored into any runs. The runs scored on Pedroia’s HR — whether the runners were on first and second, or second and third, they still score on the HR.
In fact, you might well argue that Ellsbury “gave up” a potential extra run, by giving himself up. Again, a case of (one of) their best hitters willingly making an out (although admittedly Ells is not doing “great” against Lefties).
There is a reason Francona doesn’t sac bunt — and today does not negate that reason!
MW: Often broadcasters will say a play factored into a run scored if a run scores subsequent to that play in the same inning. Your vigilance is appreciated!
- NormHey Mike, Why dont the Jays trade for Manny Ramirez while his value is down? He seems like a cheap investment and we can dangle Halladay and a few prospects for him. If they don’t, do this they are crazy!
MW: You’re kidding, right?
- Nisan BalanHi Mike,
great interview with Brian Tallet. He sure has the right attitude about winning, always trying to improve, no matter what.
You had someone blogging, asking the chance of signing Jason Bay. He sure would look good in a Jays uniform though I don’t think that is likely to happen.
There was an article in the Jay’s website, talking about the Jays spending in late July if they are still on the race.
Who do you think they would look for Mike? I think a hitter more than a pitcher?
Francis X
MW: I think perhaps one of each, but there’s so much that can happen between now and then.
- francis xWell, I think there are about 29 GMS in the league who WOULD have a problem with that contract…
MW: You’re entitled to think that, but you’re wrong.
———-
I was reading Baseball Between the Numbers last night – the chapter on clutch hitting – and the conclusion was that most of “clutch hitting” is explained by the batters’ regular batting characteristics and most of the rest of it is luck. Only a very small amount of “clutch” hitting ability is the special skill to be able to adapt their hitting plan to the situation and execute it. What is the ideal type of player to have at bat in a clutch situation? A guy with great plate discipline and a high OPB. The Jay that has the best numbers historically has been Overbay.
In addition, Overbay is the only Jay in 2009 who has more 2-out RBIs (12) than Runners Left in Scoring Position with 2 Out (9). His Runs Created per plate appearance is second only to Aaron Hill, so far this season.
MW: But he isn’t going to hit .330 with 40 home runs!
- Alan the stat geek