12:40 AM Eastern
Another inning or two, and that’s where the Jays were going in this one, but they managed to win in regulation and avoid that embarrassment.
It’s been a long day, with the game, then picking up The Billie from an after-school playdate and then playing in the old-man softball league (a pathetic 1-for-4 with an RBI single but a very good game with the glove at short in an 11-6 win), so I’m only going to touch on a few things.
The first is perhaps the coolest thing I have ever seen in a professional baseball game - Marco Scutaro stealing second on a walk. That was incredible, as Scoot simply noticed that the Phillies’ middle infield was asleep and Joe Blanton, having just gotten the ball back from the catcher, was kicking dirt around the front of the mound. Scutaro jogged down to first, then took off for second and beat the shortstop to the bag. That play alone is worth a ticket to the all-star gamefor Scoot. An incredible feat of derring-do. Amazing.
But the key part of the game, though it didn’t cost the Jays at all, was Cito Gaston wasting his best reliever because he didn’t pull a double switch. Having left Brandon League out to pitch a second inning after the Jays took the lead in the top of the 8th, Gaston came out to yank League and bring in Frasor after the Phils put the tying run on second with Jimmy Rollins’ two-out double off the left-field wall.
The pitcher’s spot was due to lead off the 9th, with Raul Chavez having been the last out of the 8th.
The Baseball 101, incredibly obvious, only correct move - especially since the Jays only had two pitchers left in the bullpen, having already gone through Shawn Camp, Dirk Hayhurst and Jesse Carlson before League came in - was to bring Rod Barajas in to catch as part of a double-switch, with Frasor coming in to bat in the 8th spot and Barajas, the new catcher, batting 9th and leading off the 9th.
Instead, Gaston only brought in Frasor, with the intention of having him lead off the 9th inning if he had been able to hold the lead. He didn’t, allowing a game-tying RBI single to Shane Victorino. So, in the top of the 9th, in a tie game, Gaston pinch-hit for Frasor with - you guessed it - Barajas. The guy who should have been in the game anyway.
The Captain wound up going deep to give the Jays the lead, which was marvelous, but it left the Jays with B.J. Ryan and Jeremy Accardo, who had just gotten off the red-eye from Vegas, to close the game out. Had Barajas or his teammates not given the Jays the lead, it would have been Ryan and Accardo, and then Overbay.
It was a ridiculous non-move to make, and almost cost the team the game. If Gaston didn’t realize that the double-switch was the move, then one of former National League manager Nick Leyva or former National League coach Brian Butterfield should have been screaming in his ear. Just terrible.
But the Jays won, with Ryan walking lead-off man Chase Utley, then striking out Ryan Howard before giving way to Accardo, who finished it up. Ryan was visibly upset at being yanked after the strikeout, which could turn into an issue. I’m not there, and haven’t talked to any of the principals, but if Ryan feels hard done by because he’s not the option to close out close games, then he really needs to look at himself in the mirror. He’s not the closer anymore because he shouldn’t be the closer anymore. He looked absolutely terrible Wednesday night with a six-run lead in the 9th inning, loading the bases before leaving (also angrily), and given the ball this afternoon to protect a one-run lead in the 9th, he walked the first batter he faced. Ryan has NO reason to feel entitled to be given the ball in high-leverage situations.
Had the Phillies tied the game in the bottom of the 9th, and they had runners at first and second with two out, Accardo would have come back out to pitch the 10th, and the 11th would have been Overbay’s. I’d have loved to have seen that, by the way, the guy was a terrific pitcher in college.
So the Jays get swept at home by the Marlins, then hit the road and sweep the World Series champs in a series in which they very easily could have lost two of three. For the series, the Jays were 0-for-14 with the bases loaded. Incredible. Now they’re off to DC to face a Washington team that just took two of three from the Yankees in New York.
Amazingly, the Blue Jays currently sit just one game out of a playoff spot.
About Brad Mills’ major-league debut - he’s got to throw more strikes, plain and simple. He could have gone a lot deeper, but he walked the pitcher with two out and nobody on in the 4th. If he gets the automatic out there, Jimmy Rollins doesn’t get to come up and hit the two-run shot that gives the Phils the lead, and maybe Mills winds up going six and getting a win. He has to throw more strikes.
No JaysTalk today, what with the weekday afternoon game, but we’ll have time to chat tomorrow night after the Brian Tallet/Jordan Zimmermann confrontation at Nationals Park in Washington. Tune us in at 7:00 PM Eastern time.
Before you do that, though, check out SUN TV’s The Grill Room - I’ll be on at 6:30 PM Eastern, not sure who is going to make up the rest of the panel. And before you do THAT, you can hear me on The Bullpen with Mike Hogan at 10:05 AM Eastern on The Fan590 and this very website.
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome.
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Hey Mike was wondering if you knew what the 411 was on Castro? He’s listed at 5′8 (so he’s probably 5′6 and a half) so am i right to assume he’s a junk ball pitcher without much heat? Any idea what he features and what he hits on the gun, I’ve never actually got to see him pitch.
Not too many pitchers in the bigs at 5′8 i dont think
chris
MW: You’re right, but he has been in the bigs once. I have never seen him pitch.
- chrisHi mike.. That move or non-move Cito made with what to do with double switching was almost the same as Alex forgetting to tag up .. ITS CLOSE.. Anyway Mike.. They outed Sammy Sosa for ped’s.. Why dont they just come out and throw all the names out and get it over with..What are they going to do .. Give 2 names every year for the next 50 years and slowly bleed it to death.. Get the names out and get on with playing baseball.. Whats your take Mike?
MW: I don’t think we’re ever going to get all 104 names.
- FLIPPERI know that things are not sounding too good right now for McGowan, but what is happening with Marcum?
MW: He’s working his way back, and may be able to pitch in mid-August.
- sandyHey Mike,
Just wondering if you think the Jays will pursue one of the free agent pitchers still available on the market? I know Pedro is being sought after by various teams and could get a large amount of money but what about Mark Mulder, Paul Byrd, Ben Sheets?
MW: Sheets won’t be ready to pitch until late this season, and I don’t know about Mulder. Byrd? No thanks. I’d rather have Tallet/Romero/Cecil/Richmond.
- JonUnfortunately I didn’t hear it myself, but a couple people have told me Alex Anthapolous (I know I butchered the spelling) was on the Fan and had some bad news regarding Dustin McGowan’s recovery. Anything you can elaborate on?
MW: Anthopoulos. I didn’t hear it, but I’m assuming it’s more of the same. His recovery is not going nearly as well as expected.
- karimHey Mike,
Wondered why the blog was taking so long… Beer League Ball is a fine reason for the delay and glad to hear you spun a few Geb Wems.
MLBastian pointed out, via Twitter, that Scutaro faced 39 pitches in 6 AB today (6.5 per!), which is astounding. At the beginning of the year I was highly skeptical regarding Scutaro’s ability to be an effective leadoff guy AND defensive player on an everyday basis. Boy am I glad that I was dead wrong. And I mean DEAD wrong.
Also, these injuries are beyond beyond redonkulous… but there just might be a silver lining. If they continue to pile up we just might get to see Mr. Collins in a Blue Jays uniform this year!
Yeah, and maybe the Yankees will cut their 2010 payroll to under 200 million.
Scutaro FTW.
- KPHey Mike,
After being amazed that Scutaro walked three more times yesterday, I decided to check out where he is on the walks leaderboard. He’s tied for 6th, which is pretty sweet, but how he compares to the names in front of (or tied) with him are even sweeter:
HR BB IBB
1. A Dunn 18 53 7
2. A Gonzalez 23 53 8
3. A Pujols 23 51 21
4. P Fielder 16 50 6
5. L Berkman 13 48 7
6. C Pena 21 47 6
7. M Scutaro 5 47 0
Scutaro gets my award for “best player nobody outside of Toronto will take notice of in 2009″. But that’s okay, I’m happy to watch him here.
- Rob in St. KittsIt would have been interesting to see Lyle come in but, if Lyle comes in to pitch then who plays 1st? One of the other starters? I believe the bench was empty of other position players?
MW: John McDonald was still on the bench, so he would have come in to play somewhere and someone would have gone to first.
- Mike . RHey Mike
I can’t believe the Jays just swept the defending champs and generally did not play very well. Simple fundamental mistakes and an almost total lack of execution and they still swept. Philly fans must feel horrible after this.
In regards to the non double switch, is it possible Barajas couldn’t get ready in time? Did you see Chavez’ keep looking into the dugout with a look saying why am I still out here? Is it possible that it was no mistake and he never intended to have Jason Frasor pitch the 9th and is actively trying to shatter the mans confidence?
If we make this many mistakes against The powerhouse Nats we might only win 2 out of 3.
What do you know about Dustin McGowan? You casually dropped that he might be done and Alex Anthopoulos wasn’t exactly optimistic when asked about him on Bobcats show today. Has something happened recently? I’m quite concerned I wont see those side burns ever pitch again.
Chris
ps Generally I think twitter is useless but I enjoy Jordan Bastian’s in game tweets and wonder if you’ve considered something like that. I do often wonder what Wilner would have to say about certain in game events. I know you’re always looking for more work.
MW: I have enough more work, thanks! It’s not possible that Barajas wasn’t able to get ready in time - he mentioned after the game that he expected to be called on to catch there. Cito did intend for Frasor to pitch the 9th, and would have left him in to hit had the lead been intact. I don’t know anything about McGowan other than the general pessimism with regards to his recovery. I don’t expect him to pitch this year.
- Chris ThompsonHi Mike,
Was that one of most unimpressive series sweeps in recent memory? It should have been called “how to play bad baseball and sweep the World Series Champions”.
I know it’s difficult for you and other sports journos to comment on players personalities, but is BJ Ryan a bit ornery? It’s great that he’s competitive and wants to stay in, but if he can’t understand why he’s being pulled at critical times, he must either be a complete moron or have a monster ego…or both.
Are you able to shed light on BJ’s personality?
Also…I wonder if JP Ricciardi felt quietly vindicated about his comment that “Adam Dunn didn’t even like baseball” when Dunn chose to sign with the Nationals. Obviously playing for a winner wasn’t a huge priority for him.
JP is eerily quiet this year. I miss Wednesdays with him.
MW: He’s not so eerily quiet, he’s still on the field and available to the media before every Jays home game, and some road games. Even if he did feel that way about Dunn, he wouldn’t say it, having learned his lesson with the Gil Meche thing. As far as B.J., personality-wise, I really don’t know him personally, just the face he puts on for the press. That face, though, is often pretty prickly.
- OzRobHey Mike. I was hoping you could give me a better explanation as to why you don’t think fans should buy from scalpers. Like I said, maybe you can convince me not to in the future. The only thing I could make of your comment was that you believe the Jays will make more money if we buy at the box office and scalpers end up with useless tickets. BTW you could be mistaken with why you think B-52 was upset after being pulled. It looked like he was angry at Meriwether for not giving him a strike that did look to be to low for a justified argument. BTW did I make any spelling errors?
MW: B-52? Really? Anyway, you may very well be right about the direction of Ryan’s anger. I don’t like scalpers because I don’t like that they make money, basically, off the backs of good, hard-working people who don’t happen to pay kids and homeless people to wait in lines for hours and hours. No spelling errors.
- Matt from BCHey Mike,
I watch the games from France on MLB.tv, so I often get the opposition’s feed. The Phillies announcers explained that Cito tried to pull a double switch, but he just didn’t do it right. Apparently you have to go talk to the umpire and tell him you’re pulling the DS before you make the move to the bullpen. Cito failed to realize this, so they denied him the double switch.
MW: Just speculation on the part of the Phillies’ announcers, of course. There’s no way they could have known for sure.
- tj archHi, Mike:
Re the possibility of Overbay pitching — you’re right, that would have been something to see! But a better question is who would have been playing first base if that happened?
As nearly as I can tell from the box score, every one of Cito’s bench guys had been used, along with the entire bullpen. Thus one of the starters would have had to enter the lineup somewhere — who, and where?
MW: McDonald was still available.
- NormHey Mike,
AFter the game yesterday, Barajas was interviewed and he said yesterday’s game was a total team effort because everybody got a piece of the action. Then he quickly corrected himself and said Johnny Mac didn’t play.
I’m just wondering, with Joe Inglett hitting about .150, why does Cito continue to use him over Johnny Mac?
MW: Because Inglett is a better hitter.
- KentOops, I’m wrong again. I just realized that John MacDonald was still available, so I guess he is the guy who comes in to the lineup. But how do you think it would have lined up? Rolen at first? Scutaro? Lind, with Scoot moving to left?
Or simply play J-Mac at first, and leave the other defensive positions unaltered?
MW: It probably would have been Scutaro at first, I think.
- NormMike,
Straight from the Toronto Star in Friday’s paper. What do you think?
“Gaston ran through three other pinch-hitters and didn’t really want to send Barajas to the plate in the ninth, but he had no other options. Having worked just a third of an inning, Jason Frasor had more pitches in him but was scheduled to lead off the ninth.
Gaston knew the Jays didn’t need a pitcher batting that late in a tie game, especially when the only two relievers available were the exhausted Accardo and the inconsistent Ryan. Instead, they needed offence.”
MW: I think that’s absolutely right. But the problem was that Frasor shouldn’t have been scheduled to lead off the 9th.
- JakeHi Mike
It did indeed seem odd to lose Frasor after just one batter, but one disadvantage of the double switch would have been that Barajas, representing the go-ahead run, would then have had to run the bases had he got on. That wouldn’t have looked great either.
In years past, the Jays used starters on their ‘throwing’ day for occasional spot bullpen duty — Jimmy Key did some of that if I remember correctly. Do you think that would be an option before Overbay?
Regards,
Roy
MW: No, I don’t think it would have, because it was Janssen’s throw day. Barajas was the best offensive option there, the pinch-running issue, at that point, was irrelevant.
- royhughesIf the season ended today Marco Scutaro would have to be considered an MVP candidate.
He’s first in the league in runs scored. 6th in the league in OB%. He’s made 1 error while leading shortstops in double plays turned.
I keep expecting him to come back to earth, but it isn’t happening.
He’s far and away my favourite position player on this team to watch.
MW: He has had a fantastic season, but he’s not an MVP candidate. If the season ended today, I doubt he’d finish in the top 15 in the voting.
- Jim MaronMr. Wilner, this is the last straw. I listen to your show and your one sided feelings are spewed through your microphone with venom and distain all too often. Someone calls in to question Wells or Rios, your turn the heat up. Someone last year called in to attack John Gibbons, a strip would be ripped. And if someone dared question JP and his decisions, well, the claws, fangs and weapons all came out.
Time and time again some of these Jays should be called out, very publically, but you often refrain from doing so. The Rios verbal abuse towards a fan incident, His terrible base running decisions, Vernons non production this year. I don’t care about some number you pull from you notes says, the man should be at the bottom of the lineup until he learns how to hit again. But whenever these topics are brought up, you defend them like an attorney whose client is on death row.
I understand you have a bromance with Vernon, it’s obvious to all who listen, we understand that not attacking JP and his moves is a safe move for your job, since you are all employed by the same corporation, but you know what, from time to time, grow some, and put the screws to these people. Last year when JP went off on Mr. Dunn, you should have stopped him at the end of his sentence and questioned his motivation to say such a thing on national radio, but no, instead you play a long and move on to the next caller.
When John Gibbons had physical confrontations with at least 3 players, Shea, Bush and Lilly, that we know about. You defend him saying that’s his job. It’s hard enough to get players to come to Toronto, we don’t need a hot headed manager challenging players to a fight in the clubhouse, it helps no one. But again, you defend him.
This year however, your hate for Cito Gaston, via these blogs, and on Radio, is very apparent, small comments about plays he should have made, questioning his decision about such and such, or today, the last straw for me, a whole paragraph outlining his mistake with a double switch. Never was this the case for JP, or John Gibbons. From the very start of Cito being hired one can hear you roll your eyes on air. I have no problem with you doing the Jays talk. But you need to remember you aren’t these guys friend, you are a journalist, and you should be calling them all out when needed, not just the one you don’t like, and praise those who do well when they deserve, again, not just the one time Vernon gets a hit and you go on the air and say “Well he’s turning it around” only for him to go 2 for the next 18 or something.
I respect the job everyone does to bring us the game on a daily basis, but lately it seems like the journalism is taking a back seat to the personal feelings, and that’s just wrong.
Thank you
Eric
MW: I’m sorry that you feel that way, but I’m more sorry that you’re another one of those readers/listeners with very selective reading and listening skills. None of what you said is true.
- Eric BellMW: Scott Downs was a more reliable closer than Mariano Rivera and Francisco Rodriguez have been this year.
It is a statement like this that gets you quoted in the foreign media. I guess Accardo is now the most reliable closer in the league.
One good point in the debate on line-up protection is the effect the pitcher hitting in the NL has on the #8 hitter. With zero protection, the #8 hitter is rarely given anything to hit, and it is standard practice to walk him with 2 outs.
BTW it was refreshing to read your rant; but how can you be sure Barajas would have homered if he had had to catch the previous inning?
MW: I can’t, no one can. A new space-time continuum would have been created had Barajas come in to catch.
- Cito ManThe backwards Blue Jays: lose a set against the Marlins, lose their star pitchers and closers, then somehow manage to sweep the Phillies despite all of the attempts to fail (including Cito’s batting order gaffe). The Jays got 41 — 41!! hits against the Phils and went 0 for how many with the bases loaded?
What next — a midfield collision between Hill and Scutaro knocking them both out for the season?
Who knows what’s going to happen for the rest of the season??? I don’t.
MW: How could anyone ever know what’s going to happen for the rest of any season?
- TimMike,
You said it right when you talked about how the Jays “managed” that game. I help coach a high school team and we know when to double switch to preserve roster spots.
I’m not sure I’ve seen a team execute or manage so poorly, yet sweep the series.
Giving Ryan the benefit of the doubt, could it have been possible that he was mad at the umpire and not Cito?
Also, got this quote from Yahoo sports:
“Richmond was also told not to swing the bat his first two times up (his manager doesn’t want another pitcher getting hurt)”
If that is true, is Cito taking this disdain for interleague rules a bit too far?
MW: Cito doesn’t want another pitcher getting hurt.
- Steve-O from WaterdownMr. Wilner,
Would there be any chance that the Jays would be interested in trading for Jake Westbrook? I realize that he is still recovering from Tommy John and will not be available until after the allstar break but I think that he would be a legitimate #2 starter behind Halladay.
There are talks that the Indians may be shopping players anyways and because of the Tommy John, there is a chance that they could get Mr. Westbrook for fairly cheap.
What do you think?
MW: I don’t think it’s a good idea to take on another hurt guy.
- LoganGreat series this week against the defending champs. Anytime you can go into their home field and sweep them like the Jays did it’s got to be a shot in the arm for the team. Got to win the ugly games if you want to play in October.
Just wondering if there are any rumors flying around with regards to the team getting anyone at the deadline? Other then starting pitching I am not sure where or what this team could get to help them. Wouldn’t getting McGowan or Marcum back late in the season be almost as effective as making a trade and possibly losing some future talent. Of course, that’s provided they can make it back.
MW: Don’t bet on McGowan. There aren’t many rumours flying around, but those that do involve the Jays looking for a middle of the order left-handed bat.
- JeffGood day Mike, Ryan did look very angry and I am in total agreement with you. I can understand his frustration as he has seemed to have lost it. No control and no velocity a closer does not make. His anger and visable frustration when Cito took the ball is selfish. Some of the moves or non moves Cito makes has me wondering about his understanding of the game. Me thinks it was a very good thing that he had I believe one of the top 3 payrolls when they won the back to back world series. I heard jays Ass GM Alex Anthopolous talking about Dustin McGowan’s rehab not going well at all. It did not sound very promising at all and he expressed some concern his career maybe over. That would be such a shame. Say it ain’t so. Now my question, would you take a shot at Paul Byrd now given the jays injuries. I know he is no saviour but he maybe cheap at this point
MW: See above.
- KenHey Mike,
I’m not sure if you are implying that I flagrantly copied Bob Elliot’s ideas as my own or if you are implying that my ideas and insights are comparable to a professional newspaper columnist (I guess it depends on your opinion of Bob Elliot) but I can assure you that I had not read Elliot’s column before I posted on here yesterday.
We are 2/3 through June and at the beginning of the month JP Riccardi said something about the end of June would be telling as to whether the Blue Jays will make any moves at the deadline. Is there a magic number that the front office will use to make that decision, like a certain number of games out by a certain date or is it more subjective than that? Do you think the Blue Jays will be buyers at the deadline? Do you know if the Blue Jays have anyone seriously on the radar or is it all speculation and rumor at this point?
Thanks Mike
MW: It’s all speculation and rumour. It’s completely subjective, depending on how the Jays are playing, where they are in the race, and other things.
- Brendan LThe comment about Lyle Overbay pitching brings up an interesting set of questions for me - how hard do major league position players throw?
I’m sure it varies and many of them certainly could bring it as fast as some major league pitchers, but what would you say is the “average” speed a major leaguer must be able to throw? (Not while pitching, obviously, but in the field).
When Rolen launches one across the diamond, how fast is that? When Eckstein threw his lollipops from short, what about that? Any idea?
Are there any major leaguers who are throwing the ball across the diamond at 95 mph+?
Lastly, might be tough to answer, but which position player on the Jays do you think would be clocked the highest on the gun? What about in the majors?
MW: Overbay would be the answer for the Jays, he throws in the low to mid 90s. I don’t think there are many players who can throw 95+, but I’ll bet there are some. Shawon Dunston was the gold standard. I would say that the great infield arms throw in the mid-80s, at least.
- ColeAnother quick one - you seem to be getting a lot of mileage out of “free internets” jokes on the air, which always makes me chuckle.
Do you think those jokes will stay a part of your regular repertoire, even after the Super 8 ad has gone? (If that ever happens).
Keep up the good work Mike.
MW: I don’t know, but I sure hope so.
- ColeHi Mike,
Gaston needs to realize that League is good for one inning. Every time he comes in for a second inning he’s wild. He doesn’t seem very good going back to back games as well. This needs to be worked out and because he couldn’t close the eighth it all snow balled. I know there was some issues with the way Gaston managed the game but I get this feeling you don’t like the way Gaston manages. He does manage with his gut feeling alot and it seems you don’t like that. Is this why you seem less critical with Gibbons who was more technical/robotic? It was nice to see Rios wasn’t in the news in this game.
MW: Cito doesn’t manage with gut feeling a lot, he manages a very specific way, which he thinks is best. I don’t agree. I like managers who use everyone on their roster and do their best to put the best players in the proper positions where they have the best chance to succeed. Gaston routinely doesn’t do that.
- brunoI find it interesting that you criticize Cito so much when last year you said something to the effect that a manager does not really have that much of an influence in the win-loss column. I believe that you said a manager will effect about 4 or 5 games a year. I guess you would say that this could have been one of those games. Correct me if Im wrong and you did not say that. I recall it coming up a lot when Gibby was Criticized by the fans.
MW: Nope, it’s true, I have said that, and I think it’s true. But see above as well.
- KJDHey Mike I wonder if Alex Rios was chuckling at Cito’s mind cramp….or may be that was Cito’s way of protesting the pitchers have to hit thing by refusing to participate in a National League dbl switch :0)
PS, you going 1 for 4 with an RBI in a win would get you an MVP and batting crown in the majors, good job…
MW: Huh?
- GaryMike:
I have been searching everywhere to find what out what Cito’s rationale was for not doing the double switch. I cannot find it in ANY paper. Not even a reference.
At least you are honest enough to call him out, but I really believe that the Toronto media gives Cito a free pass by not asking or addressing these issues (insane in-game management). It is almost the opposite in New York where it is ridiculous the other way. For example, they critize Giradi for not being hard enough with a fine if Robinson Cano swings at the first pitch (I’m serious!).
MW: It turns out Cito has admitted his mistake, and good for him.
- JBHey Mike,
BJ is done…..now that he is not on the juice and I say this because he looks like he has dropped 40lbs and he doesn’t sweat buckets anymore while he is on the mound….DONE!!
After a play like Scutaro’s yesterday he deserves a nickname………what nickname would you give him??
Thanks for your time.
MW: Scoot?
- Mikehey mike;
Good call on the alex rios blunders-not sure where his head is, but not in the game, and bj ryan, who should be traded along with rios as these two are not helping the team win in spite of there mistakes which seems to be a daily occurance-ryan looks worse than purcey out there without the velocity. If the jays could dump these two contracts then they would have an abundance of money to tie up halladay whom they need-he is the heart and soul of this team. Just a note on richmond and barajas, these two along with scutaro are simply outstanding period and should be signed long term. let’s see how the rookies pan out-go jays go, will see them wed next week against cinncinati. Should get more fans out to see them, as they can definatly win the wildcard. good job as always mike.
MW: Thanks, but I don’t agree with most of what you’ve said.
- robert.sWell that was exciting wasn’t it?
Adam Lind continues to perform at the plate. Aaron Hill…still BRUTAL in the field. Yeah I said it…brutal.
He didn’t butcher a double play this time though. This one’s a little more subtle.
Bottom of the 8th, 2 out, Jimmy Rollins on 2nd, Victorino up to bat. Jays up 7-6. Victorino hits a ground ball that got by a diving Aaron Hill. Now I’ll admit wasn’t a soft ground ball, but when HILL dove, he was still on the infield dirt about a foot away from the outfield grass. Thanks to rogers PVR (complete with rewind and slow motion features) I played it back and watched it a few times. As it turns out, he started out like 4 steps IN from the infield grass. Now is it just me, or in this situation is he not supposed to be back at (if not a step on) the outfield grass trying to keep the ball in the infield by maximizing his already sub-par range? Since I know we were watching the same game, i imagine you saw this too right? Of course. If not you can see it again for the next little while on Sportsnet Connected. So I was just wondering what such a good fielder was doing so far out of position at such a crucial moment in the game? There is an answer to this question….What he’s doing is playing brutal defense.
Dustin Pedroia at least keeps that ball in the infield. So does Brian Roberts, so does Chase Utley, so does Kelly Johnson so does
ORLANDO HUDSON (we miss you)….
Watching Aaron Hill play 2nd base is like watching a drunk try to roller blade on grass.
Comments?
MW: I thought I asked for reasonable and rational comments.
- RealityCheckMW: You can’t take out the guy hitting .600 when you’re letting the guy hitting .111 play.
You almost prove my point: if performance isn’t your criterion for letting someone play then, surely performance ought not be your criterion for letting the other play.
MW: I was being sarcastic, though.
- ol brucieIf Overbay indeed goes in to pitch who moves over to play first, MacDonald?
- bootyHi Mike,
Just read the Toronto Star this morning and whoever wrote the game story didn’t touch upon Cito not making the obvious double switch.
Surely someone has asked him about this and I was wondering how he reponded? I can’t imagine what the response would be but am interested in hearing.
Thanks,
Mike in Cambridge
MW: See above.
- Mike DaviesHi Mike, I watched the game on TV and I thought BJ was mad at the ump when he was coming off the mound not because he was being pulled. How do you know he was mad at the fact he was being pulled. to be honest I think BJ always looks p***d off at something when he is pitching or shortly after no matter what happened.
and Man Barajas sure is a good hitter compared to a pitcher wouldn’t you say?
MW: Depends on which pitcher.
- Tom MAlso, what do you think it would take to trade for Phillipe Aumont from the Mariners? He really impressed in the WBC and it would be great to see him in a Jays uniform sometime. What do you think the Mariner’s would require for him?
MW: Start with Halladay.
- LoganRational and reasonable comments are deserved in response to rational and reasonable baseball strategy. To Cito Gaston I then ask, “No double switch? What the bleep were you thinking!?!”
Whether or not this was the case I don’t know, but the TV replays were spinning BJ’s anger as being towards the umpire for his strike calls (indeed, I believe BJ sent a nasty glare in the ump’s direction as he walked off the mound).
A question for you (and definitely not asked in the context of Thursday’s game)… do you think the notion of a 6 man bullpen is pretty much a permanently dead notion these days? In today’s game is there any real benefit to having a 5th bat on the bench at the expense of a 7th reliever?
MW: I prefer an 11-man pitching staff - some teams even have a ridiculous 13 pitchers on the roster. I’m a fan of having as deep a bench as possible.
- J.M.hey Mike,
How many times has someone stolen 2nd base off a walk anyhow? I find it weird how the AP coverage(that gets sent to SI and Yahoo, etc) didn’t even mention the steal…I would think that a steal like that is rare.
MW: I have never seen it before, nor have I ever heard of it happening. I would think the reason it didn’t get mentioned was because so much happened after.
- RandyIn an earlier blog post, you mentioned that you don’t want to be Howard Stern.
So you don’t want to make millions of dollars a year, have millions of adoring fans, have a 16,000 sq. ft. mansion on the water in the Hamptons, have a 2 floor penthouse apartment overlooking Central Park, be married to one of the most beautiful women on the planet, and have Billy Joel perform at your wedding??
Mike, if you don’t want to be Howard Stern, then I will go on record right now and say that I do.
MW: Glad to hear it. I’d love to make millions of dollars a year, but I don’t need a huge house in the Hamptons or a big apartment in NYC. I’d love to have had Billy Joel perform at my wedding, but I don’t plan on having another one, and I’m already married to one of the most beautiful women on the planet. And don’t I already have millions of adoring fans?
- ThomasWith BJ Ryan now being a shadow of his former self, not throwing strikes, not being able to break a pane of glass, and essentially only being used in non pressure situations (except for yesterday when Cito had no choice but to use him in a 1 run game) do you think it is possible that the Jays will release him this year or next year before his contract runs out?
I would have said no way, but they ate the Frank Thomas contract and that was a huge amount of money. If they did it for Thomas, why not Ryan?
MW: Because Thomas had a vesting option. Ryan doesn’t.
- KyleI totally forgot that the players vote for most of the All-Star subs! I don’t know if that hurts or helps Scoot, but I’ve got my fingers crossed for him.
I can’t see any posts yet, so I’m sorry if this is repetitive. But, I don’t think BJ Ryan was made at Cito, I think his ire was at the umpire. With good reason, imo. He threw more strikes than were called, to Utley. Although, he probably would grumble less, if he were pitching better.
Also, any idea when the last time two catchers on the same team homered in the same game? (Google got me nuthin’.) I thought that was kinda neat. First and last, to boot.
MW: I can’t remember it happening before, but I’m sure it’s happened a lot.
- RomeHow long till CC and AJ blow out their arms?
MW: Dunno.
- jpmichael,
- darrell bishopi love this team !
not a single free agent signing of any signficance brought in as is usually the norm for teams vying for a playoff spot & a club decimated with “so many” injuries to it’s pitching staff, too many to mention.
and yet, still just a game or 2 out of the wildcard race as we quickly approach july in the toughest division in all of mlb as we pull off a 3 game sweep (on the road) to the world series defending champs.
kudos to the gm. and extend his contract while your at it…..
So is there any unsigned free agent pitcher out there not named Pedro Martinez that might be available to come in for a season? I know everyone wants Pedro but this is one of those rare occasions when I agree with you. He’s not the answer. Is there an answer?
MW: There are guys like Glavine, Byrd and an injured Ben Sheets, but I don’t think any of them would be the right move.
- reyesHi Mike,
Just curious…where is Mike Maroth these days? Is he still in baseball?
MW: Not as far as I know.
- MarkMike.
- TerryAlbeit a tad ugly,yesterday’s game was very entertaining.Gotta love Scoot.Rios would be well served to keep a close eye on how Scoot plays the game.Vernon had a good game as well.Hopefully he’s turning a corner.I was curious as to why the double switch never happened in the eighth but wondered later if the Captain would have thrown the runner out at second ending the inning?He still come up and was the hero in the ninth anyhow.Some things are just meant to happen I guess.As for BJ,I agree with you.He has got to get his control back before he can be trusted in the closing of games.I’m sure Cito may have left him in if he had got both Utley and Howard and looked good doing it.He looked bad and is lucky Howard didn’t park one.
Is anyone talking to Paul Byrd?He had said in an interview earlier in the year that he’d be ready by the break to help someone in the second half.I think he’d be a low risk high reward for the Jays.He’d eat innings and save the pen a little.He would allow the Jays not to rely on Doc to be the innings eater alone in the dog days.
I have to ask Mike, who would have come in to play first? John McDonald? Scutaro, Lind, or Rolen? Or one of the starters? Whichever, it would have been an ugly situation for sure.
- jwHi Mike,
My boyfriend and I were also amazed by Cito’s missed double switch. What was more amazing was the fact that not a single newspaper article bothered to ask Cito for comment on this issue. Why do you think that is? Have you heard anything ‘through the grapevine’ as to why Cito opted to avoid this pretty obvious move?
MW: He didn’t make up his mind on whether or not to double-switch until he was almost at the mound, and by then it was too late.
- Vanessa Chris“It was a ridiculous non-move to make, and almost cost the team the game. If Gaston didn’t realize that the double-switch was the move, then one of former National League manager Nick Leyva or former National League coach Brian Butterfield should have been screaming in his ear. Just terrible.”
He didn’t forget, he just doesn’t know how to execute it. I’m not sure what the Sportsnet broadcast showed, but the CSN guys showed Cito trying to talk to Merriwether AFTER he had got the ball from League. They went on to explain that you need to inform the umpire BEFORE you head out to the mound, and that Cito had committed a gigantic error. If you see Cito walking back to the dugout he sort of shrugs at Merriwether as if to say - you’re right, my bad.
MW: Thanks for going into more detail than the above commenter.
- AriFunny thing about that non-double-switch by Cito. He leaves Chavez in and Raul proceeds to gun down a big stolen base attempt in the bottom of the 8th. Hard to say if Barajas would have made that out or not. Then, Rod comes in a wee bit later than expected and blasts the winner. Somehow, even when Cito drops the ball - he makes the out.
- HaroldHey Mike,
Just wanted to take this time to say thank-you on behalf of all of your fans for your hard work and dedication to your blog. It truly is the best in the business. Did you realize that you are like the only one of the many of blogs on the Fan590 that actually responds to all the comments? I understand why they don’t but I appreciate that you do. I guess you take your job very seriously and your work does not go unoticed. Thanks again….
MW: Thanks, I appreciate it.
- AdamI was thinking, and if they Jays are smart, they will give Barajas an extension. Next year is an important year, and they need a known commodity behind the plate. I think it is too big of risk to hope that Arencibia is ready. Barajas has come as advertised the past two years and he has had at least average production to go with solid defence. And this is not a knee jerk reaction to his heroics last night. (You could insert another catcher with the same credentials).
MW: I think they’ll try to bring him back for another year, but only one, and he’s reasonably likely to get a better offer.
- DennyHey Mike, Now I must say, most of the time I share your sentiments, and when I don’t, I usually respect your justification for your arguments. However, where I cannot side with you is your propensity to unfairly diss Barajas, often labelling him as a hooorrrible hitter. Afterall he is batting .276 and is right behind Jorge Posada on the batting avg. leaderboard for catchers in the majors. That being said, Jorge is not just having an off-year, in fact his numbers are better than his career averages. I’d say Rod’s in pretty good company, batting in the top half of catchers with enough games played to qualify across the majors.
It’s not like we’re still in April or even late May, early June for that matter, where the numbers are still all inflated. We are less than month from the all star game–and for Rod Barajas to be hitting nearly .280 at this stage of the game, I think merits the droppage of the terrible hitter term you’ve thrown at him. He also has proven to provide some pop. After all that is why J.P brought him in to the organization wasn’t it? (with a 20+ homer season under his belt)
I also understand that he’s been a life time .240-245 hitter, but fact of the matter is– he’s been somewhat reliable this year. More so that Rios and Wells, oddly enough.
What I’m sayin is, maybe you’d be willing to reconsider and throw him a bone here. I think he’s earned it thus far in the 09 season. Certainly he’s at least earned the notion that you drop the horrible hitter moniker, because I just can’t understand how you can label him that way when he was hitting .300 until June and still close to .280..not to mention he connects, quite often getting retired on long fly outs. Whadaya say?
MW: I’ll throw him the following bone - he’s a horrible hitter who is having a decent year at the plate. Howzzat?
- Anthony LMan, that right there is why I love baseball. Well, two of those things right there:
First, Scutaro steals second on a walk - almost as exciting as watching Aaron Hill steal home against Pettite and the Yankees - and the Phillies’ announcers can only comment: “Well, that’s just embarrassing.”
Second, Mike Wilner referred to Jason Frasor as the Jays’ best reliever. Who could have predicted THAT being true last year? I mean, sure, the reason that’s true may have more to do with the Jays’ current DL, but hey - this game’s unpredictable that way.
- DonHey Mike,
Just wanted your take on League’s performance yesterday. Personally I thought he was excellent in bottom of the 7th, striking out two great hitters in Howard and Werth (who had an excellent series) and getting Feliz to fly out to Rios for a 3 up 3 down inning. Started well in the 8th striking out Mayberry Jr. but then was hurt by the big home run from Dobbs. He seemed to lose a bit of composure after that giving up the double to Rollins. Do you view League as a one inning pitcher or do you think he has what it takes to pitch a close game longer than that.
Thanks for your time.
P.S. Regardless of the homer given up, you must give League credit for getting the pride of Philly to ground out to A-Hill.
MW: Hands up everyone who thought Stairs was going to take League deep. I think he has some real issues when he works more than one inning. It’s happened too often to simply dismiss it.
- RikMike,
Any chance that the JP will
be shopping for Nick Johnson this weekend in Washington?
Also,what is the communication between Cito and BJ Ryan? It appears that Cito is silent when he approaches the mound and converses with BJ through his hands.
MW: I hope the Jays inquire about Nick the Stick while they’re there. I have no insight into the communication on the mound between Cito and Ryan.
- MarkHi Mike,
I have to agree with you on all points today.Do you suppose what we are seeing these days in the way of strategy from Cito was part of the reason why he was fired a few years ago and why nobody hired him again after all those years?Cito is a fine manager when he has a strong team that you can just let play.When he has to”manage” I now have my doubts.
MW: I don’t think these issues had much to do with Cito’s firing way back then.
- PaulHey mike.
Not sure if everyone is telling you this but on the Philli broadcast they were saying how Cito clearly wanted to make that double switch but neglected to do it properly. Apparently he didn’t go to the ump first with the new catcher and if the pitcher arrives before the catcher does (assuming it wasn’t already penciled in with the ump) you lose the oppurtunity do double switch.
Got that?
MW: That’s not quite true. A manager has to go to the umpire before he goes out to the mound in order to make a double switch. It’s not about who gets where first.
- SimonIt is not absolutely clear that Cito simply blundered as you have quite vociferously maintained. Perhaps Cito feels that Chavez is the better defensive catcher and, so, would prefer to leave him in the game with the Jays leading a close one. Indeed, it should be pointed out that Chavez threw out Victorino trying to steal in the bottom of the 8th which was the third out. As you point out above, Cito had every intention of leaving Frasor in to hit in the 9th had he not given up the tying run. The other possibility is that Cito really wanted to give Barajas a full game rest from catching which he managed to do with the strategy employed, even though Barajas was asked to hit (only) in the 9th (and did exactly what everyone was hoping for since Barajas would have been a severe liability on the basepaths). We’ll never know whether Barajas would have thrown out Victorino, nor what would have happened afterwards, but we know for certain that how Cito played it worked out perfectly!
MW: Just because it works doesn’t mean it was the right thing to do.
- Lorne CohenThanks for giving appropriate kudos for Scutaro’s awesome move. I’m watching the clip over and over. You can see in his eyes that he’s thinking, “Can I?…Hell yeah!” So heads up and so aggressive.
Best play of the year so far.
MW: Absolutely.
- JohnHi Mike,
What’s up with Brad Mills? I’ve been trying and trying to find some post-game comments from him on his first MLB start yesterday, but there is seemingly nothing out there in terms of news media coverage.
Do you think that he slipped out of the clubhouse before the reporters could ask him about his outing?
I’m very surprised at the lack of commentary from him. I mean it’s is first start, a guy only ever has one first start. So what if he struggled some - why not just talk to the press about it?
MW: I have no idea. I doubt he ducked the media, though.
- JamieMike….Is that double-switching a loophole or a way of circumventing the rules of the batting order?…What I’m painfully admitting is that I don’t fully understand it..If you haven’t already answered this Mike, could you please help a guy out…I understand the reasoning to avoid the pitcher batting, but don’t get how you can get the pitcher to hit in another slot. I will now go and put on Led Zeppelin’s Dazed and Confused.
MW: When you put more than one player into the game at the same time, you can choose to fill the emptying spots in the batting order however you like.
- chris m.A nice article on featuring Halladay and Pujos from ESPN
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=kurkjian_tim&id=4271518&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines
MW: Very, very cool.
- ChrisHey Mike, i’ve been wondering this for a long time, how come you keep referring to Rod Barajas as “The Captain”. Something I missed?
MW: Yup!
- Ozhey mike. One thing I think is overlooked is Barajas game calling skills. All of this year and last the jays have had a very good pitching staff. Look at the performance of the rookies. The only thing that can really be said that has been a problem is that the pitchers that walk people have had problems. They rarely seem to be unable to pitch ins pressure situations. I think that that points to trust in a very well called game. Chavez too. they both have great arms, and game calling skills. Their bats may not be game changing, but i think its worth having either one in the lineup in their current roles. Id be willing to bet that arencibia doenst get the call up til august or even september.
That being said, i think that the jays should be ready to pick up Vic. it may cost them a rookie starter and maybe purcey and jeroloman, but i think that would be worth it for a year and a half. And the indians would be willing to trade for a package like that, cause theyll realize how impotent their current core is by the end of june.
MW: I don’t think the Jays would give up that much for a year and a half of Vic.
- davehey Mike, I was checking around mlb.com and I found some cool stats. The Jays have 8 players on the DL:
Scott Downs -Sprained left big toe
Casey Janssen -Right shoulder inflammation
Roy Halladay- groin strain
Robert Ray-Right shoulder soreness
Michael Barrett -Muscle tear in right shoulder
Jesse Litsch -Right forearm strain
Shaun Marcum - Recovery from right elbow surgery
Dustin McGowan - Recovery from right shoulder surgery
Here are some teams with at least 7 players on the DL
Texas Rangers:
Brandon McCarthy -Stress fracture, right shoulder
Frank Francisco - Right shoulder tendinitis
Josh Hamilton - Right abdominal surgery
Willie Eyre - Strained right groin
Eric Hurley -60-day Torn right rotator cuff
Joaquín Benoit - Recovery from right rotator cuff surgery
Dustin Nippert - 60-day Right shoulder soreness
Tampa Bay Rays:
Jason Isringhausen - Torn right elbow ligament
Akinori Iwamura - Torn ACL, left knee - out for season
Brian Shouse - Left elbow strain
Troy Percival - Right shoulder tendinitis
Scott Kazmir - Right quadriceps strain
Shawn Riggans - Right shoulder tendinitis
Chad Bradford - Recovery from right elbow surgery
Fernando Pérez -Dislocated left wrist - out 3-4 months
Seattle Mariners:
Erik Bedard -Left shoulder inflammation
Kenji Johjima - Broken left big toe
Carlos Silva SP - Right shoulder impingement
Shawn Kelley - Strained left oblique
Ryan Rowland- Left triceps tendinitis
César Jiménez - Left biceps tendinitis
San Diego Padres:
Jake Peavy -Strained tendon in right ankle
Luis Perdomo - Strained left knee
Luke Gregerson - Strained right shoulder
Scott Hairston -Strained left biceps
Shawn Hill - Right elbow inflammation
Everth Cabrera - Broken hamate bone, left hand
Mark Worrell - Right elbow surgery - out for season
Cha Seung - Strained right forearm
Ryan Feierabend - Left elbow surgery - out for season
New York Mets:
John Maine - Right shoulder fatigue
J.J. Putz RP Jun - Right elbow surgery - out 8-10 weeks
Ramón Martínez SS- Fractured left pinkie finger
Ángel Pagán - Strained right groin
José Reyes - Right calf tendinitis
Carlos Delgado - Right hip impingement
Oliver Pérez - Right patellar tendinitis
Billy Wagner - Left elbow surgery - out for season
LA Dodgers:
Eric Milton -Lower back strain
Eric Stults - Sprained left thumb
Will Ohman RP - Sore left shoulder
Xavier Paul - Skin infection, left leg
Hong-Chih Kuo - Sore left elbow
Doug Mientkiewicz-Dislocated right shoulder - out 3 months
Claudio Vargas RP- Right elbow tendinitis
Jason Schmidt -Recovery from right shoulder surgery
KC Royals:
Coco Crisp - Sore right shoulder
John Buck C- Slightly herniated lower back
Sidney Ponson -Right elbow strain
Mike Aviles - Strained right forearm
Robinson Tejeda RP - Right rotator cuff tendinitis
Doug Waechter - Lateral strain, right elbow
Alex Gordon - Cartilage tear, right hip-out 3-4 months
Cleveland Indians:
Asdrubal Cabrera 2B-Dislocated left shoulder
Rafael Betancourt - Right groin strain
Grady Sizemore -Left elbow inflammation
Aaron Laffey -Right oblique strain - out 6-8 weeks Anthony Reyes -Right elbow surgery - out for season
Scott Lewis - Left elbow strain - out 2-4 weeks
Jake Westbrook SP- Recovery from right elbow surgery
And more to come. So Mike, our injury situation is really not that bad compared to some other teams. Your thoughts?
MW: The Jays have more pitchers with catastrophic arm injuries then most other teams do right now, but as you illustrate, a lot of guys are a lot of hurt.
- OzMike, is Dustin McGowan done - like will never pitch again done? I read that Arnsberg said last month that he was getting onto a mound in early to mid June. Now some sites are hinted he may be done for good. What gives?
MW: He’s likely to not pitch again this year, at the very least.
- McLovinA little addendum to my previous post;
Gaston failing to properly execute a double switch is also an irresponsible way for a manager to potentially cost his team the game, but somewhat more forgivable than being oblivious to the need for the double switch.
MW: This is true. But I never thought, nor did I ever insinuate, that he wasn’t aware of the opportunity to double switch.
- tj archThis team has some real characters, not the fun interesting ones like John Kruk, Lenny Dykstra, Darren Daulton, and Mitch Williams of the 1993 Phillies, but a village idiot and a mental midget in B.J. Ryan and Alex Rios. Ryan has some nerve arguing being pulled from a game and Rios’ base running and focus are embarrassing for a major leaguer. Mike, please feel free to tell some interesting stories about the Jays like Hayhurst’s Garfoose autograph and Vernon Wells signing a ball with a lengthy comment to an Indians fan in Cleveland when he was being booed. I really want to like these guys but Ryan and Rios are not making it easy. It’s easier to pull for a guy like Wells when he is struggling since he appears to care and be more focused then a Rios. I don’t think that Lincecum was ever available but a Rios for Matt Cain trade would have looked good now. It’s easy to second guess.
MW: You just have to change your point of view on Rios, that’ll make it easier to enjoy him.
- DomenickCito hasnt managed the pen well recently in my opinion. I don’t like how he pulled BJ with a 7-1 lead in the bottom of the 9th.In my opinion you let him get out of his own jam and then you dont have to use another reliever. This game was obviously brutal
On another note. I’ve heard whispers that McGowan may never pitch again. Hopefully thats not the case. If he is unable to pitch next year we will need to add another quality arm in order to be the contenders that were suppose to be. I realize theres a lot of time until this, but its something to worry about.
MW: I think they would be OK next year with Halladay/Marcum/Cecil/Romero/Richmond.
- GregI see Russ Adams is playing SS in Vegas since he came back from his injury. Is that a sign that mabye the Jays are ready to trade Johnny Mac, and bring in Adams as a backup SS since there’s been very little defensive opportunities for Macdonald to get into games?
MW: I hope not. But it’s not as though Johnny Mac has much value on the trade market. You’d think he’d already be a Met if he did.
- CynicalGuyMike,
1. Another poster made a good point about the media not asking Cito about some of the things that he does with his line up. Did anyone ask Cito what his thought process was with the lack of a double switch? If they did not why don’t they?
2. What do you think about picking up someone like Jake Fox out of Chicago?
Would a Fox for Purcey deal be an even trade? Both are older minor leaguers (26 and 27) and the Cubs definitely do not have room for him on the roster. Could be an upgrade over Millar, back up at both first and third.
3. The Sportsnet guys claim the BJ was throwing 95 in his last year in Baltimore and his first year in Toronto, i do not remember that, is that a true statement?
MW: 1 - I wasn’t there. 2 - I wouldn’t give up Purcey for a back-up. 3 - I don’t remember that, either.
- MattHi Mike,
It’s funny the angst Jay fans are feeling at the moment. There are some VERY good teams (or supposedly good teams) with worse records than ours…teams with huge payrolls too. Imagine how their fans are feeling.
And we seem to be winning with a bunch of no names, overachievers, underachievers, rookies and one man child with ADD on the basepaths. Amazing.
Question: Richard Griffin is calling for the Jays to go get Pedro. What are your thoughts on this and why the Jays should, shouldn’t, or won’t.
MW: I’ve been over that way too many times to do it again.
- OzRobMichael,
I heard you mention the possibility the other day Dustin McGowan may never pitch again.
I thought he was on track to come back ahead of Marcum, did he suffer a setback or was it just optimistic thinking?
MW: See above.
- Uncle BenAs much the baseball gods hate the Jays, they must hate the Phillies more.
- JohnLOL! I didn’t think you’d have much more to say that something like that.
Which part of that was wrong or irrational?
MW: Now you’re just being silly.
- RealityCheckWhat is this strange power the Jays have over opposing short stops? First Rollins and now Guzman!
- isabella reyesMike. I know you’ve said Cito is the best off the field handling players. I also know you’ve said he doesn’t care for pitchers and is a hitters coach. HOWEVER, after reading your thoughts on Ryan’s mini blow-up and seeing Tallet getting testy with Cito today and before on an earlier date… do you think there’s anything to this? Also.. on the TV broadcast tonight they said Accardo isn’t pleased with Jays management and said 29 other teams would be interested in him.
MW: I wouldn’t expect Accardo to be pleased, he’s been in the minors all year. I don’t think that Cito’s pitchers actively dislike him or anything.
- RenegadeMike, there is no logical reason why Accardo has been in AAA this long. Even without his splitter he still throws 95-96 and has a breaking ball.
That makes him easily better then Camp, Carlson, Ryan, Heyhurt, Bullington, Wolfe etc.
There must have been some stupid non baseball related reason for keeping him down. Do you have any ideas why?
MW: No, I don’t. It certainly does seem that something was up, though.
- Paul in b-townOk . It only seems fair that since in the Nl pitchers must hit, that base players should pitch. If necessary. LIke Overbay
And why would they not take advantage of John Macdonald’s defensive skills to give someone a rest?
MW: When?
- BarbWhen to play Macdonald? when we are ahead I guess.
Or when to play Overbay? There must be some story about him switching to first base.
MW: What do you mean?
- BarbMW: I wouldn’t give up Purcey for a back-up
He would be the everyday DH gonig forward looking at this lineup, and perhaps if Overby is moved the everyday firstbaseman next year, do you not agree?
MW: I think that’s the absolute best-case scenario. He has some serious power, no question about that, but he fell on his face pretty badly at AAA last year, in his second look there, before dominating this season. The PCL qualifier has to be in mind, though.
- MattI believe the rule regarding thrown gloves is this:
a thrown glove in the infield results in a double being awarded to the batter;
a thrown glove in the outfield results in a triple being awarded to the batter.
MW: I was pretty sure it’s a straight triple no matter what.
- Zack in ScarboroughThe Nationals suck. The Jays better beat them in the next two games. A sweep would be nice but winning the series would be fine.
MW: The Nats have won three straight, two against the Yankees, so they’re starting to play at least OK.
- DomenickLet me be one of the many posters who point out how happy Adam Dunn must be. Payback’s a bitch, eh, Mr Ricciardi?
- isabella reyesPerhaps the bats that worked so well in Philly got lost during the plane ride?
Again, Scutaro taking an extra base on Dunn… wow. He is the most aggressive base-runner I have ever seen. More so since he doesn’t have the speed to steal 30 a year.
And finally, the Vulture takes a loss… All Good Things….
BTW, thanks for taking so much time to respond to comments Mike, its why I read you blog first every day.
- Greg WWhat about dealing Bautista and Castro (or another pitcher) for Mark Derosa, solving your left fielder and 3rd base backup problems in one fell swoop?
He’s right handed but he’s .269/.337/402 against lefties in his career, .352/.417/.704 in 52 at bats this year.
MW: I like Rosie a lot, he’s a very good hitter and a very versatile defender, but I don’t think the Jays need to go after yet another right-handed hitter and I don’t think he’s the over-the-top guy to give up a bunch for three months of his production.
- Greg WMW: He has had a fantastic season, but he’s not an MVP candidate. If the season ended today, I doubt he’d finish in the top 15 in the voting.
You’re probably right about that, but that’s only because the guys who vote for such things often get it so horribly wrong.
MW: They often do.
- Jim MaronI had to be one of the first to call in today and was rejected, for the first time.
I was going to talk about 1) the comments JP made about Dunn, but that’s not all. I also wanted to talk about 2) Tallet’s removal from the game which I vehemently was against and 3) Wells’ placement in the lineup with regards to Rios’ recent demotion.
I also really wanted to ask how you were doing, and say I was a third time caller.
MW: That would have been fun.
- Wyatt BaileyA baseball question that for the life of me I can’t figure out and can’t research it.
Mike,
On most out of town scoreboards, there is usually a 2 digit number on the left side of the team name. What does that number mean. I can’t think of a logically reason for that being there.
Obviously there is an very easy and logical answer but I can not figure it out. Please hep Mike.
MW: Usually it’s the number of the pitcher.
- Nick "The Greek"MW: I don’t think Edgar will get in partly because he was primarily a DH. Bert Blyleven and Mark McGwire are the guys who aren’t in, but should be.
Tim Raines, Bobby Grich and Ron Santo are sort of no-brainers. Additionally Dick Allen and Albert Belle had better careers than a lot of outfielders and 1B that are in. (Tony Perez, Kirby Puckett, Vada Pinson, and Jim Rice being some recent examples).
MW: Raines will get in, and Santo may soon, too.
- the stat ladyHi Mike
Jerry was wrong to dismiss the tie goes to the runner. The rule states that the defensive team must beat the batting team to the bag therefore in eccence the tie goes to the runner. Alan asked about what would happen if an outfielder threw his glove at the ball to knock down a homerun - the answer is Rule 7.05 States the following: Each runner including the batter runner may, without liability to be
- Daniel Martinput out, advance_ (a) To home base, scoring a run, if a fair ball goes out of the playing field in flight and he touched all bases legally;
or if a fair ball which, IN THE UMPIRE’S JUDGMENT, would have gone out of the playing field in flight, is deflected by the act of a fielder
in throwing his glove, cap, or any article of his apparel.
Therefore is a player uses his glove to prevent a ball from going out, it is a homerun. JERRY IS RIGHT, OTHERWISE IT IS A TRIPLE.
Great work Mike - gets me thinking,
MW - The coolest thing I have ever seen in a professional baseball game - Marco Scutaro stealing second on a walk. That was incredible, as Scoot simply noticed that the Phillies’ middle infield was asleep and Joe Blanton, having just gotten the ball back from the catcher, was kicking dirt around the front of the mound. Scutaro jogged down to first, then took off for second and beat the shortstop to the bag. That play alone is worth a ticket to the all-star gamefor Scoot. An incredible feat of derring-do. Amazing.
If A-Rod had done this you would call it bush. If Jeter had done this it would be no big deal, just careless/clueless/dumb play by his opponent. You are sometimes a funny guy even when you don’t intend to be.
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“Let me be one of the many posters who point out how happy Adam Dunn must be. Payback’s a bitch, eh, Mr Ricciardi?”
Dunn is having another horrible season lots of Ks, a few walks, a few dingers, nothing much. It turns out JP was correct all along.
MW: This is one of the most asinine comments I have ever seen posted to this blog, and that’s really saying something. I think it’d probably be better if you saved the commenting for your mom and dad.
- alexMW: Usually it’s the number of the pitcher.
So that is what it always is??? And whats the reasoning of that when on most scoreboards they say who is pitching at the bottom of the score anyway?
MW: I think that’s what it always is. Do they say who’s pitching on most stadium scoreboards?
- Nick "The Greek"Re #49 — Baseballreference.com shows Mike Maroth as having last played in the majors in 2007 (St. L. Cards), having been traded to S/L by the Tigers in June/07. He was released by the Cards in October/07, signed as a FA by KC Royals in Feb./08, and released by the Royals on May 1/08 — no info given as to where he was during the first month of the 08 season. Maybe on DL?
MW: Last year?
- NormGood Post #19 by Eric. You really don’t see that about yourself? He could have added Barajas to that list “he’s a horrible hitter who is having a decent year at the plate.” Barajas current BA is .276, career is .244 and Zaun current BA is .209, career is .249-don’t remember you being as disrespectful to Zaun as you are to Barajas.
“a ridiculous non move to make, and almost cost the team the game.” Seriously Mike give it a break Cito made a mistake, after all he is human and they won the game with a jack from Barajas.
MW: Why would I be disrespectful to Zaun out of nowhere? He plays for Baltimore, hasn’t exactly been a topic of discussion. Cito made a pretty fundamental mistake, one that someone who is one of the 30 best in the world at his position shouldn’t ever make. Seeing how it’s my job to discuss the Blue Jays, it’s kind of something I should be pointing out.
- jcMW: I think that’s what it always is. Do they say who’s pitching on most stadium scoreboards?
On the new fancy ones yes…like the new one’s in the outfield at Rogers Centre. So this is accurate info Mike, or an educated guess on your part? lol
MW: I’m about 99.5% sure.
- Nick "The Greek"Re Mike Maroth, Post #99
Yes, Last Year — as pointed out, the notes show him as a member of the KC Royals from Feb. 08 to May 1/08, but since he did not play in the majors, I just wondered if he was on the DL? I suppose he could have been down in the minors, trying to come back, as well — notes don’t say!
MW: He wasn’t in the minors, he only threw 7 2/3 innings in AAA, and likely spent the rest of the season on the minor-league DL.
- Norm