4:40 PM Eastern
The Blue Jays closed out the homestand by putting on a Canada Day show for the faithful, with in-game fireworks as well as the post-game ones and another terrific performance by Ricky Romero.
Romero shut out the Rays on four hits over eight innings before handing things over to Jason Frasor, who struck out the side around a walk to end it. Romero’s been simply brilliant to this point, and no one could have reasonably expected it given his struggles on the way up the minor-league ladder. He has found a spectacular change-up and to this point is the honest-to-goodness number two pitcher on this Jays’ staff behind Roy Halladay.
Romero has made 11 starts, and in nine of them he’s given up three earned runs or fewer. In seven of them, he’s given up two earned runs or fewer.
Today could have been a lot different, though. Romero started off shaky, walking B.J. Upton on four pitches and then throwing ball one to Carl Crawford. It could have gotten ugly in a hurry, especially given the Jays’ distinct lack of offense the past few games, but Romero picked Upton off first and so embiggened, struck out Crawford and then Evan Longoria, and didn’t face a major threat until the 7th inning.
He was smart about that 7th-inning jam, too, pitching around the red-hot Ben Zobrist to load the bases for Pat Burrell, who was 4-for-his-last-23. The slow-footed Burrell bounced into an inning-ending double play.
After Rod Barajas homered in the bottom of the 7th to make it 3-0, Marco Scutaro made his first real error of the season, failing to close his glove on a feed from Aaron Hill on an attempted double-play relay in the 8th. The miscue brought the tying run to the plate, but Scoot made up for it by snaring a hard liner by pinch-hitter Willy Aybar and turning that into a double play. Carl Crawford made things interesting, taking Romero to the base of the wall in right field to end the 8th - missing a game-tying three-run homer by just a couple of feet. Instead, though, it was a loud out, and Romero will take the mound at the new Yankee Stadium Monday afternoon carrying a scoreless innings streak of 20.
The line-up was different today, as Cito promised after last night, with Vernon Wells grabbing a seat on the bench and Adam Lind-Scott Rolen-Lyle Overbay forming the 3-4-5 with Rios still down in the 7th spot behind Kevin Millar. Wells will likely be back in there on Friday, but I’m thinking it’ll be in the 6th spot. He hasn’t hit that far down in the line-up since June of 2005, but when he was the 6th hitter that year, he took to it pretty well (small sample size alert!) hitting .313/.377/.542 in 13 games. But this isn’t about what’s best for Vernon Wells - he’ll come around when he comes around - it’s about the Jays getting him out of those high-leverage at-bats.
Getting out of town shouldn’t hurt, though. For some strange reason, Wells has been very productive on the road this year, hitting .321/.354/.485 outside Rogers Centre. They’re off on a 10-game road trip now, and won’t be back until after the all-star break. Maybe he gets locked in and it carries over home, who knows?
Here’s today’s brief edition of The Canada Day JaysTalk, for your listening pleasure:
The fireworks started about six minutes after we signed off, and it was pretty cool. A few up them got up above the girders in the roof, and one actually bounced off the ceiling over right-centre. It’s the first time that I’ve ever seen anything hit the ceiling in here.
An off-day tomorrow in NYC for the Jays to help them put a 4-5 homestand in the back of the memory banks, and then a four-day set at new Yankee Stadium - all day games - starting with Brian Tallet against A.J. Burnett. Tune us in at 1:00 PM Eastern on Friday for a 1:07 first pitch.
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome!
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What do you think the Jays will try and accomplish in the offseason? Maybe resign Scutaro for 2 years, and offer Arbitration to Barajas? If Scutaro hits Type A status, he might be somewhat easy to resign. Think they’d have any interest in a reliever, or big-name outfielder in the offseason?
MW: You’re right , Scutaro might have as much trouble getting signed as a guy like Orlando Cabrera did this off-season, but I’d be wary of committing too much to him, given that this has been his only good year. Barajas likely gets signed before they get to arbitration, to a one-year deal if he’ll take it. I think they’ll go after a few relievers, they always do, but no big names, and they might take a shot at Jason Bay, but only if they can clear some money.
- BrendanHi Mike
I believe you have fielded this question before, but has there been any new discussion about letting Kevin Millar go and bringing up Ruiz from Vegas? Millar started off well, but has not provided any offence in May or June. What are your thoughts?
Also, i had heard that Marcum would be throwing some simulated games (beginning late June). Have you heard whether those went well and when he will graduate to the minors?
thanks,
MW: The only discussion has been in the broadcast booth and with the fans. The Jays seem to be pretty happy with Millar. I haven’t heard anything yet about Marcum.
- DavidHey Mike. I was looking around at the Jays minor league rosters and noticed that the Jays added Chris Michalak to their single A team in Dunedin. This suprised me because he’s no spring chicken and he’s on their single A team. I remember this guys had a tendancy to get called for balks. His out pitch was a Palmball. What do you think about adding him to the farm? Are the Jays trying to catch lightning in a bottle with this one?
MW: No, Michalak has been coaching in the Jays’ system, and they activate him when they’re short on manpower.
- Matt from BCHi Mike,
I’m glad you are getting fewer posts too. I almost feel bad posting when you have 100+ responses. I honestly don’t know how you keep up with all of that.
So here is a guilt-free post. I’m loving Romero!
The rotation sets up as nicely as it has all season.
Love the Super 8 commercial! My wife is so confused whenever I stop the PVR to watch it. She thinks it is absolutely stupid.
However, the Pizza Pizza ad has to go! I literally have to turn off the radio every time I hear: “It’s no wonder wonder people people…” Oh my #@%$. Thoughts?
Thanks as always.
MW: I miss the free breakfast and internets.
- Rob H.Great game today and a great outing from Romero. The lineup without Wells looked great.
I still like Rios at the 9 spot. What are your thoughts on that?
It was scare in the 8th when Scutaro fumbled the ball. He did that last night but they scored it an infield hit… just goes to show you what speed does.
The fireworks were very cool and it reminded me of what a fine place the Dome is. It is a great multipurpose structure right in downtown Toronto where it needs to be. Not only is it used for football and baseball but for conventions, trade shows, etc. So for those of you who want to build a new park for the Jays, it isn’t time… at all.
Now the Jays go on the road for a difficult trip followed by the all star game. Let’s hope they do well and us fans pack the dome for Boston in 16 days for a series that I hope is meaningful.
MW: I don’t love the idea of Rios hitting 9th. I don’t want him getting fewer at-bats than guys like Barajas and Milluccitista.
- TimWhat?!? A new Super 8 commercial and no free breakfasts and internets??
MW: I know. It’s kind of sad.
- Wes
Now, the best we have might be the “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” phone commercial with the guy that hits the bottle once, maybe twice. His phone has a cool ring. I miss the internets and llama farms.
- Dilly in DundasIs RIcky rookie of the year material if he were to finish 12-6 with his 2.85 ERA ?
MW: You could certainly make the case.
- J.RMike, Mills for 1/2 season of nick the stick is totally worth doing. In the market of baseball economies, you will see that that is actually quite a small amount to pay for even a rental player. A prospect who TOPS out as a number four pitcher, in an organization that has Romero, Doc, cecil, richmond, tallet,Rzyp whatever, and marcum next year can sure afford to trade a guy like mills. johnson is such a huge upgrade over what the jays have as a DH now that it would VASTLY improve the offense. I dont think giving up mills in anyway is mortgaging the future. Its quite resonable…and actually quite a fair trade given the jays will pick up johnsons remaining salary.
MW: It’s a reasonable trade, if you believe that the addition of The Stick will help the Jays get into the playoffs.
- General ZodJays are 22-5 when adam lind gets an rbi. amazing. it seems to me that you’d want him getting as many rbi opps as possible = batting cleanup
MW: Does batting clean-up give a player the most rbi opportunities? Or is he better of hitting third?
- marcoMike, I want to comment on the call from last nights Jays talk about getting a new stadium. Its too bad that its not “cool” to go see a Jays game. I don’t know what the answer is, but Canadians are easily brainwashed, 3 quick examples: the Leafs, who suck, but fill the building every night. Tim Hortons coffee, which is good but not worth sitting in a drive through for 15 minutes every day to get one. And the Toronto Rock who somehow made it cool (at least for one season) to go to a lacrosse game, and were getting 15 000 plus fans out regularly.
Somehow the Jays need to find a way to convince Canadians, that going out to the ballpark is hip again.
MW: That would be nice.
- AlHow about a nickname for Ricky? I’m suggesting Ricky Romarkable!
- NormHey Mike,
I hate to defend the guy who was trying to attack you instead of your arguements. But Tulowski isn’t hitting .217. He is hitting .253. He currently has an OPS 13 points below where he did in his rookie season.
He is a pretty solid shortstop for Colorado. But if you take him out of Colorado you may get the Matt Holliday effect.
Ricky seems to be throwing with control and all of his pitches seem to have great life. I think he has a shot at being a number 2 or 3 starter for the Jays. And I will take that with a 7th overall pick.
MW: 6th pick, Tulo went 7th, but my point isn’t that Romero was the right pick, or that the Jays shouldn’t have taken Tulowitzki, but that it can’t be said with any degree of certainty that you’d still rather have Tulowitzki. Yeah, Tulo hasn’t been hitting .217 since the beginning of June, my bad.
- Stevie H.After the game, you commented that Troy Tulowitzki was hitting .217. In fact, he is at .249 with 12 hrs, and a lifetime batting average of .271. Not too shabby. While Marco Scutoro has had a better year, I still think that Troy would have looked good here.
MW: I’d much rather have Scutaro and Romero than just Tulowitzki at this point.
- Allan WexlerHave there been any whispers around the Jays regarding trade talks? Has JP or anyone dropped any hints at all? I’d like to think the front office is working the phones trying to put together a deal to add some punch to the line-up and get this season back on track after a serendipitous start.
MW: I talked to J.P. the other day and no hints were dropped.
- Rob_NSHey, you mentioned that This Land Is Your Land video was playing after the game on the Jumbotron. I had totally forgotton about that, but as soon as you said it I remembered Otis Nixon in that video in some hilarious outfit. A little digging and I found it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC_TypFcaJA&eurl
Cut and paste. Maybe you should put the link in your blog, because everyone deserves to see it. It’s gold.
According to the copyright, it was 1996, not 97. Nixon seems to be decked out in some sort of pirate clothes. Joe Carter as a fur trapper, and Pat Hentgen, Carlos Delgado, and Charlie O’Brien as lumberjacks are not to be missed.
MW: It was pretty hilarious, and therefore pretty distracting while I was JaysTalking it up on Wednesday.
- Flaming MoeWells didn’t play and the others did. So all good really.
I continue to be really impressed with Romero. We should have an excellent rotation next year with Doc, Romero and Richmond. But what do do with Tallet? Does he continue to start? And the 5th place in the rotation worries me a bit. I am assuming Cecil will be pitching there?
I didn’t realize Overbay was that bad a baserunner. I haven’t being paying enough attention.
MW: He’s not a bad baserunner, he’s just not fast. Right now you’d have to think that Tallet is in a battle with Richmond for the 5th spot in the rotation next year behind Halladay, Marcum, Romero and Cecil.
- isabella reyesMW: “and so embiggened, struck out Crawford”
I don’t believe that embiggened is even a word. Did you perhaps mean “and so emboldened”?
Great game, Ricky gives us more hope but I don’t believe he’s an honest to goodness number two on most staffs but sure is becoming one for the Jays at least.
Glad you’re feeling better Mike.
MW: I meant embiggened. And the way he’s pitched so far, Romero is very definitely a number two on most staffs.
- GaryHi Mike,
I love your radio show and blog and I’m a faithful listener and reader.
Here is my question/comment for you- Is it time for Jays fans and the organization to admit that Wells and Rios just aren’t as good as everything thinks they are or have the potential to be? I like both of them as baseball players and I will continue to cheer for them, but I have significantly lowered my expecations for them. I know they are both former all stars, but I’m not sure if we should realistically expect them to ever be all stars again. I don’t think I would put either of them in the top 5 in the AL (maybe even top 10) at their position. Maybe Wells’ injuries have taken their toll? Maybe he will never learn to lay off the outside breaking ball in the dirt? As for Rios- his long swing (compared to a compact swing like Hill and Rolen) is full of holes and teams have been running on him in the field. To conclude- the fans can complain all they want about Wells and Rios and the organization can keep making comments about them “coming around” or “playing like they are capable of”, but I don’t think they are being honest. What we see is what we are probably going to keep getting and it was probably a mistake to sign them to expensive, long term deals.
MW: I think that Rios has a ton of potential, but it may well go unrealized throughout his career. I don’t think his contract was a mistake, though, I think it was the kind of gamble a team has to take in order to win championships (if they pay off). The Wells contract certainly looks as though it’s one up to which Vernon won’t be able to live. But there’s nothing wrong with expecting him to hit around .300 with around 30 homers every year. He’s more than capable of doing that.
- RodneyHi Mike,
I’ve been noticing a bunch of comments as of late that have suggested moving a young arm (Purcey, Mills, etc.) for a lefthanded bat to plug into the DH role.
While I love dingers as much as the next guy, what most of these posters seem to be forgetting is that:
a) most of the proposed arms being moved are controllable for another 6 years (and are all potentially very good),
b) half a season from anybody not named Albert Pujols (or Manny circa the second half of 2008) does not make the Jays’ offence remarkably better; and,
c) now that we are finally )hopefully) past the steroid era, 50 homerun guys aren’t a dime a dozen any longer. I think that people who have grown up following the game over the past two decades are far too expectant of the casual three-run tater.
Sure I’d love to see somebody other than Adtistlar filling the DH spot, but I’m also pretty glad that guys like Cansecco aren’t a mainstay on every lineup in the league.
I think we all just have to get used to the fact that guys who hit 50 jacks, and drive in 120+ a season are rare (as they should be), and that teams can in fact win without a bunch of suspiciously tight-uniformed Oh Henrys (man, that guy’s run with the Cubs in 90s bugged the hell out of me).
- BrandenHey Mike,
I do agree that id rather have Romero at this point this year, but in his defense, Tulowitzki has really turned it on the last month plus. I can not speak to his fielding, but his bat is waking up at where it was 24 months ago.
Romero’s sample size is somewhat small as well. In the most objective eye, id say the jury is still out on the Romero v. Tulowitzki debate.
That being said, I would assume that Romero will prove more valuable down the line.
Another note, who does not love so many day games in a row!
MW: My thoughts exactly.
- SeanMike, i think you said “Tulowitzki is hitting .217″ but he actually hitting .249.
I think you are being really critical of Tulowitzki calling him “good glove, no hit shortstop”. He has an OPS over 800 and thats 4th among mlb shortstop.
With that good glove and good offense (atleast much better than you make it seem), wouldnt you consider him a top 5 shortstop.
I am not saying i would prefer Tulo over Ricky but he is alot better than how you describe him.
MW: Yeah, he is. As the commenter above said, he’s having a pretty good month.
- VjeyWhat do you think about Ricky Romero for Rookie of the year? There is no other rookie who is having a standout season so i had too look at some stats. No rookie pitcher is having a better season. Among hitters Nolan Reimold is having an okay season but he hasnt played enough games. Rasmus, Andrus, Schafer, and McCutchen numbers aren’t good enough to be considered for rookie of the year.
MW: Rasmus, Schafer and McCutchen are all in the National League, so they don’t even enter into the discussion. The season is only half-over, but for now, Romero is a very strong contender. You forgot Rick Porcello, by the way.
- VjeyMW: I think it shows that you don’t understand how contracts work in baseball. The Rays bought out a couple of years of Crawford’s free agency and are paying an average of $9.125 million per free agent year. This would have been his first year in free agency and he’s making $8.25 million. The Blue Jays, on the other hand, bought out four years of Rios’ free agency (with an option for a fifth) though they’ll pay him an average of $12.25 million per free agent year - but that’s because they bought more. 296/.334/.437 or .286/.336/.451 - which one would you rather have?
actually mike, I understand completely. crawford was only locked up for 4 years with club options for 2009-2010. very smart. JP on the other hand locked up rios for 7 years all guaranteed. not smart. and JP gave rios a lot more money when rios was no where near free agency.
their stats are very similar but crawford has been more consistent and I’d rather have his 50 sb
MW: Had Crawford been willing to take a longer term deal, you can bet the Rays would have given him one.
- marcoHey Mike,
Love the word choice with “embiggened”. It’s a perfectly cromulent word.
Also, I hope Cito keeps the Lind-Rolen-Overbay lineup. Hopefully it will give Overbay a chance to prove what he can do with runners on base. I’ve been a fan of his ever since he showed up and, in my opinion, I don’t think he has ever done anything to warrant the kind of negativity he gets, including 2007 (everybody’s entitled to a bad year). With the four guys ahead of him in the lineup, hopefully his RBI total can climb a little faster and people will get off his back for not being a “power first baseman”. Personally, I just hope he continues being the excellent ballplayer that I think he is.
MW: No reason to believe he won’t.
- Rob in St. KittsHey Mike were you really i’ll or did something else happen.
Obviously a personal question that doesn’t have to be anwsered i just found it weird how on Saturday people at the station already knew you wouldn’t be back until Tuesday.
MW: They told me on Friday that I couldn’t come back until Tuesday.
__________________________
Were you suspended?
MW: Nope, sick. What would I be suspended for? Working too much?
- ProkopecHi Mike
I was at the game today, and it was amazing. There were 30,000 if i am not mistaken people at the the game today, and I sware 15,000 must have been walkups.
A couple of things, Ricky Romero was very good today, with what seemed like a very small strike zone if at had been normal it would have been an amazing outing. Also I had never relized just how fast Rolen rounds the bases after a homerun, antill today when i saw barjas jog around after his, and then rolen makeing it look like he was runing the 360ft dash.And for anyone who is reading VOTE FOR AARON HILL if every jay fan votes at least once in the next day he might just make it, there is no question he by far the most deserving second basemen.
MW: Barajas has a strained hamstring, that’s why he took his time getting around the bases. Rolen never does waste any time, though.
- JackHey Mike, great game today!
1)Who would you say are Romero’s main threats in capturing the American league Rookie of the year award this year? (if he can keep up to a reasonably close level of performance to what he has been performing at thus far)
2)Why & when did Skydome/Roger’s Centre stop igniting fireworks after every blue jay’s home run and after every victory. I used to love that added hometown celebration bit.
Thanks
MW: Rick Porcello, Elvis Andrus, Nolan Reimold and maybe Matt Wieters. 2 - I don’t know why it stopped.
- Anthony Lover/under three home runs for Lind in Yankee series? What do you think?
MW: I would go under 3 1/2, myself.
- KevinMichael,
Do you think Joe Mauer has unseated A-Rod (and everybody else) as the best player in the AL?
MW: He’s certainly making a heck of a case.
- Uncle BenHey Mike. How does attendance at the Rogers Centre thus far this year compare with last year’s attendance at the same point in the season? It has seemed comparatively lower to date. Thanks.
MW: I don’t know how to compare through the first three months. I’m sure it’s lower, though, there weren’t many crowds of 15,000 last season. But I do know that the actual ticket SALES are up from last season.
- MGNo comments yet? 3:21 AM and im the first poster, comon guys, i know they ain’t doing to well but its Canada day and Ricky is looking like a future star, whats not to love, no one expected anything out of this year anyway….all i wanted going is was for someone to emerge as a Number 2 starter…..me likey what me sees
MW: Comon?
- Iainsince may 18 the oriole’s have a higher win % than the jays. that’s half the season. I guess this means they are a better team and will pass the jays by seasons’ end.
MW: Why would you guess that’s what that means? Why does since May 18th count more than before May 18th?
- joekernanTruly, a noble spirit embiggens the smallest man.
MW: That it does.
- ZackHey, Mike! Just droppin a line. Thnx again for your insight and coverage of ‘My Jays’ Always top- notch. Some of the people who call should pretend they don’t know how to use a phone…some asinine comments, to be sure. On to more positive things! Have u noticed how Ricky Romero looks a little like L.L Cool J, the rapper? Whadya think about ‘R.R. Kool Jay’ for Ricky? Hmmm? Nice ring to it! Oh, well. Any news on the trade front?
- Karl R. ThomsonMike,
Romero has been fantastic to watch no doubt about it. His change up is simply mind blowing and it’s make great hitters like Longoria, Upton and Crawford look stupid. what is it about his change up that’s throwing the whole league off? Is it the release or is it coming in? Hitters just are thrown off by it. Is this a case of the league just not knowing enough about it because they haven’t seen him before or is Romero going to be a legit pitcher for years to come? His sample size of 11 starts is probably to early to tell but what are players, managers and opposing hitters saying about him?
Thanks Mike
MW: Opponents have compared his change-up to Johan Santana’s.
- JeffBest title ever. That is all.
- AndrewHi Mike,
I’ve heard you mention a few times on the Jays Talk that the offensive numbers in the Pacific Coast League are inflated. Why is that? Are the ballparks smaller or is the pitching somehow worse?
thanks,
Drew
MW: The ballparks and the altitude make the difference.
- DrewHi Mike,
I was at that game on Canada Day. It was a great presentation of fireworks and video features after the game. I was shocked though the announced attendance was about 30K where it really looked 40K at least. Also surprising with the lack of events going on around Toronto, why people didn’t come out to the Jays game is beyond belief. Maybe the Jays front office should have promoted this game more for the masses.
- Jason D.The fact that our pitching has held up as well as it has with all of the injuries is almost impossible to believe. Our hitting on the other hand does not appear that it will ever get better on a consistent basis with the core players we have. It won’t be easy to dump some of these contracts but I think that is the main goal of the organization for the remainder of the year. What are the chances that any one would nibble at Rios or Wells? We can sure use the $$$ saved to sign Halladay and bring in a bat that can produce. This line up screamed out for Bonds in the middle for the last two years.
- StratHi Mike. Love the blog (I’m completely hooked). Keep up the great work!
I was one of the people who didn’t get a day off on Canada Day so I was stuck at the office. The only good thing to come out of this situation was that I got to listen to the game on the Fan … something I truly enjoy as baseball translates extremely well on radio.
Anyway, I found it refreshing that Jerry was so enthusiastic about Lind hitting 3rd in the lineup and you could really feel his excitement as he exclaims “finally the Jays have found their #3 hitter!” (I think he stated this at least 3 times yesterday). I find Jerry to be one of the most professional broadcasters in baseball and it was great to hear him announce the game as a play by play man AND a true fan of the team. It was almost like he was expressing the frustration that most Jays fans have been feeling for a while.
I’m not one of the “fans” who thinks that Vernon should be benched or traded. I really feel that he could be better and should be able to turn it around, but he was killing this team in the 3 or 4 spot. Cito pretty much confirmed that he felt the same way a couple of days ago when he explained why he wouldn’t sacrifice Hill to move runners with Wells on deck.
It will be interesting to see how Cito handles the lineup for the upcoming series against the AL East and I hope he isn’t going to go back to his old ways. Now if only Cito would get over his fascination with trotting Millar out there as the DH so often ……
MW: Dellucci’s presence should at least serve to keep Millar on the bench against righties.
- Mike DHi Mike,
I just have some injury update questions:
1. Michael Barret is about ready to come back from the DL. He is putting up great numbers in Vegas (Although only 20 AB). When he comes back, who will be the Jays’ back up catcher. I think Chavez has done an amazing job as the back up defensively and has chipped in with some great offensive bits too. Do the Jays just release one catcher or retain one in Vegas just in case Barajas condition gets worse.
2. I know Shaun Marcum pitched 2 simulated innings Last Tuesday and was scheduled to pitch in another simulated game this past Tuesday (I think). What is next for Marcum? Does he go pitch 3 - 4 rehab starts and comes back in mid-early August?
3. When Scott Downs come back, who goes down? Will it be Hayhurst, Carlson or could they somehow get Ryan to go to Vegas to get some more innings in and get command of his pitches. I think sending/”DL-ing” him to Vegas will better serve the team in the long run as an extra arm if he finds himself.
4. Finally, What is the status on big Travis Snider? I know he was resting his back. I just want to know what is he doing right now (i.e resting, on rehab starts, etc.), when will he start rehabbing and when can we expect him back in Jays lineup.
Thanks,
MW: 1 - Barrett’s return gives the Jays a bit of a problem. Chavez is out of options, so they can’t simply send him down when Barrett comes back, and they’d likely lose him on waivers. They’d rather have a healthy Barrett than Chavez, though. 2 - I don’t know if 3-4 rehab starts will be enough for Marcum. They have to be really, really careful with him, especially since he seems to be blowing through all the rehab milestones. 3 - I don’t think they could get Ryan to go down. 4 - Snider is back in the line-up in Vegas, but he may not be back with the Jays before August.
- ShakeelHey Mike,
I liked the look of the line-up yesterday with Lind-Rolen-Overbay going 3-4-5. I also agree with you that Wells should be back in there on Friday, but hitting 6 or 7. Barajas has been great, and deserves to move up a spot or two, possibly into the 6 hole.
Question. What are your thoughts on Overbay being stuck in a platoon with Millar? Overbay and Millar have firtually identical career (and last 5 years) numbers VS LHP. Overbay has more speed and a much better glove. I think it’s tough for Overbay to get and stay hot when he is out of the line-up two or three times a week. I believe that given a chance to see lefties on a regular basis, Overbay will be more effective than Millar against them and keep rolling against righties at the same time. Millar can DH against LHP, but Overbay should be playing everyday.
Thanks Mike
MW: I don’t agree with you (but then, you think Barajas has been great, and he’s hitting .212/.257/.455 over the last month). Overbay doesn’t hit lefties well, and he shouldn’t be in the line-up against them. I’ll grant you that Millar’s not much better - I’d love to see Randy Ruiz get a shot.
- KevinMike, do you not agree that the Jays should not be telling fans to vote for their players for the allstar game. I’ve lost hope in voting for Blue Jays because they are never going to win the fan voting. That said, we should channel our votes to the next best position players behind the Red Sox and Yankees to try to keep them out.
This is strategic voting. The only way Hill gets to the allstar game is if Kinsler wins the fan voting, because then Hill will get the player nod. I am sorry things have come to this.
MW: I don’t understand. You don’t think Pedroia will win the player vote at second base? If Hill gets the player vote, then he’ll be an all-star regardless of how the fans vote.
- RossWoah, was just listening to the JT and I love Romero as much as the next guy, but you need to relax on the Troy Tulowitzki bashing. First of all, he’s not hitting .217 like you said, as if you actually think BA matters anyway. He’s hitting .249/.341/.461, which are excellent numbers for a SS, especially when you consider they come with a top defensive glove. Secondly, his career line is a robust .271/.345/.440, which is pretty impressive for a SS who hasn’t turned 25 yet. And before you pull the home/away splits on me, I’ll counter that nearly a quarter of those road PAs occurred at Dodger Stadium and PetCo with terrible results, which help drag down his overall away line.
Romero’s rookie year thus far has been nothing short of amazing, better than the start such luminaries like Lincecum and Hamels got off to. That doesn’t mean it’s time to rain on Colorado’s Tulo parade.
MW: See above, but to the Coors Field point I’ll say that it’s true he plays a lot of road games in San Diego and L.A., but his OPS is 130 points worse away from Coors for his career - over 220 points this year.
- AriMike,
What’s the word on Litsch? When can we expect to see him back?
MW: Not before the 2010 all-star break - he had Tommy John surgery last month.
- BennyBlueJayHey Mike,
With all these great starters we may have to choose from next year. We should do this crazy idea. Have Halladay pitch on his normal fifth day as per usual.
After him use the remainder of our starters to form a two pitcher tandum (preferably two polar opposites).
Day 1: Halladay
Day 2: Marcum (R), Cecil (L)
Day 3: Romero(L), Richmond(R)
Day 4: Mcgowan(R), Purcey or Castro
Day 5: Tallet(L), Litsch(When back)
To think that our starters are always getting injured this could alleviate some of that pressure to over perform in pressure situations. Plus it can keep our younger pitchers from eating up too many innings (to avoid injury).
I know this would never happen but boy would it be cool. I rather not trade pitchers away because you can never have too many. But boy are we going to have a bottleneck soon with all these qualified pitchers coming up, but the rest of the Jays staff being relatively young. Then again given our injuries its always good to have pitching prospects.
This idea would allow the Jays to only have those relievers whom are really good in the bullpen.
I know this idea is way out of left field so if you see it unlikely, please do not be to negative towards me as it was just a random idea.
MW: It doesn’t leave you with room for too many pitchers in the bullpen if you have nine guys in the rotation.
- paolo“he’ll come around when he comes around”
We all hope he does. Because outside of that 9 game streak where he hit .342 (and if 13 games is a small sample size, then 9 games is too), he hasn’t shown any signs of life. We’ll all agree that hitting .212 (OBP of .259) for June (including that 9 game streak!) for any major leaguer is pretty unacceptable.
That being said I’m of the mind set that his greater body of work over his career suggests that he’s a (much) better player than this, and he *should* come out of it. My question to you is When should us non-bridge jumpers start getting concerned about Vernon?
Thank Mike, and keep up the good work.
MW: The fact that Wells has hit .321/.354/.485 on the road this season disproves the “no signs of life” idea. When should you start getting concerned? It depends what you mean. He’s having a terrible season, that’s concerning. But when should you start to get concerned that he’s gone from a very good baseball player to a very bad one and will be so for the rest of his career? You shouldn’t.
- KevinMike
The quote you attributed to Abraham Lincoln was actually Mark Twain. I use it often. Another quote you should consider using with some readers on your blog is “A wise man changes his mind, a fool never”
MW: It’s not definitely a Twain quote, nor is it definitely a Lincoln quote. It’s actually been attributed to both, and also to Albert Einstein and Groucho Marx, among others.
- DanHey Mike,
Just was reading that Jason Bay has been sworn in as an American citizen. Is this going to affect him for the next WBC, or will be still play for team Canada?
MW: It’s not going to affect him. You don’t have to renounce your Canadian citizenship to become an American.
- TylerRicky Ro-zero!
- Dilly in DundasHey Mike.
I was just wondering… assuming this atrocity of a season turns around for Vernon or Rios, any chance there is a team out there that takes one of these two players at any point via trade. I was very patient with these guys because the team was winning through the first 40 games, but it is starting to look like they may not turn it around. It seems like if they were even having ’slightly-above-average years’, they are right there with Boston. Do you think a change of scenery might be the best thing for Rios? I think he would bring more value of the two due to his lighter contract. any thoughts?
cheers,
Ryan in Barrie
MW: It’s hilarious that you would refer to Rios’ season as an atrocity - takes away from all your credibility, really. He’s 40 points below his career OPS.
- RyanHey Mike.
Any chance that Rolen and Hill make the All-Star game as reserves? they are having banner years! Also, I was at the Romero ‘No-No flirt’ vs. Philly last Friday and was chatting away with a Phills die-hard fan. He thought Scutaro should get some votes too and was raving about how Marco embarassed the Philly infield with the walk-steal. gotta love the respect!
Regards,
Jerry
MW: There’s a chance that Rolen and Hill make it, Scutaro and Lind, too. They’re all deserving, but it’ll be tough for all of them.
- JerryHi Mike,
This is a response to the Dan from Guelph, the last caller on JaysTalk yesterday:
How can you possibly call youself a fan, and be absolutely incapable of finding things to cheer about?
I didn’t realize there was a Jays fan left that still wanted to talk about Tulowitzki. I do agree, though, that the team should have dozens of Snider-calibre prospects in AAA. That much is reasonable. I suspect that Dan might not be the fan he claims to be.
I can think of 162 reasons to cheer for the Jays every single year. They’re called GAMES. Judging by the abysmal attendance figures so far this year, I suspect that many “fans” such as Dan have forgotten about that part of the season.
Jumping Julie, Mike. I’m so upset I could swear.
MW: Wow, you almost did!
- Brandensup wilner
what do you think of hill as comeback player of the year?
peace bro
MW: Sounds good to me.
- Han Soloi’m a pretty big vernon wells fan, and hate to give the haters any kind of fuel, but this is too funny to not share with the masses…
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/extramustard/07/01/pop.culture.grid/index.html
MW: That’s pretty funny. I’m sure Vernon was standing right Hill when he said that.
- Jay BHi, Mike:
I’ve just finished watching the Seattle/Yankee game Thursday night, and an interesting situation came up in the second inning. The Yanks had runners on 2nd and 3rd, and got a sac fly from Swisher for one run, with the runner on 2nd advancing to third. Matsui, the next batter, then lined one out to Ichiro which he dropped for an error. The official scorer (probably correctly) decided that the fly would have scored the run, so the play was also scored a Sac Fly/RBI, with Matsui reaching on the error.
At that point we have two Sac Flies, but still only one out. It didn’t happen, but IF Matsui had then been singled to third, there would have been a possibility of yet another Sac Fly.
My question — has there ever been more than two Sac Flies by the same team in the same inning?
MW: It’s a good question. It has happened four times, most recently by the Mets on June 24, 2005.
- NormIf Macdonald isn’t going to be played at all (as he hasn’t been) might it not be a better idea to carry Adams and Dellucci instead, and have two left handed hitters coming off the bench. Adams could play short for an ining or two and for the rare game Scutaro has off.
Also it’s interesting; I don’t think the Jays have had a switch hitter in recent years.
Living here in the NY area, and enduring all the Yankee trash talk, it would be great if the Jays could take the series from the Yanks.
MW: Gregg Zaun is a switch-hitter, but he’s the only one they’ve had of note since the Hudson-Glaus trade. I’d rather have McDonald as my 25th guy than Adams.
- Steve from NJHey Mike,
Gotta look forward to seeing AJ Burnett tommorrow.
Sabathia was roughed up by Seattle to the tune of six runs tonight, and you wonder if the wheels have finally fallen off the hot streak for the Bronx Bombers?
Anyways, the Jays have a realistic shot of going into New York and taking 3 of 4 with Halladay and Romero almost guaranteed wins…
And the fireworks? I think one almost hit some fans.
MW: I’d be surprised if any of the fireworks came close to any fans. Nor would I say that Halladay and Romero are almost guaranteed wins.
- DanThe St. Louis Cardinals gave a US$3.1-million signing bonus to 16-year-old outfielder Wagner Mateo, considered to be among the top amateur free agents from Latin America.
how is it teams can sign these players outside of the draft? why arent the jays involved in these countries?
MW: The Blue Jays signed a 16 year-old catcher named Santiago Nessy yesterday. Players from Latin America aren’t eligible for the draft, and they can be signed when they turn 16.
- marcoHi Mike
You are right that history dictates that Rios and Wells should come around. When you look at their past year’s performances, it shows that they hit well with men in scoring position. It is perhaps that they are having the same bad year as Mike Lowell had before he was traded to Boston. Lowell batted .236 that year and everyone thought he was washed up. Let’s hope these two guys come around.
Two questions for you - is it possible that both Rios and Wells feel extra pressure this year to produce that they are pressing too hard? I have heard this happening to athlete and their performance then slip. As opposed to playing to their capability, they think they should be superman and failed as a result.
The second question is a rule question.
When a fielder catches a flyball and mistaken the out as the last out (so, it is actually two out as opposed to three outs) and he throws the ball to the stand, what are the players on opposing team who are on base allowed to do?
Does that count as a home run, a double?
Thanks Mike, glad to have you back from the DL
Francis
MW: 1 - It’s possible, but why would they feel extra pressure this year, a season in which nothing was expected from the team? 2 - It counts as an out. The fact that the ball is thrown into the stands after the out is made doesn’t affect the guy who hit it. The runners are allowed two bases.
- francisI seem to remember at the beginning of the year, the Jays having quite a good record for day games. Just wondering if this still applies. Could (hopefully) be a good harbinger, as 6 of their remaining 10 going into the all star break are day games.
MW: The Jays are 19-12 in day games going into the Yankees series.
- S. CharlesHi Mike,
Tulowitzki is not doing quite as bad as you think this year. According to mlb.com, he is at .249 with 12 HRs. Anyhow, I agree with your point that he hasn’t proven to be anything particularly special, so let’s see how Romero continues in the next couple of years.
Speaking of Romero, I think a rotation of Halladay, Romero, Richmond and Tallet is not too bad. I don’t know who I would put into the 5th spot, but I suppose Cecil has the edge at the moment. I really like Janssen in the pen and I think he should stay there long-term once he gets back from injury. Is it just my perception or has the Jays’ bullpen really fallen off this year, especially after having been the best in the American league for a couple of years?
Another question: you mentioned somewhere that Cito likes what Millar “brings”. I thought this was mostly a veteran presence, and an ability to keep the locker room loose? Can he not do that while just serving primarily as a pinch hitter? Give Randy Ruiz a chance in the bigs as DH? But I am not sure who would lose his spot then, maybe Adams (do they really need that mediocre lefty bat?).
Thanks Mike!
MW: The Jays’ ‘pen has fallen off this year - they’re currently 5th in the league in both WHIP and OPS against. Adams has already lost his spot to Dellucci. If Ruiz was brought in to be the everyday DH, then Millar could stay at Looch’ expense.
- RoryGood news from down on the farm! Brad Mills throws 8 innings of 2-hit shutout ball, striking out 7 and walking only 1. He retired the first 18 batters in order, losing the no-no to a single leading off the 7th.
Travis Snider was back in the lineup, but went 0 for 3.
- NormWould the Jays even consider trying to sign that Cuba pitcher who left the national team at the WBC who has a 100 mph fastball??
MW: Sure, why not?
- Jaime RamonCouple quick questions -
I think someone asked you this already, but I can’t remember. What do you think the odds are off Vernon Wells deferring the rest of his contract? What about 5m a year, like Griffey did for the Reds? Do you think Wells would be open to it?
And, this is serious, I hear often people call the sacrifice fly the most exciting play in baseball…haha is it sarcasm or do they mean it?
MW: If you know I have been asked the question already, you’re better off to back and look it up. And yes, I would think that it’s sarcasm.
- BrendanHi Mike,
You know, when I see Ricky Romero with that effective changeup, I’m starting to think Johan Santana with less velocity. It would be terrific if he turned out to be as effective. I love this kid. He has poise out there and seems very confident and intense. He has become the perfect complement to Doc Halladay and has settled in nicely at the 2 spot in the rotation. Hopefully he holds up in the second half but I see no reason why he shouldn’t. He had that time on the DL so he is still pretty fresh. Also, this kid seems to really know how to use all the pitches in his repetoire whether its the fastball, curve or change up.
With regards to Alexis Rios, I think his biggest problem is that he just does not think the game well at all. He obviously has talent but you need to think the game. There are many players with less talent but are very successful because of their sound knowledge of the fundamentals and the ability to execute. He has made numerous baserunning errors, errors in the outfield (i.e throwing to the wrong base or overthrowing cutoff men). Also, as Cito mentions, he has no plan when he comes to the plate. Whether its reading a pitchers delivery, pitch recognition, sitting on a pitch, or using the whole field, the great hitters always have a plan. I honestly believe that until Rios learns to think the game the proper way, he may never realize his potential. He will get by on his pure skills, but I believe it takes more than pure skills to be successful in this game. This is not to bash him at all, just to pint out what I think his biggest issue is.
As for Vernon, I really don’t know what to say. I do hope Cito drops him in the order until he comes around. he has killed the team in the number 3 and 4 spots. Perhaps a change of scenary may help. Perhaps to Texas to play with his buddy Michael Young. of course, moving that salary is going to be tough for sure. We’ll see.
- Ian from Whitbybrian tallet has pitched well but the stupid walks always seem to get him in trouble. to walk arod is one thing to walk gardner is another. he totally did not focus on jeter because of gardner and that cost them the game . also what do you say to your buddy jeter hitting over three hundred again what a great consistent player
MW: There’s no question that Jeter is a great, consistent player.
- markMW: Had Crawford been willing to take a longer term deal, you can bet the Rays would have given him one.
that statement makes no sense. you know very well that players will squeeze as much money as they can out of teams. name me a player that takes less money? if crawford wanted a long term deal he would have gotten one. if he wanted more money then all he had to do was wait till free agency, but he hedged his bets and took the money. it was a shrewd deal by the tbay gm.
JP didnt hedge his bets. you keep referring to the gm has to gamble? huh where did you get this idea. I do not want my gm “gambling” with 100 mil. I want him taking low risk high reward contracts. did you honestly think that rios would perform at a high level for 7 straight years after only 2 good ones? very few players can do this. why not offer him 4 years? what is the worst that can happen? he leaves? you then have 4 years to develop a replacement and then you save the money after 4 years.
the jays should not be signing any player to 7 year deals. I would not even sign players to 5 year deals. there is too much risk with very little benefit. look at all the 7 year deals signed. how many of them actually worked out for the team? not many. I honestly cannot even imagine that I have to watch rios/wells for another 5 years!
MW: You don’t.
- marcoyou’re right and neither do the 15000 fans who still show up to watch a AAA team.
MW: Huh? And it’s pretty cool how a AAA team can have a winning record in the major leagues. That’s a hell of a AAA team.
- marcoit’s quite telling that you couldn’t come up with any defense for the rios/wells contracts. JP is a gonner at the end of this season. Hopefully tito too.
MW: I said the Rios contract was a good gamble, and it hasn’t been a bust at all. Remember, there are five years left on it, and that’s a good thing. Wells contract seemed the right thing to do at the time, he hasn’t lived up to it to this point, without question but, again, there are five years left for him to live up to it. How did you feel about the Rolen-Glaus trade at this point last year, and how do you feel about it now?
- marcosup mike
must say im disgusted that jed lowrie is in the top 10 in all star shortstop voting.
just goes to show how pathetic the all-star game really is.
jed lowrie is batting under .100
MW: Jed Lowrie is a Boston Red Sock, and he’s been on the DL almost all season.
- Han SoloHow did you feel about the Rolen-Glaus trade at this point last year, and how do you feel about it now?
I was never in favour of the rolen/glaus trade and still am not. even though glaus is injured, his contract expires this year so you have 10 mil to redeploy. I still think rolen is overpaid at 10 mil. his hr and rbi for 2008 and 2009 COMBINED is still LOWER than glaus’s’s’ 2008 total. how do you like that?
MW: I like it. I’m glad to hear you wouldn’t let a thing like an entirely wasted season by Troy Glaus change your opinion of the trade.
- marcoMW: I like it. I’m glad to hear you wouldn’t let a thing like an entirely wasted season by Troy Glaus change your opinion of the trade.
how is the entire season wasted when the season is only half over?
MW: Sorry - the entire season so far.
- marco