7:00 PM Eastern
First off, the Blue Jays have placed Scott Richmond on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder soreness. What a shocker, another hurt pitcher. Brett Cecil will be pushed up to make tomorrow’s start, and Brad Mills will be recalled to start Tuesday in Tampa. Now, about today’s game:
Man, those Yankees know how to use heir new stadium, don’t they? Everybody hits almost everything to right field, and once in a while (three times today) the ball goes out. It’s amazing when you look at the homer numbers and the left-handed “power” that the Yanks have - it’s no wonder they traded for Eric Hinske, the guy could be a 40-homer man there.
You can’t tell me Johnny Damon’s game-tying homer in the 7th inning today is a home run anywhere else.
Speaking of the 7th inning, and I hate to bring this up since the idea of signing “God Bless America” in the 7th inning stretch, especially on the 4th of July, is a lovely thing, but seriously. Does it have to be the extended dance mix of the song, a Yankee Stadium tradition? I would love to go back over the last nine years and see how many runs the Yanks have scored at home in the 7th inning after freezing the opposing pitcher for an extra five minutes while Dr. Ronan Tynan dragged out every last syllable of GBA.
And maybe it’s me, but I just find it to be the overwhelming Yankee arrogance that carries over into Tynan’s rendition, since he’s the only one on the planet who actually sings the whole thing. It’s as though the thinking is “this is New York City, we’re going to be the only ones who do it right.” It would be like the Blue Jays stopping home games in the 7th inning stretch to sing O Canada and making sure to include the mysterious second verse about great prairies spreading and mighty rivers flowing.
I don’t like it, and neither did Roy Halladay, who came out of that extended break to allow a single to Derek Jeter and then that Damon homer.
For some reason, it felt as though the extra innings would only be a formality, and as it turned out, they were.
Here’s today’s edition of The JaysTalk, for your listening pleasure - warning, it includes a caller arguing with me about something I never said:
Further to that point above, there have been a few commenters lately who have gotten very upset with me over things that I haven’t said or written. I understand that there are those out there who read what they want to read or hear what they want to hear, and I know that there’s really nothing that can be done about that, but here’s the thing - if you’re going to get upset with me over something I didn’t say, I’ll point out that I didn’t say it. If that’s not enough for you, then that’s too bad, because those who continue to pick fights with me over something I didn’t say or write won’t get their comments posted.
For the life of me, I don’t understand why so many people seem to love coming here to pick fights, but it seems to be the way of the blogosphere. I’m really not interested in getting involved with that, though. We’re here for good, solid baseball discussion, and people who come here to be idiots just plain aren’t welcome.
It’s sad, but it seems as though I have to write the above every couple of months. I guess just asking for reasonable, rational comments isn’t enough.
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Do you think Camp would have started his 3rd inning of relief and given up the game if Cito had an ounce of faith in BJ Ryan? It doesn’t seem so. And if that’s the case, the Jays have to think seriously about releasing this guy. He is taking up a roster spot, and this will most probably cost them a game or two if they continue to work around using him.
MW: I don’t know if it was so much that Cito has no confidence in Ryan (he doesn’t, nor should he) as it was the fact that it’s a really bad idea to bring a lefty in to face Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez.
- Will, OshawaHey Wike! (I thought of the nickname Wike Milner for some reason. Hay Dirkhurst?)
The callers and arguers are pretty weird. I mean, the situation looks so preschool (exaggeration). It’s not that often that someone will go purposely arguing because of something they thought that someone said and it wasn’t true. I’m pretty sure you haven’t said it, but there’s probably a reason. Was it from Alex S..x..ro? I can’t spell his name. Anyway it just sounds foolish, doesn’t it. But I’m not sure that they’re being idiots, because as I said, they wouldn’t be that stupid and pick on something that they know isn’t true. They might’ve forgotten that you weren’t the host of the JaysTalk that particular day. I have no idea and I don’t know why I’m talking about it. Anything could be true. So they’re not exactly idiots, they’re just normal callers who made a mistake.
Ok, that’s not ’solid baseball discussions’ as you stated, so my real question. New Yankee Stadium is to me a Little League ballpark. That right-center field and right field is just way too close to home plate. That game-tying home run was not a home run in Rogers Centre. I guess that’s home field advantage. And, the air thingy that blows the ball to right-center is also a factor. Why doesn’t baseball care about this? It’s obviously a place where stats could go wild - not crazily wild, but incorrect. Does MLB have a limit to the distances? There should be, and 314 feet is just not challenging. Remember the ballparks back in the 19th century? Can baseball do anything? I’m confused.
More pitchers on the disabled list. And Brad Mills is back. I personally don’t like him, not because of his pitching performance, but I don’t know. Injury year. Will it break a record for pitcher hurt?
Thanks for answering my questions. And have a great day.
MW: Remember, too, that a lot of those old-time ballparks were less than 300 feet down a line - the Polo Grounds was 280 down the left field line and Ebbets Field was 292 down the right field line. Fenway is 310 to the Green Monster and just 301 down the right field line. I’m wondering what it is about Brad Mills that you don’t like, given that I’m thinking the only frame of reference you have for him is his performance on the mound. No, the Jays won’t break a record.
- PeterHey Mike
I heard Roger Lajoie say the other day that Hockey Central at Noon will go on hiatus, and that you’ll be hosting a noon baseball show for a couple months?
If so, that’s amazing. I always found it over the top that there was a hockey show on in July and August. And it’d be great to hear some baseball talk during the day (the excitement over the Colton Orr signing notwithstanding)
MW: You sure? Because I was planning on having Colton Orr on the first show.
- James HHey mike, glad you’re feelling better. One question about Travis Snider, if he doesn’t come back this year, is this still considered his rookie year?
MW: It depends. He has to have fewer than 130 at-bats and/or 45 days on a major-league roster to be considered a rookie. I’m not sure if they have to be in the same year. That is, Snider already has 172 at-bats over this year and last, so he’s likely not a rookie anymore after this year. He won’t be, anyway, because I can’t see him not getting at least another 32 at-bats this year.
- RussThe ACLU actually got involved in the Yankee Stadium version of God Bless America, but not because of it’s longness.
It seems that you can’t actually leave your seat while it’s playing. Here’s the original story on the policy in the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/10/sports/baseball/10stadium.html?_r=3&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&ref=sports&adxnnlx=1219860152-DlFgZe0c8R6kU6s8jv3o2A
and the unfortunate anecdote of a guy who really had to pee and tried to test it:
http://deadspin.com/5042588/so-yankee-stadium-takes-this-no-moving-during-god-bless-america+thing-rather-seriously
I admit that Yankee Stadium is supposed to be a “must visit” for true fans of the game, but I can’t say I’m looking forward to it.
MW: Just don’t move when they sing the song. What a horrible policy.
- johnny wasblue jays have the third worst record in baseball since may 18.
MW: OK.
- marlonThere shouldn’t be any religious songs during the game to begin with. Keep it out of the game.
- HalyconMike
I have a thought about what you wrote concerning people picking fights with you. I’m a fan of yours. I’m a regular listener of JaysTalk and I read all your blogs. I consider myself to be a knowledgable baseball fan, but I make my living putting out fires, not following the Blue Jays like yourself. I have recently posted two comments to your blogs, and both times you have responded by unnessesarily insulting my thought or question. That’s going to get people’s backs against the wall. Just a thought
MW: I just went back and re-read my answer to one comment that you left (I couldn’t find the other, you must have used a different e-mail address), and I didn’t think I unnecessarily insulted your thought - you said Barajas was going great, and I pointed out that he wasn’t. Sorry if you didn’t like the turn of phrase, but I don’t think it was insulting. Keep putting out those fires, you’re a hero.
- KevinAhhh,
The Blue Jays are so aggravating! Injuries and after injuries and underachieving performances year after year. This, of course, affects us more than a larger market team because we don’t spend the money on depth. I know the Rays went to the World Series last year, but I can’t help but think we’ll never truly contend with the team, management, and direction the team has right now.
I’m just disappointed … again! Year after year, we lose. Someone becomes accountable at some point, right?
How many hits do we have from our LF position in the past month? Adams had next to none. Delucci has none. Why does Batista just sit on the bench these days? Not that he’s my ideal LF for the jays, but he’s definitely better than Adams (released), and another retread in Delucci. Why doesn’t JP realize that cheap options to fill holes in the lineup are cheap for a reason. He wanted a left handed left fielder … why didn’t he trade for Hinske?
Ahhh !
MW: Adams hasn’t been released. Year after year, the Jays win, they just don’t make the playoffs, and I don’t see how you can possibly say that they’re underachieving this year. The Hinske question is a very good one, but I’m thinking they figure on having Travis Snider back within the next couple of weeks, so they’ll get by until then.
- MichaelMichael,
What’s with all the hockey coverage on your station? I understand during the season, but there is no hockey now and when I flip your station on they’re usually talking about hockey.
Anyways, I just wondered if you had a chance to get anyone’s opinion on New Yankee Stadium yet? I am underwhelmed from what I’ve seen on tv. It seems like a more claustrophobic version of old Yankee stadium.
MW: Hockey pays the bills - without it, we wouldn’t have an all-sports radio station. Everyone I have heard from has liked the new Yankee Stadium, but my uncle and cousin are there today so I’ll get the word from them.
- Uncle BenHi Mike. Good game today, I’m going to blame this one squarely on Looch’s shoulders. Thank goodness he didn’t let Cabrera’s line shot go over his head, but why is he out there. This is the American League East, good grief JP get a handle on things. This just occurred to me the other day. We have lost our whole pitching staff and then some this year, but we still have arms coming through the pipeline, and for the most part from our own draft picks. We need any bats, and we are so woefully undermanned, that we have to sign cast offs like Looch. While I would be the first to agree that pitching wins championships, where are the blue chip prospects at catcher, first, short, third and outfield that we have been waiting for the last few years? Anyways, it was nice to see Sportsnet advertising the August 7 series as a reunion of the ‘92 and ‘93 World Series Champs weekend. That should be quite an event to pay homage to this “miracle” group of guys who did the unthinkable, beating the mighty Yankees and Red Sox not once but back to back. Hard to believe that was 16 years ago, and 8 of those years under JP’s regime. Boy I miss the glory days. I hope JP isn’t allowed on the field with these champs, knowing him he’ll be telling his grandchildren about the days when he made the deal that brought Alomar and Carter to Toronto, thus putting Toronto over the top to win 2 Championships. We might even lift our boycott and come out for that series. Keep up the good work on the blog Mike, your tireless efforts are appreciated by many fans,and we always know where to go to blow off some steam.
P.S. I’m not hearing much from JP these days in the media, please tell me you’ve heard his days might be numbered. It’s all about karma.
MW: I haven’t heard anything about JP’s days being numbered - you’re right, he’s done a horrible job developing all that young pitching. The Red Sox and Yankees weren’t all that mighty back in ‘92 and ‘93, by the way. The Yanks were at the end of a long cycle of mediocrity.
- daveHey Mike,
I’m going to assume that your comment about Richmond being put on the DL is just some sort of terribly inappropriate joke. Right? There can’t be another rotation casualty, can there?
Just in case this (somehow) isn’t a joke, do you have any information on the cause of the injury, and how long they expect him to be out?
On a related note, I think it’s pretty safe to say at this point that most of the Jays’ woes can be blamed on bad hoodoo. Makes me wonder what kind of evil JP is guilty of to deserve this kind of karma…
MW: Why is it JP’s karma coming back on them? Why can’t it be someone else’s? Richmond has biceps tendinitis, he’s been struggling with it for a couple of starts.
- BrandenHi Mike,
I was wondering why it had been so long since a Jays pitcher got hurt. I am not too thrilled about Mills making another start as he has not proven to be ready. However, he is probably the most qualified right now. Man oh man oh man.
As for the God Bless merica thing, I think it is total overkill in New York and if they are doing it to gain an egde as opposed to honouring their country and troops than I’d say that’s pretty lame. It just seems to me that it is always the 7th inning when the Yanks rally at home I have watched many Yankees games over the years and it is always the 7th and gee I wonder why??. Oh well, it hasn’t helped them in the post season now has it? After the Damon homer that tied the game, I had that sinking feeling that no matter how many extra innings were played, the Yankees would eventually win it. I can’t explain the feeling, but it was overwhelming. I also had a feeling the Yankees would tie it up after the Jays squandered two goldne opportunities to extend what was at the time a 5-3 lead.
So, if the Jays are swept in the Bronx, which is a distinct possibility, will the Jays dump some salary by July 31st? As much as I love Scott Rolen, I’m thinking contenders will be looking at him and it may make some sense to consider it, especially with his recent injury history. When is his contract up, Mike? Also, obviously Wells would be another but that is all but impossible. I would really love to see that rumoured Rios for Lincecum deal revived but you know, I would warn Tim Lincecum about putting on a Jays uniform as pithcer because most likely, he will go down with an injury immediately (hey, you have to find humour in this to stay sane, right Mike?)
MW: Sure you do. I don’t think a sweep in New York will determine whether or not the Jays are sellers at the deadline - it’s a shame that they never really have been, because it’s cost them. Rolen has another year left on his contract and if the Jays are sellers, he’ll be dangled. So will Overbay.
- Ian from WhitbyThis may have been brought up earlier but visiting teams are at a disadvantage when coming to New Yankee Stadium. For years the yankees will be a lefty heavy lineup and will have what I feel is a significant advantage. Is there any chance the dimensions will be changed? Yes both teams play on the same diamond, but the yankees are built for yankee stadium.
MW: There’s nothing wrong with building your team for your stadium. No, the dimensions won’t be changed.
- GregWhat’s the better song, Centerfield or Centerfold?
MW: Tough call. I’ll go with Centerfold.
- TylerHi Mike
I think the poor results of the Jays lately has gotten to fans. After the magical start, it is hard to be brought back to earth.
Considering what the Jays has gone through this year, it is a miracle to see the Jays only 6 games back at this point of the year.
Imagine the yankees without burnett and petite, and their number three & four hitters in the tank, or the Rays without Garza and Shields and Longoria not hitting..
It is a long season, just enjoy the team and understand their limitation. I still say, when it is all said and done, this team will have a record of 10 games over 500
I can’t wait for snider to come back up and Marcum to make his way up here as well
Never say die!
Francis
Francis
- francisSpeaking of working overtime, do tell us all about this new show that you will have the on The Fan at noon hours weekdays, replacing the hockey show.
This sounds like it must make your day even busier, unless you can do it from your house.
And I know you probably can’t comment on what happens on The Fan, but why in the world would they EVER get rid of Rumack? Somebody who seems to WANT to work the late nights and do such a good job of it. My list would be long before I got to him…maybe a beancounter decision more than anything.
Anyway, I can get to sleep a little bit earlier now - right after Jays Talk!
MW: I’ll fill you in on the baseball show in this afternoon’s blog post. I can’t comment on the other stuff.
- Rob MAnd I thought Richmond would be the durable one. Sigh.
So, early in the season, the Jays had IT, and played great baseball. Clearly, their supply has run dry. Any idea where other teams are getting their supply of IT? I mean, the Rockies were clearly knee deep in IT all June, perhaps we could ask where they got their IT. Or maybe somebody could tell me what IT is, ’cause I certainly don’t see why the Blue Jays don’t have IT right now.
MW: They don’t have IT because they’re no longer leading the league in every category, offensively and pitching-ly, as they did through the first 40 games. They’ve stopped hitting home runs, stopped hitting with runners in scoring position, and some of the starting pitching is starting to catch up with them.
- Greg WIT’S OBVIOUS CITO WILL NOT USE B.J.RYAN. WHY KEEP HIM ON THE TEAM,IF THE MANAGER WON’T USE HIM.
MW: Why are you yelling at me? And the answer is because the other option is swallowing $15 million.
- DANNYYou say leadership is a mirage in baseball. Ask Jays’ in 92′, if Dave Winfield’s leadership was an illusion. I have heard many stories from Jay’s of 92′ team retelling stories on how Winfield kicked a** and lit a fire under certain individuals. Something the team lacked for years.
MW: You always hear stories about that from championship teams. Where was Winfield’s vaunted leadership the other 21 years of his career?
- Kelly Pfeifferwhat is this talk about scott rolen being the greatest blue jay of all time?
isn’t it clearly clemens, who is debatably a top ten player of all time
and a top three pitcher of all time
i mean rolen is a hall of famer I agree but what do you think he has going for him that ranks him above clemens as the best blue jay of all time?
not looking for an argument, just a discussion
MW: Just having fun. No one actually thinks that Rolen is the greatest Blue Jay ever.
- joshDear Mike,
Is it just me, or is Cito awfully swift to switch relievers? Why lift League for Accardo in the ninth after League had a pretty strong 8th, throwing only 10 pitches? Is Accardo really that much higher on the depth chart?
MW: Have you not seen League’s work after he’s been sitting in the dugout for a half-inning?
- gabrielHey Mike,
Glad to hear you back on the air! Hope you’re feeling better.
Mike, I’m wondering what you think of Chris Shelton? He’s 29 years old now, as of a couple weeks ago, and he’s been playing 3rd base in Tacoma this year.
Over his 2,741 minor-league plate appearances he’s a .314 hitter with a .408 OBP, a .511 SLG, and a .919 OPS. And, he’s hitting .309 with a .897 OPS and 12 homers this year (it’s the PCL so I know the numbers are probably inflated). In his 1,016 PA in the majors he is .274/.346/.461/.808. It seems through his major-league career (I couldn’t find his career minor-league splits) that he hits righties (as a right-handed batter) as well as, if not better than, lefties.
I wouldn’t think that Seattle would want much for him at all and I believe he’d be a better option than Millar, at least batting. I know Millar can play the outfield a bit and I’m not positive if Shelton could. What do you think?
MW: The Jays have Randy Ruiz who could fill that role if they wanted.
- Justin from ArdtreaMW: I wouldn’t bet on them doing something eye-catching this off-season. Wells hasn’t had an outstanding season since 2006, it’s true, and it’s too far gone to turn this season into one.
Mike, they are going to have to do something. They need a proven big hitter in the line-up as dh to bat behind Lind. Rolen is wonderful and my own favourite Blue Jay, but he should be batting 5th in my opinion. He doesn’t hit ‘em out of the park often enough to hit 4th. We’ve got excellent table-setters in Scutaro and Hill. If Scutaro went down, Rios could bat lead-off. But the team can’t bury its collective head in the sand about Wells. He’s a very good defensive outfielder and he can run well, but he is not a dependable hitter and where he’s hitting now is where he should be hitting in my opinion.
If you look at the team going forward to next year, there superb defense, very good pitching and some bright spots in the offense. However to compete in this division we need much stronger offense than we have, and I think it’s unfair to put too much expectation on Travis Snider at this stage of his career.
MW: And yet, that may be what has to happen, given the financial situation here.
- isabella reyesMike Wilner a.k.a. Blue Jay Fans sounding board! Or maybe “pounding board”!
Man, I can’t believe how argumentative some of you Jays fans have become. I guess it’s come down to “as goes the Jays - so goes this blog and Jays talk”.
I grew up a Boston fan and still am. I like MLB and the Jays and I really enjoy Mikes’ “Jays Talk” and his blog. You negative Jays fans have not even began to realize the meaning of the word ‘frustration” when it comes to losing baseball games or being shut out of winning a WS let alone a pennant!
MLB is the toughest pro sport there is as to winning a championship let alone a divisional title. Do you realize, there are a few teams in MLB who have never won a WS title! There are 12 teams who have never even won a pennant!
I manage to go to around 25 - 30 Jays games every season and always make the trek to good old “Bean Town” a couple of times each season to catch the Red Sox. It’s an opportunity to re-kindle that awesome feeling you get from sitting in a real ball park with genuine ball fans (not to say there are not any in Toronto at all).
Want some frustating home team baseball facts? How about the fact the Red Sox went 86 years before they won a WS title! Also, despite the fact they went 27 years in a row without a pennant - the fans are still there. Game after game Fenway Park is sold out, regardless of the home teams record. Arguably, and keeping in mind the size of Fenway, the best MLB attendance over the last 10 years or so.
I am not here to bash the loyal MLB and in particular Jays fans - there are many of you right there in Toronto.
What does tick me off is the constant “Jays bashers” who seem to think this forum or “Jays Talk” is the place to get nasty! You few who “read between the lines” or “hear only what you want to hear” with respect to Mike Wilner and his blog or radio show - keep your opinions to yourselves. It’s no fun listening to or reading what you have to say. You go on the radio or comment here with one, and only one goal in mind, to try your hardest to show up the host. Pathetic.
Be thankful, you have MLB in Toronto, great play by play guys, a great “Jays Talk” and blog host on the “Fan 590″ to keep you very well informed and give you the opportunity to put forth your “reasonable and rational comments”!
To the few, to whom I direct this to - lose the hockey mentality during the summer months, sit back and enjoy the game of MLB! Beleive me, once you do you will find nothing more relaxing or enjoyable on a sunny summer afternoon or warm evening. Win or lose!
It’s just a game people! Lay off the gracious host you have here as to doing your utmost to find argument in what he says, or you assumed he said! Further to that, try watching a game for the things your players do well rather than the very few mistakes or miscues that happen very seldom. I swear some of you must sit with pen in hand and make notes of miscues on the field or what may be said by our host here - then you must think “now I got him”! So, you pounce on to your computer and spit out what ever it is you made note of.
Honestly, other than letting you nay-sayers or others know how ridiculous your comments are, I have no idea why Mike bothers to respond at times.
Finally, be truly realistic about your team and their status in the AL east right now. They are a much improved team than what shows presently in the standings. It is what it is brother - so enjoy what you have and what many other North American cities only wish they had!
Oh yea, just wondering how many WS titles the Mariners have since joining MLB with the Jays way back when!
As said Mike, not sure how you do it - but keep up the great work you do.
Thank you.
- Bob from BurlingtonHard to believe that over the last 18 games scutaro is hitting .212 and wells is hitting .295
MW: Crazy - Scoot is actually hitting .213/.315/.325 over his last 19 games (going into Sunday), and Wells is at .300/.338/.529 over his last 17. When you extend Wells to 19, he drops to .269/.313/.474. Funny how we never hear any complaints about Scoot, though.
- John terryahhhhh yankees. i hate the yanks more then anything in the world, especially when they beat halladay. i thought johnny damons shot was a pop up for sure when he hit it.
regarding the caller wanting halladay in ny, if that ever happens i may never want to watch baseball again. they buy enough talent, how far does it have to go? and halladay going there would just be wrong.
- lennyWith Johnny Damon on first base and Mark Teixeira up to bat in the first inning with one out, Teixeira hits what should be a inning ending double play to Aaron Hill. Hill sits back on it, almost boots it and only gets the out at first. It’s not like it wasn’t hit hard enough. I contend that the mechanical flaws in Hill’s defensive game kept him from being able to get to the ball and get it to Scutaro at second base. A-Rod came up next and drove in the run.
Listen….Hill is a decent player but again…not that good of a second baseman.
Further to the point I noticed your pro-rated projections. Do you think his hitting numbers are realistic? Do you not notice his batting average slowly coming back down to earth as we approach the all-star break? Do you really expect his second half to be as good as his first?
Teams adjust….Remember, nobody saw him last year after August 2008.
I’m not saying he’s a bad player. He belongs in the Major Leagues. However, I am saying he’s an average player (a tad above average hitter, a tad below average second baseman) having a career year offensively….correction, having a career first half offensively.
Just a note regarding adjusting…. In the top of the 6th, Hill came up with a runner on 2nd and nobody out. The Jays were down 3-2. He got behind in the count and then fought back to make it a 3-2 count. The commentators were just talking about how he had this same situation a game or two ago and he grounded out to Jeter at short and didn’t get the job done. No sooner than they finished making this point, he got a perfect pitch to move the runner up to third (fastball outside corner), and he got around it, tried to pull it and grounded out to Jeter at short and didn’t get the job done again. Thank goodness Lind came up and bailed him out….
When the pitchers adjust to him, will he be able to adjust back? That BA is dropping every week. Those projected numbers of yours are not realistic. He’ll probably be an All-Star this year and to his credit, he deserves it (again as I mentioned, career first half), but let’s not blow his performance out of proportion…..Average player.
MW: I continue to think he’s an above-average middle infielder, both offensively and defensively. I don’t agree about the Tex grounder yesterday, but I appreciate that you’ve toned down the rhetoric. Of course I don’t think he’s going to hit 35+ homers and drive in nearly 120 runs. And nobody saw him last year after May.
- RealityCheckBTW I was listening to your show after the game as I was driving to work. A caller asked you about the “team chemistry”.
I couldn’t agree with you more. Team chemistry, good “locker room guys”, “cancers in the locker room”. All of this stuff holds SOME value but very little.
It in fact bothers me when I hear people talk about this stuff as if it makes a difference. If it in fact does make a difference, then that speaks to the team in question’s lack of profesionalism.
There was a time when guys would fight in the locker room almost on a daily basis and still come out and win World Series or what ever championship corresponds to the sport in question. The difference was that the players, love or hate each other, knew and did their jobs. Vernon Wells might hate Lyle Overbay (this is just an example) but that should not stop him from hitting the cut off man if he’s trying to throw a guy out at the play.
This whole locker room chemistry concept is something that I believe has been used as a scape goat for lack of success in the modern sports world.
- RealityCheckAgain…agreed.
The team definitely has many components in place to be a legit contender next year. Yet I see the team being right back in the same position next year as they are this year if they do not address the following two of the three following positions.
DH, LF, 1b
Now ideally the team would move Lind to 1b, snider to LF and DH would be the only position that needed to be filled. The DH position should NOT be hard to fill as it requires no defensive skill set obviously. Who are DH’s or DH types that would be free agents next year? (aside from nick Johnson who will probably get a crapload of money from another AL east team).
Overbay is under contract for next year but it might be wise to trade him to a team looking for a solid bat to put them over the hump. I dont think the Jays are that team this year. If he can return a solid level prospect (hopefully at the third or ss position).
Now LF becomes tricky. It doesnt make a truckload of sense to pencil Snider in as your everyday LF next year if you are a team going for it all without having a backup plan. When i say backup plan im not talking about replacement level or below types such as Millar, Dellucci, Bautista. Im talking about the a LF that can produce major league average results. Once again…LF is NOT a demanding defensive position.
I guess ultimately it comes down to, is it worth having snider’s development possibly delayed by a year by having a place holder type player as you go for it all next year in Doc’s contract year?
by the way..mighty Joe 5/6 with 6 rbis last night!!!
MW: I don’t think it would be a problem to have Snider as the every day left fielder next year, and with Lind as the DH, that only leaves one hole. The DH/1B/LF types who will be available on the free agent market include some of the following: Carlos Delgado, Aubrey Huff, Nick the Stick, Adam LaRoche, Jim Thome, Chad Tracy, Hank Blalock, Bobby Abreu, Jason Bay, Johnny Damon, Matt Holliday and Hideki Matsui. Lots of guys out there.
- General ZodWilner,
Do you think it would make sense if the Jays traded some of their young arms for some offensive help now? The reason I ask is because I remember last year at the trade deadline the Pirates wanted Marcum and McGowan for Jason Bay, and J.P. felt it was too much. Of course if you look at it today, I’m sure the Jays would make that trade in a heartbeat. Isn’t there something to say about trading a proven player then for young unproven commodities?
MW: Yes, there certainly is. But it depends on where your team is in its development cycle. Are the Jays one player away from being a contender this year?
- BobbyMike, do you really think broadcasters don’t help build interest in a ball team or sell tickets?
It seems to me that quality baseball announcers — the Mel Allens, Ernie Harwells, Vin Scullys, Harry Carey, Tom Cheeks — DO create interest in a team and pump up the fans.
Mediocre announcers– and no names mentioned — are just there on radio, and on TV too often they state the obvious and don’t do much other thanprovide background noise to the pictures on the screen. Comments?
MW: I think great announcers do help with creating interest, because the more you want to listen the more into a team you’ll get - but I don’t think it should necessarily be their job to sell tickets (though for some of them, it clearly is).
- Ken in KingstonI won’t be participating on your blog anymore anymore. How do I remove my name from the email list? I replied to the last one by asking not to receive anymore but I still receive emails of the blog. What do I do?
MW: I didn’t even know there was an e-mail list.
- DomenickHi Mike,
I got to say that all the games the Jays have lost since the Cincinnati game could have been won with a few key hits at key times (except the Mills against Phily game). The Jays rotation this year has been great considering where Marcum, McGowan and Litsch are. However, the offense continues to struggle for the 3 rd straight season in the “driving in runs department” (except the first 40 games this season). when I analyze the line up for next year, Rolen, Lind, Snider, Hill are solid hitters with the Jays. I love Lyle Overbay as if he does not give you a hit or a double he will most likely end up with a walk, but we need someone who can drive in runs. I was wondering if they Jays will be able to acquire an Adrian Gonzalez or Lance Berkman. The Jays have a bunch of pitching:
Roy Halladay
Shaun Marcum
Dustin McGowan
Jesse Litsch
Scott Richmond
Ricky Romero
David Purcey
Brian Tallet
Brad Mills
Brett Cecil
Fabio Castro
Casey Jansseen
Bobby Ray
Most Likely, Tallet and Janssen will go to the bullpen to solidify a team of Downs, Accardo, League, Frasor and Ryan (?) This looks like a solid bullpen considering Carlson and Camp were not mentioned. Now, The Jays can use a combination of the 11 starters, Overbay (maybe even Rios) and some minor leaguers to land a Berkman or Gonzalez. Considering the Jays have picked 3 starters in the draft this year, they should be more inclined to move some of their starters for a stud 1B.
Now Miguel Cabrera and D-train were traded for Cameron Maybin, Andrew Miller a back up catcher and a reliever and some other minor leaguers. But at the time, the Tigers were getting a stud 3B/1B and 2nd to 3rd Starter. The Jays just need the stud 1B… so I am guessing to start negotiations, Brett Cecil and….. the rest you can help me with GM MIKE WILNER. The only problem with acquiring Berkman is the salary that might be too high considering the Jays are carrying Vernon’s 18 million. Probably Rios can be part of the trade
Consider a lineup of
Scutaro
Rolen
Gonzalez/Berkman
Lind
Rios? (if gone, can sign a RF such as Baldelli, Chavez, or sombody to baty eight)
Hill
Snider
Wells
Barajas/Barret/whoever
MW: I don’t have a problem with giving up a whack of young talent to get a legit, honest-to-goodness, big-time stick, but judging from how the pitching is dropping like flies, I don’t think you can look at the Jays’ pitching and say that they have a surplus.
- ShakeelHave the Blue Jays been taking lessons from the Mets or what? How many more pitching injuries will it take to convince you that either Arnsberg or Poulis are doing something wrong?
MW: Unless there’s actual evidence that these injuries are as a result of poor training or conditioning - and so far there isn’t - then it’ll take a lot more, I guess.
- HalyconYou asked the question, so I’ve come up with the answer.
Since 2002, the Yanks have had 6 July 4 home games. In ‘02 & ‘07, against Cleveland & Boston, respectively, the bottom of the 7th was 3-up, 3-down against the starting opposition pitcher. In ‘03 and ‘05, there were 5 batters faced but no runs. In ‘03 against Boston is was the starter, in ‘05 against the orioles, is was the same reliever that pitched the 6th. Last year, against Boston, a new pitcher came in for the bottom of the 7th and loaded the bases, but allowed no runs.
So, this was the first time since the GBA “tradition” started that any runs have been scored in the bottom of the 7th.
BTW, in the ‘05 game, a Baltimore pitcher named Ryan can in for the 8th and faced 9 batters in 2/3rds of an inning giving up 5 runs.
MW: I wasn’t talking about July 4th specifically, though I appreciate you doing the research. The Yanks do this every game.
- Alan the stat geekHaven’t we gone through this before for the past seven years or so with this team? Enough is enough. Get rid of Ricciardi already. This isn’t working now and it won’t work next year. The Jays and Ricciardi will do their usual propaganda before September until (they know) they realize maybe next year. Mid first round draft picks isn’t what we need. Look at the Leafs. The attendance at Rogers Center is embarrasing, nobody cares. Even worse, the attendance on away games. You definitely wouldn’t see that in the early 90’s.
MW: Who cares what the attendance is for away games?
- Danny from MapleCongratulations, your pre-season prognostication that Aaron Hill would hit 20 home runs is now spot on. ESPN’s baseball gurus overwhelmingly voted him as the starter for the American League in the All Star game. Aaron is baseballs baet kept secret.
I agree about the whole “God Bless America” thing in New York. It reaches the point of overkill. A good tactic to fight back would be to sing every stanza of “O Canada” and then sing it over in French. Then to be extra annoying we could have Welland Ontario’s favorite singers, the DeFranco Family come out and sing it every time. Someone would be bound to get the point.
- Jim in OhioIs it safe to say that Ryan has become the 2009 version of Bill Caudill? If he’s not going to be useful in any situation he is just plugging up a roster spot. He’s not pitching in key situations, so he’s not getting a chance to demonstrate some value to other teams who might be interested. It seems like they should be thinking about biting the bullet here and eating the contract.
I’m a bit of a conspiracy theorist so I wonder a lot about performance-enhancing drugs and just how much they may have spread across the Blue Jays clubhouse.
I have no proof of course and would never falsely accuse anyone without evidence, but the skeptic in me looks at Ryan and wonders. Brian McNamee claimed that Winstrol could add up to 10 miles to a fast ball, so…
McCown even entertained the thought the other day that one might start to wonder about Vernon Wells.
MW: Only if Wells used in 2006, then didn’t in 2007, then did again in 2008 and then stopped. As for Ryan, he hasn’t lost even close to 10 miles an hour off his fastball.
- Rob MHi Mike,
Nothing to do with your blog exactly.
Just thanking you, Jerry and Allan for getting me interested in the game again after 10 years away. Started listening on the radio and fell in love again!
Now just have to get back into the jargon and terminology again.
Another born again Jays fan!!
Cheers,
Brian
MW: Welcome back.
- BrianHi Mike
There is a difference with the way Brett Cecil pitched lately compared to when they first brought him up.
When he first came up, he worked quickly, confidently. After that game in boston, he seemed to have lost his confidence. He has lost his swagger and tended to nimble at the plate instead of letting the ball go. His problem is similar to that of McGowan when he first came out.
It begs the question of why don’t coaches spend more time with these rookies on the mental game, maybe have the catchers come up more between pitches when these young guns start to show that they are not taking charge
Francis
MW: There’s only so much hand-holding one can do.
- francisIf you were calling the shots, what (if any) move would you try to make between this season and next?
For interest sake please throw some specific names out there.
MW: I don’t have any specific names for you. I would dangle my young pitching to try to pick up a shortstop and a catcher, and see if I could sign one of those many left-handed DH types who are going to be out there on the free agent market.
- RealityCheckDavid Delucci and BJ Ryan both just need to be released already.
- RenegadeYou wonder why fans don’t show up, you wonder why your blog numbers are dropping - you wonder why people pay more attention to every other sport? This league is a joke. Not only does this league allow teams to spend all the $$$ they want, they can build stadiums that allow guys like Jeter to look like Albert Pujols. Until this league smartens up, it will lag the other big 3, and only 3-5 cities a year will draw significant interest from its fans. That is fact and you know it. Look for 10,000 fan games for the rest of this season because the Jays have no hope in a division that allows teams to spend 2x and 3x their payrolls.
MW: It’ll lag behind the other big three? You’re including hockey in there? That could be the funniest thing I’ve ever seen here.
- FrankHi Mike
This looks like the begining of another ugly losing streak.
Nothing is going right for the jays.
The pitching has been terrible. Walks are killing them in these three games. An error by overbay didn’t help either.
Though perhaps this is not fair, I am not encouraged with what I see from Delucci so far either. No hits, he couldn’t even drive the ball to the outfield at the 4th so Rios can score with one out.
Maybe it is time to bring back Adams or Ruiz have another chance.
Francis
MW: Ruiz have another chance? He hasn’t had one yet.
- francisOn Jays Talk, a caller again brought up Vernon Wells vs an emotional Paul O’Neill type player. I think a contempory equivalent might be Milton Bradley. I think the Cubs would love to have Vernon instead of Milton.
I don’t understand the fans who love the emotional type who throws a tantrum every time something goes bad for them.
You don’t do this at work. Nor would your employer and coworkers would tolerate it.
MW: But it shows passion! Intensity! Intangibleness!
- JohnIt will be interesting to see how JP stick handles around all these bad contracts and at the same time try to improve this team. If Rogers doesn’t open the vault big time to compensate these bad contracts this team will be fighting Baltimore to stay out of last place next year as they will this year. I wonder what Blue Jay management line will be this off season.
MW: There are only two bad contracts, no? Ryan and Wells.
- brunoHey Mike
You mentioned above that if the Jays fall out of it, you could see them dangling Rolen to a contender.
I’m sure he’d bring in a nice haul, but since this team is supposed to really go for it in 2010, do you think that would be unwise? He would leave a pretty big hole to fill.
And, actually, is the plan still to go for it next year? Have you heard anything about potential budgets for next season - or the direction the team wants to go? Do you think they’ll have to cut back due to the poor attendance? (I’m hoping there’s something to feel optimistic about here after the last terrible couple of weeks.)
MW: Rolen, as great a year as he’s had, is still an injury risk and will make $11 million next year. You’re right, though, if they deal him without getting a third baseman back, there will be a big hole to fill next year. I haven’t heard anything about the thinking, budget-wise, for next season.
- James HMike:
I think your blog posters and callers have been to tough on VDub for too long. There’s no question that he has been having a bad year, but I expect him to bounce back. He’s always been a bit of a streaky player.
I’ve done an analysis which is too long to post here, but it is on my blog which can be accessed by clicking on my signature.
MW: OK.
- Alan the stat geekThe Jays only hope is to copy the Rays method of drafting well. If we can finish near last place (which looks very possible so far) we can get some good draft choices the next few years. Providing Riccardi doesn’t waste his picks on Russ Adam like mistakes
MW: So the Jays should have a top-5 picks 10 years in a row like Tampa Bay did?
- dave_12Michael,
At the trade deadline, assuming the Jays are sellers, would trading off key parts of this team (Scutaro, Rolen, Overbay) affect Roy Halladay’s chances of wanting to re-sign with the team?
Thanks.
MW: It would depend on what the Jays got back, and how far back, if at all, the timetable was moved.
- Uncle BenWasn’t yelling at you yesterday. Just need to improve my spelling. Been listening to you for years,and think you are terrific.
Do you think that Ryan is capable of pitching like he used to? Sound more and more like it Was PED.
Do you think guys like Cecil and Mills are being rushed, and in the long term might prove harmful to their psychological development. Are there any unsigned free agents out there who can bridge the gap
MW: I don’t think it sounds more and more like Ryan was getting illegal help, if he was, why would he have stopped going into this season and not last year? His drop-off has been incredible, though. I think that Cecil and Mills have been rushed, for sure, but I don’t think it’ll be detrimental to their long-term growth. If it is, then they were probably not the right guys.
- DANNYI was really excited to see the young arms this year but so far its been a bummer really. Cecil has been on a freefall since Boston’s massacre and has been really bad(even in minors. Mills had 2 or 3 starts to really forget about. Both of them have bad command which is most worrying. Its really been Romero and thats it. So what do you think of them and will we see any of mills or cecil next year? and what can you say about the jays yo-yoing cecil and mills from minors, why not get castro and let the kids develop they didnt prove themselves in minors really? and finally did you lose your fan feeling since you work as a broadcaster and do you vote for your all-stars?
thanks
MW: Cecil has only been in freefall since the Boston start if you ignore his start against the Reds. Otherwise, he’s done what you’d probably expect a 22 year-old to do. I think he’ll be in the rotation next year, Mills, not so much. Why isn’t Castro one of the kids, too? When you have five starting pitchers on the DL, you don’t have a lot of choice about who to use. I haven’t completely lost the “fan feeling”, but I’m less of a fan of a specific team and of specific players than I used to be. Still love the game, though, and no, I don’t vote for all-stars.
- nickqHi Mike
How long do you think the Jays will wait before releasing Delucci? Would they consider bringing up Ruiz and releasing Delucci before Snyder is ready?
thanks,
David
MW: I don’t know, but I’d like to see Ruiz get a shot. It’s only been three games, though, people really need to calm down.
- DavidMW: So the Jays should have a top-5 picks 10 years in a row like Tampa Bay did?
Yes, but I would settle for top 8 picks for 5 years in a row or something like that.
- dave_12Mike, regarding delucci, it HAS only been three games but there are certain tell tale signs about watching his at bats that quickly tell the tale that he is done. (and has been done actually for a while)
the biggest sign is that he is late on fastballs on fastball counts. once you cannot get around on the old number 1, even when you are looking for hit…there is no refuge. now it may just be a little streak he is in where the balls are getting on him but he was doing this in cleveland as well. didnt see him much last yeat but i would guess that was a problem then as well.
the team has nothing to lose than bringing back snider up once he shakes off the rust. it makes more sense to have a future piece of the puzzle hacking away than it does a has been.
MW: They definitely should bring Snider back as soon as he gets back into the swing of things, but Looch was hitting over .300 with Vegas, and was hitting .275 with Cleveland this season. It’s three games.
- General ZodOk Ok. Is it time to bring in Pedro Martinez?. At least it would give us a seasoned pitcher, and not some poor kid trying to be a Cy YOung winner, and impress.
Speaking of young pitchers, does it not make sense to limit the innings pitched? So as to give everyone an equal chance of wearing out body parts. YOu know 2 innings a piece for those not a starter and maybe only 5 or 6 for a starter. We need a new recipe, we are clearly destroying out pitchers.
MW: Two innings apiece for reliever and only five or six for starters? I don’t think that’s the best way to do things. The Jays follow basically the same recipe that everyone else does. No, it’s not time to bring in Pedro.
- BarbBob from Burlington, which 12 teams haven’t “won a pennant?”
- Rick JonesHey Mike, I just want to follow up with Jays acquiring a Berkman/Gonzalez. What do you think the Astros/Padres will be asking for and what should the Jays be willing to give? If the Jays don’t make such a trade, they must sign Nick Johnson to play 1B.
Now if they Jays dangle Rolen at the trade deadline and is taken by another team, Will the Jays end up signing an Adrian Beltre?
Bottom line, Jays need production i.e a solid 4, 5 and 6 hitters.
MW: The Astros and Padres will both ask for the moon. They’d start with Cecil and Snider and then go from there. Nick Johnson will be available in the off-season, we’ll see if the Jays are interested, since they do have Lyle Overbay under contract. I should hope they don’t sign Beltre. I mean, the defense is terrific, but people are giving Vernon Wells a hard time for his offense?
- ShakeelI understand that Hill has had an amazing season in the 2 hole. However, that spot seems most suitable for Overbay as he is not an aggressive hitter, but rather a hitter who will take pitches and draw walks unless he finds a pitch up in the zone (Which sometimes he might even pass on). The Jays line up will start off with two of the best at taking pitches and high OBP. This can be followed by Hill, Lind and Rolen, players that have consistently driven in runs for the Jays this year. I think Hill would have had more RBIs this year if he was hitting in the 3-5 hole than hitting 2nd. Maybe some of his solo and 2 run homers could have been 3 run homers.
MW: It would depend on who is hitting second, but probably. Hill doesn’t get on enough to hit third, for me anyway.
- ShakeelHey Mike
Enough with the constant requests to bring in Pedro Martinez. Pedro is done. Let the young kids get their innings.
No point in bringing in Nick Johnson either if it is going to cost you some valuable kids. The time to add was months ago when the team got off to the great start. JP missed the opportunity. With the ridiculous amount of injuries the pitching staff has sustained, the Jays would be better off to just ride out the season and reload for 2010. Lets hope JP has the nerve to make a couple key moves to improve the club for 2010.
MW: We shall see. The major failing of Ricciardi’s tenure, I think, has been his inability to make the trade deadline deal for important future pieces.
- rickMike
i just want to get your thoughts on getting back carlos delgado and when they were on that nine game losing streak on the road i notisted that they were more comfterbal at home in their winning enviorment.
Mitch sowsky.
peace
MW: Carlos Delgado is recovering from surgery on his hip, so I’m not sure how great an add he’d be right now.
- sowskyMW: Sure you do. I don’t think a sweep in New York will determine whether or not the Jays are sellers at the deadline - it’s a shame that they never really have been, because it’s cost them. Rolen has another year left on his contract and if the Jays are sellers, he’ll be dangled. So will Overbay.
Management should have had the courage to be sellers at least a couple of times over the past five years. You say the Jays have been ‘winners’ and that is what Ricciardi said at the winter meeting. But playing above .500 and winning are two different things in baseball. We have been hurt badly by management’s refusal to trade for rebuilding prospects while signing underachieving free agents. I don’t think I would have seen it as throwing in the towel if, say in 2007, Ricciardi had traded for prospects rather than standing pat. But even if I had yelled about it for weeks, it would have been the right thing to do and he should have had the courage to do it. If this is to be the lost year we were told about in the winter, then let it be truly lost. throw in the towel now and trade for something we could use later.
- reyes