10:30 PM Pacific
First it was Johnny Mac, and now it’s Alex Gonzalez (not that one) whom the Blue Jays have brought in to play shortstop in the 2010 season.
Gonzalez (not that one) is a reasonable hitter who doesn’t get on-base a lot but has some pop, and a guy who can play defense. The highest OBP he has ever posted was the whopping .325 he put up in 2007 with the Reds, before missing the entire 2008 season with a broken knee (suffered in a collision in a Spring Training game, if I remember correctly).
Gonzalez had a reasonable bounce-back in 2009 after the Reds traded him to Boston in mid-August, hitting .284/.316/.453 the rest of the way with the Red Sox, but I assure you, no one is doing backflips over this signing. Gonzalez was the most reasonable of a poor group of free agent shortstops – he’ll likely provide almost the same offense as Orlando Cabrera at less than half the price, and with better defense. He’s just a guy to plug a hole that the Jays had no one else to fill but for John McDonald and the extraordinarily unproven Mike McCoy.
At best, Gonzalez works himself into being a serviceable 7-8-9 hitter and becomes a potential trade chip at the deadline this season. At worst, he can’t hit his way out of a paper bag, and Johnny Mac moves back into the starting role. It’s not a move to get too excited about – Gonzalez isn’t going to be a part of this thing when the Blue Jays start winning again on a regular basis.
What is there to get excited about? Well – how about these questions: Will he wear number 8? Will he do a milk commercial with Aaron Hill and Adam Lind? Will he hit a home run and then all of a sudden imagine himself a power hitter for the next month and strike out in over half his at-bats over that span? Will women come down to the ballpark specifically to drool over him? I don’t know the answer to any of those, but I’m scared to death that we’ll see this Gonzalez hitting in the two-spot and killing the team on a regular basis, much like we saw his namesake do once upon a time.
This version of Alex Gonzalez has NEVER posted an OPS+ of 100 or more in his big-league career. That means that in 10 seasons in the majors, his offensive output has never been as good as the average major-leaguer. Not once. This is not a guy to whom to hitch wagons should be hitched. Again, he’s the best/most affordable/most likely to earn the money he gets of a bad lot of free agent shortstops.
Don’t think for a second, by the way, that John McDonald didn’t know this was coming when he signed his two-year deal yesterday.
By the way – why is the time-stamp on this post in Pacific time? Why, it’s because I’m writing this from lovely San Francisco, California (actually Burlingame – that’s where the airport hotels are)! One of the benefits of being married to someone who works in the airline industry is that one can occasionally take these short little jaunts. I arrived this evening and will be here until Saturday. Just a quick little visit, but as I write this I’m farther west than I have ever been in my life, and it’s my first time out here in California.
We went to Fisherman’s Wharf this evening, took the cable car up and down Nob Hill from start to finish (very cool – and they use a brakeman in the most literal sense of the word), and took a couple of trips on the BART (stop complaining about $3 TTC fares, by the way – it cost me and the lovely bride $32 for the round-trip from the airport to the wharf – sheesh). Tomorrow, I wander the city on my own for most of the day, since my wife has to work. I’m going to try to avoid the Black Fridayness and at least find my way to AT&T Park – or whatever they’re calling it now – and Haight-Ashbury. I might even head out to Alcatraz, maybe I’ll wind up getting a guide named Vicky.
Another thing, the Blue Jays are going to offer arbitration to both Rod Barajas and Marco Scutaro. No biggie, as neither guy will accept. Both have multiple suitors on the free agent market and will wind up signing multi-year deals. The Jays are just making the move to protect their draft pick compensation.
Also, the Jays announced a whole bunch of minor-league coaching appointments, and the great Salvatore Fasano will be managing the Lansing Lugnuts of the A-ball Midwest League. I have nothing but respect and tons of time for Fasano, who is a fantastic human being with a great baseball brain, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see him up with the big club as a bullpen coach or something along those lines in the very, very near future.
Rational, reasonable comments and/or suggestions on what to do with my full day in San Francisco are always appreciated! I’d have lunch at Chang’s, but the closest one is in Oakland, so I’ll likely wind up fulfilling the dream of the In-N-Out Burger.
Click here to subscribe to Wilner's blog
MIKE, dont make the same mistake many of my other friends who are new to the west coast make! In and Out burger is vastly overrated.
If you truly want the best fast food of the west, check out the Carls Jr Jalapena burger…or if you are not inclined to spicy stuff, the six dollar burger from carls jr.
ive had at least 3 friends who have come out west and said that carls ended up destroying in and out. trust me….
MW: Next time I go out there, I’ll try Carl’s Jr. I liked the In-N-Out burger, but I wasn’t as overwhelmed as I hoped I’d be.
- General ZodMike,
Thanks for the update. What is this, five days in a row with a blog post? It’s beginning to feel like summer again!
Seriously, if you’re in SF, you gotta hit this restaurant:
http://www.betelnutrestaurant.com/
Went on a California road trip last December and this was one of the best meals.
By the way, what do you think the motivation is for the apparent decision to trade Bover (that’s in pig latin, FYI) this off-season? And what do you think is the likelihood of Lind actually moving to first?
Take care,
MW: I checked the site, but didn’t manage to make it to the restaurant in the short time I had in San Fran – thanks for the recommendation, though! The motivation for trying to deal Overbay is the fact that he is a good player who isn’t under contract beyond next season. If he goes, there’s a strong likelihood that Lind takes over at first.
- SiguyNext season will be extremely painful to watch, especially if Halladay is dealt to the Red Sox. Can you see this team doing better or worse than 75 games in 2010?
MW: Yes, I can. I’m assuming you mean 75 wins, because chances are they’ll play 162 games.
- RajCoit Tower for the view, Amoeba Records for how all record shops should be, Mission for the burritos, Castro for the uniqueness and a walk over the Golden Gate for the sheer majesty. SF is one of the greatest cities in the world, enjoy it !
As for the baseball, I’ve always liked the idea of signing so-so FA to cheap one year deals with the possibility of trading them for prospects at the All Star break, Oakland have done this several times and could be a good move for AA.
- JimDo the audio tour of Alcatraz. I don’t usually like listening to tape recordings as I walk around some tourist stop, but that one is something special.
MW: I have to get to Alcatraz next time.
- Not in SFYou should try to see the cable car museum. It’s on the Powell St. line. Very interesting with a first hand look at how the cable car system actually works.
- Terry McDonaldIf they end up signing Yorvit Torreabla that would also be nothing to get excited about but when I actually checked just how poor the catching talent pool was around the league among the ones that were actually available, I think the potential Torrealba signing would be a good one.
MW: Torrealba would be a fine stopgap, not much more.
- DomenickHave a great time in SF. It’s a lovely city!
I’m assuming that these s/s signings are to allow the team to go after prospects in that area rather than ready-for-prime-time players in the Halladay deal.
Given that we’ve been told over and over, and we believe, that the team will likely finish 4th in the division–and that’s if we’re lucky–I’m not going to get too upset about this guy. And he certainly has a lot of goodwill in Boston. He sounds like their version of Johnny Mac.
The position I’m really concerned about is catcher. I wonder if they’ll bring Zaun back. I’m not one of the Zaunbie Nation types. I don’t have any feelings one way or the other about the guy. But he has been around a long time and could help settle down the young pitchers.
- isabella reyesMike,
If you can do Alcatraz. However, often you have to book in advance so you may be SOL. San Fran is a great city. I’d love to be a brake pad salesman there. Cott Hill (Tower?) is also a nice trip. Enjoy.
- TimDefence!!1 Playoffs!!1
- eyebleafhey mike,
i read the sports illustrated article about sal fasano’s season last year, you gotta feel for him.
now that he’s got a solid gig as a manager in low A ball, will he have good medical coverage?
MW: I’m not sure, actually. Probably?
- Diegoa-gon? who is next kelly gruber and mcgriff the crime dog?
seriously mike, why do the jays need two shortstops who cant hit and one that is 100% going to get injured
and yet still have no catcher
poor johnny mac gets to be the starting ss for 1 day every year
swing and a miss on this one andropolos
MW: It’s Anthopoulos.
- Alan PeransonThe Argos want to play their home games at BMO fied!!! Could this mean they might want to renovate the Rogers Center into a proper baseball stadium or something? If they did that, it would make all of us miserable Blue Jays fans a lot happier. I’m also sure attendance would increase because right now I know some people just don’t go (Or don’t go often) to Jays games because the Rogers Center is a dump. To some it may not seem that big of a deal, but if Toronto had a nice baseball stadium it would make a huge difference! What do you think Mike?
MW: I don’t think there’s any motivation to renovate Rogers Centre into anything but a better NFL stadium.
- Spencer Cmichael,
really nice job hyping up our newest blue jays signing? jeesh…
note to self. if you ever need a pr guy don’t think mike w. is your guy. just kidding michael. you’re just calling it as you see it, we know that.
but this seems to remind me (at least a little bit) of the guy they signed a few yrs. back to play ss on a 1 yr. deal. can’t remember that guys name right now? he didn’t work out really, that much i recall. what was that guy’s name again? a little older than our new alex g. the II.
the other observation i have on this one is that johnny mac (with any notable improvement at the plate) certainly has a chance to be a every day ss next yr. for this team by seasons end.
and the trade bait angle you bring up on the new guy is valid too i think michael……
MW: I think you’re thinking of Royce Clayton.
- darrell bishopJohan Santana at the end of the 2007 season was 28 years old with one year left on his contract. Doc Halladay is now 32 years old and has one year left on his contract.
In terms of ERA, ERA+, K’s per IP, defensive independent ERA, and WARP Santana was a substantially better pitcher in 2007 than Doc is now and four years younger to boot.
Santana was dealt for Carlos Gomez, Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey, and Deolis Guerra. How isit that the Blue Jays can legitimately expect to get more than this?
Every team that the Twins dealt with in 2007 had untouchables, yet you seem to think that the teams that the Blue Jays deal with should not have untouchable players. I don’t see how you arrive at that conclusion even though you tell everybody you talk to on the radio that that is the casse. Don’t forget that the Jays are only dealing one season of Doc’s ability. That’s all they own.
As to your comment that Halladay is a million times better than Chad Billingsley, I couldn’t disagree more.
Billingsley had a 3.31 major league ERA at at age 22, a 3.13 ERA at age 23. His major league stats for the past three seasons:
544 IP, 492 H, 230 BB, 521 K, 46 HR, ERA 3.49.
He is very close in ability to Halladay right now, and is good enough to be an ace on most pitching staffs. Add to that that he is seven years younger than Halladay and likely to improve in the next few seasons and I can understand why Dodger fans would be reluctant to give this us for one season of Halladay.
I can imagine that your evaluation of Billingsley may be slightly different if had been a Jay for the past three seasons and had posted these stats.
MW: You’re right – because he wouldn’t have been posting those stats in one of the best pitchers’ parks in baseball, or posting them against some of the worst-hitting teams in baseball. There’s a MASSIVE difference between putting up pitching numbers in the N.L. West and the A.L. East – I would have expected you, the stat lady, to be well aware of that.
- stat ladyHello Mike, not sure what the payroll is for next season but it doesn’t look like there’ll be an increase & may be a cut in payroll. So, I don’t know where J.P “what’s his face”(as Bob would say it) is going off by saying it’s not a salary dump when he didn’t reclaim Rios from waivers last season. With the signing of Gonzalez, who you put it lightly “doesn’t get on base a lot” when I believe he is just BAD at that with a .325 OBP, & that’s his career best. It’s obvious now that the Jay are NOT going to re-invest that Rios & Roland money into the team this year like I feared. I, as many are extremely frustrated at Rogers & I guess at Alex Anthopolus. I guess more at Alex since he’s the one that put together this plan. That’s if Rogers was willing to put in $120 million if Alex asked for it. Which I don’t think he did. I think that they should of gave it a run this coming season since they have arguably the best pitcher in the majors in Doc for one more year.
I think that they should sign Jason Bay, Figgins & go for Lackey. Halladay, Lackey, Romero, Marcum & McGowan looks like the best rotation in baseball. If by any chance there’s an injury, there’s depth in the minors to come up. Re-sign Barjahas & if they can. Trade Overbay for a hitter that’s more aggressive & more of a power threat at the plate, but not a priority. A closer I think is very important because playoff teams usually do have one though would be expensive. Most proven top notch ones in the league will command at least B.J Ryan kind of money. What they have in the bullpen is just not good proven ones for this season if they were to go for it. That would have to be done via trade ’cause I don’t think there are any of those in free agency this year. Then, trade Enarcarcion for a better bat at third but not a priority since they can do that during the season if things are going well. Besides, Enarcarcion is due for a career year & I do like his power. The end result would be that Lind at first, Hill at second, Enarcarcion at third, Barjahas at the plate, & got Bay, Snider, & Wells in the outfield. That’s a pretty good line up & should be around $100 payroll, but probably more if they are way over paying for free agents. You gotta hope Wells is due to break out of whatever he’s in for 2 years. I’d rather risk loosing Halladay & go for this year then just trade him now. At the worst, if the Jays are out of it before the trading deadline, deal Halladay then. Even though they won’t get as much, they should still get a couple good players in return. & if they make the playoffs, I believe Doc will resign but may want an op-out clause after 2 years or so, which is ok. I believe, it’s worth the risk only because they might as well now since they have a pitcher that only comes like once in a decade. If it doesn’t pan out this season, then I say they should re-tool & then start like a 3 year plan.
As much as I do like Alex Anthopolus, I don’t believe he can get the job done meaning win a World Series. He is a rookie GM & he’s gonna make some big mistakes. Hopefully, it’s not in the Gord Ash variety. I have lost faith in this organization. A year ago or so they said they will go for it in 2010..What happened to that??…So, this seems like a 3 year plan since that’s Beeston’s contract..a year away is a long time & lots of things can things happen so I’ll believe it when I see it.
I purchased about 12 games last year up until they traded Rolan & I usually purchase anywhere from 18-22 games per year. This year, I am NOT buying any tickets for this season if Halladay is traded. Rogers is not going to get my money this coming season if that happens. The only way I’m going to a game is if they are for free via friends or work. Having said that, if they trade Halladay, I predict that the attendance will be much less than last year…& if they trade him to the Red Sox or Yankees, I don’t think I will ever forgive Alex Anthopolus & Rogers for that. Looking at the Boston’s & New York’s prospects, there aren’t any deal that is worth Halladay & the fact that the Jays will have to face him like 4-6 a year for the next 6 years each!(assuming he resigns) On top of that, they will alienate fans. If they have like a Starsburg or a Lincecum then maybe. They bottom line is that YOU don’t trade arguably the best pitcher in baseball to a team in your own division if you plan to contend in in the next 5 years or so. THAT is just plan stupidity. Period.
MW: Sorry, I gave up reading halfway through. You really need to proofread. But from what I did read – as Bob would say – you’re dreaming in technicolour.
- David F from EtobicokeIf you are looking for a fine place to eat, head to Washington Square, and visit a small corner restaurant off of Columbus Street called “Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe”. They serve the world’s best foccaccia sandwich (I recommend the chicken one) and the restaurant and surrounding North Beach neighbourhood has a real character. Look across the park area and see St. Peter and St. Paul’s Cathedral, a popular scene in many movies, including Dirty Harry. This area is well away from the Black Friday madness. Avoid the Union Square area today!!
Enjoy your day!!
- CraigIt’s ironic that the first move Ricciardi made was to trade Alex Gonzalez and the first one Anthopoulos made was to sign Alex Gonzalez (not that one).
MW: The first move J.P. made was actually to deal for Eric Hinske.
- scottI don’t get this signing.I know it is only a stop gap measure but when we already have John MacDonald why do we need another SS with the same skill set?Unless this is just stockpiling for a future trade this signing makes no sense to me.
MW: It’s not the same skill set. Gonzalez has a career OPS almost 100 points higher than McDonald’s.
- PaulHey Mike
Did you go to Alcatraz? If I ever get to the area that is one place I would like to check out. I am guessing there are a lot of ghosts in that place.
I am so glad that Johnny Mac got signed and I am crossing my fingers he will get to play more often this coming season.
I read about Sal yesterday and am very happy for him. I think he will make a great coach and like you I don’t think it will take him too long to make it to the big club
All the best
- Annemichael,
royce clayton was the ss i was thinking of from a few yrs. back.
but a little older than alex a. II & not the quite bat i’m quite sure either as i recall.
and do you think they’re even at all considering barrett at backcatch next season.
shame about his injury last yr. was looking forward to seeing what he had over the course of the yr. even if it was as a backup…
i think you were too if i’m not mistaken.
MW: Backcatch? Backcatch?
- darrell bishopMike,
Glad to hear you’re having a good time in San Fran – just make sure you don’t get overtaken by the high levels of smug (I hear there’s still remnants of Clooney’s acceptance speech floating around out there – watch out!).
Here’s my latest inquiry: I’ve recently come across the idea that a common way to predict BABIP is to take a batter’s line drive rate and add ~.120 points. This raised the question: where can I find out a batter’s line drive rate? I’ve never come across any database that maintains this statistic, but it sounds very interesting in it’s own right, let alone it’s use in predicting BABIP.
MW: Baseball-reference.com, a fantastic website, keeps line drive percentage numbers.
- goldsacHi Mike: Not much has been said about the abrupt demise of BJ Ryan. When he was picked up by the Cubs and assigned to the Minors, it was said he wasn’t satisfied with his velocity and didn’t think it was going to improve, so he packed it in. Is there any more on this? It seems to me that after his return from Tommy John surgery, he had an Ok year in 2008. Then, last year, had no velocity or location and got hammered. Makes me think there were undisclosed physical issues. Have you heard anything??
MW: Nothing that anyone has been able to prove.
- Richard HennesseyCornering the half of the SS market could end up paying dividends at the draft and the trade deadline:)
Would love to hear more on your impressions of San Fran. I am heading that way for the first time next April when the Rockies are in town.
MW: I’ll post about the trip later this week.
- larrybIf you went to the Wharf then I assume you saw and heard the California golden seals barking on the dock. I think they are still upset about the ugly skates Charlie Finlay made them wear.
Alcatraz is very cool and you can still see the cell Clint Eastwood escaped from.
I also suggest you look into renting a convertible Mustang and heading out for a nice long drive northbound on the #101. Take your time as you drive over the GG bridge, then pull over in Sausalito to get a view from below. Cut over on Hwy 1 and head to Muir beach and Stinson Beach and keep going as log as you can before heading back. The windy road along the cliffs overlooking the ocean is a fun drive. Best shared with your wife though. Put it on your bucket list. The eucalyptus groves are a pleasant surprise.
MW: It’s on the list.
- TouchemallJoeWilner,
Definitely check out Alcatraz. You may have to buy tickets a day or two in advance, but it’s worth it. If you’re a choclate lover, check out Ghiradelli (sp). Avoid the crooked street (unless you’re driving it).
MW: I really wanted to drive the crooked street, but didn’t have time to get to it.
- BobbyMike:
I hope you are enjoying San Francisco.
How neat would it be to have Fasano as a manager? His interview with you (in 2008 I believe) was one of my favorites – he sounded like a real character.
Have you seen the Butterfield interview in this free BP article? I found it interesting.
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=9753
MW: I haven’t read it yet, but I will. Butter is one of my favourite people.
- James (from the Church of the Double Steal)Vicky’s the best!
MW: May he rest in peace.
- Kevin SmithHi Mike,
I’m already getting the Spring training itch even though we are months away! Considering the Jays are looking for an outfielder who can possibly hit lead off, why not bring Reed Johnson back? I’m sure he would come cheap! I also think that bringing back a fan favorite could help the Jays from a promotional point of view.
MW: Reed can’t hit leadoff. That is, he can, but you wouldn’t want him to.
- JonMike….I know Fillmore’s West was famous for old rock when concert promoter Bill Graham ran it.(Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, etc)..Graham closed it in 1971, but it still may be there and make a good snapshot, or it may still hold shows, I’m not sure…I know you love music so I threw it out there…Have fun and a safe trip home…You’re a good Canadian Mike, home in time for the Grey Cup…Be safe!
- chris m.Hello Mike,
I thought the Jays said this year that they were going to trade for young tallent and build a young group of players to work with for the next few years and then compete for the World Series. I really like the idea alot. Young teams always start off slow but as they get older and as they develop then they torn into real good players like lets do Aaron Hill. As a rookie he only hit 3 homeruns in 105 games, then went to 6 and 3 years later he has 36 homeruns and was an AL MVP candidate. His numbers will improve over the years. Same with Lind. Had 11 homeruns in his offical rookie season and 2 years later he has 35 homeruns. Both of them will help the development of the Jays for a longtime to come. But the things that is really getting me mad is that AA is signing 2 veterans who play SS. McDonald is 35 and Gonzalez is 32 and will be 33 next season. I am really going to question these signings. I wanted them to trade for a young SS. But we will see how this move turns out. I also wanted to know how close the Jays are to tradeing Halladay. They can get a good rookie package of prospects with trading Doc.
MW: They may yet trade for a young shortstop, but it could well be one who isn’t yet ready for the majors. Gonzalez and McDonald will fill the hole until then and cost them nothing but money.
- DaveMike,
I’m not sure where you lay on this issue but I think the Jays are closer to being a contender than they are being a team that needs to rebuild. I agree with the suggestion that if you want to compete in the AL East you need to back up the Brinks truck and unload approx. $120M.
What peices do they need to be a contender? I would say a legit #2 starter, a catcher who can throw out runners and not hurt you at the plate, a shortstop that has a plus glove and can either hit or run, Chone Figgins at third, and a HR bat. I think by upping the payroll this could be acheived. The lineup needs a legit leadoff and a power bat that I think will make Lind and Hill (and who knows maybe even Wells) better hitters. The bullpen is great and I think there are multiple candidates for a closer and never prescribe to the adidge of buying a closer (they rairly pan out).
I’m gonna do some research on the corralation between payroll and wins (the only stat that really matters in the long run) since 2000 when payroll disparity became an issue……I will keep you posted.
MW: Spellcheck, please. Also, though, the A.L. East is a different beast than the rest of the majors when it comes to payroll and wins. That sort of research often doesn’t tell the whole story. I agree with you – the Jays could be contenders next year if they chose to move in that direction. But they have chosen a different direction.
- IanMike, I think the best part of Sal Fasano being hired is that he gets a health plan which can help pay for his son’s care. I read that story a few months ago and it nearly broke my heart.
- Sam McLeanMike, Macdonald’s signing I like. We can always use his glove. What’s with Gonzalez! His numbers are horrible. I am starting to get shaky regarding the next two years.Your thoughts….
MW: My thoughts are in the post to which you’re commenting.
- JohnMichael,
Do you think Edgar Martinez will get in the HOF?
Do you think he deserves to be there?
How can I help Thomas F. Cheek get in the HOF?
MW: Maybe. Probably. Go vote!
- Uncle BenYour thoughts on this trade?
Halladay
for
Buccholz
Kelly
Lowrie
MW: Sounds reasonable to me, though I’m not yet sold on Casey Kelly.
- Matt S.Hey Mike
Resigning McDonald and adding Gonzalez are certainly nothing to get excited about. Neither guy will be playing short for the Jays if they ever become a contender. With Doc on the move, 2010 is a write-off. The one move i do like is not re-signing Scutaro. No point in signing an older guy coming off a career year when you have no chance of contending anyhow. The nice thing is Scoot is a type A free agent, and since the Jays are rebuilding, i’m guessing AA would prefer the extra draft picks.
MW: Correct.
- RickHey Mike,
I really don’t understand why they signed Alex Gonzalez other than the old lightning in a bottle idea that JP used to subscribe to. I would far rather see Johnny Mac play at almost half the price if all we are expecting is defense. Still the reason I am posting is to clarify something – “NEVER posted an OPS+ of 100 or more” At first I thought it was a typo meaning OPS over 700 which I believe is around the average, but AG has 3 seasons above 700 even though his career average is only 689. Please clarify the comment for me. Sorry to nit pick if it is a typo, but I like to understand all the great info you feed to us.
Thanks Mike. Enjoy the vacation
Tim
MW: “OPS+” is a measure that shows a player’s OPS relative to the league average, where 100 is average.
- TimHey Mike,
Hope you’re enjoying the off-season. Looking forward to see what happens with the Roy Halladay sweepstakes.
What do you think Pat Hentgen’s chances of getting into the Hall of fame? I see that he is a first time ballot this year.
Thanks
MW: Hentgen, as great a guy as he is and as good a pitcher as he was, has absolutely no chance of making it to the Hall of Fame. He won’t even get the 5% of the vote that would keep him on the ballot another year.
- James from Mississaugaalex gonzalez was the best available pickup considering all that was available(not counting scutero who played so well hes going to get a much derserved raise from another team)i justed wanted to pipe up to a subject i’veeen far too often and that is complacency in fans and the bluejays just 4 an example…the 2010 bluejay calendar incodes ALEX RIOS,SCOTT ROLEN AND BJ RYAN…WHATS WITH THAT?
MW: It does? Whose calendar?
- glensorry about the typos
MW: Apology accepted.
- glenIf you believe the media and how they are spinning everything, the Jays 2010 season is going to be a long one. Having said that I still believe this team is better than what it has shown in the last couple of years. With some smarter in game managment they most certainly would have been better than their record showed last year.
It is gettng a little tiring hearing the same comments from AA about how much money the Jays will have to spend “if we see something that is going to help the team, the money will be there” – so to speak.
Going forward if AA is not just a voice for Beeston I think the organization (Rogers) needs to put out a budget and make it clear as to how much they are going to or willing to spend. I mean is it 60, 80, 100 or 120 mil.
I believe it has to be in the 120 mil range and it has to be consistent money, year after year. You don’t have to spend it all every year – but being consistent in that department would mean a whole lot to the fans and signing players, or at least getting the word out they mean business!
Believe it or not even players who are contemplating moves want to hear from their agents how much money teams are willing to spend on payroll, and if the Jays can’t be open publicly with their player salary budget, not too many are going to be interested in signing with them.
It will be tough to get a big name going to Toronto if the Jays (Rogers) keep on low balling as to their overall budget. These guys (players) have pride also – it’s just not all about the money – they want to win as much as the next guy.
It’s a fine line the Jays are walking these days as to retaining a fan base and interst overall towards them. The refreshing news that was coming from AA when the season ended is very quickly becoming nothing more than “cheap talk” and looking a lot like he has been put where he is for now, as only a “spokesperson” for Beeston. Not a good thing for AA.
Time for Rogers to stop treating this team like a small market outfit. They are far from that being the only MLB team in Canada!
Thanks. Nice to hear your enjoying your tour in Sanfran Mike. Did you make it to Alcatraz? Spooky place to be when you sit back and really think of all the history behind those walls.
MW: I didn’t. Hopefully next time, though.
- Bob (from Burllington)Hey Mike, great blog so far this offseason – what is your reaction to Johnny Mac getting TWO years? Sure it’s not a lot of money, but I can’t really wrap my head around it. The metrics suggest his defense isn’t as good as we think, he’s aging, and his bat has got to be close to being so negative that his defense barely makes up for it. Why wouldn’t they wait it out a bit and try bring him back on a 1 year deal worth a million bucks or something? It’s not like he’s going to play much with Cito managing, and now they have their starter so again, I’m having trouble understanding it, maybe you can help. Cheers,
MW: I’m actually not sure why they would give him two years. Maybe because they want to keep him in the organization beyond his playing days and he wanted this to be his last contract.
- PatMike,
Seems the Jays are re-creating what was once the left side of the Reds infield – too bad they couldn’t do that for the RIGHT side of that infield.
This is just another retread gap-filler to add to the lineup. When you can’t develop enough of your own players,sign high-priced free agents, or make shrewd trades… well, you end up with this kind of thing over and over – players that really aren’t bad, but who just aren’t as good as some other teams’ players..
At least this means Johnny Mac isn’t being pencilled in as the starting shortstop. He might be a genuinely nice guy – does this make him relatively unique in MLB circles? – but to hand a starting role to a career untiltyman in his mid-thirties (unless he’s named Marco Scutaro) would have been embarassing…
Hope AA isn’t holding out for much if he’s shopping Big Lyle and his ever impressive OBP (as he should be) – being able to dump his bad contract would be sufficient…
MW: Overbay’s contract isn’t bad. And yes, being a genuinely nice guy does make McDonald relatively unique in professional athletics.
- KenMike, I understand what they’re doing at the shortstop position, but I thought Barajas did a real good job with the young staff and would be a no-brainer to be back. Does AA put more creedence in obtaining draft picks than developing his pitching staff. Also, it seems to me that the minor league catchers aren’t developing at a great pace so what might be the inside thinking on filling this position over the next 3-4 years?
MW: They may look at trading for a catcher, or bringing in a younger non-tender candidate like a Kelly Shoppach. As far as Barajas developing the pitching staff, there’s no doubt he was helpful, but so were Gregg Zaun and Sal Fasano before him. There’s more value in the draft pick.
- steveHi Mike,
In the spirit of Blue Jay middle infielders past, present and future, and coinciding with the upcoming Hall of Fame ballot and weekend, I wanted to get your take on Roberto Alomar:
1. Do you think Robbie will be a first ballot entry?
1b. Do you think he should be?
2. If he is elected to the Hall, do you think he will enter as the first recognized Jay?
3. I’m sorry I’ve been away for so long. I’ve missed you…
Thanks!
MW: 1. Probably. 1b. Yes. 2. Yes. 3. Welcome back.
- BrandenHi Mike
I’m tired of everyone lamenting about the possible loss of their “HOLY” prospects if they trade for Halladay.
I say we Keep him, get another mlb pitcher(Edwin Jackon, Zack Greinke?) a CF- (Cody Ross) and a C (Torrealba), trade overbay give up some prospects(including Snider and/or Romero) keep Halladay and go for ws ourselves.
MW: Not gonna happen.
- PaulKI haven’t decided on what ticket package to buy yet. My friend was saying the ticket office was giving out a pair of 500 level outfield tickets for this Thursday’s Bill game for a 20-pack commitment. Prices have moved upwards so I think I’m willing to pick and choose specific games but it won’t match the 26 games I saw last season. Oh well, (re)building comes at a price! Enjoy SanFran Mike.
- LeonardHi Mike, I hope your off season is going well for you.
When evaluating the potential Roy Halladay trade how come the potential sandwich picks are never talked about. If Halladays new team does not sign him, do they not receive these two picks? I mean, I guess Halladay could have a sub par year or he could retire but isn’t the Halladay deal really Halladay and 2 sandwich picks for whatever the Jays accept?
Bob in Guelph
MW: One sandwich pick, plus a first-round pick, but you’re absolutely right. Whoever gets Halladay gets him and two first-round draft picks.
- Bob from GuelphOkay, this from Griffin in The Star makes no sense at all:
“The fact is, by late July, Rogers ownership and Paul Beeston knew Ricciardi was on his way out. They knew that, as such, having the departing GM make the franchise’s biggest trade since Dec. 5, 1990, for Roberto Alomar and Joe Carter, made no sense.”
He’s talking about the Halladay debacle last July. If, in fact, Beeston et al knew that Ricciardi was on his way out and therefore should not make the trade, why in hell was he allowed to open his mouth at all? I can’t believe that Ricciardi talked to Ken Rosenthal without Beeston knowing about it. Halladay is the franchise’s premier, most prized player and the best pitcher the club has ever had. Idly chatting about trading him without a definite plan in place to do just that would be moronic. That would be career suicide–the sort of thing that gets you fired immediately and frog-marched out the door.
Well, maybe Beeston etc thought that Ricciardi might be back for another year. But that makes no sense either. Whatever your feelings or my feelings were about JP Ricciardi, the man was a lightning-rod for Jay fans’ discontent and he was heading into the last year of a contract so either he’s rehired now or he’s a lame duck who can’t be allowed to make any moves at all. If Beeston had announced a contract extension there would have been a lynch party heading straight down to the RC. The press called him the most hated man in TO sports, and they weren’t wrong. So Beeston had to know Ricciardi wouldn’t see 2010 in a Jays front-office position.
The only thing I can think of is that Ricciardi was given the go-ahead to talk in order to gauge interest and possible trading partners. But, again, the interest and possible trading partners were there for all to see. It’s not rocket science to work out that the Yankees, the BoSox, the Dodgers, the Phillies and maybe the Angels would be in the mix.
What happened last July was inexplicable to me. So I’d love your thoughts on what Griffin said.
MW: I have no clue how Rich knows the “facts” about what was going on in Beeston’s head in July.
- isabella reyesMike,
To measure a pitcher do you like using Opp. Batting Avg, Opp On-Base, and Opp Slugging?
MW: Sure, those are good evaluative metrics.
- TheSunkenZealotHey MW,
Vernon Wells won the LVP! With Rios getting a dishonorable mention:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/11/19/anti.awards/index.html
In your mind is there a more deserving American LVP?
MW: Well, Posnanski said he wanted to give it to Yuniesky Betancourt, but had to give it to Vernon because of what’s remaining on his contract. It seems an odd way to vote for post-season awards, even negative ones.
- Rajmr wilner
first off mike i think this signing is nothing more than finding a guy on the scrap heap and going on the cheap overall.
you talk about his defense but the jays already have that in john mcdonald so now they have two john mcdonald’s really.
this signing shows me two things. the jays are not serious about making a splash in free angency and will continue to be cash conscious and for those who thought the Chone figgins and john lackey’s were coming to Toronto were way off.
this team will continue to sign guys who are average or below that and market the team as if they have a chance to contend with the boston’s and new york’s of the world. Toronto is becoming more like pittsburgh and Kansas city anaheim and bostons of the spending world.
i see that halladay has given the jays a deadline for moving him. get ready for the jays to get less than they would have had they moved him in last years trade deadline.
JP really left this club in great shape. lol.
MW: You needed the signing of Gonzalez to show you that the Jays weren’t going to be players for Figgins or Lackey? Didn’t the Blue Jays telling you that show you that?
- mark in caledoniamichael,
you’re the best. truthfully.
yes backcatch!!!
he plays backcatch. it’s short for the proper term backcatcher!!!
are you new to the game or what? jeesh….
MW: There is no such position in baseball as backcatcher.
- darrell bishopbackcatch? thats the funniest thing i’ve seen on the ole blog in a while. enjoy the off season.
- Nathanielre post: 53
mr wilner
i didnt need an example of the jays signing alex gonzalez to show me they arnt players in the figgins or lackey sweepstakes. as i said during the season the jays will go the direction of the cheap and prop up players like gonzalez that these are major signings in the free agent market
mike can you agree that before the first pitch is thrown in 2010, the jays have no shot of even the wild card. i think fans who beleive the jays will sign bay, figgins or others are truely smoking the devils lettuce.
its quite the joke when the first splash of free agency from the jays is alex gonzalez. is the world series parade route been mapped out yet. always a pleasure mike
MW: I guess I understand your frustration. but these are the hands you’ve been dealt. It’s not as though the Blue Jays have come out and told us that they plan to be a force next season and then presented Alex Gonzalez. The truth is, they ARE out of the playoff race before the season even starts, barring something totally unforeseen. Thing is, there’s a good plan in place and there are good people to implement it to get them back to the point where we all want them to be.
- mark in caledoniamichael,
- darrell bishopi know there’s no such thing as backcatcher.
sigh….
Michael,
I don’t know how club budgets work but in addition to having a higher payroll for players, do Boston and NY not also have more money for things like scouts, minor league facilities, training facilities, etc..?
Doesn’t that also put the Jays at a disadvantage in player development and drafting (which seems to be the backbone of the new direction I’ve heard about)?
MW: It does.
- Uncle Ben“On Thursday, the Mariners were associated with four of the most sought-after free agents this offseason, as multiple outlets reported their interest in Figgins, Jason Bay, John Lackey and Rich Harden.” From the MLB site.
Looks like the Mariners have been reading the blog or listening to the JaysTalk…or maybe their fans are crying the same blues, who knows but the Jays should be doing what the Mariners are doing!
MW: And for those who think Bay would give a hometown discount to the Blue Jays, think twice – it’s the Ms he grew up loving.
- Sleepy