5:50 PM Pacific
I have joined a whole big whack of The FAN’s crew out here in B.C. for some huge winter sporting event that’s going to get going later this week, so there won’t be a whole heck of a lot of bloggage coming from these quarters for the rest of this month.
There are all kinds of big, important rules surrounding these sorts of sporting get-togethers, and one of them is no blogging. So, unless the Blue Jays make some big news (and I hear about it up here), this is going to be it until I get back home at the beginning of March.
I can tell you a few things about my first couple of days up here on the mountain, though. First of all, this place is gorgeous. It’s my first time in Whistler and the views are spectacular. I look out the window of my condo and see the mountain. The village is pretty cool, and in the first couple of hours of walking around here yesterday I saw groups of people wearing the uniforms of the Italian, French, Swiss, Polish, Russian and Croatian teams. I’m directly across from the Swiss Broadcasting Centre and a minute’s walk from the Medal Plaza. Here’s hoping, if the bosses don’t mind, that I’ll be able to trade some of the cool uniformy stuff they gave me before I left for some of the other countries’ cool uniformy stuff at the end of the month.
The drive up the Sea-To-Sky Highway was spectacular as well, especially the part where the bus driver told me (because I was sitting closest to the front, I assume), that I was going to have to navigate once we got into Whistler. As I mentioned above, this is the first time I have ever been to Whistler. That made the end of the bus ride kind of fun.
I managed to trek up to the finish area of the downhill today, and while I was walking up got a chance to see a bit of a staged mid-course helicopter rescue. I didn’t get a great view, nor did I manage any pictures, so I’m not sure why I’m telling you this, except that it was kind of cool.
It’s awfully difficult to pin down this Whistler Village thing. I figured I’d have the lay of the land by now, but I don’t. Oh, well, all that means is that there are a ton of things to do around here when there aren’t events on. I doubt I’ll get to do much, though I do have event veterans Jeff Blair and Rob Faulds up here to show me the way. Chances are my days will be vacuum-packed with sporting events to cover, no time to party. Also, I think I’m going to try to stay, relatively, on East Coast time. That way it’ll feel like I’m sleeping in until 11:00 every day! Of course, it also means being in bed by 9:00 local. We’ll see how long that lasts.
As far as baseball is concerned, I’m surprised that so many people seem to have their shorts in a knot about guys like Kevin Gregg and Dana Eveland. Gregg, as awful as he was at keeping the ball in the park last year, had a better WHIP than Jason Frasor in both 2007 and 2008. He’s not that bad, and he came awfully, awfully cheap. Eveland is another arm to throw onto the pile, and whether it means the Jays will have a decision at the end of Spring Training with too many guys who are out of options, or too many guys slated to pitch in Vegas, or a few guys they might have to send through waivers or release, then so be it. They’ll have six weeks to get a good look at as many arms as they can, and anyone who has watched this team over the last few years knows that the Jays always need rather a plentiful supply of back-up arms.
And to clear up some confusion, both in these parts and others, David Purcey is NOT out of options going into this season.
Again, I apologize for what will be a distinct lack of bloggage in this space for the rest of the month. I will try to answer comments as they come in, but I think I can only answer baseball-related stuff. Winter sports and the like are pretty much off-limits – I don’t want to break any rules.
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Nice job, if you can get it.
MW: Absolutely – and all I had to do was be the first to bundle wireless, internet, cable and home phone!
- ZackHave fun out west. Like a moron I forgot about the Olympics and decided to go to Mexico for the first week of the Games… blah!
Are you really limited to just baseball? Does one of the other guys get to slap you upside the head if you express, say, a hockey opinion? What’s with that guy who wears sunglasses inside and likes the sound of his own voice? Why is he allowed to talk about anything? How come you don’t have a TV show on Rogers? Hang on!?!?! Since when is baseball in the winter games… what are you doing out there? Snowball reports? :)
- DavidBarajas doesn’t seem to have any takers at the moment.
Any chance the Jays bring him back for one year if the price is right?
Allan
MW: Nope. Obviously not now, but that was never the plan. Someone was going to sign Barajas and the Jays knew it – and that first-rounder was something they really wanted.
- AllanYeah, they wouldn’t want you to talk about what its like at the 2nd (or is it third) largest sporting event in the world. That would just ruin it for all of us back in the rest of Canada.
Have fun Mike, it only happens about once every sixteen years or so……
GW
MW: “They” being the IOC, of course.
- Greg WHi Mike!
I hope you enjoy your time is Whistler! I have never been but would love to visit one of these years…
There are rumours flying about via F0X that the Jays are interested in Wang. If he is indeed healthy, and the Jays were to sign him, where would you slot him in the rotation?
MW: I would have taken a flier on him, but wouldn’t have counted on him for anything out of the spring.
- JonI don’t see the harm in stocking up on cheap arms. But one would think instead of signing 5 or 6 poor to mediocre players..why not take that money and sign one good guy that could actually have an impact. In the past 3 weeks AA has signed about 6 guys who are not going to be part of the future. I would take the money, go get Damon and we would have a lead off hitter for one year…If he has a good year and leaves, we may just get two picks for him
MW: Judging by how hard a time Damon had finding a job this winter, it’s no guarantee that those picks would have surely been coming in the off-season. Damon would have taken playing time away from Travis Snider, which isn’t a good thing.
- KenHello,
The Jays seem to have some solid pieces in place going into the future. One area, I think they lack, is lead-off (speed).
Do you know if they are targeting anyone via trade or free-agency that may fill that spot? Or is there anyone in their farm system they have high hopes for?
Thanks,
MW: Nope.
- StavrosHey Mike who cares about winter sports I come to this space for baseball news I could care less about the olympics.
PS we need MLB TV in Canada
MW: Sorry about that. A full refund is on the way.
- DanoMike,
Why is there a rule saying no blogging? Just curious.
MW: I’m not sure.
- RandyMike,
I was depressed but not surpised to discover that my online book offers +14000 on a futures wager on the Blue Jays to win the 2010 World Series. That means that a $1 wager would pay $140 if the Jays to win. The Jays’ odds are second worse after the Washington Nationals, who are offered at +17500. Dark days ahead, Mike.
MW: What odds would you have given on the Jays to win the World Series? I think they’re a lot longer shot than 140 to 1.
- Cleveland MarkHave you ever been to Phoenix? I’m going to watch the Jays play the Diamondbacks on May long weekend. If you have any good advice of a nice hotel near the ball park I would appreciate it. Something in the 4 or 5 star category. I know there are a lot of nice hotels in Scottsdale but I don’t want to be too far from the ballpark. Enjoy the olympics!
MW: I have been to Phoenix, but certainly didn’t stay in a four or five star hotel. Also, I stayed in Scottsdale. Sorry about that!
- DomenickA question unrelated, but I was wondering if you’ve had a chance to see any of the new turf at Rogers Centre. I hope it doesn’t look as bad as the old turf in skydome. The fact that it was free is somewhat bothersome.
MW: I haven’t seen it laid out on the field at Rogers Centre, but I have seen it on the half-diamond in Dunedin, and it definitely looks better than the FieldTurf.
- AlexMike,
Being from out West, I know how beautiful the mountains can be. Its amazing more people from Toronto have NOT been there . There’s nowhere else in Canada like it, I hope you and your family get a good long chance to enjoy it (western pride shining through here).
MW: My family was only there for three days, but I certainly enjoyed it – it’s a beautiful place!
- JaredTo link baseball with your trip go chat with ex Nashua Pride Bode Miller !
- tomashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bodemiller1.JPG
Hi Mike,
I found an interesting article on a shortstop in the Texas organization named Joaquin Arias. I guess he has had a good winterball but Texas is out of options with him and would like to trade him instead of putting him on waivers. Do you know anything about this player? Considering the Jays don’t have a dearth of good shortstops in their system, would he be a good fit?
Thanks.
Jon
MW: Not especially. He has had real issues with getting on base throughout his pro career. I haven’t seen enough of him to know anything about his defense, though.
- JonWill someone Else from the Fan Cover Spring trraining? And how will you Tape your Interviews that you during the Season?
MW: Rarely am I at Spring Training in February anyway, so there’s no need for anyone else to come down . And I generally do the interviews that I use during the season, during the season.
- NickMike . . . what gives?
Why are you in Vancouver for the Olympics when spring training opening about to open in Florida?(Who cares about the Olympics, that
snoozefest for corporate and government troughfeeders? And close to a billion $ for security alone, what an obscenity! As if anyone really cares who wins the biathalon, skeleton,speed skating, bobsledding, etc. . . .)
Questions abound. Will the Jays make some moves in spring training? Do you think Overbey will still be a Jay when the team heads north? Will there be any suprises in the starting rotation? Any chance the Jays will add a player — Dye would be a great fit on a short-term contract, he could play some 1b and DH (both of which he says he is willing to do.)
MW: There’s always a chance that moves will be made in the off-season, but I expect Overbay to go north as a Blue Jay. If you’re looking for someone to play first and DH, why not use Randy Ruiz?
- Ken in KingstonHey Mike, I was wondering I know we heard that McGowan threw off the mound and had a pain free session but is their anymore news about him? will he be good enough to compete for a spot on the roster or does it depend on how he does this spring?
MW: It depends on how healthy and effective he is this spring, though I expect him to start the season on the DL.
- RoyceMike…Sports people often say the team that received the best player wins the trade. (e.g. Leafs with Phaneuf beating out Calgary with Hagman, White, Stajan and Mayers)… Mike, I don’t know if you live/agree with that adage, but when hot prospects are involved who are yet unproven, can one say the Phillies got the better of Toronto and Seattle because they landed Halladay?
MW: I don’t know if you can say the Phillies “got the better” of the Jays – that’s certainly a different connotation than winning the trade. I don’t think there’s any doubt that the Phillies made themselves far, far better in the short term than the Jays did, though.
- chris m.I know it’s super early to start thinking about it and it’s all speculative of course but Baseball America just released their 2010 Draft Order. With Harper at #1, pitchers 2-9 then Colon (SS) at 10, Machado (SS) at 11 with Cox (3B) at 12. Since the Jays pick 11th it will be interesting to see if they flat out pick the best player like AA has said, or try to fill a need. The only real intriguing SS prospect we have is Gustavo Pierre since J. Jackson took a monster step back. Also, interesting to see the Jays big on JJ. Ruiz. It’s obvious that AA is gung-ho for a shortstop!
- RenegadeBastian is picking Tallet to be in the starting rotation over Cecil.
Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?
MW: Because that’s what Cito is saying.
- Ryan HallHey Mike, its great to hear you out in Vancouver….what do you think about the contract that Wang signed with the Nationals…wouldn’t he have been a guy that would have been good for the Jays to go after…an established arm that has pitched in the AL east before, on a short term, low cost contract?
Also, just out of curiosity, why can’t you comment about the winter sports?
Chris in Oshawa
MW: See above on Wang. As for the Olympics – tight, tight rules.
- Chris Bmichael,
you turned out to be absolutely right re: doube e. & him being a possible candidate for the sleeper category at 3b with that rotoworld poolster blog.
yes ee was definitely mentioned.the guy thinks if healthy & pencilled in every day at the corner, 25 hr’s 90 rbi’s. and btw he stated a very very impressive ops for our man edwin last yr.in his ltd no. of at bats.
so there you go.
maybe we’ll need to salute j.p. on that transcation last yr. regardless of the progress of the pitchers in that same deal attained…..
MW: Don’t be so quick to salute – Encarnacion was forced on the Jays in the deal, they didn’t want him.
- darrell bishopA line from Ian McConnell’s Bleacher Report on the Jays”
“Now is the time to be a fan. There is no bandwagon, just us.”
True dat. So I plan to be in there cheering for my team this season.
- isabella reyesMike – I read Bob Elliot’s colunm and he is right – there has been a significant oversight by Vanoc. They should have included Larry Walker somehow in the opening. I hope someone will get the message through ahd they can inlcude him in some way in the closing.
Bob’s points made in his column are valid.
- RezThe Jays have to bring in as many arms etc as they can. Despite any and all complaints as to who is who – they are building a club over time that will be a contender or at the very least a major player in the AL East for a long time.
It’s going to take time and I can see why they are doing what they are doing in order to keep themselves in some sort of competative state during this re-building venture. They realize they have team morale to contend with during this time and have to build not only a team, but also a fan base.
No one says you have to finish dead last in all of baseball during a re-building process in order to be successful at doing so. Hence the more decisions they have to make at spring training the better.
There is a definitive plan moving forward here, so let’s have our say for sure, but let’s also have faith in the braintrust behind the plan and not go running around bashing certain moves for the sake of doing so. There is a tough job laying ahead for managment, and appeasing all will never happen. Support is what they will need more than anything from start to finish.
Thanks Mike, enjoy the once in a lifetime experience you are engaged in and come back safe and sound.
- Bob (Burlington)great…now we get to watch Jose Molina take 500 at-bats this year…that combined with a sprinkle of Cito blunders should make for a compelling offensive force…..this organization is really pushing it…ugh
MW: I can’t imagine there’s any non-disaster scenario that would see Molina get anywhere close to 500 at-bats.
- jpHey Mike ,
I was wondering if you could answer a couple questions for me about spring training. I am going to be in Florida at the time of the Blue Jays spring training and was wondering if it is possible to watch the practices or just attend the games? If so where would I do that and how? Any information you could provide me with would be great. Thanks
MW: This might be a little late. Before the games start, the workouts are open to the public, but once the games get underway, it’s just like the regular season.
- JesseHi Mike,
I wasn’t sure where else to send this to, so here I am.
I just wanted to let you know how impressed I was by your coverage and assessment of the death of the Georgian luger early on in the Olympics. I heard you on the Fan at one point, speaking to…someone…maybe the afternoon guys? Kudos to you. Keep up the good work, and go Jays!
MW: Thanks.
- ChrisHey Mike,
I am going to be in Tampa the first week of March and I am wondering if the jays workouts are ioen to the public? I won’t be able to make it to any of the games but would like to see what the jays look like. Thanks
MW: See above.
- Billy BoudreauWhy are you not allowed to blog at the games? What other rules do they have? If you can’t answer it now, please let us know when the games are over.
- Shmuel YitzchokMike….I read that the Mets are lowering their outfield fences to help boost their anemic home run totals…Don’t they realize that the other 15 NL teams who were ahead of them in dingers (and some AL teams during interleague play) get 81 cracks at the new lowered fences too?
MW: Yes, I’m confident they realize that.
- chris m.Mike the following article would carry more weight if the Jays had inked more of their last draft class. They knew the plan at that point exactly as it has played out (moving Roy etc), yet still found many of their draft players too expensive to sign. Hadn’t they scouted them as well as the potential cost to sign them?
It’s show me time.
The following just seems like more feel good, love-in for Alex, everything will be all right, journalism:
As he has at various times since he took over as GM from J.P. Ricciardi last October, Anthopoulos reiterated that money is not a roadblock to rebuilding the organization from the ground up.
“There’s no cap if it’s the right baseball opportunity. We need to get approvals for the things we do but there are no limits or ceiling that we have to work with. We just have to feel it’s the right move for us.”
This policy doesn’t just stand for the signing of international free agents. It’s in place for the all-important June amateur draft in which seven of the first 80 picks (and 10 of the first 126) will be Toronto’s.
“Ownership is committed to spending when we feel it’s the right time to spend and it’s the right opportunity,” Anthopoulos said. “We’re not going to go into the draft shying away from certain players because they’re too expensive. If we feel the value is there, we’ll have the money to go sign those players.
“It’s a big opportunity to infuse a lot of talent into the minor leagues.
MW: As I said last summer, being committed to signing the players they draft doesn’t mean giving those players carte blanche to demand whatever they want.
- GaryMike….Lyle Overbay gets hit in the hand halfway through the 2007 season and the rest of the season is a write-off. Fair enough for sure. Then after the completed 2008 campaign, he said he never felt good until July/August of that 2008 year. So in the spring of 2009, he says he’s pain free and goes on and has a mediocre year. Now I read that he’s saying THIS spring is his first pain-free spring since the hit by pitch..I don’t claim to be an orthopaedic hand specialist, but it must be nice to have that old injury to fall back on and blame when convenient. Like a lot of the Wells detractors say, wouldn’t Overbay have served the team better if he came out and told the team he wasn’t right?
MW: I remember Overbay telling me last year that his hand wasn’t yet 100% all the time, though it felt good most of the time. And he had a pretty good year last year.
- chris m.Hey Mike,
I was wondering what your thoughts are on a 6 man rotation? I think for this team right now it would have a lot of upside. Marcum and McGowan are both coming off of serious injuries, it would help limit the innings of a lot of young pitchers and I think it would reduce the number of extra innings the bullpen would have to log in Doc’s abscence. looking forward to another baseball season and seeing our young talent.
MW: I don’t think it’s a good idea.
- Matthew in BurlingtonMike, I just bought my first tickets of the season – Home Opener, section 542, row 23 Seats 1 and 2.
First home opener I’ve ever been to.
MW: Awesome. My first was in 1982 – Mark Bomback against the Brewers in the rain.
- Sam McLeanWhere the heck is Wilner??? I am concerned!!!
MW: I’m right here.
- Tony43What month are you talking about? The games have started, and our ghuru is nowhere to be seen.
Detroit beat the Jays….is this a sign of things to come?
Talk to us, Mike!
MW: You didn’t seriously just ask if the Jays losing their spring opener was a sign of things to come, did you?
- Jack