6:15 PM Eastern
I know I promised to provide you with daily updates in this space in the last post (which was what, Thursday?), but the dire combination of failing hotel internet service and the Fat Elvis sim league auction this past weekend held me back, sorry about that. By the way, I got killed in that auction – Brian Buscher and Chris Duncan are my first basemen. Dig me.
Anyway, I have seen the Blue Jays play four spring games so far, and I have only seen one starting pitcher give up a run, so that’s something. In the win over the Astros today, Ricky Romero was fantastic. Returning to the spot where he secured his place in the 2009 starting rotation, Romero flummoxed an Astros team that started six regulars. He said he had the best sinker he’s had in a while, and he used it to great effect, inducing ground balls from 10 of the 13 hitters he faced, while striking out two more. Brad Arnsberg, now the Astros’ pitching coach, told me afterwards that hitters came back shaking their heads at Romero’s amazing splitter, and Arnie laughed and told them it was a straight change, it’s just that good.
Romero definitely fell flat in the second half of last season, but it’s not that long ago that the one-time first-round bust was drawing favourable comparisons to Johan Santana. I still don’t think I see him ahead of Brandon Morrow and Shaun Marcum on the effectiveness spectrum, or even Dustin McGowan if he’s healthy (simulated game tomorrow morning!), but Romero is carrying himself differently this spring, the confidence on which Arnsberg worked so hard last season is there now, and it will serve him well. Romero himself is even preaching confidence and belief in oneself to some of the younger pitchers in camp, and when the talent is there, that’s often the difference.
I have seen J.P. Arencibia play in two games so far, and I have seen him hit two mammoth home runs. That bodes well. Arencibia had laser eye surgery in the off-season (after he had his kidneys fixed up – see Bastian’s story today), improving his vision from 20/50 to 20/15. He’s a confident kid, not down at all on his season last year. He feels that even though he only hit .236/.284/.444 in Vegas, his 21 homers and 75 RBIs show that he was still productive. Even if he homers in every Grapefruit League game in which he plays – and he has so far – he’s still not going to make the team, but he’s leaving a very strong impression, and that all-star breakish call-up that going into this year didn’t look like it was going to happen now very well might.
I have seen Jose Bautista, Aaron Hill, Randy Ruiz, Vernon Wells and Lyle Overbay look very good so far. Granted, it’s stupid early, but it’s better to look good than not. I still don’t understand why the way has been paved for Bautista to have an everyday job, but they can’t find a spot to give Ruiz a legitimate chance to play. Ruiz is older and far weaker defensively, but he’s had nothing but success as a major-league hitter. Bautista has had many years of mediocre offensive production in the big leagues.
I got to see Brett Wallace play for the first time today, and I saw massive thighs and an incredibly quick swing. Alex Anthopoulos told me that in last year’s Futures Game, Wallace faced Neftali Feliz and fouled off pitch after pitch after pitch before working a walk, which is awfully impressive, especially when you consider that Feliz had a 0.68 WHIP in the majors last season with 39 strikeouts in 31 innings. The quick swing showed itself today as well, with Wallace fouling off a few two-strike pitches in each of his first two at-bats, but he wound up 0-for-3 with a strikeout, a pop foul and a groundout. He’ll get more work over the next week and a bit, but he’ll likely be in the first round of cuts so that he can get to work with his Las Vegas teammates, hopeful of a call-up to the bigs this year.
Wallace, Travis Snider and Adam Lind will form the backbone of the offense when the Jays get good again, which could be sooner than a lot of people seem to think. The thing I have seen more than anything else, which I already knew when I got here, was that there is a serious abundance of talent here. From the pitching, with Marcum, Romero, Morrow, Rzepczynski, Cecil, Stewart, Jenkins, Farquhar and more, to that core of young hitters. This is a team that could wind up being very good in the near future.
I should mention that it was great to catch up with Brad Arnsberg, one of the reasons I was really looking forward to this trip to Kissimmee (it certainly wasn’t the ride down 192, with its seemingly-unending stretch of fast food joints, cheap hotels, 7-11s and souvenir shops). Arnie was a real treat to deal with while he was the Jays’ pitching coach, always generous with his time, always happy to talk pitching, and always putting himself in the background while shoving his charges to the forefront. He’s a lot happier now in Houston and hey, he’s got Gustavo Chacin back! And good luck to him with that. I wish Arnsberg nothing but success, he’s good people and was terrific to me, without question.
Speaking of Chacin, he worked the 6th inning today, and it was nice to see that little herky-jerky motion again. It brought back a lot of memories of a guy who always took pride in doing his job and keeping the ball down in the zone. Chacin gave up a mammoth double to Jorge Padilla – the first batter he saw – and after getting Snider to ground to first (advancing the runner), John McDonald hit a soft liner to shallow centre with the infield in to drive in the run.
Tomorrow – Dustin McGowan’s simulated game!
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome.
51 Responses to “My First Weekend Of Spring”
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How come there is no mention of Dana Eveland as a possible starter for the Jays? How did he look today?
MW: I only saw him pitch one inning, then it was time to go down and talk to Ricky Romero,but he looked good in that one inning. There’s no mention of Eveland in the rotation because the 5th spot will go to one of Tallet, Cecil or McGowan, more than likely.
- Jay AndersonI wish you would stop pushiing for Ruiz’s case not because I don’t completely agree with you but because the more you do, the more entrenched Cito gets in his decisions. Cito doesn’t like to be questioned, it seems to me, especially by media types who haven’t played the game. He’s stubborn like that, which is perhaps his one great failing as a coach.
MW: My opinions have no effect on Cito’s decisions.
- Jason KimHi Mike,
Is Justin Jackson at the Big League Camp or is he still rehabbing?
MW: Neither?
- Scotty OHey Mike,
It’s great that you’re back talkin’ baseball… And I commend you for an excellent job covering obscure olympic sports…
I’m glad that you brought up the point about a lot of people penciling in Bautista for a spot in the starting lineup… Encarnacion was definitely uninspiring after he was traded to Toronto, but he had some injuries, and now he’s had wrist surgery in the offseason, so we hope that he bounces back from that… If he doesn’t, and puts up the same kind of numbers as last year, I think Cito has to give Bautista the starting role at 3rd. Bautista would more likely fill either the RF or LF position… But the question is, at who’s expense would that come – Ruiz or Snider? If Snider is in one of the corner outfield positions, and Bautista is at the other, that means Lind is your DH, and Ruiz is on the bench… But on the other hand, is Snider necessarily a lock for the starting lineup? If he has a poor spring do the Jays start him in Vegas?
MW: It’s likelier to come at Ruiz’s expense than Snider’s, but I can see Snider starting the season at AAA, unfortunately.
- SteveHey Mike,
1. I’m glad you’re back.
2. It should be a really fun year. The fact that people are down on this years team shows how little the bulk of people in this town know about baseball. We won’t win this year, but we’ve got a lot of great kids with upside. I tell people that the Jays this year are what the Leafs might be if they didn’t trade away all of those first round picks, year after year after year after frustrating year.
3. It does, however, suck that we’re not in the Central. I think it’s tough for marginal baseball fans to go into every year knowing they’re competing against teams that have double or triple their payroll.
4. Vegas will be awesome this year. PCL champs? I’m almost thinking it’s better for Snider to play down there than have another year of Cito screwing him up. (mild hyperbole)
- peteMike there’s got to be a way too get Ruiz into the lineup. He’s hit well at every level surely AA will see this.
- highplainsWelcome back Mike,
As a Blue Jay fan I’m really looking forward to this season, as with the young pitching you’ll never know what to expect night in and night out. The area of most concern to me is the manager, Cito Gaston.
A caller asked Bob today on Primetime what he thought the chances of Cito being relieved of his duites during the season were. Bob stated (I’m paraphrasing here) that Cito was Beeston’s guy and anything short of an 0-35 start that Cito is the manager for the season. Bob also went onto say that he and Beeston have been friends for along time and Beeston’s decision on Cito has him perplexed.
As it has been stated by the Blue Jays that this year is Cito’s last as a manager (a consulting role wit the club awaits) a lame duck manager, IMHO, is the last thing this team needs right now. A younger manager that can mature and grow with the young hitters and pitchers thru this year would be better served in the long run.
Don’t get me wrong, I think Cito is a great manager, just at this point in time where this team is at, he is not the right man for the job.
Do you see any upside of having Cito manage this year?
What do you think would need to happen for Cito to lose his job? Or for him to step down early?
MW: I don’t think Cito’s lame-duckness has anything to do with anything. Whether he had one year left on his contract or three, I don’t think he’s the right guy to manage this team. I don’t think he’ll get fired, no matter what, and I think he’s too proud to step down, no matter what happens.
- Larry BWilner, really good to see you back watching the Jays. I can’t wait for the post-game shows to be back. Do you see anyone filling the lead-off spot or is Bautista really the best/only option?
MW: The post-game shows are back – we had two JaysTalks this past weekend, though they weren’t especially well-attended. There will be another two this weekend. I think Lyle Overbay is a better fit in the lead-off spot, but no one listens to me.
- Quinnhey Mike, keep up the good work!
So when do the first round of cuts happen? How many get trimmed?
MW: There have already been three or four rounds of cuts. Nine guys have already been shipped back to minor-league camp.
- Dave!whats the scoop on Cubs looking ar Fraser..Would be a good time to move him for some more young arms or bats.
do you agree…..Bill
MW: It’s always a good time to move a player who is a year away from free agency for good young talent, if you’re in the Blue Jays’ current situation. As for the Cubs, they have a bucketload of young shortstops, which is just what the Jays need.
- BillAA has said Ruiz will get chance to make this team as the DH..If they ship out Overbay at some point, there may be a spot for him..
But many ask the same question of this guy..Why hasn’t he gotten a shot yet?..
Well he was affiliated with NL teams for 7 years and with lousy feilding skills and no DH, its tough to crack a NL lineup with just a decent bat featuring the likes of Ryan Howard and Sean Casey ahead of you..
Much like Howard got stuck behind Jim Thome..
This is the AL and he should get some at bats this season..But if your the manager (even your good buddy Gaston) would you sell yourself short and give a spot to Ruiz after just 55 games of MLB service?..Why not keep Bautista just in case Ruiz stumbles?..
Let him get some at bats during the season and see how he does..If kicks butt let him hit and Bautista sit..
MW: If I’m the manager, though, why am I so gung-ho about Bautista? Because of one great month?
- ray b“Speaking of Chacin, he worked the 6th inning today, and it was nice to see that little herky-jerky motion again.”
Chacin won me over as a fan twice, the first time was beating the Yankee in 2004 on my birthday at the end of the “season from hell” (good birthday bad summer)… and again when I when I watched him beat Dice-K (in his first start at the dome) live in 2007.
Good to see you back blogging again, Mr. Wilner.
One question — baseball prospectus see Wallace’s potential upside asa major league player as Lyle Overbay (not that this is necessarily a bad thing, especially if he can put up seasons to match Overbay’s best). Do you agree?
MW: I have seen Wallace have maybe eight at-bats, so I’m not qualified to judge. But if he turns into Overbay at Overbay’s peak, that’s tremendous.
- Christopher TaylorThanks Mike for your insight during these lean times for radio coverage. (I did listen to the Saturday broadcast while washing my car in 10C sunshine).
I would appreciate your updates as the spring progresses on what AA and Cito say about Ruiz.
If Ruiz continues to make the most of his chance to make the team, can you see a situation where Bautista ends up platooning with EE at 3B ? I’m thinking that if Ruiz earns DH spot, then Lind is pushed to LF to keep his bat in the lineup. That could mean Bautista spends more time at 3B than in the OF. Do you see that scenario the same way ?
MW: I would rather have Encarnacion in the line-up than Bautista, and I don’t really see a platoon situation for them, since they both hit right-handed. I have a feeling that no matter how well Ruiz does this spring, he starts the season on the bench.
- RezHey Mike, how has Travis Snider looked thus far? Do you see him starting the year in Vegas or Toronto?
Also, do you see AA waiting for the younger guys to dominate at their current level before promoting them from A – AA – AAA etc…?
I think I’ve read somewhere that the Jays have rushed their prospects and moving them up before they were ready.
MW: Snider has been up and down. He’s had some ugly swings and he’s hit some balls really hard. I hope he starts the season in Toronto. I don’t know if Alex will wait for the younger guys to dominate lower levels before moving them up (actually, it’ll be Tony LaCava in charge of that), but they’ll certainly have to succeed at each level before advancing.
- ShaunHey Mike,
Molina or Chavez as the back up to start the year?
MW: The wind seems to be blowing Molina’s way.
- CameronHi Mike,
Welcome back! I’ve heard that “you can’t have too much pitching” and AA seems to have adopted that idea. However, I hadn’t heard “you can’t have enough 1B/DH weak-OF types”. How do you see the Jay’s dealing with the logjam (i.e. keep x, trade y) and in what time frame?
Thanks!
MW: I don’t see a logjam. Travis Snider is not a weak outfielder, despite the incessant bleating by some in the blogosphere that he’s best suited to move to first base. That leaves Adam Lind, Randy Ruiz and Lyle Overbay for three positions. Overbay’s contract is up after the season and Brett Wallace still hasn’t played in the majors yet. Where’s the logjam?
- ChuckMike,
Ricky Romero made a comment on the mlb network special ’30 clubs in 30 day’ to the effect that the pitchers in spring this year are more loose than last year. He stated that with Doc the mood was too serious.
Is he taking a shot at Doc that the mood was too militant? Is it just a young immature guy talking, not fully understanding what is takes to be truly elite?
enlighten me?
MW: I have heard it from other people as well, saying they feel more free to have the mood be lighter in the clubhouse because Halladay was all business. There’s no question that Doc was an intimidating presence to some in the room. Is it good or bad that the mood is lighter? I’m not sure.
- CorieWhat do you think the jays will do with Ruiz, assuming he has a solid spring? If he can hit the ball well, and considering the jays offence has sucked the last few years, then why isnt he going to be in the lineup? I hear hes awful defensivly, so why cant he dh, lind play left, snider right and wells cf? Lind isnt that hideous in the field. What is Cito going to do?
MW: See above. I agree with you, though, he should be in there.
- daveHey Mike, welcome back to the bloggage and a big welcome back to baseball. Even though it is Spring training I’m still liking what Im seeing from the team thus far and especially Arencebia, Ive been following him for the last 2 years and would love to see what he could do in the majors but I know it wont be this year. What do you think the chances are that the starting rotation looks like this, not in any specific order…….Marcum, Romero, Morrow, Zep and McGowan? Thanks as always for the time you put into the blog. One last thing, I saw on a gambling site yesterday the over/under for wins this year for the Jays is 71.5, I think that number will be surpassed without question because I trully believe this team is gonna surprise alot of people this year for sure
MW: I would take the over on that, as well. I can see that rotation happening, but McGowan will likely not be ready for Opening Day.
- ChrisHey Mike,
A lot of people would love to be in Florida right now driving past the 7-11s, fast food joints and cheap hotels. That’s where it’s at.
Yes, there is an abundance of young talent but Jose Bautista is not part of that group. Like you, I wonder why the willingness to lean on Bautista as an everyday player and possible leadoff hitter, when there were certainly upgrades available that could help this young talent along.
- Ken PaganHas Travis Snider learned to hit lefties? Adam Lind was able to adjust in the offseason, and I hope the same is true for Travis.
MW: It’s impossible to know this after a handful of Spring Training at-bats. Snider is a career .306/.360/.525 hitter against lefties in the minors, so he knows how to hit them. Lind did, too, in the minors.
- Brett VM-Dubya I have a few quickies for you.
1.) Do JP Arencibia & Ruiz have a chance at breaking with the big club?
2.) Who do you think will be the opening day starter?
3.) Will Jose Bautista be able to play up to par as a lead off man and RF everyday in the AL?
MW: 1 – No and yes. 2 – Marcum. 3 – Probably not.
- SleepyARE brad emaus and doparik considered as building blocks for future? and what positions do you see them playing? Can they play 3rd base? and finally if wells bounce back to past or close to his old self. do you see the jays trading him or keeping him for the future? and what will you do if you were the GM?
MW: Even if Wells could bounce back to his old self, the contract still makes him untradeable. Emaus can play third, but not Dopirak. I wouldn’t call either one of them a building block for the future. A potential complimentary piece? Sure.
- NICkMike,
What are your feelings on how good a hitter Brett Wallace actually becomes. Kevin Goldstein (Prospectus) says Wallace’s longterm “Perfect World projection” is to maybe be as good as Lyle Overbay. Good grief – and minus the defence Overbay has brought. Wallace has not even drawn one walk per ten ABs as a pro, with just 62 unintentional walks 734 career at-bats. You’ve probably read about him vs Michael Taylor all winter as well, but now you’re seeing him for yourself, what do you think?
Thanks, Shane
MW: I haven’t seen enough to form an opinion on Wallace yet, but everyone I have talked to is thrilled about his ability as a hitter. He’s not going to be a 35+ homer guy, so they say, but he could be a consistent high-average, .400 on-base, lotsa doubles guy.
- ShaneHI Mike, good to see you back, all this news sounds promisng for sure. I was wondering is Adam Linds defence that bad that he has to DH. If he played in the outfield they could get Ruiz to DH getting him a spot with the team. I like Bautista, but I have always thought he is a better bench player due to his average bat. Just wanted to know what you think.
Thanks Jamie
MW: Lind could be an adequate big-league outfielder, I think, if he was given a chance.
- Jamie in BarbadosMike, an abundance of talent you mention without a kid like Drabek… couldn’t agree more that we have much to look forward too this season (my tickets actually came in the mail today for the final weekend series in June)
- Luke (Halifax)Hi Mike
Yes it is “stupid early” however the talent pool appears to be well stocked which bodes well for the upcoming season. That being said we can only hope that the above talent are allowed a chance to play and not used as bench warmers.As you can guess I was against leaving Cito in the position of field manager and can only hope our new general manager has some input as to who goes north and occassionaly asks why are we not playing “x, y, or z”?
I listened to the Houston internet broadcast yesterday and they referred to the Blue Jays as not having a full compliment of regular players.What are these rules?
They went on to say “It is as well they didn’t or it would be 10-0 not 4-0″.
MW: The rules are supposed to be that each visiting team has to bring four major-league players, but a lot of them tend really to stretch that.
- DaveI think this team, if Marcum’s and McGowan’s good health is for real, is actually far better than last year’s squad. Also, good to hear you on the Fan point out the idiocy of Travis Snider batting ninth, or the even more stupid proposition, of him not making the team. I seriously think Cito’s got it in for the kid. Either he’s jealous of his talent level or he doesn’t like Snider’s perceived arrogance at such an age. It should be obvious to anyone that Snider is a 5 or 6 hitter at least for this team; that he already has a dynamic bat and is a solid left fielder. Let’s not do the Adam Lind project all over again–that was unnecessary, and for Snider it’s the same. Actually, when Cito took over the team Adam Lind was called up and stuck; so it seems the issue is simply Snider.
MW: I don’t think Cito is jealous of Snider.
- Will, OshawaYou can’t understand how the way has been paved for Bautista? Under the tutelage of Cito and Geno he hit 10HR after Sept. 1st last year. If you are going to give credit to Arencibia for mashing this Spring, save some for Bautista too – he’s been no slouch. He can play all OF positions in addition to 3B and plays them well. Ruiz can play 1B – barely. As you know Mike, defense is just as important as offense. That is why Bautista is a lock while Ruiz continues to battle for a spot in the 1B/DH log jam against proven hitters (more than 200MLB ABs) and those that can play D.
MW: I don’t think it’s that simple. As I said, why does Bautista’s September matter more than the five years of major league production that preceded it?
- CallumMike, I know it’s early but I’ve been really impressed with the hitting to start the meaningless games off. What is the reason for the change so far? Are they being more aggressive up there? Is this something we have to look forward to with Murphy as the hitting coach now?
Like always love the blog and audio. So great to see these showing up in my inbox again!
MW: Glad to hear it you’re happy! There hasn’t been a real change – anyone can have a hot four or five games.
- JeffAfter Noda’s death it was reported by Stephen Brunt and others that one (at least) American athlete said – someone is going to get killed here. Ask Brunt. Do I admit there is a fine line between risky sport and a semblance of safety. yes. i do.
MW: There was FAR more than a semblance of safety at that luge track. Out of all those runs, there were two injuries.
- BarbIf there isn’t a place for Ruiz–and I can see why there might not be–is he someone that could be showcased for a trade? He can certainly hit the ball, and he’s cheap. It would be nice to get another infield prospect as that’s where the farm team isn’t strong.
MW: I don’t think that a 32 year-old career minor-leaguer who couldn’t make what many are expected to be a last-place team has any value in trade.
- isabella reyesDuncan and Buscher eh?
Ouch!
How did you get so screwed at such a deep position?
Awesome to hear Wallace handled Feliz. Remember what that guy did to Vernon last year? Pretty sure he ended up on the bench for a game because of that AB.
M-Dub,
Speaking of Feliz, what would you do with him this year, if you were the Rangers?
MW: It wasn’t such a deep position in this league. I would throw Feliz in the rotation, sit back and smile.
- slobberfacemichael,
wallace, snider, lind will almost cerrtainly be the backbone of this team’s offence for yrs. to come.
gotta ask. was there an accidental omission on your part here? cause’ i’m thinking of one other in particular that might be bunched in that group going forward.
have a feeling i won’t be the only one with that observation.
just curious is all.
but this arencibia scenario is kind of interesting in a way isn’t it?
remember that young outfielder yrs. ago that broke camp with the jays after swatting out about a dozen in spring. what was his name? and actually whatever happend to that guy? drawing a blank there.
but i think you’re very right though. arencibia ain’t coming north in april.
committments to 3 others (though i believe 1 is just on a minor league dea) nixes that doesn’t it?
but as the season goes on. let’s wait & see on that i agree.
and didn’t know about the eye surgery. good info there. maybe the difference maker hun?
him & d’arnaud going forward sounds ok to me.
and with this seemingly quantity & quality (nice combo to have) of young pitching…
i don’t know but i’m close to a full out froth here michael.
can you really blame me?
MW: Arencibia’s not a guy who I would put in that grouping because I don’t think his ceiling is nearly as high as the other three. I do think he’ll be part of things in the future, but not to the extent that those other three will be.
- darrell bishopMike,
for all the predictions of doom and distress regarding the Blue jays – especially all those who are saying the Jays will be last in the division if not the league.. there seems to be a real excitement this year about Spring Training.
The focuses are McGowan, Marcum, Arencibia etc – and it seems really awesome that people are so excited about our young players.
This summer is going to be a lot of fun from a baseball point of view, even if it’s not such a good year from the winning point of view.
- Sam McLeanMike:
With Joe Nathan likely out for the year, do you see the Jays trying to move Frasor or Downs to Minnesota for some prospects? Do you think the Twins would have any interest?
MW: I think they might.
- JeffI had the opportunity to speak to Mr. Arnsberg as a fan in the stands when I visisted Oakland last August.
A few friends and I were hitting up all the California parks and scheduled just so we could get some prime front row field-level bullpen seats in Oaktown. We were loud, we were boistrous, and we had great weather and cold beer. Arnsberg handled us with good humour, enthusiasm and class. We asked him about McGowan’s progress and he was candid with us as we sat in the stands. He asked how our trip was going and even tossed us a ball which pretty much made the day for us.
MW: He’s good people.
- Mike PHey Mike,
Glad spring is back.
I don’t understand why Arencibia wouldn’t get a shot at making this club. He has a full season of AAA under his belt, where faired okay. I think if Arencibia has a good enough camp he should make this roster, it’s not like there is anyone on the major league roster holding him back. I do like Buck, but Arencibia has seen what he needs to see in the minors, if he shows he can hit major league hitting, then he deserves a chance.
MW: You’re right, there’s no one on the major-league roster holding Arencibia back, but to say that he fared okay in AAA last year just isn’t true. He had a terrible year.
- Stevie H.Hey mike, I was reading this interesting article at SI.com…was wondering what you thought about floating Realignment?
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/tom_verducci/03/09/floating-realignment/index.html
MW: I think it’s a ridiculous idea, but I’m glad realignment is being considered.
- RandyMr. Wilner,
In light of Joe Nathan being hurt for possibly the entire season, who would you ask for from the Twins in turn for either Frasor or Downs?
MW: I’m not terribly familiar with the Twins’ system – I’d have to really look hard at what they have, which is I’m sure what the Jays are doing right now.
- loganThanks Mike.
Really am looking forward to seeing what some of the young pitchers can do. Morrow,McGowan and Romero especially could form a pretty tantalizing middle of the rotation if they can stay healthy and develop their many talents.
MW: Don’t disregard Marcum.
- WDMMike
I dislike alot of cito’s decisions as much as the next guy, but don’t you think its worth a shot to see how Bautista does in the leadoff role before judging? he does take alot of walks and just last year alot of people did not understand why he would have Scutaro lead off and look how that turned out.
MW: The fact that Scutaro worked out in the leadoff spot has no bearing on whether Bautista will.
- RandyAA better be cashing in on frasor/downs now…he should deal them together and get back a top tier prospect, rather than a couple of medicore ones (if dealt separately)…jays need athletic CF/SS propsects…too many DH/1B type prospects..
MW: Downs and Frasor, if they leave as free agents at the end of the season, will net the Jays a total of three first-round picks. Why trade them together for just one?
- jpMike…I’m a member of the glasses-wearers of society as you are as well, and couldn’t get behind the wheel of a car or enjoy television or attending live sports, movies without them. So I can imagine J.P. Arencibia going into the batter’s box now and feeling like a light switch has been turned on..I know with myself back in 1994 it was like WOW, is this what road signs and automobile tail-lights are supposed to look like, especially at night…Scary stuff when you realize your vision wasn’t up to par!
- chris m.Eveland looked good too against Houston. I liked this pick-up based mostly on the time I saw him go 7 or 8 against the Jays when he was with Oakland. Does he have the potential to round into a decent 4th or 5th starter over someone like Tallet?
I guess what I’m asking is do you think he makes this team?
MW: I don’t think Eveland makes the team at all. He did throw 6 1/3 shutout innings against the Jays back in April of 2008, but that’s a pretty small sample size. In more of a larger sample, his two years in the American League, he has a 1.63 WHIP, which is just awful.
- Greg KHey Mike, do you think Lind should be pulled to LF more often to give Ruiz more time as a DH? And who do you think should be the leadoff hitter? Because I really like that McCoy to fill that spot.
MW: I like McCoy, too, provided he can play defense. And yes, I’d rather give Ruiz a real look than Bautista.
- AdamHey Mike Im new to your blog. thanx for the all the inside info. Mike judging by your comments on Brandon Morrow i take it you feel this guy was a steal for B Leauge. Where would say his cieling would be. Matt Cain, AJ Burnett type or Casey Jannsen type guy. Who I think has the straightest most hittable fastball of all our pitchers. I hope he is not part of the plans this year. Not a Casey fan.
peace out
MW: And why would you be a Janssen fan after what he did out of the bullpen in ’07? I think Morrow’s ceiling is unlimited.
- plumbermichael,
i got it.
gabe gross right? the kid who hit all those hr’s in spring training & forced their hand in bringing him north in 2003.
and as for the same 2003 season. i noticed that one vernon wells set the all time organization record for most hits in a season that same yr. with 215. man that’s alot of hittage.
hard to believe isn’t michael?the way everyone talks about this guy around here & he holds a record like that over so so many great blue jay players spanning 33 yrs.
way to go vernon.
MW: It was indeed Gabe Gross, and he lasted all of a week with the big club, right? As for Wells, his name is all over the Blue Jays record book, and by the end of this season, he’ll be in the all-time top 3 in a lot of categories.
- darrell bishopSounds to me like it or not that Bautista is winning the battle for right field . Lind is the likely candidate for left Overbay at first until some team is desperate for a first baseman that leaves a lot of hitters looking to dh. I guess Snider will have to wait until Jose gets back to his regular 230 average and then make the most of that opportunity when it comes.
MW: There’s no battle for right field, the job has been Bautista’s for a long time. Lind is not the likely candidate for left.
- mikeGMW: Don’t disregard Marcum
I wouldn’t consider it! Marcum is actually my favourite on the Jays staff, but for 2010 I actually have him slotted into the #1 spot. On top of his steadiness there in the rotation, my comment was on the potential for a really high end 2-4 should they all capitalize on their abilities.
MW: Yeah, I noticed that upon second reading. I think, though, that if they all capitalize on their abilities, there’s more promise there than a few middle-of-the-rotation arms.
- WDMmichael,
- darrell bishopjust got back from fla.
outstanding day at the park in dunedin on sat. supreme weather no doubt.
first look at gregg in person.
was sitting behind home plate.
so had a pretty good perspective on things.
certainly liked frasors’ velocity better an inning later from what i observed.
came in along the water as opposed to the interstate route this time. pretty part of dunedin down at the waterway looking across to clearwater. never knew. nice.
btw, my previous blog here i wasn’t actually referring to arecibia as a guy missing from the group of lind snider wallace. hill seemed to be the omission on your part as indicated by moi previously.
anyway gotta go. lots of catching here to do.