6:10 PM Eastern
It was a day like no other….except, well, for other days that have a “B” game that’s significant enough to go watch as well as an “A” game later on.
I had to go to the “B” game, which I thought was going to be at the Bobby Mattick complex in Dunedin, but turned out to be at Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater. Luckily, they’re only about 10 minutes away from each other, but between going to the wrong park first, then going to the Phils’ minor-league complex looking for the game before finding out it was at the main stadium, I missed the first two innings and so didn’t see Brandon Morrow pitch at all. I also called him Brendan Morrow on the radio twice, which I was pretty sure I would be able to avoid doing. As they say, nertz.
We were all surprised that Morrow only worked two innings, throwing 32 pitches, because the expectation was that having done that last time, he’d be on a 45-pitch limit this time. As he explained afterwards, though, his outing was shortened because he’s coming back to start Sunday on three days’ rest, because the team is setting up the rotation for the season.
Extrapolating from that comment, it means that Morrow will be set to pitch on April 8th, in the third game of the season. Shaun Marcum, who is scheduled to pitch tomorrow, is on target to pitch Opening Day. Ricky Romero will slot between the two of them. Marc Rzepczynski, who threw three innings in relief of Morrow today, ought to be starting next on Monday, on four days’ rest, which sets him up for the fourth game of the season – the Orioles’ home opener. Brian Tallet is the likely fifth starter.
Morrow told me that he put his change-up to great use today, getting a strikeout and almost every out on a ball in play with it. Alan Ashby will be happy about that, since the change-up is his favourite pitch. It’s an incredible weapon, especially for a power pitcher, and Morrow realizes it. He also said that he worked awfully hard on his control while he was in Tacoma last season, and he has carried that work over into this spring, which is why he’s not surprised that he has only walked one batter over his two outings. If this guy has figured out how to throw strikes, he has the ability to seriously dominate.
Rzepczynski started off poorly, giving up a leadoff gapper to Tuffy Gosewisch (seriously), then drilling Tyson Gillies in the head. The next hitter was Quintin Berry, and he hit a routine grounder to first, but either he’s really fast or Zep didn’t get over quickly enough, because all of a sudden the bases were loaded with nobody out. From there, though, Rzepczynski settled right down. He got a grounder to first from DeWayne Wise – Brett Wallace should have gone home for the force, but he tried to start a double play, unaware (so sayeth Cito) that Wise was going to be nearly impossible to double up. Gaston said Wallace was spoken to after the play, and made aware that he has to know who he’s playing with and who he’s playing against. A run scored on the play, then Zep retired the next eight hitters he faced – five by strikeout. After a 30-pitch first inning, he salvaged the outing needing only 49 pitches to throw three complete innings.
Brett Cecil followed, in his first outing of the spring. He’d been set back because he cut his right thumb “chopping up chickens”. He wasn’t allowed to throw any breaking stuff, just fastballs and change-ups, and with two on and nobody out in his first inning of work, he threw Cody Ransom a first-pitch change on which Ransom looked completely baffled. Cecil came back with a fastball, and Ransom hit it over the tiki bar beyond the left field stands. After that wake-up call, Cecil looked pretty good, giving up one solid single and a bunt single over the next two innings, striking out four.
I spent most of the “A” game talking to Cecil and Rzepczynski, and later Kyle Drabek, so my vantage point on Drabek’s outing was the right-field corner, not the best place to judge what’s supposed to be an awesome 12-to-6 curveball to go with his mid-90s heat. He looked pretty good to me, though, and I don’t think I’ll get to see him pitch again before I go home, but after the game Cito said that he doesn’t think Drabek is far from the big leagues at all, that there’s a chance we might see him this year. I don’t expect that to happen, but he could force his way into the picture if he excels in the minors.
Jose Bautista hit another homer, and it was another mammoth blast, and J.P. Arencibia missed one of his own by a few feet – he likely would have had a double had DeWayne Wise not made a spectacular circus catch on the warning track. Mike McCoy got some work in centrefield, showing his versatility as he bids to make the team. And Aaron Hill walked again. What’s up with that guy?
Tomorrow, thunderstorms are expected in Port Charlotte, where the Jays are scheduled to face a split squad of Tampa Bay Rays. If they play, Marcum gets his second start of the spring, set for three innings and 45 pitches. Arencibia, Brett Wallace and Randy Ruiz, among others will also be making the trip, as will Brad Mills, who gets his first real chance to throw his cap into the battle for the rotation. Mills threw in a “B” game last week and Cito said afterwards that he looked even better than he did last spring, when Mills was a favourite to go north right up until the last week of camp.
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome – barring a rainout, I promise I’ll get to the backlog tomorrow!
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Mike…Talking about the effectiveness of a good change-up reminds me of Doyle Alexander’s tenure with Toronto. Mike, Doyle would say he would get most of the hitters out with his modest fastball because his circle change-up was so respected.
- chris m.Hey Mike,
I’m lucky enough to be in Florida watching some fake games too. That shot to center that J.P. Arencibia hit in the 9th was easily going to be a double, but I thought it was Tyson Gillies that robbed him, that guy is really impressive.
Also, another highlight for me was Snider’s great catch in the 5th. He was running with his back to the ball at the warning track and made what looked like a blind bucket catch. Then, got the ball in quickly to first for the double play.
If he continues to play like that I’d be happy with him in left all year.
I gotta go back to Toronto in a couple days, have fun.
Oh, and eat at Five Guys Burgers. That place is incredible.
MW: You may be right on Gillies – I saw the play as I was walking along the stands in right field on the way to the Jays’ clubhouse for the post-game. I didn’t get to see the Snider play at all. I have heard good things about Five Guys.
- DiegoHey Mike,
1. Any word on whether McCoy can play big league shortstop? (I like his PCL numbers…)
2. Do guys on the long term DL accumulate big league service time while doing it? (I’m wondering because of Marcum and McGowan. Litsch? Yah, not so much…)
MW: 1 – No idea yet. 2 – Yes.
- peteThe Jason Frasor rumour mill seems to be going wild. Do you think he’ll still be in a Blue Jays uniform on opening day?
MW: Probably
- MattHey Mike,
If the Jays are going more for a youth movement, would it not make more sense to have Brett Cecil in the rotation come opening day? I think Tallet is much better as a long reliever out of the pen, and gives up too many walks as a starter. I think Cecil would benefit from a full year in the bigs like Romero did last year.
MW: Romero didn’t have a full year in the bigs. I think the Jays see Cecil as a big part of their future, but they seem to be looking to take their time with him.
- Mike BHey, Mike, love your columns and podcasts. Any idea when you’re gonna start up with the Jaystalk again? Looking forward to it!!!
MW: The JaysTalk has already started, and there will be two more editions this weekend!
- DanHey Mike,
I was checking out some of Wallace’s numbers online from the minors… The vast majority of his time has been at third – not 1st. But we keep hearing about him as the 1st baseman of the future. Is there any reason that there hasn’t been a whole lot said about his playing time at 3rd? I think I remember hearing him say in an interview that I saw yesterday that he played at 1st in college, but that was that first I heard that it wasn’t his primary position. Is his defence at all a concern and the club feels that he would be a better fit at first than at third? His numbers at 3rd in the minors seem average. Does his little mental hiccup from today concern you at all? Or just a simple rookie mistake?
MW: The mental hiccup doesn’t concern me at all. Wallace has played third as a pro, but there were always questions about his defense there. The Jays said as soon as they acquired him that they saw him as a first baseman, and that’s where he’ll play here.
- SteveMike,
there was so much talk about competition and jobs being wide open for the rotation, but in reality injuries aside I think the first 4 guys have been settled on for quite some time.
MW: I agree, but that’s the way it usually goes.
- anthonyGaston said Wallace was spoken to after the play, and made aware that he has to know who he’s playing with and who he’s playing against
Isn’t that part of the pre-game preparation? When the hitting coach goes over the opposing hitters, isn’t their speed part of the briefing?
MW: Should be, but maybe not so much for a 10 AM “B” game.
- DanMike,
I really REALLY like all the young arms the Jays have. Obviously I’m not alone, but it reminds me of the Oakland A’s about 10 years ago when they had a stream of young pitching come to the Majors. Guys like Tim Hudson, Barry Zito, Mark Mulder all came up around the same time. If there is a brightside to dealing Halladay they were dealing from their deepest and most talented organizational position. I don’t know how you could be a Jays fan and not be excited about this team going forward.
- DennyMike with all the possibile pitchers who is out of options?
MW: See below.
- mikeGMike,
Any idea why the Jays are so quick to send down (to AAA) some of the more interesting prospects they have? (i.e. Robert Ray, Luis Perez, Loewen, Jeroloman, Farquhar, Jenkins, Zach Stewart etc.)
MW: To get them innings and at-bats and get them together with the people who will be their teammates this summer.
- JT29Hey Mike,
I like to ask you a question about a cuban player that the Jays are in the mix with and trying to sign.. 1st base guy Jorge Ruiz. Do you have any info on this guy and how the tryouts went. On mlbtraderumors website they said the agent and him are done cause of a fall out and other stuff went done. Is this guy as good as they say he is? Does he have bad character issues?
Thanks
MW: I have never met him, spoken to him, or seen him play.
- EddieSo great to have the blog back Mike. Nobody does it better than you. Thanks.
MW: Swell of you to say.
- LDmichael,
gonna be down in clearwater area as of sunday.
games in dunedin on the thurs. & then the sat. i see.
but what about these b games.
few of those coming up in either clearwater vs. the phils or dunedin nearby?
you can get tkts. for those. correct? not sure on that. always gone to the main games on the spring training sched. when i’m down on occasion.
appreciate the input if you could.
MW: As of right now, there are no more “B” games on the schedule. But yes, the public is welcome to attend those, and I don’t even think you need tickets.
- darrell bishopMike.
Is this the rotation will look when they take the field in Arlington on April 5? Not necessarily in this order.
Marcum
Romero
Cecil
Rzepcynski
McGowan
What of Brandon Morrow and Scott Richmond? Also, are you going to cover the opening series in Arlington and Baltimore?
Peter, St.Catharines
MW: Richmond is on the 60-day DL, so he’s not a factor, and Morrow will be in the rotation over Cecil. McGowan also is likely to start the season on the disabled list, with Brian Tallet holding the 5th spot. I’m not going to be on that first road trip – I don’t go on road trips.
- PeterWith all of the young arms ready for the season ahead, I am just wondering what the plans are for David Purcey??? Bullpen or a trade??? it’s kinda funny how a surplus of arms may have someone overlooked, because of too many young guns… Hope all is well and great job @ the olympics it must have been a blast. Look forward too speaking too you on Jays Talk this Season! David
MW: I think Purcey starts the season in Vegas unless there’s a team that’s willing to pony up for a trade. He’s got a terrific arm, and could have a future in the bigs. The Jays won’t be looking to just give him away.
- DavidI just checked the box score on today’s game and Marcum pitched another 3 scoreless innings and I have to say with Marcum,Romero,Morrow at the top 3 in the rotation and McGowan looking like coming back mid to late April(hopefully no more setbacks) this young rotation is looking good and honestly this is the first year in a long time I am excited to see what the jays can do. I think they will finish at .500 or better this year and are gonna contend for a playoff spot at the earliest 2011 and I think 2012 they will be the team to look out for. AA has done a great job so far in getting the fans on board with his direction and I think hes gonna be around for a long time.
- Roycehey mike,
the jays are weak at the traditional power positions; catcher, third and first. what do you think of playing bautista at third and using snider, wells and lind in the outfield. that way ruiz can dh and arencibia can catch.
MW: I think that Encarnacion probably has more power than Bautista, and I think Arencibia needs to start the season in AAA. I’m all for your outfield idea, though.
- jonathanHi Mike…I am wondering about Mr. Encarnacion. I know he is hurt right now, maybe his pride more than anything else but is he the starter at third or is he on a short leash?
What kind of impact will Edwin’s performance, either good or bad, have on the roles of Bautista, Lind, Snider and Ruiz?
I know there is a lot of if’s in this scenario but if Edwin doesn’t do well, guessing here, does Bautista shift to third, Snider to right, Lind to left and Ruiz to DH?
If Edwin does well, guessing again, does Bautista go to right, Snider to left and Lind to DH. What happens to Ruiz? PT DH against lefties? Las Vegas?
Understand? I hope so.
Thanks
MW: I don’t know why you would think Edwin’s pride is hurt. You mean the fireworks? I don’t think so. Encarnacion has a far, far better major-league track record than Bautista does, and he’s younger. I don’t know why everyone is so down on him.
- Gordon AndersonHi Mike,
Two quick questions. Do you feel the Jays will incorporate a 6-man rotation for portions of this season to reduce the total innings on their young arms? Do you believe there is any possibility that the Jays hire internally for the post-cito managerial opening? I’ve always been impressed with Brian Butterfield, but I can imagine the dynamics of an internal promotion create some challenges. If they were to consider someone like Mr. Butterfield is it best to have him manage at AAA/AA first?
I must comment that I feel much more excited about the Jays as a whole this season because they finally have a clear direction for the franchise. AA’s enthusiasm and charisma is contagious as a fan (hopefully for his players’ as well). My wife thinks AA is moonlighting as the “cake boss”. What do you believe?
MW: I don’t know what that means. Butterfield has plenty of experience managing in the minors, just not since he joined the Blue Jays’ organization. I don’t think the six-man rotation thing is an option.
- Barry in BulingtonWhat do you think of this “floating realignment” idea that’s, uh, floating around the last couple days?
MW: I think it’s ridiculous.
- Flaming MoeHey Mike, It is good to have you back blogging more regularly. Yesterday you mentioned that Sal Fasano is one of your favourite baseball people. Who are you top three? Thanks
MW: It’d be too difficult to narrow it down like that.
- DanMike,
Thanks for the info and projections for the rotation. Two questions…
1.) Do you think Tallet being in the 5 spot is the best fit? I’m curious why they wouldn’t want his versatility out of the pen in a long relief role like where he excelled last year and give Mills a well-deserved shot. Also, if not Tallet, who is most likely going to be the long reliever?
2.) What are the odds that they set Snyder up to succeed by protecting with some decent hitters around him in the heart of the order? I’m just hoping the young future cornerstones of the franchise get a better chance to give us fans some excitement after losing the best pitcher in baseball.
MW: I would give Cecil. McGowan or Eveland the shot to be the 5th starter before I would give it to Mills. I think Tallet is being rewarded for the good work he did last season, and I don’t have a problem with that. He is a better fit in the bullpen, though, I believe. The long reliever will be Shawn Camp. 2 – It’s not going to happen. And it’s Snider.
- TedDo the Jays have anything promising as a Short Stop, or at least someone to keep an eye on….or will they look to trade for one?
MW: Keep an eye on Justin Jackson, but they’re looking to trade for a good, young shortstop.
- DarrylHi Mike. What a bonus with Dusty feeling no pain.. I know this will be a on going thing but so far so good.. I know for sure that this is a situation that the brass was not counting on but we will see what happens with a little bit of time and go from there.. I am curious about a guy like Randy Ruiz.. This guy can flat out hit a baseball.. Mike.. In your mind , do you think the guy as got the stuff to crack the line-up on opening day.. Can you imagine if Cito let Adam played left field ,how many POWER DOORS that would open.. We all know that Adam is not great out there, but I think the trade off is worth it.. Whats your take??
MW: You know what my take is, I’ve said and written it many times.
- FLIPPERHey Mike how are you? AAAHHHH all’s good with the world again now that spring training is underway!! First off I have to say you do a fantastic job and it’s a pleasure listening to you on the radio. Jays talk is just as entertaining, if not more than the game itself at times.
I do have one comment to share with you. This is something that I have thought of years ago and I’ve never heard it spoken of anywhere before. When a pitcher is charged with an error why are the resulting unearned runs unearned? The pitcher made the error yet he doesn’t “pay” for his runs. I understand the scoring and the stat work would be complicated and difficult making it virtually impossible. Just a thought. Keep up the great work and it’s not all going to be doom and gloom this year.
GO JAYS
MW: Pitching and defense are separate animals. Once the pitcher lets the ball go, he becomes a fielder just like anybody else.
- eddiewhat is wrong with your blog comments are not being posted
MW: Just hadn’t gotten around to them until now.
- mikeGOut Of options according to MLBTR:
Brian Tallet
Shawn Camp
Dustin McGowan
Merkin Valdez
Dana Eveland
Sean Henn
Do you think valdez and eveland are likely to make the team? If not, do you think they both are likely to find major league work elsewhere? Camp, Tallet and McGowan seem like locks to make it. I don’t know anything about sean henn but i don’t see anything to get excited about.
MW: McGowan is likely to start on the disabled list. I don’t think either Eveland or Valdez will make the team, but I don’t see them making anyone else’s team either, which is what the Jays are counting on. Eveland might not make it through waivers, though.
- jeremyHey Mike,
Hope you’ve had a good time in FLA.
Once again I’ll ask, how has our home grown Paul O’Neil in waiting looked? Did you see many of Loewen’s AB’s
MW: I haven’t seen any of them.
- toseHi Mike….just wondering how the bullpen is shaping up for this year. Are we any closer to knowing who fits what role?
MW: Not necessarily. I think that Frasor, Downs, Gregg, Carlson and Camp are all locks for the ‘pen, which leaves Accardo, Janssen, Roenicke and Zinicola fighting it out for two spots, unless McGowan is healthy and Tallet moves back to the bullpen. Unless I’m missing someone.
- mikeI am trying hard to get excited about the Jays season but I just can’t.
I think I will simply check box scores and your blog.
MW: Shame you don’t like baseball that much, but that’s OK.
- JimHi Mike,
That was quite an adventure you had getting to the game March 10th : )
Which leads me to my question…my wife and I are coming down to Dunedin week of March 21. Where and when do the Jays practice, and is it open to the public?
Last year we were down quite early in the spring and saw them at the Mattick complex which was really cool, and again at Dunedein Stadium, but we could never quite figure out the routine.
Anyways, any tips on how to see practice would be really appreciated!
Dave
MW: Once the Grapefruit League season starts, the Jays don’t really “practice” all that much anymore. They have their pre-game routines, with batting practice and all the usual stuff, and when they have a road game, the players who don’t go on the trip stay behind and work out at Dunedin Stadium in the morning. I don’t know if those workouts are open to the public, though.
- Dave