11:35 AM Eastern
Dustin McGowan threw his second simulated game of the spring this morning, and once again passed every test with flying colours.
This game was different from the last one – there was actually a defense behind him, for one, and while he still threw only two innings, the goal this time was for him to throw between 40 and 45 pitches. He wound up throwing 44, 27 of them for strikes.
Ironically, McGowan didn’t need the defense in his first inning of work. He struck out all four batters he faced (Aaron Mathews, John Tolisano, Chris Aguila and Tyler Pastornicky), kind of. Catcher/ umpire C.J. Ebarb lost track of the count with Tolisano up, so Tolisano actually struck out swinging on a 4-2 fastball.
In the second inning, McGowan gave up a hard-hit ground single up the middle to leadoff man Moises Sierra, but got Eric Thames to ground into a 3-6-3 double play on the next pitch. Mathews then grounded out to third on a 1-0 delivery, which means that McGowan would have gotten his three outs on just six pitches, but he needed to throw about 20. So Tolisano came back up and gave the assembled group of coaches and staff (I was the only reporter there – dig me) a collective heart attack by shooting a hard grounder right back through the box. McGowan twisted out of the way and it got through for a single. Aguila then struck out again and Pastornicky grounded into a game-ending 6-4-3 double play.
Two innings, ten outs – as opposed to the two innings, three outs that McGowan threw last time. Time of the game – 27 minutes.
More importantly, McGowan looked and felt great. The fastball was firm and strong, and not dead straight, probably in the 92-93 mile an hour range. He threw a couple of good change-ups and a couple of very good sliders. He seemed to tire a bit at the end of the outing, and the ball started to come up, but again, this was another test passed with flying colours.
The stuff he is showing now is good enough for major-league work, for the Jays’ brass it’s just a matter of McGowan being able to bounce back and to be stretched out. I still believe they’re leaning towards starting him on the disabled list, keeping him back in extended spring, until they’re sure that he’s strong enough and ready to throw 100 pitches in the majors every five days.
If McGowan feels no more than normal soreness tomorrow and the next day, the next step will be for him to pitch in a minor-league game, likely on Friday. Chances are he gets at least two of those before he makes an appearance in a Grapefruit League game, if he does at all. But all signs are fantastic to this point – even moreso when you consider that even McGowan himself was thinking just a few months ago that there was a good chance he’d never pitch again.
I talked to Dustin right after the sim game, and that interview will be on this afternoon’s pre-game show – tune in, it begins in about an hour!
Today’s will be my last Grapefruit League game of this spring, so it’ll be your last chance to JaysTalk it up with me from FLA – don’t waste the opportunity!
I’m not going to post on the blog after the game today, since we’re following up the broadcast with the annual tradition of Birthday Chang’s. But I’ll have something up here tomorrow, before I head home. I’ll answer yesterday’s comments and as many as I can of today’s during the game.
Rational, reasonable comments are always welcome!
56 Responses to “Another Giant Step Forward”
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This is great news, hopefully he feels ok over the next couple of days. A rotation of Marcum, Romero, Morrow, Rzepczynski and McGowan would have a ton of potential, and with Cecil and others waiting in the wings, this team might not be too far from being really really good.
MW: Indeed.
- Mike MHappy Birthday Mike!
MW: Thanks!
- DiegoMike,
Welcome to the 40s, it “ain’t” all that bad and somehow the beer and dogs at a ball game taste just as good or maybe even better.
Funny, as much upside as there is with Drabek, how Wallace turns out maybe the most important outcome to watch for from the Doc trade. You and many others have talked over the last two years about the arms that are coming. The jump back to credibility comes from a atrong blend of pitching and hitting.
- Tony BusseriHey Mike,
So glad to have baseball (and you, Jerry and Alan) back on the air.
Something that’s come up keeps popping into my head. I think Cito might have said it last week. The idea that whoever is the de facto ace of the staff will have to face the number 1s around the league, and that would factor into his decision as to who it would be. As it stands, that person is likely Shaun Marcum.
I’m in agreement with you that pitchers can’t control their win total, and obviously whether Marcum is facing CC or Phil Hughes won’t effect his ERA or WHIP. Also, I assume Marcum (and most, if not all big league pitchers) relish the opportunity and challenge of leading their team’s rotation.
My question is, considering wins are still seen by the baseball establishment as such an important stat (and even if Shaun pitches very well, he still has an uphill battle in beating the best of the best of AL pitchers), might being the ace of the rebuilding Blue Jays actually have an adverse effect on a pitcher’s career? As far as trade value, free agent money and HoF consideration?
I know it’s far too early to think of Marcum in terms of Cooperstown, as well as being entirely unlikely to say the least.
Anyway, I’d like to know your thoughts.
Thanks, and have a very happy birthday.
MW: Wow, that’s a massive stretch. But to answer, I’ll tell you this – number one starters are only guaranteed to face the other team’s number one starter once. Cito has said a few times that your number one starter will face the other team’s ace all season long, but that’s simply not true.
- SiguySpeaking of giant steps forward, the Jays are close to signing Cuban shortstop Adeiny Hechevaria, according to the New York Post. Thoughts?
- BretGreat news for Dustin. Any truth to the signing of the Cuban shortstop Adeinis Hechavarria?
- KevinAdeinis Hechavarria?…ive never heard of him..good signing by AA?
- jpHey Mike, any word on the Cuban shortstop???
How did the Braves rookie RF look yesterday??
I have not been able to find yesterday’s boxscore, it’s possible he didn’t even play???
Have a great birthday!!!!
Dan
MW: Thanks. Jason Heyward looks tremendous. When I was interviewing Eric Hinske for the pre-game last Saturday, he told me to watch Heyward during BP, and a few Jays relievers talked about him after Sunday’s game – thankful that they hadn’t had to face him.
- Dan HarrisonHappy birthday! And what a birthday gift you and every Jays fan got today with the reported signing of 21 year old SS Hechavarria. I love this aggression that AA has shown so far. I would do everything about the exact same if I could go back and re do it all. With Hechavarria, Gustavo Pierre and Tyler Pastornicky in the system, the future of SS doesn’t look so bad.
- JaysonHappy Birthday, Mr. Wilner!
You mentioned today on the Jays Talk that you’re not anticipating on Romero having the same kind of stellar rookie season that he had last year… In general, what would you say are the key factors that lead to sophomore pitchers dropping off a bit in comparison to their rookie season?
And… why doesn’t the FAN have you down in Florida throughout spring training?
MW: Generally it tends to be all about adjustments. There’s more video on him, he’s not sneaking up on anybody, the hitters make their adjustments and it often takes a sophomore an awfully long time to adjust back. As for the last question, you’ll have to ask them.
- SteveIf the report that the Jays have signed Hechevarria (or whichever of the dozen different spellings of his first and last name used so far are correct) are true, this is just another tremendous and gutsy move by Alex Anthopoulos. The Jays already have a couple of high upside young shortstops in Justin Jackson and Gustavo Pierre, but adding Hechevarria gives them a highly sought after and fairly advanced (he played SS for Cuba at the 2007 World Junior Baseball Championships ahead of Red Sox 8 million dollar man Jose Iglesias) prospect to beef the system up with. He’s still young, and Cuban prospects are always a gamble, but the upside of a kid like this is too much to pass up. And if he does pan out, you’ve got a bunch of other young shortstops playing a position that other GM’s will pay a premium for.
- MatthewHey Mike,
What do you hear about Adeinis Hechavarria? Are the jays close to a deal and what are realistic expectations for the 21 year old SS. Are the comparisons to Alphonso Soriano fair or wishful thinking?
MW: The comparisons to AlFonso Soriano seem so far only to be about body type, so I think they’re likely fair.
- AsherMike,
I’m excited to be heading down to Dunedin later this week to watch a couple of Jays games and am wondering about the club happenings other than the sked games. Is Dunedin Stadium and the Bobby Mattick complex open to the public for practices and/or the “B” games? Also what time should I plan on getting to these places to try attend?
Thanks
MW: Asked and answered.
- CBEMike,
Will the Jays AAA team in Las Vegas be changing their name and logo from the “Area 51′s” to something else ?
MW: They’re actually just called the 51s, but no.
- MarkHere we go again with Jays interest in another cuban prospect in Adeinis Hechavarria. I sometimes wonder if the Jays were used in the Chapman sweepstakes to jack up his price or if they simply lost the battle. What do you know about the New York Post reporting that the Jays are close to signing this Cuban shortstop for 10 million dollars? Can you give us your opinion and scouting report like you did with Chapman before he signed with the Reds.?
MW: I knew a lot more about Chapman than I do about Hechevarria.
- DomenickHi Mike,
(A question from a newish baseball fan).
If a pitcher is coming back from injury is it necessary that in order to make the team they need to throw 100 pitches?
Could they not just throw 70 pitches and add extra support in the bullpen to cover these guys?
MW: There’s something to be said for a guy going out and giving you four great innings, rather than someone giving you six mediocre innings, and the idea of piggybacking two starters together, for four innings each, every three days is one that’s been batted around and one which I wish someone would have the stones to try. But in the current climate, no one wants a starter who is limited to so few pitches because it puts too much stress on the bullpen.
- JohnnyThoughts on Adeiny Hechevarria signing? Really excited about it as he instantly becomes our top SS prospect! Great coup by AA.
- RenegadeGuaranteed 100 losses. At least.
MW: I wish I could take that bet. Any of you fine bloggists out there feel free!
- TommyMichael,
What are your thoughts on the new turf the team will be playing on this season?
All I know is the new surface is made by AstroTurf, rather than FieldTurf. It sounds like this decision was made, not because it was the best surface, maybe it is, maybe it isn’t, but because do to a MLB licensing deal with AstroTurf the Jays got a discount.
MW: You mean due, but I was led to understand that the main reason that they switched was because the new AstroTurf makes the transition process from baseball to other-revenue-generating-events far, far faster.
- Uncle BenMike,
how does Moises Sierra look to you?
I heard he might be in line for a breakout year in doubleA this season
MW: I didn’t get to see him play at all this spring – I was really hoping to see him at least throw.
- LukaMike, long time listener… what are yer thoughts on the Jays shiny new Cuban SS Adeiny (H)echeverria?
My first blush opinion, on anecdotal scouting reports, is that 10M/4yrs seems fairly reasonable… if he’s able to contribute right out of camp in 2011. It can’t be asking too much of a 21 year old to start the season in AA, right? Kendry Moreales, at 22, started NA pro ball in A+ and destroyed there, and then did the same in AA. Yes last year was his first full big league season(and he crushed the ball!), but he did raked in AAA for three partial seasons while he was blocked by Kotchman, then Teixeira; and I do know that comps like that are usually way off especially with young players that have different skills.
As an aside: am I the only one who see the phrase “struck out swinging on a 4-2 fastball” and thinks of the opening dream/nightmare sequence of Mr. Baseball?
“Strike four! Hey, where are you going Jack? Get back in there.”
- mudieHey Mike happy 40th b-day.
Is it true that old pa announcer Murry Eldon will be back at the ball park this year.
Ps since it was your bday yesterday it would have been nice if Jery and Allan let you do some play by play.
MW: I haven’t heard anything about Murray coming back. Where did you get that?
- JimHechevarria (sp?) sounds like a good get. I checked out a couple of web gems and he looks excellent defensively. Sounds like he can hit the ball as well. What are your thoughts?
- isabella reyesJoey Gathright was the player the last caller was referring too.
Was quite surprised your mind went blank on that one.
Him and Hill seem to have joked all spring about those homeruns.
MW: I’m surprised, too. I must be getting old. The caller threw me when he said “Wainwright”, thought that should have led me in the right direction.
- ChrisJust back from Dunedin. Couldn’t get over how confident Bautista looks at the plate. This was was hitting long home runs to deep left. I see him hitting fifth.
MW: Cito sees him hitting first. I see him as a guy who has never hit right-handed pitching in his entire major-league career, and find it hard to believe that he’ll be able to now.
- marcHappy birthday, Mike.
I was wondering, is Brett Wallace’s defense at 3rd that much worse than Encarnacion’s? Why don’t we just put Wallace at 3rd if his defense is the same as Edwin’s? Then, we could see Dopirak or Ruiz at 1st
MW: The Jays have already seen Wallace’s defense at third base, so I’m assuming they’ve already made that assessment.
- KeithHi Mike,
Are there any stats available on Adeinys Hechevarria? All I read is that the Yanks wanted him as well, but there is no other info on the guy.
Refreshing to hear the Jays actually have a prospect for SS.
Thanks,
- StavrosMike…Why don’t Jays fans take the “Brian Burke: G.M of Team USA” approach..Here everyone had a pre-determined Canada/Russia gold medal game and Burke just kept saying we (Team USA) liked the underdog role and we’re just going to show up every game with a great goalie (Ryan Miller) and a bunch of young,talented guys who’ve been told they’re not good enough to win even a bronze. Well, after Ovechkin, Nabakov et al forgot to show up, they were a Scott Niedermayer give away and then a Sidney Crosby goal away from a lot of experts dining out on crow…I understand the Olympics are a 2 week tournament and the MLB season is a 162 game marathon, but some Jays’ fans/prognosticators could learn something from Burke’s healthy attitude.
MW: A good attitude can’t overcome a lack of talent and skill.
- chris m.I love this story! McGowan’s such a nice guy, glad to see he’s getting the chance that Carp didn’t get with the Jays. Our team is a lot scarier every fifth day if he can come back with “Carp” like success!
MW: Do we have to go over the Carpenter story again?
- toseHi Mike,
What sort of time frame do you think McGowan doesn’t have to worry about re-injuring his shoulder and just giver every 5 days?
MW: I have no idea.
- BrentHey Mike, what do Bautista and Tallet have to do to lose their spots in the everyday lineup/rotation? We will more than likely lose Dana Eveland despite the fact that Tallet would be a key member of the BP. JB has been a bench player his whole career, what has changed all of a sudden? Does Randy Ruiz have to hit .600 over the first month of the season to be actually given a look as the possible full time DH?
I am absolutely baffled as to why Cito is clearing a path for Bautista to lead off. It’s almost as bad as Millar being given plate appearances in the clean up spot while Ruiz rides the pine.
MW: I’m actually fine with Tallet being the 5th starter, Eveland isn’t a guy I would be falling all over myself to keep, though it looks as though the Jays will try hard to do so. I don’t get the Bautista thing, though.
- AlanHey Mike,
Happy belated birthday big guy. Do you have any inside info regarding the NY Post article that said Toronto’s close to signing Cuban SS Hechavarria? AA declined comment as per usual.
Also, when attempting to sign Cuban defectors, do you think Anthopoulos really pushes the player’s ability to bring his family to Canada as a reason to sign?
MW: I don’t know about the family thing, though I would hope it’d be a big selling point. And thank you!
- ClayHi Mike,
The coaches initally said no gun on MacGowan, have they changed, or is the speed of 92-93 a “guesstimation”?
I really hope for Dusin’s arm health, and hope that he eventually (????unlikely) gets back to topping at 96-97.If he doesnt, I hope he can be effective and that people can get over the “what if” and embrace “what is”.
MW: 92-93 was indeed an educated guess, but from a pair of eyes that has been scouting a long time.
- JayHey Mike -
Do you know about the rules for the Road team in Spring Training games? Do they have to have a certain number of major-league players? I made the drive to Lakeland today and was disappointed to see that the Jays did not have a single legitimate major-league player in the starting lineup. It is a bit of a slap in the face for the fans.
MW: The rules are supposed to be four major-league regulars, but those rules get stretched to the point of disbelief. I’m guessing that the Blue Jays would try to say that Rzepczynski, Cecil, Snider, Ruiz, Reed and maybe Molina were “real major-leaguers” in that game against Detroit. I agree with you to some extent, but I wouldn’t say that they didn’t have any legitimate major-leaguers.
- GeoffMike,
- Barry in BulingtonIf the jays are successful in landing Hechavarria what are you hearing about his current development…where do you feel he would begin his time in the organization?
Up for some early predictions?
* Who’s the openning day starter?
* Who’s the openning day closer?
* How many games to the Jays win this year?
Just curious what you think.
MW: Opening Day? Marcum, Frasor and 79-82.
- DavidHi Mike,
I have a question about playing time in Spring Training games. I remember hearing on the post-game show that Wallace had only had 9 PAs in 3 games during Spring Training and was sent to minor league camp where he would get more playing time. But with minor league games only getting going just now, what was Wallace (or any player for that matter who hasn’t played much) doing when not playing? Are there B games everyday? Intrasquad games?
I’m sure there’s a good explanation, it just seems a little strange that someone expected to be a huge part of this team for the next 6-7 years would not be in the lineup facing major league pitching almost everyday. Especially when a player like Lubanski who doesn’t have as high expectations seems to consistently get playing time.
As always, keep up the great work.
MW: Often players who they know won’t make the team but for whom they have high hopes get farmed out pretty much as soon as the minor-league games start. Wallace got sent out on Sunday, minor-league games started on Monday.
- Jeff HHi Mike,
Any chance of a Wednesday with AA (or any other day for that matter) this year on The Jays Talk?
Thanks!
MW: I’m going to try.
- Gary WHey Mike, was wondering what you know about the Cuban shortstop Adeiny Hechevarria. There have been rumours flying around that they Jays are close to signing him. Also, who would be some candidates for the manager position in 2011? Would Ernie Whitt be a fhitt?
Have a good one,
Kevin
MW: Ernie Whitt would not be a fhitt (though that was cute). I would love for Brian Butterfield to get a shot to manage the team – he deserves it and I think he’d do a great job. Nick Levya is a candidate as well, as likely are Omar Malave and Dwayne Murphy, and lots of other candidates outside the organization will emerge as the year continues.
- KevinDustin at full strength can certainly add to what is already a “fly under the radar” starting line up. I love watching the kids emerge and hone their skills. The trading of Doc has cleared an enormous path in that regard.
One can look at the Doc trade from many perspectives: A chance to grow a young rotation. A change of approach, attitude and influence. One also has to remember that there was 127 games last year that Doc wasn’t involved with.
BTW, on a side note, in Docs last outing against the Pirates (2 NL teams) they used the DH. Is it a spring time option for the NL teams? Just wondering.
MW: The DH is a springtime option for NL teams, and it’s up to the home team as to whether or not they use it. The Jays always ask any NL team they visit if they can use the DH, and often the answer is yes.
- Andrew ShoneHey mike,
- Mike BAny thoughts on this Cuban SS we are looking at?
Hey Mike. I was wondering if you could tell me if the Jays fly on a chartered jet or a team jet during the regular season? Did you fly with the team the couple of times you went on the road with them?
MW: Chartered and no.
- Matt in BCHappy belated birthdy! What have you heard about this cuban shortstop?
- DarrenGood Afternoon Mike,
Happy belated Birthday. Have you heard any firther news regarding the signing of the Cuban short stop? (forgive me for not remembering his name) Where do you think he fits in the grand scheme of things? Is he destined for AA? AAA? Your thoughts are appreciated as always. Look forward to listening you on Jays talk this year. Cheers!
- TommyHey Mike. Ok, a bit off topic but in reading that Smoltz is joining TBS, I’m also seeing a number of comments indicating HOF awaits. I appreciate he has had a great career and done terrific in the post season. However, I’ll be disappointed if he were to get in and Bert Blyleven didn’t. Stat wise, they’re almost identical (I correlated 50 saves to 20 wins). Blyleven played on teams not nearly as talented as the Braves of the 90′s and Y2K’s and yet he still gets overlooked.
MW: I’m definitely all for Blyleven making the Hall of Fame, I think it’s ridiculous that he’s not there. But I do think Smoltz should make it.
- daveAhh Mike Wilner please talk about this Cuban shortstop I’m so excited! How good is he!? Or do you even know?
MW: No, I don’t.
- Nalo HopkinsonMike,
I was very impressed with what Randy Ruiz did last year and I am happy to see that he is playing well this spring but I Cito having him at the end of the bench and only being used a pinch hitter. Any chance he see regular playing time this year? And what is the work on this Aaron Cibia kid (JOKING). But really, is there any word on Arencibia breaking with the Jays?
MW: I see the same with Ruiz, Arencibia won’t make the team.
- JWDo you know what season the Jays will have control of Adeiny Hechevarria until? Is it a standard 4 year contract from 2010-2013 or is there arbitration years added on?
- Scott1)Do you get the impression Brad Emaus is a guy people in the organization are still excited about?
2) Have you had a chance to assess his defense?
3) Have you had anyone in the know give you a positive or negative assessment of his defense?
4) is he the closest internal candidate to the 3B position long term? If not who is?
MW: 1 – Yes. 2 – I haven’t seen him enough, but he seems to be fine. 3 – Nope, never talked about it. 4 – Probably, but Encarnacion is only 26.
- jeremyHey Mike,
This isn’t really commentary for the blog but I was wondering what your thought of the prospect of Brad Emaus joining the Jays in the future. Where do you see him fitting in? Thanks. I appreciate the great work you do. Cheers to the green beers of St. Patty’s day.
MW: Wow – see above!
- RyanHi Mike,
I don’t know how else to get in touch, so I figured I’d leave a post here …
I haven’t heard you mention anything about the “floating” realignment proposal that was mentioned earlier this week … anyway, I put my thoughts together here:
http://betabytes.blogspot.com/2010/03/and-now-for-something-completely.html
What do you think about the “floated” proposal? Do you think the Jays will ever have a chance to make the playoffs without having to finish ahead of one of the Red Sox or Yankees?
MW: I think re-alignment is important for the long-term prospects of the Jays, Rays and Orioles, but I think the idea of floating re-alignment, as currently proposed, is ridiculous.
- seanpkHey Mike,
Why give Tallet a spot in the rotation? Wouldn’t they be better served giving Cecil a spot for the experience as we build towards the future?
MW: Cecil is only 23, what’s the rush? Tallet has been given a spot as a reward for his fine work last season.
- Chris JonesI listened to the Bobcat today, Pat Gillick was on. Always good to hear Pat, who knows a thing or two about being a real general manager. It’s funny he said that the last regime (that being JP) has left nothing for the Jays to build on. Well I guess us Jays fans weren’t overreacting the last few years that clown was here. Count on JP never working for a team again. This job with ESPN in just a ploy to get back in.
MW: Ricciardi turned down a couple of job offers from big-league teams in the off-season. It’s true, though, the Jays have been left with nothing at all to build on. Certainly there are no good young players along the lines of guys like Aaron Hill, Adam Lind, Travis Snider, J.P. Arencibia, Shaun Marcum, Zach Stewart, Brett Cecil, Ricky Romero, Marc Rzepczynski, Henderson Alvarez or Dan Farquhar.
- DannyHey Mike,
I’m on a different continent so I hope you’ll excuse me if I’m asking questions you’ve already responded to several times:
1. Will Cito use the closer spot between Downs and Frasor depending on if the half inning is left/right heavy or will he just assign a closer?
2. What are the chances we see Brian Dopirak up with the team this year?
Thanks and look forward to hearing you, Jerry and Alan again this year.
MW: 1 – He’ll choose a closer, and don’t count out Kevin Gregg. 2 – Chances are good, but not to open the season. Thanks for the kind words!
- Ryan S. from South Koreahey mike
I know you love P.F….here’s a tip for you. If you like the mongolian beef, order a mongolian trio (shrimp, chicken and beef all smothered in the special sauce). It is not on the menu..costs a little extra..about 4-5 bucks more and tastes devine. It was discontinued from the menu about 5 yrs ago, but the kitchen will know what you mean. Happy birthday>
Luke
MW: I don’t do shrimp, but I never even knew that they did chicken in Mongol-style. Cool!
- lukespeakYou still alive Mike?
MW: Lemme check. Seems so.
- Alex