Wow, what an interesting interview. J.P. is clearly not afraid to reveal his thoughts and opinions on just about anything. He's probably the best Blue Jay interview since George Bell.

But questions 2 and 3 of the interview illustrate why I don't read the National Post. Post reporters appear to be forced to hew to a particular company line; after all, why else would you ask a general manager of a sports team what his view is on the criticism of Americans by the Canadian media? If J.P. had responded that he was opposed to war with Iraq, or that he agreed with the criticism of the United States levelled by the Canadian media, I suspect that the Post's editorial board would have pulled the column.

(After reading question 3, I was expecting J.P. to be asked about the "brain drain", or whether "harmonizing" the Canadian and U.S. currencies was a good idea.)

I had to smile at the superhero analogy.

The answer about being a quick shopper, knowing what he wants, and getting in and out quickly describes quite neatly his tendancies as a GM. It's interesting that he describes his wife as a more "professional" shopper; perhaps something he can pick up with experience.

I'm a professional shopper!

I like the fact that he's a big hockey fan.

Atleast that gives him some insight into Canadian fans and why they don't show up until after the Leafs are eliminated from the playoffs.

Over at MLB.com, Spencer Fordin talked with J.P.'s boss, Paul Godfrey:

"I think that with J.P. Ricciardi, we have the best general manager in the game."

What else would he say, Coach?

A fairly signifigant development in the AL East.

That means there will be have to be an odd man out between Millar, Oritz, Giambi, and Hillebrand. A good situation for the Red Sox, in my humble opinion.

That means there will be have to be an odd man out between Millar, Oritz, Giambi, and Hillebrand. A good situation for the Red Sox, in my humble opinion.

If the Red Sox are confident enough in Mueller's health, it sure seems inevitable that Shea will play in Shea this summer, doesn't it?

Man,even if you don't agree with J.P.'s opinions you've got to love this guys honesty.

The funny thing is the mainstream sports writers seem to dislike his blunt opinions.They'd far rather have the innocous cliche ridden patter that is the norm.

"If the Red Sox are confident enough in Mueller's health, it sure seems inevitable that Shea will play in Shea this summer, doesn't it? "

My thoughts exactly Chuck. Im not sure what the Mets would send the Sox way, maybe their 3B prospect Ty Winnington or perhaps some much needed minor-league pitching depth? I'm just not sure how much better off the Mets minor-league system is than the Sox's right now. But yeah, I think the chances of seeing Shea in Shea are very good.

I know that Millar has played a little 3B in his career as well. (28 games when he was with TB.) That also can't help Shea's chances of sticking around.

Shea's chances of sticking around under Epstein et al. are next to nil, as he has no idea of how to take a walk. And that's the bottom line.

As a part-time Mets fan, I hope Phillips doesn't grab Hillenbrand. The Mets have as stocked a system as they've had in years, with a host of prospects Phillips could foolishly give away. Wigginton/Jay Bell should be adequate for this year, though W. isn't really a 3B, so his armn might be stretched there. The better move would've been to use the Rey Sanchez money to sign a 3B, then play W. at SS. Long-term, David Wright (i think that's his name) is at A ball looking like a solid ML 3B, probably around 2005.

If they do go through with it, the Mets have a stable of young 4/5 starters that would help restock the barren Sox system, plus excess lefty relievers (Phillips loves to collect those relievers) and Marcus Stutaro, who Theo would probably like. The Red Sox can afford to sit on Shea until the right deal comes along b/c he isn't making much.

I've learned one thing watching Phillips work- prospects in his hands are dangerous.

Sean: Shea's chances of sticking around under Epstein et al. are next to nil, as he has no idea of how to take a walk. And that's the bottom line.

I believe there are a few factors that may keep Hillenbrand in Boston this year:
* Mueller's injury history
* the lack of a backup 3B on the roster
* Hillenbrand's trade value not being as high the Red Sox had hoped

dp: Wigginton/Jay Bell should be adequate for this year...

You mean in the same way that tofu is an adequate replacement for real food?

Wigginton is a decent hitter. Put him at 2B, and he's perfectly accectable offensively and defensively. He's stretched a bit at 3B, but when the alternatives include promoting Reyes early and shifting Rey Sanchez there or making a deal with a shrewd GM, I'll deal with W. and whatever Jay Bell has left.

Ty 2002:
ML:
.354 .526 .880
AAA:
.366 .431 .797