Batter's Box Interactive Magazine

As noted on last night's game thread, the Blue Jays have recalled Corey Thurman and Mike Smith from the Syracuse Skychiefs. Ken Huckaby is expected to be one of the players sent down in return, but there's no word yet on the other victim. If Mark Hendrickson struggles tonight, he's most likely AAA-bound and Doug Davis sticks around; if he pitches effectively, probably he'll stay and Davis will be released outright. Jayson Werth will be joining the flight to Syracuse as soon as Shannon Stewart comes off the DL.

Corey has been discussed extensively here lately; the consensus seems to be that he's not quite ready for prime time, but the Jays are in neither the condition nor the mood to wait. I have a feeling it could start out as a rough second visit to the majors for Thurman, but unless he's really lost out there on the mound, he'll stay the year. Mike has been pitching better lately after a terrible start, and I'm one of his bigger boosters, but even I'm somewhat surprised to see him back so soon, with less than stellar numbers. It's a measure of how awful the Jays' hurlers have been lately that the team is taking a flyer on two guys who may not be there quite yet. But on the whole, I'm glad to see them here: the team has pretty much figured out what they have in guys like Tanyon Sturtze, Jeff Tam and Doug Davis, pitchers whom I don't expect to last the season in Toronto. Might as well see what the home-grown (or, in Thurman's case, the Rule-Fived) guys have to offer.

Posted by Jordan on Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 08:50 AM EDT.

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_Ryan - Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 09:45 AM EDT (#100317) #

From the Toronto Sun:

\Thurman, 24, has a major- league record of 47-44 with a 3.90 ERA [...]\

91 decisions in his rookie season last year. I'm surprised his arm is still attached.

(Gotta love the Sun's fact checking.)

_Jordan - Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 09:50 AM EDT (#100318) #

Corey "Old Hoss" Thurman....

_Matthew Elmslie - Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 09:52 AM EDT (#100319) #

If the Jays think these guys are really, actually ready, then that's great and I approve of the move. Otherwise I'd rather suffer through Hendrickson and Davis and Sturtze and Tam, no matter how bad they pitch.

_R Billie - Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 10:07 AM EDT (#100320) #

I find it hard to believe that Thurman has mastered a slider and bitten his control problems in just two and a half months. I think this may be a case of his learning on the job but still being better than what they have.

_Lefty - Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 10:08 AM EDT (#100321) #

On the basis of Gideons game report Lynx/Chiefs and after a quick look at his numbers in the minors todate I think one could make the case that he would be well suited to middle inning relief. Two innings max twice a week to pick up wonky starts and bridge to Lopez and Pollitte.
Just a thought

Gerry - Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 11:48 AM EDT (#100322) #

What about Towers?

In: Smith and Thurman
Out: Huckaby and Towers

In (soon): Stewart
Out (soon): Werth

In (later): Hinske
Out (later): Clark - its not going to be Berg or Bordick

What are the chances of Berg or Bordick being dealt at the deadline? They would be good backups for a contender, if the Jays are not one themselves.

_jason - Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 12:52 PM EDT (#100323) #

"What are the chances of Berg or Bordick being dealt at the deadline? They would be good backups for a contender, if the Jays are not one themselves."

I just don't think any team would give anything of value for either of them exclusivly, and there is no reason to dump them for salary reasons since they aren't making that much. On top of that they are good at what they do.

_Jurgen - Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 01:13 PM EDT (#100324) #

What are the chances of Berg or Bordick being dealt

You know Cashman and his braintrust must covet Bordick (if they really are as bright as everyone says they are), but I imagine Big Stein and Torre don't want to move Jetes to the hot corner. Besides, there's no way Toronto makes this trade, however, because it'll make the Yankees a substantially better team. And who are the Jays going to get in return? Ruben Sierra? But maybe they package Escobar and Bordick for De Paula and/or Borrell? That has potential.

_R Billie - Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 03:42 PM EDT (#100325) #

I don't think the question of helping the Yankees with the Jays' current situation will come up at all at this time.

Dave Till - Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 03:45 PM EDT (#100326) #

I don't think the Jays can afford to make a trade with the Red Sox or Yankees at this point. It's all well and good to be thinking long-term, and to be planning to Rule The World in 2004 or 2005, but the Jays aren't very far back right now. Trading with a divisional rival would alienate a lot of fans.

I'm not too concerned about rushing Thurman or Towers - they've both got substantial big league experience, so they know what they're about to face. And it's clear that some of the guys who are currently here just can't cut it.

_Spicol - Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 04:34 PM EDT (#100327) #

ESPN is officially reporting that it's Huckaby and Towers being sent down. They've been sent outright.

Dave Till - Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 04:55 PM EDT (#100328) #

Oops - I got Smith confused with Towers. Duh.

_Dr B - Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 05:38 PM EDT (#100329) #

I don't think the Jays can afford to make a trade with the Red Sox or Yankees at this point.

I heard the Sox need some help in the pen. How about a Pedro for Jeff trade...? :-)

_Jordan - Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 06:01 PM EDT (#100330) #

The Mets just fired Steve Phillips; the rebuilding is officially underway in New York. So here's a trade for ya:

Dominic Rich for Al Leiter and cash.

I'm mostly kidding.

robertdudek - Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 06:28 PM EDT (#100331) #

Jordan...

5 and 10... 5 and 10.

_Jordan - Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 07:45 PM EDT (#100332) #

Sure, but Al could waive it -- it'd get him out of New York, back to where his career for all intents and purposes started, Toronto, a place he loved so much he bolted for Florida at the first opportunity, true, but you never know what might appeal to a guy on the downside of his career.

Anyway, as I say, mostly kidding. But if the Jays were hanging close at the deadline, and the cost were a minor leaguer (or two) the team has no plans for but which the Mets could eventually use, and an alumnus like Leiter could come in and pitch some innings down the stretch, excite the fans, show them the organization is committed to winning, etc.... okay, maybe I'm not entirely kidding after all. If Leiter were willing, and if the cost weren't too high, I'd do it.

robertdudek - Thursday, June 12 2003 @ 11:12 PM EDT (#100333) #

Sure, if Leiter were willing and the cost was a couple of mid-level prospects, I'd do it in a heartbeat. But until Leiter speaks his mind, you could just as well talk about one of the two dozen other over 30 starters on a non-contender. But it's not as crazy as it sounds - he could always go back to New York for next year (after we offer arbitration and get a draft pick)

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