I gotta agree with Jabonoso on this one, as much as I like JP, his comparison of New Haven to Iraq is beyond stupid. It's great he's so open to the media (and hence to us) but he's gotta realize that he's not talking to his buddies at the bar. If certain members of the media pick on this .... it could be used to embarass the organization.

JP: anytime you feel like playing some ball, come on down to kingston, ontario. We have a spot on the roster for ya. Dont worry, you wouldnt even be close to the oldest guy on the team, we have a 54 year old playing for us :)

JP spoke to a Harvard statistics class. That would have been an interesting class to attend. Anyone with Harvard statistics connections?

JPR: I think Iraq’s a better situation that what we were in New Haven last year. Once again, it’s a credit to (the manager) Marty Pevey, his staff and the kids last year. They were in the worst situation in baseball with one of the best teams in baseball. I think our guys learned to handle adversity.

You don't think this is bad? The first sentence on it's own could possibly be considered just hyperbole in bad taste. But to go on about the adversity faced in New Haven after starting your statement with that comparison is horrible. I'm sure in saying it, it didn't seem nearly as bad as looks in print. But this is what is seen by the general public.

Baseball players and management alike share a public perception that they are far removed from reality, and therefore don't understand the common fan. A statement like this just reinforces that perception. I don't think JP is a bad guy and he certainly seems like a smart one too. But that doesn't mean that this isn't a really, really dumb statement.

If certain members of the media pick on this .... it could be used to embarass the organization.

This is what has been wrong with North America for the past few years. A lawsuit for over a billion dollars because you caught a glimpse of a breast? Making a remark about a stadiums sucking? Come on! Living over in Europe for 5 years I learned exactly what the rest of the world things about both the US AND Canada when it comes to our overbaring political correctness. It was nice and embarrassing to read in the British papers how a student in Nova Scotia was suspended for wearing deoderant to class because the school was supposed to be "scent free".

Interesting how the first comment was something like this, not 1) the fact that if they are successful the BoSox will more than likely move into the stadium in 2 years and leave the Jays looking for another location for their AA team, or 2) How about who exactly is moving up to AAA, and who is staying at AA?

People constantly complain that nobody says anything interesting these days, well this is why. People getting over sensitive to someone taking a bit of poetic licence to explain just how bad a situation was.

You don't think this is bad? The first sentence on it's own could possibly be considered just hyperbole in bad taste. But to go on about the adversity faced in New Haven after starting your statement with that comparison is horrible. I'm sure in saying it, it didn't seem nearly as bad as looks in print. But this is what is seen by the general public.

No, this is what you see. All he was doing was comparing a decrepid, rundown stadium with a warzone. Could he have worded it better? Apparently so, but let's be real.

I don't think the general public (re: the people who are NOT freaking out, which is the majority) see it his way at all. Before you start quantifying what the "General Public" thinks, try asking them instead of assuming it's the exact same thing that you think.

I don't think the general public (re: the people who are NOT freaking out, which is the majority) see it his way at all. Before you start quantifying what the "General Public" thinks, try asking them instead of assuming it's the exact same thing that you think.

Oddly enough you seem to think that you can speak for the general public but I can't. But even stranger, you make this statement just five minutes after saying:

This is what has been wrong with North America for the past few years. A lawsuit for over a billion dollars because you caught a glimpse of a breast? Making a remark about a stadiums sucking? Come on! Living over in Europe for 5 years I learned exactly what the rest of the world things about both the US AND Canada when it comes to our overbaring political correctness. It was nice and embarrassing to read in the British papers how a student in Nova Scotia was suspended for wearing deoderant to class because the school was supposed to be "scent free".

Aren't your two statements mutually exclusive? In any event you are making the same point I am. I personally think JP made a dumb statement, but believe it was just a mistake. As you've pointed out though (and as I also believe), our society (and media) tends to make a big deal about things that are far more trivial.

1) the fact that if they are successful the BoSox will more than likely move into the stadium in 2 years and leave the Jays looking for another location for their AA team, or 2) How about who exactly is moving up to AAA, and who is staying at AA?

Let's see if we can get this thread back on track. The first point really makes me cringe. Considering that Manchester is building a new stadium for a minor league baseball team, the Jays moving away would be a shame. Considering that some players had to endure the horrors of Yale Field, and considering that some of these players will play on yet another temporary field this season, it would be a shame that the AA team would have to suffer through another year of transition. Let's hope the Sox don't flex their muscles and force this hypothetical situation.

As for (2), I think it's safe to say that Bush, McGowan and Griffin will be staying in AA for a little more grooming and Rios/Quiroz will be moving their services to more advanced places. Now, do you leave a guy like Rich, who has obviously struggled with AA pitching, or do you challenge him at AAA?

The Red Sox currently have Portland, Maine as their AA home. If the Blue Jays and Red Sox ended up swapping affiliates in 2005 (when their current deals with those franchises expire), it wouldn't be that bad of a situation for Toronto. Travel would be a little worse, but the stadium in Portland is only ten years old and is more than adequate. I've been there a few times and it's actually a pretty nice place, although it is somewhat utilitarian compared to other new parks.

The Blue Jays in Portland would also have the added benefit of being able to draw from certain crazed New Brunswickers who don't mind a five hour drive each way to see a game. :-)

Not having much of any Minor League knowledge prior to reading BB on a daily basis, I'm not well versed on the business side of opperations. If the Jays and Sox were to swap affiliates, would the Jays' AA players just move with the team and put on a Portland uniform?

If the Jays and Sox were to swap affiliates, would the Jays' AA players just move with the team and put on a Portland uniform?

Yes.

"We stopped explaining what we are trying to do"
Well De Podesta just lectured us about what they are trying to do. It is not a single statistic line, is about players that increase your chances to win...
I liked very much, when he described that to him success in a draft is when late draftees do have a chance to play in big leagues.

The Blue Jays in Portland would also have the added benefit of being able to draw from certain crazed New Brunswickers who don't mind a five hour drive each way to see a game.

Testify.

(Four hours for thyself)

Hi folks, I cannot tell you how impressed the citizens of Manchester were with JP. How many GMs would do this? By the time he met with business leaders, Fisher Cats officials and the fans, JP probably spent about eight hours out of his day for the visit.
I'm the reporter who sat down with JP for the impromptu one-on-one. As you could tell, it was rather light-hearted at times, hence the "Iraq" comment. Don't get your knickers in a twist over that one ...
If you have any other questions on the interview, feel free to drop me an e-mail. KG

On a completely unrelated topic, does anyone know what the "medical problem" that Corey Thurman has that made the Reds void his minor league contract?

Thanks!

Coliver, It looks like it may be the dreaded and ever contagious torn labrum.

Thank you Smirnoff.

Kevin, thanks very much for dropping by and sharing your insight! We're looking forward to following the Fisher Cats this year, and we'd always welcome posts from you regarding your observations. I'm sure various Bauxites will be in touch with you over the course of the season as well -- I'll surely have questions on the young pitchers' development. Thanks again for coming by!

Brent,

I don't see why Griffin should stay in AA. His career line at that level is .285/.365/.477 in 447 AB, so it's not like he hasn't had any success yet. He turned 24 in the off-season; if he's going to have a major league career, he needs to get moving. Personally, I don't see how he will make it through the numbers crunch in Toronto, but in any case he seems ready for AAA.

John

Am I the only one actually wondering what a Fisher Cat is?

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Martes_pennanti.html
Am I the only one actually wondering what a Fisher Cat is?

COMN.

John,

Perhaps you are right about Griffin, but I approached the situation from a different angle. It seems that Griffin will be forced to move from the outfield by the three-headed monster (Rios/Wells/Gross) that might occupy Toronto in the near future. It seems possible that he might start in LF for Syracuse on their opening day roster, but what if the Jays want to try his hand at 1B? Do they make him adjust to a high echelon of pitching and a brand new position at the same time? I just assumed (which, I admit, seems like a pretty wacky assumption) that Griffin will get his feet wet in Manchester -- splitting time between a few defensive positions before being called up to the AAA powerhouse.

Griffin certainly is a wildcard in this system. Where do you think he'll end up defensively, factoring in his offensive and defensive limitations?

John-Ford Griffin would probably be wise to learn first base for the long run, regardless of where he starts 2004.

Consider the Toronto outfield of the next few years: assuming no major trades of prospects, Vernon Wells and Alexis Rios can be expected to populate centerfield and one of the corner positions. Who does that leave for the other corner? Reed Johnson is the incumbent, and Jayson Werth is still hanging out in the wings, but Gabe Gross is the one who seems destined for a starting outfield spot in the big leagues no later than April 2005. I'm actually expecting Griffin to have a breakout year offensively; but even if he does, will his total package be superior to Gross in the outfield? John-Ford is a very hard worker, but his throwing arm has never really recovered from surgery, and his outfield range is reportedly no more than decent. I don't think there'll be a place for him in the Skydome outfield.

What does that leave? Well, assuming that Carlos Delgado is not returning to Toronto next year (an assumption that I think fans should make for now), first base will be available. Josh Phelps has first crack at that position, and will no doubt get 15 or 20 games this year to audition for it. Even if Phelps does get first base, DH is still open. I think Griffin is too athletic to be pigeonholed as a DH at this point, but even John Olerud started his career there; it's not fatal.

Since the Jays have an interest in seeing as soon as possible what Griffin can give them at the major-league level, and taking into consideration his age, it would make sense for them to install him at first base at Syracuse and let him learn a new position in the International League; it's a slide down the defensive spectrum, so it shouldn't be overwhelming. If one or more of Rios, Gross or Werth get called up to Toronto, then an outfield spot will open up in Syracuse. That wouldn't be bad at all, because Griffin really shouldn't abandon the outfield altogether: it would limit everyone's options. But for all concerned, I think it would be good for John-Ford to learn to play first base this year.

If one or more of Rios, Gross or Werth get called up to Toronto, then an outfield spot will open up in Syracuse.

As i'm sure Jordan temporarily forgot, the chances of Werth ever being in Syracuse again, are almost non-existent -- unless it's for a short re-hab stint -- what with him being out of options and a sure fire waiver claim, it's Toronto or bust for him.

You know what I wouldn't be shocked at? If the Jays trade Vernon Wells after the 2005 season, especially if Delgado is signed for 2006. The Jays would be able to get a great return on him because he'd be relatively cheap, he'd clear up money for use in other areas, and the Jays should be able to fill a corner OF position fairly easily (either through the minors or FA).

Obviously that's a long way down the road, but I could see it happening under certain circumstances.

oooh, I dunno bout that Pistol... I see no reason why the jays would ever wanna even consider dealing VW. From a business perspective, he's perhaps the most underpaid player in the game....

Yeah, Wells shouldn't go but I don't think Pistol was saying that. I read it as him saying that he "wouldn't be shocked" if it happened, only "under certain circumstances." (Please correct me if I misinterpreted what you said, Pistol).

Other than that, from the page you linked, Matthew, I guess the fisher is not actually a cat, but more of a...whatever it is. Just like a koala bear not being a bear. :) Thanks for the info though.

Temporarily forgot ... yeah ... that's the ticket. :-)

My brain cramp aside, I still think Griffin has more of a future at first base in Toronto than in the outfield, so it would make sense to get him some innings there sooner rather than later. I also think it could benefit him to be in Syracuse with his last-season temamates -- Gross in particular was Griffin's roommate in New Haven, so that would presumably be good for them both.

But as always, if you're going to end up at first base, your bat needs to justify it. Basically, the better John-Ford hits, the more flexibility he's going to give himself in the majors position-wise. If he can only hit like a corner outfielder, his scope narrows considerably.

I would be shocked, staggered and stupefied if the Jays dealt Wells. I can't imagine that any return would be worth the loss. Think of it this way: after the 2005 season, the Jays' rotation likely will be Halladay, McGowan, Batista, Bush and perhaps Arnold. The bullpen will be populated with the likes of Peterson, Vermilyea, Perkins and others. The infield will be set with some combination of Hinske, Adams, Hill, Hudson, Phelps, Griffin or others. Who's in the outfield? Rios, Gross and ...? There are no outfield prospects in the Jays' system remotely close to equalling Vernon's all-around production. About the only thing the Jays would need after trading Wells would be a world-class centerfielder.

At the end of the day, I think there are only two true untouchables in this organziation: Roy Halladay and Vernon Wells.

Wells isn't going anywhere. If you were looking to trade wells, the only teams with the prospects required to obtain him are tampa bay (upton and young), or la (miller and jackson), or anaheim. Considering jp doesn't like such deals (high risk high reward), this is not going to happen. I wouldn't do this, risk is too high, and completely unnecessary.

In terms of established players -- I don't see any with the contract wells has. Think about this, when pujols gets to arbitration he is going to break the bank. Although I would trade wells for pujols in a second, they jays probably wont. Wells is cheap, already among the top 10 positional players in the AL, and improving.

Besides all of this, I really hate the idea of trading your best player. You just don't do it, unless the guy is overpaid, lazy, or a malcontent. Wells is the opposite of all these things.

I'll support any trade as long as it's a good trade. If somebody offers something for Wells that would make it a good deal from the Jays' perspective, I say go for it. However, in this case, I'm not sure what that would be.

I'll support any trade as long as it's a good trade. If somebody offers something for Wells that would make it a good deal from the Jays' perspective, I say go for it. However, in this case, I'm not sure what that would be.

To quote JP, Alex Rodriguez without the contract.

I dont think Vernon is going to be traded and I have brought this rumor up before but Hank Blalock for Vernon was the hot trade rumor a few springs back. Now thats an interesting deal to analyze. The 23 year old 3rd sacker vs the 25 year old should be Gold Glove centerfielder. I would still take Vernon based on his position but its probably a good comparison hitting wise.

The Jays never would have made the Wells for Blalock deal with Hinske so close to the Big Club.

Wells will be here for the life of this contract, with the possible exception being a deadline deal in the final year (should the Jays be out of contention). Even this scenario seems unlikely given the positive nature of the relationship Wells appears to have with the team that will hopefully lead to another contract extension.

With the impression that any club in the game would love to have a Vernon Wells on their roster, for a team to aquire Wells it would have to be a mind-blowingly brilliant trade -- the Jays would need to receive MLB-proven talent along with some top prospects (if for not other reason than public perception).

This has nothing to do with Fisher Cats!!! Does it?¿

Yeah, it sort of does. The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are the double-A minor league team of the Toronto Blue Jays.