I make it a point never to wave bye-bye....

http://economics.about.com
I make it a point never to wave bye-bye....

Yeah, today's was really easy, but it's a great song!

Cheers,

Mike

Is there anybody older than 21 to choose songs so that those us over @#$% can get involved in the fun?
Love these Roundups - from here in Florida they are the first thing I check every morning before I head out to a ball game. Going to see the Jays and Pirates today.

Cheers.
Jim

http://economics.about.com
Is there anybody older than 21 to choose songs so that those us over @#$% can get involved in the fun?

The song I quoted today is over 20 years old, and the guy who sang it is now 57. How much older do you want? :)

Thanks for the kind words about the roundups. It's much appreciated.

Cheers,

Mike

Three things:

1. It is going to take a while for me to get used to seeing the Jays in the "Blacks and Greys"--the new logo is ok, and the number fonts are cool, but the whole thing is kinda surreal without the royal blue. "Ladies and Gentlemen, your Toronto Grey Jays." What's next, grey padded walls at SkyDome?

2. O'Dog looked good on Saturday, two extra-base hits and some good plays at 2nd. He is playing like the "1" he now wears on his back!

3. This web page certainly has a 80s music bent. Gotta love it, the 80s were the best!!!

http://bluejayscheerclub.com
Wilner's on the FAN 590 right now. He says that J.P. is calling Pond "Bam Bam" because of how he holds his bat.

WIN/GAGNEZ UN MUFFIN/MUFFIN

w00t!

http://bluejayscheerclub.com
Anyone know if today's game is available anywhere online?

Bottom 2nd, 1-0 Jays latest update I have. Lexi hit a solo shot in the first.

http://economics.about.com
Gotta love it, the 80s were the best!!!

I certainly think so.

I pick 80's song titles for article titles because, well, you gotta get your titles somewhere. Other Box staff have their own set of methods and references that they use.

The 80's references seem to go over well since we seem to have a lot of people in their late 20's and 30's on the Box. I just hope we don't scare off anyone; the Box is for anyone who loves baseball whether they be 9 or 99.

Cheers,

Mike

So what's wrong with horrible puns anyway?
:D

Dan Patrick, while talking with Peter Gammons, just announced Shefield may have suffered a jammed thumb against the Jays and could be out up to THREE MONTHS. I don't wish injury on anyone but this could be a sign of things to come for the Senior Citizens.

I dunno. The 80s were solid music-wise, but there are some really good bands around today. It's hard to top some of the alternative bands like the Smiths, the Cure, Depeche Mode, U2, REM, et al, et al, but, like this being a golden age for baseball players, it's a good time to be an indy music fan. We can hear the influence of these bands in Yo La Tango and The Shins, so their legacy continues.

This is a shameless plug, but if you ever get a chance, check out an artist named Gary Jules. He did a cover of Tears for Fears "Mad World" (an 80s song!) that is about the most haunting song you could imagine. It appeared in the movie "Donnie Darco," but as far as I can tell, it's not on the soundtrack. Whatever the case, it's not easy to improve on an original song, especially one as chilling as "Mad World," but Gary does it.

Gary Sheffield out until early June.

Yankee-bashers and karma-ologists, you may now begin flaming.

(P.S. Lofton in CF and Bernie in LF, Matsui back to RF. Giambi to DH, Travis Lee plays 1B. A net loss, sure, but still a nice lineup, presuming Bernie bounces back.)

So when does Da Boss trade for Jose Vidro and Carlos Beltran?

So when does Da Boss trade for Jose Vidro and Carlos Beltran?

3...2...1...

Game notes:

- Rios led off today's game with a homer to the batter's eye in straight-away center.
- Batista pitched two innings, didn't give up a hit or run, but walked three
- Arnold pitched the 3rd, almost got out of a jam by striking out Henry Rodriguez, but walked in a run.
- Kershner gave up a run in the 4th
- Matos is currently pitching the 5th, and just gave up a long-ball.

3-1 Pirates going to the bottom of the 5th.

It's not determined yet whether Sheffield will be out for an extended period of time, they're still waiting on the results but I think it's safe to say that Toronto are Yankee killers. First one's a fluke, second one makes you scratch your head and if there is a third one we'll have confirmation.

Gammons also went on about his theory of Griffey going back to the Mariners in exchange for a few prospects and Cincy taking picking up a share of his salary. Gammons' reasoning behind this? Griffey likes playing in the Northwest where they find themselves talent-deprived compared to division rivals, the Reds need to dump payroll and Seattle has the third highest revenue so they can afford it. Griffey has an upside that could bring you a long ways compared to the outfield that's currently assembled in Starbuck City, WA, but I believe the approximate number of games missed by Griffey reaches 200 while being in a Reds' uniform. If I were writing the cheques in Seattle (I'd probably be writing checks) I would be far less than inclined to take this risk.

First one's a fluke, second one makes you scratch your head and if there is a third one we'll have confirmation.

A, which incident are you referring to before this Saturday?

Jeter, opening day, 2003

- Wilner notes that Wells stained his left forearm yesterday (on a swing) and is day-to-day. (Lilly's injury is still the only significant injury this spring thus far)
- With two outs, Rios singles to centre to drive in Pond (pinch-running) from second

3-2 Bucs going to the 6th

Henry Rodriguez?!

The worst-case scenario for Sheffield's absence is three months, which would get him back in the Yankee lineup well before June 15. I don't see any reason for the Yankees to go pick up a major talent to fill right field for that short space of time. Lofton and Williams won't be the best defensive outfield combination, but they'll do for now. Really, the Yankees' biggest problem now is a growing vulnerability to left-handers.

This is the second very substantial injury for the Yanks this off-season. Whatever else about them, they're not immune to bad luck.

How'd I forget the Huckaby/Jeter incident?

Has Lopez pitched yet this spring, or are they pushing him back a little because of his extensive time in the winter leagues?
Matos went 1-2-3 for his second inning of work. Werth made a nice catch at the warning track in left, Hall caught a liner in CF, and Pond made a good play at 3rd to retire the side...

3-2, going to the bottom of the 6th

And yes Jordan, that was the O'Henry Rodriguez, a NRI for the Bucs!

Rios is really putting the pressure on! Look out Reed.

Lopez, Adams, Lilly, and de los Santos have yet to pitch. And of course Towers has yet to start and Justin Miller might pitch soon.

Noah Hall's leadoff double off the top of the wall in right-center is stranded.

Still 3-2, going to the 7th.

Ryan Houston in to pitch.

Can anyone remember this many non-spring-training-roster players getting to play, this early, not in split-squad affairs? So far, we've seen Justin Singleton, Russ Adams, Dominic Rich, David Bush, Adam Peterson, Josh Banks, Bubbie Buzachero, Brandon League, and now Ryan Houston!

Which non-roster player (who hasn't played yet) would you want to see in action?

Houston strikes out Ruben Mateo to end the inning, but he gave up a run.

4-2, going to the bottom of the 7th

- After working the count to 3-2, Rios (whom Howarth is comparing to the other AlexR, in terms of physique) lines another single to center, moving Werth (BB) from 1st to 3rd. (Rios is 3/4).
- Berg singles, scoring Werth. 4-3.

Going to the 8th

Which non-roster player (who hasn't played yet) would you want to see in action?

Perkins. Also Hill was invited to camp, Adams was not. I think Adams has more playing time than Hill so far. It makes sense in that Adams is at a higher level but that major league invite might not be that big of a deal.

Speier goes 1-2-3 in the 8th.
- Griffin makes two great plays at 1st, the second on a beautifully-fielded bunt by Sequea, scooping the throw

Which non-roster player (who hasn't played yet) would you want to see in action?

Vermilyea. No question. I know he's not ready for it yet, but I want to "get a visual" on the guy.

Geez, Rios. What a stud. He might play so well that he forces JP do keep him up here. Is that even possible? Or is he starting the year in Syracuse even if he hits (this is exaggerated for effect) .650? It's fun to think about either way.

is he starting the year in Syracuse even if he hits (this is exaggerated for effect) .650?

If Rios hit .650 in the spring, I think he would start with the big club.

If he tears spring training apart, but doesn't hit .650 (if he hits, say, .420) I think he will be sent to Syracuse.

Haha, thanks Craig, I assumed .650 was well above the imaginary cutoff. Interesting that even .420 with power he showed today won't do it either. Sounds like he's essentially got no shot-which is OK by me. Go dominate AAA, and we'll see ya by midseason.

If Brandon League and Josh Banks were ready for an appearance then I don't think Vermilyea would have had problems. Of course, they can only fit in so many people from the minor league camp.

I was thinking about League earlier today though, about how a guy who could throw 98 struck out so few people. I think he's lacking deception in his delivery and as reported he still needs work on his secondary pitches and location in general. However, even guys who work mostly off a fastball usually have more strikeouts if their fastball really is that good.

If the spring training exposure is a showcase of sorts, I wonder if they'd trade League for the right major league pitching help. With another college pitching heavy draft coming up the Jays could probably afford to deal a low minors arm and League looks like he'll take at least two more years to be ready. As a highly touted arm since his selection in the second round, he should have significant worth. If it brings the Jays an impact reliever or starter with major league exposure then I would consider doing it. If LA is looking for offence, maybe a package including League with an outfielder would be attractive to them.

Bottom of the 8th
- Gross scores on a bases-loaded walk. 4-4.
- Rios draws a walk to make it 5-4. (on base 4/5 today)
- Sequea walks to make it 6-4.
- Hall strikes out to end the inning

Sounds like he's essentially got no shot-which is OK by me

I don't think .650 would do it either. Rios was probably told that he wasn't going to make the team if he hit a million, which has allowed him to play for fun while getting him some exposure to ML pitching (making the mid-season transition much easier for him)...If you put him in the same situation but told him batting 500 would get him to The Show, we'd be seeing a kid with knots in his stomach, K-ing three times a game.

I think if Rios kept hitting and really looked ready, they might consider bringing him up early. They'd really have to be sure though. If he was ready then the offensive falloff from Shannon Stewart might be negated altogether as they are similar hitters, Rios' power potential not withstanding.

It is dangerous to look at hitting stats in the first two weeks of spring training. In the Jay's games so far less than 50% of the innings have been pitched by guys who will be on the opening day roster. A hitters stats can be inflated by his pitching opponent. The last two weeks are the bigger test.

Wilner went down to talk to Batista about his first outing, joined Miguel's conversation with Mike Ganter, and wound up hearing about: religion, Batista's theories on how the Grand Canyon was formed, science fiction, the movie Contact, serial killers, and of far less importance, Batista's split-nail (caused during warmups), which led to the control problems (3 BB) he had today!

Ugh, Jays pitchers walked 9! But KLig closed it out with a K for a 6-5 final.

Ligtenberg closes out the ball game, striking out the final batter.
6-5.

The Jays are now 2-2 for the spring.

Sorry to steal your thunder there Steve, I got a little impatient for your next update, so I just flipped on Gameday Audio, which I should have had on the whole time. I wish there was an evening game too...

On a different note, did anyone watch Kelvim on ESPN today? He went 2 innings against Seattle and struck out 3 giving up 1 hit. He was in some trouble in the 2nd and threw a fair number of balls (especially to start hitters in the 2nd inning). He looked pretty solid though.

No problem, Doc.

Hope my updates helped...

Big Thanks to Steve and Dr. Z for the running game log. Lopez not having pitched yet? Until it's said otherwise, i'd make a guess he's being held back some due to the heavy workload he's already pitched back home this winter. Ricciardi/Patterson had made a comment in the first few days of spring to the effect of: 'everybody looks healthy, and Lopez is ready for opening day'. Just a guess.

- Gross scores on a bases-loaded walk. 4-4.
- Rios draws a walk to make it 5-4. (on base 4/5 today)
- Sequea walks to make it 6-4

That's going to make the organizational batting coaches pretty happy.

He might play so well that he forces JP do keep him up here. Is that even possible?

Possible, yes, but I don't think even .650 will get it done. The Jays are in no hurry here, and Rios is still young and rough-edged. Reed Johnson is making the league minimum and although I don't yet believe Sparky's a full-season major-league outfielder, he would almost certainly outperform Rios in the Show over the course of 2004. And I can't agree strongly enough with Gerry's warning to distrust early ST performances. Rios will arrive soon enough: we should resist the temptation to spoil this gift by opening it too early.

I was thinking about League earlier today though, about how a guy who could throw 98 struck out so few people. I think he's lacking deception in his delivery and as reported he still needs work on his secondary pitches and location in general.

It's his secondary pitches that are slowing him down, or more accurately, the lack thereof. His fastball has tremendous movement and bite and his low 3/4 delivery helps too, but he hasn't got consistent command of a breaking ball or even a change-up yet. If League adds just one those, he'll be on his way. Plenty of time here, too....

I agree with Jordan about Brandon League, this would be his college draft year had he not signed with the Jays. Its not like he is walking lots of batters. We have a lot of good command guys without overpowering stuff, hopefully he can be taught to throw a quality breaking ball to go with his plus fastball. Jim Callis at Baseball America believes this will be a break out year for him.

http://me.woot.net
Gitz & Tears for Fears/Gary Jules fans:

Mad World is indeed on the Donnie Darko soundtrack. It's also on Gary Jules' fabulous album Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets. I own both CDs.

On a related note, if you're interested in good music which happens to be independent, check out CD Baby. I've found a lot of absolutely transcendent albums there, and am always planning more purchases because their catalogue is so enormous.

If you like Gary Jules, you will LOVE Alexi Murdoch, a Scottish singer/songwriter living in L.A. His album "Four Songs" is by far the best purchase I've ever made at CD Baby, and it's only an EP.

Hey guys,

In regards to Rios' k/bb ratio (85/39); Is this considered to be good, bad, respectable? I know this is a stat that many use to determine a hitter's future success. Just wondering what the norm was.

Thanks!

That's quite good. I believe 1.5+ is considered pretty good but when you're better than 2:1 you're doing alot of stuff right.

Rios's K/BB ratio is only OK, probably less than the Jays would like it to be. However Vernon Wells numbers are less than the Jays would like too. The K/BB ratio is a guideline but some hitters do well despite it. The Jays would probably like him to get to a .5 ratio, which would be 43 walks, just 4 more than he had.

Whoa, too many hours working. Somehow I read those numbers inverted as BB/K. I'm off to hide my head in shame :-)

Here's the AP roundup on today's game. A quote from Rios: "I was seeing the ball good... I guess I am more patient than I used to be." Josh Fogg: "You don't see a leadoff man crush the ball the way he did."

thanks guys. I was thinking it had to be somewhere around .5

And not to worry A, I realized what you had done ;)

bsh,

Hitter       BB/K  BB/AB  K/AB

Alexis Rios  0.46  0.076  0.17
EL total     0.52  0.097  0.19

As Gerry points out, Rios was just a few walks below an average BB/K ratio. It's true that you don't really want your top prospects to be around average in stats that matter. However, I've never seen any convincing evidence to suggest that BB and K rates are predictors of future performance independent of, say, EqA. (Of course, there may very well be good evidence out there that I haven't seen.)

John

And of course, walk rates are somewhat reduced in importance when you're hitting .352. Walks don't appear to be part of Rios' game right now, though I expect they will be later on in his career. What's important is that he's taken to heart the training the Jays have given him: to command the strike zone and to look for the pitch he can drive. The difference, I think, between Lexi and most batters who adopt this philosophy is that this guy can hit just about anything. He needs to remember his instruction every step of the way, because otherwise pitchers will mericlessly exploit his huge strike zone. But if he stays within his own personal "hitting zone," he'll be a terror.

I think it's a smart learning tool to have Lexi hitting out of the leadoff slot during spring training; it enables him to see how important getting on base is in a very tangible way. He's now had about 800 PAs against high minors or equivalent competition between the double A season, playoffs, Olympic qualifying and Puerto Rican League. Another 300 PAs of high quality performance at Triple A should seal the deal.

Rios worked a couple of 3 ball counts today I think so he is taking the instruction to heart. And I don't mind if a guy takes fewer walks if he can actually hit the ball hard fairly often (see Shannon Stewart and Vernon Wells). I think Rios is very comparable to Vernon though Vernon had his huge minor league season a year or two earlier than Alexis. I'm also fairly confident that Rios at the major league level this year could give Reed a run for his money; remember Reed doesn't really walk much either and his numbers against righthanded pitchers are very ordinary.

That said it makes all the sense in the world to let Rios and Gross slow cook to perfection in AAA until at least mid-season and at that point see if there's a market for Reed or Cat (or both) to bring something useful to the club while bringing up a player or two who might have second half impacts circa Hudson/Phelps of 2002.

Great song reference today Mike Moffat (yeah cheers). More like these please.