William Houston of the Globe had a brief comment in his column on the opening day Sportsnet broadcast:

The Toronto Blue Jays' new corporate colours (grey and black) accurately reflect the tone of the Rogers Sportsnet telecasts.

Rob Faulds has improved immensely as an announcer, delivering a solid, workmanlike play by play. The problem is John Cerutti. As the game analyst, his commentary is dry, flat and matter of fact. He speaks clearly and provides plenty of information. But the broadcast lacks colour, emotion and personality, and that's not the fault of Faulds.

I consider Faulds only passable. I agree that he has improved, but he's still obnoxious and not very knowledgeable.

I can tollerate Cerutti. When he worked with Dan Shulman (someone who knows how to use his analyst effectively), he was pretty good. Cerutti's dullness is partially due to Faulds not knowing what questions to ask.

Seems Faulds didn't spend the offseason coming up with a new homerun call.

I get the impression that Cerutti just likes to hear his own voice sometimes. I wasn't happy to hear his comment that the Jays are considering artificial turf for their minor league teams so that it's not as much of an adjustment when they reach the majors. Perhaps grass or FieldTurf at SkyDome might be a better way to reach the same goal.

http://me.woot.net
The Jays didn't win last night, but that doesn't mean the game wasn't fun or pretty.

Baserunners haven't learned not to steal on Cash; I can't wait to see Vina run again tonight if he gets on base. Kevin also made a couple of snap throws to second; as the game wore on, simply faking a throw was enough to scare the Tigers back.

Sparky was great last night. You should have heard the cheering for his first at-bat HBP.

I didn't see the Jays' play as lacking in intensity; every ground ball was run out, and they did get very close to tying it up before Kershner let them down. However, it did seem as if the Jays had given up in the bottom of the ninth; Hinske in particular made some pretty feeble swings in his contribution to the Jays' three strikeouts to end the game.

I thought Gitz' fantasy bet of a large pile of cash on the Jays last night was a good one, and I'd make the same bet tonight. I'll be there to see Hentgen; I fear the Tigers will be capable of teeing off on his slow fastball, but I don't think they will tonight. I predict 2 or 3 ER on 5 IP for Hentgen.

I hope Hentgen gets into a first-and-third situation, so I can cheer like crazy the first time he tries his first-to-third pickoff move.

http://mothershipconnection.blogspot.com/
I never got what was so bad about Chelsea...

A "what if" question for you all. Woodward and Cash looked horrible with the bats last night. In particular, Woodward's feet looked to be shuffling around, if he'd made contact it wouldn't have gone anywhere but that's not the question.

If Woodward had got on in the ninth, would Tosca have sent Pond into hit for Cash? Cash has a back up. He didn't get the ball out of the infield in any at bat last night. If the answer is no, why is Pond on the team?

Just a debating point, I know we can't read Tosca's mind. I don't think Tosca likes to pinch hit, especially for people with paper thin confidence that they'll need for the year (i.e. Cash/Woodward).

Good news? There's good news in all this? Why, sure. All depends on where you read and your point of view:

Detroit News
Wednesday Tigers Notebook: Halladay wasn't a nemesis this time
Tuesday Tigers Notebook: Hentgen considered joining Tigers

Detroit Free Press
Tigers start 2-0; Young out 6 weeks with fractured leg
Drew Sharp: Tigers' assurance a good sign

http://economics.about.com
I never got what was so bad about Chelsea...

I don't know, either. They beat Arsenal last night 2-1.

Cheers,

Mike

Christopher, I'm not a big fan of turf myself, and while I can see the argument behind converting all the minor-league fields to turf, I don't think it'd be advisable either. For starters, a little less than half the Jays' games are still played on natural grass, so it doesn't make sense to train their players exclusively for the plastic stuff. Secondly, turf tends to cause injuries and aggravate injuries already suffered; ask Dmitri Young about that. Thirdly, the cost of installing turf at minor-league parks -- in financial, political and aesthetic terms -- may be more than the minor-league clubs are willing to pay (especially in new parks like Manchester's). And finally, the quality of the turf that the Jays would install in the minors could sufficiently differ from that of the rug at Skydome, such that the minor-league players don't get reliable reads on the speed and playability of the major-league turf anyway. Turf is dying out; let it die.

The Skychiefs already play on turf at Syracuse, and I think that's enough of a training ground. I would be seriously opposed to rugging the minor-league ballparks.

I don't know, either. They beat Arsenal last night 2-1.

Watching Arsenal lose yesterday will hopefully be as enjoyable as when the Jays destroy Bonderman for 12 runs tonight, with Phelps pounding 2 HRs on their way to a 10 run victory.

Man. United forever!

Jordan, I agree.
I'm as anti-AstroTurf as they come, but unfortately, based off of Godfrey's comments over the past year or so, I don't see SkyDome getting an upgrade anytime soon.

I don't think the Jays are planning to change all of the minor league teams infield to astro turf. What they are thinking about is installing astro turf on a practice field down in dunedin.

Ah. That would make much more sense. Thanks, Scott.

FWIW, the Fisher Cats will be playing on FieldTurf this year at Gill Stadium. I'm not sure what they'll be playing on next year in the new park.

I know we can't read Tosca's mind. I don't think Tosca likes to pinch hit, especially for people with paper thin confidence that they'll need for the year (i.e. Cash/Woodward).

There was a quote in USA Today from Tosca about not pinching hitting for Woodward or Cash in the opener. He essentially said he left them in to build confidence.

I would be seriously opposed to rugging the minor-league ballparks

Here in Edmonton (in part because the snow doesn't melt until July)they went halfers, with a turf infield and grass outfield. There is never really any problem with the transition between the two. It at least saves the outfielders knees and makes the ballpark more authentic. Maybe Manchester et al. could try this?

I am not a big fan of Cerutti or Faulds either. As someone mentioned, Faulds doesn't ask Cerutti the right questions. Even when he does, Cerutti usually fails to provide much in terms of analysis. I am always shocked that as a pitcher he does not spend any time talking about what the pitcher may be trying to do, how he would try to set up the hitter, what the pitching coach is looking for in this start etc. One of the real joys of baseball is understanding these nuances. These guys barely get over the fact the batter is trying to hit and the pitcher is trying to throw. Bring back Jim Hughson or Tony Kubek. Oh well, at least Brian Williams isn't doing the games anymore ..."It's a beautiful 23 degrees celcius today, the forecast is for a slight chance of clouds..."

There was a quote in USA Today from Tosca about not pinching hitting for Woodward or Cash in the opener. He essentially said he left them in to build confidence.

Wow, scary I must be channeling Tosca or something. So, does that mean that Pond is on the bench to pinch hit for Delgado and Wells? :)
Perhaps Pond should start in LF when there's a LHP as I seem to remember that Cat as poor stats against Lefties.

I'm know I'm beating this to death but where are they going to use the guy?

http://economics.about.com
There is no italics problem. There has never been an italics problem.

I guess I'm a moron and can't remember how to get did of the italics.

Rob Faulds has improved immensely as an announcer, delivering a solid, workmanlike play by play. The problem is John Cerutti. As the game analyst, his commentary is dry, flat and matter of fact. He speaks clearly and provides plenty of information. But the broadcast lacks colour, emotion and personality, and that's not the fault of Faulds.

Are you nuts?????

I can't be the only one who heard him say that the jays should have bunted after Woodward let off an inning Monday with a triple.

He can really judge a flyball too....and he's really interesting and funny in his small talk.

Maybe the Cabal should add the "How to get rid of italics, aka O-oh, Spagetti-O's" to the FAQ?

On another note, who's showing up to BJBC at Sports Cafe on Friday? Because it's the day after the first Leafs Playoff game, and first day of a long weekend, I'll provide the extra stength Advils.

http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com/
There is no Cabal.

Oggman, that's a good idea. But as our new employee points out, There Is No Cabal.

I can't be the only one who heard him say that the jays should have bunted after Woodward let off an inning Monday with a triple.

He's not the only one. (Coach Kent, I'm looking in your direction...)

I'm going to try to get an morning train on Friday to be in the city by early afternoon. If I can justify to the family that they'll have portions of the next 10 days to see me and I only have 3 hours to watch *that* Blue Jays game...I'll do my best to get there, might not be til mid-way through.

http://bluejayscheerclub.com
Perhaps Pond should start in LF when there's a LHP as I seem to remember that Cat as poor stats against Lefties.

I'm know I'm beating this to death but where are they going to use the guy?

Coach tried to pry that out of Tosca in the media scrum before yesterday's game. Tosca wasn't lettin' on, though.

I wouldn't have bunted with Cash with none out. But I would've tried a squeeze bunt with Johnson with one out, on the theory that Sparky could also beat it out for a single, and if not, his bat control would all but guarantee the squeeze would be successful. I know that outs are precious, but there's a time and a place for everything, including the squeeze bunt.

J.P. is scheduled to be interviewed by Jim Rome today, if anyone's
interested. Not sure what time exactly.

First, I asked Tosca if Cat (.249 lifetime vs. LHP, with very little pop) was going to start every day, even against lefties. "For right now, he will," was the reply. "Once we get further into the season, there's certain lefthanders I won't play him against."

Then I asked, on behalf of those of us who weren't in Florida, how Simon Pond had looked against lefties. "He seemed to hang in there pretty good," the skipper said. "He's got a knack, when somebody gets him out the first time, to be able to make an adjustment the second time."

What he didn't say, because I didn't ask directly enough, was if he planned to start Pond in LF against those southpaws that give Cat trouble. It's a premature question -- by that time, maybe there will be just 11 pitchers and Chad Hermansen will be available.

I certainly considered the bunt with Cash after Woodward's leadoff triple opening day. Kevin's not quite as adept as Sparky, but he's pretty good, and Eric Munson is no Brooks Robinson. A safety squeeze, not a suicide squeeze, would have cashed in the run and there was a good possibility that Munson would either throw home too late or throw wildly to first. Then, with one out, I probably would have let Reed bunt for an RBI base hit. It's not how I would always play in that situation, but at the time, it already felt like a game where one run might be important.

http://premium.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=2746
Baseball Prospectus has their pre-season guesses up (COMN). Few surprises, almost everyone has the Jays third in the division, except Gary Huckaby (2nd) and Jonah Keri (4th).

By the way, I will be appearing on "Sportstalk" on WICB (Ithaca, NY) this Sunday, talking baseball. The show is on from 6-7pm, I'll be on nearer the end.

That's very cool, Craig. I hope you can get a transcript or even an MP3 file to share with anyone who misses it, like me -- I'll be at Easter dinner with the family.

Please join me in welcoming "Named For Hank" to the Batter's Box roster. In addition to founding the Cheer Club, Aaron designed our banner, and yesterday, thanks to the Jays extending us two media passes, he became our official photographer. I'm eagerly looking forward to the results of his pre-game shoot, and his action photos from the first few innings, which he spent in the camera bay, no doubt biting his tongue to keep from yelling "CHARGE!"

http://economics.about.com
Welcome aboard, NFH!

Now shine my shoes, rook.

Cheers,

Mike

Craig, who else from the THT roster will be joining you on da radio?

Any word on the JP interview on Rome?

....and why can't Rome be on the radio in Toronto anymore?

Baseball Prospectus has their pre-season guesses up


I find it surprising no one chose a repeat winner for the AL Cy Young. 41 wins in two seasons sounds pretty impressive to me :)

....and why can't Rome be on the radio in Toronto anymore?

If you have a good radio you can hear Rome from noon to 3 pm on AM550 from Buffalo.

who else from the THT roster will be joining you on da radio?

Just my evil twin, Craug B

I find it surprising no one chose a repeat winner for the AL Cy Young. 41 wins in two seasons sounds pretty impressive to me.

That's not a knock on Halladay but rather an indication how many good, nay, great, starting pitchers there are in the AL. Halladay is just one of a dozen pitchers who could win the award -- and deserve it, too.

It occured to me last night that I have both Halladay ($15) and Batista ($8) in my AL-only auction keeper league. The last two nights notwithstanding, I'm feeling pretty good about that.

Just my evil twin, Craug B.

Don't you mean (insert SuperEvil voice) THE CRAUG?

ok call me nutso... but I actually enjoy the duo of faulds & cerutti. They have grown on me quite a bit. Cerutti's geekish enthusiasm is amusing and Faulds is just a solid play by play man... It's when Candiotti gets on there that I get irritated. He's the boring one on that broadcast. Furthermore, I hate change... I cannot stand having cerutti yanked from me when I have grown so accustomed to his zany antics.

Just me though...

J.P. is scheduled to be interviewed by Jim Rome today

Here's how it'll go:

JR asks a question
JP answers question
JR repeats JP's answer and asks the same question again

When I was younger and first listened I thought JR was great. Now it's unlistenable to me.

Of course the good thing about Rome is that if you listen to 5 minutes of the show you've heard the entire show.

By the way, I will be appearing on "Sportstalk" on WICB (Ithaca, NY) this Sunday, talking baseball. The show is on from 6-7pm, I'll be on nearer the end.

Are they taking calls?

Pistol, I think it's more likely to go like this:

JR ask JP a question.
JP answers.
JR goes on and on about how great JP is.
JP says thanks.
JR says that JP may be the best thing to ever happen to mankind.
JP says thanks, and it's time for him to leave.
JR says that that JP is full of neo-statistical nonsense and that he has no idea what he's doing, and the as long as he's around the Blue Jays will be failures.

Way, way off topic:

When I go into FAQ and click on Craig's stat page, it takes me back to the main page. Is that intentional?

Yeah, the stat page isn't done yet.

Hey guys, no need to trash Van Smack. I mean there are faulds worse more thing out there to make make fun of.

Joe Mauer's gone on the 15-day DL after injuring his kneee yesterday. That leaves the Twins with LeCroy and Blanco at catcher after they called up Seth Greisinger. Hopefully they'll play LeCroy behind the plate most of the time and give Cuddyer some at-bats at DH.

The interesting part of this move is that the Twins designated Michael Nakamura for assignment as they needed to add Greisinger to the 40-man roster. Nakamura put up a 1.88 ERA at New Britain (AA) in 2002 with 109 k's in 86 innings. He walked 34 batters. Last year Nakamura had a 4.77 ERA in AAA, but he strike out 80 in 87 innings, while only walking 22. He's pitched 12.2 innings in the bigs, with 14 k's.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think a team only needs to add him to the 40 man if they claim him, and I think the Jays are at 39. I could easily see JP claiming Nakamura if he is still around by that point. Additionally, Nakamura has better peripherals than Douglass, and while he may not be the inning-eater Douglass is, with 7 men I'd probably prefer to see him given a shot in the pen myself.

Tell me if this is not the coolest thing ever: Barry Bonds goes into his game tonight in Houston needing one more home run to tie his godfather Willie Mays for third place on the all-time home run list (with 660). And he'll be trying to do it in his very first at-bat anywhere, anytime, against Roger Clemens.

Too freakin' amazing.

More on Pond ...

Today, ESPN.com's Rob Neyer posted his annual Roster Mysteries confessional ("How did these guys I've never heard of make a major league roster?") and Pond is on the list.

Now, first, it's gutsy of Neyer to post such an article. I recognized about half of the names he shared, but there are probably more guys he's heard of that I haven't, for whatever reason. Either way, kudos to him for stepping up like that; it's hard to imagine many sportswriters publishing a "Who ARE These Guys?" admission.

Back to Pond, according to Neyer ...

According to John Sickels, Blue Jays third baseman Simon Pond "isn't a real prospect, being much too old." Pond is 27, and didn't escape Class A for good until last season, when he dominated in Double-A, then held his own in Triple-A. John is right -- players like Bond [sic] just don't wind up doing much in the majors, though it's nice to see him get a chance after spending an entire decade in the minors.

Jordan, I don't know if this was mentioned previously, but last night Berman said today will be the first time in the history of the game that a man with 600 home runs faces a 300-game winner.

I assume, for instance, Seaver and Niekro faced Mays, so that would mean "active players who have already reached those milestones."

Is anyone else as suprised as I that Neyer had never heard of guys like Aaron Miles, Ramon Nivar, Jason Michaels and Rene Reyes?

The interesting part of this move is that the Twins designated Michael Nakamura for assignment as they needed to add Greisinger to the 40-man roster. Nakamura put up a 1.88 ERA at New Britain (AA) in 2002 with 109 k's in 86 innings. He walked 34 batters. Last year Nakamura had a 4.77 ERA in AAA, but he strike out 80 in 87 innings, while only walking 22. He's pitched 12.2 innings in the bigs, with 14 k's...


...and a nice fat 7.82 ERA. He gave up 4 HR in those 12.2 innings of work. He wasn't particularily homer prone in the minors, so maybe that was just first time jitters. His 2003 numbers at AAA Rochester were pretty good:

78.1 IP, 71 H, 28 BB, 95 K

The problem with Nakamura is that he's a short, soft tossing righthanded pitcher. Would he really get a shot in Toronto? If anyone goes down with an injury at the big club, there are wagonloads of guys at Syracuse who Nakamura isn't clearly superior to:

Starters: Arnold(R), Baker(R), Bush(R), Chen(L), Miller(R)
Relief: Cassidy(R), Chulk(R), Frasor(R), Haines(R), Lukasiewicz (L), Matos(R), Maurer(L), Smith (R)

Depending on who this Josue Matos guy is, the Jays might have found a good one. Checking BA, I found out he signed as a 6-year minor league free agent in December. And yes, he's the one who struck out 104 guys in 88 innings at AA San Antonio. BA thought he might get taken in the Rule 5 draft, but he wasn't.

Matos blew out his arm in 2001, if I remember correctly, and before that he was thought of as a decent enough prospect.

While Nakamura looks superior to Douglass, and if he can go 2 or 3 innings at a time (may not even need to go more than 2 if we keep carrying 7 men) I don't see a reason not to give him a shot for a month or so at the big league level. It seems to me that they want to give Chulk, Arnold, Miller, Frasor and Haines more time at AAA, to work on developing certain pitches, working on their control, and so forth. I mean, Chulk's numbers are very comparable to Douglass' at Ottawa last year, so they could have easily used him to eat innings. Therefore, it seems logical they want to work on certain things with him.

I agree he's not vastly superior to people like Cassidy or Mike Smith, but I do think his numbers do show more potential for success, and if you can turn him into a useful commodity down the road, I don't see the harm in doing it. I mean, you can take him off the 40-man in a month if he's not having success.

I live in New Britain, and Nakamura was as solid as the numbers look last year. I'd be suprised if he made it all the way to the Jays with the new waiver system.

I don't believe Neyer doesn't know some of those guys. Ramon Nivar.... I think he's just making some sort of point. Don't ask me what it is though.

I agree he's not vastly superior to people like Cassidy or Mike Smith, but I do think his numbers do show more potential for success, and if you can turn him into a useful commodity down the road, I don't see the harm in doing it. I mean, you can take him off the 40-man in a month if he's not having success


I think if the Jays had room in the majors or at AAA this move would be worth making. Unfortunately, there's nobody in the pen except Douglass that he could logically replace. And they just claimed Douglass -- I think the idea was to give him some work at the back of the MLB pen to see if he's any good.

If they were to grab Nakamura, I think it would be a smarter move to dump someone from Syracuse (maybe Cassidy or Lukasiewicz) to make room for him. Everyone else at Syracuse is intriguing enough that I'd rather hang on to them.

It's possible the Jays overspent on relief help over the winter. With Syracuse just bursting with arms, they probably could have done without one of Adams, Speier, or Ligtenberg (probably Adams).