And now here comes the tough part of the schedule.... The Blue Jays, fresh off getting swept in Boston, come home to water-logged southern Ontario to face the team with the best record in the major leagues, the Anaheim Angels. Mike D's excellent Scouting Report tells you how the Angels are doing so well with so many key injuries, but the Jays have to hope that Anaheim's good fortune starts to waver a little tonight. Toronto sends its -- gulp -- best starter so far this season, Justin Miller, to the mound against the largely hittable John Lackey. The Jays have been losing painfully this year, close so often but falling short in the end; they could and perhaps should have taken 2 of 3 in Fenway. Can they rally to make a statement against the high-flying Angels?
The small ball talk is just hilarious. From the Angels announcers after Molina squares and takes ball 1, "This is one of the reasons the Angels have one of the best record in baseball-they're able to play small ball." He bunts and pops out to Delgado-absolutely no comment.
I'm not going to pretend I saw those HBP's coming, but check out where Miller pushes off the rubber. He's at the far left.
Ugh-Miller beans the 8 and 9 guys in the lineup to load the bases and force in a run.
Sportsnet HD is having problems. It looks like the widescreen picture is being horizontally squeezed (so the players look taller and thinner than normal). You see black bars on the left and right sides, except for the "Sportsnet HD" logo in the upper-right is overlapping the black bar on the right.
They had the same problem during last night's Sunday night game.
They had the same problem during last night's Sunday night game.
Just after the post went up, Sportsnet HD snapped back to widescreen. Complaining here sure gets fast results. :-)
That was some solid pop for the little Zaun. Opposite drive to the wall for a double. 2nd/3rd none out!
Yeah Phelps. Oppo basehit to tie it at 1. Still loaded for Pond.
The boys in 518 will be glad to know they got a little face time on the blue box this evening.
Holy crap...it looked like Vladdy hit that off the end of the bat, yet it still went off the middle of Windows.
Bah. Cerutti gave Miller the kiss of death during his scouting report.
Doesn't look like it's Miller's night. Two HBP's in the 2nd, now 5 straight hits.
Geez. I walk downstairs to the computer to see if anyone else posted about Faulds' shoutout to section 518. Faintly hear something about Guerrero going deep, go back upstairs and rewatch it through the wondrousness of PVR. Hit the Live button and it's suddenly 3-2?! Then watch the Guillen HR, hit Live again and Davanon is just stepping on home plate!!! WTF... Well, at least it's only 4-2, it could have been a lot worse.
Mr. Lind, what was this "kiss of death" you speak of? Did he mention him not giving up home runs or something?
Anyone know why Delgado left the game? Putting Berg in the #4 hole, and already having Cat, and ODog out could make this lineup one of the worst hitting lineups I can remember in some time.
"Toronto sends its -- gulp -- best starter so far this season, Justin Miller, to the mound " ~ Gideon
How's that for a kiss of death ;-)
How's that for a kiss of death ;-)
Mr. Lind, what was this "kiss of death" you speak of? Did he mention him not giving up home runs or something?
Indeed. He said "Justin Miller keeps the ball in the park." As soon as he said that, I thought "uh-oh...."
Indeed. He said "Justin Miller keeps the ball in the park." As soon as he said that, I thought "uh-oh...."
Espn Radio is reporting that Delgado was pulled from the game because the Dodgers and Blue Jays have agreed to a trade, in principle, that send Juan Encarnacion and lefty pitching prospect Brian Morris to the Jays for Delgado.
Vlad looked horrible on that Phelps routine flyball to the wall.
Wow, Kotchman's K was the first of his career-in his 49th AB-pretty impressive.
Anybody know anything about this Morris guy? He's not listed as a Top 20 Prospect by Baseball America...
I can't find Morris on LA's AAA, AA, or A rosters.
I hope it isn't true. :(
I hope it isn't true. :(
How can this be true? A non-existent Morris, and Juan Encarnacion -- a player the Jays don't need who won't play the organizational style of baseball?
This early in the year-it'd kill them at the box office-there's no way.
Delgado left the game with a jammed right knee...Me thinks this is a hoax...
whats with the blatant misinformation??? Thats not cool.
When he slid into second in the third, it looked like a very awkward slide.
Encarnacion is making $3,565,000 this year. Delgado, $19,700,000. A differnce of $16,135,000. Numbers according to usatoday.com.
Yeah I'd say no matter how you analyse it, this is salary dump and I guess re-tooling.
I am hopeful this isn't true. I am also hoping Carlos nix's the deal if it is true.
Yeah I'd say no matter how you analyse it, this is salary dump and I guess re-tooling.
I am hopeful this isn't true. I am also hoping Carlos nix's the deal if it is true.
Great pitch by Miller to Vlad-broke his bat in about 30 pieces for a soft lineout. Finally, someone else doesn't get the runner home from 3rd with less than one out.
Just got back.
Faulds said that the dugouts have been warned. Did Miller plunk another one? and the ump thought it was intentional?
Faulds said that the dugouts have been warned. Did Miller plunk another one? and the ump thought it was intentional?
Three back-ups, all fringe major leaguers (though props to Gomez and Zaun for their play this season) are now batting 4-5-6.
BTW, kudos to Tosca for the statement he is making to Hinske and Phelps, batting them so low. I'm not being mean-spirited and looking to embarrass either of them, but both must realize that something's gotta change.
With Delgado, Hudson and Catalanotto all wobbly, could it be time to perhaps retroactively DL Catalanotto even just to call up Benard or Clark? (I know JP is concerned about starting the young guys' service clocks so I wouldn't expect anyone *real* to be called up, especially since there is no one especially deserving.)
If Delgado has to sit, what is plan B at 1B/DH? Phelps to 1B and who to DH? Zaun? Is Sam Horn still in organized ball???
BTW, kudos to Tosca for the statement he is making to Hinske and Phelps, batting them so low. I'm not being mean-spirited and looking to embarrass either of them, but both must realize that something's gotta change.
With Delgado, Hudson and Catalanotto all wobbly, could it be time to perhaps retroactively DL Catalanotto even just to call up Benard or Clark? (I know JP is concerned about starting the young guys' service clocks so I wouldn't expect anyone *real* to be called up, especially since there is no one especially deserving.)
If Delgado has to sit, what is plan B at 1B/DH? Phelps to 1B and who to DH? Zaun? Is Sam Horn still in organized ball???
Sorry, I should make myself clear - I think Delgado left the game because he actually has a jammed knee. If there has been a trade, the radio broadcast would have reported it by now.
Kershner gets a pickoff to end the 6th. Nice work by Miller to get through 5 2/3rds after getting shelled through 2 1/3rd. He kept the Jays in it and as they say "without his best stuff."
While I can well imagine that DePodesta would love to unload the non-Moneyball Encarnacion (who was signed before he got hired), if he does have money to play with this season I'm not sure he'd want to spend it on 4 months of a slumping Delgado for $14M.
If JP were to kick in part of Delgado's contract, he wouldn't then be willing to assume the burden of the year and three quarters left on Encarnacion's contract.
If JP were to kick in part of Delgado's contract, he wouldn't then be willing to assume the burden of the year and three quarters left on Encarnacion's contract.
With a bullpen like Anaheim's (where do they keep finding these guys?), I'm not sure it's a good thing to see Lackey getting tossed.
Hmmm. The Angels announcers are absolutely furious. Rex Hudler just keeps saying "I don't know why Pond is on first base." Looked like it clipped his jersey to me. I'm torn on whether I think Lackey was throwing at him. 0-2 and 1-2 aren't really the counts to try to bean someone...twice. Then again, there have been 3 Angels hit and Guillen flipped out after the last one. And there hadn't been a warning yet either! This reminds me a tad of the Phil Cuzzi game last year with Doc.
According to the Jays announcers there had been a warning.
Zarco, Faulds said earlier that the two dugouts had been warned.
At least I think he did.
At least I think he did.
Ah, thanks guys-the Angels announcers said there hadn't been one.
Me thinks this is a hoax. The only Brian Morris I know works on Sportsnet baseball graphics with Scott Carson.
I would love to see Frasor in a save situation today.
Definitely not a poster Hoax -- Faulds just brought it up.
Yeah.
Apparantly, someone (from sportsnet, presumably) went down to ask JP about it, and "he just giggled." *shrug*
Apparantly, someone (from sportsnet, presumably) went down to ask JP about it, and "he just giggled." *shrug*
Sportsnet just reported about the rumor, so I guess it came from the media and not from us... unless, of course, Scott Carson is reading this site! :)
I think Berg's ball would have gone through if Wells didn't steal...
Is there anyone in the game who has a bigger uppercut than Adam Kennedy?
Is there even such a thing as a 550 on the AM dial? Doesn't it start at 560?
Thanks JBR - 550AM in Buffalo is a real station - but most of you probably knew that already......
No-550's a pretty good sports station in Western NY. They broadcast all my Sabres games.
I thought there wasn't going to be a drum down there tonight! I would have gone!
Chone Figgins is looking a lot like Lonnie Smith tonight.
Bad mojo. Hinske and Phelps aren't good enough for that bunt to be valuable. It's not even a way to avoid yet another Phelps DP.
You know, I guess the sentimental side of me would like to see Carlos finish up this season with the Blue Jays. I think now would be a good time for JP to say something about Carlos future with the club. That way the fans who wish to give tribute to him have a chance to do so.
If todays rumour had of been true that would have just been Sh*te. On minute he's in the game the next he's on a plane.
This is a player for better or worse has been perhaps the best Blue Jay ever.
A player like him deserves first class treatment from a first class organisation.
What I would like hear from JP is a statement along the lines of "a team would have make an offer that knocks our socks off before we'd let him go". And, "We honestly want to have Carlos back but the dollars need to work for the team."
If Carlos goes in a salary dump then I think thats a slap in the face of the fans.
If todays rumour had of been true that would have just been Sh*te. On minute he's in the game the next he's on a plane.
This is a player for better or worse has been perhaps the best Blue Jay ever.
A player like him deserves first class treatment from a first class organisation.
What I would like hear from JP is a statement along the lines of "a team would have make an offer that knocks our socks off before we'd let him go". And, "We honestly want to have Carlos back but the dollars need to work for the team."
If Carlos goes in a salary dump then I think thats a slap in the face of the fans.
My anti-Tosca comment for the day. Why did he use Frasor yesterday in a game that was already lost if he can't use him 2 days in a row - and he has a day off on Tuesday?
That Phelps hit was the only legit hit of the inning-either way, tie game and looking for more!
Frasor pitching on consecutive days? Could this be a misguided attempt to turn him into a closer?
After Phelps' hit, 3 of the first 4 Blue Jays that inning had got a hit (although two were cheapies). Who does Cerutti elect to praise? Yes, the man who intentionally made an out, Gomez.
Well here comes Frasor. Let's see if using him 2 days in a row limits his effectiveness.
Little ball is a game of percentages. But you need the players who have higher percentage abilites to make it work. I think it would be really tough for the BlueJays to shift gears.
Soscia and Pinella seem to be great managers who can shift those gears.
What I like about that kind of game is the pressure it puts on the pitchers and defense. You know, having to bring the infield in, no wild pitches, errant throws in desparation, etc.
It is fun to watch when its played well.
Soscia and Pinella seem to be great managers who can shift those gears.
What I like about that kind of game is the pressure it puts on the pitchers and defense. You know, having to bring the infield in, no wild pitches, errant throws in desparation, etc.
It is fun to watch when its played well.
Oh man, I can't believe Guerrero didn't crush taht one.
Nice K for Frasor.
Nice K for Frasor.
I must've missed where Tosca said Frasor can't pitch two days in a row. He has done it four times already this year and gave up runs in only one of those eight games, and those runs were all IR-S after he was relieved by Terry Adams (and they are the only runs he has given up).
Excellent graphic on Sportsnet arguing for Frasor being the closer...pretty compelling numbers!
Hahahaha, Davanon's reaction was absolutely priceless.
Espn Radio is reporting that Delgado was pulled from the game because the Dodgers and Blue Jays have agreed to a trade, in principle, that send Juan Encarnacion and lefty pitching prospect Brian Morris to the Jays for Delgado.
Um, I can't even find a Brian Morris on the Dodgers minor league rosters.
Um, I can't even find a Brian Morris on the Dodgers minor league rosters.
That was the funniest throw to follow up a great play that I've seen in a while, but two outs are two outs so it's all good.
Hinske's made that catch about 4 or 5 times this year. Pretty sweet.
Frasor pitched like a closer tyhat inning. Kept the ball down. Hit the corners. Helped by Hinske but still.
2-3-4 coming up! Oh wait...it's Menechino-Wells-Berg...not as intimidating as 2-3-4.
Unlucky night for Menechino-he's stung a few balls for outs.
Dave Berg in a tie game in the 9th...I'd give my left arm for Matt Stairs!!!
Not only is he working back to back games, but he's pitching multiple innings. Insanity!
I thought the word around here was that his velocity is down the second day if he pitches multiple innings. He did get a great play from Hinske that would have lost him the game last inning - so it's not like there isn't credit to go around for his appearance.
Tosca's done a great job with the bullpen tonight. Pulled Miller at the right time, let the rest go 1+ innings. I like it.
Good news---the extremely hittable (this year, at least) Ben Weber is on the mound.
Oh my goodness.... according to the Angels radio broadcast, William Hung will be singing the national anthems sometime in the next couple weeks. Why????
Paul Godfrey and his fat boy Robbie are the new Barnum & Bailey...
A HR from the power-challenged Hinske or Phelps would be sweet.
I don't think I've ever seen that happen before. Victory is sweet.
The Angels provide proof that even the best bullpen in baseball is not enough to make up for a game full of mental errors.
Wow, that was a stinky win!
Molina deserves the blame there. He should have been chasing Gomez back to third so that the play would be there, not at home. Not very gold glovish.
Molina deserves the blame there. He should have been chasing Gomez back to third so that the play would be there, not at home. Not very gold glovish.
Wow. Just...wow. Nice game from Pond. I had visions of Jack Cust falling down there. Anyone notice how happy Butterfield was when Gomez scored? Nice win!
It would have happened to the Yankees last year, except Jack Cust slipped and fell with a clear path to home plate.
Thank God they won. I wanted to smash my computer listening to the Angels crew moan and groan about how Gomez didn't sacrafice. I was at the Cust game last year, it was nice to see someone not fall down in that situation.
Exactly right, Chuck. You throw forward and chase back. By the way, where was Weber?
Cust fell twice if I recall correctly. Hilarious stuff that was.
Agreed about the sacrificing whining Jim-Gomez would have had a basehit were it not for the great play by Eckstein, then what would they have said?
That's right, Ryan. Cust's first fall led to the rundown, and his second fall bailed out the Bombers after they left home plate uncovered.
The Angels provide proof that even the best bullpen in baseball is not enough to make up for a game full of mental errors.
With a day off tomorrow, why wouldn't Percival have been brought in for an inning before going to Weber? For all the praise Scioscia gets, this "save only" mentality cost him.
Did anyone notice if Gomez got the wave? It looked like running was his idea (and not a good one, despite the result).
With a day off tomorrow, why wouldn't Percival have been brought in for an inning before going to Weber? For all the praise Scioscia gets, this "save only" mentality cost him.
Did anyone notice if Gomez got the wave? It looked like running was his idea (and not a good one, despite the result).
Weber went over to cover first on the diving stop by Kotchman-Molina's fault-he probably figured he's so slow he'd better just get rid of it. Watching him barely get to first on a solid single is humorous too.
Chuck, it was hard to tell, there was no good camera angle. One got over to Gomez late-he was about halfway down the line-and Butter was even further down the line with the stop sign up, so I don't know when it went up.
where was Weber?
He had probably broken to first thinking Kotchman might have a play. He probably didn't have enough time (or the notion) to break for home.
He had probably broken to first thinking Kotchman might have a play. He probably didn't have enough time (or the notion) to break for home.
I had a '92 World Series flashback on that Gomez slide. That reminded me of Gruber's slide into home in Game 3. That's a nice comeback win. And for a change, the pen didn't blow it!! Woo hoo!
I had a '92 World Series flashback on that Gomez slide. That reminded me of Gruber's slide into home in Game 3 or 4, I can't remember which one. That's a nice comeback win. And for a change, the pen didn't blow it!! Woo hoo!
Agreed #2JB-great job by the 'pen. Frasor with his first ML win! Congrats kid-hopefully lots more where those came from (and saves too).
I see Pond got an RBI on that last run. Does that make sense? Are you still eligible for an RBI when there is a rundown? I don't know that I've ever given this any thought before.
If Carlos goes in a salary dump then I think thats a slap in the face of the fans
If JP can clear $18M from the payroll I'll give him permission to slap me in the face for as long as he wants.
If JP can clear $18M from the payroll I'll give him permission to slap me in the face for as long as he wants.
Weber went over to cover first on the diving stop by Kotchman-Molina's fault-he probably figured he's so slow he'd better just get rid of it.
With respect to Molina's girth, I get the feeling that this is why he likes to backhand so many balls in the dirt. He's probably not very agile.
He certainly is very adept at picking up the short hop, but I get the sense that if Mike Piazza ever tried and failed a backhand that resulted in a passed ball (as Molina did earlier in the game), he might not have been such an easy time of it.
Molina looks lazy, and perhaps the weight that he carries is the cause. I don't pretend to see him enough to make any categorical statements, but you get the feeling that his gold gloves might be due more to his throwing ability than the rest of his defensive game.
With respect to Molina's girth, I get the feeling that this is why he likes to backhand so many balls in the dirt. He's probably not very agile.
He certainly is very adept at picking up the short hop, but I get the sense that if Mike Piazza ever tried and failed a backhand that resulted in a passed ball (as Molina did earlier in the game), he might not have been such an easy time of it.
Molina looks lazy, and perhaps the weight that he carries is the cause. I don't pretend to see him enough to make any categorical statements, but you get the feeling that his gold gloves might be due more to his throwing ability than the rest of his defensive game.
Indeed. I want Carlos to stay, but I'm interested in seeing how JP can spend 18 million.
That play at the plate was not Weber's fault. He went to cover first on the hit to Kotchman, which is what he's supposed to do, especially with 2 out. He had no way of knowing there was going to be a rundown, and he recognised it pretty quickly, as he arrived at home plate at the exact time Gomez did. Its tough to fault Molina, as he is taught to step out and let whoever is covering take the next throw in a rundown, but if anyone's to blame, he should have realised that Weber wouldn't be there. However, its really just a fortunate set of cirucmstances for the Jays. Gomez is either an incredibly smart ballplayer to recognise that possibility, or more likely, got lucky on a dumb play.
As far as I know, you can get an RBI on a rundown, as since there is no error committed, an RBI should be given.
As far as I know, you can get an RBI on a rundown, as since there is no error committed, an RBI should be given.
If JP can clear $18M from the payroll I'll give him permission to slap me in the face for as long as he wants.
As long as that freed up money results in something good coming this way. If it's just to save Mr. Rogers some money in 2004, then the fans have a right to be upset (and interestingly, can convey their annoyance by not watching a network that he owns).
As long as that freed up money results in something good coming this way. If it's just to save Mr. Rogers some money in 2004, then the fans have a right to be upset (and interestingly, can convey their annoyance by not watching a network that he owns).
I'm almost certain it was Kennedy the 2nd baseman just getting there late. Not his fault, since he would have been running toward the outfield in case the ball got further away from Kotchman. The shortstop's job is back up third base in case the 3B has to run Goez back towards the plate.
In that situation, when neither the pitcher not 2B can get home to back up Molina, his option is to do what he did and then try to shift momentum to take the return throw before Gomez makes it past him (not likely to work given his speed and mobility), or try to get Gomez diving back into third - maybe a 20% chance of getting him out. Worst case is you have bases loaded, two out.
The other thing would have been to hold the ball instead of running Gomez back, waiting for the 2B or pitcher to get there in backup. That's a hard thing to do when all your attention is focused on the runner - you just assume that the backup will get there. Gomez might have just retreated to third if Molina held the ball long enough.
If Weber had been super alert, he might have beaten Pond to the 1B bag. He clearly lagged (Pond would have beaten an eventual throw) and then failed to anticipate a play at the plate.
In that situation, when neither the pitcher not 2B can get home to back up Molina, his option is to do what he did and then try to shift momentum to take the return throw before Gomez makes it past him (not likely to work given his speed and mobility), or try to get Gomez diving back into third - maybe a 20% chance of getting him out. Worst case is you have bases loaded, two out.
The other thing would have been to hold the ball instead of running Gomez back, waiting for the 2B or pitcher to get there in backup. That's a hard thing to do when all your attention is focused on the runner - you just assume that the backup will get there. Gomez might have just retreated to third if Molina held the ball long enough.
If Weber had been super alert, he might have beaten Pond to the 1B bag. He clearly lagged (Pond would have beaten an eventual throw) and then failed to anticipate a play at the plate.
So the Englishman is in Toronto and just got back from the game.
AWESOME! I couldn't believe it when I walked in and there was the field in real life for the first time, I had a big grin over my face. I'm sorry I didn't join you noisy guys in 518 but I wanted the very best tickets I could get and was sitting really close behind home.
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the game. I'll be there again on Wednesday and I might come up to 518 but will probably splash out on expensive tickets again because it was so great.
BUT WHY WAS DELGADO PULLED??? Seeing Berg in the cleanup slot wasn't pretty. And I don't know that Tosca had anyone left on the bench to pinch hit for him when it mattered.
AWESOME! I couldn't believe it when I walked in and there was the field in real life for the first time, I had a big grin over my face. I'm sorry I didn't join you noisy guys in 518 but I wanted the very best tickets I could get and was sitting really close behind home.
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the game. I'll be there again on Wednesday and I might come up to 518 but will probably splash out on expensive tickets again because it was so great.
BUT WHY WAS DELGADO PULLED??? Seeing Berg in the cleanup slot wasn't pretty. And I don't know that Tosca had anyone left on the bench to pinch hit for him when it mattered.
Andrew K,
Injured knee. They're falling like flies.
I'll be in one of the 100 sections on Wednesday. Give me a shout at the e-mail above and perhaps we'll arrange to meet in the concourse somewhere before the game.
Injured knee. They're falling like flies.
I'll be in one of the 100 sections on Wednesday. Give me a shout at the e-mail above and perhaps we'll arrange to meet in the concourse somewhere before the game.
Robert,
Where else at the 100 level is good? I was in 123 today 9 rows back which really is hard to beat, but it's expensive and the protective mesh is in front of you. Any suggestions?
Where else at the 100 level is good? I was in 123 today 9 rows back which really is hard to beat, but it's expensive and the protective mesh is in front of you. Any suggestions?
By all means get the best seats you can. The concourse is the easiest place to meet because it's easily accessible.
Rob - sure. I'm having trouble with email today but I'll send you one when I've got my schedule for Wednesday sorted out.
I was itching to get up into 518 to help out with the drum (being a serious percussionist myself). I can certainly tell you that it helped with the crowd. But we couldn't read the Hentgen poster from the 100 level, and it was too hard to make out the "Hentgen Closer" chant without already knowing what it was.
Actually I like Frasor for closer. We aren't practising closer-by-committee so much as closer-by-dice at the moment.
Can I ask the Box wisdom two questions?
1) what is the record for a pitcher giving up consecutive home runs?
2) I'm in the middle of reading Moneyball, which I generally like but find the Beane-worship a bit grating. What has happened to the much-vaunted Nick Swisher?
I was itching to get up into 518 to help out with the drum (being a serious percussionist myself). I can certainly tell you that it helped with the crowd. But we couldn't read the Hentgen poster from the 100 level, and it was too hard to make out the "Hentgen Closer" chant without already knowing what it was.
Actually I like Frasor for closer. We aren't practising closer-by-committee so much as closer-by-dice at the moment.
Can I ask the Box wisdom two questions?
1) what is the record for a pitcher giving up consecutive home runs?
2) I'm in the middle of reading Moneyball, which I generally like but find the Beane-worship a bit grating. What has happened to the much-vaunted Nick Swisher?
With a day off tomorrow, why wouldn't Percival have been brought in for an inning before going to Weber? For all the praise Scioscia gets, this "save only" mentality cost him.
Exactly. I couldn't believe Weber came out with his 6.75 ERA while Percival stayed in the pen and K-Rod and Shields each went only one inning in a tie game. Meanwhile Tosca went with his best reliever for two innings in the highest leverage situation possible (late innings of a tie game). Scosia with the better bullpen was outmanaged in this game.
Did anyone notice if Gomez got the wave? It looked like running was his idea (and not a good one, despite the result).
According to the radio folks, Gomez ran through a stop sign. I'm guessing he thought the ball went into right field and never picked up Butterfield. It worked out but it was potentially a huge mistake.
Exactly. I couldn't believe Weber came out with his 6.75 ERA while Percival stayed in the pen and K-Rod and Shields each went only one inning in a tie game. Meanwhile Tosca went with his best reliever for two innings in the highest leverage situation possible (late innings of a tie game). Scosia with the better bullpen was outmanaged in this game.
Did anyone notice if Gomez got the wave? It looked like running was his idea (and not a good one, despite the result).
According to the radio folks, Gomez ran through a stop sign. I'm guessing he thought the ball went into right field and never picked up Butterfield. It worked out but it was potentially a huge mistake.
What has happened to the much-vaunted Nick Swisher?
He is currently hitting .252/.372/.463 in 123 at bats for Oakland's AAA team in the PCL. He has a very strong 24 walks but a little bit high with 33 strikeouts as well. Pretty decent extra base pop with 6 homers and 8 doubles too.
He is currently hitting .252/.372/.463 in 123 at bats for Oakland's AAA team in the PCL. He has a very strong 24 walks but a little bit high with 33 strikeouts as well. Pretty decent extra base pop with 6 homers and 8 doubles too.
According to the radio folks, Gomez ran through a stop sign. I'm guessing he thought the ball went into right field and never picked up Butterfield. It worked out but it was potentially a huge mistake.
Chris Gomez was interviewed by Faulds and Cerutti after the telecast, and they asked him what was going through his mind. Gomez said that he had no idea what was going on, but "Butter" waved him through. So he disagrees with the radio guys.
Chris Gomez was interviewed by Faulds and Cerutti after the telecast, and they asked him what was going through his mind. Gomez said that he had no idea what was going on, but "Butter" waved him through. So he disagrees with the radio guys.
Gomez said on the interview with Sportsnet that he saw Butterfield waving him in. I figure Butterfield saw the play and figured a) Pond would be out at first, so no harm in sending Gomez and b) if Pond is safe, Kennedy will at least throw to Weber, in which case the Angels will need to make two throws and may not even notice Gomez is going home, and hence he is likely to be safe.
Robert, it was Weber arriving late. You can see it clearly on the replay. I don't think you can blame him at all on the play at the plate, as he was at first, and then still managed to get to the plate at the same time as Gomez. You can maybe blame him for being slow to cover first, but if you watch the behind home plate camera replay, he appears to start moving towards first as soon as Pond hits it in that direction (although that could be his natural throwing motion).
Robert, it was Weber arriving late. You can see it clearly on the replay. I don't think you can blame him at all on the play at the plate, as he was at first, and then still managed to get to the plate at the same time as Gomez. You can maybe blame him for being slow to cover first, but if you watch the behind home plate camera replay, he appears to start moving towards first as soon as Pond hits it in that direction (although that could be his natural throwing motion).
Nick Swisher's hitting 252/372/463 with the AAA Sacramento RiverCats. There's an outside chance he could see some time in Oakland this year, if Eric Byrnes has the drastic cool-off he did last year, and Mark Kotsay doesn't get it together.
Thanks for the info on the hilariously-named Swisher. Can you help me contextualise those AAA numbers? Does he project to be, or have a good chance at being, some sort of superstar at MLB level (in Moneyball measures)?
I am so excited by that game; I should be going to bed as we have a breakfast meeting at the conference and I have to get up early, but I'm too excited!
I am so excited by that game; I should be going to bed as we have a breakfast meeting at the conference and I have to get up early, but I'm too excited!
Apparently, an L.A. Television station is reporting that the Dodgers will be sending OF prospect James Loney & Encarnacion for Carlos. This rumor is mind-boggling. I wonder where it originated from and secondly why are seemingly credible news organizations reporting it.
Heh, well at least James Loney exists (.203/.288/.254 in AA.)
Do you know which LA TV station is reporting that?
Do you know which LA TV station is reporting that?
KLTA supposedly. Thats the fodder in dodger country.
I'll say this. No way does Pond beat Weber to first if Weber breaks for the bag and lets nothing distract him from that goal. Chone Figgins probably couldn't beat Weber, assuming Weber isn't one of the slowest pitchers in baseball (judging from his build he ought not to be).
Kids, this is why the coaches drill it into you. The pitcher sprints towards first whenever the ball is hit to the 1B side of the diamond. Assuming the 1B can get the throw to you the runner should be out all the time. Pedro does a very good job of doing this.
One might say that Weber's was the critical failing, since if he does his job Pond is out and Gomez is irrelevant.
Kids, this is why the coaches drill it into you. The pitcher sprints towards first whenever the ball is hit to the 1B side of the diamond. Assuming the 1B can get the throw to you the runner should be out all the time. Pedro does a very good job of doing this.
One might say that Weber's was the critical failing, since if he does his job Pond is out and Gomez is irrelevant.
Oh my goodness.... according to the Angels radio broadcast, William Hung will be singing the national anthems sometime in the next couple weeks. Why????
You are correct sir.
According to Jumbotron (second cousin to Megatron!) William Hung will be singing the national anthem in Toronto on Sunday, May 30th.
Mark those Calendars!
I will definitely be there to see Mr. Hung butcher the anthems, along with the the Mighty Drum, the Hammer of Wisdom and (now my personal fave) "The Hentgen".
Great time at the game tonight!
Cheers,
jc
I'm not sure it was as simple as that Robert. That's true IF the first baseman fields the ball cleanly but he didn't and had to scramble to coral it. That's why Gomez even had pause to think about going home. Kotchman may not have felt there was a play at first with the amount of juggling he had to do but there was a play at the plate because Gomez had only just rounded the bag. And it would have had him if Molina had just forced Gomez all the way back to third. There's no way he should have given the runner a chance to move in the other direction when a run crossing the plate means the game is over.
I only saw the play once or twice, but I think the ball rolled well behind Kotchman where Adam Kennedy picked it up. Kennedy's the one who threw home on a bounce to Molina. I don't think there was a remote chance at Pond, unless he fell out of the box or something weird, cause I believe it hit Kotchman's glove and kicked about 10 feet back and toward the line-so I don't think Weber being late to first mattered (if he was late to first-I didn't notice). Flukey play-went the Jays' way.
From what I've read William Hung will be singing 'Take Me Out To The Ballgame' during the 7th inning stretch (if not OK Blue Jays). I would think most would be offended with someone of his reputation singing the national anthem.
What if William Hung sings the full chorus of "SHE BANGS" and starts doing his dance, what mental effects do you think it will have the players? The first time I saw that video I felt I was on HA$H.
I'm pretty sure it was Kotchman who threw home. I got the impression that Kotchman was looking for Weber covering but saw that Pond was going to beat him there. It was a hard hit ball and it didn't roll all that far away, there was still the potential to get Pond (the throw may have been a touch late even if Weber was there ahead of Pond).
At that point Kotchman looked and saw that Gomez had passed third with speed and was going for home. He threw to Molina.
IMO it wasn't a Gomez braincramp. He would have been going on contact and:
1) The ball might have gotten through and Gomez was trying to beat Guerrerro's throw home.
2) Kotchman might have tried to get the out at first; if unsuccessful, Weber would have had to turn and fire to Molina who would have had to catch, block and tag. That's a tough sequence to execute.
3) Kotchman might have deflected the ball further away than he did, in which case scoring was a distinct possibility, but only Gomez was going full out for home.
A fourth scenario, perhaps the most unlikely, is what actually happened. Gomez would have no way of knowing because he'd have his back turned to the play. Butterfield wouldn't have time to make a definitive call on it because by the time Kotchman picked up the ball Gomez would have been past third (a visual sign wouldn't have worked).
If scenarios 1,2 or 3 had occured, going for home is the correct play;only in scenario 4 was coming home not advisable. When you are the winning run and there are two out, you can't afford to be overly-cautious.
Gomez played the percentages correcly, rolled snake-eyes, and then managed to score anyway!
At that point Kotchman looked and saw that Gomez had passed third with speed and was going for home. He threw to Molina.
IMO it wasn't a Gomez braincramp. He would have been going on contact and:
1) The ball might have gotten through and Gomez was trying to beat Guerrerro's throw home.
2) Kotchman might have tried to get the out at first; if unsuccessful, Weber would have had to turn and fire to Molina who would have had to catch, block and tag. That's a tough sequence to execute.
3) Kotchman might have deflected the ball further away than he did, in which case scoring was a distinct possibility, but only Gomez was going full out for home.
A fourth scenario, perhaps the most unlikely, is what actually happened. Gomez would have no way of knowing because he'd have his back turned to the play. Butterfield wouldn't have time to make a definitive call on it because by the time Kotchman picked up the ball Gomez would have been past third (a visual sign wouldn't have worked).
If scenarios 1,2 or 3 had occured, going for home is the correct play;only in scenario 4 was coming home not advisable. When you are the winning run and there are two out, you can't afford to be overly-cautious.
Gomez played the percentages correcly, rolled snake-eyes, and then managed to score anyway!
Yes, from the words of Paul Godfrey, Hung will not be singing the national anthems: 'Take Me Out..' only.
How about Keith Talent: 6-0 at SkyDome, with a wicked catch of Davanon's homerun ball!
Didn't see 'The Hentgen'.
How about Keith Talent: 6-0 at SkyDome, with a wicked catch of Davanon's homerun ball!
Didn't see 'The Hentgen'.
Mr. Talent, you got TALENT when it comes to bringing good luck to the homeside. I think it's your gift, maybe a curse, but this means you have to go to as MANY GAMES as possible. Your our key to a pennant...
BAH!! Im so upset I missed this game! I tried to enjoy the party as best I could and not let my frustration show while sitting around the radio.
So tell me of The Hentgen, was it everything I dreamed it would be when the idea was just a twinkle in my eye? What props did it get? From the crowd, tv, radio... anything? PLEASE tell me The Hentgen and the o-Drum will be there wednesday.
So let me see if i got this, Chicago gets Eddie Vedder to sing "take me out" and we get William Hung....? And they wonder why they cant draw in the skydome.
So tell me of The Hentgen, was it everything I dreamed it would be when the idea was just a twinkle in my eye? What props did it get? From the crowd, tv, radio... anything? PLEASE tell me The Hentgen and the o-Drum will be there wednesday.
So let me see if i got this, Chicago gets Eddie Vedder to sing "take me out" and we get William Hung....? And they wonder why they cant draw in the skydome.
I'm told the Hentgen made it to TV for one fleeting moment. It got on the Jumbotron when the Jumbotron went to a series of crowd shots in the middle of the 10th. However, the camera quickly moved over to the other side of the Cheer Club. This should be taken as a clear indication that the Hentgen Movement may not be welcome, and that guerrilla tactics may be necessary.
We missed your radio too. Delgado's disappearance in the fourth was perplexing.
I also heard the Cheer Club got a shout-out from Fauldsie on the TV broadcast - was it anything more than "Oh look they're making noise"?
We missed your radio too. Delgado's disappearance in the fourth was perplexing.
I also heard the Cheer Club got a shout-out from Fauldsie on the TV broadcast - was it anything more than "Oh look they're making noise"?
I too sulked my way through the game watching at home. The guys in 518, armed with the drum, did get an honourable mention from the less-than-honourable Rob Faulds. I didn't see The Hentgen though. This has wounded me deeply.
I would have really gone nuts if the Jays lost this by one run; I know we can't predict the course of a game but there's no way that first run scores if it doesn't hit the ump. The idiots in the booth may have thought it was going into CF, but I saw Mighty Mouse Menechino right behind the ump ready for an easy DP. Between that and the rash of injuries on a team that hasn't been playing that well to begin with and lacks the depth of their opponents (DAVE BERG ended up hitting clean-up!) I really thought somebody has been pissing on the Jays for those new uniforms.
Another fantastic showing by Frasor - working 2 innings in his 2nd appearance in 2 days, FWIW - aided by a great catch by Hinske, although I would have flipped if that got by him. Why don't they play on the line late in games?
The throw home was from Kennedy and Molina thankfully blew it. He had to know that nobody's could possibly be covering behind him and he needed to drive Gomez closer to 3rd or stay with the rundown after making his throw.
I would have really gone nuts if the Jays lost this by one run; I know we can't predict the course of a game but there's no way that first run scores if it doesn't hit the ump. The idiots in the booth may have thought it was going into CF, but I saw Mighty Mouse Menechino right behind the ump ready for an easy DP. Between that and the rash of injuries on a team that hasn't been playing that well to begin with and lacks the depth of their opponents (DAVE BERG ended up hitting clean-up!) I really thought somebody has been pissing on the Jays for those new uniforms.
Another fantastic showing by Frasor - working 2 innings in his 2nd appearance in 2 days, FWIW - aided by a great catch by Hinske, although I would have flipped if that got by him. Why don't they play on the line late in games?
The throw home was from Kennedy and Molina thankfully blew it. He had to know that nobody's could possibly be covering behind him and he needed to drive Gomez closer to 3rd or stay with the rundown after making his throw.
Why don't they play on the line late in games?
Most teams do and I think it's a mistake. Think about this - do you want to increase the chances of the other team getting a hit for a very slight decrease of the chance of getting a double? There's one out - usually the best strategy is to get outs and make the innings short.
Therefore, you play your fielders (Davanon was batting lefthanded) where you maximize your chances of recording an out.
Most teams do and I think it's a mistake. Think about this - do you want to increase the chances of the other team getting a hit for a very slight decrease of the chance of getting a double? There's one out - usually the best strategy is to get outs and make the innings short.
Therefore, you play your fielders (Davanon was batting lefthanded) where you maximize your chances of recording an out.
...In the 7th Kent and I slid down behind the plate to get a closer look at the Angels' relief corps. Between Gregg and K-Rod's appearances, "Oh my gawd" must have crossed my lips at least 65 times. Sitting just a handful of rows behind homeplate it was quite an experience seeing just how much leverage Gregg's 6'6 frame allows him (in the box, the batter sees a 7-footer). And the only thing to describe Rodirguez is nasty -- he made the Jays' AAA line up look like a bunch of high schoolers. The stuff he showed versus Sparky was devastating...plus he introduced us to a snappy 10 to 4 curve that broke a good three feet, one foot before it reached the plate.
Did the TV crew get a shot of Molina at the end? He just stood there with his hands on his hips in disbelief. Priceless. There's really no excuse for the Angels to have lost. They were playing what was essentially Syracuse and still couldn't get it together.
RE: Umpire interference
Once in a while a ball is hit so hard or takes such a bounce the umpire doesn't have the chance to move. Unfortunately it cost the Jays here but there's nothing to do about it. An umpire stands in the same place for each particular scenario so we have just as much a chance at capitalizing on interference as the other team. Thus, there's no reason to complain; in a 162 game sked, these things tend to even themselves out.
Did the TV crew get a shot of Molina at the end? He just stood there with his hands on his hips in disbelief. Priceless. There's really no excuse for the Angels to have lost. They were playing what was essentially Syracuse and still couldn't get it together.
RE: Umpire interference
Once in a while a ball is hit so hard or takes such a bounce the umpire doesn't have the chance to move. Unfortunately it cost the Jays here but there's nothing to do about it. An umpire stands in the same place for each particular scenario so we have just as much a chance at capitalizing on interference as the other team. Thus, there's no reason to complain; in a 162 game sked, these things tend to even themselves out.
Thanks for the clarification re William Hung. I feel a little bad for him because (a) I'm a Cal alum and (b) I'm Chinese. But he's terrible.
Nick Swisher's numbers don't look that impressive but he got off to a slow start partly due to a thumb injury, I believe. I think the A's are still very high on him.
Nick Swisher's numbers don't look that impressive but he got off to a slow start partly due to a thumb injury, I believe. I think the A's are still very high on him.
Jeremy Brown is playing terribly in the Texas League.
I saw Swisher a few times in Spring Training this year, actually saw him hit a pretty long home run against Kansas City in Suprise (I think it was hit off Cerda.) He's moved to AAA pretty quickly from the Big-10, and I actually saw somewhere yesterday where he might get the call to Oakland if Kotsay doesn't play better. Don't know how accurate that is as I can't even remember where I read it :).
I'd say that Swisher has a chance to be an above average major leaguer, but his ceiling probably isn't that high.
I saw Swisher a few times in Spring Training this year, actually saw him hit a pretty long home run against Kansas City in Suprise (I think it was hit off Cerda.) He's moved to AAA pretty quickly from the Big-10, and I actually saw somewhere yesterday where he might get the call to Oakland if Kotsay doesn't play better. Don't know how accurate that is as I can't even remember where I read it :).
I'd say that Swisher has a chance to be an above average major leaguer, but his ceiling probably isn't that high.
Brown:
228/319/370 3 HR 16 BB 26 K in ~145PA
It's Teahen that has taken off from that draft as of late:
Brown's teammate in Midland he's at:
337/409/550 5 HR 22 BB 38 K! in ~190PA
Teahen turns 23 in Sept.
Brown turns 25 in Oct.
228/319/370 3 HR 16 BB 26 K in ~145PA
It's Teahen that has taken off from that draft as of late:
Brown's teammate in Midland he's at:
337/409/550 5 HR 22 BB 38 K! in ~190PA
Teahen turns 23 in Sept.
Brown turns 25 in Oct.
http://www.transfan-asylum.org/art/pics/megatron.jpg
According to Jumbotron (second cousin to Megatron!)
Nice.
According to Jumbotron (second cousin to Megatron!)
Nice.
Watched the replay again this morning and it was Kennedy who retrieved the ball and made the throw home. There was no chance at first.
How much you want to bet that if it had been the Jays who screwed up the run-down and lost the game, we'd be reading columns today about how the Jays have poor fundamentals and that's why they're in fifth place.
I mean, how could the Angels be 29-16 if they can screw up a simple run-down? Right? :)
Last night was one of the reasons I love baseball, though, because just when you think you've seen it all... You see Dave Berg batting cleanup. :)
I mean, how could the Angels be 29-16 if they can screw up a simple run-down? Right? :)
Last night was one of the reasons I love baseball, though, because just when you think you've seen it all... You see Dave Berg batting cleanup. :)
Well, gentlemen, THAT was a Cheer Club outing to be reckoned with. My initial fears of no drum and no one were not realized, and 518 was rockin' and rollin'. As with any good Cheer Club aftermath, my throat is a total wreck this morning (I think the definitive point was during GOING! GOING! ZAUN! where my voice squeaked and almost totally cut out). In addition, my shoulders are killing me because I took a few turns as auxiliary Cheer Club drummer while BD was down in his lovely Premium Dugout seats.
But it was worth it!
Keith Talent is 6-0, and newly arrived Torontonian Brent is now 1-0 at the Dome. Perhaps the two should never sit beside one another, in case some kind of rift opens in the space-time continuum and Spock has to get Scotty to reverse the flow of whoozits into the thingamajiggy to save Kirk and all of mankind.
The next confirmed O-Drum night will be this Friday, and I heartily encourage everyone to come out and make noise and revel in the glory of the O-Drum. Texas won't know what hit 'em!
Andrew K: If you want some wicked seats that aren't behind the mesh, I really highly recommend the Premium Dugout seats, the ones just behind the dugout on either side. And even 10 rows back, where they become "regular" dugout seats, those are great, too.
However, the best seats in the house are in 518. ;)
But it was worth it!
Keith Talent is 6-0, and newly arrived Torontonian Brent is now 1-0 at the Dome. Perhaps the two should never sit beside one another, in case some kind of rift opens in the space-time continuum and Spock has to get Scotty to reverse the flow of whoozits into the thingamajiggy to save Kirk and all of mankind.
The next confirmed O-Drum night will be this Friday, and I heartily encourage everyone to come out and make noise and revel in the glory of the O-Drum. Texas won't know what hit 'em!
Andrew K: If you want some wicked seats that aren't behind the mesh, I really highly recommend the Premium Dugout seats, the ones just behind the dugout on either side. And even 10 rows back, where they become "regular" dugout seats, those are great, too.
However, the best seats in the house are in 518. ;)
Gomez played the percentages correctly, rolled snake-eyes, and then managed to score anyway!
That's how I saw it. When the ball went through Kotchman, Butter was definitely waving Gomez home. So was I, for that matter. Then Kennedy made a heckuva play and we all thought, "oh, no!" Meanwhile, Weber had done the right thing, hustling over to first, and had no chance to beat Gomez to the plate. It was a classic E-10, but the brain cramp was Molina's in assuming Weber had his back, and as Adam said, from his posture afterward, Benjie knew it.
As with any good Cheer Club aftermath, my throat is a total wreck this morning
My voice was Going, Going, Zaun by the fifth and has returned an octave lower than usual. It was great fun up in 518, and equally exciting to watch the unlikely comeback from behind the plate. The all-too-brief appearance by The Hentgen on the Jumbotron got a ripple of response from the people near us, including a couple of laughs, and the chants ("Fig-gins") are audible already and will be even better when more people show up. This is just the beginning...
That's how I saw it. When the ball went through Kotchman, Butter was definitely waving Gomez home. So was I, for that matter. Then Kennedy made a heckuva play and we all thought, "oh, no!" Meanwhile, Weber had done the right thing, hustling over to first, and had no chance to beat Gomez to the plate. It was a classic E-10, but the brain cramp was Molina's in assuming Weber had his back, and as Adam said, from his posture afterward, Benjie knew it.
As with any good Cheer Club aftermath, my throat is a total wreck this morning
My voice was Going, Going, Zaun by the fifth and has returned an octave lower than usual. It was great fun up in 518, and equally exciting to watch the unlikely comeback from behind the plate. The all-too-brief appearance by The Hentgen on the Jumbotron got a ripple of response from the people near us, including a couple of laughs, and the chants ("Fig-gins") are audible already and will be even better when more people show up. This is just the beginning...
It's Teahen that has taken off from that draft as of late:
Brown's teammate in Midland he's at:
337/409/550 5 HR 22 BB 38 K! in ~190PA
Honourable mention to Brant "man tits" Colamarino, who's playing at high-A Modesto this year:
338/432/563, 8 HR, 24 BB, 22 K in ~190 PA
http://www.baseballamerica.com/cgi-bin/statsfindplayer.pl?player=colam