The New batting Order has done it's job so far.
Looking forward to the Oakland series.

So is Baseball Prospectus worth the fee? I've heard lots of good things about Sheenan, and I've thought about signing up a bunch of times, but between here, primer and Neyer, it seems like there's lots of good free baseball stuff out there. (Although Neyer won't be free for long, which means I'm going to consider paying for BP again).

The New batting Order has done it's job so far.

You get twenty million points for getting the song - Regret by New Order.

Here's your cuttlefish:



So is Baseball Prospectus worth the fee?

I think it is, but it's not a steal. I enjoy the content, and I absolutely love Transaction Analysis and Will Carroll's stuff is great, but there's quite a few things that bug me about Prospectus. One is no articles on the weekend. Two is that major features, like Transaction Analysis (TA), will disappear for months at a time because the author's real life gets in the way. That stuff is fine when they're a free or cheap service, but at $39.95 U.S. a year, I think they could be a bit more polished and professional.

Plus now that Doug Pappas has passed away, they've lost their best analyst. That being said, I still think they're worth the money if you've got the disposable income to spend.

I might be jumping the gun, but I feel that this could be a big game for the Jays. Zito's the perfect candidate to jump all over right now to boost the team's confidence. They're surely playing a lot more scrappy right now with all the super-subs in. Miguel has shown plenty of signs of late that he may be putting it together and in a park like Oakland's he can afford to dinker a bit and find which of his 42 pitches (!) are working for the evening. I'm looking forward to this one.

The Jays are 21-18 following their 3-11 start, a .538 mark (which converts to an 87-win pace). If they continue to play at that level for the rest of the season, they would finish 83-79.

Can I say, at this point, how incredibly impressed I am with Carlos Tosca for how he has (despite the swirling rumours about him early on) kept control of the clubhouse, kept the players focused, and kept this team from falling apart? All the injuries this team has had, and yet they were 15-14 in May and are 2-0 this month.

I would be very happy if the Jays split this series. Good news on Halladay but since everyone else got cheery reports I'll exhale when Roy next has a dominant start.

I love how scrappy these guys have been and what a difference it is when you get a bit of power hitting. Wells and Phelps have got to keep producing.

Crap - New Order - I knew that one. Damn fantasy league trade talks made me late.

Zito in, Chavy out, Batista on the mound - this game is ours. I loved that Phelps shot last night. I spent the first few pitches thinking about how bad his approach has been and about that horrid flyball/groundball stat that somebody posted the other day - then gonk. 4-0 Jays - all is forgiven.

Off topic - has anybody got the new Morrissey album? Is it worth the pickup? I've been rocking out to "Who will cut our hair when we're gone" by the Unicorns. Great band. Great live show. Awesome album. Every track is listenable.

Your 2001 Toronto Blue Jays:

C Darrin Fletcher
1B Carlos Delgado
2B Homer Bush
3B Tony Batista
SS Alex Gonzalez
LF Shannon Stewart
CF Jose Cruz, Jr.
RF Raul Mondesi
DH Brad Fullmer

SP Chris Carpenter
SP Esteban Loaiza
SP Joey Hamilton
SP Steve Parris
SP Chris Michalak

CL Billy Koch

Geez, was the future really that bleak? Man.

Off topic - has anybody got the new Morrissey album? Is it worth the pickup?

I have been on record on this site before saying that the Mozzer's new disc is a quality effort, and well worth the seven year wait since his previous album. His voice is in fine form, and though the lyrics sometimes outshine the accompaniments, there is a vitality to the work despite his advancing age.

On a few songs it comes off as Morrissey doing Morrissey, but otherwise a solid return to form.

Geez, was the future really that bleak? Man.

And what was the payroll on that team? 80 million?

We've come a long way, baby.

So how many of you college.. err.. post-secondary students stayed up and watched the game?

I'm neither of those, but I was up until the end.

I didn't hear my alarm for 20 minutes this morning as a result....

Anybody want to add anything to Moffatt's review of BP, either positive or negative?

Also, isn't there something strange with BP's year-long subscriptions where they don't actually last a calendar year, but instead they all run out on the same date? Did they correct that? Am I even thinking of the right site?

Also, isn't there something strange with BP's year-long subscriptions where they don't actually last a calendar year, but instead they all run out on the same date? Did they correct that? Am I even thinking of the right site?

That was BP, but they changed that. It's a real one year (or two year) subscription.

I think it's hard for many of us to be objective about BP, because we know some of the guys personally and because Keith Law used to write for them. Will Carroll has been really good to Batter's Box, and I consider him a friend.

I was willing to voice the few objections I have because I've already told them to Will personally. :)

Here's a bit of a revisionist history lesson about what the Jays have done.

Teams we should have down better against:

Balitmore- W: 2 L: 4
KC- W: 3 L: 3
Detroit- W: 2 L: 4

If the Jays want to be significantly better than .500, they must improve against:

CWS- W: 4 L: 3
Minnesota: W: 2 L: 4

Good/Correct result based on expectations(or exceeding):
Anaheim- W: 3 L: 0
Texas- W: 2 L: 1
Seattle- W: 2 L: 1

If we were real contenders: (Ouch)
Boston- W: 4 L: 9

Toronto has played a lot of top teams and the team that I think is the best in the East (boston) nearly a quarter of the games. It was a bad start but I think that the Jays will be a .500 team just before the all star game.

Well, I'm a friend of Will as well, and like the BP guys, but that doesn't mean I won't pull punches. When I was a devoted reader in the days before subscriptions I thought the quality was very uneven and that they were nuts to go to a sub model, and wouldn't have considered paying for it.

After that, I spent a couple years basically not reading BP except for the very occasional free article, just using their superb statistics pages.

I got a complimentary subscription recently through the good offices of Will Carroll, that godlike titan among men (even if he does look like Rick White) and now I wonder what the hell I was thinking not reading them all that time. I love it, I read the articles in a big wodge a couple of times a week, and though Joe Sheehan does nothing for me (he's about equivalent to Neyer in my eyes, and I don't read Rob Neyer regularly either, just the Rob & Rany stuff which is terrific) they have an impressive amount of good daily content. Clay Davenport is always a must-read. Will's content is irreplaceable - you can't get that anywhere else. Steven Goldman is a pleasure to read. Pappas was indispensable, too, and now they have Boyd Nation doing stuff too. And what should I find this week? Jim Baker, one of the very best baseball writers in the short-piece format, has joined them to do his "matchups" thing twice a week, which is terrific. Woolner is good. Dayn Perry is good. The quality isn't necessarily better than what we do here, but that's a good standard. And there's more of it!

I must have been insane not to subscribe. It's not perfect; I don't always enjoy the Derek Zumsteg or Chris Kahrl pieces, but generally they're good too, and there's enough there that you can just move on to the next piece if something drags.

On the injury front it sounds like the team might get Woodward, Cat, Miller and Halladay back next week - various sources. If the Jays can maintain at least .500 ball until then this should be a major boost in confidence.

I figured them to take two of three from the Mariners and am hoping for a split with Oakland. Wins in the Zito and Redman starts as the as the pen can continue to hold together especially the Kershner start on Sunday.

When I was a devoted reader in the days before subscriptions I thought the quality was very uneven and that they were nuts to go to a sub model, and wouldn't have considered paying for it.

That was my thoughts precisely. The stupid thing is, they went to a subscriber model at the same time when the quality and quantity of their web stuff went dowhill fast for a sixth month period. It was absolutely horrible timing.

I don't enjoy every piece they do at BP, but I don't enjoy every piece I read in the newspaper or in a magazine either. Other than maybe Wired, I can't think of anything where I read closer to 100% of the content than BP.

That was a major coup getting Jim Baker. His e-mail newsletter and ESPN columns were always a lot of fun. I've talked to him a couple times over e-mail, and he's quite a funny guy.

Err.. That should be a six month period. That's why you don't pay to read my stuff. :)

How much of what you pay for is heavy statistical stuff?
I'm not really interested in that.
Interesting articles and analysis interest me more than being told how good Pecota is.

How much of what you pay for is heavy statistical stuff?

As far as articles go, almost none of it. Only Woolner writes pretty stat-heavy articles. Karhl, Carroll, and Sheehan have as much stat stuff as, say, Neyer.

If they do write a PECOTA is great column, it's usually free, as it's pretty much a PR piece. :)

With the subscription you do get access to the PECOTA cards, which are pretty interesting.

Anybody want to add anything to Moffatt's review of BP, either positive or negative?

I pretty much agree with Craig and Mike. I subscribe and I like it. I'm not big on Zumsteg's writing - it's either 'comedy' I'm not interested in or something on the Mariners, and I generally don't read Goldman (maybe I should) but for the most part I like the rest.

It took me awhile to get used to having to pay for content on the internet, but if it's good enough it's worth it. For less than a buck a week it's a good deal to me. Just think of it like a newspaper subscription.

FWIW, I've heard Neyer is headed to ESPN Insider and I'm not even considering subscribing to that. I love Rob & Rany, and enjoy Neyer's chats, but his columns don't do much for me anymore.

The stupid thing is, they went to a subscriber model at the same time when the quality and quantity of their web stuff went dowhill fast for a sixth month period.

Man, that was just a brutal time at BP.

Bob File is on his way to Oakland. He got the call last night and he will be with the Jays tonight!!!!!!! It is about time. Doc will be put on the DL.

Bob File is on his way to Oakland. He got the call last night and he will be with the Jays tonight!!!!!!! It is about time. Doc will be put on the DL.

Frank,

I'm not sure that Bob File for Roy Halladay represents a good trade for the Jays...

Four Seamer - I understand your point about the relative value of Halladay and File but I think this is the one good thing about injuries. You get to see what you've got. As I mentioned on another thread a few days ago, the 2004 season is shot from a contention perspective. As a consequence, your decision making has to focus on who can help down the road. Bob File is on the 40 man roster and, as such, is in theory part of the future. The only way the Jays will find out if he's healthy and can help is to see him pitch at the major league level. Given Halladay's injury, I think calling File up is a good thing.

I've got Phelps in Alomar- and another league as well- and had him benched in both yesterday b/c he'd been sucking so bad! Was really excited to see the Jays on in a bar (in LA this week), saw the Phelps GS, realized he was on the pine...

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1808358
COMN for another excerpt from Chasing Steinbrenner -- this one at ESPN. It's the story of how Ricciardi & Co. settled on Aaron Hill as their first pick in the 2003 draft. The tornado part is pretty funny -- well, OK, I probably wouldn't have been amused had I been there, but anyway. Good stuff. Thanks to Munro.

Nigel,

I agree with what you're saying entirely - my comment was mainly tongue in cheek. I too am curious about what File has to offer, although I think we can all agree that their are a few other players besides Halladay whose injury we'd rather have facilitate Mr. File's return to the Majors.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5771

Your 2001 Toronto Blue Jays...

SP Chris Carpenter

...

Geez, was the future really that bleak? Man.


Carpenter has (finally) come back strong this year. COMN.

He'll be hurt again before the end of the season.

Forgot to mention : The 2001 bench was Felipe Lopez, Jeff Frye, Cesar Izturis, Alberto Castillo, Luis Lopez, and Brian Simmons.

Concerning Bob File being called up, does anyone have a link to that? I can't seem to find it anywhere.

It hasn't been announced yet. Right now it's just a rumor, though a pretty probably one.

Frank, let me assure you, I ain't impressed with your attempt to start a rumour.

I am impressed with how the Toronto Blue Chiefs are grinding out some wins - although Seattle looks pretty bad right now.

I am also impressed with Vinnie Chulk - did he always throw that hard?He looks like he could come out of this period of injuries with a permanent job in the bull pen.

I too doubt that Frank has any inside info (though he may, I don't know). Seeing that Bob File is on the 40-man roster and has pitched pretty well in Syracuse, I could see it happening if Halladay does have to go on the DL.

Food for thought on Felipe Lopez:

Lopez - Birthdate - May 12, 1980

AAA this year - .289/.338/.448

Russ Adams - Birthdate - August 30, 1980

AAA this year - .273/.359/.394

(Both have about the same number of AB's)

I know people will talk negatively about Lopez's attitude and baseball smarts and I would agree with a lot of those assessments. However, it is interesting to see this when you are assessing Adams as a prospect and assessing the Lopez - Arnold/JFG trade. Let's put it this way. I do not think that Cincinnati would trade Lopez to Toronto for Arnold/JFG. A harder assessment would be whether they would trade Lopez for Adams. I have a feeling they wouldn't because power from the SS position is so much in vogue, but you never know.

A harder assessment would be whether they would trade Lopez for Adams. I have a feeling they wouldn't because power from the SS position is so much in vogue, but you never know.

The Reds take that trade in a heartbeat. A stalled-out prospect with attitude and work ethic problems for a prospect who has improved steadily over the last two years. It's a no-brainer.

I've been reading a lot of talk about the Jays being sellers this year. I agree that they have no chance of contending and I'll be happy if they get 83 wins. However, what can they trade?

The criteria would have to be:
1) Someone wants the player.
2) We have an acceptable replacement.
3) We have to get something back that can play within a year or two. I'm assuming the Jays are sellers and thus getting back prospects.

Players others might want:
I don't think Carlos will go anywhere. As much as the Jays may want to trade him, they do have this year to consider as well. You can't just run up the flag completely. No trade clause etc. I think he walk after the season.

Pitchers: I think that it's too hard to find decent pitchers like Lilly and Batista that play for 3 or 4 million. Unless they get a great package, I don't think so

Cattalanato is one of the few that people that others might want and we have potential replacements.

Greg Zaun might get a prospect when injuries give us a surplus of catchers.

Most of the others guys are average and cheap, meaning there's not that much interest or pressing need to get rid of them. That being said if the right package came along, then why not.

The only untouchables that I see are: Halladay, Wells and perhpas Hudson.

I've come up with only Cattalanato (sp?) and Zaun then. I'd like people's thoughts on other players that might be traded.

I'd like to get a BP subscripton, but don't know if I want to ante up it all myself. Anyone interested in doing a split membership (same user name)? Banks make it easy to transfer money by email now. If so, COMN and we'll see what we can do.

I agree on Rob Neyer...seems every third article by him is tied to the latest book he works on with Bill James...too much historical stuff and not enough sifting through the players of the day.

Cat will surely be gone, along with a rag tag of arms in the bullpen? Always good bets. Any of the following: Adams, Kershner, Lightenberg, VDL.
It would take a lot to pry Johnson away right now....good luck getting that production for such a price elsewhere.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/tos/

I'd like to get a BP subscripton, but don't know if I want to ante up it all myself. Anyone interested in doing a split membership (same user name)? Banks make it easy to transfer money by email now. If so, COMN and we'll see what we can do.


I suspect that a "split membership" is a violation of their terms of service. I also understand what it's like being a starving student, so if you keep it under control, I'd be inclined to turn a blind eye to it.

$60 CDN seems a little steep, but if you look at it as $5/month, it represents pretty good value. I also found their fantasy baseball tools to be quite useful this past spring.

http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2004/06/03/canada/ciggy040603
This has absolutely nothing to do with baseball, but COMN for an item on maple syrup-flavoured cigarettes. Notice the web address; who knew that the CBC had a sense of humour?

I suspect that a "split membership" is a violation of their terms of service. I also understand what it's like being a starving student, so if you keep it under control, I'd be inclined to turn a blind eye to it.

I doubt BP would take a blind eye to it. From their TOS:

"Users agree to take all reasonable steps to protect and ensure the accuracy of all any login, password or payment information provided in connection with the Service. Subscribers agree to be the sole users of their username/password and the Service under this Agreement. Username/password and access to and use of the Service are subject to cancellation or suspension by PEV if it suspects or knows of unauthorized use or access to the Service using such username/password. Subscribers agree to use their best efforts to inform PEV immediately of any actual or potential unauthorized access to or use of the Services through their username/password and PEV may terminate access and deactivate or delete such user's account without prior notice and without obligation."

So don't share your password or else you may get booted off and have nothing to show for your money. Since you posted your intentions and e-mail address on a public forum, I think they'd catch on to you pretty quickly.

Considering I have the best link possible on the File/Halladay issue, be prepared to eat crow. File told me himself last night at 11pm. I am not happy that Halladay is hurt but I am happy for File. He has worked his ass off to get healthy and is ready to help the Jays.

Moffat - I can't see the choice of Adams over Lopez as a "no brainer". If Lopez's attitude is just terrible maybe that swings it in Adams favour. As the debate has raged on this site with respect to Adams suggests, I think there are some serious questions about Adams as a prospect. Obviously ther are serious questions about Lopez as a prospect. Personally, I think its a close call which is the better prospect right now and I think you could construct a case for liking one or the other. I just can't see it as a "no brainer".

Hey, if you're right, I'll be delighted to give you credit for being the one who broke the story.

I think its a close call which is the better prospect right now and I think you could construct a case for liking one or the other. I just can't see it as a "no brainer".

The main problem is, it's highly unusual for a player to come up early in his career, collect 700 ABs, stink up the joint, then spend a couple years in the minors, then come back up and be a productive major league player. In fact, I can't think of anyone who has done it, though I'm sure there are some examples. Lopez has a really strange career trajectory, and that hurts him.

Is Lopez even considered a prospect anymore? Is he on anyone's prospect lists?

I post over on the ESPN boards all the time under the name "FileCabinet". If you are ever over there, they all know I am legit.

In fact, I can't think of anyone who has done it, though I'm sure there are some examples.

Roy Halladay somewhat fits that, although he had initial success before the stinky season.

For most prospect lists Lopez does not qualify because of the criteria that prospects have no more than 100 AB's at the major league level or some equivalent de minimus number of AB's. I also agree that his career path is unusual. I guess it depends on how you look at his previous experience. Do you think that Adams in his age 21-23 years would have done better at the major league level than Lopez's .665 OPS? Frankly, Adams was putting up .700-.750 OPS numbers at A and AA during that time. I just don't think its clear cut by any means.

Do you think that Adams in his age 21-23 years would have done better at the major league level than Lopez's .665 OPS?

No, I don't. Fortunately Adams wasn't called up to the big leagues. Lopez was called up way too soon, and I think it's killed his career.

Halladay isn't a great comp, because as you say, he had some success. But he does show that a player can have a really strange career trajectory and make it. At the same time, I can't think of any good comps for Lopez that have had any success whatsoever.

I post over on the ESPN boards all the time under the name "FileCabinet". If you are ever over there, they all know I am legit.

That must be why you post over there all the time: you are too legit to quit.

Moffat - I got on this trend not to run down Adams. It actually started with Craig's offhand reference to him on the 2001 roster. That put me onto "Where are they now?". Before I looked at his age and stats this year I was of your mindset - that he's toast. I'm just not sure about that. I still think he has a shot to be a decent player.

He still could be. He has enough talent to. I just don't see it, because like I said, I can't see who has had a similar career trajectory.

And Miller's tear is bad and he will be out for a long time.

And Halladay's injury is much more serious than is being let on to the media. They are very concerned and he was going to have it looked at again this morning.

Believe what you want.

Frank,

Did you ever think that you might be hindering your friend Bob's career? Ask Jim Bouton, baseball players love guys that talk to the media, through friends posting on blogs, or directly.

Frank, legit as you may be, be prepared to be challenged on any statement concerning roster moves unless it comes with a link to an authenticated source. Don't expect to be given a free pass, and don't get defensive if your assertions are met with skepticism by a roomful of complete strangers.

Moffat - Just off the top of my head, the guy who he reminds me of is Jose Guillen. Right down to the attitude problems. Guillen came to the show as a 21 year old. He had marginal success in his first two seasons. By 24-25 he was almost out of baseball. Now he's an above average corner outfielder (still a headcase though!). While not everday, I think there are quite a few examples of guys who came up too soon and struggled only to get their acts together later on.

It's an interesting comp. I don't know how well it works (Guillen hit a fair bit better than Lopez), but also keep in mind about a few teams couldn't wait to get rid of Guillen before he developed in 2003. So that's why I think trading Lopez for Adams is a no-brainer from the Reds perspective.

I am not posting anything that would hurt his career. I always ask him what he does not want me to mention.

Actually, when you look at the numbers, Lopez and Guillen through their first two years (in absolute terms) hit very similarly, when you factor in positions Lopez was by far a more valuable hitter than Guillen in their first 2 years. But I agree about the attitude issues. As I said at the very beginning, if Lopez's attitude is really terrible then that probably would weigh heavily in a valuation of Lopez as a prospect. I just am not able to judge that.

Frank, let me be honest with you. I'm not keen on having a rumor-monger around; they cause more distraction and misinformation than they cure.

If you want to make posts in which you meander on with rumors that you might have heard from someone's cousin's brother, make them elsewhere.

This isn't an ESPN board; you might be surprised to find out who reads this.

"#187633 Posted 06/03/2004 01:56 PM by Craig B:

Frank, let me assure you, I ain't impressed with your attempt to start a rumour."

"#187635 Posted 06/03/2004 02:00 PM by Moffatt:

I too doubt that Frank has any inside info (though he may, I don't know). Seeing that Bob File is on the 40-man roster and has pitched pretty well in Syracuse, I could see it happening if Halladay does have to go on the DL."

Hey guys, I know we have to be careful with possible rumour mongers here. I have known Frank for over 1.5 years and yes any info on File from him I would 100% believe.

Unfortunately for File he is Bob File friend (joking Frank). I will stake my personal reputation on it. I left myself open there , eh.

I hope File can regain his rookie year form , Frank lets see you put him on your Yahoo Fantasy League Team with him being your best friend and all.

No problem guys. I thought you would like some info on Jays roster moves. I am not trying to be a troll of any sort. If you don't want me to post it, I will not.

And I tried to put File on my roto team, but Yahoo does not have him on the site b/c he did not pitch last year in the majors.

Now the Halladay info move to the DL ,I hope is wrong from Frank via File.

As long as all this info isn't circulated all over the league, I have no problem with Frank posting info. Of course, if this site is more popular than I assume I could be incorrect.

No problem, Frank. Feel free to stick around; I don't want to drive you off. But do be careful what you say.

From Maller's site for what its worth:
"Surgery was actually a legitimate concern for the Jays yesterday after they dispatched Roy Halladay to the Birmingham, Ala., offices of Dr. James Andrews for a checkup. The only folks ever happy to visit Andrews are medical interns and those with stock in surgical supplies as the reputed arm specialist does more cutting and slashing than a Rogers Communications accountant in charge of the Jays' payroll. But word out of Birmingham is that Halladay likely has nothing serious and in a perfect world will face Arizona a week from Friday or Saturday."

Hey Craig B: Once File is up you guys should do a interview on his battle with injuries and getting back to the Show. Also File can tell us how bad of a ballplayer Frank is. Zing !!!

I can back up Frank's story he is always posting under filecabinet on espn I have been reading it for about six years and he knows File and is his biggest fan. I believe that there were picture from a wedding that had File in them so I beilieve that he has first hand knowledge when is comes to File.

You are correct. He was my best man. Thanks. Hopefully he stays healthy and can help out the Jays pen.

Jonathon, I strongly agree with your comments concerning Johnson. The Jays would be silly to trade a cheap, productive player. I also don't see the Jays moving guys like hinske or phelps. sell low, buy high just doesnt have the right ring to it.

Frank, glad to have you, and thanks for the info on File.
I can understand why people don't want rumours like that on here, but don't be afraid to contribute in other ways.

LOL!! Thank me later ;-)

I am a Phillies fan b/c I am from Philly, but I am now also a Jays fan and I read the site all the time. It is a great site.

I am a Phillies fan b/c I am from Philly, but I am now also a Jays fan and I read the site all the time. It is a great site.

Just curious Frank, but did you also go to the Philadelphia College of Textiles & Science?

jc

Yes I did. I went to high school with File too. We roomed together but I played basketball, not baseball.

Doc to the DL; File promoted


BTW, this may be a case where both parties were correct. The official story was that Doc was missing one more start and then returning for the Arizona series. He's eligible to come off the DL on Friday, May 11th on time for his next regular start -- if the injury truly is minor, then then the DL move was just a nice trick to get an extra arm into the bullpen during his absence.

However, I'm beginning to worry that Halladay might be on the DL for longer than a few weeks :(

Frank, are you saying the Jays are getting another opinion in addition to the one they got from Dr. Andrews in Birminghan?

Would be inappropriate for the world's last Felipe Lopez fan to not chime in here. Lopez is still young enough to improve significantly. You're looking at his ML experience as a negative, and at the time it was, but maybe it taught him some things he hasn't realized yet. It seems like something just has to click with him, maybe he needs a change of scenery again, or to sneak into a job where there's no pressure. When he went to the Reds, he was immediately named heir to Barry Larkin, which had to be a tough spot for such a young kid.

In terms of comps, none OTH, but it seems routine for failed top prospects to come back after people have written them off.

Yes, I heard he was seeing someone this morning. They are very worried. Hopefully it is just minor, but it could be serious. I am not saying it is more serious, but there is more concern than is being let on to the media. Let's hope it is just minor and leave File up and send Lopez back down!

I really hope Roy's soreness wasn't attributed to the 9th inning against Anaheim.

Would be inappropriate for the world's last Felipe Lopez fan to not chime in here. Lopez is still young enough to improve significantly. You're looking at his ML experience as a negative, and at the time it was, but maybe it taught him some things he hasn't realized yet. It seems like something just has to click with him, maybe he needs a change of scenery again, or to sneak into a job where there's no pressure. When he went to the Reds, he was immediately named heir to Barry Larkin, which had to be a tough spot for such a young kid.

Having Mondesi as his mentor in 2002 probably didn't help his attitude much.

And yeah, he's still quite young. As long as his age is accurate, there's no reason why he could not take a major step forward over the next few years and turn into a solid major leaguer.

If he can get his K's under control and walk a little more he'll be back in the show once again. Switch hitting shortstops with power are pretty rare...

Halladay isn't a great comp, because as you say, he had some success.

Halladay did have some success, but it came against pretty weak teams in his rookie year, including that joke of a one-hitter on the final day of the seasons against the Tigers. If I remember correctly, there were warning signs throughout: his WHIP that year was unusually high. I remember reading an offseason report saying that such walks would surely lead to him bombing his somphomore season: that surely came true. End of story? Halladay is not a good comp for Lopez - Adams debates.

Oh yeah, uh, Frank, can you stick around plleease?!!! I'm glad to see File back in the bigs. He was some tonic for an otherwise sorry team back in his rookie year.

How about Jose Guillen as a comp for Felipe Lopez?

Guillen was brought up too early, floundered from ages 21 to 26, showing no real improvement (at the MLB level, anyway). At age 27 he seemed to turn a corner and this year is proving that his new level is legit.

I am always on here and I have posted from time to time. Hopefully now people know I am not a troll and am legit. Let's go Jays and good luck on the end of a long road back, File!!

If he can get his K's under control and walk a little more he'll be back in the show once again.

Lopez had 197 AB and 28 BB last year, a very nice ratio. Unfortunately his average stunk and he struck out a third of the time.

Chuck - I couldn't agree more re: Guillen (see post 58)! :) I think Guillen and Lopez are scarily similar. Having said that if they are similar right down to their personalities, I say pass.

Sorry Nigel. I should have gone through this thread more closely. When I saw that dp had no comps in post 80, I just assumed no names had been floated yet.

The perils of assuming.

Don't apologize. I just think in confirms that he's a good comp! The thread has drifted around a bit. I can't believe we had an interesting discussion of Lopez today. I hadn't thought of him in ages.

The obnoxiousness with which Frank was greeted by many of the "moderators" on this board is what prevents many Blue Jays fans from participating more actively in the discussions on this site. Your site provides a tremendous amount of information and is always a great place to go for discussion that generally isn't found elsewhere. However, the egos around here make me sick to my stomach.

One can appreciate the desire to discourage rumor-mongering, but the condescending tones were completely out of line, in my opinion.

It's too bad you guys aren't more like Coach, who really captures the true spirit of the site with both intelligence AND CLASS.

Just my opinion.

Go Jays.

If you think this climate is bad, you haven't checked the Bluejays insider board. Granted, there are some unorthordox viewpoints posted here & there, but some of the regulars act like ravenous wolves. Really low-class.

Smirnoff, you're too kind. I've lost my temper around here more than once and said things I regret. Maintaining what is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby has evolved into a difficult, thankless job for all the "moderators". In order to keep the level of discussion what it is, we have banned spammers, trolls and malicious posters, deleted offensive comments, and when there isn't an e-mail address provided, made public remarks to discourage inappropriate use of what is, after all, our site. If that makes us seem obnoxious, condescending or egotistical, it's only because we're damn proud of this place and determined to defend it against such nuisances.

When Frank says, "They are very worried," he's implying a certain level of inside knowledge about the Jays he simply doesn't have. A personal relationship with a player might help break a story about that player's callup, but it is hardly a pipeline into the front office, or what team officials are thinking, and should never be portrayed as such. Not here, anyway. We've spent 18 months developing some credibility, and people who spread unsubstantiated rumours are unwelcome, even if they get some things correct.

Frank, you're welcome to e-mail me. Maybe you could contribute something like an exclusive one-on-one interview with Bob File, so we could all get to know him better.

LOL!

Frank, you know you aren't supposed to use the mental hospital computer. Quit bothering these nice people.