The thrill of interleague play is that you can see such National League stars as Randy Johnson, Luis Gonzalez, Shea Hillenbrand and others who've never played in the American Lea... umm....well, at least you get to see different uniforms. The Arizona Diamondbacks slither into Skydome tonight, sending knuckler Steve Sparks to the mound against Pat Hentgen; a pitching duel is likely not in the cards. Roberto Alomar is still out with a hand injury, so he'll be spared another cascading chorus of boos at the ballpark where he built his career.
http://journals.jevon.org/users/keith_talent
Does anyone know where next year's All-Star game is? Giving it my best guess, I'd say Detroit...am I right?
Oh, and how about Bud Selig on the ESPN site, saying the progress of the relocation committe for the Expos is the last residue of contraction. Thank God: I don't want to think of that word again.
Does anyone know where next year's All-Star game is? Giving it my best guess, I'd say Detroit...am I right?
Oh, and how about Bud Selig on the ESPN site, saying the progress of the relocation committe for the Expos is the last residue of contraction. Thank God: I don't want to think of that word again.
Rios out of starting lineup, begin speculations???
Clark back at first, but batting second.
Clark back at first, but batting second.
Johnson RF
Clark 1B
Catalanotto LF
Wells CF
Zaun DH
Hinske 3B
Woodward SS
Menechino 2B
Cash C
Clark 1B
Catalanotto LF
Wells CF
Zaun DH
Hinske 3B
Woodward SS
Menechino 2B
Cash C
You are correct - the 2005 All Star Game will be at Comerica Park BTW - six months later the Superbowl will be at Ford Field
To continue a discussion we had earlier in the week: Jose Lima's wife Melissa.
Hopefully Rios is done for this season at the bigs. He got abused by big league pitching and his fielding was terrible. Don't ask me why he would have shades on his hat and instead of using those he would use his hand to block the sun. Frankly I didn't expect much but I was still very dissapointed by Rios. I'm hoping the past month didn't kill his confidence.
As for Lima's wife, that doesn't look like the same person as the anthem pic. She looked much hotter with the shades. Either way I finally found the two reasons as to why Lima is always happy.
As for Lima's wife, that doesn't look like the same person as the anthem pic. She looked much hotter with the shades. Either way I finally found the two reasons as to why Lima is always happy.
Zaun at DH instead of Phelps? Josh has had enough rest already. Let the man hit. If it turns out that his career to date lies about his potential and in fact he is really the second coming of Mario Mendoza, why not find out about it now? And in the unlikely event that his previous 2,000 minor league and major league at-bats do tell you something about what he's going to do next, wouldn't it be nice to watch him hit those homers rather than twiddle his thumbs on the bench?
Rios has played every day for quite a while and has probably never seen a knuckleballer. It won't break my heart if he goes back down at some point, but I wouldn't read too much into one night off. Likewise, Phelps riding the pine and Zaun at DH seems ominous, so I understand your concern, Mike, but Josh has terrible trouble with Wakefield, so it makes sense. At least this lineup is a lot better than last night's, and they might put up some crooked numbers.
I wouldn't be shocked to see Rios stick around and (a) serve as Catalanotto's platoon partner, (b) serve as insurance against Catalanotto's nagging bag issues, (c) serve as Catalanotto's defensive replacement and (d) start games when Tosca decides that Catalanotto is too difficult to spell.
I think it will take a huge slide on Johnson's part before he relinquishes a FT job. Rios has certainly not forced Tosca's hand on this front.
Phelps has certainly not helped his cause any with his poor play to date, but like last year, finds himself losing AB's to a career-long backup catcher who suddenly finds himself hitting way over his head. I'm thinking Coach may be right, that his absence tonight may be related to the knuckleballer. Better to go with two slappy hitters like Clark and Zaun.
I think it will take a huge slide on Johnson's part before he relinquishes a FT job. Rios has certainly not forced Tosca's hand on this front.
Phelps has certainly not helped his cause any with his poor play to date, but like last year, finds himself losing AB's to a career-long backup catcher who suddenly finds himself hitting way over his head. I'm thinking Coach may be right, that his absence tonight may be related to the knuckleballer. Better to go with two slappy hitters like Clark and Zaun.
Don't ask me why he would have shades on his hat and instead of using those he would use his hand to block the sun.
It doesn't make sense to me, but I see players do that all the time.
It doesn't make sense to me, but I see players do that all the time.
http://journals.jevon.org/keith_talent
It was Kevin Cash who stole Hentgen's moustache!
It was Kevin Cash who stole Hentgen's moustache!
Bag issues? I thought it was a hamstring. Whatever -- the guy can hit.
I have no problem with resting Phelps against a knuckleballer. He's just had too much time on the pine lately. He went through the same thing last year. Hopefully, this too will pass.
RBI groundout by Wells for first blood, after Hentgen wriggled out of a jam. Good start, though this isn't going to be a masterpiece.
Syracuse/Ottawa game is on the Rogers Community station...(at least here in KW)
David Bush just took a liner off his ass.
David Bush just took a liner off his ass.
Yeah, Ryan -- I'm trying to watch both games, not very successfully, and commenting in the minor-league thread, not very well.
Russ Adams has a similar stance to Hudson at the plate. Good balance, quick bat. Once he starts driving the ball more consistently we should see some good things from him. Already 2 for 2 in this game with a groundball double and a bloop single.
Which play-by-play team should be calling games in the majors?
Sparky gets robbed...
Sparky gets robbed...
David Bush is finding his release point and is looking really sharp right now in the 'Cuse game. He was a little shaky with command early on. His slider/curve has a lot of depth. Four strikeouts in the game and three of the last five batters after three innings.
Forget my earlier question - I like Spongebob Squarepants as much as anyone, but please.
Nice job by Hentgen so far; it would be nice if they can get him a couple more runs and he lasts through the sixth or even the seventh.
Woody smacked a hanging knuckler to left (it was a "flat" one up in the zone) after a Hinske flare dropped in. Tracy couldn't handle a sharp Menechino grounder, but Cash hit a double play ball to end the bases-loaded threat. A familiar and diasppointing story this season.
About a month ago, I theorized that Hinske's "weak" throws may have been by design -- that Butter had him throwing at 75-80% to improve his accuracy and confidence. He's still not Scott Rolen over there, but his arm looks strong enough when it has to be; that was his second excellent throw tonight.
Six shutout innings for Hentgen. Well done! Send him back out there, Carlos, but have someone ready if he hits the wall.
Six shutout innings for Hentgen. Well done! Send him back out there, Carlos, but have someone ready if he hits the wall.
Bag issues? I thought it was a hamstring. Whatever -- the guy can hit.
Oops. I meant back. I was too worried about spelling Catalanotto's name right that I didn't pay close enough attention to the rest of my spelling.
Oops. I meant back. I was too worried about spelling Catalanotto's name right that I didn't pay close enough attention to the rest of my spelling.
http://journals.jevon/org/users/keith_talent
The conversation before the game:
Hentgen: 'Hey, that's my moustache!'
Cash: 'Don't worry, I'll keep it safe for you. There, see that? Consider it transplanted. You can have it back once you throw a shutout there, big-chucker!'
Towers: 'Hey, can I get some lovin'?'
The conversation before the game:
Hentgen: 'Hey, that's my moustache!'
Cash: 'Don't worry, I'll keep it safe for you. There, see that? Consider it transplanted. You can have it back once you throw a shutout there, big-chucker!'
Towers: 'Hey, can I get some lovin'?'
Mike Mussina left his start tonight after three strong innings with "tightness in his right groin," joining Kevin Brown as big question marks for the invincible $200 million juggernaut.
Pat Hentgen is my hero, but even with the shutout going, it's tempting to turn this one over to the bullpen after 103 pitches. Let Speier set up Frasor.
Keith, you're a strange dude. :)
Pat Hentgen is my hero, but even with the shutout going, it's tempting to turn this one over to the bullpen after 103 pitches. Let Speier set up Frasor.
Keith, you're a strange dude. :)
Real nice outing by Hentgen. Hopefully it's not wasted. Speier's throwing well. I can understand Hildebrand's frustration, the ump has been all over the place tonight.
Umpire made a classic mistake on that 0-2 call. He hesitated just a bit before making the strike call. On a close call, that's just DEATH, because it makes it look like you have no idea what you're doing.
Had he not hesitated, Hillenbrand would still be in this game.
Had he not hesitated, Hillenbrand would still be in this game.
After the Finley leadoff single, that was a wicked slider to get Bautista, then Speier showed no fear against the dangerous Gonzalez, popping him up, and blew a heater past Hillenbrand, who was still thinking about the bad call.
I like Justin's leg kick, how fast he works, his obvious intensity -- it's good to have him back.
I like Justin's leg kick, how fast he works, his obvious intensity -- it's good to have him back.
Let me add that the ump did make the wrong call. But had he sold it better, I don't think Shea would have been nearly as pissed off. By hesitating, the plate ump told the entire stadium that he was wrong.
With Speier back, this bullpen is looking more like a strength (OK, a slight exaggeration) and less like a liability.
I think it was an 0-1 pitch that was called strike two. After a foul ball, Shea swing and missed for strike three.
Right. Sorry I meant 0-2 as in "that call made it 0-2". You're right.. the count was 0-1 when the pitch was made.
Fawaz,
That's the most positive comment I've seen you make. Congratulations!
That's the most positive comment I've seen you make. Congratulations!
http://journals.jevon.org/users/keith_talent
I find the people on these Hyundai ads way too sexy. That first girl, the brunette, is over the top. That's a phone-sex ad, not a car ad.
I find the people on these Hyundai ads way too sexy. That first girl, the brunette, is over the top. That's a phone-sex ad, not a car ad.
http://journals.jevon.org/users/keith_talent
I find the people on these Hyundai ads way too sexy. That first girl, the brunette, is over the top. That's a phone-sex ad, not a car ad.
I find the people on these Hyundai ads way too sexy. That first girl, the brunette, is over the top. That's a phone-sex ad, not a car ad.
By hesitating, the plate ump told the entire stadium that he was wrong.
I agree, Mike. It was still a great pitch, from Cash and Speier's perspective, even if it wasn't called a strike, but not getting that call took Shea right out of the at-bat. When he wasn't totally ready for the last pitch, he shifted the blame to Marty Foster. We'll take it.
Let's go, Jason!
I agree, Mike. It was still a great pitch, from Cash and Speier's perspective, even if it wasn't called a strike, but not getting that call took Shea right out of the at-bat. When he wasn't totally ready for the last pitch, he shifted the blame to Marty Foster. We'll take it.
Let's go, Jason!
Didn't shea Hillenbrand jaw at the ump after his first strikeout? I'm thinking that's probably why he called it a strike.
http://journals.jevon.org/users/keith_talent
I sure hope Rod Black didn't curse Frasor with all that pre-canned hype.
I sure hope Rod Black didn't curse Frasor with all that pre-canned hype.
http://me.woot.net
That's one of those plays where, if Hinske was guarding the line, he would have had it and thrown out the runner. I'm not sure whether I agree with the general strategy of 'guard the line when close and late,' but there's one situation where the strategy would have paid off.
That's one of those plays where, if Hinske was guarding the line, he would have had it and thrown out the runner. I'm not sure whether I agree with the general strategy of 'guard the line when close and late,' but there's one situation where the strategy would have paid off.
Have you noticed on TV that crowds at Jays games seem louder than those full-house games in the early 90s? Smaller but rowdier crowds?
Tracy was pretty lucky to steer that high 1-2 the opposite way for an excuse-me double. Cintron was also late on the heater, for a seeing-eye double on a very good pitch. We may be getting nervous now, but the rookie appears calm -- that was a gigantic strikeout of the lefty.
Joe, my third baseman doesn't guard the line with a lefty at bat. A lot more balls would go in the hole there, and the SS is a step toward the middle.
Joe, my third baseman doesn't guard the line with a lefty at bat. A lot more balls would go in the hole there, and the SS is a step toward the middle.
The real sin is not getting more than two runs in support of 8 shutout innings
Remember the Kevin Cash double play with the bases loaded. I had a feeling that would come back to haunt.
Remember the Kevin Cash double play with the bases loaded. I had a feeling that would come back to haunt.
Doesn't change the fact he's got talent and he pitched well
That's what really kills me about the decision to pull him. Those hits were hardly authoritative. He hasn't been bad against lefties; the sample size is small, but Frasor's managed 11 Ks in 45 ABs with an OPS of .391. Adams has been scary bad in the 9th.
That's what really kills me about the decision to pull him. Those hits were hardly authoritative. He hasn't been bad against lefties; the sample size is small, but Frasor's managed 11 Ks in 45 ABs with an OPS of .391. Adams has been scary bad in the 9th.
Regarding the LA - Boston game:
Due up in the bottom of the ninth were Damon (L), Bellhorn (Switch), and Ortiz (L). Jim Tracy brought in his best lefty, Tom Martin.
Damon historically has no platoon split.
Bellhorn is much better against lefties.
Ortiz has a huge platoon split.
The only one of those I knew off the top of my head is Ortiz, and he's the only one of those three I would truly be scared of. You'd hope Tracy would be much more informed about the Red Sox hitters than me, but maybe he just said "Hmm, Damon no biggie, Bellhorn no biggie... Ortiz, I'll want the lefty facing him... I can bring in Gagne if it gets to Manny."
Due up in the bottom of the ninth were Damon (L), Bellhorn (Switch), and Ortiz (L). Jim Tracy brought in his best lefty, Tom Martin.
Damon historically has no platoon split.
Bellhorn is much better against lefties.
Ortiz has a huge platoon split.
The only one of those I knew off the top of my head is Ortiz, and he's the only one of those three I would truly be scared of. You'd hope Tracy would be much more informed about the Red Sox hitters than me, but maybe he just said "Hmm, Damon no biggie, Bellhorn no biggie... Ortiz, I'll want the lefty facing him... I can bring in Gagne if it gets to Manny."
Just saw ManRam there in Boston, looked just like George Bell there in LF - happy memories.
I think it's time to fire Tosca. He doesn't have the faintest clue how to handle a bullpen or a bench.
When the post-game reports come in, look for Tosca to say that he liked Adams' career numbers against Finley (5/20, 0 HR, 7 K). That would be fine, if Adams weren't performing so far under his career average this year, and so much worse than last year.
When the post-game reports come in, look for Tosca to say that he liked Adams' career numbers against Finley (5/20, 0 HR, 7 K). That would be fine, if Adams weren't performing so far under his career average this year, and so much worse than last year.
Looks like Trevor Linden is in the uneviable position as Union president. I still have a grudge against Tom Glavine for his role in the 1994 strike. I also think umpires give Glavine an easy ride.
leaving a Spiers in for the ninth if he was going well in the 8th; bringing in Frasor in the 8th; leaving Terry Adams in the hotel
I would do a happy dance if this were to come to pass, as I've been advocating a setup like this since the start of the season! Why not let Frasor and Speier alternate ending close games whether behind, tied or ahead.
I don't understand why Tosca brought in Adams. Frasor wasn't hit hard, he was just unlucky. Adams has been terrible this year: 1) in the ninth inning, and 2) coming in with runners on base. Actually the only two Jays relievers that are doing a good job of stranding runners are Speier and Frasor (according to BPro). A-Lo has been ok, but Kershner, Adams and LighterFluid have been extremely poor in this situation. What exactly will it take to get Tosca to understand how is bullpen is performing and when they should be used?
I would do a happy dance if this were to come to pass, as I've been advocating a setup like this since the start of the season! Why not let Frasor and Speier alternate ending close games whether behind, tied or ahead.
I don't understand why Tosca brought in Adams. Frasor wasn't hit hard, he was just unlucky. Adams has been terrible this year: 1) in the ninth inning, and 2) coming in with runners on base. Actually the only two Jays relievers that are doing a good job of stranding runners are Speier and Frasor (according to BPro). A-Lo has been ok, but Kershner, Adams and LighterFluid have been extremely poor in this situation. What exactly will it take to get Tosca to understand how is bullpen is performing and when they should be used?
Dr. Rudy Wells has rebuilt another one. Jaret Wright is throwing a 2-hit shutout against the White Sox. Unfortunately, due to AOL's tight purse strings, he had to take the hardware out of Mike Hampton to do it.
The other Cheer Club thread is dying and it'd be nice to get loud tomorrow. Is the drum coming? Is anybody coming?
dont know if anyone answered...but Cheek was out due to illness. Announcing 4000 straight games cool, pueking on air, not cool
Just got back from tonights game, kinda wish I didn't go. That loss was just filthy McNasty. I couldn't even eat my free slice of pizza after the game. And The Hentgen put on such a great show...
You win this one Crusty Old Dean...
Im going to go sit silently with Snake at the local Tim Hortons now.
You win this one Crusty Old Dean...
Im going to go sit silently with Snake at the local Tim Hortons now.
Thomas - I for one should be in for tomorrow night's game.
Pointed Statement Man says, "The Cheer Club is so much more fun when the drum is present."
Pointed Statement Man says, "The Cheer Club is so much more fun when the drum is present."
Anyone else hear the guys in 105-106 giving it to Bautista? They went from witty to plastered in about three innings, or maybe four. I was too busy yelling at Scott Service to notice.
Bloody Hell!!! I just got to see the highlights tonight and that bloody single right up the box keeps coming onto my cursed screen...
but I was thinking... This is what should totally happen to baseball... Once Bud Selig retires, he should invoke the 'best interests of baseball' clause and right afterwords implement a democratic system of baseball... They should have Commisioner elections every four years where every April 1st, a fan in a given stadium may go to a poll and vote for whatever new commisioner they desire to have that power. THAT would be cool.....
but I was thinking... This is what should totally happen to baseball... Once Bud Selig retires, he should invoke the 'best interests of baseball' clause and right afterwords implement a democratic system of baseball... They should have Commisioner elections every four years where every April 1st, a fan in a given stadium may go to a poll and vote for whatever new commisioner they desire to have that power. THAT would be cool.....
Hopefully, Jason Frasor is right back in their tomorrow to save Doc's return. I'm cheering for this kid...
I was at the game tonight. Frasor shouldn't really be blamed. Both doubles were fluky as hell. Well, the single by Olson wasn't a pitch I would've thrown a hitless rookie with two strikes. Even though it was a full count, throw a hook in the dirt and walk him if need be. He'd probably be pressing and probably chase.
Good call by Brenly to leave Choate in to face Hinske. I would've never expected him to have it in him to utilize a platoon advantage before going to the closer.
I have nothing to add from the perspective of being there besides the fact that the Jays bullpen all looked back in unison whenever attractive girls were spotted. Oh, and I make jokes everytime the bullpen phone rang. "If it's important, they'll leave a message" or "Imagine if they had call display. 'C TOSCA'... nah, let it ring." Also, I didn't even noticed Hillenbrand getting tossed. Probably because I was gloating after razzing him (yes, from left field, but I'd like to *imagine* he heard me) all AB.
Also, I'm at a friend's right now but my IP at home has been banned. I don't know if a mistake was made during the troll influx or I'm considered a troll, but I thought I would bring it to the Cabal's (what Cabal?) attention.
Good call by Brenly to leave Choate in to face Hinske. I would've never expected him to have it in him to utilize a platoon advantage before going to the closer.
I have nothing to add from the perspective of being there besides the fact that the Jays bullpen all looked back in unison whenever attractive girls were spotted. Oh, and I make jokes everytime the bullpen phone rang. "If it's important, they'll leave a message" or "Imagine if they had call display. 'C TOSCA'... nah, let it ring." Also, I didn't even noticed Hillenbrand getting tossed. Probably because I was gloating after razzing him (yes, from left field, but I'd like to *imagine* he heard me) all AB.
Also, I'm at a friend's right now but my IP at home has been banned. I don't know if a mistake was made during the troll influx or I'm considered a troll, but I thought I would bring it to the Cabal's (what Cabal?) attention.
I think Kershenrs grand dad died a few days ago. I think the plan was after he pitched against the Dodgers he was going to fly out west to be with the family and then meet up again with the Jays when the go to San Fran. I guess it is compasionate leave.
Paul S, your name isn't on the ban list, but if your ISP assigns dynamic addresses, that could explain the problem. We might have banned someone else who was using that address for inappropriate comments. Sorry for the inconvenience. Send me an e-mail with your current address and I'll reinstate you.