Has JP mentioned his thoughts regarding Phelps and first base? The Howie/Berg platoon isn't doing it for me.

Mmmmm, Snappy Mackerel Casserole....

Can someone please give me any reason to be optimistic about this team? I am not seeing anything promising about this organization right now. They can't hit which was supposed to be their strength, the "prospects" J.P. has acquired have not looked very strong, and the team is in last place behind the Devil Rays. Things got bad in a hurry, didn't they? What on earth happened, and can J.P. fix this mess?

Come-on Boys don't cry ... it gets better *wink*

I still think we should run an "optimism meter" somehow..
buy logging our impressions of the prospects of the team for this year and maybe next.. as we feel it, and as the newspapers cover it etc...

Well, Boys Don't Cry over one loss (or two); the Jays have faced RJ and Schmidt in consecutive games, so it was a tough challenge.

I won't be a cowboy about this, but I won't be riding the chuck wagon either. Anyway, one day I'll be dead...

Two notes:

1. Someone always seem to beat me by a smidgin' on these things.
2. I screwed up the markup in my previous post - can someone fix 'er up? (second sentence, before "either")

Just re-posting something I placed, this morning, in last night's thread...

WRT last night's game, I'm just now looking at the boxscore. Perhaps someone who was watching can fill me in. Did Phelps and Gomez pinch-hit in the same inning? If so, why didn't Phelps stay in at 1B and Gomez's spot become the pitcher's spot? Was it yet another instance of an AL manager unable to grasp the double-switch?

Eventually, Berg pinch-hit in the 9-hole. Even a slumping Phelps would have been a better option (had he stayed in the game).

Wow, last place.
On the bright side, the Orioles are also falling pretty fast.

My prediction is that the Jays will win 8 in a row to get to .500.

Nice.. Daryn gets 50,000,000 points and this picture of a cuttlefish:



perlhack gets 10,000,000 points for being clever though a tad late.

the "prospects" J.P. has acquired have not looked very strong

Are we talking about the injured ones, the ones in the minors, or just Alex Rios? Or are you referring to our injury replacement squad?

The team is beat up, a lot of strong players are injured, and Schmidt looked really fantastic over the first few innings before I fell asleep last night.

This probably falls somewhere between complaint/query:

With Wells leaving the game, that makes yet another player to go down to a tight/sprained/pulled muscle. Is this sort of thing not the responsibility of the training staff? Should they be re-evaluating stretching & workout regimens?

I admit to a general ignorance on physical training/biology, so someone can correct me if losing four players to pulled muscles is "just one of those things."

And as much as I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, I'm now convinced Tosca has to go. Injuries or no, this team shouldn't be in last place. The healthy Devil Rays don't have as much talent as the injury-plagued Jays.

Are we talking about the injured ones, the ones in the minors, or just Alex Rios? Or are you referring to our injury replacement squad?

I'm talking more about the guys J.P. has drafted or acquired who are currently in the minors. There aren't many who look that great. Josh Banks seems to be the only one standing out.

I'm looking for some reason to be optimistic about this franchise but so far I haven't heard any. When or who will turn things around? Come on guys, give me something to look forward to with the Jays.

I'm led to believe from last night's game thread that Jerry read out my post from the Tom Cheek Best Wishes thread during the game last night. Unfortunately, I was at the Argos game and missed it.

Thank you Jerry for doing me that honour, and I hope my words in some small way raised the spirits of those whose spirits need raising.

You're doing a fantastic job Jerry, but I'm sure you won't mind me saying that you need your partner back and soon!

Can someone please give me any reason to be optimistic about this team?

Nope, optimism comes from within. If you don't have it, nobody can give it to you. It's much easier to quit when things aren't going your way than to persevere, but if you'd like to make the effort, try avoiding sweeping generalizations like "They can't hit," and consider how the replacement squad has battled two of the sport's greatest pitchers in the last two games. The only way to "fix this mess" (another simplistic, negative assessment) is patience. Fortunately, the GM has more of that admirable quality than many fans.

I'm now convinced Tosca has to go. Injuries or no, this team shouldn't be in last place.

They're a game out of third, so calling for Tosca's job based on the standings is harsh. Carlos didn't forget how many outs there were last night, or drop a great relay throw at the plate. He's done a terrific job keeping this team from completely falling apart, under extremely difficult circumstances. Most of what I've read here, and heard on Wilner's phone-in shows, is just drive-by bashing -- nobody ever suggests who the next manager "should" be, or exactly why he would be an improvement.

Blaming the training staff for a series of injuries is also scapegoating. I know it's frustrating that people are hurt, but why does that have to be somebody's fault? It's rotten luck, but it's temporary, and while the season has been disappointing for various reasons, there's still a lot to love about this team.

Unless you're Mike in CT, in which case, it's hopeless.

What's the Jays excue for not using the new artificial turf? Was it a building lease issue because the Argos somehow got around it

I'm not convinced that blaming the training staff for injuries is scapegoating. My belief (based merely on observation) is that there are some injuries that are more preventable than others.
Get hit by a pitch and break your hand? Accident.
4 players on the team pull their hamstrings? Then I'm not so sure.

I'm not saying that the Jays should fire their training staff, merely that I think it's an important issue to look at. Look at how many games the average team loses to injuries, then see how much you've lost. Compare what type of injuries you're having.
I imagine that Will Caroll has done some of this, but I'm not a subscriber so I don't really know.

Come on guys, give me something to look forward to with the Jays.

I'm with you Mike, the future is not looking too bright. What have been the negatives this year?

1) Phelps not hitting
2) Hinske not hitting
3) Delgado not hitting
4) Injuries to Delgado, Hudson, Woodward
5) Neither Rios or Gross look like they'll tear it up next year
6) Injuries/Problems, Griffin, Arnold, McGowan, Quiroz

The pitching is fine but with Delgado likely to walk, prospects stalling out etc, it will be hard to paint this team as up and coming next year. They've had bad luck but some of the building blocks look to be regressing. Let's hope Hinske keeps it going. When you're trotting out Berg on a regular basis it's an admission that the cupboard is bare. Anyone want to list who you'd keep on the team for next year, who you'd cut and who might leave regardless. I think that there will/should be a high turn over and I don't see the prospects or money for free agents to fill the holes. If you want positive Mike, most of my concerns are position players. The rotation of Halladay,Lilly,Batista,Miller seems fine. Some decent relievers too.

http://www.thewolfshack.com
Okay, here are reasons to be positive:

Roy Halladay is one of the best pitchers in baseball.

You can be on the ground floor of Chulkamania! Remember, the madder he gets, the stronger he gets!

Bob File has worked his *** off to get back to the bigs.

Jason Frasor was in A ball last year, and last night he challenging Bonds in a close game. That takes some stones.

Pat Hentgen is back and sometimes has a sweet goatee.

Justin Miller looks like he's ready to become a solid starter.

And that's just the major league pitchers. Anyone want to do the Major league hitters, minor pitchers and minor hitters?

Coach is way too positive about this team. Are you enjoying watching this team play the way they are? Are you just happy to have a Major League Baseball team to watch? This team should be better than they are playing but they're not. They played poorly before the injuries so that isn't an excuse. Some fans on this site are too complacent. I am not a big fan of losing. Not much makes me happier when the Jays win but the opposite is true when they lose. To this point, this season has not been much fun. I'm not saying things are "hopeless" as the esteemed "Coach" suggests, I'm just saying things are not looking very positive right now and I hope something changes soon.

Considering they're fielding half a team and faced one of the top starters in the NL, I think the Jays did quite well last night. Of course losing is never fun, but the Jays have been playing .500 ball while missing many of their better players.

What's the Jays excue for not using the new artificial turf? Was it a building lease issue because the Argos somehow got around it

I don't know that the turf that the Argos use is appropriate for the Jays. As I understand it, though, the turf is supposed to be supplied by the landlord, and SkyDome is sort of dragging their feet on it, partially because of logistics, though the Expos experiment with Field Turf (which cannot be rolled up) in large chunks that fit together and can be stacked for storage will tell us a lot.

I believe the Argos are paying the rental for this new football turf. The Jays could probably do this, too, but they have 80-odd home games instead of 10.

Does anyone know how the sectional Field Turf is working in Montréal?

They're a game out of third, so calling for Tosca's job based on the standings is harsh.

Well, I'm not, entirely. It's more about how they've got there. I've lost all faith in Tosca's ability to manage a bullpen. He's got a bizarre infatuation with Dave Berg, and plays left/right matchups like they were included in the 10 commandments.

I'll agree he's done well at holding the team together. But that's the best he's done; while the team may not have totally collapsed, it hasn't excelled, either.

Blaming the training staff for a series of injuries is also scapegoating.

I hardly think I was scapegoating - note the question repeated use of question marks in my comment. When four players go down with similar injuries, I think it's completely justifiable to question whether it was preventable - emphasis on question.

But now I'm apparently in the same category as Dwayne from North York demanding that Tosca bunts every time someone gets on base...

I'm not saying things are "hopeless" as the esteemed "Coach" suggests, I'm just saying things are not looking very positive right now and I hope something changes soon.

Coach is just trying to prod you into justifying your statements. "They can't hit" isn't something a constructive discussion can be built around, but talking about, say, what's wrong with Phelpsie right now and can it be fixed, see, there's something that draws participation and comment.

But now I'm apparently in the same category as Dwayne from North York demanding that Tosca bunts every time someone gets on base...

Heh. I think the tone here this morning is very with-me or against-me and the middle grounders are getting lumped in either with the Cheer Club or Dwayne from North York.

I imagine that Will Caroll has done some of this, but I'm not a subscriber so I don't really know.

Will's generally pretty high on the Jays handling of players.

Those recipe cards are absolutely hilarious. I remember when I first saw them everyone in my office was peeking in wondering why I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes.

Favourite is the comment on the Melon Mousse:

H>ey, Phil! Hey, Rhonda! We're so glad you could come over! Rhonda, you sit by Ted--and Phil, why don't you sit by me.

You know how we play doubles in tennis? And sometimes we, you know, switch? Well, it's 1974 and all, and... oh, yes, it's a little forward of us, but... well, why don't you two try my Melon Mousse and think about it? Okay?

I've tried to break down who's on the roster/been shuttled in an out into 1) who is signed and who I'd like to stay 2) Who I think should be replaced next year or will likely not be renewed due to age (e.g. Menechino) 3) Who might be traded or walk regardless of my wished.

Like to keep/or signed to next year:

Pitchers:
Halladay, Batista, Miller, Lilly, Chulk, File, Frasor, Lightenberg, Kershner

Infield:
Hinske, Woodward, Hudson

Outfield:
Wells, Johnson

Catchers:
Cash

Likely to be replaced:
Berg, Clarke, Gomez, Menechino, Zaun, Estrallela, Phleps, Adams, Hentgen, Zaun, De Los Santos
I might have missed a reliever that is on a 1 year contract somewhere in there

Likely to be traded or walk:
Catalanoto, Delgado, Speier

Here's the shopping list for next year then:
DH
First base
Two outfielders
Catcher
Middle Infielder
Fifth Starter
Odd reliever

Do we have the prospects to fill these roles and/or can we get free agents? Is there reason for optimism?

Neither Rios or Gross look like they'll tear it up next year

WOW! This literally came out of left field. Baseball is littered with guys who do not dominate when they first come up to the big leagues. When Carlos Delgado hit .165 at age 23 in 95 at-bats did the Jays give up on him? When Vernon Wells played with the Jays in three straight years without sticking did the Jays give up on him?

Rios is a first round draft choice, the eastern league MVP in 2003, the Puerto Rican league MVP in the winter, and now you are writing him off for 2005?

Gabe Gross is playing injured and has an OPS of 780. Gross will be a part of the Jays in 2005.

What about 2006? Will Rios and Gross be OK then?

Gerry, Optimism is subjective. You choose to see the class half full. I see unproven youngsters(Gross, Rios) that are going to have to produce next year or the Jays are in trouble. They will not be fringe players in a supporting role. My concerns are well placed but maybe you're right and those guys will step up. I would like to be wildly enthusiastic about every prospect but the truth is that many don't make it. The Jays seem to need the majority of their prospects to succeed if they hope to compete and the odds don't look so good through my eyes.

Possible candidates from the minor leagues:

DH - Gabe Gross
First base - None, keep Phelps
Two outfielders - Rios and Gross
Catcher - Guillermo Quiroz
Middle Infielder - Russ Adams
Fifth Starter - David Bush
Odd reliever - Adam Peterson, Jason Arnold (longshot)

But you already decided that Rios and Gross will be no help. In that case you probably believe that Adams, Quiroz and Bush will be no help either.

And how much cash do you have free with all of your projected departures?

some more things to be positive about.
the pitching has been solid, almost great of late. we have 4 solid starters (who will also return next year) in Halladay, Batista, Lilly, and Miller.
We have two competent 5th starters in Towers or Hentgen, who we could probably get back next year, especially towers, if JP wants.
The bullpen has been solid too, accept for a few. but we have some keepers - Frasor, Chulk, Speier, maybe even File.
Defense has been solid - hinske has shown competence, and woodward has shown signs of competence as well. The Cat has improved a lot since last year defensively, and cash and zaun have both been good. of course, the o-dogg is still the o-dogg when healthy.
finally, the most encouraging thing is that our AAAA team has been playing .500 ball in the majors for the past month. Tosca has actually started managing instead of stoogin for JP. Thinks sure aren't rosey, but there's plenty to be positive about.

Gerry, I'm not sure why you take this a personal attack.

But you already decided that Rios and Gross will be no help. In that case you probably believe that Adams, Quiroz and Bush will be no help either.

You're right I'm such an idiot.

And how much cash do you have free with all of your projected departures?

That's a good question. Not all of the prospects will be useful so who can we sign?

The Jays are 6th in th AL in pitching with a 4.37 ERA. The Yankees are 4th at 4.33. The Jays are 4th in fielding. What has killed them is the hitting (where they are 11th)- a lot of the problem with hitting has been injuries.

This year we actually have a rotation of Doc, Batisita, Lilly and Miller. Speier, Frasor and Chulk look like the makings of good bullpen. File has come back from nowhere. In the field, Hudson has flashed all star abilities. Wells continues to play well. Hinske has improved his fielding and I still think he will hit. Cash was playing better than expected. Reed continues to buck the 4th outfielder tag.

Going into next year we will have most of a pitching staff (a rarity in recent years). 2nd,3rd,CF,C, and LF filled with young cheap players with great potential. We will either have Delgado for less or 18 million to spend.

Bush will likely be the 5th starter, Peterson will be that much closer to being in the pen. In the minors you got Banks, Negron, Roberts, Mastny, Marcum, Vito, Cota, Tablado all having good years.

In summary, if you take away the injuries, both in the minors and majors (and the majority of these guys will recover) then things are looking pretty good for next year. Even for this year, if we get Cash, Hudson, Delgado back soon, and Cat and Woody playing like they were before they were hurt, we can still make a bit of a run.

Forget all the cuttlefish. From now on, the daily winner gets a picture of...this.


This is... um, it's... Uh.
Yeah. It's just...oh, God. And... the pig...

Coach,
I respect your opinion alot and you run a great site but hear me out.

This spring I attended all spring training games in Dunedin and the group of us sitting together (about 6) became very concerned about the play of the Jays - it seemed to lack intensity. I know, I know, it was only spring. But that's 2 years in a row that the Jays have come out of the shoot at a crawl and this year especially with all these injuries.

The one intangible JP brought to the team that seemed to be missing in the previous years was respect for the game of baseball - the players were to play hard, give it their best effort, and and 'show respect for the traditions of the game'. But it seemed obvious to us that many of the opposing teams had more intensity in the spring than the Jays. By our count the Jays played 3 very good home games only (out of 15). Most of the intensity came with the minor league players - this was the best part of the game for me.

Several scouts sitting near us (including Jim Fregosi??) predicted that the Jays could finish last in their division (1) if the pitching failed (they are 5th in the AL) or (2) if they were unable to hit as they had the last 2 years (they are 12th in the AL). The scouts clearly expected the pitching to be poor and the Jays would hit. I am wondering if their uninspired play in spring is partly responsible for the team's results and/or injurys so far this season. Were they not ready for the grind of a baseball season? What do they next year to ensure that the results are better? Please note I am not jumping off the bandwagon and have already put down my money for next spring.

I'll weigh in on a couple of fronts. I think you have to look at Tosca's future in perspective. I agree with the positive comments about what he's done to keep the team playing hard through injuries. Given similar injuries and bad luck other teams have stopped playing. However, I do have concerns about his internal game strategy and line-up management. As others have pointed out, his bullpen usage occasionally leaves me scratching my head (although I think its better this year than last) and there's no doubt that he has no clue about proper use of platoon advantages. If this team was contending or threatening to contend then I think the concerns might outweigh his clear ability to motivate the team. But let's face it, that is not where this team is at. His in game strategy weaknesses aren't going to make a difference one way or the other this year. I think he should stay around while his team is still playing hard for him. His bullpen usage this year suggests that maybe he can improve on some of the strategy decisions. The offseason is the time to decide on his future.

As for the whole optimism/pessimism debate going on. Again, some perspective is required. I think the reasons for pessimism on the farm are pretty clear, the top hitting prospects haven't given any indication that they are ready to advance (Rios, Adams, Gross, JFG, Hill) or have been injured (Qiuroz) and the top pitching prospects have gotten injured (McGowan, Rosario, Arnold) with the exception of Bush. There really aren't many top postion prospects below AA (due to a justifiable draft stategy) and while there are a ton of pitching prospects below AA, A ball and lower pitching prospects are what they are - long shots. But you need to take a longer term view than half a season for prospects as Gerry says. JFG and to some extent Gross (due to his age and previous struggles) are the only prospects who really may be calling into question their long term value. Patience is a virtue in this respect. I can understand the pessimism - I feel it to some extent - but you must take a longer term view of it all.

Where I get upset is when the club's decision making doesn't take the long term perspective. The two obvious examples are Harper and Phelps. Harper was jettisoned for no good reason - full stop. We all know Phelps has stunk this year. But Delgado' injury should have allowed the club to stick him at first every day and find out if he was next year's answer at 1B. Instead they chose not to do that and essentially wasted the only good thing about Delgado's injury. Stupid. I am prepared to take a long term view so long as the club is making the right long term decisions. I get pessimistic when I see the club doing stupid things.

Here's the shopping list for next year then:
DH
First base
Two outfielders
Catcher
Middle Infielder
Fifth Starter
Odd reliever

Optimism:

That entire list is almost all bench players and backups. The front line is still intact. 4 Starters, 2nd, 3rd, SS, CF, LF, and one Catcher spot are already filled, the bullpen is mostly intact needing maybe one/two guys (Ligtenberg, Chulk, Frasor, Kershner, File, Lopez are all still around next year I think). I think we can assume Rios will take either RF or 4th OF spot next year. The only two starting positions not currently filled for next season are 1B and DH, and that's only if you assume Phelps is gone. Assuming he is, 1B and DH are the easiest fielding positions in the game and shouldnt be too difficult to fill if we go the free agency route, especially with the money free'd up by Delgado leaving.

Since the photo of the Cuttlefish seems to have more market value than the 50 Million points, I decided to do some research to see what I'd won. (its not a complaint, 50 Million points on my PetroCard earns me a wiper blade or something)

Very intersting creature:
All cuttlefish are "amazing". They are intelligent and exhibit quite complex behaviour.
- Cuttlefish are soft-bodied marine animals that can change both the colour and texture of their skin rapidly to provide natural camouflage.
- Cuttlefish belong to the Class Cephalopoda and like all cephalopods, they have a large head that is ringed by tentacles.
- Cuttlefish glide through the water by gently rippling their skirt-like fins.
- They have neutral buoyancy and can vary their depth easily by changing the proportion of liquid to air in their internal skeleton, the cuttlefish bones.
- When threatened, a cuttlefish will squirt sepia ink into the water and hurry away using a form of jet propulsion.

Woohoo!

Since looking ahead to next year seems to be weight watchers diet card of the day, I'd say that the majority of this team should and probably will be brought back next year. For once we can say the rotation is solid, no need to shop there next year. I can see (and if fact would LOVE to see) Adams gone next year, and JP not going for a "proven closer" but trying out a different experienced bullpen arm. It would be nice to re-sign Speier but other than that any big additions to the pen next year should be saved for mid-season if we're making a run for something.

The outfield is fairly solid. Mr.Clutch and Vernon are a lock, I'd like to see the Cat come back as long as he doesnt up his salary too much. But even if he does there's Rios right there and a good replacement OF is easy to find.

The infield has most of its pieces in place. Hisnke, Woody, O-Dog, Cash and maybe Zaun can be inked to replace Crash. Berg should be out the door by then so Gomez and Clark can be brought back and then one of the prospects should be the next back up infielder by then.

The only question marks I see are also two of the easiest positions to fill. 1st and DH. I think bringing Delgado back for the right price would be in the best interest of the Jays, but if a team overpays for him, im sure JP can find a great 1st baseman and a new DH for the 18 million.

Anyone know where I can find a list of free agnets for next year to puruse the shopping list?

Gerry, when I read Alsiem's comment
5) Neither Rios or Gross look like they'll tear it up next year
I didn't take it to mean they weren't good guys...

but I think there is a point to be made and that is WHEN will we have something to get excited about..

I'm real disappointed to see Berg and Clark getting so much time with Carlos out... I like both of those guys off the bench, but I want to see development happening too... and these guys aren't going to get enough better to become starters...

I'm disappointed that Phelps hasn't been thrown into the fire, .. I heard a suggestion that his confidence is better off if he is given a chance to succeed.. ok, I can allow that.. but is he ever going to be a fielder???

Alterantively, I'd try out Zaun at first and get Kevin some AB's behind the plate... Greg is a little short for a first baseman but we could put one of those big orange bicycle flags on him so that Eric can find him!

I'm not that worried about the team, nor am I giving up on them. This is not like that terrible 2001 team, with $30 million going to Hamilton, Mondesi, Gonzalez, Loaiza, and Bush. This is a good, young team with low-cost players who work hard. Easy to cheer for, even if they are in last place. It doesn't matter to me.

But the Josh Phelps situation is truly frustrating. 13 plate appearances in the last 9 games? Is he hurt? Then tell us!

None of Clark, Speier and Menechino are free agents and can be kept if the Jays are willing to offer arbitration to Speier and Menechino.

There's more than enough money freed up next year to fill the holes. It's going to be another young team that's going to be very inconsistent but it's a team that's still on the upswing, IMO.

top hitting prospects haven't given any indication that they are ready to advance (Rios, Adams, Gross, JFG, Hill)

What exactly has been wrong with the play of Adams and Hill? Both have exceeded expectations considering the rate at which they've been advanced through the system. Gross is still hitting just fine with an injury and Rios played as expected of a young player with little AAA experience in his major league stint thus far. JFG's the only one who's dissappointed. Quiroz is injured but he will return.

Harper was not lost for no reason. He was lost because they needed a roster spot and he was the least likely to contribute at the major league level. Not that he's not a solid prospect but he's in A ball, has injury problems and he's going to have trouble being major league ready by the time his options are up anyways. Remember that last year Phelps had several nagging injuries that we were not aware of that kept him out of the lineup. There may be similar factors that we don't know about again this year.

darn italics

Anyone know when Ricciardi is going to be on the FAN next? Maybe someone should try to get on and ask him about the Phelps situation, if he's hurt or why he's not playing.

Loveshack: Tonight, on Wednesdays With J.P. I'm guessing around 9:30 ET.

Thanks Rob, I think I may try to phone in and ask him if Wilner doesn't bring it up himself.

I hope something changes soon.

It appears we have some room for agreement, Mike -- I hope something changes soon, too. I hope Delgado comes back and reminds the whole league why he should have won the MVP award last year. I hope Hudson returns to dazzle us with his glove and surprise us with his emerging power. I hope Hinske, who has done some absolutely incredible work to improve his defence, continues his .306/.409/.556 June and shuts up the naysayers. Most of all, I hope V-Dub is OK and Doc's twinge doesn't return. This team has had an entire year's worth of miserable luck already.

I also concur that this season hasn't been much fun. I'm sure it's even worse if the score of each individual game means so much to you, but I do tend to be less results-oriented and try to keep the big picture in view. Sometimes you play well and lose, sometimes you win ugly. The makeup of your team doesn't change from day to day or week to week, and this is a much better club than the bloated, wheel-spinning 2000 and 2001 models. The record is disappointing, but it's easily explained. I don't think any team depends on three guys any more than the Jays do on Delgado, Wells and Halladay, and all three have battled slumps and injuries this year.

The scouts clearly expected the pitching to be poor and the Jays would hit.

So they were wrong on both counts. :)

Jim854, I respect your opinion too, but having not been in Florida, I have no comment on how "intense" the team was, or wasn't. However, I have said many times before that visible intensity is for middle linebackers, not baseball players. I believe that managing your emotions and staying on an even keel is essential. Trying "too hard" causes a pitcher to lose his command, a hitter to overswing and a fielder to make mental errors. If anything, that's what was happening in April -- individual players were trying to do too much.

There are exceptions who do thrive on revving themselves up; classic examples include Pete Rose, Ty Cobb and several closers. Among the current Jays, Hinske is probably the most obviously intense, yet I'm not certain that's the best approach for him. In general, I prefer relaxed, confident players on my team -- guys like Halladay, Wells and Delgado have tremendous pride and passion, they just don't make a public display of it very often.

Here's the shopping list for next year then:
DH
First base
Two outfielders (3rd and 4th)
Catcher
Middle Infielder
Fifth Starter
Odd reliever assume = 2

It looks good alright. but this list assumes that Sparky, Hinkse and Woody are Starting Quality guys.. You also have Miller as a starter and Ligtenberg in the pen, both of whom could go either way.. Of all of them I like Eric the best.. but I've started to wonder... and I assume we need a 5th OF too, but you only listed 22 plus the "odd reliever" so assuming 2P's and an 5th OF makes 25.

I'm not saying these guys can't play, and some of them certainly are under contract.. but if we are building for a playoff team in 2006, are these the guys to get there????

Also, Quiroz and Cash both bat right, so I don't think either of them would be your "catcher"...

and I don't see them bringing up Russ Adams to be a backup MI

Now the list of players to fill before we make a playoff run COULD look like:
Starting DH
Starting 1B
Starting SS (Russ Adams Maybe)
Starting 3B
2nd OF (Rios)
3rd OF (Gross)
4th OF (Sparky?)
5th OF
Backup Catcher (Left Handed/Veteran)
Backup MI (Woody maybe?)
a 4th Starter (Miller)
a 5th Starter
a Setup Guy.
Two Relievers.

Ryan - I won't bore you with rehashing what I have posted on a few other threads about Harper. The idea that they needed a roster spot and had to let him go is predicated on the view that all four of Berg, Clark, Gomez and Menechino had to be on the roster at the same time. None of those players has a future with the Jays after this season and because there were 4 of them there was no short term roster cruch either. My point was that JP decided keeping them around was more valuable than keeping Harper. You can argue about Harper's long term prospects but what you can't argue with is that from a long term perspective Harper was worth more to the organization than the people they kept.

As for Adams, Hill and Gross who you supported. Here's the info:

Adams 23 years 10 months - .282/.371/.400
Gross 24 years 8 months - .278/.355/.420
Hill 22 years 3 months - .279/.368/.378

My point was that none of them give any indication that they are at the wrong level. Prospects whose performance demands promotion have numbers that look something other than those numbers. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that they aren't still prospects (except Gross has me worried). To your point about Adams and Hill moving fast through the organization. I'm sorry but that is a by-product of JP's draft strategy. If you draft college players who are 21-23 years of age when you draft them, they had better rocket through the system or they aren't any use at all. We can all agree that Adams has moved as fast as possible through the system and while he's not old for the league he's not young either.

It looks good alright. but this list assumes that Sparky, Hinkse and Woody are Starting Quality guys..

Not starting quality guys?

Look, there are 30 teams in MLB. Can you name 20-25 rightfielders you'd rather have than Sparky, 20-25 3rd basemen you'd rather have than Hinske, or 20-25 shortstops you'd rather have than Woody? I sure can't.

Thanks for the link Rob. Aside from the stars who can only be afforded if Delgado leaves, there's not that many great buys the Jays would have to have or risk complete failure. Although it would be pretty sweet to have Koskie or Varitek on the team, and I'd fall off my chair in a fit of gitty, gitty laughter if the Jays got Nomar but that will never....never.... EVER happen. But man, that would be even sweeter than The Hentgen coming out to close.

There are a few good OF and RP's who might be brought in, but I'd rather see the Cat and Zaun re-signed.

Daryn: Dont you think you're being a little overly dramatic saying the Jays need to sign up two 12 guys to make a playoff run? The team isnt a lost cause like the Expos, it's just been hit hard by the injury bug and bad luck. Sure they'll have to bring in some proven guns for a playoff run when it's time, but I dont think the team has to be exploded like that. Assuming Cat is re-signed and none of the current prospects get hurt, I wouldn't do a thing to the OF. Hinske is the man at third, Zaun can be the backup catcher, Woody is coming into his own, but can be moved to backup if money is spent on a star SS for a playoff run, but that money could probably be better spent elsewhere on the team.

Mr. H Rodriguez?, I think the Zaun and Gomez (maybe Clark but its a stretch) are good enough backup infielders for the time being. The Jays dont have the budget for putting someone with pop like Matt Stairs on the bench and while I see your point, I think they are more than capable to hold up as backup infielders so that the tight budget can be spent on good starting players.

And please stop refering to Sparky/Mr. Clutch/Reed as a 4th and or 5th(???) outfielder. (Not directed to Mr. Rod, just the others)

Look, there are 30 teams in MLB. Can you name 20-25 rightfielders you'd rather have than Sparky, 20-25 3rd basemen you'd rather have than Hinske, or 20-25 shortstops you'd rather have than Woody? I sure can't.

Right now, no.. but you can't get into the playoffs with the 25th best roster either...

Hinkse hasn't hit 250 since 2002. and if he doesn't improve by 25 to 30 points, then I don't class him a playoff 3rd Baseman.
and Sparky is a 28yr old Sophmore and guys like that tend to burn out as fast as they arrived...

Remember I'm not saying these guys are no good, what I'm asking is can you win a Wild-Card spot with them 2.5 years from now?

The Jays dont have the budget for putting someone with pop like Matt Stairs on the bench

Stairs is being paid $1 million, so we'd be looking at $600 000 or so.

This is my biggest beef and it seems to be the root of most of our frustrations. We should give Phelps playing time or start thinking about trades. I know we have a budget, I know that we don't want to give up prospects and I know that we aren't going to win this year...but the team has to fight for my interest and my entertainment dollars. If they continue to play the scrubs, I have every right to despair. Don't talk to me about how glorious it will be in 2006.

Right now, no.. but you can't get into the playoffs with the 25th best roster either...

Of course not. But if Woody, Hinske, and Reed are the three worst regulars in the lineup and you've got good-to-great pitching, that's a playoff caliber team.

Remember I'm not saying these guys are no good, what I'm asking is can you win a Wild-Card spot with them 2.5 years from now?

Yes. Absolutely. The Yankees have won World Series with far worse players in their lineups. Ricky Ledee, Shane Spencer, and Clay Bellinger, anyone?

The Royals released P Curtis Leskanic and called up P Rudy Seanez.

Has he lost it, or is he someone JP may want to take a flyer on? He's been just awful this year, but he was pretty amazing last year. He just might be better than some of the guys we have been using.

Daryn: Dont you think you're being a little overly dramatic saying the Jays need to sign up two 12 guys to make a playoff run?

well it IS a little over-dramatic.. because of the 5 guys I listed a couple will likely be useful...

however when you say re-sign CAT you are signing to "sign a free agent"... and you didn't propose a 1B, (I have to assume Phelps is not in the plans, unless I hear he's hurt too)
But even the better case shopping list that Loveshack proposed had 9 gaps.

and Gerry's list (no personal attack intended, would include 8 Sophmores or Rookies in 2006, AND you'd still have Woody, Phelps, Miller and no left handed Catcher

If Stairs is making a million right now, why would he take a pay cut to play the bench on a struggling team in the toughest division? I would predict his price would go up after FA.

I understand how Woody could be questioned, but I could EASILY see the team being a playoff calibur team with Sparky and Hinske as starters, and not just by surrounding them with superstars either.

I didnt propose a 1st baseman because I agreed with you that will probably be a position that will have to be bought from the FA list to make the team effective for the playoffs if Delgado is not re-signed. Ditto DH.

Yes. Absolutely. The Yankees have won World Series with far worse players in their lineups. Ricky Ledee, Shane Spencer, and Clay Bellinger, anyone?

Yea sure and Pettite, Clemens, Mussina, Rivera, Stanton, Nelson, Ramirez, Jeter, Giambi, Williams, and Posada...

You CAN win with Hinske, Woody and Sparky as the worst guys in your lineup.. but to do that, Cash, Phelps, a DH, Gross and Rios have to be BETTER than them.

I got something to look forward to: 18 million dollars (as long as Rogers doesn't decide to pull it) to spend on pitching and maybe a hitter. Imagine the staff we could construct with 18 mill. With Halladay and Batista already in place and possibly David Bush opening day 2005, he should be able to purchase 2 above average or better pitchers with the 18 mill - whatever all the escalating contracts cost us - a position player or 2. Screw the offense, we have Rios and Gross and Adams and Hill to take the place of any FAs. Go pitching.

yea good point Tassle and Jobu.

Carlos is not a net loss.. if we could buy 2 real hot starters and a solid Bat then things look better for sure...

IF

Sorry Jobu, I meant that $600 000 is what remains of the salary and that surely the Jays must have that financial flexability if they could get him in a trade. I have no idea what Stairs will get as a FA. The $1 million is what he got this year so it's not automatic that it goes up. All I'm saying is that surely there has to be in minors or majors some all hit no glove masher that the Jays could trade Menechino/Clarke/Berg/minor league spare part/small cash amount for. The Jays really need some hitting, evne if it's short term. I quite like Clarke/Menechino but that's what we have surplus.

This assumes that the Jays have soured on Phelps.

Assuming Carlos is lost, Phelps continue his flailing in the box, Zaun comes back to backup, Woody continues to get better, and the prospects continue, the only purchases I see this team having to make to be playoff calibur is

one good SP
one good 1st
one good DH
one mediocre backup infielder
one good to great RP

http://www.roadsidephotos.com/baseball/bbblog.htm
If 18Mil were to be put into two 6Mil Pitcher and a 6Mil Slugger in today's dollars we could get (thanks to "Doug's Business of Baseball" COMN)
Any two of Matt Clement, Orlando Hernandez, Kris Benson, Russ Ortiz, Jeff Weaver, Woody Williams, Freddy Garcia.....
I don't know how I feel about that...

9 - 11 Mil gets you Javier Vasquez, Keven Millwood, or Eric Milton, Denny Neagle, Al Leiter, Dreifort,

and 4-5 Mil gets you
Hudson, Loiza, Lowe, Mays, Trachsel, Washburn, Wolf

Also the remaining 6 could get you
Berkman, Anderson, Carlos Lee, Kotsay, Hunter, Casey,
or
Wickman, Graves, Koch,
or
two of Ibanez, Hillenbrand, Long, Randa, Winn, Kevin Millar, Marrero, Meintkeiwicz, Lofton, Encarnacion, Gibbons, A.J.Burnett, Buerhle, Dotel, Embree, Hasegawa, BYKim, Mendoza, Penny, Sabathia, Tim Worrell...

I skipped some of the obvious underpaid guys like Gagne and Foulke, and Furcal...

But its pretty clear that Carlos is killing us...

"Hinkse hasn't hit 250 since 2002. and if he doesn't improve by 25 to 30 points, then I don't class him a playoff 3rd Baseman"

Well, the Jays won one World Championship with a 3B who hit .229 with 11 HR and 43 RBI, and the next year they got 12 HR, 73 RBI, and .260 from the position. You never know.

If you're not a rich team, and you don't have money to throw at every problem, all you can do is assemble the best young players you can find and then just HOPE that everything goes right, hope you get some breaks, catch a little lightning. Like Florida last year, and the Angels the year before (this year's Angels have become a team firing banknotes at their problems.)

What we're seeing this year is what happens when just about everything goes wrong, but the problems here are not systemic and long-term. They're not locked onto a treadmill of big contracts and fading stars. This is a bump, and its not at all pleasant when you ride over it, but we're not in the ditch.

OK, I've squeezed that metaphor to death.

As for Tosca, I don't know and neither does anyone else. Way, way too much is made by fans and analysts as well, of a manager's in-game strategy. Tosca's bullpen management makes me scratch my own thinning hair repeatedly, but this sort of thing is by far the smallest part of his job.

It seems clear that this coaching staff was assembled as a teaching group, and its not at all clear that this will be the right group when the Jays are in a pennant race. But we'll jump off that bridge when we get there, I suppose.

Yea Jobu, I'll ascede to that, if you agree its a "best case scenario"... a lot has to go right...

in my scenerio above we could get a top pitcher (9Mil), and lower Pitcher (4Mil), and two bats(3 Mil each) for that 18 Mil within reasonable expectations...

I don't think the 6-8 Mil guys are very good value though.

Lilly is back next year as well. Im doubtful that JP will pursue any FA starting pitchers this off-season. Next year's rotation looks to end up like: Halladay, Batista, Lilly, Miller, Towers/Bush discounting any trades or major career-ending type injuries. Im not sure it's worth it for the dollars it would cost, to bother bringing in another FA starter considering that he would be your 4th/5th guy in the rotation.

Likewise the bullpen isn't shaping up bad for next season either, maybe one guy needs to be brought in. I think we were all spoiled with the amount of FA pitchers brought in this year.

Loveshack, I think your assesment of what will happen is a pretty good reflection of what NEEDS to happen... just to have a major league team...

But I have a hard time getting excited about it just now...

Maybe I'm being too hard on guys like Hinkse, he's no worse than Sprague, with a higher upside... what worries me is Sprague played on a team with Molitor, Alomar, White, Olerud, Henderson, Carter, Borders and occasionally someone at SS.

In truth, I don't think we have a bad team.. I think we could work ourselves up to third best in the entire AL... but what would that get us?

For the last time guys there is not $18M to spend if Delgado goes even if Rogers keeps the payroll at $50M. Hinske, Wells, Battista, Halladay, Lilly and Ligtenburg are all due raises next year. It's more likely to be in the area of $8M-$12M. Toward the upper end if Cat and Hentgen can be replaced by cheaper rookies and toward the lower end if not.

Thanks MatO. I don't know why your point gets forgotten so often.

So with 10M left next year if Delgado leaves, and most likely none of that going to starting pitching, which would be the best route for the Jays (assuming Rogers doesn't pocket the money)

Spending that cash on a star 1st baseman to pick up Delgado's slack.
Or spread that money out into as many place holders and backups for the prospects as we can get?

The 6 players under contract next season are due $26.8 million. They make $20.7 million this year. So, simplistically, if you're spending Delgado's money you only have $12 million to play with.

Count me in the glass half full class. But damn it is sometimes frustrating to watch this team. However, from what i have seen of this team, they are trying, they do care, and they want to do better.

My biggest question is where have all the homers gone. Will any Jay meet their expectations for homers, other than those taking on a larger role due to injuries. And where have the homers gone. Unlike BA, homeruns are supposed to be a relatively consistant indice. Where I ask you, where the hell are they?

The Crusty Old Dean put the Homers on academic probation. If Cheer Club House doesn't pass the upcoming finals and win the big game, the Homers will be expelled! Damn you crusty old dean!!!

from Mike in CT

Are you just happy to have a Major League Baseball team to watch?

Absolutely, everyday, I get down on my knees and thank God for Major League Baseball. I just moved to Toronto after living for nearly 20 years in a market without MLB. If I wanted to catch a ballgame I had to book weekends off, get hotels, drive to Seattle to the lowly Marinerse in the lousy Kingdome with 8000 or so Seattle hosers. Or take a week off to go to California.

I am just happy to have a Major League Baseball team to watch in my city now. That's all I need for the rest of my life, I'm content.

I suggest you re-examine your reasons for watching the game.

Cheers to that Mr. Talent. With an attitude like that not even the Crusty Old Dean can stop us.

Im upset I took baseball for granted before I joined a league for the first time last year and it became my new favourite sport.

Lord knows what I'll do if the jays dont offer starpasses next year *shudders*

The news about Vernon Wells is not good, but what did we expect in this season from hell? He's headed for the DL with a strained calf, and could be out for a month, according to Mike Wilner's latest update on The FAN 590.

The news about Vernon Wells is not good, but what did we expect in this season from hell?

Are you talking about the Fish Candy or the Blue Jays?

Jobu, you'll raise the $600 you'd need to get genuine Season's Tickets up there in the cheap seats.

Imagine if we owned the front of 518 forever...

I don't think they will offer Starpasses. I was thinking about getting one, I was still living in Vancouver at the time but knowing I would end up here this year. They pulled the plug on the offer before I had a chance because of protest from season ticket holders, they felt they were being ripped off paying thousands for what others pay less than $100 for.

$81 is a phenomenal deal. But $9 a game ain't so bad either.

That is brutal news about Vernon. Just Brutal. Maybe it's karma for Ken Huckaby.

Well to be fair, the season ticket crowd gets alot more perks than us measly starpass holders. And no one was holding a gun to their heads making them get season tix rather than starpasses.

And yes, I probably will spend 600 dollars of my measly, part time employment student bank account on season tix next year. Damn you crusty old dean. But its for the greater good.... ownership of section 518.

I was going to treat myself to tickets in the fancy pants Club 200 section for a game this year for my birthday, but seeing as how my birthday is in late October, there probably wont be baseball in T.O.

Anyone know how much those seats cost, and whats the difference between Windows and Sightlines restaurant, how much those cost, and how to get tickets for them (if you do get tickets for the restaurant.

Losing Vernon Wells would just be terrible. I don't even want to think about it. If Phelps doesn't play and get his power stroke back...

It could also be the end of my fantasy team, which already lost Richie Sexson for the year. :(

That should buy Rios some more time. Is Pond back up then? Notice my optimistic spin.

Welcome to centerfield Mr. Clutch

I don't suppose anyone's noticed what's happened since the Delgado-for-Encarnacion rumour erupted?

Encarnacion has turned his season around with impressive hitting, power and defense.

Delgado has been collecting millions in welfare.

I think it'd be nice if we could get one of those super players out of Japan for once. Just look at what the Padres and White Sox got with Akinori Otsuka and Shingo Takatsu (Takatsu already looks like he could be a top 5 closer, and the Sox only have to pay $750,000 for him)

Jobu, the club level baselines seats are $42 each. That's what we had for Randy Johnson, in 232. They're good, but not astounding. I'd rather be behind the dugout at field level. You can get those from a scalper for around the same as a club level seat.

And don't be fooled -- more expensive food on the 200 level does not mean that the food is better.

I've never been to the restaurant. Is it good?

Vernon's out? Oh man...

I got seats to the Argos game in section 212 yesterday, but rather than sit in our seats, which were pretty good (first row) we went down the carpet to that sports bar place and sat in those spinning seats in front of a little ledge behind all the regular seats right behind the conversion posts and the seats were amazing. I'd like to be there for a ball game.

I've never delt with a scalpper before in any way, shape or form. They'll really take 40 bucks for those uber padded right behind home plate seats?

I've never been to the restaurant. Is it good?

I assume you're talking about the windows and/or sightlines restaurant. I've never been there so I wouldnt know ;)

Apparently they are two different restaurants one called Windows and one called Sightlines. I hear the food is fantastic but I have no idea how much tickets too there cost, or if you even have to buy tickets for that fact and its just a restaurant you walk into. Hence my question posed to the good people of Battersbox.

And when are you gonna hear about your beantown trip?

And when are you gonna hear about your beantown trip?

by you, I ment of course when are WE going to hear about your trip. Unless you enjoyed a few too many Sam Adams' down there and could use a breifing of your activites yourself...

Yep, V-Dub on the DL, Hudson activated. Just heard it on the FAN's 5:00 update. Listen to 590 around 5:20 if you want confirmation.

I've been to Sightlines. It was about 10 years ago, but I was there for 3 or 4 games. From what I remember the food was decent, and we had alot of fun.
I got the tickets for free though, so I can't help you on the price.

Is Pond back up then?

I doubt it. They don't need another lefty bat, they need somebody to platoon with Cat in left field. I'm assuming Rios takes over as the everyday CF and Sparky will play RF while Wells is out. There's no help in Syracuse; Gross can't throw and Benard's hurt.

Hudson is supposed to be activated tonight, so there's a glut of infielders -- trying to trade one for a fourth outfielder who can hit from the right side makes sense, but that may be easier said than done. Until then, don't be surprised to see Dave Berg in LF against southpaw starters.

There's no way to spin this as anything but a devastating loss.

I've started a new thread for discussing the Wells injury and possible roster moves.

Just a friendly reminder, folks, J.P. Ricciardi will be on BEFORE the pre-game show tonight, from 8:30, to take your phone calls for an hour. The season from hell: discuss.

Paul D: Do you recall if Sightlines requires you to actually purhcase tickets to enter Sightlines ahead of time and then food is extra, or do you simply walk in there during game time and pay for whatever food you get as if it were a common restaurant?

The Baseball Gods have done all they can to the players with Wells down. It's time to jump ship before they come after the fans. I felt a twinge in my groin this morning.

http://www.thewolfshack.com
Jobu, I'm pretty sure that you have to buy tickets first. It was along time ago though and I'm not 100% sure.

Thanks Paul, I'll keep looking for info.

I felt a twinge in my groin this morning.

Sounds like someone was having a good dream when they woke up...

Bob Elliot is on the Fan right now saying the injuries that are crippling the Blue Jays are no excuse for their poor record because Anahiem has also had many injuries and they're doing quite well...

And I thought journalists were supposed to know what they're talking about.

I thought journalists were supposed to know what they're talking about.

True, Jobu, but...

Bob Elliot is on the Fan right now

Therein lies the problem. Elliot isn't a journalist, he's an idiot. And idiots do not know what they are talking about, in fact, if they did, they wouldn't be idiots.

I dont get baseball writers in this city. Its as if they've been forced to write about baseball and as such, are quite resentful to the team. I swear each article I read (in the Star at least, I dont know about other papers) goes out of their way to just jab the blue jays when they're down some how. What would happen if they Jay were in 1st right now? Would they just sulk and write short articles about how they may be good right now but they might suck in 10 years from now?

I felt a twinge in my groin this morning.

I didn't mention it until now, but I had a pretty bad groin strain after playing golf on my holiday. I'm starting to feel better now.

So keep alert, Cheer Clubbers, you are not immune.

I felt a twinge in my groin this morning.

I had a pretty bad groin strain after playing golf

You just had to keep going didnt you Crusty Old Dean? You'll stop at nothing to get rid of the Blue Jays and their rowdy good times. First you take them out one by one, and now you're going after the loyal members of Cheer Club House!?!?

DAMN YOU CRUSTY OLD DEAN!! YOU WONT GET AWAY WITH THIS!!!



Look at that bastards cocky grin...

I'm laughing out loud at Jobu's invocations against the COD.

I felt a twinge in my groin this morning.

Mrs. Lima strikes again.

I know we talked about a sacrifice to propitiate the Baseball Gods earlier this year after the brutal start, but as I recall we didn't actually go through with it. I think it's time to reopen this discussion.

I'm in. Why don't we sacrifice something in the stands before the next homestand?

Any ideas what we could sacrifice without getting banned from the Dome?

If movies have taught me anything, and they haven't, the best way to appease the Baseball gods is to egg the Deans precious new car.

the best way to appease the Baseball gods is to egg the Deans precious new car.

Then we roll him up in a carpet and throw him off a bridge!

A burnt offering should do the trick. We can't do that inside the Dome, but maybe we can do it in front of the Dome.

Is it the spirit of Kelvim Escobar? Do we really need to burn a Kelvim Escobar baseball card?

I like you're thinking Rob....

Would the skydome gestapo allow us to rip up a portait of the Crusty Old Dean in section 518?

Craig B,

It is common knowledge that the Baseball Gods abhor one-run strategies, so a sacrifice is out. Instead we can try acts of wisdom and learning. Does the federal election allow us to write-in candidates? If not, perhaps we can write-in Gilles Duceppe as our centerfielder on the All-Star ballot.

Alternatively, we could all inflict minor injury on ourselves, stubbing our toe against a table leg or unusual body piercings for instance, and hope that this act of selflessness will appease the Baseball Gods.

What would happen if they Jay were in 1st right now? Would they just sulk and write short articles about how they may be good right now but they might suck in 10 years from now?

They certainly would. Just look at how the Leafs get emasculated in the papers every day and you have your answer, and the Leafs are actually good. Not great, I mean they haven't won the championship or anything, but they're a consistant playoff team and all the sports media in this town can do is complain. Sometimes I think they could win the Cup and the headline in the paper the next day would be "Leafs Win, but they Probably Won't next Year".

I think they have it in their heads that if they say anything nice about the Jays people will call them "homers" or "cheerleaders" or something. So they think that by only saying negative things they make themselves look objective and impartial. Its strange when the only pro sports team in town feeling the love from the media is the Argos.

The sportswriters remind of those kids in school who had to hate anything remotley popular so they could stand on a soap box and say "See! You're all being taken for fools! Not me though! I like things you've never even heard of, that makes them better!" and get the attention they so desperatly crave.

Jobu: Just turn on your radio at 8:30 and those memories slip away.

Really, is there a better baseball show (TV or radio) in the city than "Wednesdays with JP"? Unless channel 115 suddenly becomes BBTV, I think not.
(But wouldn't that be cool?...The Batter's Box Television Network!) That will show that crusty old dean.

Batter's Box Television? Finally a place for "Jobu's corner"
where I can attack the Crusty Old Dean, the Freemason's, Yankee's fans and other international conspiracies.

As well as proclaim my love for The Henke, The Hentgen, and The Hammer.

we could all inflict minor injury on ourselves

If that's what it takes, I'm in. Does drinking so much beer you suffer indigestion count? If not, I'll try to get carpal tunnel syndrome for the team. There's also a commercial on the FAN where some car guy promises to "hand torque your nuts," which might be going beyond the call of duty.

Craig, somehow burning a Loaiza card seems more apt doesn't it? I mean you're tracing the bad luck to its root. There's been no truer sign of the Jays bad luck than Loaiza. Let's review. He gets acquired at a time when the Jays are on the fringes of a pennant race for Michael Young - a decent but not top tier middle infield prospect. Young morphs into a pretty top level middle infielder (ss or 2nd - take your pick). Loaiza proceeds to stink it up for the Jays. He gets released and hurls a stream of insults at the Jays organization (maybe that's the root of the curse?) on the way out. Loaiza morphs into ... Esteban @#%&ing Loaiza. I say burn it up baby!

Hand torque your nuts

Ahhhh.... Kipling Tire Guy. How much laughter have you brought me while driving and listening to the Fan's commercials.

I'd knock it off Jobu. Making fun of the crusty old dean and now the Freemasons? You're dealing with forces you can't even begin to imagine. I'm sure you're already on some sort of double secret probation.

Maybe the Dean is also the Dean of the Freemasons AND the Yankees...

Coach, taking a carpal tunnel for the team. What a great idea! NFH could help with the splints or the mouse pad (that is the cause of our troubles). My fingers are tingling at the very thought.

Here at da Box, we feel our team's pain.

I fear it may be the cursed hat. Still.