Thank you for watching Welcome Back: A Very Special Sweathogs Reunion, starring Gabe Kaplan and John Travolta. Because the preceding program ran longer than expected, we now join our regularly scheduled program, already in progress. No score, bottom of the first in Tampa Bay, Josh Towers versus Dewon Brazelton.
Should be interesting to see if Josh Towers can put up good back-to-back starts.
Nice to see the Jays are going Bergless today. I wonder if it has anything to do with his problems with Johnson yesterday.
Quiet in here. I guess a lot of people have gone away for the long weekend.
Menechino has become the regular SS; his .329/.440/.529 June is hard to ignore, and Woody is watching again. Zaun's back behind the plate, Clark's in LF, Phelps at DH, and Berg is on the bench. There aren't a lot of choices with this depleted lineup, but this is about the best Tosca can do.
Lovely play by Gomez, and great effort on the deep foul ball by Hinske. Six pitches for Josh in the second; it's scoreless.
Menechino has become the regular SS; his .329/.440/.529 June is hard to ignore, and Woody is watching again. Zaun's back behind the plate, Clark's in LF, Phelps at DH, and Berg is on the bench. There aren't a lot of choices with this depleted lineup, but this is about the best Tosca can do.
Lovely play by Gomez, and great effort on the deep foul ball by Hinske. Six pitches for Josh in the second; it's scoreless.
Through two innings: Towers 21 pitches, 19 strikes.
Wonder who's making the Friday start?
Wonder who's making the Friday start?
I know we keep coming back to this, but why isn't Cash behind the plate? I understand that they want Zaun in there for his bat, but couldn't he play first and have Cash catch?
Of course, as I type this, Gomez makes a nice play at first.
Still, Cash has a future with the club (doesn't he?), and should be playing, especially against a team prone to running.
Or are they so disappointed in his handling of the pitchers, they've pulled him for Zaun? That would seem short-sighted to me.
Of course, as I type this, Gomez makes a nice play at first.
Still, Cash has a future with the club (doesn't he?), and should be playing, especially against a team prone to running.
Or are they so disappointed in his handling of the pitchers, they've pulled him for Zaun? That would seem short-sighted to me.
Sorry I couldn't post a game thread - I just got back from shopping with my son, which took longer than expected.
Dan, I doubt it's disillusionment with Cash's game-calling -- he did a superb job last night. More likely they just needed all the offensive help they could get out there.
If Delgado, Wells, and Cat could play we'd probably see Cash play more. But in these circumstances, you need every decent bat you can find. And Zaun's defense has been BETTER than Cash's
They probably also prefer the veteran behind the plate with a young starter. Throw in Zaun's bat and its a justifiable decision. Maybe when Delgado gets back we will see a little more Cash.
Wonder who's making the Friday start?
They could always go with Nakamura and a parade of relievers, but a lot of signs point to Bush. I think they're delaying any moves until they see how Carlos performs tonight for Dunedin and how he feels tomorrow.
They could always go with Nakamura and a parade of relievers, but a lot of signs point to Bush. I think they're delaying any moves until they see how Carlos performs tonight for Dunedin and how he feels tomorrow.
I doubt it's disillusionment with Cash's game-calling -- he did a superb job last night.
That's what I was thining.
I suppose it's a fine line Tosca's walking; they want to win, so he tries to juggle his line up for the best possible chance for a victory, while at the same time they need to be thinking about not just this year, but the next few as well.
I guess the question is whether Gomez's bat and defense at first over Cash's and Zaun's respectively are worth having Cash on the bench instead of playing. I'm afraid to re-read that sentence; talk about a jumbled mess.
That's what I was thining.
I suppose it's a fine line Tosca's walking; they want to win, so he tries to juggle his line up for the best possible chance for a victory, while at the same time they need to be thinking about not just this year, but the next few as well.
I guess the question is whether Gomez's bat and defense at first over Cash's and Zaun's respectively are worth having Cash on the bench instead of playing. I'm afraid to re-read that sentence; talk about a jumbled mess.
Gosh, Alex can run. "Pretty good speed??" You watching the same guy, John?
Dan, normally it's a fine line, but worrying about the next few years is temporarily postponed, because they have been in triage mode for so long. Tosca's just trying to keep things respectable and win as many as he can during this emergency. There's still some player development going on -- Frasor, Chulk, Rios -- but the skipper's focus is (rightly) on being as competitive as possible, one game at a time. Playing 2-3 times a week isn't going to hurt Cash; he should get used to it, because Quiroz may be getting the lion's share of the work as soon as next year.
Towers through 3 IPT: 30 pitches, 27 strikes. 12 batters, 11 first-pitch strikes.
You know, this is highly weird of me to say, but ....
I'm almost coming to like the current lineup the Jays are forced to trot out there these days. I mean, it's so ugly, it's almost beautiful. Chris Gomez at first? Howie Clark at DH? Dave Berg anywhere on the field? The Jays have been so crippled that they're sending a virtual Triple-A lineup into battle -- and they're not getting killed. Sometimes they're actually winning, which they really have no right doing against any big-league club, with Gregg Zaun batting fifth and Vinny Chulk as the setup man. Out of the carnage of this season, a phoenix of character and gutsiness is really rising.
If I can draw a comic-book analogy -- and I think that I can -- this has been like one of those rare and wonderful Justice League issues where Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash and all the other A-List superheroes are on vacation or visiting Saturn or something, and the Justice League is reduced to sending Hawkman, Black Vulcan and maybe The Elongated Man in to fight Darkseid. And remarkably, they wouldn't get whipped too badly. That was way more fun than the usual smash-'em-up sequences -- and in a very odd way, so is this.
I'm almost coming to like the current lineup the Jays are forced to trot out there these days. I mean, it's so ugly, it's almost beautiful. Chris Gomez at first? Howie Clark at DH? Dave Berg anywhere on the field? The Jays have been so crippled that they're sending a virtual Triple-A lineup into battle -- and they're not getting killed. Sometimes they're actually winning, which they really have no right doing against any big-league club, with Gregg Zaun batting fifth and Vinny Chulk as the setup man. Out of the carnage of this season, a phoenix of character and gutsiness is really rising.
If I can draw a comic-book analogy -- and I think that I can -- this has been like one of those rare and wonderful Justice League issues where Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash and all the other A-List superheroes are on vacation or visiting Saturn or something, and the Justice League is reduced to sending Hawkman, Black Vulcan and maybe The Elongated Man in to fight Darkseid. And remarkably, they wouldn't get whipped too badly. That was way more fun than the usual smash-'em-up sequences -- and in a very odd way, so is this.
Is it just me? or are the TV cameras way off track today?? just missing the play all over the place..
Quiet in here. I guess a lot of people have gone away for the long weekend.
Sorry I was waiting for the thread and I fell asleep...
Sorry I was waiting for the thread and I fell asleep...
Ceiling, meet Floor. Floor, meet ceiling. He just gives up too many homers to be a useful major league pitcher.
*boom*
And in a shocking turn of events Josh Towers has exploded on the mound. Umpire rules the ball dead.
And in a shocking turn of events Josh Towers has exploded on the mound. Umpire rules the ball dead.
So how's the game in Dunedin going? It's 4-0 after 2 for the Jays. Oh, look! Footage! Number 41?
http://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article.jsp?content=20040630_192353_4648
"I didn't have a real good first half," Hentgen said. "This is a business. The best players should be on the field. I'll try to continue to grind and get better."
Compare that to Tanyon Sturtze's reaction to getting yanked from the rotation. Classy.
"I didn't have a real good first half," Hentgen said. "This is a business. The best players should be on the field. I'll try to continue to grind and get better."
Compare that to Tanyon Sturtze's reaction to getting yanked from the rotation. Classy.
Butterfield's made some funny decisions the last couple of nights. He sent Cash but held Menechino tonight. I hope it doesn't cost them here.
Pretty feable effort by Charbonneau, er, Hinske.
This team is awful with runners in scoring position.
On an 0-2 pitch, Josh? That's a hanging offense, son.
I just noticed, Jose Cruz is having a pretty good year. He's finally walking again
Oh, dear Lord, Cruz has hit another home run. Has any of the Toronto writers written a "life is good now that I've left Toronto" article about Cruz yet?
Come on, pull Towers. He can't get them out anymore.
Holy Crap, I had no idea that Jim Thome had 27 homers. Twenty SEVEN?!
That's probably more than the Blue Jays have hit. Heh.
That's probably more than the Blue Jays have hit. Heh.
Relax, Ryan! The Jays have pounded out 61 HRs. That's 12 more than Jim Thomne and Adam Dunn combined. Combined!
Don't laugh: I remember one year (late in the season) when Dave Kingman had hit more homeruns than the Houston Astros.
Jays a pathetic 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position tonight (Hinske 0 for 3)
Good one, Robert. In 1979 the Houston Astros out-homered Dave Kingman 49-48. Jose Cruz the elder led the way with 9.
How about that Don Chevrier? I haven't heard that voice since the 80s. I could see Chevy Chase playing him in the movie adaptation of his life. Did anybody hear this?:
Jerry: 'Tom, we miss you and wish you were back.'
Chevy: 'Uh, yeah Tom, and I wish I was at home watching this game on TV... and listening to it on the radio...'
Classic Chevy Chase
Jerry: 'Tom, we miss you and wish you were back.'
Chevy: 'Uh, yeah Tom, and I wish I was at home watching this game on TV... and listening to it on the radio...'
Classic Chevy Chase
Man, Robert! I'm looking at that 1979 Houston team. They went 89-73, despite scoring exactly one more run than they allowed.
That was some pitcher's park, the old Astrodome. And running Joe Niekro and JR Richard was pretty cool...
That was some pitcher's park, the old Astrodome. And running Joe Niekro and JR Richard was pretty cool...
I'm glad the Jays scored a couple runs. It's a bit hard to believe, but despite all the injuries, and the anemic offense at times, the Jays have only been shut out once in May and June. And that was to Tim Hudson earlier this month. So hey, they do scratch some runs across every game.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/space/06/30/cassini.orbit/index.html
The Justice League people aren't the only ones heading to Saturn. COMN.
The Justice League people aren't the only ones heading to Saturn. COMN.
I can't imagine how a NASA satellite is going to stop Darkseid
I was just listening FAN590 and J.P. was talking to Mike Wilner regarding our prospects and signings. J.P. mentioned that they have signed the 13th round pick and they are close to sign Jackson. Toronto will sign Thigpen as soon as the college world series ends. Also, blue jays are still negotiating with Purcey and J.P. is hopefull that they'll be able to sign all of their top picks. This is good news.
http://www.seanbaby.com/superfriends/darkseid.htm
I can't imagine how a NASA satellite is going to stop Darkseid
Aw, he's not so tough. COMN.
I can't imagine how a NASA satellite is going to stop Darkseid
Aw, he's not so tough. COMN.
If anybody was interested when I mentioned that I was doing some statistical research for hockey, I've posted a little bit of my findings to this point in the last Roundup thread (I guess that's the most appropriate place for off-topic things nowadays). I just pasted an e-mail I sent to a friend of mine that mostly involves Gretzky vs. Lemieux up until 1987-88. There *is* a (positive) Flames reference, Moffat :-P.
And, er, Go Jays! I have an MVP Baseball 2004 season going that is going much better than the real Jays team. They are about 60-15 and Delgado has a league leading 36 jacks. I cheated and just turned Delgado into a right-handed hitter :-P
And, er, Go Jays! I have an MVP Baseball 2004 season going that is going much better than the real Jays team. They are about 60-15 and Delgado has a league leading 36 jacks. I cheated and just turned Delgado into a right-handed hitter :-P
Other interesting JP comments:
- "better than 50-50 chance" that the Jays will get new turf
- 50-50 chance the Jays will re-sign Delgado (the Jays can't afford to pay Delgado even close to his current salary of $18.5M)
- Moneyball hype has been blown all out of proportion. For example, the Jays aren't fixated on high OBP (while caring little about speed and defense). In fact, the Jays would probably steal more if they had a player like Crawford. They aren't wedded to a particular formula for success. On the contrary, the front office is simply trying to be as creative as possible to "beat the system" that is dominated by the big spenders.
- "better than 50-50 chance" that the Jays will get new turf
- 50-50 chance the Jays will re-sign Delgado (the Jays can't afford to pay Delgado even close to his current salary of $18.5M)
- Moneyball hype has been blown all out of proportion. For example, the Jays aren't fixated on high OBP (while caring little about speed and defense). In fact, the Jays would probably steal more if they had a player like Crawford. They aren't wedded to a particular formula for success. On the contrary, the front office is simply trying to be as creative as possible to "beat the system" that is dominated by the big spenders.
i really hope JP knows the college series is over now.
...and the Justice League is reduced to sending Hawkman, Black Vulcan and maybe The Elongated Man in to fight Darkseid.
Are you dissing Hawkman? Back off; Hawkman is cool. I think you meant Aquaman.
Actually, the better analogy would be the early-90s Justice League which was filled with B-list characters like Booster Gold, the Blue Beetle and, yes, the Elongated Man. (They recently made an appearance as Formerly Known As the Justice League, since the JLA was once again filled with the big names)
Are you dissing Hawkman? Back off; Hawkman is cool. I think you meant Aquaman.
Actually, the better analogy would be the early-90s Justice League which was filled with B-list characters like Booster Gold, the Blue Beetle and, yes, the Elongated Man. (They recently made an appearance as Formerly Known As the Justice League, since the JLA was once again filled with the big names)
Can anybody give me a good reason why Woodward is not playing?
I Think Its Because Mr. Woodward Is Not A Very Good Baseball Player.. Just My Reason... But Onto Important Matters! Its David Bush Time This Friday! While That Is Not Offically Confirmed I'll Go With What I'm Hearing And Start My Praising Early!
Lets Look At How Bush Stacks Up Against His Fellow Triple A Pitchers!
Wins
Bush Is Tied For 4th With 6 Victorys.
Innings Pitched
Pat Ahearne (Toledo) 102.1
Tim Kester (Pawtucket) 101.2
David Bush (Syracuse) 99.2
K's
1. David Bush (Syracuse) 88
2. Brandon Claussen (Louisville) 76
3. Chuck Smith (Richmond) 73
Lets Look At How Bush Stacks Up Against His Fellow Triple A Pitchers!
Wins
Bush Is Tied For 4th With 6 Victorys.
Innings Pitched
Pat Ahearne (Toledo) 102.1
Tim Kester (Pawtucket) 101.2
David Bush (Syracuse) 99.2
K's
1. David Bush (Syracuse) 88
2. Brandon Claussen (Louisville) 76
3. Chuck Smith (Richmond) 73
http://me.woot.net
Mike Forbes...
Do You Actually Type Like That, Or Do You Get A Program To Do It For You?
Whew, I find that hard to read. :)
Now for real superheroes. Birdman!
Mike Forbes...
Do You Actually Type Like That, Or Do You Get A Program To Do It For You?
Whew, I find that hard to read. :)
Now for real superheroes. Birdman!
http://slicedbread2.blogspot.com
No, for real superheroes you have to go to my website (COMN).
No, for real superheroes you have to go to my website (COMN).