I predict that the Bluejays win 13-0. Every starter has a hit, Delgado, Phelps and Hinkse all homer.

Is Kris Benson a big name player?

Yeah, he'd count.

What I meant by big name is a regular starting player, and not say a 5th outfielder. I should have clarified that.

Allright, then I choose Kris Benson. I have no idea where he'll get traded.
As a wildcard/darkhorse, I'm picking Mike Sweeney to LA. LA needs a first baseman, and once they realize that they can't get Delgado they'll start looking somewhere else. And Allan Baird can get a top pitcher or young slugger for Sweeney, he'll give in and trade him.

One big name player not getting traded in Randy Johnson.

What, does Delgado think he's the Gods of War?

I think all this talk is falling on the ears of Def Leppard.

In his last four starts, Josh Phelps is .385/.529/1.000 with two doubles, two HRs, six RBIs and four walks. Does Tosca still find an excuse for his riding the pine? Or does he see if Phelps, whose stance looked a little more open to me these past few games, can stay hot?

I chuckled at this Gregg Zaun quote in that Feschuk article:

"There's a lot of idiot liberals in the entertainment industry. ... I don't think I'll ever buy another Dixie Chicks record as long as I live."

If you consider the two comments as unrelated consecutive ideas, in a stream of consciousness sort of way, the merits of the post-ellipsis portion completely make up for the substantive and grammatic deficiencies of the pre-ellipsis portion.

I'm hoping that this last month has been a "Phelps project" with lots of BP and coaching and specific drills to work on.. and they didn't want to play him because it would mess up the lesson progress.. and that now its time to put it all together in a game... I'm hoping...

I really like the deal that Ottawa negotiated with Hasik... he gets the money IF the team succeeds... and only if... I like it...

That quote of Zaun's was dug up by our own Scott Lucas (scroll to post 45) a couple of days ago. I wonder if Dave Feschuk has been lurking here.

Actually, I think Mike Sweeney's going to enjoy some warm San Francisco nights very soon.

In his last four starts, Josh Phelps is .385/.529/1.000 with two doubles, two HRs, six RBIs and four walks. Does Tosca still find an excuse for his riding the pine? Or does he see if Phelps, whose stance looked a little more open to me these past few games, can stay hot?

I don't think that anyone in the organization has anything against Phelps. He's hot again, whatever was plaguing him has hopefully gone away, and I don't think we'll see him back on the bench any time soon.

I see Elliot is trying to stir the pot;

"The win -- which moves Batista, whom the Jays are trying to deal, to 8-5 on the season -- lifted the Jays over the .500 mark at home (21-20)."

Is he the same writer that started the rumor, or he simply trying to substantiate it?

From another one of his articles,

" Their first choice is Kris Benson of the Pittsburgh Pirates and their second choice is Jays right-hander Miguel Batista."

I don't believe Miggy is going anywhere, since I think the Jays are going to re-sign Carlos after he continues his streak of 30+ homers and 100+ RBIs. How are they related? The only way I trade Batista is if, and I would still have to think long and hard about it, is if the Twinkies give us Morneau in return. He would look good at 1st base for the next 5 years or so.

Is Carlos worthy of a trade like Beltran, i.e. worthy a couple of prospects? Or would we have to add to the deal to sweeten it?

J.P. was on the Fan this morning and said that Miguel Batista and Ted Lilly are not going anywhere. Period.

Kenny Lofton. The Yankees haven't made a trade in nearly two months!

Sweeney is injured and not likely to waive his no trade. Delgado is more likely to go once he is proven healthy. I imagine he would only waive his no trade for LA though to reunite with his buddy Shawn Green. The Jays would likely get very little for him.

Where are all those guys that were crapping on Hinske a couple of weeks ago? He is now at 271/343/395 with 7 taters and 39 RBI. I think he is good for 13 homers in the second half (especially with some protection) and seems on pace for the .280 20HR 80 RBI season you would have expected from him at the beginning of the season.

I get the impression that they messed Phelps up at the beginning of the season by trying to get him to take more pitches and go the other way. Maybe they have let him go back to his old ways - he actually pulled the ball last night. Who knows the whole experience may have made him a better hitter in the long run?

Now this is a great segue from the Feschuk article:

"I respect that. I have less respect for people who block traffic."

Delgado was caught moving at a rush-hour crawl in last night's sixth inning when he was picked off first base by Seattle Mariners pitcher Ron Villone.

Sweeney's no trade clause is why I think he's a darkhorse.
However, I imagine that being given the chance to go to a playoff team in Southern California would be pretty appealing. Both for him and Delgado.
I'm not sure why Delgado would be traded, unless the Jays can get someone like Logan White or Edwin Jackson back. Which I'm pretty sure they won't be able to do. So why not keep him here, see if you can resign him, and if not then take the 2 draft picks?

Although, now that I've written that down, I imagine that the odds of Delgado being offered abritration are pretty low. Maybe Sabean will sign him before the deadline so the Jays can have a risk free abritration offer.

Thoughts on Delgado:

Could his now public anti-American stance be an indicator that he would prefer to stay in Canada. I haven't even heard the slightest musing from him, ever, that he'd like to go elsewhere.

On Money: often when players go for the biggest paycheque, wherever that might be, the media tells us it's greed. And often it is greed. Though some players may feel it's selfish to stay in a place where they feel comfortable, accepting less pay. Selfish while they feel comfortable, they have less money to pass on to their families or to their impoverished homeland. Carlos could be thinking that no matter how much he'd love to stay in Toronto, and how comfortable he is with his personal wealth that a Toronto paycheque can provide him, he could remove far more landmines from Puerto Rico with an LA Dodger paycheque.

Though, I will footnote that I doubt Carlos is giving away the bulk of his cheque. As well, I appreciated how Griffen pointed out that when the Red Sox clubhouse ponied up $100K for the Dominican (I think) it would be like everyone in your office chipping in a quarter.

I like Carlos' quiet dignity.

Where are all those guys that were crapping on Hinske a couple of weeks ago?

Heh, they all go hide when their hate proves to be irrational. ;)

I'm far from convinced. Hinske's hitting .619 in July so far, but it's an empty .619. A guy's got to do more than hit singles to contribute.

:)

"The win -- which moves Batista, whom the Jays are trying to deal, to 8-5 on the season -- lifted the Jays over the .500 mark at home (21-20)."

Elliot started the "rumour" in the first place.

Batista is a good pitcher signed to a relatively cheap contract. Any type of team (dynasty, rebuilding, rich, poor) can use a guy like him. There's absolutely no reason to deal him unless you're completely blown away with a great offer. Same logic applies to Lilly.

The phrase "trying to deal" simply does not apply.

Elliot is such a jerk.

Is Carlos worthy of a trade like Beltran, i.e. worthy a couple of prospects?

Nyet. Let's look at the many reasons why:

1) Delgado is being paid a ridiculous salary ($19.7MM) this season while Beltran is not ($9MM).
2) Delgado is coming off of multiple injuries and has been slumping. Beltran is healthy and having the best season of his career.
3) Delgado plays 1B. Beltran plays a defensively demanding position like CF and plays it extremely well.
4) Delgado is 32. Beltran is 27. This might not seem important considering both will be free agents after this year but considering that the team that trades for him will initially have exclusive signing rights, it's key.

The first one above is the key reason most teams would be scared off of Carlos. The rest are all reasons why a team that does have money, like the Dodgers, wouldn't want to/have to part with top talent to get him.

As well, I appreciated how Griffen pointed out that when the Red Sox clubhouse ponied up $100K for the Dominican (I think) it would be like everyone in your office chipping in a quarter.

Wow, I'm glad I don't work in your office Keith! If memory serves, I think he identified it as the equivalent of someone making $80,000 kicking in $19.84. I shudder to think what a person would have to make for the equivalent to be only twenty-five cents.

And I still think that was a pretty cheap shot from Griffin. Let's see what his charitable contributions have been over the past five years before he starts snarking on anybody else's.

The real question is, who would the jays sign to fill batistas spot(as #2) for next year. Is there anyone they could get that is as good at a comparable salary? Is that person going to want to sign with the Jays just to get traded during his first season here?

As well, I appreciated how Griffen pointed out that when the Red Sox clubhouse ponied up $100K for the Dominican (I think) it would be like everyone in your office chipping in a quarter.

Actually it was like everyone chipping in $20 (if they had a family income of 80K). Having worked as a fundraiser for Greenpeace, I can say that only a small minority of people at that income level chip in more than $20 when requested, even when it's something they claim to believe in. So I'm not sure what his point was. I thought Griffin's bad-mouthing someone else's charity was pretty tactless.

RE: Elliott's rumour. No basis in reality whatsoever. Ignore it.

RE: Song(s) of the Day. I'm working on finding suitable prizes for yesterday's and today's. May take awhile.. I've got a few things on the go right now. :)

Money is such an ugly topic, isn't it?

Not really, but deriding someone else's good deed certainly is.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=1835274
I don't hate Hinske, but I stand by my belief that if he is the second best hitter on your team (after Wells) or third best of the Sparky lovers are around... then your team isn't going to be NY OR Boston...

If Hinske is your 7th hitter then you are in "ok" shape, not if his thrid or 5th... not unless he develops another few big steps..

----------------------
A day late but interesting, Useless Gagne info on ESPN hs been updated (COMN)... among other great stats...

- during the 84 game save streak The Dodgers themselves were the beneficiary of 28 blown saves.
- He recorded every out on a strikeout in 14 of them (17 percent).
- He steamrollered 25 consecutive hitters without a baserunner in the July-August streak, and 24 in a row in the May-June streak. Ridiculous.

Who do you think the next big name player will be (from any team) that will be traded?

Well, Rob Neyer is suggesting that the Astros shop Beltran. If they can't sign him to a long-term contract, maybe they should.

Actually, I think Mike Sweeney's going to enjoy some warm San Francisco nights very soon

I believe Sweeney has some clause in his contract whereby he gets a pay hike if he is traded. Given the current market, is Sweeney really worth around $12M a year (or thereabouts)?

Is there any reason to believe that Sabean even has the go-ahead to bring on that much salary? I would expect Mark Sweeney to be SF's first baseman long before Mike Sweeney.

Although, now that I've written that down, I imagine that the odds of Delgado being offered abritration are pretty low.

You mean like 0%?

I get the impression that they messed Phelps up at the beginning of the season by trying to get him to take more pitches and go the other way. Maybe they have let him go back to his old ways - he actually pulled the ball last night.

It would have been impossible to not pull an 80 mph inside fastball from a LHP. Any proof of Phelps' turnaround will have to be against RHP, against whom he has been Neifi Perez this year.

I don't think that anyone in the organization has anything against Phelps.

I dunno. If I were his lawyer, I might hold up Chris Gomez and Howie Clark as exhibits A and B.

The Jays will be lucky to pick up a relief prospect of modest proportions in return for Delgado.

1) Delgado is being paid a ridiculous salary ($19.7MM) this season while Beltran is not ($9MM).

If we pay Delgado's salary for the rest of the year, doesn't that improve Delgado's stock markedly? The only reason we wouldn't pay his salary is if the money saved would be used on personnel next year - but I've seen no historical evidence that such a thing would occur.

Hey guys,

Just got back from Denver and I had a great time at Coors Field. It was a whirlwind trip so I'll have to go back and read some old posts to get caught up.

If anyone feels like saving me some time, Garcia went to the WhiteSox, any other huge happenings that I should know about?

I really hope that Phelps resurgence is for real.

Where are all those guys that were crapping on Hinske a couple of weeks ago? He is now at 271/343/395 with 7 taters and 39 RBI.

He's still got some distance to go before he's proven himself, as far as I'm concerned, especially given the money he's due. Among AL 3B, right now he's behind A-Rod (who we all know shouldn't be a 3B...), Chavez, Blalock, Mora, Youkilis, Koskie and Casey Blake. He's hitting about as well as Randa and Huff.

11 3B have more HR than he does, including Eric Munson, Joe Crede and Scott Spizeo. Dave Newhan has 3 less in 200 less AB.

Point is, you can't call '04 a "success" for Hisnke yet. He's a streaky player in the middle of a hot streak, and his numbers still don't look good. Let's see how long he keeps it up and how far he tails off when it ends before drawing conclusions.

Heh, they all go hide when their hate proves to be irrational. ;)

You sure you guys aren't American. You seem to have learned from Karl Rove...point out a player's weaknesses (people seem OK with a 3B slugging under .400- that indicates success and words to be eaten) and you "hate" him.

Phelps continues to be a mystery- has enyone seen him play 1B? Is he horrid, or maybe injured? Seems odd that after he busted out last week he was benched in the DH-less series against the Expos, with Gomez playing ahead of him.

I think the point Griffin was making was similar to that ONION article a while back: "Professional Athelete Not an Asshole" - something like that.

I don't think he was badmouthing the Red Sox, though maybe I should reread that article, and he is a sour man. But I read it that he was fed up with all the media gushing over it. Charity ought to be anonymous. And the Red Sox got so much coverage with that $100K, it would be like you getting in the paper for donating $20 to Greenpeace. Maybe I'm a little like Griffin in that when I hear gushing something just churns inside me. And before I read the Griffin piece, after reading for the fourth time about the Red Sox donation, I started attempting the math: How much is this donation anyway? Why am I hearing so much about it? Griffin printed it.

The Jays will be lucky to pick up a relief prospect of modest proportions in return for Delgado.

If Delgado were to be traded who the Jays received in return would be dependent on how much of the contract they're picking up.

And I still think that was a pretty cheap shot from Griffin. Let's see what his charitable contributions have been over the past five years before he starts snarking on anybody else's.

More to the point, $100,000 is still $100,000 no matter who donates it or how much money they have; it buys the same things and makes the same difference. If John Honderich was the guy forking over the cash, Griffin and his cronies wouldn't let up on the praise for weeks. (But of course the Star doesn't make charitable donations... instead it hits up its readers for money that it can then plaster its name all over under the pretence that the Star is the good citizen. Real nice.)

I've never understood being jealous for another's earned money; sure, if someone just inherits money, I can understand feeling the green tinge of envy. But ballplayers earn their keep.

I think the publicity could do a lot of good as well. The Red Sox donate 200K, it gets them good publicity, and maybe the Yankees think "Gee, we can't let the Red Sox get all the good press. We'll donate 300K".

I agree that the best charity is anonymous. But at the same time, with all the bad news that we get from the media, what's wrong with a little good news once in awhile? A $200,000 donation to a great cause IS a positive story, regardless of where it came from and how much money the givers make.

And the Red Sox got so much coverage with that $100K, it would be like you getting in the paper for donating $20 to Greenpeace

If you only look at it from the givers perspective that's analagous.

However, if you look at it from the other direction, $100k to a charity is going to go a lot further than my $20.

Craig beat me to the punch, and said it a lot better.

I'm feeling the same way, Pistol.

Point is, you can't call '04 a "success" for Hinske yet. He's a streaky player in the middle of a hot streak, and his numbers still don't look good. Let's see how long he keeps it up and how far he tails off when it ends before drawing conclusions.

What's impressed me the most about Hinske this season is his improved
defense. Before this year, I wasn't convinced he was going to be able
to stay at 3B - he was a big, bulky guy, and was having a lot of
trouble there. This year, he slimmed down and obviously worked very
hard on his fielding, and the work has paid off.

While Hinske doesn't have great numbers yet, he now has an extremely
broad base of skills. He's never hit for average, but he has shown
flashes of everything else: he's had some power (mostly doubles),
decent speed, good plate discipline, and decent defense. When you
combine this with his obvious work ethic and his contract situation
(signed for several years to an affordable deal), I'd say that the
Jays don't have anything to worry about at third.

What the Jays need most for '05 is a big bat at a corner outfield spot
and for Delgado or his equivalent to remain at first, but that's
not Hinske's fault.

Argh. I keep forgetting that I don't need to do manual word wrap.

Well, it's agreed. We can now add "Charitable Giving" to the list of topics Richard Griffin knows absolutely nothing about ;)

I don't hate Hinske, but I stand by my belief that if he is the second best hitter on your team (after Wells) or third best of the Sparky lovers are around... then your team isn't going to be NY OR Boston...
So where does Delgado fit in? Before or after Sparky? ;)

They play "God Bless America" in Skydome?! How very weird.

K Talent: Could his now public anti-American stance be an indicator that he would prefer to stay in Canada.

Don't know if you really meant it this way, but Delgado's anti-war stance doesn't make him anti-American.

If we pay Delgado's salary for the rest of the year, doesn't that improve Delgado's stock markedly?

Surely, but for the other reasons mentioned, the package received in return won't likely equal what the Royals got for Beltran. If the Jays pay Delgado's entire salary, they might be able to get a legitimate prospect and a warm body or two but certainly nothing in the neighborhood of Teahan, Buck and Wood.

JP doesn't have a whole lot of negotiating leverage on this one I'm afraid.

Argh. I keep forgetting that I don't need to do manual word wrap.

I thought you were doing some free verse.

Lucas, they played God Bless America for the 7th inning stretch at the Dome on Sundays last year, as per MLB's order.

You seem to have learned from Karl Rove...point out a player's weaknesses (people seem OK with a 3B slugging under .400- that indicates success and words to be eaten) and you "hate" him.

dp, I was more referring to the numerous "he still can't field" posters who seem to have scurried away lately, who don't use any kind of backup other than "I say he still can't field". They have some hate on for Hinske, for what reason I do not know.

They play "God Bless America" in Skydome?!

On Opening Day at the Dome 3 years ago, they played the 2 national anthems as usual. They then proceeded into "God Bless the Queen" as the Queen Mum had passed away shortly before. During the 7th inning stretch, they played "God Bless America" and then "OK, Blue Jays".

Jays fans hadn't stood that much during a game since October '93.

Was it three years ago, or two? Three years ago was before 9/11.

2002

And I think it would be "God Save the Queen" (or perhaps it was the Sex Pistols version, or the SCTV spoof of the Sex Pistols version - the last line of which is: I feel sorry for you Lady Di, having a mother-in-law like that).

Exactly. Silly me. I got caught up in all the blessings.

dp, I was more referring to the numerous "he still can't field" posters who seem to have scurried away lately, who don't use any kind of backup other than "I say he still can't field". They have some hate on for Hinske, for what reason I do not know.

Not getting to see many Jays games, I really value the first-hand observations of people on this site. So "if you say so" :> It seems to be the consensus among people here that watch a lot of games that Hinske's made strides with the glove, and the stats bear it out so far.

Don't know if you really meant it this way, but Delgado's anti-war stance doesn't make him anti-American.

How many times do we have to say this? YES IT DOES!!

Any Delgado deal will be like the Stewart deal of last year. The Jays pay the contract. For Stewart they got a decent prospect. If they don't get something decent then don't trade him (if he wants to go). Someone may sign him before you have to offer arbitration just like Escobar.

I got ambushed by the York Report last night (I couldn't change the channel in time). According to Marty (take it to the bank, then man's never wrong) Cleveland asked about Lilly/Batista and J.P. said 'Get bent, I'll give you Josh Phelps if you're really, really nice to me'. So they decided to talk over the All-Star break.

Someone may sign him before you have to offer arbitration just like Escobar.

I have a feeling that Delgado will take a while to sign with a new team.

Unlike Escobar, who knew he was getting a pay raise and was aiming for $X (and would take it once it was offered), Delgado knows he will be getting a pay cut. He won't have a sense of how big a pay cut until he has spoken to everyone interested in his services. Then he'll have to consider all the offers, weighing the lengths and amounts, factor in all other matters of import to him, and then decide.

Of course if Arte Moreno wants desperately to add yet another Latino (his FA MO), Delgado figures to be a good fit at 1B/DH for the Angels. Still, I couldn't see the Angels rushing in immediately, before getting a sense of Delgado's market value. If they didn't rush in to pursue Guerrero, they're likely not going to for Delgado.

Of course, if the Angels do eventually sign Delgado, wither Kotchman?
And, does that pave the way for Tim Salmon to don a Jays uni and a 1B glove?

Tosca's on the Fan right now, says that J.P. has a solid timetable for Adams and Quiroz coming up to the majors, but he isn't saying when they're coming.

Tosca says Phelps was riding the pine because with Delgado out they needed to play more small-ball, and Phelps is not good at it, and in addition was not hitting the longball either. So by extension, with Delgado back, Phelpsy should stick in the lineup.

If Delgado goes to the Angels, it adds to the logjam that already contains Erstad, Salmon, Kotchman, McPherson, Figgins and Glaus should they resign him at the 2 CI positions. Not saying it can't happen, but it will take creative thinking to get him.

5144 Posted 07/07/2004 11:30 AM by Loveshack:

I don't hate Hinske, but I stand by my belief that if he is the second best hitter on your team (after Wells) or third best of the Sparky lovers are around... then your team isn't going to be NY OR Boston...
So where does Delgado fit in? Before or after Sparky? ;)

I realized I left myself open to that..
Sorry guys I'm already playing for next year, and the supposed pennant run the year after that...

if the questions being asked is, "Is Hinkse a good enough 3B for this year" then the answer is, "yea he's fine, who cares"

http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/TorontoSun/News/2004/07/07/527820.html
COMN, By the way, there is a "feel good" article about Tom Cheek's visit to the radio booth in today's Toronto Sun...

Hang in there Big Guy..

Will Carroll today is reporting that Vernon looks to be out until August.

Kotchman is very young, just 21. His status as 1B of the future is not in jeopardy, it just means the future isn't now. And I'm not sure how much of an appetite Moreno has to develop struggling young players. I think he wants to win now.

I believe Salmon is off the books after 2004 and given his recent injury history and his alleged unhappiness about DHing, I'd say his days in Anaheim are done.

As much as many would like to believe that Glaus' 100 AB this season represent his new level (and the level many forecasted after his 1000+ OPS 2000 season), he'd be a risky signing for any team given his health issues, inconsistent play and, to a lesser degree, age (he'll be 28 this year). If his health forces him into a 3B/DH split, then he clearly would not be helping the team's already existent logjam.

I think that everyone agrees that Erstad is the wrench in the works but I think the picture works even with him in the picture. I think a situation with Guillen/Anderson/Guerrero/Erstad/Delgado rotating through LF/CF/RF/1B/DH would work, if you have to play Erstad at all, that is. Unless someone like Koskie is signed, Figgins is the 3B and Davanon remains the 4th OF. Erstad provides insurance in CF should Anderson's arthritis become a problem again.

Will Carroll today is reporting that Vernon looks to be out until August.

With the sincere hope that showing three sentences from today's Under The Knife doesn't consitute copyright infringement:

The Blue Jays aren't expecting Vernon Wells to make it back before August. The injury, at the junction of calf and tendon, is a tough area for healing, with limited blood flow. Wells is a key part of the team's future, so with the team out of contention, expect caution here.

I believe Salmon is off the books after 2004 and given his recent injury history and his alleged unhappiness about DHing, I'd say his days in Anaheim are done.

Ding dong, you're wrong :)

Dugout Dollars has Salmon earning a guaranteed 9.75 MM in 2005. Can you say target practice, er I mean albatross? (god I hate that Rogers commercial). Erstad is also due 8MM in 2005 and 2006.

I think the chances of Delgado going to Anaheim are remote. The OF/1B/DH rotation already has 7 players in it:

Anderson, Salmon, Guillen, Guerrero, Davanon, Erstad, Mondesi

The aforementioned Kotchman and Dallas McPherson are also charging fast through the organization.

And I think Glaus' days with the Angels are over.

Dugout Dollars has Salmon earning a guaranteed 9.75 MM in 2005.

Oops, that changes everything. Thanks for the correction.

That would put the deep-pocketed Anaheim, New York and Boston all likely out of the running for Delgado (the latter two teams also having potential logjam issues at 1B/DH).

Marty York is reporting that Florida "have offered -- or on the verge of offering -- a package of prospects to the Toronto Blue Jays for Catalanotto and catcher Gregg Zaun". I know the source is poor, but just out of curiousity do the Marlins have any prospects that we may realistically be after?

Perhaps Joe Dillon? He's too old to really be a prospect and has a history of injuries, but man can he hit. Even more impressive is that he plays 2B/3B with that power.
2004 AA: 117 AB, .342/.426/.684
2004 AAA: 192 AB, .365/.431/.818

have offered -- or on the verge of offering

This tells me nothing. Rumours are bad enough. Ghosts of rumours should be saved for Halloween.

Marty York is reporting that Florida "have offered -- or on the verge of offering -- a package of prospects to the Toronto Blue Jays for Catalanotto and catcher Gregg Zaun". I know the source is poor, but just out of curiousity do the Marlins have any prospects that we may realistically be after?

The Marlins are looking for a caddy for Jeff Conine, and Cat would fit in quite well in a semi-platoon. They have also been really disappointed in their production at C (and Zaun already has one World Series ring with them).

They like Dillon's bat, but they have already abandoned the idea of teaching him to play OF. If Delgado is on his way out of town, Dillon would not be a bad option at 1B. Cat and Zaun are nice players, but realistically I don't see Florida throwing in any blue chip prospects like Jeremy Hermida.

I know it's an unsubstantiated rumour, but this is a case where the rumour actually makes sense.

Marty York! Didn't he guarantee that Rich Harden would be closing games for Oakland by July?

Anybody think Delgado for Hee Seop Choi is a possibility if we pick up Carlos' tab?

Anybody think Delgado for Hee Seop Choi is a possibility if we pick up Carlos' tab?

My guess is no. Three reasons:
1. Choi is playing well
2. Delgado ain't
3. Choi figures to be inexpensive for several years to come

If you can get something for Zaun, you gotta do it. He's riding a hot streak that appears to be coming to a close, and he has very little long term value to the team. Q is back, Estellela should be back soon, and Cash is the future whether or not he hits.

I'd hate to give up on Cat since he could be an OK option to Delgado next year or at least a good platoon option with Phelps, but if the Marlins give us something adequate in trade I say it's not altogether a bad idea.

I recall the Zaun to Marlins rumor a few weeks back, so Marty may not be totally out to lunch on this one. The Cat part is news to me.

I love this bit from York's column:

And I should throw this out, too -- it would not be surprising if Carlos Tosca is replaced as the Jays' manager before the end of this season or before the beginning of next season.

This man's sources are just unbelievable. I mean, nobody would have seen that coming...

Josh Willingham could be a possible trade option, given that the Marlins have called the versatile catcher up and have him playing the outfield. Throw in a pitcher like Bill Murphy (big MAYBE) and you could have a deal for Cat and Zaun.

Did any of you guys see this article?

I just don't get "traditional" baseball people sometimes. Menechino doubles, Hudson intentionally gets himself out, and Johnson hits a two run homerun. And, according to that article, it was the sac bunt that was a "key moment." Unbelievable. I would think it was the lead off double that was key in the inning, or you know, the homerun that drove in two and got the Jays on the board.

"Toronto's first batter, Frank Menechino, led off the first inning with a double. Instead of taking three hacks with a man in scoring position, the Jays surrendered an out to move him 90 feet closer. Toronto manager Carlos Tosca defended that strategy on Wednesday, saying that play was one of the game's key moments."

The article doesn't even mention that Johnson homered in the at-bat directly after the sac bunt. Without the sacrifice, Hudson could have walked or singled and it could have been a three-run jack. Even if Hudson strikes out, it's still a two-run homerun. The sacrifice bunt was completely irrelevant in that sequence of events.

I just don't get the hype.

it would not be surprising if Carlos Tosca is replaced as the Jays' manager before the end of this season or before the beginning of next season

Marty York is parodying himself.

Ryan, I agree. Seeing the manager say stuff like that is wearying. I understand his desire to defend the decision - he could just as easily have done so by saying that the proper execution set the tone for the offense. I don't believe that either, of course.

As for Florida prospects, they have some yummy ones. Not much at the top level; though Justin Wayne is a guy I wouldn't mind landing despite a recent bout with tendinitis. Albuquerque is full of retreads and AAAA guys. Dillon's old enough (he'll be 29 in August) that he doesn't represent a long-term answer to anything. He's Joe Vitiello.

AA Carolina has 24-year-old 2B Matt DeMarco, who's cut from the Dominic Rich mold, so the Jays likely wouldn't be interested. The Mudcat that I think the Jays would covet most is Jason Stokes, the power-hitting first baseman who is injured again. Stokes is a very serious prospect if he can stay healthy. Also, there's lefthanded pitcher Bill Murphy. Murphy's out of the A's system and was the PTBNL in the Mark Redman deal... he threw a no-hitter in the Midwest League last year, and is striking out a lot of guys this year. He's not huge, but a 6-0 190 he's a good size for a lefty. He'll be in the Futures Game. Murphy's problem is that he's wild, and not good wild... he's not just wild off the plate, he's wild over the plate. He doesn't give up many hits, but those he does have a tendency to go a long way.

Also, not that the Jays will want a headcase necessarily, but perennial bad boy Randy Messenger is a reliever who can pitch. But he has discipline problems.

As with any team, there are a number of guys lower down who are more or less interesting. Including two guys from Greensboro, which is surprising because that's one of the worst teams in the minors. The guys are LHP Adam Bostick and RHP Travis Chick. I really like Bostick; control not great but a very good pitcher with big strikeout capability and only 21. Chick is only 20, a HS pitcher out of Texas, also with a relatively live arm and good strikeout numbers.