So who was that bright spark who was talking about a sweep of the Yankees just two days ago? Tonight, the Blue Jays will try to avoid being swept themselves, as veteran anchor Miguel Batista faces off against resuscitated ex-Cub Jon Lieber. But in truth, the Jays could have won both of these past games: a comeback and extra-inning squeaker that could've gone either way on Monday, and a combination of no RISP hits and poor relief pitching last night. Moral victories, unfortunately, don't register in the W column. Interesting note: Alex Rios leads off tonight, as Reed Johnson moves down to the 6th spot. Rios is not a good long-term bet to bat leadoff, but as a hot hitter with wheels, he makes as much sense as anyone right now.
I prefer to see Mighty Mouse leading off myself. Did you know he has a .436 OBP with the Jays? Insane. I sort of see Rios as a #2 hitter right now...high average, good speed, but not much power and doesn't walk much. That's Cat's spot though, I suppose.
Actually, looking at the lineup card myself, I see Cat's hitting 7th. That's a little strange.
Actually, looking at the lineup card myself, I see Cat's hitting 7th. That's a little strange.
Oh and also, I'm pleased to see Posada not in the lineup for the Yanks.
For those curious, the starting lineups are:
Lofton, 8
Jeter, 6
Sheffield, 9
Rodriguez, 5
Matsui, 7
Williams, DH
Clark, 3
Flaherty, 2
Wilson, 4
Rios, 9
Hinske, 5
Wells, 8
Delgado, 3
Zaun, 2
Johnson, 7
Catalanotto, DH
Gomez, 6
Hudson, 4
Lofton, 8
Jeter, 6
Sheffield, 9
Rodriguez, 5
Matsui, 7
Williams, DH
Clark, 3
Flaherty, 2
Wilson, 4
Rios, 9
Hinske, 5
Wells, 8
Delgado, 3
Zaun, 2
Johnson, 7
Catalanotto, DH
Gomez, 6
Hudson, 4
Is anyone else getting no sound, or very little sound from RSN?
My guess: he's platooning with Cat in the DH spot. Have the Jays faced a lefty since Catalanotto returned?
One: Mark Hendrickson.
And Phelps started that game, so I imagine you are correct.
And Phelps started that game, so I imagine you are correct.
I guess Cash isnt going to play until Zaun is dealt at the deadline.
Is Josh Phelps still alive? Its great having Cat's bat in the lineup but seriously, is Phelps ever going to play? Maybe when Cat can play the outfield?
I would like to see Rios in the 2 hole or even the 3 hole. With the jays struggling to drive in anyone it would be nice to have someone on base in front of one of our hottest hitters.
Is Josh Phelps still alive? Its great having Cat's bat in the lineup but seriously, is Phelps ever going to play? Maybe when Cat can play the outfield?
I would like to see Rios in the 2 hole or even the 3 hole. With the jays struggling to drive in anyone it would be nice to have someone on base in front of one of our hottest hitters.
The Jays pitching staff has been just flat out stupid on how they've pitched to Sheffield.
Yesterday, he fouled off about 5 pitches that would have been homers and eventually hit a homer. And today, he hits a home run. Why have they thrown him so many pitches in the strike zone? Why not pitch around him?
Yesterday, he fouled off about 5 pitches that would have been homers and eventually hit a homer. And today, he hits a home run. Why have they thrown him so many pitches in the strike zone? Why not pitch around him?
well at least we wont have to worry about a pesky perfect game, no hitter, or shutout, or...
Arods bday was yesterday, get him out!!!! 2 hits already
That ball Sheffield hit was estimated at 448 feet and was the 10th ball to land in the upper deck.
He hasn't played since 7/23, not even as a PH. I can understand why- he's 1/20 from July 11 on. Still, his use has been a mystery. I'm glad I snagged Jacobsen in BBFL- it looked like Phelps was going to snap out of it (OPS crept over .700) before the latest skid.
Yes excellent defensive play by Reed to get A-Rod at 3rd.
Holy crap, what a bomb.
I don't have a problem with Phelps not playing. He can't hit righties at all this year. His OPS left/right are .908/.551
Of course, you can argue that that will never change if Phelps doesn't face righties, but he's had 183 ABs against them this year.
What I want to know is why Gomez is playing over Menechino.
I don't have a problem with Phelps not playing. He can't hit righties at all this year. His OPS left/right are .908/.551
Of course, you can argue that that will never change if Phelps doesn't face righties, but he's had 183 ABs against them this year.
What I want to know is why Gomez is playing over Menechino.
well 3 hits and only one run, 3 pitches to first 2 batters and gets two out, 12 to the rest, and has to get the third out on a defensive play.
... just not a big fan of messing with a youngster who's found his comfort zone.
Why doesn't anyone like Gomez? The guy's been solid this season and deserves to start.
And I would question why Menechino isn't starting over Hudson, not Gomez. Menechino is a natural 2nd basemen and Hudson has really been struggling as of late.
And as for Phelps... how long before the organization finally gives up on him. The guy has been flat out awful this season and doesn't seem to be getting better with more at-bats.
And I would question why Menechino isn't starting over Hudson, not Gomez. Menechino is a natural 2nd basemen and Hudson has really been struggling as of late.
And as for Phelps... how long before the organization finally gives up on him. The guy has been flat out awful this season and doesn't seem to be getting better with more at-bats.
Its funny how some say Woodward needs 'more' AB's in a stretch to see if he has what it takes or not, but Phelps who has displayed massive power doesn't warrant the same treatment.. maybe he's just streaky? Wouldn't be the first time a power hitter is streaky, that's for sure. Just dump him already, and stop hiding behind a farce of an elaborate plan.
Question to those who know more about the Baseball CBA than I do: Is there any rule against trading players with injuries? I know that it usually does not happen, but is there any specific rule against it? What if it's a minor injury that the player can still hit but not field like Catalanatto, does that make a difference?
Yeah, but Hudson adds more on defense than Gomez does.
And Phelps is still mashing lefties this year. He's a good situational hitter at this point.
And Phelps is still mashing lefties this year. He's a good situational hitter at this point.
I don't have a problem with Phelps not playing. He can't hit righties at all this year. His OPS left/right are .908/.551
Of course, you can argue that that will never change if Phelps doesn't face righties, but he's had 183 ABs against them this year.
Phelps looked like he was starting to come around a bit and then all of a sudden he has barely played. Im not a Phelps fan but if he is in the Jays plans he should be playing atleast 3 times a week, same goes for Cash. This "best lineup to give us a chance to win" isnt getting the job done so what do you have to lose?
Of course, you can argue that that will never change if Phelps doesn't face righties, but he's had 183 ABs against them this year.
Phelps looked like he was starting to come around a bit and then all of a sudden he has barely played. Im not a Phelps fan but if he is in the Jays plans he should be playing atleast 3 times a week, same goes for Cash. This "best lineup to give us a chance to win" isnt getting the job done so what do you have to lose?
Yes Hudson adds more defensively than Menechino or Gomez ;)
Phelps looked like he was starting to come around a bit and then all of a sudden he has barely played.
That's just not really true.
Phelps had a great series against the M's, and earned regular playing time for about a week. After that series, Phelps went about 1-for-19 with no walks and a bunch of strikeouts and was sent back to the bench.
That's just not really true.
Phelps had a great series against the M's, and earned regular playing time for about a week. After that series, Phelps went about 1-for-19 with no walks and a bunch of strikeouts and was sent back to the bench.
I feel the same way about Phelps as I do Woodward. Yes, you'd like for them to play out of their struggles but when things are going as bad as they have for both of those guys, it really starts to effect the team. At this point, I think Woodward is as good as gone because he's provided next to nothing this season. At least Phelps has power but he's just not good enough at getting bat on ball consistently.
I love seeing the slowest player on the team trying to stretch a single into a double especially on a ball in front of the left fielder.
Not smart baserunning at all.
Not smart baserunning at all.
Question to those who know more about the Baseball CBA than I do: Is there any rule against trading players with injuries? I know that it usually does not happen, but is there any specific rule against it? What if it's a minor injury that the player can still hit but not field like Catalanatto, does that make a difference?
Loveshack,
I forwarded your question to Gord Ash, but for some reason he hasn't returned my call.
Loveshack,
I forwarded your question to Gord Ash, but for some reason he hasn't returned my call.
That's just not really true.
Phelps had a great series against the M's, and earned regular playing time for about a week. After that series, Phelps went about 1-for-19 with no walks and a bunch of strikeouts and was sent back to the bench.
Before the break he had a great series against the M's(he was coming around) then he went 0-3,2-4,0-4 against Anaheim, not great but not terrible. After the break he struggled in his 2 games against Texas and since then he hasnt played 2 games in a row. Interesting to note he hasnt struck out twice in a game since Montreal was in town back in June.
Phelps in July: .300/.378/.700 -- 1.078 OPS
Phelps had a great series against the M's, and earned regular playing time for about a week. After that series, Phelps went about 1-for-19 with no walks and a bunch of strikeouts and was sent back to the bench.
Before the break he had a great series against the M's(he was coming around) then he went 0-3,2-4,0-4 against Anaheim, not great but not terrible. After the break he struggled in his 2 games against Texas and since then he hasnt played 2 games in a row. Interesting to note he hasnt struck out twice in a game since Montreal was in town back in June.
Phelps in July: .300/.378/.700 -- 1.078 OPS
How is going 2-11 with no walks "not terrible"?
Yes, his July numbers are boosted by the great series against the M's. Since the series against the Mariners, Phelps is 3 for 27 with zero walks, and 6 strikeouts.
That would be .111/.111/.185 -- .296 OPS
Yes, his July numbers are boosted by the great series against the M's. Since the series against the Mariners, Phelps is 3 for 27 with zero walks, and 6 strikeouts.
That would be .111/.111/.185 -- .296 OPS
Great job Vernon.
Those sliders Lieber have thrown to Wells have been NOWHERE NEAR the strike zone. They haven't started anywhere near the zone, and the end up in the dirt, yet Vernon has swung at all but 1 of the sliders from Lieber.
That was a simply horrible at-bat. And the Jays seem to compile a whole lot of two out hits only to leave those guys on base.
Those sliders Lieber have thrown to Wells have been NOWHERE NEAR the strike zone. They haven't started anywhere near the zone, and the end up in the dirt, yet Vernon has swung at all but 1 of the sliders from Lieber.
That was a simply horrible at-bat. And the Jays seem to compile a whole lot of two out hits only to leave those guys on base.
This is why I rant about V-Dub swinging at everything! This is exactly why!!
Lieber threw six pitches - four of them were outside the strike zone. Vernon swung at two of them anyway, and missed them both.
What I don't get is why he even bothered to throw two pitches in the strike zone. Keeping him hinest, I guess...
Lieber threw six pitches - four of them were outside the strike zone. Vernon swung at two of them anyway, and missed them both.
What I don't get is why he even bothered to throw two pitches in the strike zone. Keeping him hinest, I guess...
The big problem is not that Phelps and Cash aren't playing. The problem is who is playing ahead of them. Greg Zaun is not the Jays future. He's a 33-year-old backup catcher. How many ABs did Dave Berg and Howie Clark get instead of Phelps? Will Phelps ever be a very good hitter? Probably not. But there is a CHANCE he will be able to help the team down the road. There is no chance that Greg Zaun, Howie Clark, or Dave Berg will ever be a major factor in any (winning) Jays team, ever.
I have no problem with Zaun playing right now for one reason, because he's likely to be traded soon. If the Jays are showcasing him for a trade then he has to play or else his value goes down. Now, if the trade deadline passes and he's still on the team then Cash had better see some more playing time.
Tom has a non sexual man crush on Alice Fazooli's.
:)
:)
Was that a makeup for the last two nights by the ump? Batista get a called strikeout and the pitch wasnt even close to being over the plate.
All hail Cy Lieber.
He is absolutly dominating the Jays tonight.
This offense is absolutly lifeless. Looks like another good outing by a starting pitcher will be waisted.
He is absolutly dominating the Jays tonight.
This offense is absolutly lifeless. Looks like another good outing by a starting pitcher will be waisted.
Another mistake pitch there by Lieber and Wells "just gets under it" and flys out to left field. A RISP with less than 2 outs is about to be stranded by the 3 and 4 hitters again. Wonderful
What's the point of intentionally walking a Blue Jay? It just prolongs the game by four pitches.
Put the lead run on base.
Joe Torre looks at The Book, and goes "Naahhh"
Joe Torre looks at The Book, and goes "Naahhh"
And a useless ground ball by Zaun strands a few more Blue Jays.
Pathetic
Pathetic
LMAO at Enrique Wilson.
That could be one of the funniest things I've ever seen!
That could be one of the funniest things I've ever seen!
Did anybody hear Yogi Berra on the Fan this morning. He says he once had 23 RBI's in one game in the low minors. Bases loaded everytime he came to bat. Hard to believe.
Busy working on a paper so I haven't been watching the game but popping in from time to time on MLB Gameday.
I've noticed although Phelps has barely played this season and has been pretty bad he's only 2 RBI's away from taking the team lead in that category.
Also Miggy is now 3rd in the AL for innings pitched.
I've noticed although Phelps has barely played this season and has been pretty bad he's only 2 RBI's away from taking the team lead in that category.
Also Miggy is now 3rd in the AL for innings pitched.
How come a 218 hitter can come up with better at-bats than some of the Jays best hitters like Wells and Delgado?
Unbelieveable
Unbelieveable
He's out of gas... he;s gone 3-1 three times in the inning. They're hitting line drives. Batista hits the wall suddenly, we know this by now...
Now why the heck is Cat going for two when he's only running at 75% and Sheffield has a great arm?
What a waiste
What a waiste
God this IS the season from hell.
That inning just went from potentially great to lousy in a few seconds.
That inning just went from potentially great to lousy in a few seconds.
Wow, given that he's the tying run what the heck was F-Cat thinking?
To be fair to F-Cat, we don't know if he went on his own or the 1st base coach sent him.
Still ugly, though. Sheff made a great throw and got a helpful bounce of the wall.
Still ugly, though. Sheff made a great throw and got a helpful bounce of the wall.
Given that the play is in front of him, it should be the base runners call as to whether to go to 2nd.
Good call by Tosca on pulling Batista. It may backfire but it was the right decision, Batista had really started to labour.
Good call by Tosca on pulling Batista. It may backfire but it was the right decision, Batista had really started to labour.
Sheffield must have been confused; the called strike was four inches closer than ball three to Jeter.
I mean four inches further. From the plate. Than the ball...
Can the Jays 18.5 million dollar man finally come up with a clutch hit?
Judging by pitch 2 of the at-bat, I don't think so.
Judging by pitch 2 of the at-bat, I don't think so.
For those not watching, Carlos swung at a pitch at his eyes... LITERALLY.
And are the Yankee fans booing Delgado at the Skydome?
Please, shut them up.
Or are they Jays fans...
And are the Yankee fans booing Delgado at the Skydome?
Please, shut them up.
Or are they Jays fans...
WTF is Sheffield thinking?!?!
THANK YOU SHEFFIELD!!
That play shows the importance of the cut-off man folks.
THANK YOU SHEFFIELD!!
That play shows the importance of the cut-off man folks.
I love it when Delgado shows emotion like that against the Yanks.... I remember last year him pumping his fist when making a final out at first.... whoever said he's not emotionally committed yesterday or today, I disagree.
There was no cut-off man.
With the shift on, Cairo was practically on the RF line after he tried to field the ball.
With the shift on, Cairo was practically on the RF line after he tried to field the ball.
Weird AB from Carlos.
Pitch one was a ball. Then Delgado swung at ball two. Then he swung at ball 3. I was mad because the next pitch could have been a walk and instead it just made it 2-2.
But, in the end, he hit a double so it's all good. :)
Pitch one was a ball. Then Delgado swung at ball two. Then he swung at ball 3. I was mad because the next pitch could have been a walk and instead it just made it 2-2.
But, in the end, he hit a double so it's all good. :)
Oh no...
It's Posada.
If Frasor can get out of this inning without giving up a run, I'd feel fairly confident in the Jays ending it in the ninth.
It's Posada.
If Frasor can get out of this inning without giving up a run, I'd feel fairly confident in the Jays ending it in the ninth.
Oh Lord, I don't think I'll even feel fairly confident about these guys scoring a run ever again...
Double Play!!
Catalanotto, Gomez, and Hudson are all due for a homer.
Especially Hudson. Geez, has he homered since that 2-HR game of his ages ago?
Catalanotto, Gomez, and Hudson are all due for a homer.
Especially Hudson. Geez, has he homered since that 2-HR game of his ages ago?
IMO, Chris Gomez is the most underappreciated player on the Jays this season.
I'm gonna call a walk-off for him.
I'm gonna call a walk-off for him.
WRONG again.
A single is good enough though.
Hopefully the Jays can end it now, and not even have to face Mariano.
A single is good enough though.
Hopefully the Jays can end it now, and not even have to face Mariano.
You guys are failing me with the play by play. gamecast aint enough!!
That was just good baseball...
Great pitching by Frasor...
Great at bat by Jeter...
Great catch by Vernon...
Great pitching by Frasor...
Great at bat by Jeter...
Great catch by Vernon...
Here we go! Hinske(!!) ... Wells (!!)... Woodward (??)
JAYS WIN, JAYS WIN!!!!!!!!!!!
VERN ENDS IT WITH A GREAT CATCH IN CENTER AND A WALK-OFF HOMER !!!!
VERN ENDS IT WITH A GREAT CATCH IN CENTER AND A WALK-OFF HOMER !!!!
Vernon Wells is the man.
Robs Jeter in the top,
Ends the game in the bottom.
Robs Jeter in the top,
Ends the game in the bottom.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT M$@##$&*#$ERS!
errr.. that is, way to go Wellsy!
errr.. that is, way to go Wellsy!
Wow. Say what you will about the season from hell and the poor performance of the Jays at the plate, but that was an exciting 3 games of baseball.
LMAO, they showed an angle of the walk-off homer and Frederick throws a warmup pitch in the pen and then the next second, the ball buzzes past his head and hits the wall directly behind him and the bullpen guys rush for the ball and celebrate.
Good stuff
That ball was a laser
Good stuff
That ball was a laser
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT M$@##$&*#$ERS!
Mozart lovers?
Mozart lovers?
It's weird with Vernon.. sometimes it seems like he gets into those swinging at first (or any) pitch funks, but remains stubborn with the approach until he hits one out... then he allows himself to get back to a more sensible, balanced approach.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT M$@##$&*#$ERS!
Mozart lovers?
Gotta be 'motor scooters'.
Mozart lovers?
Gotta be 'motor scooters'.
You guys are way off. It's Motorheaders. You know, fans of Motorhead.
You know I'm born to lose, and gambling's for fools,
But that's the way I like it baby,
I don't wanna live for ever,
And don't forget the joker!
You know I'm born to lose, and gambling's for fools,
But that's the way I like it baby,
I don't wanna live for ever,
And don't forget the joker!
Brandon League faired poorly tonight in his first start since being re-inserted into the starting rotation at AA.
He only lasted 3.2 innings and allowed 4 runs on 5 hits, no walks, and only 1 strikeout. So that's not what the Jays were hoping for.
The man he replaced though came up big, Jamie Vermilyea pitched 3 effective innings out of the pen and got his 4th save of the year. 3 IP, 2 hits, 0 BB, 3 k so a good night for Jamie.
He only lasted 3.2 innings and allowed 4 runs on 5 hits, no walks, and only 1 strikeout. So that's not what the Jays were hoping for.
The man he replaced though came up big, Jamie Vermilyea pitched 3 effective innings out of the pen and got his 4th save of the year. 3 IP, 2 hits, 0 BB, 3 k so a good night for Jamie.
That doesn't count as a hit with runners in scoring position so I'm still not satisfied.
...
Well ok I'll take it.
...
Well ok I'll take it.
I just remembered that JP was on the Fan 590 tonight. What have I missed so far?
JP just said that they won't offer Delgado arbitration. Big surprise.
J.P. gave Brian Butterfield credit for "a great read" when he waved Vernon home with the tying run, and suggested that Sheffield was overconfident, thinking he could throw out Delgado at second.
The GM also praised minor-league pitching coaches Rick Adair and Brad Arnsberg for their outstanding work with Kevin Frederick.
He repeated for the umpteenth time that they have a long range plan, they aren't going to waver from it, and people who want instant gratification don't understand how long it takes to build a contender from within.
The GM also praised minor-league pitching coaches Rick Adair and Brad Arnsberg for their outstanding work with Kevin Frederick.
He repeated for the umpteenth time that they have a long range plan, they aren't going to waver from it, and people who want instant gratification don't understand how long it takes to build a contender from within.
Not a whole lot. Some guy asked where they were going to get homeruns from next season. JP replied he expects 20-30 from Vernon, 20 from Hinske, and then hopefully at least 20 from the DH and 1B whoever they happen to be. He added that 1B and DH will two of their primary concerns this off-season.
Miller's tentatively scheduled to start against the Yankees August 8, which means just one more start for Douglass. J.P thinks it's strange that Justin's been hurt twice since he started working out harder and taking better care of himself. He joked, "I told him to go back to the Hostess diet -- two Twinkies a day."
Mandatory removal of the hamate bone: The next big Moneyball trend?
That was an interesting point he made about having minor league hitters remove their hammate bones (not themselves obviously) in the winter to avoid potentially wasting months with an injury during the season.
I'm on hold, if I get on I'm going to ask about drafting college relievers and converting them to starters, as suggested here earlier today.
Some guy is calling in about Russ Branyan -- Russ Branyan -- and have the Jays looked at acquiring him?
Russell. Branyan.
Russell. Branyan.
Paul, if you tell the producer you're a Bauxite, you won't be on hold for too long. :)
I asked my question and then my phone disconnected!
:(
What was the answer?
:(
What was the answer?
Thanks, but I stole it from someone in a different thread today that said someone should call in and ask it, so I can't take the credit.
Sorry, Paul. The batteries in my radio *just* died and I couldn't load the FAN 590 Webcast quickly enough to hear it. But this is what we need - intelligent questions, not the ones we hear most of the time.
Just tuned in...this win is just awesome. Hard to overstate how badly the Jays needed a win like this one. Great to see Vernon rebounding from last night.
the Jays have attempted three relief-to-start conversions in the last 2 years- Bush, Maureau and Marcum. Two seem to have definitely taken. Judging by the pattern, I'd guess that this has been planned by the organization. It would make a good question for JP.
Props to Mike Green on the original question idea (and Paul for calling in, of course).
Props to Mike Green on the original question idea (and Paul for calling in, of course).
Can someone help me out here, because I'm a bit confused.
Why does anyone think that Cash has a great and unfailing future with the Blue Jays? Isn't he basically either A) the bridge to Quiroz, and possibly B) a great defensive player who doesn't really hit? What's the problem with playing Zahn, if apparently he's better with the pitchers, and he hits better? I mean, AFAIK, Cash has had one good month of hitting with the Blue Jays, and that's all.
I'm not trying to be snarky, I'm just honestly baffled why there's calls to play Cash more. In my mind, the Blue Jays know exactly what they have there, and given the injury issue that they had, they needed any offense they could get.
Why does anyone think that Cash has a great and unfailing future with the Blue Jays? Isn't he basically either A) the bridge to Quiroz, and possibly B) a great defensive player who doesn't really hit? What's the problem with playing Zahn, if apparently he's better with the pitchers, and he hits better? I mean, AFAIK, Cash has had one good month of hitting with the Blue Jays, and that's all.
I'm not trying to be snarky, I'm just honestly baffled why there's calls to play Cash more. In my mind, the Blue Jays know exactly what they have there, and given the injury issue that they had, they needed any offense they could get.
The Jays should promote Cash to the Astros as the heir apparent to Brad Ausmus. Cash probably won't have quite as good a career as Ausmus but he's a close substitute. Maybe they can get a useful player out of them.
It's all about Vernon Wells! Perhaps Proctor was too busy thinking of ways to kiss Randy Johnson's arse in the clubhouse...
Man what a BEAUTIFUL game to be at.
The Cheer Club was out in full sans-drum force, with a rubber chicken every time a Yankee tried a pickoff, high-piched whining of "Toooo-neeee" and strange experimentation with differently angled hats. Such fun.
And let it be known that the ONLY time Derek Jeter got a hit this ENTIRE SERIES was the one at-bat when the Cheer Club was NOT chanting "overrated".
Let it also be known that the game was tied when the cheer club was HATLESS, but WHILE touching the rubber chicken.
That took a lot of experimentation to produce.
A lot of the cheers caught on, surprisingly, but the glares from the Yankee fans are the BEST! Especially those who have Jeter jerseys with names on them.
The Cheer Club was out in full sans-drum force, with a rubber chicken every time a Yankee tried a pickoff, high-piched whining of "Toooo-neeee" and strange experimentation with differently angled hats. Such fun.
And let it be known that the ONLY time Derek Jeter got a hit this ENTIRE SERIES was the one at-bat when the Cheer Club was NOT chanting "overrated".
Let it also be known that the game was tied when the cheer club was HATLESS, but WHILE touching the rubber chicken.
That took a lot of experimentation to produce.
A lot of the cheers caught on, surprisingly, but the glares from the Yankee fans are the BEST! Especially those who have Jeter jerseys with names on them.
I would have loved to have been there, especially for this:
And let it be known that the ONLY time Derek Jeter got a hit this ENTIRE SERIES was the one at-bat when the Cheer Club was NOT chanting "overrated".
With the new baby though, I've only managed to take in one and a bit games this year. The first was from the Skydome Hotel, the partial game we took our 8 month old to, but only lasted a bit more than an inning (had to get back on the road)
Luckily it was when the Expos were in town; we saw Batista win, and Pat Hentgen pitch. Pat might not have pitched well, but my son can say he once saw Hentgen pitch against the Expos :)
And let it be known that the ONLY time Derek Jeter got a hit this ENTIRE SERIES was the one at-bat when the Cheer Club was NOT chanting "overrated".
With the new baby though, I've only managed to take in one and a bit games this year. The first was from the Skydome Hotel, the partial game we took our 8 month old to, but only lasted a bit more than an inning (had to get back on the road)
Luckily it was when the Expos were in town; we saw Batista win, and Pat Hentgen pitch. Pat might not have pitched well, but my son can say he once saw Hentgen pitch against the Expos :)
http://me.woot.net
For those who were listening, what was J.P.'s answer about to the reliever<->starter plan question that Paul asked?
For those who were listening, what was J.P.'s answer about to the reliever<->starter plan question that Paul asked?
Yes it was a great game. Hatless did seem to work.
The boys in the Cheer Club have a lot of faith. When in the bottom of the 8th, with two outs, Sparky up, Carlos on 2nd, Zaun on 1st... at that time when Tosca pinch-ran for Carlos, putting in Woodward I thought it was a big mistake. The Blue Jays are the home team, have last AB, and Carlos' spot would most certainly come up again should the game stay tied (which was highly probable at that point). The Yankees still had to come up to bat again and I was thinking... "oh-no, Delgado's out of the game just when we'll need him in extra innings." Sparky ends the inning after one pitch and Delgado's outta the game. Bottom 10: Hinske, Wells, Woodward (not Delgado) due up. But Wells ends it before my imaginary worst-case scenario could happen. The boys behind me had faith.
BTW: I have an astounding winning percentage at SkyDome. I haven't kept track, but I'm pretty sure I've only seen 3 loses in 16 games. Note: The Jays losing ways at home ended as soon as I came to town.
Keith Talent makes his SkyDome debut May 4:
Blue Jays at home before May 4: 1 Win, 9 Losses
Blue Jays at home May 4 and after: 26 Wins, 16 Losses
Blue Jays at home with KT in attendance: 13 Wins, 3 Losses
What kind of salary can I command? I want arbitration.
The boys in the Cheer Club have a lot of faith. When in the bottom of the 8th, with two outs, Sparky up, Carlos on 2nd, Zaun on 1st... at that time when Tosca pinch-ran for Carlos, putting in Woodward I thought it was a big mistake. The Blue Jays are the home team, have last AB, and Carlos' spot would most certainly come up again should the game stay tied (which was highly probable at that point). The Yankees still had to come up to bat again and I was thinking... "oh-no, Delgado's out of the game just when we'll need him in extra innings." Sparky ends the inning after one pitch and Delgado's outta the game. Bottom 10: Hinske, Wells, Woodward (not Delgado) due up. But Wells ends it before my imaginary worst-case scenario could happen. The boys behind me had faith.
BTW: I have an astounding winning percentage at SkyDome. I haven't kept track, but I'm pretty sure I've only seen 3 loses in 16 games. Note: The Jays losing ways at home ended as soon as I came to town.
Keith Talent makes his SkyDome debut May 4:
Blue Jays at home before May 4: 1 Win, 9 Losses
Blue Jays at home May 4 and after: 26 Wins, 16 Losses
Blue Jays at home with KT in attendance: 13 Wins, 3 Losses
What kind of salary can I command? I want arbitration.
Ahhh man, I hate missing games due to work, especialy one with as much cheer club action as this.
Oh well, see you guys for the Indians, although I doubt the atmosphere will be quite the same.
Oh well, see you guys for the Indians, although I doubt the atmosphere will be quite the same.
Sometimes it is pretty neat to have a media conglomerate own your MLB team. I got home from the game and am now watching 'Jays in an Hour'. I'm not about to text message though for $.50 plus my $.15 charge for TM. If they want more people to do it they should drop the fee. I imagine a number of the players come home and watch this... so maybe that's the justification for the cost: talk to the Blue Jays! Really, you have to be impressed with the Rogers ownership (if they increase payroll next year as they've hinted). They really are quite progressive with the marriage of baseball and media. I'm looking to see more in the next few years.
6-4-3
Cash has shown some promise with the bat in the minor leagues. While he hasn't hit yet in the majors, there's a possibility he could. If he can show he can hit at even a , combined with his defense, he's a substantial asset to the organization - either as a valuable trading piece or as the Jays' future catcher. While Quiroz is thought of more highly, he's still a prospect and there's a lot that could go wrong between now and when Quiroz *should* take over the catching duties full-time in the major leagues. He could stall in progression, he could get seriously hurt, he could call JP the pimp of all pimps and be banished to Rookie ball forever. Catchers are often late to blossom, with everything that's required to become accustomed to "running" a MLB team from behind the plate. He's dirt-cheap and the Jays have exclusive rights to him for the foreseeable future.
Zaun has also had his struggles - both in recent past years and during some months this year. He was an absolute monster in April/May, but after that, he cooled substantially. His June OPS was .684 and up until recently, his July OPS was similarly distressful. He's a FA after this season, so while it's possible we could retain his services, it's not at all certain. He's also 33, and about at the age when catchers start going downhill - fast.
The team is going nowhere this year, so at this point, what's more important - continuing the on-hands development of a potential cheap asset to the team for years to come, or getting a few extra hits and runs out of a player not likely to be around after October?
Cash has shown some promise with the bat in the minor leagues. While he hasn't hit yet in the majors, there's a possibility he could. If he can show he can hit at even a , combined with his defense, he's a substantial asset to the organization - either as a valuable trading piece or as the Jays' future catcher. While Quiroz is thought of more highly, he's still a prospect and there's a lot that could go wrong between now and when Quiroz *should* take over the catching duties full-time in the major leagues. He could stall in progression, he could get seriously hurt, he could call JP the pimp of all pimps and be banished to Rookie ball forever. Catchers are often late to blossom, with everything that's required to become accustomed to "running" a MLB team from behind the plate. He's dirt-cheap and the Jays have exclusive rights to him for the foreseeable future.
Zaun has also had his struggles - both in recent past years and during some months this year. He was an absolute monster in April/May, but after that, he cooled substantially. His June OPS was .684 and up until recently, his July OPS was similarly distressful. He's a FA after this season, so while it's possible we could retain his services, it's not at all certain. He's also 33, and about at the age when catchers start going downhill - fast.
The team is going nowhere this year, so at this point, what's more important - continuing the on-hands development of a potential cheap asset to the team for years to come, or getting a few extra hits and runs out of a player not likely to be around after October?
Holy Jeez - the TM comments on 'Jays in an Hour' are left by complete MORONS. It's pissing me off to see these stupid, ignorant comments: most comments are about how people want the team to move away!
Tosca got remarkably lucky this evening. Putting Woodward in to run, leaving Zaun as the runner at first and replacing Carlos with Gomez just *barely* got him through the ball game (if Wells hadn't hit the HR, we were in trouble).
I can't for the life of me comprehend why Gomez, with the supperior bat, didn't stay at short, Carlos continue running at second (a single still scores him and his spot in the order almost came up again) and Woody run for Zaun at first (though I suppose that's unnecessary given that only the first run counts, Cash could still have replaced him as a defensive upgrade).
Any insight into Tosca's mind-set?
I can't for the life of me comprehend why Gomez, with the supperior bat, didn't stay at short, Carlos continue running at second (a single still scores him and his spot in the order almost came up again) and Woody run for Zaun at first (though I suppose that's unnecessary given that only the first run counts, Cash could still have replaced him as a defensive upgrade).
Any insight into Tosca's mind-set?
Carlos continue running at second (a single still scores him and his spot in the order almost came up again)
I don't have a problem with what he did. Tosca was trying to win the game in the eigth and to do that, he only needed one run. He was probably thinking that there may not have been another chance to score. Carlos isn't the greatest baserunner in the world so you can't assume he'd score on a single. Pinch running for Zaun in that situation instead of Carlos wouldn't have been as smart a play, both i) because you then have a faster runner caught behind a slow runner and ii) Zaun's run wouldn't have been as important as Carlos'.
Why didn't Gomez stay at short? Maybe Tosca feels that a defense of Woodward at SS and Gomez at 1B is better than Gomez at SS and Phelps or someone else at 1B.
I don't have a problem with what he did. Tosca was trying to win the game in the eigth and to do that, he only needed one run. He was probably thinking that there may not have been another chance to score. Carlos isn't the greatest baserunner in the world so you can't assume he'd score on a single. Pinch running for Zaun in that situation instead of Carlos wouldn't have been as smart a play, both i) because you then have a faster runner caught behind a slow runner and ii) Zaun's run wouldn't have been as important as Carlos'.
Why didn't Gomez stay at short? Maybe Tosca feels that a defense of Woodward at SS and Gomez at 1B is better than Gomez at SS and Phelps or someone else at 1B.
Why didn't Gomez stay at short? Maybe Tosca feels that a defense of Woodward at SS and Gomez at 1B is better than Gomez at SS and Phelps or someone else at 1B.
That's what I thought, too. I liked the move of putting Woody in to run for Delgado: ballsy, decisive, we'll-win-it-right-here managing. It didn't pan out, but it didn't bite us, either.
Killer game to be at, too bad that the drum had to work late.
That's what I thought, too. I liked the move of putting Woody in to run for Delgado: ballsy, decisive, we'll-win-it-right-here managing. It didn't pan out, but it didn't bite us, either.
Killer game to be at, too bad that the drum had to work late.
Maybe Tosca feels that a defense of Woodward at SS and Gomez at 1B is better than Gomez at SS and Phelps or someone else at 1B.
That's probably right. What's more, I agree with him. Woody handles short just fine (I know that's not everyone's opinion) and Gomez has shown he handles first very well when he's played there this year.
In addition, Woody at short and Gomez at first is probably a better defensive combination than Gomez at short and Delgado at first. Carlos played very well with the glove last year; he has not done so this year, especially recently.
Plus, that leaves an extra body on the bench.
That's probably right. What's more, I agree with him. Woody handles short just fine (I know that's not everyone's opinion) and Gomez has shown he handles first very well when he's played there this year.
In addition, Woody at short and Gomez at first is probably a better defensive combination than Gomez at short and Delgado at first. Carlos played very well with the glove last year; he has not done so this year, especially recently.
Plus, that leaves an extra body on the bench.
What puzzled me was that Tosca didn't pinch-run for Delgado with Zaun up, he waited until Sparky was at bat. Big Carlos is not a cinch to score on a single. I'm not sure what changed -- did Little Carlos think Zaun was more likely to hit a double? Do the Yankees play their OF shallower against Reed?
I agree with Craig that the move provided a defensive upgrade at two positions, and it certainly paid off. In his excellent play-by-play call, Jerry Howarth pointed out immediately after "call it two!" that the sweet (and possibly decisive) 3-6-1 was turned by three guys who had just taken over those positions in the ninth.
If Vernon had only doubled, then Woody popped up and Cash struck out, there would be additional calls for the manager's head this morning, but I would have done the same thing -- one batter earlier.
what was J.P.'s answer about to the reliever<->starter plan question that Paul asked?
I'd like to know, too. I had been listening, but got a phone call just then and turned down the radio. Anyone?
I agree with Craig that the move provided a defensive upgrade at two positions, and it certainly paid off. In his excellent play-by-play call, Jerry Howarth pointed out immediately after "call it two!" that the sweet (and possibly decisive) 3-6-1 was turned by three guys who had just taken over those positions in the ninth.
If Vernon had only doubled, then Woody popped up and Cash struck out, there would be additional calls for the manager's head this morning, but I would have done the same thing -- one batter earlier.
what was J.P.'s answer about to the reliever<->starter plan question that Paul asked?
I'd like to know, too. I had been listening, but got a phone call just then and turned down the radio. Anyone?
It was pretty long and convoluted. Pretty much said there wasn't any plan, it just kind of worked out that way.
Specifically with Bush he said that the system needed starters, so thought Bush should try it.
Specifically with Bush he said that the system needed starters, so thought Bush should try it.
I know Carlos isn't hitting lights out this year but he's an OPS of .939 this week and the marginal defensive ability brought by Gomez at first probably isn't that great (in fact, at first base, Carlos owns a .995 FPCT to Gomez' .926 and Delgado's RF is .43 better than Gomez').
I remember J.P. (lastnight) recalling that he asked a scout about Bush - "Is there any reason this guy can't start?". J.P. thought (rightly, it turns out) that Bush has the repertoire of a starter.