Batter's Box Interactive Magazine - Ask Jerry Howarth (Vol. 2)

Back in April, the first time we invited you to Ask Jerry Howarth your questions, the response was overwhelming. The Blue Jays radio voice answered Bauxites in a thread we creatively dubbed Jerry Howarth Q & A (Vol. 1), because we both wanted to make this a regular feature.

A lot has happened, on and off the field, since our last chat. Because of his partner Tom Cheek's illness, Jerry has worked solo, and with numerous other broadcasters. The Jays have been through a devastating series of injuries, and although there are signs of turning the corner, remain in last place. Here's your chance to get the perspective of someone who knows the club as well as anyone.

Please take a moment to review the previous Q & A, then step into Da Box with your questions. The floor is open until Monday evening, then Jerry will answer as many as he can while the Indians are in town and we'll post the full interview late next week.

Posted by Coach on Saturday, July 31 2004 @ 12:32 PM EDT.

Ask Jerry Howarth (Vol. 2) | 24 comments | Create New Account

The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.

Coach - Saturday, July 31 2004 @ 12:40 PM EDT (#44672) #

I should also mention that if you're reluctant to post here for any reason, you can e-mail questions to me (COMN) -- just let me know if it's OK to use your name in the transcript.

I have a few dozen questions of my own, but I'll start the ball rolling with just one. Jerry, what are your impressions of Alex Rios, and what other Jays rookies in the past would you compare him to?

_Niles - Saturday, July 31 2004 @ 12:53 PM EDT (#44673) #

Coach,

do you think its impossible that Delgado will be back with the Jays next year? He would seem to favour staying with the Jays even at a reduced salary, and the Jays have nobody good to take over the 1st base position. Maybe signing Delgado for another couple of years isn't a bad idea but JP and the gang don't seem that interested.

Coach - Saturday, July 31 2004 @ 01:13 PM EDT (#44674) #

Uh, Niles? Do you want to ask Jerry that question, or me?

FWIW, here's my opinion. Nothing is impossible. If both sides agree that one more year here at about half of what he made this year is best for Carlos and the team, it could happen. But don't hold your breath.

_Niles - Saturday, July 31 2004 @ 01:42 PM EDT (#44675) #

But don't hold your breath.

Would they re-sign Cat for a year to play 1st base?

Coach - Saturday, July 31 2004 @ 01:47 PM EDT (#44676) #

That's why the offseason is so much fun, Niles. We'll find out then.

If you don't have a question for Jerry Howarth, you're definitely posting in the wrong thread. If you do, please identify them as such. Thanks for playing.

_Niles - Saturday, July 31 2004 @ 01:48 PM EDT (#44677) #

Sorry, I just posted in another thread and you never got back to me.

_Alex from the U - Saturday, July 31 2004 @ 02:07 PM EDT (#44678) #

Here is a question for Jerry

Although it was very sad about the passing of Tom's father and soon after him having to go into hospital for surgery, it did give you an opertunity to do quite a few broadcasts with other people during that time. Was it enjoyable and did you get to broadcast the games with anyone you admired or ever wanted to broadcast with?

_Mylegacy - Saturday, July 31 2004 @ 02:12 PM EDT (#44679) #

Jerry,

Given Josh Phelps strengths and weaknesses who do you compare him to at this stage in his career? Do you think he has a chance to be the "offensive force" many of us thought he would be? Do pundits or scouts for OTHER teams that you have talked to think he will become a "force" or a "bust?"

Thanks

_Jdog - Saturday, July 31 2004 @ 03:49 PM EDT (#44680) #

Jerry,

As you go throughout the season you get an up close look at the other teams. I was just wondering what player you think could help the jays the most in the upcoming year, a player that we could realistically obtain?

_Jdog - Saturday, July 31 2004 @ 03:50 PM EDT (#44681) #

Jerry,

One more thing!

I don't see Vinnie Chulk as a decent set up man and i am not sure if Frasor is going to be a consistent closer you can count on. What are your thoughts on the two of them holding down the back of the bullpen?

_Daryn - Saturday, July 31 2004 @ 06:28 PM EDT (#44682) #

Jerry:

What do you think is goign on with Eric Hinkse, this is his second year of sub-270 batting, and a projected 12-15 HR's

Is this his level of production? or has his development been hindered by a problem such as an undisclosed nagging injury.

_Willy - Saturday, July 31 2004 @ 09:46 PM EDT (#44683) #

Since, to the dismay of many Bauxites, I criticised Jerry earlier, I want now to congratulate him for scrapping "hone in". Now maybe he could jettison "as it were". (Joke, sort of.) I'd also like to compliment Jerry for the way he's handled the absence of Tom from the broadcasts in recent weeks. Classy job. I must be getting soft. (Oh yeah--Jerry, you don't pronounce "laud" as "loud". Watch it, eh?)

Mike Green - Saturday, July 31 2004 @ 11:02 PM EDT (#44684) #

Jerry, you've praised the defense of Roberto Alomar and Orlando Hudson at second. Could you compare their strengths and weaknesses in the field?

_Keith Talent - Saturday, July 31 2004 @ 11:25 PM EDT (#44685) #

Hi Jerry,

Since the Rogers ownership have you noticed any effects of the marriage of church and state (i.e. the media and the team)? Whereas before it seemed the people signing your cheque were distinct from the ball club, now THE FAN and the Blue Jays are both under the Rogers umbrella. Do you see many memos about how Rogers would like to see the team portrayed to the masses? (eg. requests to call the team "the Jays" on air, etc.) Would you now consider Paul Godfrey, or even JP Ricciardi, as one of your bosses? Or have you always felt the Blue Jays club, even before the Rogers ownership, had considerable interest and influence in your work? Thanks.

_Niles - Saturday, July 31 2004 @ 11:39 PM EDT (#44686) #

Hi Jerry,

Do you think baseball is ready for an openly gay player?

_Alex from the U - Sunday, August 01 2004 @ 02:28 AM EDT (#44687) #

Hi Jerry,

I think you touched on this briefly on a broadcast before, but Don Landry of the FAN 590 Morning show does a very good comic impression of yourself and other "celebrities" (well to me you are a celebrity!). Have you heard many of them and if so are there any that are your favorites? I think one of my favorites I heard was from the Spring Training ones they did which had you doing an interview with Justin Miller.

Thomas - Monday, August 02 2004 @ 02:22 AM EDT (#44688) #

Jerry,

Great job on the last installment, and thanks for making this a regular feature. Glad to see we have another strong Dna Plesac supporter around.

Do you think that the Hall of Fame still excludes deserving players, or has become too diluted due to recent selections, most notably, from the veterans committee? Alternatively, does it both exclude deserve members, while still inducting a number of underserving players? Please name either 3 players who are excluded but deserve to be in the HOF, or name 3 players who should not be in the HOF, depending on your answer.

Who in your opinion is the most underrated Blue Jay by both the fans and the media? Both all-time and one on the present team.

Thomas - Monday, August 02 2004 @ 12:18 PM EDT (#44689) #

Who do you think are the best umpires in the game today? Why? Also, what are your thoughts on Ron Luciano?

_Keith Talent - Wednesday, August 04 2004 @ 01:00 AM EDT (#44690) #

Jerry, what is your honest, personal feeling on the Dodger trade with Florida?

_Keith Talent - Wednesday, August 04 2004 @ 01:07 AM EDT (#44691) #

Jerry, do you hate the black uniform tops? Are they coming back next year? What do you think about Justin Miller for closer? Wouldn't it be fun to broadcast in the 9th inning while a tattoed crazyman, who wears enforced longsleeves, shuts down the opposition? Character aside, with Miller's shoulder problems, wouldn't the short, intense outings be just his thing?

_Rob - Saturday, August 07 2004 @ 04:47 PM EDT (#44692) #

I'll ask the obvious question, as suggested by Coach. ;)

Jerry, what are your thoughts on the Josh Phelps trade?

_Joel Heitin - Saturday, August 07 2004 @ 05:29 PM EDT (#44693) #

Jerry,

With so many Jays having had super years last season, has the slip of the team this season been a surprise or not unexpected, or do you chalk much of it up to the rash of injuries the team has had?

Joe - Sunday, August 08 2004 @ 05:27 AM EDT (#44694) #

http://me.woot.net
Jerry,

What's your opinion on the moves J.P. has made this season? Has he given up on players too quickly? Has he been moving prospects up too quickly (e.g. Rios for the first while looked overmatched, though the move looks good now; Peterson was just plain blown out of the water, and continues to be)?

Also, what about Doc? Do you think his troubles are short-term, or are we in for a very bumpy ride?

_StephenT - Sunday, August 08 2004 @ 04:05 PM EDT (#44695) #

Jerry, I've really enjoyed the half-hour radio pre-game shows over the years, especially your interview with the manager and Tom's interview with a player. I miss the days when they happened before every game. Can you tell us how to predict which games will have pre-game shows? And (if this isn't too personal) are you willing to go back to having pre-game shows before every game, or is that something that would have to be negotiated into your contract? Thanks.

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