I was floored when I heard that on the radio. I'm sad I'll be missing this one, but I might be able to catch the first half on TV.

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Why is Dave Berg starting in left field?

I can't even remember the last time Berg had an at-bat. If he's on the roster, Tosca presumably feels obliged to give hime at least a little playing time and Sparky's been playing every day perhaps he needs a rest.

Rios for the season is hitting .301/.343/.426 even after a pretty slow start.

So I guess whoever thought he was ready despite a bad start to the season in Syracuse knew what they were seeing.

Wow! Hit a homerun and get to hit third.. whodda thunk it?

Should Rios batting third somehow be seen as a challenge to Wells? Even when Wells was at his absolute worst, early in the season, he wasn't budged from the vaunted 3-hole. Why now? Maybe I'm overly suspicious, but I can't believe there is nothing behind this. Rios certainly has been hitting better as of late, but is he suddenly a bona fide #3 hitter?

Perhaps the truth is the spurious "protection" argument. Perhaps Wells is being inserted into the 5-hole not as punishment, but rather to "protect" Delgado. Delgado's recent homerun spurt notwithstanding, the best protection for Delgado would be to look at some footage from 2003 to see how he was dealing with pitches low and inside (taking them, rather than flailing at them).

Risking the "fair weather flaming" that comes with commenting on Delgado's woes, let me just say that for the past 5 years, Delgado's AB:BB ratio has been between 6:1 and 5:1. This year it's almost 8:1. This confirms what I see when I watch his at-bats. His strike zone judgement is off. He is having trouble laying off pitches down and in. He is seeing fewer strikes because he is not making the pitchers throw strikes. The rest of his batting numbers are, I believe, all a by-product of this new weakness.

Whether the cause of this decline in strike zone judgement is a function of injury, drop in ability, trying too hard, not trying hard enough, whatever, I leave to others to speculate.

Curiously, having a rest today against the southpaw is lefty-killing Reed Johnson. Is he hurt, or has Tosca simply chosen an inopportune time to gave him a day off? Would it not be better to rest him one day against a RHP, putting Catalanotto in LF and Phelps at DH? Johnson's edge over Phelps vs RHP is nowhere near what it is over Berg vs LHP.

Berg's last at bat was July 21, in the Bronx. It was the Pat Hentgen start and he replaced Vernon Wells after it became a blowout.
Wow. Berg hasn't batted since Hentgen was active.

I really don't think Cat can play outfield. He can barely run because of the injury.

I think this is either a) a challenge to Wells, or b) an attempt to have someone on base when Delgado whacks one. Yesterday notwithstanding, Delgado had a pretty good week last week.

I also see it as a confidence-building reward for Rios. He deserves something for his recent great play.

Who wants to take bets in the Phelps-vs-LHP home run pool for today?

Some L/R splits (with the standard caveats about sample sizes):

Berg vs LHP: 273/304/333
Johnson vs RHP: 254/304/328

Neither are impressive, but it should be noted that one guy gets ripped mercilessly while the other is seemingly coated in teflon, with many scoffing at the notion that he's not really deserving of a fulltime job.

And yes, I'm aware of the difference in their defensive ability. I'm just saying.

I'll bet two cuttlefish on Phelps NOT hitting a homerun, but whacking a run-scoring double in the...fifth or sixth inning.

NFH, what kind of odds do you offer on that bet?

Oh crap didn't know there was a game today at 10. I gotta read and study for exams. I'll be missing the game.

Can't wait until the semester is over so I can finally create Rios and Bush in MVP 2004

Maybe Wells bats 6th to "protect" Carlos a little bit with some power behind him?

Maybe its a chance for Wells to wake up and lay off that high fastball?

Ok amid all the discussion of Berg playing instead of Johnson, I havent seen any mention of the fact that Menechino is playing 3rd instead of Hinske. Hinske has almost nothing in the way of L/R splits this year but Menechino is absolutely killing lefties (in only 66AB granted).

vs L - .333/.421/.621/1.042

I can understand the idea of "shaking up the lineup" in an attempt to generate some offence... but why is Delgado immune to it? In addition to being generally pretty bad, he's been absolutely wretched against lefties.

If the offensive woes are enough to take Wells out of the 3-spot - which, I think, is just as prestigious and well-earned as Delgado hitting cleanup - it should be enough to drop Carlos down a bit or even give him the day off.

Is anyone else seriously falling in love with Alexis Israel Rios?

Rios keeps on hitting. Single in the 1st. 2 on for Carlos.

Is anyone else seriously falling in love with Alexis Israel Rios?

Oh yeah. He's dreamy.

I wonder...is this the first time ever that Wells has batted right after Delgado? Hmmm...Retrosheet calls, gentlemen.

Wow, so does Vernon. 3 RUN HOMER!

VW!

I have no complaints about the new lineup. Thank you.

Let's hear it for shuffling the lineup!

And Vernon responds to the "challenge".

Looks like Vernon in the 5th spot was a nice experiment.

3-0 Jays on Vernon's 13th HR.

Phelps up.

BACK-TO-BACK! Gotta love it.

Um, did anyone else just see that?

Get this man some playing time!

Well it didn't take long for Phelps to settle the bet.

and someone just lost two cuttlefish I believe.

Damn, should have taken NFH's bet.

And Phelps goes yard.

This is fun!

I didn't lose anything. Nobody took my bet. :)

I think Phelps has got his swing straightened out now. Maybe he can get an at-bat against one of those right-handed pitchers some day...

Good start to the First inning. At least it give Lilly some breathing room. I think i read some splits somewhere saying how the Jays win more games when they strike first.

With Cat being unable to play the OF due to injury, I'm guessing they'll be doing a strict platoon of Cat/Phelps at DH and Johnson full-time in the OF. It sucks, I know.

Another Rios hit, back to back homeruns--but I have to say I'm happiest to see Zaun out of the 5 hole.

I think this is the one of best lineups Tosca's made this year. The only way I could think of it being better was to have Cat hitting 2nd and playing left (I know.. He can't).

Wow, great start. About Alex: when he came up he was batting 6th, 7th, 8th and I think even 9th (not so sure though)then he was leading off, now he is batting 3rd. Carlos, let him hit 2nd, 4th and 5th and he would have hit in every spot. Was sth. like that ever one by a rook or anyone else in one season?

After checking Retrosheet, Wells has batted behind Delgado before. July 3, 2001 was the first time I could find...

Well, that's ten minutes I'll never get back.

Thomas M:

Wells did that in 2002 - at least 4 AB's in every spot in the order.

After checking Retrosheet, Wells has batted behind Delgado before.

Wells batted fifth 43 times in 2002 and Delgado batted fourth 143 times that year. No need to check Retrosheet...we can assume it has happened lots of times before.

Italics begone?

Phelps could hit righties when he entered the league, but they adjusted to him, and he hasnt been able to respond back. He is absolutely KILLING lefties, much like last year. Do you think lefties can adjust to him? I dont know too much about the pitches he responds to, I just played up to bantam, but if he will always be able to hit soft tossing lefties, is he worth keeping up in the majors?

I mean there are only about 5-6 lefties in the AL, none in our division for Phelps. He crushes them, but would it be worth sending him to the Instructional league or even AAA to figure it out? He should be relatively cheap, and can be a dominant spot hitter, but he has so much more potential with his power.

Alexis Israel Rios

Is that his name, really? His initials are AIR?

If y'all are still looking for a nickname for this kid, the possibilites are there:

Let's play AIR-ball!
At the plate ... it's the AIR up there!
Need a run? Trust AIR Supply!

Um, maybe not that last one.

I guess Air Israel is a bit of a stretch...

That's John Graves Simcoe, for those unfortunate enough to be working today, or who have the day off but don't know who the holiday is named for (I still prefer "August Long Weekend," myself)

Hey, shouldn't the guy in Ottawa be calling it Colonel By Day?

Well, you know, the great thing about that is that the flagship airline of Israel is El-Al. And he is Alexis Rios; his middle name is Israel; his initials are AIR; and, presuming from his last name that he is of Latino descent, an "el" before his nickname would be reminiscent of the old El Tiante days in Boston.

Ladeez and Gennemen, I give you ...

El-Al

I think we've finally reached the point where our player references are so inside, the players themselves will not know what we're talking about ;)

Hey, "we" brought home a lead off triple!! The bane of existance has been overcome...well, today.

The Cleveland Advance Scout, not quite in advance, is now live.

Just saying what? That Johnson's bad split is just as good as Dave Berg's good split? The difference here is that Berg hits worse than above against RHP while Johnson has an .889 OPS against LHP

Not saying that they are players of comparable value. Not at all. Berg should be released, plain and simply. He adds nothing to the roster. Johnson is terrific vs LHP and always has been. I like him as a platoon corner OF, recognizing that he "deserves" to start against RHP at the moment only because there are no other options, not because of merit.

I'm just saying that the rules applied when critiquing players are haphazard. Many defend Johnson's role as FT OF while electing to ignore that against RHP, he hits basically as well as the much maligned Berg does when he plays, which is almost always vs LHP.

Ouch.

They literally are beating up the Indians!

http://www.torontobaseballguys.com
Hmmm. Apparently it's Cliff Lee Glove Day at the Dome.

If Shawn Greenburg didn't get the 'El-Al' nickname, I can't see how we can give it to Alexis Rios. My personal favorite? El Condor, due to his lanky frame. Didn't the All-Bird nickname team need another outfielder?

Cerutti, way off base here.. You don't want to get into the habit of emotional outbursts like that as a pitcher but in that instance it had nothing to do with showing up his manager or teammates.

I'm following on GameChannel (I'm at work):

What was the outburst?

Why was Wells taken out?

What's up with Vernon? Espn is reporting him out of the game.

Gameday said, that Vernon left with an injured leg. Can anyone tell what happened? Thanks

On his way to the dugout after getting yanked Cliff Lee tossed his glove about 20 rows deep into the stands, which was clearly a sign of frustration at himself (and his last string of starts) than anyone else.

As for Vernon, he fouled one of his leg, a contusion I believe.

"Calf contusion," and his removal has been described as precautionary.

The David Wells incident with Cito Gaston was clearly a case of a pitcher confronting and showing up his manager on the mound. This just appeared to be a spontaneous display of emotion from a guy who has pitched like crap his past three starts. I don't think it was a big deal.

Guess who leads the Jays in RBI?

Josh Phelps.

Great win after a tough weekend. It's really good to see Rios coming along- JP made the right call here, I thought at the time they were rushing him. If Gross can develop and play the field, that won't be a bad OF for cheap- Rios, Wells, Johnson/Gross, set for a few years.

They need to see if Phelps can hit and start using him to PH in critical situations. The failure to do is a mystery- I understand the benching against RHP, but he should have some confidence back now, and they need to know if he's a legit hitter. Having him on the bench as a lefty masher is OK, but he's got to be used to be valuable.

I understand the benching against RHP, but he should have some confidence back now, and they need to know if he's a legit hitter.

I agree, now that he's hitting well again it would be nice to see him get a few bats against RHP just to see. He might never get better, but if he never bats against righties then he's guaranteed to never get better and when the season is basically shot then what's to lose. The only downside I see is that Josh can only play 1B/DH which would mean taking ABs away from Delgado or Cat since neither of them can play another position right now either.

Delgado is on the FAN right now talking about his No trade clause with Mike Wilner

Mike Wilner asked the tough questions, but Delgado was still very evasive with his answers. If Carlos doesn't want to explain now why he won't waive his no-trade clause, I expect that we'll all be very surprised to hear his reasons -- whenever that may be.

The reaction to Canada's Olympic Team at the Dome was pretty disappointing. Half-hearted applause from most people, and very few stood.

Yes, Phelps is struggling this year against RHP, but that's just luck, since most pitchers are righties & he's struggled all year.

His 02 & 03 stats show he hits better against righties.

Career Stats.
LHP - .297.372.450.822
RHP - .272.348.518.866

Delgado is on the FAN right now talking about his No trade clause with Mike Wilner

That Delgado interview was from Sunday's Blue Jays This Week show, actually. They taped it on Wednesday, before the trade deadline.

Speaking of Wilner on the FAN, he's got the Primetime Sports spot on 590 until 6 (only GTA Bauxites know what I mean). Is that the longest he's ever been on the air at one time?

Have you already forgotten last year's 3 1/2 hour rain delay in Cincinnati? :-)

As I discussed some months ago before giving up the quest, it slaps me in the face again today as I maintain that MLB.Com has an anti blue jay agenda. Aside from never giving them main box coverage, or neglecting even our biggest stories to "in other news" their evil task goes on today as they do all to belittle the jays.

Only 2 games today, so the Jays have to get mention right? First mention in the special box, big picture of one of the indians with title "The Tribe Look to gain ground in Toronto" or something like that. Boom, explosive first inning, new headline? Not "Jays get on top with long ball" or anything the ilk, its "Tribe Have to Play Comeback in Toronto". Then the game is finally done, hefty win for the Jays, solid victory, surly they cant put a Indian spin on this? And they dont, they promtley immediatly remove the box and replace it with a preview of the next game tonight.

Im on to you Mr.Selig....

Wow, Mike Wilner even checks Da Box while he's on the air. (Nice update on the stock market there, Mike. It's the only area where you are inferior to "the Bobcat.")

And yes, I forgot that rain delay. I wouldn't mind forgetting most things related to Cinci. Bad week there once. Don't ask.

Well, I was all set to buy my 518 ticket, but while standing in line some lady came up and offered me a 100-level ticket for $10, in the shade no less. Couldn't pass it up. I was in Dave Berg country. Iceberg doesn't get anything unless it's hit right to him. Man... Though, at least he knows his limits, he doesn't make diving attempts leading to triples at least.

I upgraded close to the plate and Rios, damn, I didn't relize that those size 28 pants are actually LOOSE on him. That tiny uniform hangs off him.

I guess the O-Slump is officially over, woof!

I liked the lineup today if only because it go Zaun out of the 5-hole. And I see Hinske's day off and his poor throwing decision yesterday as somewhat connected. A good time to give him a day off...

Cleveland's bullpen is very impressive. I'm almost convinced now that you cannot generate a quality bullpen by importing Major Leaguers. You gotta grow your own bullpen, as with us: Frasor, Chulk, Frederick (and possible future uber-closer Justin Miller).

Wow, hosting a live radio show, and keeping up and POSTING on the box. I am impressed. Mike Wilner is a five-tool radio host.

I dunno if I agree with the whole RJ as a '4th OF' bit myself. His line shows a lack of power vs RHP... THATS IT.... Only Flaw I can see thus far... Other than that he seems to have it all.

- We'll see him wear a pitcher down in AB's and never be an 'easy out' which is a feature I think he demonstrates with great consistency. No, I do not have the Pitches/AB number on me, but you just have to watch him at the plate and like the effort and work ethic he demonstrates at the dish regardless of the result.

- The man can run the basepads like they run them in textbooks... videos even. Not only is a sub - 4 home to first available at this gentleman's disposal but excellent gut instinct about HOW he runs is demonstrated as well. We don't see him make uninformed outs very often... Andja gotta love the backdoor slide he made around Molina (I think it was) for that key run on a play at the plate earlier in the season.

- The aformentioned defense is right up there with the best of them. Any of the outfield spots we will see Reed play, and we will see him play them well. Never do we witness any sort of 'adjustment' if Reed has to move from center to right to left, he just seems to get the hang of it right away. Judgement of flyball destinations, check... The speed to reach these destinations, check... The arm to destine the ball to keep that baserunner honest, check.

- Great bat control. A prime candidate to crack away at a pitcher conventionally, or you can put him up there to execute a bunt (which often becomes a hit) or the hit and run which we'll see tosca use quite frequently. This some of where we see his versatility shine through.

- MOST OF ALL... It's the flat out hustle. A cliche' as it may be, the man shows up every time and its just easy to tell from one watching the broadcasts that he's a great presence to have around the club. We'll see leg out every GB as hard as he can, and we'll see that he's the first to congratulate a fellow jay any time he does his job well. T-8th in HBP, if you need some cold numbers.

As you can tell, for these reasons and more, I am happy to see Reed out there on an everyday basis.

Mike Wilner is a five-tool radio host.

lol nice.

- Knowing the subject of the show you host
- Telling idiot callers that they are idiots
- Keeping the call-in show going when there are no callers (yes, I noticed that about 30 minutes ago, Mike!)
- Following along with a Jays fan site and informing the peanut gallery of their mistakes in calculating elapsed rain delay times

What's the fifth tool, Jobu?

Little know fact, he can post for power and he can run the newsroom to broadcast booth sprint in 6 seconds flat.

http://mq-mapgend.websys.aol.com:80/mqmapgend?MQMapGenRequest=FDR2dmwjDE%3byt2l%26FDJnci4Jkqj%2cMMCJ%3aHOEvq%3bwb0dwy%3a%29z1x5u1%3a%26%40%24%3a%26%40t%3aqyb%3al4b%3aTD%15JFE%3aHOHQJ%3bwb0q0a%3a%29z1xh61%3a%26%40%24%3a%26%40%24w9f2%3a%2aE%14QXO%2a5lytnd%40%5fahay2q%40%24%3a%26%40%24%3a%26f2w1%40%3aHO%1593bdWik1mf%3bNSC%12JDBJ%40rxgwal%26%3dtwlf7w%26w%242%26r%24%2el%402x%26%3d8%3ag%40%5fx%26a%24%2e9%40r%3a%290%24nl%40%5fs%26u%24w%26u%245%26a%24nl%40b%3a9y%24s%2607%3a1%402l%26a%24nq%40r%3a9f%24x%26ur%3aq%4020%260%24a%260%24n1%40a%3a5%40b%3a94%24x%26u7%3a9%40y%3a9%40a%3au%40a%3au%40b%3a0%40%5fl%26a%24%2e1%40r%3a%29u%24a%26%3db%3a9y%24%2eg%402a%26%3dt%3a14%24%2e96%24w%26%3db%3aq%40%5fl%26ua%3a%294%245%26%3d2%3a1r%24%2e90%24nu%40%5fs%26f%24%2el%40y%3a%29w%24w%26%3dr%3a9u%24%2ed%4020%26%3dz%3au%402
he can run the newsroom to broadcast booth sprint in 6 seconds flat.

Well, then he's got some wheels, Jobu. (COMN) It's an 8 minute drive. ;)

Solution: Justin Miller for closer. I'll say it until I'm blue in the face.

Hmmmm.... so it is Rob. Although I dont really know what those two destinations represnt.

Lets just say that the fact that he's mentioned the O-Drum, the Cheer Club, 518, Going Going Zaun, the Lilly Heads and Battersbox is the fifth tool.

I dunno if I agree with the whole RJ as a '4th OF' bit myself. His line shows a lack of power vs RHP... THATS IT.... Only Flaw I can see thus far...

The .308 OBP doesn't trouble you?

Damn, I should have stayed online to take the bet. Well, see you next time the Jays face a lefty. ;)

Awesome day at the park today. Sorry to the Cheer Club for my no-show; I got all tan and spoiled and lazy and didn't want to hike up. We were in the 3rd row right behind Delgado... a wonderful experience, though unfortunately I was also front and centre for Merloni's unfortunate encounter with the seams in the turf and Delgado's double. The "crack" as his sunglasses busted was sickening; I was worried it was his orbital bone or something.

Lilly's breaking stuff was terrific. Cliff Lee's either hurt or broken down mechanically - everything, and I mean *everything*, was very high in the zone and didn't have any pop at all. He couldn't keep the ball down.

I'm hoarse - Aaron's habit of yelling "Charge" at the top of his lungs has caught on with me.

Jason Frasor - "The Toy Bulldog". Yeah, you know it.

308 eh??? How on earth did it get that low??? I'm looking now and espn says its down to 304 after todays game... Wow, I guess I stand corrected somewhat... Although, it usually isn't that bad... It's still 348 on the career... Maybe its just a slump... maybe :)....

I guess my soapbox got slippery and wet and I fell :)...

I'm still worried that Phelps's recent resurgence is a bit of a statistical illusion: lately, the Jays have faced more soft-tossing lefties who've been leaving balls in his hitting zone. But, at the very least, Phelps is going to be useful as a lefty-masher; if the Jays decide not to keep him, he now has some trade value, which he didn't have two months ago.

Rios in the 3 spot seemed to work out, didn't it?

At this point, I'd say just leave Carlos at cleanup, even if he continues to slump. Changing the batting order around doesn't make a lot of difference anyway.

Rios in the 3 spot seemed to work out, didn't it?

What's more, Carlos got two hits because of the confidence of having Wells hitting behind him. It worked out great, and I hope that Rios can stay at the top of the order now.

http://me.woot.net
Carlos got two hits because of the confidence of having Wells hitting behind him.

Whoa boy. Let's reign in the horses of supposition there.

Good point Joe. Carlos had two hits for a *lot* of reasons. I will say this - Carlos had the confidence not to take massive uppercut swings. With Vernon hitting behind him instead of Zaun, he seemed to be more in control of himself - especially after V-Dub picked him up with that three run ding-dong in the first.

Now I shouldn't imply any cause-and-effect relationship here, but I think it's at least consistent with what we saw, that Carlos may have changed his approach because of a better placement in the lineup.

I should add I was watching Carlos extra carefully the whole game; the ignorant boob sitting behind me kept railing away at Delgado most of the game. Not even the hits shut him up.

Anyone get a chance to see the National Team's workout prior to the game?

I saw some of it. I got a chance to talk to Stubby Clapp, Rob Ducey and Ernie Whitt. I should have a full report tomorrow.

I'm still worried that Phelps's recent resurgence is a bit of a statistical illusion: lately, the Jays have faced more soft-tossing lefties who've been leaving balls in his hitting zone.

Wow, that's an awfully pessimistic assessment of Phelps' abilities. This is a guy who had success against all kinds of pitchers in the minors and in his rookie year, and who once hit a mammoth home run off of Roger freakin' Clemens.

It will be very difficult for Phelps to survive as a lefty-masher, because their aren't that many left-handers around. And Phelps has nothing to offer in the field or on the bases, not unless he's allowed to catch. Even the guys we normally think of as right-handed platoon players (like Greg Colbrunn) bat more often against right-handers, and usually hit them fairly well (Colbrunn hit .286 in his career against righties).

One guy who did it was Cliff Johnson, who had some astonishing platoon splits during his career, even greater than Phelps' this season. Like Phelps, Johnson started off as a catcher, but then became primarily a DH.

Strangely, Johnson joined the Jays at age 35, and Bobby Cox started to play him on a more regular basis. He had his best two seasons ('83-84) batting against right-handers when he was with the Jays.

I've always liked Phelps, and I still think he can be a good regular. I would like to see him play more often and hopefully get his stroke back.

I saw some of it

Those details were staggering -- hope the interview goes a little deeper :-)

A,

You didn't ask for details. BTW I heard the Dodgers have an Eric Gagne look alike contest going; maybe you should enter.

Is the Cheer Club going to be at tomorrow's game? I'd really like to come up and see you guys for a bit.

Great win. I especially love the fact that Lilly is pitching so well. Lilly-for-Kielty. God, what a great trade. Ted is one of the best lefty starters in the AL.

The one thing that troubles me though: Jays batters had 0 BB, 12 K. This is exactly the problem that was (somewhat) disguised by the power hitters during the Ash era. Are we headed back to the free-swinging (and mediocre) days of yore? Or will Wells, Rios, Phelps et al. learn to take a walk?

Re: Phelps.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't he have 2 AB's against righties today? And didn't he strike out both times? I mean, I realize he will never get better against RHP if he doesn't face them, but it isn't like Tosca removed him right after Lee left. He's not getting many chances, but he is getting some of them. The better he plays against RHP, the more chances he'll get. Chicken-egg.

Wow, that's an awfully pessimistic assessment of Phelps' abilities. This is a guy who had success against all kinds of pitchers in the minors and in his rookie year, and who once hit a mammoth home run off of Roger freakin' Clemens.

When a rookie comes up, pitchers tend to challenge him with fastballs. They also don't have a book on him yet, so they don't know where his weak spots are. There's no question that, if you put a pitch in his power zone, Phelps will drive it a very long way. That's what makes him so frustrating - there's always the hope that if he makes one little adjustment, he'll start beating the American League like a gong.

In the minors, presumably pitchers didn't have enough command of their stuff to consistently pitch Phelps away. He was able to wait for mistakes and then jump all over them.

You didn't ask for details. BTW I heard the Dodgers have an Eric Gagne look alike contest going; maybe you should enter.

In grade 7, the only thing I learned in science was to assume makes an ass out of u and me. 'Nuff said.

I heard the Dodgers have an Eric Gagne look alike contest going; maybe you should enter.

I know I'd score 10/10 in the bathing suit category (worth 20% of the overall mark) but I'm worried about the pitching section -- I'm left-handed and my fastball is about the same velocity as his lazy curve.

...For better or worse, the Eric Gange comparison has been made more than once. Unfortunately it's never been while I was on the mound -- but once I was less than a KM away from a baseball field ;-)

In the minors, presumably pitchers didn't have enough command of their stuff to consistently pitch Phelps away. He was able to wait for mistakes and then jump all over them.

Most players who hit well in the minors also become good major league hitters. If Phelps turns out the be the exception, so be it, but I think it's too early to just dismiss all of the early promise he showed. The Jays can't afford to produce an outstanding hitting prospect, then give up on him so quickly.

There's no question that, if you put a pitch in his power zone, Phelps will drive it a very long way. That's what makes him so frustrating - there's always the hope that if he makes one little adjustment, he'll start beating the American League like a gong.

Agreed. His problem, of course, is that even when he has been getting pitches in his power zone, he's been pounding them in the ground. Lately he's been getting a few more into the air. As a Phelps Fan, I hope that he's next year's Travis Hafner.

Gagne, by the way, had an amazing game last night, throwing three shutout innings in a tie game and getting the win. With some of the top NL starters sputtering recently, I think he has a shot at repeating the Cy Young Award.

Although I dont really know what those two destinations represnt.

Sorry, Jobu, I forgot to say that. It's the SkyDome and the FAN 590 Studios.

With some of the top NL starters sputtering recently, I think he has a shot at repeating the Cy Young Award.

Out of curiousity, anyone know what the record is for consecutive seasons with an ERA under 2? He's got to be closing in on it. I can't imagine it'd be more than 3 or 4

Finding the appropriate glasses to win the Eric Gagne look alike extravaganza might be possible.

The real challenge, and probably worth even more than the swimsuit, or the banal question and answer head scratcher, would be the "real gamer" cap portion.

Worth 30% of the final total would demand getting the proper seasoning on the headwear. The chosen cap also has to appear to somewhat, okay a lot, too small for the head.

Winning over the judges on that aspect of the contest will separate the real big leaguers from the pretenders.

The winner will be decided on cap staining ability alone.

The winner will be decided on cap staining ability alone.

Then I suppose I have to step aside, as leaving stains isn't my forte....Don't look back now, Robert, but you're the front-runner in this brand new competition.

I was out in Edmonton last week listening to their all-sports station and heard them do an interview with Scott Carson from Tampa. He gave some insightful and off-beat analysis of what's wrong with this team and where it is headed.

Is there any reason why we haven't heard Carson here in Toronto?

He works for Sportsnet and the Fan is also owned by Rogers. It seems to me that while Mike Wilner is tough and can be condescending, Carson seems fair and objective.

Mike Wilner is tough and can be condescending

And we love him for it. Frankly, I don't want some guy who'll let a caller off the hook when s/he screws up -- I say eat that caller for lunch.

I'm not all that familiar with Mr. Carson's work, he may well deserve his own show but for all that's holy, don't take away Wilner.

Scott Carson is very knowledgeable about baseball. He has a regular column at sportsnet.ca; more about Scott can be learned in the interview he did with us earlier this year.

I'm not sure he would want to do a radio call-in show on a regular basis.

With some of the top NL starters sputtering recently, I think he has a shot at repeating the Cy Young Award.

I'm gonna pull a Joe Morgan here, we firmly share this belief:

A relief pitcher should not win the Cy Young award. They already have the fireman award, that's for them. The Cy Young award goes to the best starting pitcher of each league.

As the MVP should go to the best everyday player - and not a DH.

I think foreigners should have equal rights to the Rookie of the Year award. Matsui got hosed and Steinbrenner, for once, was correct in blasting the voters. Speaking of ROY: Frasor and Rios have to get some consideration. But obviously Bobby Crosby will win it.

Berroa had a better year than Matsui last year.

But obviously Bobby Crosby will win it.

At this point, yes, and I picked him to win it in our Annual Predictions contest, so woohoo and all that.

But don't count out a pennant drive rookie. If, for instance -- and this is very unlikely -- Gerald Laird hits .320 the rest of the way AND the Rangers win the division (both of those things, not either), then Crosby will not win ROY.

Similarly, if Justin Morneau goes .330/18/50 the rest of the way AND the Twins win the division ... you get the idea.

Speaking of ROY: Frasor and Rios have to get some consideration. But obviously Bobby Crosby will win it.

You're forgetting the 30-game hit streak that Rios is going to have later this season. It will boost his case :)

Just a though but what about having Cat play short next season until Adams is really ready. He has some experience at that position and this would allow Phelps to DH and play more often so we can see what he can do over in full season and have Reed, Wells and Rios play the outfield next year with Gross as the fourth outfielder. This may allow JP to focus on picking up another starter and couple more RP's. This is the possible lineup for 2005,

Reed LF
Cat SS
Rios RF
Delgado 1B (if he is Back) or someone else to fill that spot
Wells CF
Hinske 3B
Phelps DH
Zuan/Quiroz C
Hudson 2B

Bench: Menechino/Gomez/Gross/Zaun

Merely a suggestion but I would like to hear other people's take.

If people had a problem with Woody's defense, Cat's would likely start riots.

Cat has never played shortstop in the major leagues.

Adams is batting .285 with some doubles and walks at Syracuse. He turns 24 this month; it's time for him to get his career started. If he's not ready by next April, then he's never gonna be ready.

How much do you guys think it would take to pry Lugo from Tampa this winter, assuming Upton is firmly installed as starter by then? I think he's a great option that solves our shortstop woes for a couple of seasons, maybe allowing JP to trade Hinske and move Adams or Hill to third.

Cat's played 155 games at second, 35 at third, and 92 at third, but no short. At this point in his career, Cat's a decent left-fielder, a project at 1st, or a DH. There's no chance that Frank will be playing SS next year . . . unless, of course, the nine Blue Jays fall victim to nine separate misfortunes and are unable to play next season. But that will never happen. Three misfortunes, that's possible. Seven misfortunates, there's an outside chance. But nine misfortunes? I'd like to see that!

Re: Phelps.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't he have 2 AB's against righties today? And didn't he strike out both times? I mean, I realize he will never get better against RHP if he doesn't face them, but it isn't like Tosca removed him right after Lee left. He's not getting many chances, but he is getting some of them. The better he plays against RHP, the more chances he'll get. Chicken-egg.

I didn't see the AB's in question, but I do know that its possible to have a good at-bat and strike out, and a lucky at-bat that results in a hit... so you can't judge progress entirely on the numbers..

I agree though, when do we want to see Phelps learning to hit righties, this year? or over the next two?? I say throw him in there,... but as always, I defer to anyone that can tell me he's on some sort of "plan"....

Three misfortunes, that's possible. Seven misfortunates, there's an outside chance. But nine misfortunes? I'd like to see that!

6-4-3 wins best Simpsons reference of the day. And it's only 8:26 AM!

Cat can't really play the infield anymore; he has said in interviews he's much more comfortable in the outfield. So a move back to the infield is unlikely, particularly with the Jays having a surfeit of infielders. A solution would likely be found from among the infielders already within the organization if Woodward were deemed insufficient.

If he's not ready by next April, then he's never gonna be ready.

I wouldn't agree. Lots of players don't start their careers until 25 or 26... there is such a thing as late bloomers. You wouldn't want to count on it, of course.

It seems to me that while Mike Wilner is tough and can be condescending

Tough? Good. Wilner lets his callers have their say, then he gives his own perspective. If a caller says something dumb, Mike almost always gives them an opportunity to say why they think that. Is that a challenge? Sure it is.

Mike Wilner is tough and can be condescending

That's what happens when idiots call in to his show, which happens all the time. I mean, if you're mad that "J.P. traded Wells for that guy who got hurt" or want the Jays to sign Alex Gonzalez -- Alex Gonzalez -- next year, don't expect Wilner to agree for one second.

Most callers get far too much time to ask "a 38 sentence question", as someone at this board put it a few days ago. When you're on hold, get your question ready and ask it as soon as you get on the air!

It seems to me that while Mike Wilner is tough and can be condescending

Obviously you weren't around when Bob McCown did Jays Talk. THAT'S tough and condescending. Even Dan Schulman, when he had the gig, was a little harsh. Wilner's reaction toward stupid callers (and smart callers who say stupid things) is nothing less than reasonable given the comments and questions he gets and sometimes I have to commend him on his restraint.

*shudder*
Bob McCown doing Jays Talk. I can't even imagine how bad that would be.

The D-Rays have stated they'd like to sign Lugo to an extension. Lugo is being shifted over to 2nd now that Upton's up but given Upton's defensive problems, it's possible that Upton will be the one who eventually moves. I don't remember the Lugo extension article so I can't provide a link. I'm not sure how amenable Lugo is however. His response to the media was something like 'The D-Rays know my agent's phone number. I'm not worried if we can't work something out. There are other teams out there and I'm sure one of them will want me.'

Personally, I'd love to see Lugo in Toronto instead of Woodward/Gomez/Menechino/Berg. I imagine Russ Adams could use some more seasoning at AAA anyway.