What a great hockey game at the ACC last night, huh? Well, now that hockey season's officially over, it's time to turn our attention to the fresh new baseball season ahead of us. The Blue Jays host the Baltimore Orioles tonight, in a contest between two teams with high expectations for 2004. The Blue Jays will start lefty Ted Lilly, acquired in an off-season deal with Oakland for promising outfielder Bobby Kielty: who will get the better of that deal? The Orioles, who start young lefty Matt Riley, signed slugging free agents like Rafael Palmeiro and Javy Lopez this past off-season and intend to be taken seriously in the AL East this year. Could one or both of these teams topple the Yankees or Red Sox? Key acquisitions for the two clubs: Baltimore is counting on recently re-signed Sidney Ponson to anchor their rotation, while the Jays hope veteran relievers like Kerry Ligtenberg and Terry Adams can help the bullpen maintain the many leads sure to be handed to them by Toronto's high-powered offence. If everything breaks right, these two teams could be playing some very meaningful games come September 15th!
R. Johnson lf
C. Woodward ss
V. Wells cf
C. Delgado 1b
A. Rios rf
F. Menechino 2b
E. Hinske 3b
G. Zaun c
G. Quiroz dh
Lilly vs. Riley in a southpaw battle.
C. Woodward ss
V. Wells cf
C. Delgado 1b
A. Rios rf
F. Menechino 2b
E. Hinske 3b
G. Zaun c
G. Quiroz dh
Lilly vs. Riley in a southpaw battle.
Jordan, that intro was like having amnesia and deja vu at the same time; it feels like I've forgotten all this before.
O-Dog gets a rare day off. No Adams, Gross or Crozier vs. the southpaw, but Quiroz gets a start as DH with Zaun behind the plate. All good calls, and Gibby also plays a hunch, batting Woody second. The lineup juggling won't matter much if Riley pitches like he did here in April (seven innings of 1-hitter) or in his two starts against the Jays (1-0, 1.80 ERA) last September. He just baffled the Twins in his latest, and seems healed from earlier elbow and shoulder woes.
O-Dog gets a rare day off. No Adams, Gross or Crozier vs. the southpaw, but Quiroz gets a start as DH with Zaun behind the plate. All good calls, and Gibby also plays a hunch, batting Woody second. The lineup juggling won't matter much if Riley pitches like he did here in April (seven innings of 1-hitter) or in his two starts against the Jays (1-0, 1.80 ERA) last September. He just baffled the Twins in his latest, and seems healed from earlier elbow and shoulder woes.
Do you think JP will have any interest in Art Howe, with his Oakland ties? He might be out of Toronto's budget, mind you.
Thoughts?
PS: Does anyone else find John Gibbon's interview answers to be full of cliche, rhetoric and no substance?
Thoughts?
PS: Does anyone else find John Gibbon's interview answers to be full of cliche, rhetoric and no substance?
Does anyone else find John Gibbon's interview answers to be full of cliche, rhetoric and no substance?
No more than any of the other 29 managers. And he's at least got some personality.
No more than any of the other 29 managers. And he's at least got some personality.
Does anyone else find John Gibbon's interview answers to be full of cliche, rhetoric and no substance?
I can't understand what he's saying most of the time, so I wouldn't know.
I can't understand what he's saying most of the time, so I wouldn't know.
Gibbons says virtually nothing. He's talking, but he's not *saying* anything...
Of all a big-league manager's responsibilities, giving great quotes to the media is probably least important, but it would appear to be the area where Gibby has most room for improvement. In a one-on-one conversation, he's great, but he doesn't seem as comfortable in the scrums.
Art Howe? No chance, not even a million-to-one shot. Have you read Moneyball? It's not a very flattering portrait, and indicates why Howe isn't still in Oakland.
Art Howe? No chance, not even a million-to-one shot. Have you read Moneyball? It's not a very flattering portrait, and indicates why Howe isn't still in Oakland.
You're right, Coach. Media quotes do not equate to wins and losses, but it just worries me when I get the impression that Gibby is not a sophisticated thinker.
Nice start by Lilly. He drops a beauty of a curve into the strike zone to K Tim Raines Jr.
the DH bats 9th....
say, does anyone know how the schedule ended up with an off day in the middle of 3?
say, does anyone know how the schedule ended up with an off day in the middle of 3?
That was almost as scary as the Trent McCleary incident.
Looks like it hit him in the jaw... if it didn't break it, then he'll be better off then if it hit him in the Adam's Apple
Kieran, Gibbons has a terrific baseball mind and a dry sense of humour, but he's no intellectual. Maybe if he gets the fulltime job, he'll show more of his personality to the public.
Wow, what a fluky bounce. Nice to see Riley's OK.
Wow, what a fluky bounce. Nice to see Riley's OK.
Johnsons bounds a hard one-bouncer on the dirt in front of the plate and it comes up and catches Riley in the throat. He falls awkwardly and stays down for a while, but looks to be okay now.
Daryn, because of the World Cup final.
Daryn, because of the World Cup final.
Thomas..
Really??? They set the Baseball Schedule around a Hockey Game??
They don't even take National Holidays into account when the set the Baseball Schedule, what does that tell you?
Really??? They set the Baseball Schedule around a Hockey Game??
They don't even take National Holidays into account when the set the Baseball Schedule, what does that tell you?
Daryn,
I read that MLB teams can't play more than 20 straight games without a day off. Baltimore hadn't had a break for 19 games.
I read that MLB teams can't play more than 20 straight games without a day off. Baltimore hadn't had a break for 19 games.
Daryn,
I read that MLB teams can't play more than 20 straight games without a day off. Baltimore hadn't had a break for 19 games.
I read that MLB teams can't play more than 20 straight games without a day off. Baltimore hadn't had a break for 19 games.
Daryn,
I read that MLB teams can't play more than 20 straight games without a day off. Baltimore hadn't had a break for 19 games.
I read that MLB teams can't play more than 20 straight games without a day off. Baltimore hadn't had a break for 19 games.
That's just not true.
Baltimore had an offday on the ninth. Geez, do your research!
Baltimore had an offday on the ninth. Geez, do your research!
Thanks Andrew...but it wouldn't explain why they'd play on Monday and have Tuesday off....
Nice grab, Vernon! Lilly's using the whole ballpark.
THAT's it!... DIRTBAG!.. geez you think I could remember that?
Oops, sorry about the multiple posts. Ryan, I read that on ESPN on Sportsnet, one or the other, it wasn't a guess.
Oops, sorry about the multiple posts. Ryan, I read that on ESPN or Sportsnet, one or the other, it wasn't a guess.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/teams/bal/schedule
Well than ESPN or Sportsnet isn't doing there research. :)
COMN for Baltimore's schedule.
Lilly looks sharp. Matt Riley looks...really slow. I hope the Jays try a couple steals off Riley if Rios or Wells get on.
Well than ESPN or Sportsnet isn't doing there research. :)
COMN for Baltimore's schedule.
Lilly looks sharp. Matt Riley looks...really slow. I hope the Jays try a couple steals off Riley if Rios or Wells get on.
Do you think JP will have any interest in Art Howe, with his Oakland ties?
Even if he did I'd be surprised if Howe was interested. I heard him interviewed on the drive home tonight and he said he would be pretty picky for his next job. I suspect that picky wouldn't be a development situation.
I feel bad for Howe. He comes off as a good guy yet learned of his firing in the press, had players running behind his back to ownership & ripping him anonymously in the papers, and has the owner's son tickering with the team (if you read between the lines it was the owner's son that made the decision). He didn't have much of a chance, although really you could have seen it coming when he was hired, and he was compensated pretty well for his managing. But you don't like to see good people put through bad situations.
Even if he did I'd be surprised if Howe was interested. I heard him interviewed on the drive home tonight and he said he would be pretty picky for his next job. I suspect that picky wouldn't be a development situation.
I feel bad for Howe. He comes off as a good guy yet learned of his firing in the press, had players running behind his back to ownership & ripping him anonymously in the papers, and has the owner's son tickering with the team (if you read between the lines it was the owner's son that made the decision). He didn't have much of a chance, although really you could have seen it coming when he was hired, and he was compensated pretty well for his managing. But you don't like to see good people put through bad situations.
Wow, talk about screwing up my homophones. Obviously, I meant "then" and "their."
That's just not true.
Baltimore had an offday on the ninth. Geez, do your research!
But if the series started Tuesday, they'd finish the season with 20 straight game days...
Baltimore had an offday on the ninth. Geez, do your research!
But if the series started Tuesday, they'd finish the season with 20 straight game days...
Why is it so hard to believe that the off-day was because of the scheduled World Cup final?
screwing up my homophones
I didn't think you were homophonic, Ryan.
I didn't think you were homophonic, Ryan.
I disagree. Had the Jays played a home game yesterday, they'd have struggled to get 15,000 paying customers through the gates.
Hahaha. Anyway, it doesn't matter why MLB did it, does it? The day-off happened, let's move on.
We should hold a pool for when Carlos hits dinger #30. Everyone pick a date, inning, and opposing pitcher. I'll go with tomorrow in the first inning off Lopez.
We should hold a pool for when Carlos hits dinger #30. Everyone pick a date, inning, and opposing pitcher. I'll go with tomorrow in the first inning off Lopez.
http://me.woot.net
Lilly's got his great curve ball today, just like his gem a few starts ago.
Man, I love a great 12-to-6 curveball.
Lilly's got his great curve ball today, just like his gem a few starts ago.
Man, I love a great 12-to-6 curveball.
We should hold a pool for when Carlos hits dinger #30
Tonight in the 6th to knock Riley out of the game.
Tonight in the 6th to knock Riley out of the game.
But if the series started Tuesday, they'd finish the season with 20 straight game days...
Ah... that is a possibility...
Ah... that is a possibility...
I really doubt that they care..
but the best reason to sort it out, is I told someone that I knew a place where I thought I could find the answer.... so there is pride at stack, "mine" and "ours"...
I'm going with the 20 games to end the season thing
but the best reason to sort it out, is I told someone that I knew a place where I thought I could find the answer.... so there is pride at stack, "mine" and "ours"...
I'm going with the 20 games to end the season thing
Nice of TSN to give us the Bonds at-bats. Barry tried to loft that one, you could see him almost leaning back as he swung. He didn't miss by much the first time up, and since we're calling homers tonight, I think third time will be the charm off Obermueller.
Delgado pool: tomorrow, fourth inning, Lopez (if he is the starter).
Does Lilly look good tonight? I am without TV at the moment, all I know is he has 5 K's in 6 IP, and has thrown just 78 pitches, with no runs.
I'm out of the pool already! I meant the eighth inning. Yeah, that's the ticket.
Does Lilly look good tonight?
Yeah, as Joe said earlier, the hook is really impressive. He and Zaun are on the same page, keeping the hitters off-balance.
This is the game I expected, actually. Craig picked Riley as his AL Rookie of the Year before the season, and you can see why. When he's healthy (Riley, not Burley) he is really something.
Yeah, as Joe said earlier, the hook is really impressive. He and Zaun are on the same page, keeping the hitters off-balance.
This is the game I expected, actually. Craig picked Riley as his AL Rookie of the Year before the season, and you can see why. When he's healthy (Riley, not Burley) he is really something.
Sorry if I spoiled the suspense, Jim. Another beautiful throw, and another beautiful block by a catcher whose heart makes up about 20% of his body weight.
http://me.woot.net
I'll give Rios his due credit for the throw, but without Zaun blocking the plate there, Palmeiro scores. A great play.
I'll give Rios his due credit for the throw, but without Zaun blocking the plate there, Palmeiro scores. A great play.
Warning: Old, tasteless joke follows:
Rafael Palmeiro out at home on the throw, right fielder Alex Rios to catcher Gregg Zaun.
Looks like Raffy isn't as strong on the diamond as he is with the blue diamond.
Rafael Palmeiro out at home on the throw, right fielder Alex Rios to catcher Gregg Zaun.
Looks like Raffy isn't as strong on the diamond as he is with the blue diamond.
You said it, Joe. And off the top of my head, that's about a dozen times this year he's denied a runner, sometimes at great personal risk.
New Hampshire just went ahead 5-4 on a Makiel Jova homerun.
Just in case you didn't already know, Coach et al. ;)
Just in case you didn't already know, Coach et al. ;)
Tough one on the 3-2 to Roberts. It was a ball, but nearly back-doored him. Needing a Surhoff grounder, Lilly almost got it on the first pitch, backed him away with a fastball, got him to pound another one into the ground but foul, almost threw the heater by him then got him to chase one. Good pitching. It gets tougher now vs. Mora.
The 0-1 curve was a thing of beauty. Buckled his knees. What a game by Lilly; I think you have to let him finish it.
I sure hope Lilly can do this again next year, and Doc returns to form.
2003 Halladay + 2004 Lilly = Drool.
2003 Halladay + 2004 Lilly = Drool.
More shameless BBRadio plugs:
Bottom of the ninth coming up. Last call for Altoona. 5-4 NH. Will the F-Cats take a 2-0 lead in the best of three?
Bottom of the ninth coming up. Last call for Altoona. 5-4 NH. Will the F-Cats take a 2-0 lead in the best of three?
Don't get greedy, Magpie, though I hope you're right. Small ball (Gross walk, Woody sac bunt, Wells infield chopper) is working pretty well. Now if Carlos can deliver the sac fly or flare a single the opposite way, this will be like a '64 Dodgers inning.
Good call, Coach.
2-0 Jays. Lilly or Speier?
2-0 Jays. Lilly or Speier?
Oh darn. Just another RBI...
Come on Barry...
Come on Barry...
Lilly, with Spy warming up. You have to give Ted a chance at the shutout, but if Tejada gets on, I think that's it.
Weird play there. I don't think Rios ever touched first there...he just went right to second after trying to avoid Leon and the bag. Delgado sure was out by a mile. Nice insurance runs though.
Congratulations to the Fisher Cats, who need to win just one of the next three games at home to clinch the Eastern League championship.
Spy's the guy. Probably the right decision with Baltimore's big bats up.
Well, after 112 pitches, Lilly's night is over. Obviously, Gibby and Gil talked to him, and came to what they thought was the best decision. Thank goodness for the third run; it made the Lopez at-bat a lot less tense. But it's still a nervous ninth...
I'm not working tonight, and I have no idea what Lilly's pitch count is. But I thought the bottom of the 8th took a long time to play, and the game is more than 2 and a half hours old, and these factors are possibly even more important than pitch counts.
I'm beginning to think its easier on a pitcher to throw 130 pitches over 2 hours than to throw 95 over 2 and a half.
Anyway, I think Speier is the right move.
As the tying run comes to the plate.
Gulp.
I'm beginning to think its easier on a pitcher to throw 130 pitches over 2 hours than to throw 95 over 2 and a half.
Anyway, I think Speier is the right move.
As the tying run comes to the plate.
Gulp.
I wish Lilly was in to face Raffy though. He's really struggled against lefties this season.
Yeah, Damn, Raffy hits a single.
Nevermind, yes! Double Play!
Yeah, Damn, Raffy hits a single.
Nevermind, yes! Double Play!
Terrific play by Woodward.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to type that.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to type that.
http://me.woot.net
I have never seen such a strong throw by Woody. What an ending.
I have never seen such a strong throw by Woody. What an ending.
Great play by Woody, Lilly was outstanding, Terrific games here and in Altoona -- J.P. should be in a good mood on the radio. That's 416-870-0590 for GTA types and 1-888-666-0590 for the less fortunate.
Lilly threw 112 pitches through 8 and he had a long last inning there. Going to the pen was the right move.
There's one thing that Woodward does have from shortstop and that's a gun for an arm and he showed it on that doubleplay. At first I thought his throw was going high but it was just an eye-high seed to Delgado.
There's one thing that Woodward does have from shortstop and that's a gun for an arm and he showed it on that doubleplay. At first I thought his throw was going high but it was just an eye-high seed to Delgado.
Wednesdays With JP tonight, folks.
Wilner out, though. Jewish holiday? Bill Hayes in, who isn't nearly as good.
Wilner out, though. Jewish holiday? Bill Hayes in, who isn't nearly as good.
I believe today's the start of Rosh Hashana. I didn't know Wilner was Jewish.
nevermind im listening now, sorry for posting twice in a row.
Yikes, Hayes?
Pardon me while my ears bleed.
Pardon me while my ears bleed.
Sometimes some of these questions should really be screened better...
Okay, J.P.'s comments here so far:
Minor league teams doing really well, better each year.
On Cat's resigning: Professional hitter at the top of the lineup, want him over unproven rookies, so will Gross have to go back to AAA for a bit?
Lansing Lugnuts: He really likes the franchise and the area.
Notable comments:
- 40-man roster: JP will try to maximize his roster spots to suit the needs of the team. Tablado "is part of our future."
- Then a useless question: "Why do the Jays seem to beat good teams and lose to bad teams?" Yeah, they sure beat those Yankees. Didn't Menechino get the save?
- Some guy boycotted the game because he doesn't want to see Delgado play. Idiot. He also wondered why Cat was signed so quickly -- wasn't there anyone better? "We knew we could get him at a price we could afford. We don't have any kids that are ready to play for him." Is that another Gross slight?
Minor league teams doing really well, better each year.
On Cat's resigning: Professional hitter at the top of the lineup, want him over unproven rookies, so will Gross have to go back to AAA for a bit?
Lansing Lugnuts: He really likes the franchise and the area.
Notable comments:
- 40-man roster: JP will try to maximize his roster spots to suit the needs of the team. Tablado "is part of our future."
- Then a useless question: "Why do the Jays seem to beat good teams and lose to bad teams?" Yeah, they sure beat those Yankees. Didn't Menechino get the save?
- Some guy boycotted the game because he doesn't want to see Delgado play. Idiot. He also wondered why Cat was signed so quickly -- wasn't there anyone better? "We knew we could get him at a price we could afford. We don't have any kids that are ready to play for him." Is that another Gross slight?
JP's answer to the Delgado question was basically "We have to play him, he has a big contract here." He also said nothing about resigning him. Doesn't sound good.
JP also mentioned the strikeouts as a concern, and that played a role in the Cat signing.
If they hadn't gotten hurt you could have seen McGowan, Rosario and Arnold in the majors this year.
He also said that he didn't think there would be a spot in the rotation to begin the year, but that you'd see holes open up and rookies come up as the year progressed.
He also said that he didn't think there would be a spot in the rotation to begin the year, but that you'd see holes open up and rookies come up as the year progressed.
Re: the off day. A few weeks ago, Tom Cheek on the radio said he heard one of the Baltimore people saying it had something to do with the 20 games in a row thing, though he seemed a bit uncertain.
But even if the O's had to play on the Monday, the off day could still have been on the Thursday. The O's would have spent the day in Minneapolis instead of T.O. So possibly the World Cup Final was a factor in the decision.
One recent year, the Jays scheduled a day off mid-series after Labour Day, and the story was that they had found the day after Labour Day was their least-attended game of the year. Tuesdays seem to be when they run special promotions like "$2 nights".
More off day news. I heard tonight that the Jays are playing in New York on Monday and now have an off day next Thursday (so the Yanks can make up a game with Tampa that day). Jerry said the starters are Lilly, Halladay and Batista.
Sobering thought: 3 years ago today, I was in New Orleans (but the weather was great).
But even if the O's had to play on the Monday, the off day could still have been on the Thursday. The O's would have spent the day in Minneapolis instead of T.O. So possibly the World Cup Final was a factor in the decision.
One recent year, the Jays scheduled a day off mid-series after Labour Day, and the story was that they had found the day after Labour Day was their least-attended game of the year. Tuesdays seem to be when they run special promotions like "$2 nights".
More off day news. I heard tonight that the Jays are playing in New York on Monday and now have an off day next Thursday (so the Yanks can make up a game with Tampa that day). Jerry said the starters are Lilly, Halladay and Batista.
Sobering thought: 3 years ago today, I was in New Orleans (but the weather was great).
Delgado is finished with the Jays. There's a .00001% chance he will be back next season.
JP said the starting rotation is basically set for next year (when asked about if any of the pitching prospects will be in the rotation to start next year)
JP said the starting rotation is basically set for next year (when asked about if any of the pitching prospects will be in the rotation to start next year)
Some guy boycotted the game because he doesn't want to see Delgado play. Idiot.
Every week I listen to WWJP, and every week I end up turning it off prematurely due to idiotic callers. Meh, thanks for the updates Rob. Reading the Coles notes version is better.
Every week I listen to WWJP, and every week I end up turning it off prematurely due to idiotic callers. Meh, thanks for the updates Rob. Reading the Coles notes version is better.
A bunch of pitching notes:
Justin Miller: "Won't see the best until 2006."
Jason Arnold: "Wait till next year."
Gus Chacin: "Pitcher of the year for us. He might be a 4 or 5 starter. Best case-scenario, half a year away."
He also mentioned a fourth pitcher, but I missed it.
Some of the more intelligent callers:
Q: Looking at Art Howe?
A: Making over four million dollars, and Art might not want to manage after this year's Mets team. Gibbons is doing well here. Sounds like JP is talking up Gibbons moreso than he ever did with Tosca. No shock to me.
Boston College is more expensive than Harvard. Now you know. No, I don't know how that came up...
JP "love[s] it in Toronto." He loves it so much, he lives in America. ;)
Justin Miller: "Won't see the best until 2006."
Jason Arnold: "Wait till next year."
Gus Chacin: "Pitcher of the year for us. He might be a 4 or 5 starter. Best case-scenario, half a year away."
He also mentioned a fourth pitcher, but I missed it.
Some of the more intelligent callers:
Q: Looking at Art Howe?
A: Making over four million dollars, and Art might not want to manage after this year's Mets team. Gibbons is doing well here. Sounds like JP is talking up Gibbons moreso than he ever did with Tosca. No shock to me.
Boston College is more expensive than Harvard. Now you know. No, I don't know how that came up...
JP "love[s] it in Toronto." He loves it so much, he lives in America. ;)
"We're going to turn that pick [high first-round draft pick] into someone who will get here quick."
Delgado is finished with the Jays. There's a .00001% chance he will be back next season.
JP said the starting rotation is basically set for next year (when asked about if any of the pitching prospects will be in the rotation to start next year)
Just to clarify, the Delgado comment is your own comment and not JP's, correct?
JP said the starting rotation is basically set for next year (when asked about if any of the pitching prospects will be in the rotation to start next year)
Just to clarify, the Delgado comment is your own comment and not JP's, correct?
"We like Quiroz a lot. We like Zaun. Myers and Zaun have done great jobs for us here the last two years." No mention of Cash. Can you say non-tender?
Q: Is there a backlash from the league if Delgado takes a hometown discount?
A: Carlos is his own man, he can stand up and state his reasons for signing a deal.
Is that it? Yeah, I guess the show is over. Whoever cues the commercials is doing a Wasdin-like job here.
A: Carlos is his own man, he can stand up and state his reasons for signing a deal.
Is that it? Yeah, I guess the show is over. Whoever cues the commercials is doing a Wasdin-like job here.
Just to clarify, the Delgado comment is your own comment and not JP's, correct?
That was my own comment.
That was my own comment.
"We like Quiroz a lot. We like Zaun. Myers and Zaun have done great jobs for us here the last two years." No mention of Cash. Can you say non-tender?
I also noticed Cash wasn't mentioned when JP was asked about the catcher situation for next season.
I feel a little bad for Cash. He seems like a great guy and he arrived early at Spring Training to work on his hitting. All through-out spring training the reports said Cash spent countless hrs on hitting. He showed flashes of turning the corner during Spring Training but it's pretty evident now he simply can't hit MLB pitching.
I also noticed Cash wasn't mentioned when JP was asked about the catcher situation for next season.
I feel a little bad for Cash. He seems like a great guy and he arrived early at Spring Training to work on his hitting. All through-out spring training the reports said Cash spent countless hrs on hitting. He showed flashes of turning the corner during Spring Training but it's pretty evident now he simply can't hit MLB pitching.
That was my own comment.
That's what I figured. Geez, could I have used the word 'comment' any more in one sentence?
That's what I figured. Geez, could I have used the word 'comment' any more in one sentence?
RE: Cash.
And he was such a nice guy in the 2004 Jays Offseason documentary. Him and Halladay worked out so much in the offseason, or so it seemed.
I liked the shot with the 6-6 HLH and the 6-0 Cash jumping at the same time, doing some exercise. Poor Kevin, he just couldn't reach higher than Doc.
And he was such a nice guy in the 2004 Jays Offseason documentary. Him and Halladay worked out so much in the offseason, or so it seemed.
I liked the shot with the 6-6 HLH and the 6-0 Cash jumping at the same time, doing some exercise. Poor Kevin, he just couldn't reach higher than Doc.
JP never said anything about Delgado coming back or not. There was a question about whether there would be a backlash from the Player's Association if Delgado took a much lesser contract than his current level to stay in Toronto. JP said he believed Carlos is his own man and wouldn't be influenced by the PA if he really wanted to stay.
Cash could be DFA depending on whether the Jays feel they need the 40-man space. If there's a team out there looking for a Henry Blanco type backup they might take a chance on Cash.
Cash could be DFA depending on whether the Jays feel they need the 40-man space. If there's a team out there looking for a Henry Blanco type backup they might take a chance on Cash.
That's what I figured. Geez, could I have used the word 'comment' any more in one sentence?
Sure you could have. Like this:
Just to clarify your comment, the Delgado comment was your comment and not Jp's comment; is my comment correct?
Sure you could have. Like this:
Just to clarify your comment, the Delgado comment was your comment and not Jp's comment; is my comment correct?
'Cash could be DFA depending on whether the Jays feel they need the 40-man space. If there's a team out there looking for a Henry Blanco type backup they might take a chance on Cash.'
I think he would be much more useful in the NL. At least some teams in the NL at least think about running some....
I think he would be much more useful in the NL. At least some teams in the NL at least think about running some....
"I think he would be much more useful in the NL. At least some teams in the NL at least think about running some...."
Imagine Cash batting 8th, pitcher 9th.
Imagine Cash batting 8th, pitcher 9th.
Bye bye Gross. That's what it looks like to me. Gross has done just about all he could do in the minors and he'll be 25 by opening day. If he's one of the kids that's not "ready to play for" Catalanotto, than it looks like he will be playing elsewhere. As long as we get a good return, and are able to snag some kind of power for 1B and DH/LF, I guess it will be ok.
In 2002, did you ever imagine Phelps, Werth, and possibly Gross playing elsewhere by 2005?
In 2002, did you ever imagine Phelps, Werth, and possibly Gross playing elsewhere by 2005?
Catalanotto over Gross in 2005 is a no brainer.
Cat is going to be the DH most nights: he's not a threat to Gross' playing time. Gross is far and away the superior defensive leftfielder.
Went to the game tonight--my first of the year! Small crowd, but the atmosphere was good, and it was a great game. Watching Lilly was a joy. He threw the fastball and the curve--which was indeed nasty--deftly changed speeds and location, and kept the Os off-balance all night. Speier also did a nice job to work out of a jam in the ninth. Nice defence by Johnson and Rios (outfield assists) and a nice running catch by Wells. The infield was solid.
Seeing Riley get hit in the first inning was frightening. Stunned, he froze and keeled over, absolutely motionless, for several long seconds. He showed tremendous determination to rebound and match Lilly most of the way.
Seeing Riley get hit in the first inning was frightening. Stunned, he froze and keeled over, absolutely motionless, for several long seconds. He showed tremendous determination to rebound and match Lilly most of the way.
Cat is also more likely to stay healthy if DHs exclusively.
Having watched Lilly extensively this season, I've reached the conclusion that the two keys for him are 1) getting the curve ball over and 2) locating the fastball up and in.
I'm not so sure Gross is done with the Jays.
He's only had a hanful of AB's in the majors. I like his approach at the plate but he has to get the BA up.
But I wonder if JP would shop around Gross in the off-season.
I don't want Cat playing 1B or DH (two positions in which you would prefer mashers). And with the OF having Rios, Johnson, Wells, and let's say Cat, I don't know where Gross fits in.
He's only had a hanful of AB's in the majors. I like his approach at the plate but he has to get the BA up.
But I wonder if JP would shop around Gross in the off-season.
I don't want Cat playing 1B or DH (two positions in which you would prefer mashers). And with the OF having Rios, Johnson, Wells, and let's say Cat, I don't know where Gross fits in.
One criticism I have of JP's dealings with other teams is his piecemeal approach to trades. He's unloaded a large number of players, which, having been packaged differently, might have produced a few impact players--instead of more average or slightly above-average players. (Eg Werth for Frasor, Phelps for Crozier, Izturis and Quantrill for--who was that again?--Stewart for Kielty, Lopez for Arnold and Griffin, etc).
Now, Kielty for Lilly was a stroke of genius, and hindsight is 20-20, but JP hasn't made the kind of trade that sends thrills up my spine. (Like the Rays getting Kazmir, or the Pirates getting Jason Bay and Oliver Perez, or Texas getting Adrian Gonzalez...). Instead, a lot of trades leave me with the feeling that--couldn't he have done a bit better?
In other words, for someone who was renowned as a player evaluator, there hasn't been a lot of blue-chip talent headed Toronto's way.
Now, Kielty for Lilly was a stroke of genius, and hindsight is 20-20, but JP hasn't made the kind of trade that sends thrills up my spine. (Like the Rays getting Kazmir, or the Pirates getting Jason Bay and Oliver Perez, or Texas getting Adrian Gonzalez...). Instead, a lot of trades leave me with the feeling that--couldn't he have done a bit better?
In other words, for someone who was renowned as a player evaluator, there hasn't been a lot of blue-chip talent headed Toronto's way.
In other words, for someone who was renowned as a player evaluator, there hasn't been a lot of blue-chip talent headed Toronto's way.
I understand your criticism. But isnt being a great player evaluator almost directly opposed to acquiring players who are considered "blue-chip talent". I mean if a player is a blue-chip prospect then it certainly doesnt take a great evaluator of talent to recognize that. And if you're a great talent evaluator then surely you could find someone who would provide more bang for your trading buck, since the blue chip prospects would likely be rather expensive in terms of tradeable assets.
I understand your criticism. But isnt being a great player evaluator almost directly opposed to acquiring players who are considered "blue-chip talent". I mean if a player is a blue-chip prospect then it certainly doesnt take a great evaluator of talent to recognize that. And if you're a great talent evaluator then surely you could find someone who would provide more bang for your trading buck, since the blue chip prospects would likely be rather expensive in terms of tradeable assets.
Maybe I just have low standards but the Hinske deal was pretty freakin' awsome.
If we need a manager who can throw batting practice, lets just promote Jesus Figueroa! His English can't be any worse than Gibbons!
Zeus rules!
Zeus rules!
If we wrote off every player as quickly as we write off guys who don't deliver their first time through the major leagues, we would miss a lot of good players. A lot of very good players struggle on their first exposure to the major leagues.
Gross will be fine.
Gross will be fine.
Cat is going to be the DH most nights: he's not a threat to Gross' playing time.
I agree. I believe Catalanotto was signed to be the DH vs RHP and will only serve as a plan B LF should Gross struggle and have to be sent down. I think the LF job (vs RHP, anyway) will be Gross's to lose. Reed Johnson should retain his platoon role in LF.
If there's a team out there looking for a Henry Blanco type backup they might take a chance on Cash.
I'm sure Cash would be snapped up in a second (which shouldn't factor in to Toronto's decision-making). Teams can't help themselves when it comes to the catch-and-throw guys.
I agree. I believe Catalanotto was signed to be the DH vs RHP and will only serve as a plan B LF should Gross struggle and have to be sent down. I think the LF job (vs RHP, anyway) will be Gross's to lose. Reed Johnson should retain his platoon role in LF.
If there's a team out there looking for a Henry Blanco type backup they might take a chance on Cash.
I'm sure Cash would be snapped up in a second (which shouldn't factor in to Toronto's decision-making). Teams can't help themselves when it comes to the catch-and-throw guys.
Cat is going to be the DH most nights: he's not a threat to Gross' playing time.
I agree. I believe Catalanotto was signed to be the DH vs RHP and will only serve as a plan B LF should Gross struggle and have to be sent down.
That would be the obvious choice, but J.P. has made a number of comments which seem to suggest that Gross likely won't make the club out of spring training. Now he hasn't used those exact words, but he has mentioned the Jays already having a lot of inexperienced players in the bigs, and numerous mentions to Cat playing the outfield.
I agree. I believe Catalanotto was signed to be the DH vs RHP and will only serve as a plan B LF should Gross struggle and have to be sent down.
That would be the obvious choice, but J.P. has made a number of comments which seem to suggest that Gross likely won't make the club out of spring training. Now he hasn't used those exact words, but he has mentioned the Jays already having a lot of inexperienced players in the bigs, and numerous mentions to Cat playing the outfield.
So Cat starts in LF and Gross ... Syracuse? Bench? Certainly by the end of this I expect Cat to be a DH vs RH.