Batter's Box Interactive Magazine Batter's Box Interactive Magazine Batter's Box Interactive Magazine
But still it's farewell
And maybe we'll come back
To earth, who can tell?

I guess there is no one to blame
We're leaving ground
Will things ever be the same again?

Another strong pitching performance against the Yankees JV team - this time by Roy Halladay - led the Jays to a 4-2 win.


Recaps

* Halladay in control to drop Yankees - Fordin

The Blue Jays let go of the reins on Roy Halladay on Saturday, letting the workhorse pitch until he dropped. The thing was, he didn't. Toronto's ace worked eight innings and allowed just one run, leading the Jays to a 4-2 win over the Yankees. That was the second straight win for the home team, but it was Halladay's first victory since July 3.


* Doc sees recovery for ailing Blue Jays - Rutsey

Afterward, Halladay was still beating the Jays drum, not shaken by a 67-93 season, convinced that better years lie just down the highway.

"It was tough, it was a long road but as a team I think we found out a lot about some of the young guys and some of the young pitchers we've seen here lately," he said of the Jays season. "I think if anything good came out of the year it was that. We got a chance to see a lot of these young guys who are going to be a big part of our team."

"If we're going to have a rough year I'd like to do it with those type of players who have such high potential. They're going to be here. So I'm pretty happy with that and I'm real happy with some of the arms that have come up here in the last week or so (Brandon League), including David Bush. That's going to be comforting having those guys in the bullpen."


* Just what the Doc ordered - Baker

Jays closer Miguel Batista was handed a 4-1 lead and — after giving up a run — retired Ruben Sierra on a drive to the centre field warning track with a runner on for his fifth save.


* Halladay ends season in good form - Wharnsby

Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay has epitomized the plight of his club's 2004 season, a campaign that has been full of disappointment and a significant amount of time in the infirmary.

Nevertheless, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner was able to erase any doubt about his troubled right shoulder entering the off-season with one of his strongest outings of the year.



Notes

* Patterson dismissed - Fordin

Patterson was offered a position within the organization, but not at the Major League level. He declined the demotion and will begin making phone calls, casting about for a new employer.

Several sources have indicated and confirmed that Brad Arnsberg will be the next pitching coach. Arnsberg is currently in that capacity at Triple-A Syracuse, and he's helped several of Toronto's young arms make the big-league leap.

Ten of the team's current pitchers played for Arnsberg this season.

Toronto plans to announce the entire coaching staff on Monday, and John Gibbons will have his interim tag taken away at that news conference. First-base coach Joe Breeden has been informed that he won't be back, but batting coach Mike Barnett appears to be in the clear.


* Elliot on Baseball - Elliot

With the Expos moving, owners are looking over their shoulders in other cities.

Will the Florida Marlins pick up stakes and head for Las Vegas or Portland? Will the Oakland A's move to San Jose?

There has been movement, there will be will more.

Blue Jays fans should be worried as well.


* Solid citizen Carlos about to fly the coop - Perkins

Perhaps a miracle will happen tomorrow and Delgado will go into a meeting with the Jays and come out a signed man. But how could he? What could they possibly offer him that he could accept?

There are going to be a few teams interested in his bat, starting (the guess here) with the Angels, Orioles and Dodgers. He won't get $18 million (U.S.) a year. That market and that time are gone. But he'll get something enormous, especially if there are multiple bidders, which leaves the Jays out of it.

Delgado might, because of his well-documented regard for the city and his ties to the organization, give them a last-ditch chance to match, but they're a long shot to have that kind of money. Ever again, apparently.


* Today's Game - Josh Towers gets the start for Toronto. Brad Halsey gets the start for the Yankees. Game time is 1:05.
Sunday Roundup - We're leaving together | 36 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
_Jobu - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 09:54 AM EDT (#29380) #
Well, looks like the Final Countdown has finaly begun. This year has really tried my faith. Maybe a trip to Europe will calm me down.
_Caino - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:02 AM EDT (#29381) #
Jobu you quick sneak. You beat me to it. Finally I knew one... Looks like Caino's still in the basement with zero points.
_Jobu - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:07 AM EDT (#29382) #
Alas, you gotta be quick when IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!!!!

Sorry. I'm just listening to the song now and it's getting me rediculously pumped. Wonder if there's a way to listen to it while I write my exam.

(Insert synth trumpets)
_Caino - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:09 AM EDT (#29383) #
You Have an exam today?!?!
Pistol - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:11 AM EDT (#29384) #
Kudos to Jobu for correctly identifying Europe's 'The Final Countdown'.

If that doesn't bring back memories of the Bad Boy Pistons of the late 80s nothing will.
_Jobu - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:12 AM EDT (#29385) #
Ewwwww....god no. Tomorrow morning. I woke up early to study, watch baseball, study, sleep, study, write exam......this truly is MY FINAL COUNTDOWN. Man, what a sweet song.
_Keith Talent - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:13 AM EDT (#29386) #
With the Expos moving, owners are looking over their shoulders in other cities.

Will the Florida Marlins pick up stakes and head for Las Vegas or Portland? Will the Oakland A's move to San Jose?

There has been movement, there will be will more.

Blue Jays fans should be worried as well.


Umm... Did Bob Elliott not notice that it took THREE YEARS before Washington was approved as an appropriate site by MLB?
_Jobu - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:15 AM EDT (#29387) #
What? No freaky picture and 100 billion points?? Well, I guess there's no one to blame, since it's the final countdown.
_Moffatt - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:22 AM EDT (#29388) #
Let's see if I can step in. Problem is, I've used most of my quota of prizes. So Jobu wins 48 points and a picture of a monkey:

Pistol - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:27 AM EDT (#29389) #
What? No freaky picture and 100 billion points??

Sorry, the weekend roundup is not quite as glamorous as the weekday roundups.
_Gwyn - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:31 AM EDT (#29390) #
it took THREE YEARS before Washington was approved as an appropriate site by MLB?

amd lets not forget the $600 million...
_Jobu - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:32 AM EDT (#29391) #
Oh SWEET!! I'll take it!!

Now here's my reward to all of you who missed it last night. Picture Jesus Colome



becoming closer of Tampa Bay and coming out to close games with this song as his entrance music.

http://members.lycos.co.uk/jobuandpat/Jesus%20Colome.mp3

Maybe you have to be as sleep deprived as me to find it as hilarious as I do.

PS. Where's the cheer club setting up today? If yesterday was any indication, I don't think we can get away with the drum in 518. We might have to move out to Dave Stieb land.
_6-4-3 - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:33 AM EDT (#29392) #
And let's not forget the bribes to Angelos, including guaranteed revenue, guaranteed selling price, and guaranteed TV coverage for his O's.
_Ducey - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:34 AM EDT (#29393) #
Do we know why Patterson and Breeden are being cut but Barnett is being kept?

I have heard the "Gibbonswantshisownguys" theory. Do you think there is more to it? On the face of it, based on the perfomance of those they are responsible for, Barnett should be punted as well.
_6-4-3 - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:38 AM EDT (#29394) #
I think the Jays need their own personal Jesus, especially if he can close and come into this music. I'm not sleep deprived, but that is hillarious. But then, I find "Thrillhouse" jokes funny.

I don't really know why Barnett's survived The Great Purge of coaches. But then, I'm not sure if I support the firing of any coaches, based on this season. Maybe the bullpen coach, but only as a warning shot.
_Magpie - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:42 AM EDT (#29395) #
Europe's 'The Final Countdown'.

If that doesn't bring back memories of the Bad Boy Pistons of the late 80s nothing will.


There was a band called Europe? In the 1980s? What were they like? Were they any good?

I must have missed them. I kind of went into a long sulk when the Clash broke up. Wouldn't listen to anybody.

Do we know why Patterson and Breeden are being cut but Barnett is being kept?

Coach said somewhere on the site that Breeden is Tosca's guy, his best chum, and really only stayed on because he's a pro. He'll likely end up where Tosca ends up.

As far Patterson walks, while Barnett... who knows? It was a bad year for both of them. But hell, it was a bad year for everyone.

Cubs lose! Cubs lose!

I just love saying that.
_Jobu - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:45 AM EDT (#29396) #
Speaking of Thrillhouse..... let's not forget the promise of a certain 5-Tool Radio Host:

"Heck, I'll even mention it
to him when the Jays get home from Baltimore, see what he thinks."


Me and Jesus Colome are waiting on pins and needles for the answer to this one.
Pistol - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:46 AM EDT (#29397) #
And let's not forget the bribes to Angelos, including guaranteed revenue, guaranteed selling price, and guaranteed TV coverage for his O's.

I'm apparently the only one that doesn't have a problem with this solution (assuming Angelos doesn't pull shenanigans).
_Moffatt - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:48 AM EDT (#29398) #
I'm apparently the only one that doesn't have a problem with this solution (assuming Angelos doesn't pull shenanigans).

Did you see Derek Zumsteg's piece in Prospectus on Thursday? That deal could end up cost MLB a ton of money before it's all said and done.

Whoever owns the Orioles could put out a team with a $30 million payroll and be guaranteed a ton of revenue, making absolutely obscene amounts of money.
_Jobu - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:51 AM EDT (#29399) #
Well then, let's hope he does exactly that and we don't have to worry about a third big spender in our division.
_Magpie - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 10:56 AM EDT (#29400) #
I'm off to the ball park.

Hey SF. I'm pretty sure we're getting a free t-shirt today.

Don't the perks make it all worth while?
_Moffatt - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 11:00 AM EDT (#29401) #
I hope SF doesn't spill free popcorn and free soda on his free T-shirt. That would be a shame.
Pistol - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 11:04 AM EDT (#29402) #
Did you see Derek Zumsteg's piece in Prospectus on Thursday? That deal could end up cost MLB a ton of money before it's all said and done.

Whoever owns the Orioles could put out a team with a $30 million payroll and be guaranteed a ton of revenue, making absolutely obscene amounts of money.


Those would be some of the shenanigans. And I would hope there would be some kind of language in the agreement that closed loopholes like that (although I'm not holding my breathe on that one).

I think the effect of the Expos in DC is going to be minimal to the O's so I don't see their revenues or franchise value falling (especially if they have a RSN). And if it did I can't imagine it being more than the $100+ million payoff that was being disussed.

If there is an impact on the O's franchise because of the move I don't think it's unreasonable for Angelos to be compensated because of it. I actually like this solution more than an upfront payoff (again assuming no shenanigans).
_Moffatt - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 11:06 AM EDT (#29403) #
And I would hope there would be some kind of language in the agreement that closed loopholes like that

I doubt MLB would put in an agreement that the Orioles have to keep a certain minimum payroll or that Angelos would accept such an arrangement.

(again assuming no shenanigans)

That's a pretty big assumption. To me that's like saying I see no problem leaving my car door unlocked assuming no one tries to steal my car stereo.
_Jobu - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 11:28 AM EDT (#29404) #
well i'm off to the ballpark. The drum might get complaints because last night 518 was quite busy, but set up the drum where ever and the Cheer Club will gravitate towards it. GO JAYS GO.
_Wildrose - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 11:35 AM EDT (#29405) #
In terms of the Patterson firing, I think its not that he did such a poor job, but rather, the team really seems to like Arnberger and were afraid he's take another MLB job if not offered in Toronto. As well, Patterson may be considered a "Tosca" guy. The two were together in Arizona with Showalter and I'm sure Carlos had some input into his hiring.
_SF - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 11:56 AM EDT (#29406) #
I can't spill popcorn or soda on that shirt... (Wait for it...) I already wiped my ass with it.

Ah -- my final crass comment of the year. God, did that feel good.

Ladies and gentlemen, I've been waiting for this day since approximately February 15. It's been a pleasure -- try not to forget about Dr. Prisonfence during the offseason.
_Magpie - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 12:02 PM EDT (#29407) #
I hope SF doesn't spill free popcorn and free soda on his free T-shirt.

Not so likely to happen since they stopped giving us free beer.

I'm still bitter about that. Come back, Labatts! I miss you!

Just ran into Coach down at Gate 9. He was making fun of my computer. Just for the record, it is not a Commodore 64. Its an IBM ThinkPad. With an Intel 80486 CPU. This was state of the art once upon a time.

And I only use it at the ball park.
_Paul D - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 12:09 PM EDT (#29408) #
As far as I can tell, MLB has no legal obligation to the Orioles to provide them with anything (this is based purely on what i've read in the newspaper and one quote from Zimbalist). The stupid thing about what they've done is that they've now set a precedent. So instead of being able to put a team into Brooklyn, because it's good for baseball, they'll have to go to Portland or Vegas, because then they're not in anyone's territory. Same thing with the A's, who should maybe move to Santa Clara (I don't know if they should or shouldn't, but the possibility should at least be discussed).

The revenue floor might end up helping the Jays. Did Angelos get a transferrable revenue floor? ie, if he sells the team the team has the revenue floor? Angelos doesn't really strike me as the kind of guy to slash payroll because of his floor, but new owners might do something like that.
_Magpie - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 12:15 PM EDT (#29409) #
I was just chatting with a Dodgers scout - boy, are they in a good mood - gave us a name to remember.

Francisco Liriano, LHP in the Twins system. Said he's the best pitching prospect he saw all year.
_Stan - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 12:16 PM EDT (#29410) #
Looks like the Toronto Star is having a public hanging in their parking lot on Monday. Geoff Baker will be the hangman. That article in the Star yesterday just burned my a... I really belive they won't be happy until the Jays disappear.
_Paul D - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 12:31 PM EDT (#29411) #
If there's anyone in the KW area that might be interested in having a beer club meeting one night during the playoffs, let me know.
_Rob - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 12:46 PM EDT (#29412) #
Several sources have indicated and confirmed that Brad Arnsberg will be the next pitching coach. Arnsberg is currently in that capacity at Triple-A Syracuse, and he's helped several of Toronto's young arms make the big-league leap.

I can think of one such young arm: Dave Bush. Looking at the BA Stat Page, I guess you can count Frederick as well. Who are the several pitchers I seem to be forgetting?
_Magpie - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 12:59 PM EDT (#29413) #
As the anthems play....

This place is a bit weird today. The usual hordes that follow the Yankees... the Japanese media who track Matsui's every move... and scouts from the other post-season teams looking over the Yankees.

Its getting mighty crowded.

Poor Josh Towers. The Yankees A-lineup is back.
_Jim - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 04:15 PM EDT (#29414) #
I saw Liriano once this year. I didn't go out of my way to pay close attention, but he was pretty dominant the day I saw him.

49K in 39.2 at AA
125K in 117 at A
_Fozzy - Sunday, October 03 2004 @ 04:46 PM EDT (#29415) #
http://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article.jsp?content=20041003_161630_5140
As it's being discussed in today's gamethread, colour man John Cerutti, 44, passed away this morning. I for one feel it's a dark day for Jays fans; my condolences to the Cerutti family and those at Sportsnet.
Sunday Roundup - We're leaving together | 36 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.