http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/Stats/box_AFL.shtml
In AFL news, Aaron Hill got the start at 3B last night and went 0-5. Up until now, he's been sharing the shortstop job with hot prospect Ian Kinsler. COMN for the boxscore.

In further AFL news, Adam Peterson pitched his 4th consecutive scoreless inning as closer for tjhe Saguaros.

I can't recall a team as well positioned down 0-2 than the Houston Astros, nor can I recall a team as badly positioned as the Red Sox down 0-2.

If the Red Sox want to win a WS bad enough they only have to do one thing: Go get Barry. It sounds preposterous but it would really be the one move that NY wouldn't have an answer for and I'm sure Barry would love to break the curse of the Babe as much as he relishes breaking his HR mark.

San Fran would never trade Bonds. He's on the cusp of breaking the all time home run record, and as mastercard would say, that is priceless.

If the Red Sox want to win a WS bad enough they only have to do one thing: Go get Barry.

Interesting. Would Manny accept a role as a DH? Could Ortiz be a full-time first baseman? Barry would be a terrific left fielder in Fenway's small left field, but Manny can cover it OK. Barry, I guess, could play some at DH as well.

Barry would have to approve this trade. It's likely he would not do so unless his contract were significantly restructured... he took a significant hometown discount to play in San Francisco and even if he would go to Boston, I imagine he'd demand another $10 million. Which wouldn't really be a problem.

But how do you get him from San Francisco? The Red Sox could offer a package of prospects, but that's not worth it to the Giants. Even if they offered, say, a package of Pedroia (or Hanley Ramirez) plus Abe Alvarez and Manny Delcarmen, I don't think that would be enough to bring in Barry.

Do the Red Sox have young players they could trade? Um... no. This is an *old* team. Nearly as old as the Yankees. The Red Sox do not have two productive players aged 27 or less... Kevin Youkilis (25) and Bronson Arroyo (27). I suppose they could deal Youkilis, but he's not the kind of player to make the Giants sit up and take notice.

The one guy, the one guy, they could trade would be Ortiz. Ortiz should be a *peach* of a bargain over the next three years (his 2007 option is for just $7.75 million, and his 2005 and 06 are even cheaper!) If the Red Sox packaged up Ortiz (who is in his prime) and some young guys, I think they could at least get the Giants to play ball on trading Barry.

Then they'd just need to get Barry to play ball too.

The Red Sox are in a real Jam, but maybe if Arroyo fires some fastballs from his Eton Rifle, he can get them back in the series tonight.

For the Giants, who depend on Barry to help them fill their expensive ballpark and make their debt payments, if they trade Barry they need some pretty significant scratch in return, or a package that will pretty much guarantee they stay in contention, which would be tough.

I've got a Jays trade proposal, that is most likely unrealistic, however I can dream:

G. Chacin and Eric Hinske

for

Mike Lowell

The Marlins will need another pitcher once Pavano signs with one of the NY teams, plus reports say they want to deal Lowell to cut some salary, Hinske would be a less expensive replacement.

Didn't Barry say he'd NEVER play in Boston, that he considers it one of the most racist towns in baseball?

Our own Craig Burley continues his pitch count studies at THT. Here is the article.

Toronto trades Orlando Hudson to the Atlanta Braves for Juan Cruz.

Toronto Gains because: We have Aaron Hill just as ready as Russ Adams to contribute. As Eric Hinske has four years left on his contract, second base looks like the spot for Hill. Hudson is going to be arbitration eligible soon, and his price will likely be too high for the Jays, especially with Hill lurking in the minors.
All Juan Cruz needs is the opportunity to start. He has the pitches to be lights out once he puts it all together.

Atlanta Gains: Even though Marcus Giles is an elite hitter, he's often hurt and his range is something to be desired. He could be moved to left field. Hudson would provide gold glove defense, and Atlanta would be able to cover a lot of ground up the middle with jones, furcal and hudson.

Toronto Trades Anita Bath to Texas for Amanda Hugginkiss

Worst Ranger trade since Darling and Terrell for Mazzilli. I'm appalled.

YIKES!!!!!

Please don't scare me like that, Hinske only has three years left on his contract.

Have I mentioned I don't care for Hinske?

Even though Marcus Giles is an elite hitter, he's often hurt and his range is something to be desired.

I was under the impression, at least last year, that Giles was a top defender at 2b.

Which reminds me, has UZR come out yet? (I've been out of the loop for a while).

Scott, are you forgetting the legendary Sosa for Baines deal?

That wasn't as bad as the legendary Sosa for George Bell deal.

File this under "Trades that will nevereverever happen, but it sort of makes sense that it should."

New York Yankeest trade SS Derek Jeter to the Chicago Cubs for 3B Aramis Ramirez and RP LaTroy Hawkins

Chicago gains from a PR angle, demonstrating to fans that they are committed to winning by acquiring TWO of the "pantheon trinity" shortstops in a six month span; after Nomar leaves, Jeter returns to his midwest roots, bats leadoff and teaches the Cubbies "how to win."

New York gains by acquiring a solid All-Star caliber third sacker in Ramirez to replace Alex Rodriguez, who moves over to short as an upgrade over Jeter. Hawkins returns to his natural role of setup man, helping Gordon and Quantrill avoid another season of 160 appearances between them.

Isn't Amaris Ramirez a free agent? I could be wrong.

How much money would the Yankees have to pay to cover enough of Jeter's salary to make it worthwhile for the Cubs? In a couple years, Jeter is very likely to be one of the most overpaid players in baseball.

Toronto trades Chirs Woodward to Montreal/Washington for Fieldturf

Montreal gains from getting a serviceable SS who might still break out and become an average Shortstop. And it costs them nothing, let Washington deal with it.

Toronto gains from clearing out the SS log jam, and most importantly replacing the injury enducing carpet that remains unique to the Skydome in this MLB era.

Jobu i think you are going to have to throw in some baseballs for the washington expos with that deal. Woodward for field turf might not be enough.

Correction: Youppi!

Or Washington could sign Woodward when he becomes a free agent next week.

Yes, but I would imagine she would die of grief. I mean... the plan assumes the Jays sing Woody for minimal salary.

sign, sing.....same difference really.

The Chacin-Hinske-Lowell trade is ill-conceived. Marlins have no use for Hinske (who does?) with Cabrera itching to return to 3rd base and Jays have no stomach for Lowell's salary. Also, in case you haven't noticed, the Jays are not too deep in starting pitching.

The Hudson-Cruz trade idea may look great from a Jay's fan perspective since Cruz has plenty of upside but the Braves don't have anything to gain. Giles missed a big piece of the 2004 season yet Atlanta managed to qualify for the post-season in part because Nick Green was a more than adequate replacement.

the Jays are not too deep in starting pitching.

Say what?

Doc, Lilly, Batista, Bush, Miller, Towers, Leauge, Chacin, McGowan, Rosario, et all...

Which reminds me, has UZR come out yet?

It is not clear that it will come out this season, due to contractual commitments.

I'm not sure which end has to add the prospects to even it out, but I propose the Jays trade Ted Lilly and Eric Hinske to the Red Sox for Kevin Youkilis.

When JP acquired both Batista and Lilly in the offseason, it wasn't obvious which of the 2 would put up the better numbers. By the All-Star break it still wasn't obvious, but of course MB had a dreadful second half and now Ted is seen as a solid #2. Lilly's salary for 2005 is very reasonable, but he will be arb-eligible in 2006 and will likely make $4-7M depending on his '05 performance.

Hinske, as you know, will earn ~$5M in both 2006 and 2007. While Youkilis, a reasonable comp for Hinske, would be entering first year arbitration in 2007.

What's in it for the Sox?
Well, for one they're getting a RoY at his lowest perceived value and potential to "rediscover his swing" in the friendly confines of Fenway. In Lilly they're getting a great mid-rotation lefty who has already pitched well in the post-season and they're getting him at a reasonable price. At third they already have Mueller and a prospect whose name escapes me right now.

The Jays on the other hand, shed a lot of salary and thus get payroll flexibility (to add another starting pitcher) while landing an OBP-friendly 3B on the cheap.

(As a sidebar, after the Bobby Kielty experiment I am not nearly as high on Youkilis as some Moneyball fanatics, I would expect league average performance at low cost.)

I think this trade helps both teams, what do you think?

that's 3 - Doc, Lilly and Bush.
Batista has already been sent to the pen because he can't throws strikes.
Miller is no more than a spot (read desperation) starter.
Towers starts because Jays have no depth. He can't pitch out of a jam, was removed from the rotation(again) in 2004 and returned only because on injuries were desperate. Looks like he pitched himself back out if the rotation in September with an ERA over 10 in his final 3 starts.
The rest on your list are minor leaguers with promise. So Bush, with 2 months experience is the 3rd starter. That's thin by any definition.

Doc, Lilly et all...
thats two solid ML pitchers and ...

getting Youkilis and dumping Hinske is a superb idea but I think Lilly is too steep a price. Batista would be a fair substitute.

Doc, Lilly, and Bush are already a garunteed three. Towers is a serviceable 5th starter.

Not even counting Batista (who can be much more valuable starting)and Miller, we have 3 or 4 very promising young pitchers essentialy fighting for the 4th spot on the rotation.

It seems like the thickest postion on the team, as opposed to obviously thin.

I posted this one a few weeks ago

Oakland gets: Austin Kearns

Toronto gets: Erubiel Durazo and Mark Redman

Cincinnati gets: Gustavo Chacin and Adam Peterson

Oakland gets Young and Talented corner outfield help, which they are weak on after likely losing Dye this offseason - they lose Durazo but replace him with Dan Johnson, and Redman, whose salary I'm confident Beane is happy to shed at this point

Toronto gets offensive help at either 1B or DH and a serviceable back of the rotation starter for about 8 million - they lose pitching prospects, which is their greatest organizational strength right now

Cincinnati loses a young corner outfielder but he seems out of their plans as is (there was talk of trying him at 3rd base over the offseason) - In return, they get pitching help, a perrenial need for the team. I'm naming pitching prospects at random for the Reds to get - its definitely possible the Reds would require more or better names - but I'm confident there is a fair deal involving Kearns for pitching prospects somewhere out there

Finally, its Oakland and Toronto doing their favourite team - bringing in a third team (who they've dealt with previously) in order to strengthen both their own teams. WIN, WIN, WIN

Also, in case you haven't noticed, the Jays are not too deep in starting pitching.

In case you haven't noticed, the Jays finished 3rd last in the American league in offense last year (only beating Tampa and Seattle) and are going to lose their best hitter. I think it would be smart for them to consider trading from their depth in pitching prospects to improve their very weak offense.

Also Lowell will make $8 million per season for each of the next 3 years, the Jays could afford this contract.

You are right that no one would want Hinske though.

I think it would be smarter to see what guys can do next year, without thinning out the young pitching prospects. Trading pitching prospects for a season that is the last(or middle) step in a rebuilding process doesnt make that much sense. Why not sign a FA(or 4) and keep the prospects.

Bush has made a small imprint in the majors so far. Many like him work their way out of the rotation after hitters get familiar. he didn't exactly set the minor leagues on fire you know. Solid is 2+ years starting in the majors. remember what happeded to the Doc a few years ago. It took him a couple of seasons to get straightened out.

Chacin is intriguing. Magowan and Rosario may get invited to camp but they are going to pitch in double or triple A next year.

Bush has got quite an arsenal of pitches and has excellent command. He's going to be a successful big league pitcher unless he gets hurt. I've talked to Dave Bush and watched him go about his business: he's poised, focused and confident - everything you need to be a success in the majors.

And in point of fact, Bush has had an excellent rapid rise through the farm system and his performance in Syracuse was much bettter than his ERA there suggested.

Why not sign a FA(or 4) and keep the prospects

As long as the Jays don't lose draft picks, I'm okay with this too.

I think the Jays have the following things to think about:
- get rid of Hinske, he's not a good player and makes too much money for this team.
- Batista was a mistake, they should seriously try to rid themselves of this contract as well.
- Chacin, while he had a fantastic year, IMO - is most likely to be a bust of all the prospect pitchers the Jays are touting. He's the guy I would try to deal to get hitting in return.
- The Jays drafts in 2002 and 2003 focused on pitching, it doesn't look like there is any answers (other than maybe Aaron Hill) to the offense problems withing their organization.
- They are not going to compete next year, therefore any aquisition they make should either be a temporary fill in player, or someone they plan to have three years from now.

Bush has looked good so far. I wish him all the success in the world. That and the fact that you have spoken with him does not make him a lock as a successful starter in the majors. If he weren't poised, focused and confident he would not have made it this far. The same is true of anyone getting to the majors.

We were discussing SOLID pitching depth, hopefully for a winning MLB team. Bush is only a short way along that journey. Chacin may be redy to begin that journey in the spring. The rest of the Jays pitching prospects are not-ready-for-prime-time.

There has been talk about us getting Durazo. Altough he seems to be over his cronic wrists problem, we could have him for the fair price of that first pick SS from PR. Maybe, if the price is Griffin and Arnold, it could be OK.
Anyway, why we do not get Kearns ourselves...

Anyway, why we do not get Kearns ourselves...

Indeed. While Durazo and (to a lesser extent) Redman are fine players, I see Kearns as being much more the type of player I'd want on a team like the Blue Jays -- a high ceiling player who should be in his prime when the team plans to contend. If Chacin and Peterson could fetch Kearns, I'd keep Kearns.

"Solid" can mean a lot of different things. To me, Dave Bush is a solid major league starter.

Not to mention Durazo and Redman would account for at least 8-9 million combined. Why trade a cheap young player with high upside (Kearns) for 9 million dollars worth of one year of Durazo and two years of an overpaid #4 starter? If Chacin and Peterson was all it took to get Kearns, than keep Kearns and spend 9 million elsewhere.

If he weren't poised, focused and confident he would not have made it this far. The same is true of anyone getting to the majors.

Kelvim Escobar is a good example of this being untrue. Quite a bit of the time, raw talent can take you to the show, it's what's behind it that takes you the extra mile.

I remember once Roy was talking about his stuff compared to Escobar's, when they were both on the team. He said that he used to get frustrated because he had to work so much harder, because Kelvim's raw stuff was so much better. However, because of Doc's meticulous hard work and the time and effort he puts into studying batters and working on his stuff (catchers used to comment that Escobar would just go out there and throw, IIRC), it made things better for him in the long run. And rightfully so: that year, he was the Cy Young winner.

There's really nothing to indicate that David Bush won't be a good to very good pitcher for a number of years. Like Mr. Dudek said, he's got poise and confidence, as evidenced by his rapid rise through the system, and he's also got a big league breaking ball and is quite good at changing speeds, in addition to pinpoint control and command. I wouldn't be worried about him.

League, if he's in the 'pen, and Peterson, who seems to have regained his form in the AFL, could be in the show sooner than you think LarryB. A strong first-half from Rosario could mean the same thing after the ASB.

I don't see that Chacin and Peterson would be worth a useful major league regular to any GM, Chuck LaMarr excluded, of course.

In a couple years, Jeter is very likely to be one of the most overpaid players in baseball.

Is this not already true?

Hey Guys and Gals.

Where are all the women hiding here ?

A off topic request.

Does anybody know of a way I can get a web page translated from Spanish to English ?

I know google does on some searches but if I already have a page I want translated it does not help ?

I want to try following the winter latin leagues. Hola Jobu , do you know any ?

Thank Jeff

It seems like some people are confusing "solid" with "all star", which is not neccissary nor in the Blue Jays budget. The Blue Jays have 3 solid starters with one in the pen (doc, lilly, bush, batista) 2 5th starters with one in the pen (towers and miller) and almost half a dozen highly touted pitching prospects ready to take a 4th or 5th spot. Hardly what I would call obviously thin.

http://babelfish.altavista.com/
Try this out Jeff.

COMN

Sehr gut. Sie übersetzten meine Anzeige. Ich nehme an, daß Sie genug intelligent waren, die Verbindung in meinem Namen zu besuchen. Irgendein, das oder Sie deutsch seien Sie. In diesem Fall ich für die schreckliche Grammatik mich entschuldige.

You've got to be a bit careful with the free translation pages. For example if you tranlsate yours back Jobu, you get

Very well. They translated my announcement. I assume that you were enough intelligent to visit the connection in my name. Any, that or you you are German. In this case I for the terrible grammar me excuse.

I once tried to impress my wife with my knowledge in Spanish and part of the message was to translate "you are cute" into Spanish. She translated it back and it came out as "you are monkey". Needless to say, she was not impressed.

Jobu announcement in English.

Thanks for the link Jobu

"Very well. They translated my announcement. I assume that you were enough intelligent to visit the connection in my name. Any, that or you you are German. In this case I for the terrible grammar me excuse."

Christopher that is hilarious story. This was before or after she married you ? Jeff

that is a ( should read ). I did not use the preview your comment again.

Jeff, it was before.
How does someone know they're with the right person? Calling them a monkey, and they stick around, is a pretty good start.

Damn free sites, you get what you pay for...

and for the record:

Very good. You translated my message. I assume you were smart enough to visit the link in my name. Either that or you are German. In which case, I apologize for the awful grammar.

Christopher can you send me your email address , I have a Spanish question for you ?

COMN for me email or jeff@jam21.net

Thanks ,

Jeff

COMN Jeff, although the "you are monkey" fiasco nicely sums up my level of expertise in Spanish.

100 million points to Four Seamer for identifying Eton Rifles by The Jam, as well as a picture of Eton:



and a picture of a sea creature of some sort. How about a nice sea otter?

http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?id=101757
TSN has a story about Tony Tavares looking to hire a new GM for the Expos. It mentions that Pat Gillick has expressed interest.
COMN

Who do you guys see as our left handed arms in the bullpen next year?

I notice guys like Gabe White, and Mike Venafro are available.

Yeah , Pat Gillick would be a good hire for Washington.

When Pat leaves a Team you know they are going downhill.

It seems like some people are confusing "solid" with "all star", which is not neccissary nor in the Blue Jays budget. The Blue Jays have 3 solid starters with one in the pen (doc, lilly, bush, batista)

Man, I know he had some problems this year, but how is Doc not an all star? Has this damned season really made us all so negative? I'm probably guilty of it, too. For some reason I have this idea in my head that the Doctor is going to have an ERA over 4 next year and for the rest of his career just because of his shoulder thing this year, when it's extremely likely he'll be Cy Halladay again next year. I'm never going to forgive this season.

And Lilly was an All-Star this year too. I mean, maybe there were reasons for this (i.e. no other Jay fit the bill). But that said, he is still a few notches above simply "solid".

Mike Venafro? That's a name I haven't heard in months. Is he still in organized baseball?

Going back to the contest: Depending on Ramirez's contractual situation, I really like Mick's deal. I think he's a free-agent this year, though.

Wow. Venafro pitched in the playoffs for the Dodgers. Where have I been?

That's not what I ment guys. When I said earlier that the Jays had enough solid starters, someone else said we have doc, and lilly and that's it for solid starters. My point was that a pitcher doesn't have to be an all star (doc and lilly) to be considered a "solid" starter. It seemed earlier that they expected the blue jays starting rotation to consist soley of number one and number two starters, where as I was stating it is adequate as is.

Here's a trade scenario(It worked for my MVP Baseball 2004 dynasty team). I traded Dinkske and Towers to the Marlins for AJ Burnett. We all know about Lowell's trade clause that allows him to be a free agent this offseason if stadium plans aren't in place. They obviously aren't, so odds are Lowell is on a new team next year. They get a new third basemen in Dinkske, not only is he hot(as seen on the commercials) but could stand to use a tan in Florida. We receive Burnett, a flamer that has been clocked into triple digits, a bit of a concern over his health, but a good gamble.

Thanks Moffatt, those are great prizes. I'm still waiting on my award for getting the Fad Gadget reference from Wednesday, though!

#251637 Posted 10/13/2004 02:06 PM by Four Seamer:

I'm not sure what Fad Gadget will emerge as the biggest surprise of 2005, but I suspect there will be Collapsing New People, such as the Braves who fail to win the NL East for the first time in recorded history.

Oops.. thanks for pointing that out.. Let's see what I can find for you..

How about 200 million points, a picture of Inspector Gadget:



and a picture of a sea creature of some sort. How about a narwhal?



Any of our Newfoundlander Bauxites ever seen one up close? I've always wanted to.

Arizona trades Randy Johnson to Chicago (NL) for Angel Guzman, Corey Patterson & Derrek Lee

If everyone's healthy, Chicago gets possibly the best pitching staff ever. 'nuff said.
Arizona gets rid of an extremely expensive pitcher who wants outs and gains an affordable, future rotation anchor (If his problems this year aren't career threatening), a cheap, average/below average outfielder and a Richie Sexson replacement (Because I really don't see him signing with Arizona, especially after the year they had).

Milwaukee trades Danny Kolb to Atlanta for Juan Cruz

Milwaukee gains a pitcher with some upside who they can throw into their rotation behind Ben Sheets. Bad teams don't need expensive closers and Kolb is going to be very expensive after arbitration.

Atlanta gains the ability to slide John Smoltz back into the starting rotation and the ability to let Jaret Wright go on the free agent market. Nobody quite knows how he does it, but they gain the services of an effective closer who strikes nobody out.

And, of course, I couldn't resist doing a B-Jays trade, so...

Toronto trades Frank Catalanotto to Anaheim for Jose Guillen

I know J.P. loves the Cat and I know Guillen and Sciosia have supposedly let bygones be bygones, but....I think Guillen is superior offensively to the Cat right now, he completely outclasses him defensively, he's cheap, he's tradeable because of his complete insanity and I think it's about time for the Jays to take a chance on a questionable character. It could work out VERY well for them. A Wells/Rios/Guillen outfield would be just amazing defensively.

Those are definitely worth the wait. I'm sure glad you gave me the original and unsurpassed cartoon Gadget, and not the ridiculous Matthew Broderick live action Gadget.

A Wells/Rios/Johnson outfield would be amazing defensively too, and wouldn't involve putting Lucifer in left field ;)

Hey if you are going to put Guillen in left, why not Milton Bradley in right? I bet he will come at a discount and he likes to interact with the fans...

If only Ty Cobb were still alive to play center....

but Johnson hits like a backup OF . LF is where you sacrifice a bit of D if necessary to get run production.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=755&e=1&u=/ap/20041015/ap_on_sp_ba_ne/bbo_rdp
A good chance that the Yanks at the Red Sox game tonight will be rained out due to a very good chance of heavy showers tonight.

COMN for details.

Oh boy.... that means another turn from Pedro and Schil and it's suddenly a series again.

Yeah Johnson doesn't hit as well, but we're talking about defence, and not bringing in a nutbar to play left.

The 2005 has now been released on the Jays website. April is one tough month.

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/tor/news/tor_press_release.jsp?ymd=20041015&content_id=895354&vkey=pr_tor&fext=.jsp
The Jays released their 2005 schedule. COMN.

Whoah. We're playing Washington for a 3-game set well before interleague play starts. Does that mean that they are moving to the AL?? I didn't hear anything about that. Who's going to the NL?

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/tor/news/tor_press_release.jsp?ymd=20041015&content_id=895354&vkey=pr_tor&fext=.jsp
Blue Jays schedule and ticket package info has been released COMN for details

Very tough to start the schedule. Afer opening on the road vs. the D-Rays to start the season the next 14 games are vs. Boston, Oakland, Texas, and New York.

If the Jays by some miracle are still in contention by the all-star break the next 10 games after are vs. Tampa Bay, Seattle, and KC.

Out of the final 38 games of the season we play the Yanks 10 times and Boston 7 times.

The ticket packages are outstanding. This is a benefit of having a struggling team and poor attendance. I can't believe you can get 10 games plus the home opener plus another game for $70. Oh yeah you also get 2 ticket upgrades, a $24 Gift Card, and a bobblehead. Where else can you get all that for $70?

"The Blue Jays will also face Milwaukee and Washington in Interleague Play. "

I dont think anyone moved

No, just me jumping the gun. It just looked really weird facing them so early.

That's a great price for the flex packs, but I dont like having to pick out my games ahead of time, months before I know what I might be doing that day. I like the randomness of deciding to head down to the park. If they had like a flex pack card that they put 10 bucks on and then you could show up at your leisure, that would be sweet.

Not to sound ungrateful, but it's actually a much worse deal than last year's. The ten tickets include the 2 freebies. Last year, you paid for 7, got two free games of your choice, and the home opener. You also got the seat upgrades. It's a trade-off between the $20 in merchandise and the extra ticket, and the Jays sent a free hat last year, so it's worse. Also worse (and I didn't notice this at first) is the fact that the upgrades are only one price level better. Last year, the upgrades (in my case) were from the 200 level outfield to the field level infield (behind home plate). If I got the same deal this year, the upgrades would (probably) give me worse seats than my nnormal seats. (If I've got it right, the upgrades would put me in the 100 level baseline seats in the outfield)

That being said, it's still a great deal, I guess. I'm probably just bitter about missing out on the halycon days of the Starpass.

I thought the 10 game flex pack was 10 games plus 2 other free one's.

Either way great deal for Jays fans. Too bad I don't live in Toronto or else I would be tempted to get the flex pack. The thing holding me back is that I don't know what days I would be available to go.

I'm sure Yank, Red Sox, Giants, and Cub fans would kill to have a ticket package like that.

I think Ron's right. I think you get 12 tickets, not 10. If so it is quite a deal.

Still wish they'd bring back the Starpass, but if they promote this heavily enough hopefully the Dome won't be dead next year.

It'll be interesting to see what happens to the Season Tickets prices. Given a 90+ loss season and the fact the best player in Jays history is being let go this year is going to make resubscribing a pretty tough sell.

Looks like Washington is still the "natural rival" of the Jays. I'm guessing that weekend where Toronto hosts the unnamed Washington team is the first of the two rivalry weekends.

Is the Starpass officaly canceled? Or is there still hope?

It was cancelled back in January or February. It's as dead as Caesar.

I will rise again!

Holy crap MVP is addictive

must.....force....self....to....study....friggen.....stats

What made me think that the 10 game pack is 8 + 2 free is the following "10-Game Flex Packs start at $69.23 and includes a free ticket to the home opener, a free bonus game of their choice . . ."

It's impossible to say, because the actual ticket part of the website isn't up yet.

It will be interesting to see.

It also appears that the $20 can be used on tickets as well as merchandise. If you do in fact get 12 tickets, you could buy the flexpack for the 500 level, spend your $20 on two more 500 level tickets, and end up getting 14 tickets for $70+ tax and service fees.

That's $5 a ticket, which is a quite a good deal. It's no Starpass, but it's still pretty good.

Though I may be interpreting it badly.

Graham Koonce was removed from Oakland's 40 man roster... Go get 'em Jays.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=755&e=1&u=/ap/20041015/ap_on_sp_ba_ne/bbo_rdp
Decision on game decision for tonight will be made by 8 pm ET at the latest. COMN for details. A short summary below.

This is battersbox weather guy Jeff(Rain baby Rain)Geauvreau.

The Red Sox are looking for their first victory of the series against the New York Yankees (news) but it was raining at Fenway Park in Boston, and the field was covered with a tarp just hours before the scheduled start.

The commissioner's office said a decision on the status of Game 3 of the AL series would be made between 7:30 p.m and 8 p.m. EDT.

A postponement of Game 3 could the Red Sox and Yankees to reshuffle their rotations. Boston, in particular, could use a breather after the team announced Thursday that ace Curt Schilling's ailing ankle will prevent him from pitching Game 5 and perhaps the rest of the postseason.

Graham Koonce was removed from Oakland's 40 man roster... Go get 'em Jays.

You mean the guy who struck out 129 times in 439 AB in AAA?

If anyone thinks J.P. would put this guy on the big league team, they clearly haven't been paying attention.

He would look good in Syracuse, though.

I have terminated myself as the weather guy because of inability to use the preview button. LMAO

Did anyone else notice that the MLB are still idiots?

Where are the Jays on Victoria Day? Who knows its an off day.

But that's okay, who do we play on Canada Day? Boston....in Fenway.

Fools.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?id=1898324
COMN for some encouraging words from John Sickels on Rios.

Did anyone else notice that the MLB are still idiots?

Yeah that just floors me. Is there any chance at all that if enough people complain this far ahead of time that things might get moved in time for next year?

Wow... that really sucks Jobu.

Didn't the doughheads at MLB give us an off day on Victoria Day this year as well, but then the jays just moved the game up one day?

http://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article.jsp?content=20041015_181411_1436
It looks like Delgado will be staying a Blue Jay . . . or maybe not. But Godfrey is on the case. COMN

First the report is from Marty York and you know York .....

Why the hell is Godfrey getting involved like this? I know he's the president and all but I thought Rogers would pass down the budget to Godfrey and then Godfrey would pass on the budget to JP and stay out of his way. It seems like Godfrey is getting involved more and more with each passing month. I don't know if that's a good or bad sign if he starts getting involved with the GM side of things.

Sure I would like to see Delgado back but not if he takes up almost all of the payroll the Jays have to spend.

Even with Delgado back the Jays still need a number 2/3 starter, 2 bullpen guys, and another bat. And I'm assuming Gomez and Zaun will be back next season

It's Marty York. We can safely ignore it, even if it is good news.

http://tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?id=101805
I belive Lefty Chris Hammond is now a FA. Would love to see him in a Jays uni!

http://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article.jsp;jsessionid=NMOPNMACNNNI?content=20041015_181411_1436
Well, it is Marty York, but apparently Godfrey has taken over the negotiations with Delgado himself and is encouraged by their progression. COMN.

Regardless of the York factor, they do contain quotes from Godfrey indicating that he has taken over the discussion and that JP will be consulted, but appears like he play more of a background role.

Sorry for "breaking news" that has already been broken.

Also, today's Globe reported the Jays will likely hire Mets minor-league hitting instructor Mickey Brantley as their new first base coach.

I find Godfrey handling the talks with Delgado very odd, but if it increases the chance of Carlos returning I'm all for it.

News from the AFL Big Vito 4 for 4 with 2 Jacks today!

Re: Flex pack
I hear you on the inconvenience of picking your games several months in advance, but one thing to keep in mind is that if it turns out you can't make one of your dates, you can exchange the tickets at SkyDome Gate 9. I did that this year. Another flex pack benefit (for 2004, anyways) is that you don't have to pay any service charges on any other tickets you buy.

Re: Graham Koonce
Why does Eric Crozier get no love from the Box?

Graham Koonce, 29 years old in the hitter-friendly PCL:
.241/.352/.449, 439 AB.

Eric Crozier, 25 years old in the IL:
.292/.380/.528, 390 AB.

Re: Paul Godfrey
Chill. Back in the glory days, Paul Beeston was always heavily involved with major free agents. Godfrey isn't going to make a mess of JP's master plan.

That is very odd. I wonder why he's taking over discussions, and what J.P. feels about that.

I hope so Johnny. I do imagine Godfrey is a lot more easy to get along with in negotiations that J.P. would be.

With regards to Delgado, first let me say it's great news ... regardless of JP being upset at Godfrey or not.

Second, I have always felt that Carlos should be considered, to borrow an NFL phrase, a "franchaise player" and his salary shouldn't be counted against the budget. A home grown player of Carlos on field and off field abilities comes along but once a generation - sign him to a multi-year deal so he can retire a Jay and possibly be the first Jays HOFer.

Give JP a budget, that doesn't include Carlos, of some set amount (assume $45M) and let Godfrey negotiate Carlos's contract whether it be $8M/yr (to get to the assumed $53M budget) or some other higher amount that requires Godfrey to visit Ted Rogers with hat in hand.

I do agree BISK that there should be some special financial consideration for Carlos given what he brings to the tabel as a "franchise player". And future HOF'er? I'm gettin goosebumbs.

I hear you on the inconvenience of picking your games several months in advance, but one thing to keep in mind is that if it turns out you can't make one of your dates, you can exchange the tickets at SkyDome Gate 9. I did that this year. Another flex pack benefit (for 2004, anyways) is that you don't have to pay any service charges on any other tickets you buy.

I didn't know that you could do that. More properly, I thought that sort of thing was directly prohibited. In the "2004 Ticket Subscribers Brochure" that I got, it claims that the only benefits of a 5/7 game flex pack are "No service charge on additional tickets", and (somewhat less importantly) "Opportunity to purchase post season tickets prior to public sale". The free ticket exchange supposedly only kicked in at the "Bronze" level, which is under $3500 in season's (?) tickets.

Last year the package was 9 games, including the home opener, for the price of 7. Two of the 9, except the home opener, could be upgraded.

I looked it up, and you're right. Odd, I remembered it being that with the 5 game flex pack, you got 5 tickets, a freebie, and the home opener, and the 7 pack was the same, but with 2 freebies and the home opener.

So, that makes this year's deal to be on par, with the only drawback being the reduced value of the seat upgrades (which is a decent drawback in and of itself)

I'm still not sure if I want to go back to the flexpack, though. I like the Jays, and I want to attend a similar number of games next year. But over the course of the season, I started to question the value of the seats I was in. 4 times over the course of the season (including one of the games that I got in the flex-pack) the price of the seats I was in was reduced to $2. 12 times over the course of the season, my seats (and seats better than them) were given away for free. If for an entire month of the season (plus 4 more games), the seats I pay for are worthless, or close to worthless, why should I ever pay for them? I liked the $2 / free ticket promotions and took advantage of them, but at the same time they made me question the value of the seats I was in. If I do get a flex pack again, it'll probably be in the 500 level.

I like the NFL franchise player analogy. If Rogers is serious about wanting to keep Delgado, they also have to do so without tying JP's hands. It's no good to sign Carlos to a high contract and then leaving the front office with no room to make other necessary moves.

Whether they do that by a budget increase (doesn't sound like it) or by setting up some kind of defered payment plan or some other creative avenue remains to be seen. I hope the plan is more involved than "we'll offer this maximum amount and if he passes oh well".

If they're able to keep Delgado it instantly makes a number of things easier. They only have to find one bat or two more bats and they don't necessarily have to be front line bats. They can also concentrate on improving the pitching which is slowly coming together.

Sounds like Vito will be in AA for sure if he keeps this up. It would be a big boost if he can turn himself into a legitimate hitting prospect in 2005 for a system short on power.

So do we have confirmation that the budget will be 53 mill? Marty York sounded quite confident, but i haven't seen a press release which specifically specified that information.

specifically specified- Try saying that 5 times fast.

Caino, please drop me a line. Click on my name for my address.

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1097878212381&call_pageid=969907739730&col=970081600908
A good article in the Star about Delgado and the payroll (might be going to $55M).