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Game Threads Spring Training: Jays @ Tigers
It's another no TV, no radio extravaganza today, where every Jays run scored is assumed to be a home run by Gabe Gross until confirmed otherwise.

Yesterday's loss dropped Toronto to third place, behind Cleveland and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Detroit could find themselves in a tie with the Jays if they pull off a victory today.

For those of you looking for the Sports Illustrated with Verducci's article about the Jays, I found it at Union station this morning, so the issue is starting to filter down into the newsstands. It's excellent and worth every one of the five dollars it'll cost you.

I will not spoil a single bit of it, but Orlando Hudson's nickname for Frank Menechino made me laugh until tears were in my eyes on the train this morning. Could be because I'm operating on two measly hours of sleep, or it could be because it was wickedly funny. Or maybe a bit of both.
Posted by Named For Hank on Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 12:30 PM EST.
Spring Training: Jays @ Tigers | 67 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Rookie Scribe - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 12:53 PM EST (#106171) #
I don't check the site all that often, so I apologize if this is easily accessible information, but what happened to the daily roundups?
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VBF - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 01:12 PM EST (#106173) #
Jason Johnson vs. Josh Towers

0-0 after top of one.
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joemayo - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 01:16 PM EST (#106174) #
For those of you looking for the Sports Illustrated with Verducci's article about the Jays, I found it at Union station this morning, so the issue is starting to filter down into the newsstands.

still awaiting its arrival in Burlington. i checked about 5 places yesterday and they only have the swimsuit issue. stupid hot chicks!

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VBF - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 01:31 PM EST (#106175) #
End of the top of second, score still 0-0.
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jaysrevisited - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 01:34 PM EST (#106176) #
hello batters box! - been lurking for a bit & pardon the newbie fawning but wow, what a cool site/MB you've got going here, love the content & the fun attitude - finally caught the baseball bug again for the 1st time since before strike and am greatly enjoying the process of restoring my baseball IQ with some of your MB content - love the little game feeds too - keeps this bored accountant in Burlington awake on a sunny afternoon - keep it up guys, you've got something special going on in here
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halladayrules - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 01:34 PM EST (#106177) #
I'm the one who should be mad. I get in the Detroit Tigers radio perfectly clear and they are not showing it today. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Oh well Jays and Tigers meet up again this Spring..maybe i'll get lucky. I also checked the TV. I checked the Fan 590, CJCS, 1270 Detroit. 1130 AM 1070 AM. LOL pretty much everything. I also have MLB.com radio and they have no live listen link to home or away. Man this stinks. My grandpa is a Tigers fan. He'll be hearing it when the Jays beat the Tigers.
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jsut - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 01:41 PM EST (#106178) #
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=250315106

for those of you too lazy to find it.
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jsut - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 01:46 PM EST (#106179) #

For those of you looking for the Sports Illustrated with Verducci's article about the Jays, I found it at Union station this morning, so the issue is starting to filter down into the newsstands. It's excellent and worth every one of the five dollars it'll cost you.

I got a copy at a magazine shop just east of Spadina on Queen last night

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Jdog - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 01:47 PM EST (#106181) #
thanks jsut,

From all the lazy people like myself
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Jdog - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 01:48 PM EST (#106182) #
Towers pitching today?
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jsut - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 01:58 PM EST (#106183) #
allegedly he was starting.

here's the yahoo recap of yesterday's game, and the boxscore:

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=250314122
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=250314122
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jaysrevisited - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:02 PM EST (#106184) #
G Gross hits a homer for real this time - 1-0 Jays in the 4th
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Gerry - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:03 PM EST (#106185) #
1-0 Jays top of 4. Gross just hit a long home run. Reeder is 2-2. Towers allowed one hit through three and has given up a lead off walk in the fourth.
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Sherrystar - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:13 PM EST (#106187) #
Wow... Babe Gross, soon to be of the Skychiefs is now batting what??? 6 homers... 3 to go for the jays record...

Just doesn't sound right...

And this time it's real right, nt like imaginary world yesterday? He DID hit a homer right?
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Sherrystar - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:15 PM EST (#106188) #
1-1 and the Babe Gross watch continues...

Why hasn't the media picked up on this and how this guy looks 100% better than last year and might be ready for the big lights? I guess it's still too early in spring training?
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Skills - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:17 PM EST (#106189) #
Is there any scenario under which Gross could make the big league club out of spring training? Or are there just no spots available?
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King Ryan - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:21 PM EST (#106191) #
HOME RUNS: TOR - GABE GROSS (6) OFF JASON JOHNSON IN THE 4TH

WE ARE NOT WORTHY

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Sherrystar - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:26 PM EST (#106192) #
Skills,

If the Babe keeps this up, they will have to make room for him...
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King Ryan - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:27 PM EST (#106193) #
Still, let's not forget tbat last spring's homerun leader was Dave McCarty.
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Sherrystar - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:29 PM EST (#106195) #
Good point...

Still a few weeks of spring training left...

But at least it's something to be excited about, right? (And the fact it seems to be getting warmer here in the T-dot!)
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Sister - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:29 PM EST (#106196) #
I would think that JP has to do something to get young Babe into the lineup. This might also coincide with getting some insurance at the bottom end of the rotation in case the realities of Chacin's spring carry over to the regular season.

The question is what can you give up (Cat, Johnson, Hinske, Hillenbrand, even Chacin?) and what might you get in return that represents a minor upgrade over Chacin?

IMHO, an outfield that does not include Cat would be ideal -- at least in terms of team defense.
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Marc Hulet - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:32 PM EST (#106197) #
The best bet to get Gabe in the lineup would be to move Catalanotto to first and either bench or trade Hinske. But then Menechino would lose his spot in the first scenario and who wants a guy who can't hit who is making millions of dollars over the next couple of years? There really isn't a market right now for third basemen or first basemen. Everyone wants pitching.
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CaramonLS - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:39 PM EST (#106198) #
I think "Babe" Gross is a little too over the top at the moment.
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VBF - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:43 PM EST (#106199) #
1) Gross's reign of terror*
2) Miggy to relief
3) Chacin fall from greatness*
4) Extra 1b/DH/LF

*only spring training

This can only spell one thing. There's a new hole in the rotation eiher between Towers or Chacin not being ready. J.P. has to make some room for Gross, but currently cannot due to lack of room.

I'd say Hillenbrand + prospect(s) will be going to Milwaukee for Ben Sheets. That would make room for Gross and strengthen the rotation. Since I know absolutely nothing about the Brewers, would they be interested in Shea at all?
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VBF - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:45 PM EST (#106200) #
Believe it or not, I think Jays fans overrate Hinske too much. Many fans I've spoken to of other teams including Milwaukee do not want, nor expect Hinske to be part of their lineup. His value is extremely low.
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Sherrystar - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:48 PM EST (#106201) #
We can only dream of Sheets/Burnett etc. at the moment. It would take a lot more than just a Shea/Cat/Hinske to get them.

CBS Sportline is reporting that the Brewers and Sheets are gonna meet soon to talk long-term deal...

And I don't think "Babe" Gross is too over the top... especially if he keeps this pace up!
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PeterG - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:51 PM EST (#106202) #
I am afraid it will have to be Gross or Rios + pitching prospects that will go to Milwaukee if you are expecting to acquire Sheets. Actually, I could see it happening. Or perhaps Gross or Rios + lesser pitching prospects to Arizona for Vazquez. Maybe on that one we could get away with prospects and a Towers or Chacin, thus saving Gross/Rios. In any case, I think a trade for a starter is likely soon.
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Cristian - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:53 PM EST (#106203) #
I'd say Hillenbrand + prospect(s) will be going to Milwaukee for Ben Sheets. That would make room for Gross and strengthen the rotation. Since I know absolutely nothing about the Brewers, would they be interested in Shea at all?

If you don't know anything about the Brewers why would you assume they are idiots?

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Sherrystar - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 02:55 PM EST (#106204) #
Cristian, good point... but maybe the assumption they are idiots was baed on the fact they were once owned by an idiot?
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Brian W - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 03:03 PM EST (#106206) #
I would suspect that unless the prospects involved were League or other top-level prospects, Sheets is not going anywhere. Perhaps Rios & League might come close, but even then I think the Brewers would want more.
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VBF - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 03:03 PM EST (#106207) #
When I said prospects it could've been any prospects. I would imagine they would require a hard throwing pitcher and perhaps as many as two more. There's no question that the price of Sheets or a good starter would be very steep and they would demand alot of future talent.

Sorry, I've gone way off topic, shouldn't have posted about trade speculation.

If you don't know anything about the Brewers why would you assume they are idiots?

Well, I do know Gord Ash works for them.

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R Billie - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 03:04 PM EST (#106208) #
It's gotta be fun for Gabe right now. I remember there was a month during the regular season several years ago when Robin Ventura hit 12 homeruns in one month. However in a career that has lasted over 14 seasons he surpassed 30 homeruns just twice. I'm glad I wasn't wrong in thinking Gabe was capable of a lot more in the power department though.
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Sherrystar - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 03:05 PM EST (#106209) #
Jays 2 Tigers 2

Bottom of 7th

I don't know why, but I have a feeling JP is up to something... he's been too quiet lately...

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forest fest - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 03:07 PM EST (#106210) #
the Brew Crew are looking to trade Sheets for Hillenbrand like the Yankees are looking to cut payroll...

Now I know why Richardi dismisses the trade proposals that go on here.
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Jacko - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 03:17 PM EST (#106211) #
The best bet to get Gabe in the lineup would be to move Catalanotto to first and either bench or trade Hinske. But then Menechino would lose his spot in the first scenario and who wants a guy who can't hit who is making millions of dollars over the next couple of years? There really isn't a market right now for third basemen or first basemen. Everyone wants pitching

Dallas McPherson has some kind of disc problem in his back (again) and the Angels have no real backup plan. If he doesn't get better in the next few weeks, they might starting looking at trading for a 3B.

Maybe they would be interested in Hinske?

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Sister - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 03:20 PM EST (#106212) #
The Angels have Robb Quinlan and Chone Figgins who can play third base.
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Pepper Moffatt - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 03:27 PM EST (#106214) #
Sheets for Rios, Bush, League, Chacin, and Russ Adams might work.

Ben Sheets is probably one of the 5 most valuable properties in baseball. The Brewers aren't going to give him up.
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Chuck - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 03:31 PM EST (#106215) #
Maybe they would be interested in Hinske?

As I see it, Hinske has one of two possible fates awaiting him. Either he improves his game to the point where the Jays decide he is worth a roster spot or he continues to tank and is released outright. I find it entirely unimaginable that any team would trade for him and assume the remaining $10M on his contract. Should the Jays eventually eat his contract and release him, I imagine that someone would roll the dice and pay him $300K per year with the Jays on the hook for the rest, but even that would be a short list of teams.

The Angels used Figgins as plan B at 3B last year while Glaus was hurt. No reason they wouldn't do the same this year, unless he is plan B at 2B while Kennedy recovers. Even then, they'd be more inclined to pursue Hillenbrand for 3B than Hinske (they are partial to high-average, high-contact hitters who don't necessarily walk much). Hinske slugged .375 last year. No organization is so poor as to be blind to that.

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Ducey - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 03:32 PM EST (#106216) #
hey, there is a game on remember

Its 2-2 after 8.
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VBF - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 03:46 PM EST (#106217) #
Sorry about that trade proposal if it was misinterpreted. I do stress that very good prospects could fuel a trade so much so that it may not even be worth it. Pepper's proposal was more along the lines I was thinking.

I apologize if I sounded like someone from the Jays fan forum.
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Marc Hulet - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 03:47 PM EST (#106218) #
Quinlan in Anaheim is a very good fillin player (.344 .401 .525 in 160 at-bats last season) and with Figgins, Hinske would be pointless. They also have Kendry Morales who is supposedly close to MLB-ready and is a former 3B being coverted to 1B who could be used in a pinch. Lou Merloni is also in camp as a non-roster player and much cheap than Pop-up Hinske.
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edtjeerd - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 03:47 PM EST (#106220) #
2-2 after 9 innings
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Flex - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 04:10 PM EST (#106223) #
It's a final. 2-2 and stopped at 10.
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Jordan - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 04:18 PM EST (#106224) #
Rookie Scribe: Roundups are a work in progress, and we'll probably have a better idea of which direction we're going with them early in the regular season. Hang tight for a few more weeks.

Trade Rumours: They're fun and all, but gosh, people, let's be real. The Jays don't need to trade anyone right now, even as well as Gross is hitting. Hinske is Toronto's first baseman and will be for the foreseeable future. Chacin has had two bad ST appearances, one of which was caused at least in part by bad defence. And remember always: this is spring training, and it don't mean much. Basically, be patient and let this group play out its hand.

Babe Gross: Personally, I think it's a great nickname. It won't stick, because this power display won't last, but I do think it's clever. Whether or not he heads north with the team, Gross will be contributing to the Blue Jays in the majors before long. Don't worry about finding a place for him; talent and production finds its own place. Enjoy this breakout and hope it's a sign that his power has finally arrived.
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Ron - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 04:24 PM EST (#106226) #
One part I love about ST is how positive everybody is.

Wilner interviewed Hinske the other day, and he said his confidence has never been higher and he thinks he will play to his 2002 level or even greater.

I remember before ST games took place, Koch said he stumbled the past 2 years because of mechanical problems that were sorted out in the off-season. He looked foward to a productive season.

Batista said he walked too many guys last season because of mechanical problems, and those were also fixed in the off-season.

Rios said he put on 10-15 pds (although he still looks the same as last season)and expects to hit for power this season.

I expect the Jays to go 100-62 this season:)

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Mick Doherty - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 04:29 PM EST (#106227) #
I expect the Jays to go 100-62 this season:)

You nattering nabob of negativity! If you can foresee AT LEAST a 148-14 season, you're clearly not paying attention. The only reason not to thinks 162-0 is because after the Jays clinch the AL East on June 5, they'll start resting regulars and setting up the playoff rotation.

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Chuck - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 04:39 PM EST (#106228) #
You nattering nabob of negativity!

Could just be he figures Chacin will start 62 games.

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CaramonLS - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 04:48 PM EST (#106229) #
Yeah I've got Rob Quinlan for my Fanstay pool, this means hes got more Abs, be nice if he could take the starting job by the horns, either as a 3B or DH.
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joemayo - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 05:24 PM EST (#106233) #
Ben Sheets is not going anywhere. the time to get him was last off season when the rumours first started about JP landing him, not the off season after he establishes himself as one of the top 10 starters in the league.
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mistermike - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 05:26 PM EST (#106234) #
still awaiting its arrival in Burlington. i checked about 5 places yesterday and they only have the swimsuit issue. stupid hot chicks!

Joe, the Chapters in Oakville at Dorval and the QEW has many copies. Saw them there today.

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brels - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 06:26 PM EST (#106242) #
There seems to be a lot of negativity around Hinske. Obviously his hiitng has been a disappointment the last 2 years, but he has improved defensively. You figure defensively he is an upgrade at first, or will playing on the opposite side of the diamond cause errors in terms of decisioning??

I haven't given up on Hinske yet. His propensity to pop out and get larger and larger each off-season is troubling though.
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Pistol - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 07:43 PM EST (#106243) #
Actually Hinske lost weight from 2003 to 2004.
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joemayo - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 08:24 PM EST (#106247) #
Joe, the Chapters in Oakville at Dorval and the QEW has many copies. Saw them there today.

thanks, picked mine up from Chapters in Burlington this afternoon.

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best400 - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 08:41 PM EST (#106248) #
You guys may disagree, but Hinske's defense improved a lot last year. So at least he wasnt hurting the team defensively. If you look at it Adrian Beltre was in the league for quite a while before he took off, hinske could be the same
Beltre : 2004 Los Angeles NL 156 598 104 200 32 0 48 121 53 87 7 2 .388 .629 .334
2003 Los Angeles NL 158 559 50 134 30 2 23 80 37 103 2 2 .290 .424 .240
2002 Los Angeles NL 159 587 70 151 26 5 21 75 37 96 7 5 .303 .426 .257
2001 Los Angeles NL 126 475 59 126 22 4 13 60 28 82 13 4 .310 .411 .265
Hinske: 2004 Toronto AL 155 570 66 140 23 3 15 69 54 109 12 8 .312 .375 .246
2003 Toronto AL 124 449 74 109 45 3 12 63 59 104 12 2 .329 .437 .243
2003 Syracuse AAA 2 8 2 4 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 .500 1.100 .500
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Rich - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 08:48 PM EST (#106251) #
I'm not sure Beltre is a good comp for Hinske. Beltre is 2 years younger, and in his career year he hit 48 home runs. In Hinske's career year he hit 24. Hinske's OBP and SLG have declined every year he's been in the majors. He's 27 now (a prime age for a good season) and allegedly healthy, so if we are ever going to see another productive year from him in a Jays uniform this will be it. If he posts another .312 OBP then I doubt we will see him at the Dome again.

I think whether or not Hinske and Halliday can return to a level near their peaks is the single most important factor in determining how the club does this summer. I am trying to be guardedly optimistic.
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6-4-3 - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 09:13 PM EST (#106254) #
Beltre's a terrible comp for Hinske. Beltre was doing well (see his 2000 stats which you ommited: 116 OPS+, 20 homers, .290 / .360 / .475) at the age of 21. Hinske was 24 when he had his ROY season with Toronto. In January 2001, where he dropped off, he had a ruptured appendix, lost 20 pounds, had some of his small intestine removed, and lost 10 more pounds. So, after nearly dying and after losing 30 pounds, Beltre tried to play, and put up his 2001 numbers. It takes time to get your swing and normal body shape back after something like that.

So, Beltre has a good reason for his dropoff. Hinske . . . maybe not. I hope he can come back and be a decent first-baseman. But it's highly unlikely that he'll become another Beltre.

Moving on, I think Halladay's performance is important, but Hinske's? I'd say the development of Rios, Bush, and Adams, the possible contributions of Gross and Quiroz, the health of Koskie, Batista's ability to close out games, the possible use of the Rogers money at the trade deadline, all are more important than Hinske's recovery. It'd be nice if he managed to put up a good season, but is anyone counting on it?
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Rich - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 09:23 PM EST (#106255) #
Fair point about Rios, Bush, and Adams. The reasons I stress Hinske's performance are:
  1. He's already shown he can be an effective hitter at the big league level, but has spent the past 2 years trying to disprove this
  2. He's costing the club a lot more than the 3 above players, both now and in the next 2 season
  3. Hinske is replacing a .300 /.400 / .600 hitter; Rios and Adams aren't
I want to belive Hinske will bounce back, despite the evidence of the past 2 summers.
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kpataky - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 09:29 PM EST (#106257) #
Picture of Gabe Gross HRing today: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050315/ids_photos_sp/r3223997226.jpg
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Flex - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 09:43 PM EST (#106261) #
Man, Gross just looks like a ballplayer. An outfield of Gross, Wells and Rios could be sweet.
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6-4-3 - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 09:48 PM EST (#106263) #
Okay, but

1) Sure, he was an effective hitter, but so was Ben Grieve, Todd Hollandsworth, etc.

2) It's a sunk cost at this point, IMO. The fact that Adams + company are so cheap makes them more important: they represent the Jays best oppportunity to have a cost-effective team.

3) It's really unfair to say that Hinske's replacing Delgado. That's clearly not what the Jays are doing. If the Jays wanted to replace Delgado, they could've signed someone like Sexson or Glaus, put him on first, given him #25, and said "good luck". Instead, they're hoping that the 2005 versions of Cat, Wells, Rios, Adams, Koskie, and Hillebrand are better than the 2004 versions of Cat, Wells, Rios, Woodward / Gomez, Hinske, Phelps / Berg, etc, while the pitching and defense is also better. It might not work, but very few players could replace Delgado's production, and even fewer are avaliable to the Blue Jays.
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VBF - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 09:52 PM EST (#106264) #
I was surfing around on FanHome and somebody had posted the email response they sent to the Jays regarding Murray Eldon.

Part of the email concluded that Murray Eldon will be given a ceremony on Opening Day.

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best400 - Tuesday, March 15 2005 @ 09:58 PM EST (#106266) #
I know most of the bpx is big fans of Gross. But he may well be the best trade bait that the Jays have. It would be far more uselful to trade him for a starter. The outfield appears to be set for a few years with all 3 of them nearly ready to hit 300 for the next 3 years.
Outfield is the one position that the Jays seems set at for a long time.
Besides Sparky's and Cats defense is fine as lomg as they have Wells in Center field
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Gardiner West - Wednesday, March 16 2005 @ 12:13 AM EST (#106271) #
I find it incredulous that a team that finished last in its division with a 67-94 record has so few spots available. If Gross remains this hot -- unlikely but possible -- thru the rest of the pre-season, sending him to the minors to start the season would be a shame. Outside of Halladay, Hudson, Koskie and Wells, nothing should be considered etched in stone.
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R Billie - Wednesday, March 16 2005 @ 02:09 AM EST (#106273) #
I'm looking at Gabe Gross now and thinking Trot Nixon or Robin Ventura in his prime. The Jays will have his rights until he is 31 assuming he comes up this year.
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Jordan - Wednesday, March 16 2005 @ 09:17 AM EST (#106278) #
To the contrary, Gross is exactly the player the Jays don't want to trade. He's young, he's cheap, he's undervalued, and they own his rights for the most productive period of his career. If he is in fact breaking out, dealing him now is the worst thing the Jays could do.

Moreover, there are still two weeks to Opening Day, and the pitchers are soon going to start bearing down. I'm very encouraged by Gross's performance thus far, but it's way, way too early to say he's a lock for the LF job and that the Jays need to trade a regular.

I don't mean this to sound harsh, but this isn't Roto -- having too many good hitters is not a problem for a team. Players get injured, they go into slumps, they miss games for the strangest reasons. The Jays aren't in a hurry: they have nothing to lose and everything to gain this year, and they're doing exactly what good clubs should do: allowing the players' performances to decide who should get the most playing time.

If Gross is ready for the majors, the Jays will use him. It's as simple as that.
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groove - Wednesday, March 16 2005 @ 10:43 AM EST (#106291) #
But I think the impression here is that the display Gross is putting on indicates that he IS ready for the majors. He's not that young anymore (I just looked it up and he is one month younger than me), and in my opinion he is more deserving than Chacin for a roster spot.

Spring Training - slugging percentage. I know it's small smaple size - but look at all the big names on there. 

PLAYER,TEAM                    AB     TB    SLG
-----------                    --     --    ---

Gabe Gross, TOR                22     32  1.455
Richard Hidalgo, TEX           20     21  1.050
Pat Burrell, PHI               19     19  1.000
Carlos Beltran, NYM            21     20   .952
Ruben Gotay, KAN               32     30   .938
Emil Brown, KAN                21     19   .905
Brandon Inge, DET              28     25   .893
Aaron Rowand, CHA              25     22   .880
Hideki Matsui, NYY             25     22   .880
Nomar Garciaparra, CHN         22     19   .864
Jim Thome, PHI                 20     17   .850
Rob Stratton, CIN              25     21   .840
Geoff Jenkins, MIL             24     20   .833
Miguel Cabrera, FLA            27     22   .815
David Ortiz, BOS               20     16   .800
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Brian W - Wednesday, March 16 2005 @ 12:04 PM EST (#106310) #
A quote found in this morning's Calgary Herald regarding Gross and his chances of making the team (apparently said before yesterday's game)

"He's close," Gibbons said. "He's going to force somebody's hand in the near future."
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