Towers and Hillenbrand deliver the punches, as the Jays finish off the sweep.
Your observations?
Your observations?
A couple of quick notes, while I'm still at the park:
In case you're wondering, no infield fly rule on bunts.
Zaun was going to hit for Huckaby if Menechino had moved the runner ahead. Instead, Mouse didn't make an out (safe on failed fielder's choice), so Huck tried to bunt instead.
Fordin grovels and begs forgiveness, but no roster move today. Someone's flying to KC for a day, and then going to Syracuse. Strange, which is why we all assumed that the move (I'm betting Gaudin to Syracuse) would happen after today's game.
Is Catalanotto on fire or what?
Anyone care to speculate on Cat's trade value? I hear at least the Cards are interested. Could we get a prospect of value for him?
I know there was some nashing of the teeth recently about the Jays season being over post-Doc's injury. I don't think three in a row means they're back, but it's a useful reminder that the season isn't close to being over as yet. At the beginning of the year, I'd have been happy with the Jays being a .500 team and I think that's still where they'll settle out. That they're even within shouting distance of the wild card is a bonus. Hill, Adams, and Chacin have made strong rookie contributions and JP certainly has a lot of cards (and some house money for a change) with which to play. Should be a fun stretch, especially when Koskie and Doc return.
Great to see some power from all parts of the lineup. A sweep was absolutely necessary & in order after the struggles with T-Bay. Strong performance from Josh Towers, thus the pen was not overworked. Batista was a closer today with a 4 out save, excellent work. Shea is hitting some long ball. Adams is driving in runs & playing D. Wells is on a tear at the plate. The Cat had an outstanding series pounding M's pitching.
Now on to KC where a sweep has to be the mindset. Playing .700 ball vs. the bottom feeders is the doctrine for successful clubs & right now the Jays are 4W-3L in their last games vs. cellar dwellers. Appears as David Bush will start Saturday.
Now on to KC where a sweep has to be the mindset. Playing .700 ball vs. the bottom feeders is the doctrine for successful clubs & right now the Jays are 4W-3L in their last games vs. cellar dwellers. Appears as David Bush will start Saturday.
G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BA OBP SLG
131 418 61 109 24 5 10 73 9 .261 .320 .416
Projected stats for 2005....good enough for AL Rookie of The Year? Plus Adams plays SS.
G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BA OBP SLG
160 609 102 181 38 2 20 87 3 .297 .360 .465
Projected stats for the heavily debated Shea Hillenbrand!
Projections are by no means a lock, but a fun guage to play "what if" & encourage discussion.
131 418 61 109 24 5 10 73 9 .261 .320 .416
Projected stats for 2005....good enough for AL Rookie of The Year? Plus Adams plays SS.
G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BA OBP SLG
160 609 102 181 38 2 20 87 3 .297 .360 .465
Projected stats for the heavily debated Shea Hillenbrand!
Projections are by no means a lock, but a fun guage to play "what if" & encourage discussion.
....playing D (as in defence). Wells is on a tear....
CaramonLS - I too shudder at the unintended reset of Boomer Wells
CaramonLS - I too shudder at the unintended reset of Boomer Wells
Some July batting lines:
Aaron Hill: .271/.313/.441
Russ Adams: .311/.411/.356
Vernon Wells: .319/.356/.580
Orlando Hudson: .361/.425/.639
Frank Catalanotto: .375/.412/.604
Aaron Hill: .271/.313/.441
Russ Adams: .311/.411/.356
Vernon Wells: .319/.356/.580
Orlando Hudson: .361/.425/.639
Frank Catalanotto: .375/.412/.604
One more:
Shea Hillenbrand: .246/.333/.491 (and one stolen base!)
Shea Hillenbrand: .246/.333/.491 (and one stolen base!)
Jays's batting stats are starting to look more impressive...
Hill: .859ops
Shea: .825ops
Zaun: .824ops
Wells: .821ops
Cat: .817ops
Reed: .787ops
Rios: .758ops
Koskie: .742ops
Adams: .736ops
Hudson: .724ops
If Koskie can come back and hit like normal, 6 800+ops bats is looking very nice.
Hill: .859ops
Shea: .825ops
Zaun: .824ops
Wells: .821ops
Cat: .817ops
Reed: .787ops
Rios: .758ops
Koskie: .742ops
Adams: .736ops
Hudson: .724ops
If Koskie can come back and hit like normal, 6 800+ops bats is looking very nice.
How many times is Hillenbrand projected to be hit by a pitch?
Jays are now solidly in 4th in the AL in runs scored. Can't wait until Doc gets back.
Shea is on pace to be plunked 29 times this year. That would tie him for 17th most in a season, all time. However, it would be the 8th most since 1900:
Ron Hunt - 50! (1971)
Don Baylor - 35 (1986)
Craig Biggio - 34 (1997)
Steve Evans - 31 (1910)
Jason Kendall - 31 (1997)
Jason Kendall - 31 (1998)
Craig Wilson - 30 (2004)
Shea Hillenbrand - 29 (2005 -- Projected)
Don Baylor - 28 (1987)
Craig Biggio - 28 (2001)
Ron Hunt - 50! (1971)
Don Baylor - 35 (1986)
Craig Biggio - 34 (1997)
Steve Evans - 31 (1910)
Jason Kendall - 31 (1997)
Jason Kendall - 31 (1998)
Craig Wilson - 30 (2004)
Shea Hillenbrand - 29 (2005 -- Projected)
Don Baylor - 28 (1987)
Craig Biggio - 28 (2001)
Jays are now solidly in 4th in the AL in runs scored. Can't wait until Doc gets back.
I'm wondering how much of a factor the weather has been. In the spring, when the weather was cooler, the hitters were struggling and the pitching was better. Now that we're getting day after day of scorchers, the baseballs are flying farther, and the runs scored and allowed totals are going up.
Or this all might have been a trick by the Baseball Gods to taunt us. The Gods have granted us Jays fans a team with both above-average pitching and above-average hitting... but not both at once. Hahahaha.
Hey, they're still only 4 1/2 out. It's not likely, but you never know.
Do you find it strange that our marginal utility players cannot put down a bunt? (Menechino, Huckaby)
If you were a big league bench player surfing the Mendoza line, wouldn't you want to have "good at bunting" on your resume?
P.S. $100 fine to the next suggestion of trading for prospects :)
If you were a big league bench player surfing the Mendoza line, wouldn't you want to have "good at bunting" on your resume?
P.S. $100 fine to the next suggestion of trading for prospects :)
$100 fine to the next suggestion of trading for prospects
Preach it, brother.
Anyone else happy to see Sox vs. Sox on Sportsnet (East) tonight?
1) The Red Sox need to lose to allow the Jays to gain ground.
2) My opponent in fantasy baseball this week has Clement.
Preach it, brother.
Anyone else happy to see Sox vs. Sox on Sportsnet (East) tonight?
1) The Red Sox need to lose to allow the Jays to gain ground.
2) My opponent in fantasy baseball this week has Clement.
Two trains of thought here.
1) Whats the matter with higher level hitting prospects, particularly catchers and 1st basemen.
2) If the Jays could ever pull the trigger for a frontline hitter or starter then they will have to give up prospects to make those aquisitions. Perhaps a combination of big league level talent and prospects. Think Penn, Julio and Bigbie gets you Burnett.
Its not like this team has a dearth of prospects. The upper cupboard is barren for hitters and if the Jays deal of two or more pitching propects it starts to get a little thin there.
I don't think this is an either or situation. If the Jays could get a B prospect for Cat or Shea they should do it if it will help them with the bigger picture.
1) Whats the matter with higher level hitting prospects, particularly catchers and 1st basemen.
2) If the Jays could ever pull the trigger for a frontline hitter or starter then they will have to give up prospects to make those aquisitions. Perhaps a combination of big league level talent and prospects. Think Penn, Julio and Bigbie gets you Burnett.
Its not like this team has a dearth of prospects. The upper cupboard is barren for hitters and if the Jays deal of two or more pitching propects it starts to get a little thin there.
I don't think this is an either or situation. If the Jays could get a B prospect for Cat or Shea they should do it if it will help them with the bigger picture.
J.P. last night said to a caller that suggested Hillenbrand be traded for prospects that the Jays are not interested in prospects unless they're just about ready to make their MLB debut.
There's a time for prospects and a time for concentrating on the big club. I think JP is putting things into second gear now; if it's forever prospects, prospects, prospects: that's really just a fear of failure.
I agree that J.P. shouldn't be actively searching for prospect-based salary dumps anymore, but I don't think there should ever be a time where you're only looking for prospects close to their major league debut. This suggests that he'd turn down talent in favour of proximity to the majors, something I don't think any good G.M. should ever do. As Billy Beane said, a quote that has been pasted into nearly every newspaper in North America as we approach the trading deadline, one should always be both a buyer and a seller. If J.P. completely excludes some potential trades because of this view and passes up on someone like Daric Barton for, I don't know, Kelly Shoppach, I would be extremely disappointed.
Well if you were mistaken what my comment intended to convey then my apologies.
I am not at all in favour of the continuance of spinning on the wheel of prospect developement.
More to the point, the team should not preclude whatever it takes to land the big kahuna. Most times a team does not have the right bait to get whatever they are fishing for. I think this is why you see more and more deals that involve three teams and sometimes four.
If this team is going to land a real player for example a Kearns, Dunn or Burnett then they will have to turn over near major league ready prospects and they have to be the right propects or the other team will just snort.
So all I'm saying is that they might have to buy some more bait instead of using corn.
I am not at all in favour of the continuance of spinning on the wheel of prospect developement.
More to the point, the team should not preclude whatever it takes to land the big kahuna. Most times a team does not have the right bait to get whatever they are fishing for. I think this is why you see more and more deals that involve three teams and sometimes four.
If this team is going to land a real player for example a Kearns, Dunn or Burnett then they will have to turn over near major league ready prospects and they have to be the right propects or the other team will just snort.
So all I'm saying is that they might have to buy some more bait instead of using corn.
Is Kenny Rogers ever going to start his suspension?? He's pitched what, 3 or 4 times since he was "suspended"? They really have to change the appeals process so that players will feel immediate recourse
Someone's flying to KC for a day, and then going to Syracuse. Strange, which is why we all assumed that the move (I'm betting Gaudin to Syracuse) would happen after today's game.
Well, Syracuse isn't at home tonight, they're in Indianapolis. Does that matter? If some random player, let's call him Brad Laudin, goes down after today's game, then he still reports to Syracuse and he meets up with the team tomorrow.
That raises an interesting question -- could someone play in today's afternoon game, then quickly get to the minor leagues and play in that night game? It would have to be Arizona-Tuscon or Seattle-Tacoma, though -- cuts down on travel time.
I agree that J.P. shouldn't be actively searching for prospect-based salary dumps anymore, but I don't think there should ever be a time where you're only looking for prospects close to their major league debut.
Uh, so are you suggesting that he should make a hole on the team without filling it?
Uh, so are you suggesting that he should make a hole on the team without filling it?
Not necessarily, only that he should be open to any and all possible options. For example, you could trade someone like the Cat and fill the hole with Gross for the rest of the season, which allows you to give Gross a true chance to show what he can do, something that will have to be done eventually. Keeping in mind that this is only one possible example, the question of what you'd get for the Cat would be my concern. J.P.'s comment suggests he'd completely rule out a talented 20 year old in single A, which is what I am worried about.
There are two rosters move coming up very quick. Someone, presumably Gaudin or League, goes down so Bush can make the Saturday start. I suspect they'd prefer to keep League around for the weekend so he can keep working with Arnsberg.
But then Koskie should be back on Monday, and that should be when the other young reliever goes down. I can't see who else it might be. Some have suggested Downs, but with Walker in the rotation, Downs is the long man, and I think all the position players are safe.
However, all of these suspected roster moves are based on the fact that no trades are made. So all of this could change very quickly.
all of these suspected roster moves are based on the fact that no trades are made.
True. But I don't expect much activity from the Jays. I would be astonished if Hudson was traded. I don't think Ricciardi is interested in moving Catalanotto or Hillenbrand - he likes having them on his team.
But mainly, I don't see much on the market that they'd want to really chase after.
There are two scenerios.
In one, menechino is released or sent to the minors. You can replace him with hill for now.
In the other, a trade will be made, probably with one or more of hudson/hillenbrand/lilly/chacin going somewhere. A quick look at team needs seems to show the twins and mariners are in need of a 2B.
Suppose a trade of hudson + hillenbrand/koskie for beltre was proposed, would you do it ?
What do you think we might get for hudson ?
In one, menechino is released or sent to the minors. You can replace him with hill for now.
In the other, a trade will be made, probably with one or more of hudson/hillenbrand/lilly/chacin going somewhere. A quick look at team needs seems to show the twins and mariners are in need of a 2B.
Suppose a trade of hudson + hillenbrand/koskie for beltre was proposed, would you do it ?
What do you think we might get for hudson ?
I still can't figure out why Shea Hillenbrand is betting pelted with baseballs this year. He's always had moderately high HBP totals because he doesn't back off the plate when pitchers bust him inside (I think that really helps his batting average because he covers the whole plate better that way, and it suits his personality not to give in to the pitcher too) but he doesn't really lean into the pitch much and he doesn't crowd the plate a lot.
You know, listening to Ricciardi last night I was left with the immpression that a big trade is rather unlikely.
As NFH pointed out he said he didn't want any prospects. He also said all of his core players are not going to be traded. He reitterated that Lilly was going nowhere and said Hudson would remain in Toronto. Previously he said over and over Hillenbrand was sticking around.
So what are we left with? I guess a debate of who the core players aren't. And then theres C+ to B level pitching prospects.
Does Toronto's non-core players have any value? Does the bullpen contain any of these non-core players? Speier, Chulk, Frasor, SS, Batista? Finally a pen that actually works, but relievers are highly sought after at this stage of the season. So who's going to fetch a return from this selection? My guess Speier and Frasor get a bit of a return. Then theres the Batista debate. But in the end these kinds of players return "prospects" because the team that trades for them needs all its big league talent for its playoff run.
Ricciardi is in a tough spot right now. The fans know they have the dough. But what can he really get for his chips.
As NFH pointed out he said he didn't want any prospects. He also said all of his core players are not going to be traded. He reitterated that Lilly was going nowhere and said Hudson would remain in Toronto. Previously he said over and over Hillenbrand was sticking around.
So what are we left with? I guess a debate of who the core players aren't. And then theres C+ to B level pitching prospects.
Does Toronto's non-core players have any value? Does the bullpen contain any of these non-core players? Speier, Chulk, Frasor, SS, Batista? Finally a pen that actually works, but relievers are highly sought after at this stage of the season. So who's going to fetch a return from this selection? My guess Speier and Frasor get a bit of a return. Then theres the Batista debate. But in the end these kinds of players return "prospects" because the team that trades for them needs all its big league talent for its playoff run.
Ricciardi is in a tough spot right now. The fans know they have the dough. But what can he really get for his chips.
I think that JP will be willing to trade almost anybody outside of Halladay and Wells, if the right offer were to come along. If JP is keeping these guys on the roster for a few days extra ( Gaudin or League) he may be getting ready to trade a fielder (Catalanotto) for another fielder (Kearns??) then drop League down on Saturday and bring up Koskie.
Then they would sit Hinske, DH Hill and put Hillenbrand at first ( His defence today and yesterday helped to prove that he can play first). When Halladay comes back, Downs could be dropped down and Gaudin can move into the Long Relief or Walker could got to Long Relief and Gaudin could start.
I know that this is my wishes and will probably (most likely) not happen, but a boy can dream...
Then they would sit Hinske, DH Hill and put Hillenbrand at first ( His defence today and yesterday helped to prove that he can play first). When Halladay comes back, Downs could be dropped down and Gaudin can move into the Long Relief or Walker could got to Long Relief and Gaudin could start.
I know that this is my wishes and will probably (most likely) not happen, but a boy can dream...
Those are interesting questions in the second part of your post.
Chacin might fetch the most out of the names you mention. As hard is it would be to part with him right now, his value may never be higher. He's pretty young, pretty good and cheap. But his numbers suggest that he may be on borrowed time.
Seattle will not trade Beltre, that would be admitting mistake, at any rate Beltre is just now coming around. He and Sexson will be their core for a few years to come.
I'm inclined to agree with Magpie, nothing big will go down for the Jays. Unless they part with a combination of young talent mixed with big leaguers.
Chacin might fetch the most out of the names you mention. As hard is it would be to part with him right now, his value may never be higher. He's pretty young, pretty good and cheap. But his numbers suggest that he may be on borrowed time.
Seattle will not trade Beltre, that would be admitting mistake, at any rate Beltre is just now coming around. He and Sexson will be their core for a few years to come.
I'm inclined to agree with Magpie, nothing big will go down for the Jays. Unless they part with a combination of young talent mixed with big leaguers.
Lefty, depending on what theories you subscribe to, it has been argued that Chacin's best days are still ahead of him because of his unusually high BABIP (I think it was around .310 last I saw), and that eventually more of those balls are going to start finding gloves.
How about minnesotta ... they have tons of pitching prospects and a pretty crowded bullpen.
say hudson for crain
say hudson for crain
Well those balls sure found a glove last night. Hudson saved his butt from a shellacking.
Chacin simply gives up to many hits, throws to many pitches and doesn't strike enough hitters out.
If I can use him as part of a Kearns deal, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Its not like the guy's a Bonderman or Greinke or something. At the major leagues before he shaves or can have a beer in America.
Chacin simply gives up to many hits, throws to many pitches and doesn't strike enough hitters out.
If I can use him as part of a Kearns deal, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Its not like the guy's a Bonderman or Greinke or something. At the major leagues before he shaves or can have a beer in America.
My oh my. Another two HR night for Giambi. Not just looping over the edge of the corner outfield walls, but big flies. None of his last four have been cheapies.
The new poster boy for drug re-hab.
The new poster boy for drug re-hab.
How much do you want to bet Giambi is about to be 'randomly' drug tested?
About Shea getting hit by alot of balls... The Jays have had Shea, Johnson, Delgado and Sprague, all of whom get hit more often than they should. (And maybe more, my memory doesn't extend back any further though).
I had kind of a weird thought... is there any chance that this is park effects? I know it sounds weird, but we know that there are park effects that increase singles, doubles, triples, home runs and even walks. If there are walks park effects, could there be hit by a pitch park effects?
I had kind of a weird thought... is there any chance that this is park effects? I know it sounds weird, but we know that there are park effects that increase singles, doubles, triples, home runs and even walks. If there are walks park effects, could there be hit by a pitch park effects?
For those who like OBP much more than SLG.....perhaps Toronto's runs scored ranking is more understandable when you consider they're 3rd in the AL and 7th in MLB in OBP.
I still think JP should be looking for 2007. We're almost there. All the Jays need is a couple young power hitters that can contribute by then, and the Jays should have a pretty sweet team.
I know some of you want to win now, but I say: Have patience. I don't want to sacrifice the future just so the Jays can finish 5 games above .500 this year instead of at .500.
I know some of you want to win now, but I say: Have patience. I don't want to sacrifice the future just so the Jays can finish 5 games above .500 this year instead of at .500.
There are two scenerios.
In one, menechino is released or sent to the minors. You can replace him with hill for now.
I don't know about you, but I think I'd prefer keeping Menechino on the bench and, if a position player has to be DFA'd, get rid of McDonald.
Menechino can hit, McDonald can't really. Menechino can play second (which is all that is needed, as we have multiple players capable of playing SS and 3B) and, although he's not McDonald defensively, with the Jays strong defensive infield it's not like the team needs a defensive replacement every game; just someone to get a start a week and who is capable of being a bat off the bench.
I had kind of a weird thought... is there any chance that this is park effects? I know it sounds weird, but we know that there are park effects that increase singles, doubles, triples, home runs and even walks. If there are walks park effects, could there be hit by a pitch park effects?
That's a really interesting idea. Could it have anything to do with the wind patterns by the lake inside the RC? Is there any correlation between dome-open or dome-closed and increased HBP?
Really, I'm fascinated by this idea.
That's a really interesting idea. Could it have anything to do with the wind patterns by the lake inside the RC? Is there any correlation between dome-open or dome-closed and increased HBP?
Really, I'm fascinated by this idea.
Between them, Johnson 03-05 and Hillenbrand 05 have been hit by pitches more often at the road than at home. Data courtesy of espn.com's player pages.
Perhaps it has more to do with the perception that the Jays steal signs. I remember something in a Boston newspaper making similar accusations as Franklin did the other night.
I agree with Thomas. Menechino is as good of a bench player as you will ever see. McDonald...well, his uses are limited.
Between them, Johnson 03-05 and Hillenbrand 05 have been hit by pitches more often at the road than at home. Data courtesy of espn.com's player pages.
Ah, so much for that idea. Oh well. I still wonder if park effects can effect the number of times a player gets hit by a pitch. Maybe I'll try to figure that out some other time .