The Toronto Star reported this morning that Jason Smith will be designated for assignment to make room for Jesse Litsch on the 40-man roster.

I guess the Jays will be short a position player on the bench tonight, and I would assume he will be replaced by Olmedo after Listch's start.

Nice article on Jesse Litsch's proud papa.

http://www.thestar.com/columnists/article/213917

Interesting tidbit from Yahoo:

Accardo has pitched 16 2-3 scoreless innings, allowing seven hits with 18 strikeouts and five walks. The scoreless streak is the longest such streak to begin a year with the Blue Jays since Paul Quantrill gave up no runs in 23 straight innings to start the 2001 season.

While I agree that you need a BSB, what this season has proven (again)  is that you're not going anywhere without starting pitching. So if a team offered a young SP and change for Glaus you'd have to think about it. Dodgers. Padres. Angels. Phillies. Brewers. Maybe even the Twins. All of whom (save the Phillies) have young arms and young left side infielders.

I'd take my chances on finding a big bat and go with pitching.

I wonder what Glaus would bring in a trade. He's a year away from Free Agency, iirc, and he's prone to breaking down a couple times a year. Ideally you'd want to stick him at DH, but a) that's not possible for NL teams, and b) Glaus might not want to DH and has a no-trade clause.

Unless someone gets really desperate at the deadline, I wonder if you could get a pitching prospect any better than the calibre of what the Jays already have.

I think there will be a few bauxites at the game in a location to be determined at game time. I'm not sure if Thomas wants to disclose any plans, but I think it'll be pretty easy to spot us at the game...

No, I don't. Call me silly, but I don't like counting my chickens before they hatch and there's a lot that could still go wrong with our plan. There's a reason that no one knew of the Myers OPS sign beforehand.

P.S. This isn't nearly as good as the Myers OPS sign. That was my crowning sign acheivement. This is more in the Theodore Roosevelt heads category.

Speaking of young pitching - over the past two years what good, young starters have been traded?

Well, 2 years and 4 months ago, Danny Haren, Mark Mulder and Tim Hudson were all traded. Josh Beckett and Anibal Sanchez were traded in 05. Chris Young, John Maine, and Edwin Jackson were traded in 06. Young traded pitchers looking good this year are John Danks and Chad Gaudin (ugh), while the jury is still out on Brandon McCarthy. I think they are always out there, you just have to really look for them.

• Glaus as a DH? Not going to happen. As I recall that was a big issue when the Jays traded for him, that he told them straight out he was not going to DH thus forcing Hilly and Hinske to go elsewhere. If I was running the Jays I'd make sure I had a good backup at third, someone with speed and defensive skills to use late in the game whenever possible to reduce the wear and tear on Glaus. Plus I'd be trying everything in my power to find a solid full-time replacement for Glaus as he could easily be out for a couple of months if this heel problem continues.

Well, the question is will Glaus be a BSB in 2008 and 2009?  And if so is he going to be on the field enough for it to matter? 

Very true. However, this also exposes the uncomfortable reality that this is a ballclub that was assembled to compete and win in 2006 and 2007, with maybe an outside shot in 2008. The contracts that extend through '09 and '10 (or beyond) do so only because that was the price required to put guys like Glaus, Ryan and Burnett (and Wells & Halladay) on the field during the key contention years.

That's why the team's immolation early this season is more than just an unhappy occurrence that postpones contention by a year -- it represents the potential closing of this squad's contention window altogether. JP's lousy off-season (failure to reinforce the rotation, acquire a serviceable shortstop and assemble a deeper bench), combined with the injuries and poor performance in April and May, means that 2007 is almost certainly a washout.  At this point, 2008 looks to feature even creakier versions of Glaus and Thomas and a BJ Ryan who may or may not be the dominant force he was pre-injury, as well as gaping holes at shortstop and catcher and more question marks in the rotation. That's not going to get it done.

The front office should seriously consider altering or even abandoning the current contention plan -- such as it ever was -- and remaking this team around the nucleus of young talent. Get what you can for Glaus -- it won't be much, maybe only salary relief -- and do it soon, while his first-half numbers still look gaudy. Figure out who's under your control through 2010 -- Wells, Rios, Johnson, Lind, Hill, Overbay in the field, Halladay, Marcum, Janssen, Litsch, McGowan, Frasor, Accardo and possibly League -- and recognize that that's a pretty good foundation right there (expecting AJ Burnett to exercise his out clause after 2008 and take the JD Drew Express out of town). Build on that foundation with selected free agents and hope for better luck this time around.

Mostly, the front office should have the courage to admit that this effort didn't work out, but that this team requires reloading, not rebuilding. Personally, I doubt JP has the flexibility or humility to take that route. if Glaus is dealt before the All-Star Break, as he should be, that'll come as a pleasant surprise.

this is a ballclub that was assembled to compete and win in 2006 and 2007

I take issue with this assertion.  I believe it IS and should BE the goal of Jays' management to assemble a team that could compete every year - whether we win or not depends on health and performance of the players.  This should not be difficult with a payroll of $75-100 million.  Winning-it-all is dependent on the luck of players to stay healthy and the chance that the team as a whole will overperform expectations.  In years where the players meet their potential and/or have moderate health, we should be on the fringe of the playoffs.  In years where the players underperform and/or have poor health (see 2007), we will have a dissappointing season. 

They have not mortgaged the future in any way to compete in 2007 and 2008.

This whole "going-for-it" point of view that is raised here every so often makes me shudder.

They have not mortgaged the future in any way to compete in 2007 and 2008.

This is only true because they have built no future for past 2008. 

Am I missing something, or will Vernon Wells, Alex Rios, Aaron Hill, B.J. Ryan, Lyle Overbay, Roy Halladay, Adam Lind, Casey Janssen, Shaun Marcum, Jeremy Accardo and Brandon League no longer be available to the Jays after 2008? Never mind Travis Snider, David Purcey, Balbino Fuenmayor, Curtis Thigpen and Sergio Santos?

Not all of those players will be with the Jays and/or good and/or healthy in 2009, but "no future" is rather extreme.

So, does he stay up now?

Jesse Litsch, one for the ages. Seems everyone (me included) was really pumped for this, seems like we sort of felt something rare was going to happen - and it did! Wonderful day for the Litsch family! The kid must be over the moon. I know I am.

As to Jesse as a pitcher; my opinion, and it didn't much change from the second inning when it was my first impression, to the end... this guy's "stuff" is only average (at best). But he has "well above average control". He works quick, he keeps it low, he keeps his fielders in the game. I predict (if he stays up) an ERA of about 4.25, a WHIP of 1.30 and a + winning percentage. I really like the guy.

That was one to remember... what a game! The crowd was going crazy!

The one thing I noticed though was that Litsch didn't use any change-ups. Based on what I read, that's his "go-to" out pitch. Did anyone else notice this?

Let's hope AJ can keep the positive vibe going!

Wow - awesome performance.  In Roy Halladay-esque time too!

It reminds me of the age old joke that we used to tell one another when we were growing up:

What does the top pitching prospect in baseball, Phillip Hughes, have in common with Jesse Litsch, a 24th rounder in the same 2004 draft in which Mr. Hughes went 23rd overall?

Answer: In both their major league debuts the Blue Jays won!

(Thanks! I'm here all night!)

This game pitched by young Mr. Litsch is certainly the highwater event of this dismal season so far. Hopefully we only rate it a top five  highlight by the time we get to September.

I hate to throw a damper on the high spirits after his start though. If the plan was to bring him up for one start then send him back down, do it. Let him honestly back it up himself. Keep the kid hungry and let him further develop knowing that he has suceeded in his debut appearance. If he's still lights out next month there will be another opportunity in Toronto.

This kid overcame huge odds with the work he put in tonight. Why play with a deck stacked against him and allow this game to evaporate into a distant memory because he was overmatched.

The kids still a propect, let him just be that for now.

The kids still a propect, let him just be that for now.

Not while the Jays still run Tomo Ohka out there and we all collectively hold our breath, hoping for 5 innings and 3 earned runs.

If it's a health thing and you worry about him pitching that much (what kind of pitch counts to AAers throw?) then do what you have to do. But if that's not the case, ride the hot arms. Marcum, McGowan and now Litsch have shown flashes of sheer brilliance. They may be the organizations best 3, 4 and 5s. But keep them here and we'll find out.

The kids still a propect, let him just be that for now.

Not while the Jays still run Tomo Ohka out there and we all collectively hold our breath, hoping for 5 innings and 3 earned runs.

Well I love your enthusiasum and share your sense of urgency, but I just believe that this 24th rounder will be better served, as should the team, by sending him back and letting him continue to suceed. He not some heralded rookie, the book says he will absolutely fail in the big leagues and I'm sticking with the book on this one. We are not talking about Justin Verlander  or Felix Hernadez here. 

The kid had a good game, let him enjoy it instead of throwing it in the garbage.

I understand that the "book" suggests that Litsch shouldn't be successful and his "stuff" isn't over-powering, but the same could be said for Wang, who's minor league numbers were very similar.  In Wang's two major league seasons prior to this year his BB9 / K9 ratio was 2.26 / 3.31 and he allowed 9.62 H9.  That's just not very good, if you're going by the book.  His ERA, however, was 3.77 and he had a 1.29 WHIP and 27-11 record.  Wang and Litsch seem to have similar pitching styles, both throwing sinking stuff with few strikeouts while inducing ground balls and limiting homeruns.

I was very impressed with Litsch tonight.  It seemed that everything he threw had sink to it (hence the 21 GB outs), and he worked quickly.  I think that 4 hits allowed was the result of a bit of luck and he was helped by a lot of double plays, but that's what happens when you induce ground balls and work fast.  I agree with MyLegacy in his projection of Litsch.  I don't think he'll have too many nights like tonight, especially when he starts facing better lineups, but I think a 4.25 ERA and a spot as a solid #4 starter is a reasonable projection.  He has a good makeup and I just don't see him getting hammered very often.  He's still new and this was just one start, but I'm certainly optimistic with what I saw. 

With what?  Lind and Snider are the only two position players that anyone would have any interest in.  Lind isn't enough to get Garza and Snider is too far away to be of interest to the Twins.

???

Well I was thinking Alex Rios might be of interest to the Twins.  I'd want another (perhaps lower level) prospect back though.  But apparently we only have Lind and Snider who are appealing to other teams??

But apparently we only have Lind and Snider who are appealing to other teams??

Assuming that you want to make the major league team better by not dealing anyone from it, then yes.  That is all that is appealing to other teams if you are looking for someone like Garza. 

Wang

Who also happens to be the most unique pitcher in the major leagues today.  Litsch was on Baseball Tonight last night and I knew the phrase 'pitching to contact' was coming and I still cringed.

That is all that is appealing to other teams if you are looking for someone like Garza. 

I disagree again.  AJ Burnett could garner a Garza-like prospect if he pitches well into July.  A playoff team looking for a top-end starter may find him appealing.  Top prospect(s) could certainly be had in return.  [The Twins are unlikely to be that team, given their salary structure.]

There are likely other packages that could be put together as well, by a creative mind (insert JP bashing comment here).

I think Litsch deserves to make his next start for the Blue Jays on his regular turn. If he starts to struggle, fine, he can be sent down. Right now, he's earned it.

This business of sending him back down now because his fragile ego might be damaged beyond repair is being way too nervous and over-protective. Are you going to wait until he turns 30? When you're ready, you're ready and time will tell.

I don't expect him to become a Cy Young winner, or to be as good as Wang has been to date, but you never know. His minor league records show him to be an extreme groundball pitcher who doesn't walk people. If he can carry that forward into the majors, that's a very useful pitcher and I'll take it.

Wang actually struck out batters at a decent rate in the minors - his career minor league K/9 was 7.06, with 2.04 BB/9. LItsch has 7.8 K/9 and 1.5 BB/9.

I don't expect Litsch to be as good as Wang, but I also don't expect him to cut his strikeout rate in half. Wang is pretty freaky, whether it's his ability to be successful or the fact he's been successful so far.

Frank, I agree completely... as long as he continues to pitch well (quality starts) the Jays should reward him with more starts. His age or the fact that he pitched in AA before this is irrelevant to his future at this point. Give the kid a short leash and let him pitch as long as he can succeed, or so long as he doesn't show signs of being overwhelmed.

Different people react to challenge and adversity differently. Some collapse, but some actually excel, from last night I'd say that Litsch MIGHT be in the later category...

Give him the chance, its not like there is a ton to lose at this point.

Now lets pray that AJ can continue the good vibes and give us a quality start and an opportunity to sweep the O's.

Anybody have any idea what Lyle Overbay was thinking in the 8th inning, when he was on 3rd base with one out and Rios lined a fly out to the left fielder. He strayed off base and couldn't get back in time to tag up. It appears he would have scored.I thought at the time it may come back to haunt them.

Overbay would have been out, in my opinion. Barring a bad throw or dropped ball by the catcher, he'd have been out and it wouldn't have been that close.

However, Butterfield had a word with him after the play. I suspect he was telling him to do a decoy tag-up and draw the throw home, in hopes the throw is wild and he can score on the error. The 1/3rd of the way down the line was a pointless move on that play, I agree.

AJ Burnett could garner a Garza-like prospect if he pitches well into July.

We were talking about Garza specifically.   Not Garza-like.  And without picking up major money on Burnett's deal this probably isn't true anyway.

Maybe I'm reading your post wrong but you seem to be saying that he'll never be more than minor league roster filler anyway, so send him down now so that he can keep that memory intact. I don't know how you can know how he'll turn out unless you have some kind of time travel apparatus that allows you to travel ahead 3 years and see what happens and then report back to us all.

Yes, I think perhaps you are reading more into the post than intended. If it was my mistake I apologize.

To be real clear, the intention of my post was not to impugn or assail the ability or character of Jesse Litsch.

All I was saying is that I would still send him back down to the minors, probably AAA. If he is still doing what he is doing next month and Ohka or any other suspect needs to be sent to the pen or down then there will be another opportunity for Litsch.

Jesse Litsch may well work out, but it would be shocking to me if he worked out immediately.  To me its about managing and developing your resources rather than pissing them away.

Now, back to the Future.

We were talking about Garza specifically.   Not Garza-like.

If you go back and read your own posts, you'll find that you raised the "someone like Garza" spectra first in stating that we had nothing of interest to other teams.  This argument is going nowhere and detracting from a decent discussion on Jesse Litsch.  I'll allow you the last word.

8.2 innings, 1 run, 4 hits, 3 walks, 1 strikeout, *21* GB outs, 99 pitches.  And all in 2 hours and change.

If you were to guess who that might be Halladay would probably be in the top 3 guesses.

The farmer has/had a chance to succeed, the latter was doomed from the start.

David Wells fancies himself more as a biker than a farmer, I believe. Spot-on analysis and insight otherwise: JP = bad. Please keep the hindsight-based posts coming.