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Pitchers, catchers, and just about everyone else are in Dunedin.

So what's new?

Not much.

With the start of spring training you get the typical spring training articles. Everyone is in the best shape of their life, everyone will stay healthy this year, everyone is primed for a career year, etc., etc..

The only real news so far, as far as I can tell, is that Gibbons is planning on keeping Frank Catalanotto in left field. So Eric Hinske, if the Jays do indeed use him in the OF - and it sounds like that's still the plan, will be patroling right field.

Anything else going on Bauxites?
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The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
eeleye - Monday, February 20 2006 @ 10:49 PM EST (#141389) #
Both Manny Ramirez and Barry Bonds are potentially on the missing person's list at their local police stations...Bonds said he might retire after this year, and I for one hope he does and doesn't reach Hank Aaron's record.

Wouldn't it be sweet if we won the world series?
VBF - Monday, February 20 2006 @ 10:54 PM EST (#141390) #

Whether you buy into the stories or not, Hinske is looking like he's in some mighty fine shape.

VBF - Monday, February 20 2006 @ 11:17 PM EST (#141391) #
Photo courtesy of Mike Carlson of the Associated Press. You can view his other pictures as well as other photographers' excellent Jays photographs here!
Geoff - Monday, February 20 2006 @ 11:27 PM EST (#141392) #
Sweeet. Seeing the new Jays in their new duds is worth a thousand words.

And it's nice to see this old Jay hasn't lost his feathers.

Former Toronto Blue Jays Cy Young award winner Pat Hentgen throws in batting practice at the team's spring training camp Monday, Feb. 20, 2006 in Dunedin, Fla. Hentgen is a special instructor at the camp. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy)

Ron - Monday, February 20 2006 @ 11:34 PM EST (#141393) #
- Russ Martin pulled out of the WBC
- Hinske said he lost 10pds
- Doc said he's 100% healthy
- AJ said he's not all about the money.
- GQ said a trade might be the best thing for him right now. He said he's 100%.
- The O-Dog has taken Justin Upton under his wing
Thomas - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 12:01 AM EST (#141394) #
Losing Martin hurts Canada. I tthink he'd have received a good portion of the playing time behind the plate, as LaForest's defence is questionable and he's a better prospect than St. Pierre. I imagine George Kottaras of the Padres, or possibly Cody McKay of the Cardinals, will be asked to replace him. I'd go with Kottaras to give him international experience, as if he sticks at catcher he'll likely be a part of Canada's team in the future.
Thomas - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 12:14 AM EST (#141395) #
FWIW, their 2005 stats:

Martin, AA: 409 ABs, .311/.430/.423
Kottaras, AA: 101 ABs, .287/.397/.416
Kottaras, A: 337 ABs, .303/.390/.469
McKay, AAA: 47 ABs, .213/.362/.319 (I believe he was injured for a good part of last season)
eeleye - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 12:59 AM EST (#141396) #
Sorry to take up so much space...I have to get this off my chest.

As having a worrying personality, I can't help but ruminate over the things that can go wrong for the Blue Jays this year. So here is my list of risks/pitfalls that may land us in third spot again. This is of course barring any random injuries. And if these things go right, then I guarantee a playoff spot.

1) Hill adjusting to 2b. He's an offensive improvement, but his numbers rapidly declined towards end of year...which Hill will be our 2b?

2) Rios staying at his 10 hr/year rate, but it definitely was on an increase.

3) Adams as not improving defensively. But with a full year under his belt, I can't help but be confident in him.

3a) Having only John McDonald, a find defender but no offense, as our only 2b/ss back-up, who will get a fair chunk of starts in place of Hill/Adams.

4) Troy Glaus: old injuries of shoulder and knee must not hurt him. Hopefully he hits above his career .251 average. Also his defense is a slight decline from Koskie's last year, who played half a year there anyway. DH option will help him.

5) Hinske must peg the fundamentals of the outfield and not have many errors. He also must hit better than Hinske like numbers, which he will because he'll face righties and will have more confidence this year.

6) The happiness of Greg Zaun as back-up...But now we have good depth at catcher. Bengie Molina is a little slow, will he regress back to normal career numbers?

7) A.J. Burnett must not have old injuries catch up with him over next 5 years. He must adjust to pitching in a new and slightly harder league. And finally, he must pitch under the pressure of a big contract. However, he has some pressure off him because he seems happy from having a new start and has Halladay in front of him.

8) Please let Halladay not have any balls injure him so he can just win the Cy Young again.

9) B.J. Ryan: hopefully he will be as good as he seems for the next 5 years.

10) Manny stays unhappy, Schilling stays slumping, and hopefully the Red Sox new acquisitions of Josh Becket will be injured the whole year and Loretta will continue to suck. Also, Yankees rotation continues to age and have problems.

Thx. We could win a world series, I honestly believe, if we get a bit lucky.
eeleye - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 01:01 AM EST (#141397) #
Oh yeah, one more: 11) Chacin stays good, and Lilly performs well, and Towers exceeds next years numbers. That's it.
Smithers - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 01:19 AM EST (#141398) #
Couldn't find this link posted anywhere else on the website, so thought this was the most appropriate thread for it - Jayson Stark's take on the latest additions in Jay's land.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=2336248
Pistol - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 08:53 AM EST (#141399) #
Brian Tallet cleared waivers. He had been taken off the 40 man roster when the Jays signed Molina.

http://torontosun.com/Sports/Baseball/2006/02/21/1454231-sun.html
Mick Doherty - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 12:14 PM EST (#141401) #
From Jamey Newberg:

The Rangers have announced the signing of 1B/DH Erubiel Durazo to a non-roster deal with an invite to big league camp. Durazo had Tommy John surgery in July, but when healthy, the 31-year-old can be one of the more productive left-handed bats in the league.

Pistol - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 12:34 PM EST (#141402) #
BPro has its' top 50 prospects (this isn't as conventional as other lists), and the rationale behind what went into the picks.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=4774

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=4781
eeleye - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 01:45 PM EST (#141404) #
What, we have no one in the top 50?
Original Ryan - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 02:00 PM EST (#141405) #
Gene Elston wins the Frick Award.
Original Ryan - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 02:06 PM EST (#141406) #
I should have put the link in my previous post. Here's the story from the Hall of Fame website.
zeppelinkm - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 04:08 PM EST (#141407) #
With 3 prospects in the top 26 covering short stop to first base, looks like the Angels won't have to worry about their infield for a good long while.

I am surprised there are no Jays at least in the honorable mention category.

Hinkse does look good in that photo. I hope that translates into the offensive numbers that we've all been waiting to see since his great rookie season.
Mylegacy - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 06:51 PM EST (#141409) #
Earlier today I read that Brandon League had worked out over the winter with Mike Fetters, who is now working for his "agent's company" on "keeping his arm up over the top."

Apparently Arnsberg was trying to get him to do this last year with limited success.

If it makes a difference it would be interesting to see League back in the mix!
Geoff - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 08:57 PM EST (#141410) #
With 3 prospects in the top 26 covering short stop to first base, looks like the Angels won't have to worry about their infield for a good long while.

Come on, you'd have us think that once you make the top prospect list, your baseball future was secured.

For those truly concerned with who isn't or is on this list, I looked up the list of two years ago and found Alex Rios at #15 and Quiroz at #17, Mcgowan at #23, David Bush #39, Gabe Gross #40, Russ Adams #42, and the great former Jay Chad Gaudin got an honourable mention.

Don't believe me? Of course I'll let you see for yourself

These lists are just a dumb way to pass time. I'm sure Halladay would have been really high on these lists and then dropped right off in his younger days because of this, that or another thing.

Corey Patterson used to get a lot of love, now he gets none. Here's a look at the top 8 BP prospects of five years ago. Nick Johnson, Rick Ankiel, Pat Burrell, Sean Burroughs, Vernon Wells, Rafael Furcal, Ruben Mateo, and Ben Petrick.

I could go on, but I think my point of 'crapshoot' has been made. These things just don't matter that much. It's like looking at a detailed weather forecast for next year. In closing, Go Hinske Go!

VBF - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 09:06 PM EST (#141411) #
Vernon Wells is injured, out of WBC. Looks like a pulled quadricepe, out up to 3 weeks.
Braby21 - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 09:22 PM EST (#141414) #
That sucks. I was hoping VW could use the WBC as a tool to get into the swing of things, the Jays really can't afford another slow start from V-Dubb.
Ron - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 09:28 PM EST (#141415) #
http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060221&content_id=1318128&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor

Gibby is considering using John McDonald in the leadoff position from time to time.

I for one, hope this doesn't happen.
Geoff - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 09:38 PM EST (#141416) #
Ha. That article starts off...

There aren't a whole lot of issues facing the Blue Jays right now. No sudden injuries have popped up and the Major League roster looks pretty set.

And this is what happens.

And I can tell I'm in the great minority here, but I really liked what I saw from McDonald with the Jays last year and was disappointed to see him go (even though he was promised to return). I understand his stats with the Jays compared to his career reflect that he greatly overachieved here, but if he continued from where he left off I don't see why folks here want to avoid him like the Zosky plague.

andrewkw - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 09:42 PM EST (#141417) #
I'm dissapointed to see Wells hurt, but better now then later. I could care less about the WBC but I do agree that extra at bats could only help Vernon and his slow starts.
VBF - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 09:57 PM EST (#141418) #
This injury occured Sunday. Isn't it a little strange that Elliot, Blair, Griffin, or Bastian haven't mentioned it at all in two and a half days since the injury occured?

It's probably related to the fact that they haven't come out with it until recently, but nobody noticed that Vernon was a little different around camp?
melondough - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 10:18 PM EST (#141419) #
With respect to the top 50 minor leaguers and Anahiem having three, I can say that I have read up quite a bit lately and Wood (Anaheim SS - maybe 3B of the future) looks to me like the best of the bunch. Many expect him to be a 30 HR and almost .300 hitter with above average defense capability. Wow, I wish we had someone coming up like that.
Geoff - Tuesday, February 21 2006 @ 10:54 PM EST (#141420) #
Someone like, say, Felipe Lopez, whom J.P. so wisely used to allow Billy Beane to acquire his grail named Durazo?

I bet J.P. wishes he could have that one back.
Geoff - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 12:32 AM EST (#141424) #
To J.P.'s credit, he can't be blamed for giving away Michael Young for Esteban Loaiza.

I recall he made some comments at some point ridiculing that move. Can anyone confirm/know what he said?

And does anyone know where to get a good report on Torii Hunter's prognosis this preseason with respect to his ankle injury?
Mick Doherty - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 10:37 AM EST (#141425) #
Today is John Halama's birthday.

That is all.
Jonny German - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 10:39 AM EST (#141426) #
At the time he was traded, Michael Young was a 23-year-old second baseman hitting .275 / .340 / .426 in 345 at-bats at Double A. 36 walks were nice, 72 whiffs not so much for a guy with 6 homers. Presumably his defence was good, as it's generally well regarded now and he's made the switch to shortstop. But this was hardly the profile of a top prospect.

After the trade Young hit very well for the Rangers AA club, and with 189 solid AAA at-bats under his belt in 2001 he made his big league debut at 24 years of age. Whereupon he was an offensive zero. And again in 2002. At this point you had a 26 year-old with a career line of .257 / .305 / .390 in 959 AB. Gord Ash wasn't exactly lying awake at night fraught with regret over the trade.

But then came 2003, Young's age 26 season and a gigantic step forward. And another big one at age 27. And yet another at age 28. To be precise:

Age   AVG  OBP  SLG  Rate Increases
25   .262 .308 .382   
26   .306 .339 .446  .044 .031 .064
27   .313 .353 .483  .007 .014 .037
28   .331 .385 .513  .018 .032 .030
Whatever poor moves Gord Ash may have made, 'blaming' him for this one is bizarre hindsight. If Mike was 4 years younger this might be considered a reasonable developmental curve. As it stands, there's no solid explanation for it even with the benefit of hindsight.

Another way to put it: How upset would Toronto fans be if the Jays traded Curtis Thigpen for a league average right fielder today? Thigpen, a young 22-year-old playing a premium defensive position in a severe pitcher's park at AA, put up a line of .284 / .340 / .426 in 141 AB in 2005. That is, the exact same OBP and SLG as our late lamented Michael Young put up as an old 23-year-old in AA.

Mike Green - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 11:07 AM EST (#141427) #
Today is also J.J. Putz' birthday. In honour of bureacratic delays, I thought that we might work on an all-insult Hall of Names. Lefty (Goofy) Gomez and Phil Paine would be all right, although Putz gets the gold so far in insult value...
Named For Hank - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 11:23 AM EST (#141428) #
It's probably related to the fact that they haven't come out with it until recently, but nobody noticed that Vernon was a little different around camp?

Cut the writers some slack -- all the "normal" people in this country are watching Olympic hockey anyways. Let them have their pre-season Florida holiday.
Pistol - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 11:29 AM EST (#141429) #
For what it's worth, both Adams and Hill are ahead of Young's development right now. Adams' age 25 season was last year and he was better than Young's .308/.382 and Hill was better than that as well in his age 23 season. I'm not saying that they'll be as good as or better than Young, but there's still plenty of room for growth for those two, as well as Rios (who turned 25 on Saturday). Whether they will or not is something that no one really knows.

In the past the Jays could let them play and find out. With the current team it'll be interesting to see how they balance development and trying to win. The Jays pretty much have to stick with both Hill and Adams for better or worse, but Rios is a different story with Hinske in the picture.
Rob - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 11:48 AM EST (#141430) #
A note about the news today. There are two stories -- one at MLB.com, another in the Sun -- that are about Alex Rios. Jordan Bastian (I almost typed "Spencer Fordin") has loads of useful quotes from Mickey Brantley and the expected stuff from the manager. Mike Ganter only has the Gibby stuff and doesn't mention Brantley once. Not that I'm saying the Sun has lesser coverage than MLB.com, of course. I would never do that...

Cut the writers some slack -- all the "normal" people in this country are watching Olympic hockey anyways.

Now there are several hours of my life I want back.

VBF - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 11:51 AM EST (#141431) #
Cut the writers some slack -- all the "normal" people in this country are watching Olympic hockey anyways. Let them have their pre-season Florida holiday.

Considering that all three newspapers and the website have written over 10 articles in the last two days, it doesn't seem like much of a holiday. Whatver though, this isn't a big deal. It's just odd that even as of now, no local writers have even mentioned it.

Pistol - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 12:05 PM EST (#141432) #
"Let them have their pre-season Florida holiday"

Given that they've had most of the last 6 weeks off from baseball (and most of Oct, Nov, and Dec) I don't think they really need a holiday.

Only one noteworthy thing has happened in spring training so far and they all whiffed on it. It's going to show up in the papers 4 days after it happened. Of course, Wells is from Texas so perhaps that's understandable.
Ducey - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 12:57 PM EST (#141433) #
"Hinske said he lost 10pds"

If he could find it and give it to Alex Rios, the Jays would be even better off.
Jim - TBG - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 01:03 PM EST (#141434) #
New article on Barry Bonds and the reaction to his retirement announcements this week. It's posted at:

http://www.torontobaseballguys.com

I think if Rios continues to multiply his home run totals by 10 every year, he's got a shot to stick as a regular.
Cristian - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 02:46 PM EST (#141435) #
In the past the Jays could let them play and find out. With the current team it'll be interesting to see how they balance development and trying to win. The Jays pretty much have to stick with both Hill and Adams for better or worse, but Rios is a different story with Hinske in the picture.

I envision a strict platoon will determine who starts in right--Rios against lefties and Hinske against righties. In addition I think we'll see Rios as a defensive replacement late in the game for Hinske. With there being more righties than lefties, Rios stealing some of Hinske's late inning at bats will give them both players roughly equal playing time.

Geoff - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 03:18 PM EST (#141436) #
I think if Rios continues to multiply his home run totals by 10 every year, he's got a shot to stick as a regular.

I could go for that, but how much would we have to pay him when he smacks one million homers in 2011?

Pistol - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 03:24 PM EST (#141437) #
In a strict platoon like that it'd be tough to get Rios more than 250 PAs of the roughly 675 PAs for the RFs. There just aren't that many lefties and when Rios comes in as a defensive replacement he'll get, at most, one AB and many times none.

If I were to guess I'd say Rios and Hinske would split the PAs 50/50. And what might be the determining factor is who is pitching for the Jays. If Chacin and Lilly are pitching the other team likely will have more lefties in the lineup. If that's the case you'll see more balls hit to LF than RF. With the Jays sending RH pitchers out you may see Rios play against RH pitchers for the opposite reason because of his defensive value (or at least I imagine Rios will have significantly more defensive value than Hinske).

Mike Green - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 03:41 PM EST (#141438) #
They might do it, but that doesn't mean that it would be wise. Eric Hinske has been precisely an above hitter over age 24-27. Alex Rios has been 15 runs below average per season as a hitter through age 24. Rios' defence is worth at least 8 runs per season over Hinske's (3 for the arm and 5 for the range); that's a very conservative estimate, assuming that Hinske becomes a near average defensive rightfielder, a very optimistic assumption. The move makes only marginal sense if Rios does not develop. Wells' health might play a role in this decision as well.

If one believes the team is right now in the hunt, and will not need big years from its young players to win, then Hinske for Rios on a part-time basis makes some sense. Personally, I see them as needing development from two of Adams, Rios and Hill to make the playoffs. I am confident of Hill's ability to do so, if he can stay healthy, but as for the other two, it would be better in my view to start the season playing both every day in low pressure roles at the bottom of the order, and see how they do.
Ducey - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 03:53 PM EST (#141439) #
JUst reading my copy of the Sporting News 2006 preview magazine (yeah, paper and everything) and it has an interesting analysis of Ted Lilly. It says his delivery puts pressure on his shoulder and that his shoulder may never be 100% again.

If true, (is it?) it bears watching in Spring training. I think Ted is the sleeper that everyone overlooks but is key to the Jays success this year.
Named For Hank - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 05:02 PM EST (#141440) #
Given that they've had most of the last 6 weeks off from baseball (and most of Oct, Nov, and Dec) I don't think they really need a holiday.

Gentlemen, gentlemen, my tongue was firmly in my cheek.
Braby21 - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 05:47 PM EST (#141441) #
Gentlemen, gentlemen, my tongue was firmly in my cheek.

Which is very easy to determine when you're reading typed on the internet.

Named For Hank - Wednesday, February 22 2006 @ 08:14 PM EST (#141442) #
Which is very easy to determine when you're reading typed on the internet.

I did also call everyone here "not normal" in the post...
huckamaniac - Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 09:58 AM EST (#141444) #
Buster Olney writes about the Jays bullpen in his blog. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=olney_buster

He makes the point that they have a lot guys who are fairly similar. I know it's early but has anyone heard anything about Ben Weber thus far?
zeppelinkm - Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 10:30 AM EST (#141445) #
Just thought this was funny.. big Carlos protecting little Carlos http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/23/sports/baseball/23mets.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

Newton - Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 03:12 PM EST (#141448) #
Kudos to the Rangers for rolling the dice on Durazo... we're going to regret not taking the minimal gamble on this guy.

HippyGilmore - Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 04:15 PM EST (#141450) #
I don't think there's much chance Durazo would have signed here, as there's really not an opportunity for him to get any PT, and I'm sure that's something he would have taken into account since any contract he'd sign would be for minimal dollars. There will be some DH at bats for him in Texas, but for us to have some playing time for him J.P. would have had to move one of his corner infield/DH types. Would you really take Durazo, who I admit has some big upside but is still a massive question mark, much bigger than Frank Thomas in my opinion, over the safety of a Hillenbrand? I wouldn't, but that's just me.
Newton - Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 04:51 PM EST (#141453) #
Happy Gilmore would never lay up for an easy par, he'd go for the birdie...

I've taken heat over this before but trading Hillenbrand would have freed up 6 mill to help in the OF and Hinske/platoon partner could essentially match Hillenbrand's production in the DH slot and Hinske could also play 1st and 3rd in a crunch.

Its over so I'll never speak of it again.

VBF - Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 05:43 PM EST (#141454) #
But there's no guarantee with Major League plate appearances in Texas either--he signed a minor league contract.

Anyways, if you like autographs or have an interesting question for Gustavo Chacin or Jason Frasor, come out to the Blue Jays Swing Into Spring Festival on Saturday at 11 a.m at the Eaton's Centre, where both players will be on stage for a Q & A with the fans. Lloyd Moseby is doing a similiar thing at Rogers Video locations around the GTA tomorrow and Saturday as well.

Zao - Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 06:22 PM EST (#141456) #
Thanks for the heads-up. But there's no mention of a chance to win season's tickets. I think emoticons are frowned upon here but this deserves a :-(
VBF - Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 06:48 PM EST (#141457) #
No, there's a ticket draw. It wasn't mentioned in the press release, but the advertisements around Sears and in the newspapers say there will be one.

Also, they've been running advertisements in the Toronto Star the last week or so promoting the event and if you take the advertisement to the ticket office on Saturday or Sunday, if you buy a ticket to a game in 2006, you receive a free ticket to the second or third game of the series of equivalent value. This promotion alone is reason to believe the first three games could see attendance totalling 130,000.

Glevin - Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 07:07 PM EST (#141459) #
"Personally, I see them as needing development from two of Adams, Rios and Hill to make the playoffs. I am confident of Hill's ability to do so, if he can stay healthy, but as for the other two, it would be better in my view to start the season playing both every day in low pressure roles at the bottom of the order, and see how they do."

I agree. Hill, even with his disastrous end to the season elicits the most confidence. I am not sure why, maybe his compact swing makes it more likely that he can adjust. The other thing to consider in the OF is that Catalanotto is very injury prone and likely to be hurt at some point so both Hinske and Rios may get some extra ABs that way. (I am a big fan of playing Johnson against lefties only. He is atrocious-especially for a corner OFer- against RHP and I think Rios is a superior defensive player.)
eeleye - Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 08:55 PM EST (#141460) #
I might be ushering you guys to your seats come the season. :)
Jonny German - Thursday, February 23 2006 @ 11:16 PM EST (#141467) #
Catalanotto is very injury prone and likely to be hurt at some point

While he has this reputation, Catalanotto has been entirely healthy in 2 of his 3 seasons with the Jays. What's more, while he missed a lot of time in 2004 it was all with the same injury (right groin). The 'injury prone' label seems to me more appropriate for a player who suffers a variety of injuries.

Named For Hank - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 12:16 AM EST (#141473) #
I might be ushering you guys to your seats come the season.

Just promise us you'll be one of the good ushers and not one of the power-mad, angry-at-the-world, check-your-ticket-even-if-no-one-is-in-the-section-and-make-you-move-over-two-seats ushers.
Glevin - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 01:29 AM EST (#141474) #
"While he has this reputation, Catalanotto has been entirely healthy in 2 of his 3 seasons with the Jays. What's more, while he missed a lot of time in 2004 it was all with the same injury (right groin). The 'injury prone' label seems to me more appropriate for a player who suffers a variety of injuries."

In 2003, Cat had back problems bother him almost all year and also had a little trouble with his hamstrings. He had a broken bone in his hand in 2002 which knocked him out for the year. Even before that in 2002, he had two stints on the DL due to back and groin problems. He also had groin problems in 2000 that caused him to hit the DL. He has had under 250 ABs in 2 of the last 4 seasons (averaging 101.5 GP over the last 4 years) and has never played more than 133 games in a season. I like Cat as a player, but he is fragile.

VBF - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 08:55 AM EST (#141477) #
Just promise us you'll be one of the good ushers and not one of the power-mad, angry-at-the-world, check-your-ticket-even-if-no-one-is-in-the-section-and-make-you-move-over-two-seats ushers.

Yes and *not* one of those "take your flagpole in the ninth inning with 2 outs and saying that you'll return it after the game but keep you waiting half an hour by gate ten because you forgot" ushers. And also not one of those ushers that belittle fans that don't want to sit on their hands and drink their tea.

I'm sure you'll be fine though :)

Joseph Krengel - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 12:03 PM EST (#141482) #
On an entirely unrelated note, is anyone else concerned that the Blue Jays are repeating the magnet giveaway this year on opening day... the same giveaway that embarassed the team and the city last year?
eeleye - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 12:06 PM EST (#141483) #
re: Magnets

When I went to my job interview yesterday, they gave me a 2006 home schedule magnet. It features Corey Koskie and Orlando Hudson on it....so I really hope that this is not the same magnet that they give away to everyone this year....

Why don't you like the magnets?
6-4-3 - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 12:26 PM EST (#141484) #
Did you ever see the Simpsons episode where Marge holds a pretzel giveaway at Isotope stadium, but the fans just throw them at Mr. Burns, Smithers, and Hall of Famer Whitey Ford? Picture the same thing, only with magnets.

If they're smart, they'll give out the magnets as people are leaving the Dome.
eeleye - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 12:34 PM EST (#141485) #
On a very unrelated topic, has anyone noticed the subliminal messages on CBC when watching the Olympics or Hockey night in Canada? (or anytning else?) Usually what happens is they will flash their logo or some related olympic logo very very fast for a split second, typically at the end of a commercial set right before the program is about to resume... Am I crazy?

Watch for it.
Jonny German - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 12:34 PM EST (#141486) #
The magnets are fine, and it's a nice thought to give the opening day crowd a bag full of promotional stuff... but Toronto fans demonstrate year in and year out that they aren't baseball fans by turning everything in the bags into projectiles. At least when it's paper airplanes it's just embarassing; with the magnets there's a real possibility of injury to fans in the 100 and to players. And it spreads from just the handout stuff - last year Reed Johnson was very nearly hit by a bottle of pop.

I surely hope the Jays are smart enough to realize that their fan base, at least the one that shows up for opening day, is collectively a bunch of idiots. There's no reason they couldn't hand out the bags to fans as they leave the stadium.
Jordan - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 12:57 PM EST (#141487) #
If they're smart, they'll give out the magnets as people are leaving the Dome.

It's a good idea, but after a game ends, it's late and people are streaming out of the exits to get to cars, trains and subways. Putting staff at the exits to hand out magnets would create bottlenecks and probably drive fans crazy. There might be no magic bullet.

Named For Hank - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 01:26 PM EST (#141488) #
On a very unrelated topic, has anyone noticed the subliminal messages on CBC when watching the Olympics or Hockey night in Canada? (or anytning else?) Usually what happens is they will flash their logo or some related olympic logo very very fast for a split second, typically at the end of a commercial set right before the program is about to resume... Am I crazy?

eeleye, you're seeing what CBC is sending out to all of its local affiliates who broadcast their own commercials -- CBC Toronto runs different ads from CBC Calgary, even if the show is the same -- so the feed coming from HQ doesn't have commercials, it has a couple of minutes of the CBC logo where the commercials would be. You're seeing them for a split second because the timing isn't always perfect on starting the local commercials.

People have reported seeing hilarious things where the commercials would go while watching MLB.tv feeds -- was it Sportsnet that ran the cartoon cowboy? And someone heard two announcers candidly evaluating a recent trade, saying things they'd never say on the air.
bird droppings - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 01:40 PM EST (#141489) #
As someone who works in television broadcast I'll agree with what Aaron just said...
GregH - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 01:47 PM EST (#141490) #
"At least when it's paper airplanes it's just embarassing; with the magnets there's a real possibility of injury to fans in the 100 and to players."

My sons (then 9 and 10)and I were in sec 520, Row 10 at Opening Day last year and were surrounding by flying magnets. The 10 year old was hit in the back of the head by one. I spoke, loudly but not abusively, to the idiots 3 or 4 rows back who seemed to be throwing most of the stuff and took a lot of verbal grief in return. When the 9 year old got hit with a flying pencil, I spoke to one of the ushers, who basically cowered at the front of the section looking at the field and refusing to turn and look at the bunch who were doing the throwing.

Before buying my tickets for this year (Sec 523, Row 12), I made sure that my sons remembered what had happened and asked if they wanted to go to a game later in the series with the Twins to avoid the problem. Having gone to each Opening Day since 2002, though, they decided they wanted to go.

I truly hope that if the same nonsense starts again, the idiots will be ejected.
Named For Hank - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 01:53 PM EST (#141491) #
Greg, just look for eeleye -- he'll beat the crap out of those violators for you.
eeleye - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 02:02 PM EST (#141492) #
So true...

And keep your eyes on the field so you don't get hit in the head with a baseball.
VBF - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 02:37 PM EST (#141493) #
Toronto fans demonstrate year in and year out that they aren't baseball fans by turning everything in the bags into projectiles

No. The people throwing the magnets were not just from the entire upper level, but the baselines are of the upper level. Yes, they aren't baseball fans, but the other 45,000 were and they made it quite known after the 5,000 idiots left in the 8th inning when the Dome was absolutely rocking.

The Jays had magnet giveaways at the last two games of the 2005 season and they handed them out after the game at every gate. Not every fan got a magnet, but most did. It was successful and plausible and it's what they will be doing on April 4th.

It was also a nice touch that Rogers gave out complimentary programs to everyone whom attended. This is something I also imagine they'll do away with.

GregH - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 02:44 PM EST (#141494) #
I agree it was a nice touch with the bags taped to the seats with the programs and magnets. When we went into the Dome and saw the FieldTurf, the bunting and the bags at the seats, we were thrilled. The place looked better than it ever had and felt more like a ball park than it ever did. It was just too bad that the nice touch wasn't appreciated by a small minority who had likely enjoyed a few too many libations!
VBF - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 03:51 PM EST (#141495) #
That's a good point too, Greg. This Opening Night falls on a Tuesday instead of a Friday so there should be alot less of the casual, drunk, yuppi 'fans'.

smcs - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 03:57 PM EST (#141496) #
It was just too bad that the nice touch wasn't appreciated by a small minority who had likely enjoyed a few too many libations!

Someone else mentioned a Simpsons episode earlier, so I felt like I had to contribute the episode where Homer attempts to go sober. At a baseball game, he remarks that he never realized how boring baseball was without beer. I don't agree with that assessment, but many people do.

I think that if they do hand out the magnets again, they have to be prepared for what might happen. If this includes getting extra security to stand in different sections and throwing out the first couple of people that throw something, no warning, then do it.

VBF - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 04:06 PM EST (#141497) #
Actually I think the folks at Veterans Stadium were on to something when they installed that temporary jail on the 700 level. The yuppis don't care if they get kicked out, so if you stick them in jail until after the game, at least you can ruin their night as well as scaring them sober the next time they want to go to a game.

Baseball is waaaaay better sober.
Joseph Krengel - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 05:07 PM EST (#141499) #
If there is a magnet problem again this year, don't talk to the ushers. There are security guys pacing the concourse on every level. I found this really short, incredibly beefy guy to kick out a bunch of people throwing the magnets last year.
Rob - Friday, February 24 2006 @ 05:30 PM EST (#141502) #
And someone heard two announcers candidly evaluating a recent trade, saying things they'd never say on the air.

That also happened during a Fisher Cats radio broadcast last April -- they came back from commercial early and I heard something like "...hitting .429 now. Who did they trade for him again? (pause) Peterson? Adam Peterson?"

rIbIt - Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 02:13 AM EST (#141505) #
As most have heard, the Shef is disgruntled.
On one hand, no big deal, he'll come to his senses and swing powerfully seeing as it's a contract year.
Further, he definately ain't the only bat in the NYY bin, the rest of the lineup can pick up the slack if his bat's limp.

If his option isn't picked up in the near future (like he wants), what's the consensus on the Worst case scenario?

Can this get bad enough to make any discernable difference?
MulRedux - Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 07:09 AM EST (#141506) #
They're giving away the magnets after the game.
Chuck - Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 11:35 AM EST (#141507) #
On one hand, no big deal, he'll come to his senses and swing powerfully seeing as it's a contract year.

If it weren't a contract year, he wouldn't "swing powerfully"?

the rest of the lineup can pick up the slack if his bat's limp.

When the plan B's in the outfield are the sorry carcasses of Bernie Williams and Bubba Crosby, Sheffield's significance cannot be understated. An unproductive Sheffield (either due to injury or decline) would be a huge blow to the team.

Whether Sheffield figures to be healthy and productive enough to warrant $13M in 2007 or whether his hissy fit du jour will be a distraction is another matter altogether. I would imagine that his 2007 option will be picked up sooner rather than later, and that the story-hungry media will have to find something else to write about and some other whiner to indulge.

eeleye - Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 01:19 PM EST (#141508) #
This isn't Blue Jays related. But regarding the Bagwell vs. Astros case. This is what I think. Bagwell wants to play, fine. He will make his money anyway, even if he doesn't play or show up to spring training. But by going to spring training, with nothing to gain except the ability to play, he is jeapordizing 15.6 million dollars for the Astros. If he really cares about the team, he'd either stay at home with his 17 mil, or he would give them back 15.6 million of the money he makes so that he CAN play. I mean, he's not the player he was and he can barely throw: he knows that he's not worth that money. If he's really about the passion of playing and helping the team, then play, but give back the money too. He is trying to have his cake and eat it too at the expense of the Astros organization.
melondough - Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 02:06 PM EST (#141509) #
eeleye, before someone else jumps on this one I thought I would add my 2 cents first. The fact that "he know's he is not worth the money" should not matter. This was a contract that he signed when he was supposedly worth the money. Using your train of thought, the Jays should be paying Vernon a lot more than the $3 million he got last yr. You can't have it both ways.

Also, who are the Astros to tell someone that they are basically washed up, through, caput? Bagwell feels he is well enough to play, he surely is not doing this on spite.

Obviously we see things a lot differently to one another. I see it as the Astro front office being absolutely heartless and greedy towards a francihse player that has given them everything he had for his enire 15 years of major league service.

Shame on you and anyone else who paints Jeff as the vilan here.
King Ryan - Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 02:24 PM EST (#141510) #
So, I took Dan Szymborski's ZiPS and plugged them into Pinto's Lineup Analysis program, and apparantly this is the best lineup for the Jays this season:

1. Overbay
2. Glaus
3. Hill
4. Wells
5. Catalanotto
6. Hillenbrand
7. Hinske
8. Adams
9. Zaun

Alright? So tell John Gibbons we're going with that. :-)

P.S. I'm proud to announce that I didn't have to copy/paste "Szymborski."

eeleye - Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 02:43 PM EST (#141511) #
nice try King Ryan, Gibbons will do something more like:

Adams
Overbay
Wells
Glaus
Hillenbrand
Molina
Catalantto
Rios/Hinske
Hill

I would do:
Catalanatto/Reed Johnson
Overbay
Wells
Glaus
Hillenbrand
Hinske/Rios
Hill
Adams
Molina
Gerry - Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 03:58 PM EST (#141512) #
I believe Catalanotto prefers not to bat leadoff.
VBF - Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 04:17 PM EST (#141513) #
Yes, Cat has voiced his preference to bat in the second spot. I doubt you'll see Overbay batting in the second spot. He could, but I'd rather have that high OBP and those doubles in the third of fifth spot. Overbay's position in the lineup throughout the year will probably be affected by what kind of year Vernon has.

Against righties, you'll probably see:

Adams/Hill
Catalanotto
Wells/Overbay
Glaus
Overbay/Wells
Hillenbrand
Zaun (maybe his high OBP will do better in front of Shea)
Hinske
Adams/Hill

For lefties, swap Zaun with Molina (though I'm not in favour of having two low OBPs back to back) and Hinske with Rios.

greenfrog - Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 05:11 PM EST (#141514) #
I know Gibbons anticipates batting Wells third, but Overbay (high OBP, doubles power) seems like a better choice. Especially against RHP, where Wells really struggled last year (posting an amazingly low .689 OPS). Gibby seems to think that having Glaus provide protection could turn things around for Wells, but I wonder how likely this is.

On a different note, I would love to see Adams improve this year--say, by approaching his minor league OBP of .364. This would really set the rest of the batting order up nicely. And answer a lot of his (and JP's) critics.
CaramonLS - Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 05:17 PM EST (#141515) #
RHP:

Adams
Cat
Overbay
Glaus
Wells
Hillenbrand
Hinske
Zaun/Molina
Hill

LHP:

Johnson
Overbay
Glaus
Wells
Molina
Hillenbrand
Hill
Rios
Adams

Thats how I see it shaping up. Either way, Glaus is always in the 3/4 spot, Hillenbrand in @ # 6, and Wells is only Cleanup for Lefties.

Still, I get the odd feeling Wells will be batting 5th vs. LHP, not sure how its going to work out though.
John Northey - Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 05:34 PM EST (#141516) #
Batting a lower OBP 3rd isn't a bad idea as the #4 or #5 hitter tends to lead off a lot more innings than the #3 hitter will. Thus starting off the 2nd inning in a better position.

However, in the end, almost every analysis I've read shows minimal difference between one lineup vs another. The key is picking the right 9 to start, not how you bat them.
Flex - Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 07:52 PM EST (#141517) #
Anyone know anything about Wayne Lydon? According to Inside the Dome the Jays picked him up from the Mets, signed him to a minor league deal and invited him to spring training, where some believe him to be a sleeper.

But I've never heard of him. Is this proof of the narrowness of my baseball awareness? Can anyone broaden my horizons?
Mike Green - Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 08:40 PM EST (#141518) #
Don't worry, Flex. Wayne Lydon is hardly a household name. He's a fast centerfielder, but lacks power and strikes out too often to be anything but a 4th outfielder or better yet, a 5th outfielder/pinch runner. He was, particularly before last year, a very effective basestealer, and played good D. Listening to the Fisher Cat games over the last 2 years, we heard a fair bit about him.
CaramonLS - Saturday, February 25 2006 @ 09:21 PM EST (#141519) #
That has to be the strangest Career path I've ever seen.

17 years old and in AAA?
mathesond - Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 09:31 AM EST (#141520) #
Re: # 141509

Shame on you for calling the Astros 'absolutely heartless', melondough. They pretty much had no choice but to file the claim on Jan. 31, otherwise they would have no (zero) protection in the event that Bagwell is unable to play. Naturally, if he can play, they will withdraw the claim. A good explantion can be found here. The Astros certainly aren't refusing Bagwell the opportunity to show he can still play.

You know, I'm pretty much a pro-labour guy, but (and this might come as a shock to some) organizations aren't always the bad guy in these situations.
Flex - Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 10:22 AM EST (#141521) #
Thanks, Mike! I am reassured.

And no kidding about the weird career path. In chronological order starting in 1998 at age 17:
AAA
Rookie League
AA
Rookie
AAA
Rookie
AAA
A
A
AA
AA (2005 at age 24)

Sounds like this kid's been messed around but good.
Greg - Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 11:55 AM EST (#141525) #
I wasn't sure where yo ask this, but does anyone have any idea what Spring Training games will be on the radio?

Over the internet preferably, we are sadly lacking in sports radio here in Saskatchewan
MondesiRules - Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 05:39 PM EST (#141549) #
Sadly lacking in sports radio? Wow, you must've just moved here... BTW, all Jays games are radio-cast on AM 1190 in Southern Saskatchewan.
CaramonLS - Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 05:59 PM EST (#141551) #
I'm not sure, Depending on where you live in Sask, you might pick up Fan 960 from Calgary, has some Jays games.

Curtis Dixon - Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 08:50 PM EST (#141553) #
Something's fishy about Lydon's minor league stats. He looks like a very strong player until 2000, more than holding is own at AAA at age 19/20. Then he turns into Endy Chavez. I'm guessing the first 4-5 lines on his statsheet belong to someone else. Be interesting to find out to whom those belong, because they project out to a pretty decent major league player.
6-4-3 - Sunday, February 26 2006 @ 09:36 PM EST (#141556) #
You're right, Lydon's stat line on the baseball cube is totally wrong. He starts in 1999 in AAA Rochester (Baltimore's affliate) but he wasn't drafted until 1999, and the Mets drafted him, not Baltimore.

The Rochester '98, Birminghham 99, Charlotte 2000, and New Orleans 2001 lines all don't belong to Lydon. Scout.com has a write-up on him that has what might by Lydon's real career lines: http://mets.scout.com/2/475312.html
VBF - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 08:57 AM EST (#141567) #
So today, at 6:00a.m. I got a telephone call...

"Hello, this is Alex Rodgriguez of the New York Yankees. I made something out of my morning, so get up and make something out of your morning too."

Professional athletes. Always wanting more.

Mike D - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 10:54 AM EST (#141569) #
Which of the Jays' new acquisitions do the players themselves think will be the most valuable addition? Kudos to Bob Elliott for taking a pretty cool survey of the Jays' clubhouse.

Try to guess who won the player poll without peeking!
Mike Green - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 11:16 AM EST (#141573) #
Guessed right.

Old friend Tom Wilson signed with the Marlins over the weekend. We've got a whole bunch of players in the NL to root for this year.
zeppelinkm - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 11:24 AM EST (#141574) #
That should be a battersbox poll/thread. Who was the Jays best/most important off-season addition?

I think Ryan personally. All that great starting pitching doesn't go for a whole lot if you can't seal the deal. But really, I think the synergy of all these moves will be the best aspect of it all.
Jobu - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 11:50 AM EST (#141576) #
So today, at 6:00a.m. I got a telephone call...

"Hello, this is Alex Rodgriguez of the New York Yankees. I made something out of my morning, so get up and make something out of your morning too."

Professional athletes. Always wanting more.

That reminds me of this phone line that was all the rage 12 or so years ago. You'd call 1-800-GOLF-TIP and then you'd hear a recording of Robbie Alomar counting to 10 and then it would hang up. In grade school this was almost limitless entertainment. Though when I bring that up to people now, everyone looks at me very oddly. Surely my school could not have been the only people in T.O. to have found that number?

Frank Markotich - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 12:44 PM EST (#141579) #
Interesting poll of the players there. 8 of 9 hitters surveyed thought a pitcher was the most important addition, while 3 of 7 pitchers chose Glaus. Apparently no angst over the departure of Hudson.

Mike D - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 12:48 PM EST (#141580) #
Josh Towers had an interesting (and rather thoughtful) perspective; he voted for B.J. not for his value as a closer, but for his value in making Toronto a destination for top talent this winter.
Pistol - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 01:01 PM EST (#141582) #
Given the boost the offense needed I'm surprised that more players didn't say Glaus.

It's also pretty apparent that not too many Jays had a whole lot of confidence in Batista. The physchological impact of a closer on a team is an interesting one.
Jonny German - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 01:30 PM EST (#141585) #
That should be a battersbox poll/thread.

Just set your watch back 2 months and you're all set.

andrewkw - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 01:45 PM EST (#141586) #
John McDonald: "You mean after they traded to get me back? I was the first acquisition on that list, I broke the logjam ... seriously I'd pick Ryan. Pitching wins championships.""

Best answer.
eeleye - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 02:48 PM EST (#141587) #
I think there are two ways to look at the problem. If you look at what the Jays NEEDED the most, then the answer is Glaus. Blue Jays bats were often anemic last year and so badly needed a power bat. If you look at what is usually the most important thing to get, then the answer is starting pitching: Burnett. All teams objectively need top-notch starting pitching. B.J. Ryan standing alone doesn't make as big an impact, but when you make all those moves synergistically, THEN he becomes the most important pick-up: the Jays were one of the worst last year in 1-run ball games (like 15-41 or smg?), making his presence SOO key.
williams_5 - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 03:30 PM EST (#141588) #
Jobu, I remember 1-800-GOLF-TIP, though I was unaware of any connection to Robbie Alomar, we just knew it as the mysterious voice that counted to ten...

I wasn't too surprised the player's vote was B.J., as he'll be helping the entire team psychologically - nothing more deflating than not being able to hold onto a lead (and more than a few heartbreakers last year). I'm somewhat suprised Halladay and Lilly both thought another starter was the best move though...maybe they appreciate what Burnett brings to the table more. Same with Zaun perhaps.
budgell - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 03:56 PM EST (#141589) #
Sorry to see that Buck O'neil didn't make the hall today. http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060227&content_id=1324630&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
Coolest baseball man alive, he MADE Ken Burns' baseball doc.
Rob - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 04:05 PM EST (#141590) #
What I found interesting was that the players who answered Burnett are the ones who will be working with him -- either as a fellow pitcher (Doc, Lilly) or behind the plate (Zaun, Quiroz).

Putting aside the actual value of Overbay v. Glaus, it makes sense that nobody said Overbay, if only for the reason that he doesn't have the numbers that most athletes (if I may be allowed to generalize here) pay attention to. HR, RBI and saves were the only ones mentioned; Overbay's career highs are 19, 87 and, uh, zero. Also, Glaus is a three-time All-Star with a World Series MVP -- definitely a bigger name to a Blue Jay than "a guy who used to be on one of those teams we never play against."

binnister - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 04:07 PM EST (#141591) #
From Article on Q at main Blue Jay site:

'If Jason Phillips doesn't break camp with the Major League team -- the most likely scenario at this point -- he will have the ability to explore his options with other organizations. Gibbons said that the Minor League contract Phillips signed on Jan. 3 allows for him to decline a Minor League assignment when Spring Training is over.'

This bothers me.

Worst Case: Q is lost on waivers & Phillips declines the assignment & signs with another team.

End of 2006: Molina opts out. Zaun wants a big paycheck & leaves. NO catcher is ready in the minors. J.P goes back to the scrap heap. Suddenly, all that depth the Blue Jay's had at catcher is gone & the future doesn't look all that bright as well.

Rob - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 04:14 PM EST (#141592) #
I'm not that concerned -- if the worst-case scenario didn't bother you, I'd question its categorization as a worst-case scenario.
Mike Green - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 04:35 PM EST (#141593) #
Actually, it's not 2007 that would worry me. Losing Quiroz and Phillips would be problematic for 2006. It's always best to have a 3rd catcher at triple A, just in case. If Phillips leaves, the team might well consider carrying Quiroz on the 25 man.
truefan - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 04:42 PM EST (#141594) #
It appears that we'll be able to pick up some spring training games on XM Satellite, each of these games at 1.05 pm:

Sunday 5 March, Yankees at Jays, XM179
Saturday 11 March, Jays @ Reds, XM184
Sunday 12 March, Jays @ Tigers, XM178

I'm unclear whose broadcast feed we will be getting.
Pistol - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 04:52 PM EST (#141595) #
"The Minor League contract Phillips signed on Jan. 3 allows for him to decline a Minor League assignment when Spring Training is over."

I suspect this is pretty common for major league players that sign minor league contracts. I'd guess that Weber and Baldwin have the same deal.
Mike D - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 06:56 PM EST (#141598) #
Are you a glass-half-full or a glass-half-empty type? Take it with several kilograms of salt, but Rios took Chacin deep this afternoon.
VBF - Monday, February 27 2006 @ 07:24 PM EST (#141600) #
Maybe a slightly less amount of salt could be required for Halladay's inning, when he retired the side with seven pitches. Yowza!
truefan - Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 02:46 PM EST (#141623) #
I read on the Jays website that the three days mentioned above (Mar 5/11/12) are among the handful of days that The Fan 590 will be broadcasting Spring Training games.
eeleye - Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 07:19 PM EST (#141635) #
How is Jack Wilson worth almost 7 million dollars a year? What were the Pirates thinking? And Jason Bay is making 4.5/year?
Pistol - Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 08:25 PM EST (#141640) #
Service time, service time, service time.

I don't think there's much of a difference between Wilson and Alex Gonzalez and the Sox got Gonzalez for $3 million. A bad, bad, move for the Pirates.
John Northey - Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 08:39 PM EST (#141641) #
Bad move and Pirates go together like salt and pepper.

Wilson has had an OBP above 310 just once out of 5 seasons (all with 300+ AB's). His Slg% has been below 370 in all but one season. He is in his prime years now (this is his age 28 season) but, geez, $7 million? He is no more than replacement level imo. No idea what the Pirates are thinking, other than 'lets stay below 500 forever!'
eeleye - Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 08:43 PM EST (#141642) #
Looking at Bay's stats, I see he was drafted by the expos. I would argue that more great players have gone through the Expos system then the Blue Jays...
eeleye - Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 08:47 PM EST (#141643) #
http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/submit/Kates_Maxwell3.stm

Notables are Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Larry Walker, Moises Alou, Vladimir Geurrero, Andres Galaraga, Jose Vidro, Javier Vazquez, Marquis Grissom, and Andre Dawson.

Who have the Blue Jays ever produced, other than signing the Burnett's and Clemenses? Roy Halladay...
Mike Green - Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 08:49 PM EST (#141644) #
With shortstops like Wilson, the first question is defence. Some measures have him as the best regular defensive shortstop in the NL. Here's his DT card. If it's accurate, he's been worth more than $7 million the last 2 years. That's a big if.
Mike D - Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 09:31 PM EST (#141648) #
Statistics and scouting reports agree that Jack Wilson has excellent range, very good hands and a very good DP pivot. He worked hard to put on weight this offseason to give himself more pop with the bat; we'll see if the added bulk hinders his defence.

Most years he's near "replacement level," I guess, offensively, but he's far, far, FAR better than replacement level defensively. That said, and although they're somewhat different players, the Alex Gonzalez comparison -- the Boston Alex Gonzalez, that is -- isn't too far off to my mind as a basis for judging whether the contract is a good one or bad one.

Throwing money at Jack Wilson notwithstanding, don't sleep on the Pirates this season. They have question marks up the middle but some real areas of strength elsewhere on the roster. And I don't think the injury to the overrated Kip Wells will hurt them too much.
Geoff - Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 11:07 PM EST (#141653) #
Who have the Blue Jays ever produced? Whaddya want? A Cy Young Winner, an MVP, a perennial All-Star or guys with silver sluggers or gold gloves galore?

Fill out your order for Blue Jays history and I'm sure it will be filled.
John Northey - Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 11:34 PM EST (#141654) #
Who have the Jays developed?

Starting Pitching....
Halladay, Stieb, Key, Guzman all won ERA titles and made the All-Star team at least once each. Plus, of course, Chris Carpenter has a Cy Young.

Relief....
Koch, Eichhorn, David Wells, ... hrm, not a ton of talent here.

Infield....
Delgado, Kent, Sprague, Fernandez all made all-star teams and (outside of Sprague) belong in the Hall Of The Very Good, with Delgado and Kent having HOF shots still. Mix in Orlando Hudson as your backup.

Outfield....
Moseby, Barfield, Green, Wells, Stewart are again all All-Stars although none are HOF bound.

Catcher....
Pat Borders ... has there been anyone else who was 1/2 decent?

Not a bad team. A couple of potential HOF'ers, a lot of all-stars (legit ones, not mandatory ones), bit weak at catcher, third, and the pen but some have come through. Not bad for a franchise still under 30.
King Ryan - Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 11:45 PM EST (#141655) #
Who have the Blue Jays ever produced, other than signing the Burnett's and Clemenses? Roy Halladay...

Carlos Delgado, Dave Stieb, Jeff Kent, John Olerud, David Wells, Jimmy Key, Shawn Green, Vernon Wells, Chris Carpenter, Jesse Barfield...

zaptom - Tuesday, February 28 2006 @ 11:47 PM EST (#141656) #
We won! Good ol intrasquad games. Rios hits another homer, this time off Dustin McGowan. "A homer a day keeps the bench away," great one liner by Gibbons

TSN story
Geoff - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 12:14 AM EST (#141657) #
Cy guys: Halladay, Carpenter and Hentgen (remember him?)

Wells had a perfect game.

I'd consider Georgie Bell a Jay product. You might choose to stickle that.

And you could plug Mike Young or Felipe Lopez into the Jay infield if they continue their all-star ways. And don't forget BA champ Olerud.

Mike Timlin in relief. Craig Wilson can catch. Kinda.

And watch out cause here comes Vinnie Chulk! Ryan Freel, Aaron Small... okay, I'm reaching now.
Geoff - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 12:17 AM EST (#141658) #
heck, if Pedro Martinez gets to be an Expo product, MVP George surely gets to be a Jay product.

Same goes for Moises Alou.
King Ryan - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 12:27 AM EST (#141660) #
"A homer a day keeps the bench away,"

Heh. Tell that to Gabe Gross...

John Northey - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 07:43 AM EST (#141662) #
Well, Gross stopped doing the homer a day so the bench came up quick. Remember that Rios, no stopping the HR a day or you could be off to Milwaukee.
eeleye - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 12:35 PM EST (#141678) #
I have another question guys: why is there a four team division in the AL and a 6 team division in the NL? Why was Miluakee moved?
Cristian - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 01:08 PM EST (#141680) #
A few reasons:

1. You can't have 15 teams in each league unless there is always an interleague matchup.

2. Bud Selig didn't want to shell out for a DH.
Jim - TBG - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 02:06 PM EST (#141682) #
Over at torontobaseballguys.com, Christopher James - TBG's last angry man, is running a little poll for Jays fans on your most hated ex-Jay, and how creative you can be expressing that hatred (spring time has that effect on Chris).

The article is up at:

http://www.torontobaseballguys.com/20060227chris.html

Please stop by.
Geoff - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 05:57 PM EST (#141694) #
My most hated ex-Jay would have to be Roger Clemens.

He was unbelievably good here and I appreciate him for it, but he screwed us by whining that he had a spoken agreement to be able to demand a trade.

And of all the teams we had to trade him to, the Yankees -- blech. Just like that he went from hero to hated. He should have honoured the term of his contract, not pull a Lindros or Vinsanity ploy because he's full of himself.

And I got shivers when I saw that Burnett got an out clause in his contract (at least this one's in writing -- he can just say goodbye after 3 years and $31 million if he doesn't like TO anymore). So, if he sucks, he can take all the money but if he's good enough, he can opt out and demand more. High risk, low reward for the Jays.

Boomer Wells did much the same, but it was less disappointing to see him leave. And I don't know that I can blame Sirotka for being part of a horrendous transaction.

I just blame the whole mess on ol' Saint Roger.
VBF - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 06:02 PM EST (#141696) #
So, if he sucks, he can take all the money but if he's good enough, he can opt out and demand more. High risk, low reward for the Jays.

But if he's good, you get three years of a great Burnett while paying for the three years with the least amount of dollars. Then you've got 12 million dollars to play around with.

How can it not be David Wells? Antics in the early years, antics in his later years, and then wrote a book with section flaming Jays fans.

You can't compete with the book, Roger.

eeleye - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 06:40 PM EST (#141697) #
Woot! Spring training started today!!! Jays first game is tomorrow! Woot Woot....Yahoo.

There was a time I didn't like Alomar with the face-spit...but he redeemed himself cause he seemed thankful for how good the game was to him in his retirement speech...and he's good. On the other hand is the ingrate Canseco for steroids and all that stuff.

Also, about the Burnett opting out situation...I actually like it. Moises Alou signed a deal with a 6 million mutual option for this year, which he took. He is worth more than 6 million. With Burnett, if he does really really well, he'd have to be a big jerk to walk away for just an extra couple of mil per year. And if he's doing bad, then maybe he'll walk away from that money to save us money???

Another Q regarding Burnett-----what happens if a player is injured for say a year and misses most of it in a contract such as Burnett's? Is he still payed the 11 million dollars? How does that work?
HoJu - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 06:41 PM EST (#141698) #
1. You can't have 15 teams in each league unless there is always an interleague matchup.

That might be an interesting idea. At least one interleague series being played, all season long.

VBF - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 07:07 PM EST (#141701) #
Another Q regarding Burnett-----what happens if a player is injured for say a year and misses most of it in a contract such as Burnett's? Is he still payed the 11 million dollars? How does that work?

Ask Mike Sirotka. In otherwords, yes he is :)

So will people be returning to the IRC chat tomorrow?

JB21 - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 07:22 PM EST (#141704) #
Is the game on the Radio? or will be it on BBRadio?
Thomas - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 07:23 PM EST (#141705) #
And if he's doing bad, then maybe he'll walk away from that money to save us money???

Yeah, that's exactly what someone with a guaranteed contract of eight figures is likely to do....

Mike Forbes - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 07:27 PM EST (#141706) #
I might not be there tomorrow but I'll definately be in the chat all season long. Hope to see everyone there.
eeleye - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 07:32 PM EST (#141707) #
What's this IRC chat I hear about? Is it some sort of "live chat" that people on this site do while watching the games or listening to them on radio????
VBF - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 07:48 PM EST (#141709) #
Yes eeleye. It's a big nerdfest (although the term "baseball nerd" is really an oxymoron because everybody knows nerds don't like sports) but it's probably the closest thing to being able to watch a game with a bunch of friends. The kind of friends who don't think that we should trade for Tony Batista because of his home run totals...

You can access it by clicking on the far right button on the main menu.
Geoff - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 07:56 PM EST (#141710) #
Another Q regarding Burnett-----what happens if a player is injured for say a year and misses most of it in a contract such as Burnett's? Is he still payed the 11 million dollars? How does that work?

Yes, you could ask ol' Sirotka. My favourite to ask would be Mo Vaughn.

As I tried to explain on Burnett, he has no risk. It's not at all like a mutual option. It's a one-way option. If he sees a better situation, he can go. If he sees more money, he can go. If he is unable to throw a ball or see the plate, he can stay and collect another $24 million. The option is entirely his. He's got plenty of power.

Maybe he's on a good Jays team and he can't get more than a couple million elsewhere, so there's little to lure him away: neither cash, nor prizes, nor postseason. But he threatens to walk anyway just to get two more years added to his contract because he can get a new four or five-year deal with the Yankees.

It just sets him up to be a real nasty contract case. Good for him for getting so much power, but I hope the intelligent fans out there don't overlook the amount of power he has. Kiss his feet if you're given the chance.

We could need him to play nice with us. But he's not going to cancel his contract if he isn't living up to it. No matter how much you polish his toes.

eeleye - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 08:27 PM EST (#141711) #
Ok. The way I want to put it is this. If he's done well enough to walk away for a bigger contract, then at least we've gotten him for 3 years of GREAT pitching. Hooray. If he's doing mediocre, then I see him staying, kicking back and taking that 22 mil. But there's always that chance that he's doing BAD, fans and management don't like him, management pisses him off like the Marlins did, and he leaves. The last two possibilities are the worst because we have a mediocre pitcher for 5 years or a bad one for 3.
Fawaz - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 08:38 PM EST (#141712) #
And what everyone else is trying to impress upon you is that your last scenario is a little less likely than Gregg Zaun becoming the Jays' next Gold Glove centrefielder - he will not walk away from 22 million dollars because people don't like him; a more tenable idea is that he might need to be traded, with the Jays picking up a big fat chunk of his contract. The Marlins situation was different as he was set to become a free agent anyway, and they were the ones that sent him home.
eeleye - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 09:09 PM EST (#141713) #
Anyway, we're being so negative already...we admittedly signed a very risky contract for a lot of money that might not pan out for all five years...but let's look at the best case scenario. His 5 years here are unmarked by injury, he fulfills his potential, and he wins 15-20 for each season...striking out a many, and winning us the World Series next year.
eeleye - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 09:22 PM EST (#141715) #
So how is everyone going to be watching pre-season games and the world baseball classic? I know spring training isn't on TV, and WBC might be (???) - is anyone getting MLB tv for just this month cause it says they might include both of those things but maybe that's just if you buy the season deal???? What radio are preseason games on????
Named For Hank - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 09:56 PM EST (#141718) #
Sportsnet usually shows a couple of Spring Training games, though this year they're covering the World Baseball Classic in a big way, starting with a triple-header on the seventh.

And that's, of course, when I'm off on holidays visiting friends. Otherwise, I'd be a couch lump that day for certain.
greenfrog - Wednesday, March 01 2006 @ 11:30 PM EST (#141725) #
I really hate that out clause, which annoys me more than the fifth year. It just shows how desperate we were to sign AJ. If he excels over the next 3 years, then he has all kinds of leverage--he can command more money and years from another club (or conceivably demand an extension from Toronto, which would likely be too risky for us). If he's mediocre or injured, then we're stuck with an expensive dud.

The one saving grace might be that in three years, the odds of some other team signing AJ to a long-term contract may be slim to none. By 2008 (after an additional three years of wear and tear), how many teams are likely to ante up a new three- or four-year contract, for at least $12M per, for his services?
truefan - Thursday, March 02 2006 @ 12:34 PM EST (#141747) #
Someone was asking about access to the spring training games on radio.

It appears that Thursday's first game will be available only on MLB radio (access for $14.95 via the bluejays website). There are also a few weekend afternoon spring training games available on both the Fan 590 and on XM Satellite (first few dates listed above.)
Rob - Thursday, March 02 2006 @ 02:30 PM EST (#141755) #
We could wait for Burnett to pitch in 2006 before, you know, arbitrarily deciding that the only two options in 2008 are:
1) He's good but he leaves -> bad for Toronto
2) He's bad but he stays -> bad for Toronto

I don't even know what I'm going to do in three hours for dinner. How can we say what A.J. Burnett will do in 2008?

Ryan Day - Thursday, March 02 2006 @ 03:16 PM EST (#141756) #
Burnett's out clause really just puts him in the same position teams are in for the first few years of a player's career.

If Alex Rios explodes into the superstar everyone wants him to and wins the MVP this year, the Jays get to keep him at a low, relatively controlled price. He's in no position to command a higher salary or a contract extension; anything that happens will likely happen on the Jays' terms.

If, on the other hand, he fails to develop and the Jays decide they don't want to wait any more, they're free to release or non-tender him, suffering little or no cost in the process. Rios, again, has no real say in the matter.

It's the teams that have the low-risk end of the bargain early in a player's career; perhaps it's only fair that some of it moves to the player later on.
SimonB - Saturday, March 04 2006 @ 01:11 AM EST (#141847) #
I don't really have any idea where to post this, so I am just sticking it in what appears to be the least offensive thread.

How would someone (i.e. me) go about posting a Pinch-Hit article? I've been posting on and off at this site for about four years now, though since the site went to a registration format I've been more of a lurker than anything else.

Anyway, I'm 19 and I'm in my year off after high school as I prepare to attend university in the fall for a major in English. As an avid baseball fan and someone who looks at journalism as a potential career goal, nothing would make more sense than to spend this time off writing about baseball.

I was considering writing about something historical...Baseball's illustrious past is something which has always fascinated me (it's a shame that the old trivia threads have for the most part faded away, as they were probably one of my favorite aspects of this site). I didn't have a specific topic in mind, but with some consultation of my extensive book collection, I'm sure I could come up with something entertaining.
Named For Hank - Saturday, March 04 2006 @ 07:16 AM EST (#141851) #
All your questions can be answered by the mighty FAQ at the top of the page! Here's the relevant section:
I wrote this great article that I think would be perfect for Batter's Box to publish. Who should I send it to?

First of all, thanks! We love receiving material from readers. Our own Named For Hank usually handles the editing of "Pinch Hits" as we usually call them. Send them to him at aaron@battersbox.ca and he should reply within a day or two, less if it's time sensitive (if it is, let him know!) If you don't hear back from him, send him a follow-up e-mail.

Sometimes we just can't post a Pinch Hit, but in most cases we'll work with you until we can.
I'm out of town for a week starting tomorrow, but I can have a look at it after that.
SimonB - Saturday, March 04 2006 @ 07:59 AM EST (#141852) #
Thanks, I didn't notice those icons at the top of the page. I'll find myself an interesting topic in the next day or two and get started on an entertaining article.
King Ryan - Saturday, March 04 2006 @ 02:12 PM EST (#141857) #
They are showing a White Sox/D-backs spring game on WGN. I note this only because O-Dawg is in the lineup and, in fact, just smacked a single off of Iguchi's glove.

Unfortunately Hawk Harrelson is not taking the spring off, so I probably won't be watching for much longer...
VBF - Saturday, March 04 2006 @ 02:27 PM EST (#141858) #
AM 610 isn't broadcasting the 590 feed here in Misisssauga, but you can get what I believe is the London 900 feed and it's quite clear.
Rob - Saturday, March 04 2006 @ 02:31 PM EST (#141860) #
If you can't get AM 610 or 900, you can listen to the game on 570 News out of Kitchener.
Named For Hank - Saturday, March 04 2006 @ 08:47 PM EST (#141867) #
Thanks, I didn't notice those icons at the top of the page.

No one sees them. I guess they need to be bigger or red or something.
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