The Jays take their suddenly hot bats to the Metrodome to face the Twins who currently have the best record in the AL. Ted Lilly goes up against Brad Radke in tonight's pitching matchup.
Carlos Tosca on the radio pre-game show just said that we now have a leadoff platoon with Clark & Johnson. Clark goes tonight against the righty Radke.
In light of recent statements, I retract some of my statements about the Skydome. While the attendance, noise, and turf stinkhouse; its not that bad a place provided the roof (or "ruf") is open.
So I must be giveng my speciall huggs for delGato and of course my faverite da Cat!
You vill see this is first ov manny winnign streaks!
Da Hugga!
You vill see this is first ov manny winnign streaks!
Da Hugga!
I was at the Metrodome for a game in 2002 and SkyDome is so much better. The Metrodome is just a football stadium that they happen to play baseball in. The sightlines there are awful unless you happen to be sitting somewhere between first and third. I was sitting a couple sections beyond first base down the line and had to turn my whole body to see the pitcher and batter. At SkyDome, the designers did a real good job of creating nice sightlines for baseball.
SkyDome is also a lot nicer away from the stands. At the Metrodome, the concourses are typical of 1980's stadiums: cramped and drab (it reminded me a little of Copps Coliseum in Hamilton). At SkyDome the lower level concourses are open to the field and in the upper level there's some natural light.
There are a lot of complaints about SkyDome (many of them valid), but the Blue Jays could do a whole lot worse.
SkyDome is also a lot nicer away from the stands. At the Metrodome, the concourses are typical of 1980's stadiums: cramped and drab (it reminded me a little of Copps Coliseum in Hamilton). At SkyDome the lower level concourses are open to the field and in the upper level there's some natural light.
There are a lot of complaints about SkyDome (many of them valid), but the Blue Jays could do a whole lot worse.
I also don't think the dome is that bad in terms of watching baseball. My theory on why people don't come out is that it's still expensive to go to a game. The Jays try to do things like offer cheap seats, but Sportsco is not on the same page. Concessions are very expensive. The ACC can get away with this because the average ticket price is much higher, hence a $14 beer doesn't seem so bad, where as at a baseball game the beer could cost more than your ticket. Also since parking is very expensive, it's very hard to market the Jays as 'affordable' even if the tickets are cheap.
I always thought that cheap beer would be more effective than cheap seats. Glad im not the only one, was starting to think i was crazy.
I always thought that cheap beer would be more effective than cheap seats. Glad im not the only one, was starting to think i was crazy.
I wish the beer was cheaper at the Dome, but it's actually lower than league average in terms of price. See: TMR: Fan Cost Index.
It'd be great to be a Reds fan: $5.00 for 20 oz of beer.
It'd be great to be a Reds fan: $5.00 for 20 oz of beer.
http://me.woot.net
So, converting that into units my Canadian brain understands, you can get 591 mL of beer, about 1 3/4 bottles, for $6.76. Not bad at all, particularly for a ballpark.
So, converting that into units my Canadian brain understands, you can get 591 mL of beer, about 1 3/4 bottles, for $6.76. Not bad at all, particularly for a ballpark.
Just to clarify, I don't think going to a Jays game is expensive per se, but it is expensive considering the ways the Jays market themselves (ie the cheap tickets to make the game 'affordable'). I like Jobu's thought, cheaper concessions including beer, food, souveneirs etc: would go a long way to improving the atmosphere at the dome. Make it fun to go, entice people to buy merchandise with the logo (I mean you're getting people to PAY to advertise for you), and not worry so much about the ticket price. People know how much they are paying for tickets ahead of time and will budget accordingly. I think casual go to the dome with their cheap tickets and feel 'lied to' when faced with the outrageous prices for anything at the dome.
http://espn.go.com/page2/s/ballparks/skydome.html
I've attempted this COMN thing for the first time, inform me if it doesnt work.
But i found a nifty american article that gives the Dome a pretty fair handed review against all the other parks.
And in regard to beer, the Dome got 4 out of 5. Don't know if thats for quality or price though.
I've attempted this COMN thing for the first time, inform me if it doesnt work.
But i found a nifty american article that gives the Dome a pretty fair handed review against all the other parks.
And in regard to beer, the Dome got 4 out of 5. Don't know if thats for quality or price though.
What are your guys' thoughts on Candiotti?
I mean as an announcer, of course.
I mean as an announcer, of course.
Of course none of this can occur unless Rogers manages to buy the dome to better integrate the overall marketing plan.
In other terms, it's about $6.40 Cdn for the equivalent of a 16 oz. pint. That's quite pricy compared to a bar (and the fact that it's Blue), but it's not out of line when it comes to sports. The parking, however, is brutal. I usually park at a friends house and take the subway, as it's a lot cheaper.
Unfortunately the Jays don't set the concession prices, they're set by the Skydome. If they did, I have a feeling they'd be a fair bit less.
Unfortunately the Jays don't set the concession prices, they're set by the Skydome. If they did, I have a feeling they'd be a fair bit less.
Quick a couple questions for you all: Who is Warren Sawkiw? How is on TV? Can't sportsnet spend a few dollars and get an analyst with big league expirience? and Does Rob Faulds pay sportsnet to be on the air?
Thank you
Thank you
http://espn.go.com/page2/s/ballparks/skydome.html
I take the ol' drive from the burbs to yorkdale, take the subway to union and walk to the dome. No way i can afford parking.
In a perfect world though, as mentioned above, Rogers would buy the dome, kick out the concerts, lay down some real grass, and drop concession prices. I think i'd be positively gitty if that happend.
I take the ol' drive from the burbs to yorkdale, take the subway to union and walk to the dome. No way i can afford parking.
In a perfect world though, as mentioned above, Rogers would buy the dome, kick out the concerts, lay down some real grass, and drop concession prices. I think i'd be positively gitty if that happend.
Sawkiw and Faulds are both Canadian, hence why they got their jobs. For some reason, Rogers insists on hiring Canadians for on air positions, no matter how less qualified they may be relative to their American cousins. Go pointless nationalism!
Are you sure Mike? I haven't been to the dome yet this year but last year I thought beers were in three sizes @ $6, $8.50, and $11. The pint was the medium, and the small beer was dixie cup sized.
Was there a middle size? I only remember the small and the large when I was there. And you're right, the small is tiny. Maybe TMR miscalculated the size of the small. It's possible. Or maybe we're both just used to 20oz pints. :)
Actually I thought pints were 20oz. I openly thank the bars that lead me to that belief.
What is parking now? Seems to me it was $10 last time I tried it... I don't see that as ridiculous, 2 people on the subway is $9. I do the Yorkdale thing too, but more because it generally takes too long to drive downtown.
Not exactly what you hope for from your number 3 and 4 hitters with a runner in scoring position and the starter a little on the run. Nice work by the 8,9, 1 and 2 hitters again.
P.S. I'm trying to meet a tight deadline, and all I can think about is drinking beer. THANKS A LOT! :)
Tom Cheek just compared Eric Hinske to Brooks Robinson.
How much better is Candiotti than Cerutti? Can't they hire Candiotti to do this full time? or am I just delious at this point?
I think Warren Sawkiw is one of the replacement players the Jays found during the strike.
And who parks downtown when they go to a Jays game? There's free parking all over the city at various Subway stops.
And who parks downtown when they go to a Jays game? There's free parking all over the city at various Subway stops.
Tom Cheek just compared Eric Hinske to Brooks Robinson.
In what? Skin pigmentation? Bladder capacity?
In what? Skin pigmentation? Bladder capacity?
"I think Warren Sawkiw is one of the replacement players the Jays found during the strike."
Can us union loving Canadians accept antics like this from a scab?
Can us union loving Canadians accept antics like this from a scab?
I take the subway too Johnny if I'm coming from home. However if I'm coming from work it's very inconvenient to take the subway so I drive. And anyways I'm talking about the casual fan, the average Torontonian who hasn't used the subway in two years. Parking is more reasonable for Jays than for Leafs/Raptors (though I don't know why), but mid-summer it'll still be $15. I'd also say this isn't an extraneous amount EXCEPT if you are trying to sell yourself as being affordable.
BTW, I'm also an engineer, so we can start our own club to rival the Lawyers, the UK'ers, and the Ryans on this site!
BTW, I'm also an engineer, so we can start our own club to rival the Lawyers, the UK'ers, and the Ryans on this site!
Any statio0ns broadcasting the game netwise? I've been offline for a couple weeks, and just recently set up my new laptop. Conveniently, all my old "favourites" are on the long-gone PC
us union loving Canadians
'scuse me? Irony, I hope?
'scuse me? Irony, I hope?
Not that I HATE unions, but I'd like an open shop --- I belong to a union, in fact. Don't want to, but I do.
And I never look for the label ...
And I never look for the label ...
Trivia: Who was the only U.S. President to be the head of a labor union?
Anyone else think the Skydome needs a token regional snack? Although I can't recall any foods that Toronto invented, or is known for. Maybe they could just bring back the O-Dog combo.
Hinske made a nice leaping spinaround catch on a ball that was almost drilled by him to his right. It really was Brooks-like, and Tom said so. Tom never suggested this meant Hinske is as good defensively as Brooks overall. Let's not take comments out of context here.
Ronald Reagan, SAG. And he did a job on those air traffic controllers, didn't he?
Anyone else think that Lilly's success in any given day will depend upon whether or not he is given the high strike?
I like unions, but I have a hard time calling the replacement baseball players Scabs. I was on strike for an entire summer once, and I understand the hard feelings... but it seems as though the MLB union is so far removed from my IWA branch that I can't really sympathize with them.
Reagan was the president of SAG was he not?
I see little use for unions these days, unless one works for the government.
I see little use for unions these days, unless one works for the government.
I see little use for unions these days, unless one works for the government.
TRUST me - not even then
TRUST me - not even then
us union loving Canadians
'scuse me? Irony, I hope?
Yes, theres even union officials on this site, imagine that. We're some of the people who bring some of the people who can afford the tickets concessions and parking. That is to say the casual fan who pays the freight for the likes of Doc and Carlos.
But back on topic I love having a Howie on the team. Sharing time with Sparky. He'll make a great favorite for the Cheer Club.
'scuse me? Irony, I hope?
Yes, theres even union officials on this site, imagine that. We're some of the people who bring some of the people who can afford the tickets concessions and parking. That is to say the casual fan who pays the freight for the likes of Doc and Carlos.
But back on topic I love having a Howie on the team. Sharing time with Sparky. He'll make a great favorite for the Cheer Club.
Anyone else think the Skydome needs a token regional snack?
peameal on a bun ?
peameal on a bun ?
I was thinking that, but is that even Torontonian? Im trying to remember my Toronto history and drawing a blank.... something about a sugar factory and refining plant near a fort....
I think Sawkiw was a Northern League player the Jays bought from the Thunder Bay Whiskeyjacks once, and he played in their system for a while but never saw the light of day in the majors. That's my best recollection.
StephenT: Sorry, I didn't intend to criticize Tom. I understood that he was only referring to the play in question, but I didn't really make that clear in my comment.
I just thought that people who don't have their radios on would enjoy the comparison, that's all.
I just thought that people who don't have their radios on would enjoy the comparison, that's all.
Given Toronto's multicultural heritage, I'd like to see a little more international flava at the Dome. Maybe some perogies...pad thai...BBQ buns...souvlaki.
Yup, Gynn's spot on. Last time I was in T.O. it was peameal on a bap for me. Maybe its like living in BC, sometimes we can't see the forest for the tree's and a Torontonian can't see the peameal for the Tim Horton's.
Did that frosted-head fool on SportsNet just say Rochester is in the "Independent League"?
Given Toronto's multicultural heritage, I'd like to see a little more international flava at the Dome. Maybe some perogies...pad thai...BBQ buns...souvlaki.
If the Jays want to sell more beer, they'd be wise to sell a nice Vindaloo curry. That'd be terrific!
If the Jays want to sell more beer, they'd be wise to sell a nice Vindaloo curry. That'd be terrific!
Did that frosted-head fool on SportsNet just say Rochester is in the "Independent League"?
IL is IL, I guess.
IL is IL, I guess.
http://www.beavertailsinc.com/
Anyone else think the Skydome needs a token regional snack?
The dome should consider selling Beaver Tails. COMN.
BTW, the best regional ballpark food I've ever had was the garlic fries at Pac Bell in San Francisco.
Anyone else think the Skydome needs a token regional snack?
The dome should consider selling Beaver Tails. COMN.
BTW, the best regional ballpark food I've ever had was the garlic fries at Pac Bell in San Francisco.
Crab cakes at the old Memorial in Baltimore. Mmmmmmm ... crab cakes!
The dome should consider selling Beaver Tails.
That's Ottawa's snack; get your own :)
That's Ottawa's snack; get your own :)
Who is Warren Sawkiw? How is on TV?
When I first saw him I thought to myself "Why's Nick Kypreos doing baseball"? Maybe he got the job to confuse hockey fans into watching the Jays?
When I first saw him I thought to myself "Why's Nick Kypreos doing baseball"? Maybe he got the job to confuse hockey fans into watching the Jays?
I agree...Beaver Tails say Ottawa to me.
If the Jays played in Hamilton, their regional food could be shitty coffee. ;)
If the Jays played in Hamilton, their regional food could be shitty coffee. ;)
A Cuddyer homer ? This is the first really good day for my BBFL team this year :)
Beaver Tails had a couple of concession in Whistler when i lived there in the mid-90's. But they will always bring back memories of skating the Rideau while visiting relatives over Christmas in the '80's.
I read that when Turner Field opened, some of the concession featured cuisine native to the visiting teams city/ region. Smoked meat sandwiched when the 'SPos were in town, cheese steaks when the Phils dropped by, etc.
I read that when Turner Field opened, some of the concession featured cuisine native to the visiting teams city/ region. Smoked meat sandwiched when the 'SPos were in town, cheese steaks when the Phils dropped by, etc.
I'm with Spicol. Multicultural finger food: Jamaican beef and vegetable patties, pupusas, samosas, chinese buns (bbq pork). Mmmm, I feel like a snack.
Not sure why Koskie isn't in the lineup but obviously it's not a problem tonight.
I'm "watching" on GameDay...still don't have TV in the new place. How is the movement on Lilly's pitches? Is he just getting lucky or is there some giddyup?
I'm "watching" on GameDay...still don't have TV in the new place. How is the movement on Lilly's pitches? Is he just getting lucky or is there some giddyup?
I'm thinking along with Spicol and Green. Baclava sounds pretty good to me instead of cotton candy.
Four walks in six innings is kind of low, but you gotta like the fact he hasn't given up any walks.
Sawkiw was on the Canadian Olympic baseball team.
And hey, Hinske may never have great range at third, but a few sharp plays here and there and zero errors (knocks on wood) will go a long way!
Mmmm. Beaver Tails.
And hey, Hinske may never have great range at third, but a few sharp plays here and there and zero errors (knocks on wood) will go a long way!
Mmmm. Beaver Tails.
Greg Myers only had 14 AB coming into tonight. Have they been holding him back as a PH for lack of a 3rd C? When I suggested this would happen before the season, people said that Tosca wouldn't do that because Berg was their emergency catcher, but it looks like that's been happening. That was one of the reasons I thought keeping Werth around would've been helpful.
Pupusas, samoses...excellent idea. As much as I'd like to have it available on a cold April night, Pho is probably going a bit overboard, huh?
Moffatt, can you confirm that you received my PayPal payment, svp?
Moffatt, can you confirm that you received my PayPal payment, svp?
Is Berg really that much worse an emergency catcher than Werth? Has Werth caught in years?
Australian here - just a quick note on the beer prices down under (our dollar is fairly comparable to yours.) During the recent Rugby World cup a 425 ml beer was 5.30, which i consider outrageous. Usually at our rugby games they're $4.30 for about the same size, which is still pretty expensive - my uni bar which I'm just heading off to now is around $3 for 425 mls.
A two-way trip on the TTC is about $3.80 per person if you buy your tokens/tickets in fives or tens.
Just to make sure:
Beaver Tails = Elephant Ears = Funnel Cakes = Fried Dough ?
Beaver Tails = Elephant Ears = Funnel Cakes = Fried Dough ?
Wasn't Phelps supposed to get some time behind the plate during spring training? I thought I remembered something about that being the plan, but I don't think it actually happened. Or did it?
OTH- Werth caught part-time in 2002, but not very often. Can't remember if he did at all last year. He wasn't bad behind the plate from what I read.
OTH- Werth caught part-time in 2002, but not very often. Can't remember if he did at all last year. He wasn't bad behind the plate from what I read.
I don't see why Tosca would trust Werth back there any more than he'd trust Berg back there, so I don't think it would change how Tosca uses Myers one bit.
I don't think Werth caught any in 2002 either. He didn't in the majors, at least. I know that much.
I don't see why Tosca would trust Werth back there any more than he'd trust Berg back there, so I don't think it would change how Tosca uses Myers one bit.
I don't think Werth caught any in 2002 either. He didn't in the majors, at least. I know that much.
You can park for 5$ at Front Street and Blue Jays Way... I forget the name of the place... everywhere else is 10$. If you pay anything more then that'd be just silly. I'll try and get an address or a name for the 5$ parking. It's really only a couple of footsteps away from Gate 11.
Not sure exactly, but I know it's less than 90. 88 would be my guess.
Sweet.. Hinske gets an RBI, Wells a Run, the Fish Candy a Run and an RBI!
I think he was catching some at Syracuse. 2002 I don't think there was much need for him behind the plate in the majors. It was a weird switch- from C to CF. He stole 24 bases that year, ran even more often (per time on base) and with a better % in 2003...
Ultimately, I'm glad Tosca's decided not to use Myers without a backup- my fear coming in was that if Cash hit he'd use Myers to take AB away from Phelps. Not only is this a bad idea in itself, but I own Phelps in BBFL and another league :>
Ultimately, I'm glad Tosca's decided not to use Myers without a backup- my fear coming in was that if Cash hit he'd use Myers to take AB away from Phelps. Not only is this a bad idea in itself, but I own Phelps in BBFL and another league :>
Greg Myers whincing in pain!! Not a pretty site to see!
Welcome back to the majors, Gregg Zaun!
Welcome back to the majors, Gregg Zaun!
Gameday says "Injury Delay".
Someone, please, explain.
Someone, please, explain.
Before anyone blames the fieldturf, it seems that Myers twisted his leg on the dirt around 3rd base and not on the green stuff.
Greg Myers hurt his leg rounding third.
Doesn't look good at all, he's on the cart now.
But on a good note, it's nice to see Hudson get another hit from the right side of the plate.
Doesn't look good at all, he's on the cart now.
But on a good note, it's nice to see Hudson get another hit from the right side of the plate.
Myers was running into third on Hudson's double and just before he touched third, he came up lame. After he stepped on third, he fell down in pain. Cuddyer tagged him out to end the inning.
He may have torn his right hamstring based on the way the way he pulled up. But I'm not a doctor and I don't even play one on a message board.
He may have torn his right hamstring based on the way the way he pulled up. But I'm not a doctor and I don't even play one on a message board.
I don't even want to guess what the injury will be. Since the NHL playoffs are going on I'm going out on a limb and calling it a 'lower body injury'.
Asifoncue, we may find out if Dave Berg can catch...
Damn, this sucks. I hope Myers is OK.
Damn, this sucks. I hope Myers is OK.
Myers off the field in the cart - ankle and knee, looks like.
I park at the Dome - usually $15.00, elevator straight up to the 500's. I only do that because my sons are just 8 & 9 and its a whole lot easier to get home fast, especially after night games. The subway for the 4 of us wouldn't cost much less.
I park at the Dome - usually $15.00, elevator straight up to the 500's. I only do that because my sons are just 8 & 9 and its a whole lot easier to get home fast, especially after night games. The subway for the 4 of us wouldn't cost much less.
Zaun - this is exactly the kind os situation they picked him up for it seems to me
Hmmm...
GZ or GQ?
Zaun, 100%! Though he'd have to be added to the 40-man roster (taking the vacant spot, I guess)
GZ or GQ?
Zaun, 100%! Though he'd have to be added to the 40-man roster (taking the vacant spot, I guess)
Well, Phelps can catch if he has to, though I would guess Zaun would be up. Can we get Tom Wilson back?
If Myers goes on the DL, won't a spot on the 40 automatically be opened up? I always forget these baseball roster rules.
No way is Quiroz getting called up anytime soon, methinks.
I think it opens a roster spot when you invoke the 60 day DL
http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/tor/team/tor_team_40manroster.jsp
Are there 2 vacant spots or am I counting wrong? COMN.
Tom Wilson update: He's hitting 238/439/357 in 57 plate appearances in Sacramento (Oakland's AAA club).
If a player goes on the DL, he still takes up a 40-man roster spot UNLESS he's placed on the 60-day DL.
Are there 2 vacant spots or am I counting wrong? COMN.
Tom Wilson update: He's hitting 238/439/357 in 57 plate appearances in Sacramento (Oakland's AAA club).
If a player goes on the DL, he still takes up a 40-man roster spot UNLESS he's placed on the 60-day DL.
Sparky comes in to face the lefty Mulholland and bangs out a single. Is this a true platoon? The kind we haven't seen since, well, I can't remember the last true platoon the Jays employed.
I think I'm beginning to see what the Oakland fans were warning about before the season began. A few decent starts, an awful start and now an absolute gem from Ted Lilly. This could be a long year
Randy Knorr is still tossing around somewhere, I think
On the sportsnet audio, what's up with all the random fan background noises -- I'm guessing this is all coming through the announcers' mics? For folks following on other media, you can hear the stadium announcer, random fans yelling stuff, players swearing, etc. Maybe it's audible on the radio too. Is this all part of the goofy Metrodome acoustics?
Lilly going for a CG despite throwing 105 pitches so far. He still looks pretty fresh.
A linedrive to Hinske for the first out helps a bit.
A linedrive to Hinske for the first out helps a bit.
sigh, do you take out lilly here if he walks minky?
And now they'll proclaim Lilly won on guts and guile! And he probably did, with that 9th inning.
I'm glad Lilly survived the 9th so my comments won't sound like 20-20 hindsight, but what was Tosca doing?
Why not pull Lilly after 8 productive innings, his confidence up, great numbers in the books, and plug in someone like Kershner for the 9th inning?
What's with the Dusty Baker imitation?
Why not pull Lilly after 8 productive innings, his confidence up, great numbers in the books, and plug in someone like Kershner for the 9th inning?
What's with the Dusty Baker imitation?
Is it just me, or do we talk about the games a lot less when the Jays are winning than when they're losing?
The kind we haven't seen since, well, I can't remember the last true platoon the Jays employed.
Myers/Wilson?
Myers/Wilson?
can we get some turf like at the metrodome? the stuff looks SO much better than Skydome.
great win!
I go to Comerica alot. The grass and outdoors feels more "basball", but Skydome has better sightlines (by a long shot).
great win!
I go to Comerica alot. The grass and outdoors feels more "basball", but Skydome has better sightlines (by a long shot).
I tell you what, if Ted ever finds ANY consistency with that curveball he will be very tough. He got a couple of K's looking with it tonight but he only put it where he wanted to maybe 1 in every 4 attempts.
He was also a little lucky on some hard hit balls but that's a very strong outing even if those go for hits.
He was also a little lucky on some hard hit balls but that's a very strong outing even if those go for hits.
I too am not sure what Lilly was doing out there in the 9th after so many pitches. Frasor and Nakamura were the only relievers to work yesterday so Kershner should have been good to go for one inning and a 5 run lead. There wasn't much cause for Lilly to go 125 pitches here.
Sadly, Wilson played more against righties than lefties last season (149 AB vs. 107). Tosca kept sending him out there despite severe career splits.
It's not like the bullpen needed a rest. Lilly can take 125 pitches once or twice...sure. But this better not be a pattern.
It's not like the bullpen needed a rest. Lilly can take 125 pitches once or twice...sure. But this better not be a pattern.
So if Tosca were fired last Wednesday and the Jays won 4 out of 5 after that point with a new manager that new manager would have looked pretty good.
Mike, everyone's happy when they win...Except Chuck ;-)
Lilly was obviously exhausted by the end - I have no idea what Tosca was doing.
But it is typical of us fans, isn't it - half the time, we complain about too many pitching changes, and now we're complaining about not enough of them. :-)
Myers' injury doesn't look good. The TV broadcasters reported that they've taken him to hospital for X-rays.
But it is typical of us fans, isn't it - half the time, we complain about too many pitching changes, and now we're complaining about not enough of them. :-)
Myers' injury doesn't look good. The TV broadcasters reported that they've taken him to hospital for X-rays.
But it is typical of us fans, isn't it - half the time, we complain about too many pitching changes, and now we're complaining about not enough of them.
It could be typical of us fans, yes. Or, concversely, it could be typical Tosca behaviour in that he doesn't know how to manage a pitching staff.
It could be typical of us fans, yes. Or, concversely, it could be typical Tosca behaviour in that he doesn't know how to manage a pitching staff.
half the time, we complain about too many pitching changes, and now we're complaining about not enough of them.
Trouble is, our choices are 1 pitcher or 6 pitchers with no in between.
A, I'm happy, I'm happy! It's nice to see Lilly pitch so well... if more than he should have. It just would have been a shame to see him give up a couple of needless runs in the 9th and end his game on a negative note. I was hoping that Tosca could have pulled him on a positive note, with no risk to the contrary.
Spicol, I forgot about all the AB's Wilson logged vs RHP. I forgot how much Myers DH'd (at Phelps' expense).
Trouble is, our choices are 1 pitcher or 6 pitchers with no in between.
A, I'm happy, I'm happy! It's nice to see Lilly pitch so well... if more than he should have. It just would have been a shame to see him give up a couple of needless runs in the 9th and end his game on a negative note. I was hoping that Tosca could have pulled him on a positive note, with no risk to the contrary.
Spicol, I forgot about all the AB's Wilson logged vs RHP. I forgot how much Myers DH'd (at Phelps' expense).
I actually agree with leaving Lilly in there - he pitched a complete game two hitter. Yep he looked tired at the end (and got lucky), but hopefully this helps him build his confidence.
Here's my take on the pitch count:
Tosca is a player's manager. I would think he goes to Lilly after the eighth and asks him how he's doing. Unless Lilly says he's tired and wants to come out, Tosca is going to allow him to finish the game. Let's face facts; Lilly was pitching a gem. He should be allowed to finish his game. It's not like he's topping 120 pitches on a consistent basis. I think the slight injury risk in allowing Lilly to throw 125 (in this one game) is outweighed by the benefit of building Lilly's confidence. Now if the game was close or Lilly had consistently pitched this much, Tosca would have reacted differently.
Tosca is a player's manager. I would think he goes to Lilly after the eighth and asks him how he's doing. Unless Lilly says he's tired and wants to come out, Tosca is going to allow him to finish the game. Let's face facts; Lilly was pitching a gem. He should be allowed to finish his game. It's not like he's topping 120 pitches on a consistent basis. I think the slight injury risk in allowing Lilly to throw 125 (in this one game) is outweighed by the benefit of building Lilly's confidence. Now if the game was close or Lilly had consistently pitched this much, Tosca would have reacted differently.
Cristian's got it in one. Well done Ted Lilly-oh-Lilly.
Note that Chuck isn't second-guessing based on what did happen; he's worrying about what could have happened. That suggests to me that it's not just reflex griping.
I think Chuck is bang on, though I know if I was manager, I'd have one hell of a time telling a guy throwing a 2 hitter that he couldn't finish what he started. But then again, that's why they pay Tosca the big bucks.
I think Lilly should've been pulled after 8. The ump did have a bit of a high strike zone tonight after Lilly got a reverse K to end the 8th inning. With the Expos and Twins going to the fake grass, I guess this leaves the Jays and probably the Skychiefs for that matter as the only teams with astroturf! I think it's time for Sportsco and Rogers to come out of the dark ages and get rid of the stupid turf. As far as the best ballpark food, I'd have to say the Beef Teriyaki at Safeco Field in Seattle, the best ballpark in the majors that I've seen so far but I'm hoping to get to PNC Park in Pittsburgh soon.
Chuck, John: I was just responding to Mike's observation and Chuck's was the first post I saw that wasn't gleaming with praise. It was a light-hearted jab, hence the ";-)"
Nice game by Hudson, boosting his stats to an almost-respectable .226/.314/.387. While it's still early, it looks like his power and patience might have improved a bit from last year.
Woodward and Johnson are also walking more than last year, although the sample sizes are quite small.
Woodward and Johnson are also walking more than last year, although the sample sizes are quite small.
How many games would the Jays have to win to finish the month of April with a 0.500 record?
Can they really do it?
Can they really do it?
Halladay pitches better when he's on 4 days rest. We should sneak him in there as many times as possible on 4 day rest and GET BATISTA OUT of there, he sucks
Great stuff.
7-12 is much much better than 3-11. If Batista can have a nice start tomorrow then I'll be really happy. Though I think Santana is due for a big performance as well.
Optimistic stat of the day? Well, three straight wins!
7-12 is much much better than 3-11. If Batista can have a nice start tomorrow then I'll be really happy. Though I think Santana is due for a big performance as well.
Optimistic stat of the day? Well, three straight wins!
Is it just me, or do we talk about the games a lot less when the Jays are winning than when they're losing?
Yes, it's just you. A quick survey of the first 19 games shows an average of 95 posts per loss and 141 per win -- almost 50% more per win :)
I meant content of the messages, not number of messages.
We spent a ton of time talking about beer and beaver tails! Not that those are bad things! :)
We spent a ton of time talking about beer and beaver tails! Not that those are bad things! :)
Randy Knorr is still tossing around somewhere, I think
Out here playing for the mighty Edmonton Trappers (Expos AAA)
Out here playing for the mighty Edmonton Trappers (Expos AAA)
And sure as clockwork Lilly's two hit gem garners no attention on the MLB.com page, forget the main story window. I get the sneaking feeling that if Barry Zito did it though, it'd be all over the site.
And sure as clockwork Lilly's two hit gem garners no attention on the MLB.com page, forget the main story window.
Lets not forget the jays are still 7-12, and in the eyes of mlb.com and all fans around the world, are still a pathetic team struggling to dig themselves out of the basement.
Wait until they put some pressure on the Bo-Sox and Yankees, then you might notice a shift in opinion. So far, the jays remain to be the laughing stock. What can I say?
Lets not forget the jays are still 7-12, and in the eyes of mlb.com and all fans around the world, are still a pathetic team struggling to dig themselves out of the basement.
Wait until they put some pressure on the Bo-Sox and Yankees, then you might notice a shift in opinion. So far, the jays remain to be the laughing stock. What can I say?
Regarding pulling Lilly in the eighth. Managing a team is a combination of human relations and risk management. The risk to Lilly was negligible. Lilly did have positive experience tonite but to finish the game had to be great for him and showed him his new manager and team had confidence in him. I'd say the benefit far out-weighs the risk by miles.
No one seems to have commented on how well the Jays have played since Tosca got tossed. That intensity seems to have woken the team up.
And great game Teddy!!! He was gassed in the ninth but giving the CG is understandable, even with a pitchcount over 100. He was dominant today 30 batters faced? Come on. That's beutiful.
And great game Teddy!!! He was gassed in the ninth but giving the CG is understandable, even with a pitchcount over 100. He was dominant today 30 batters faced? Come on. That's beutiful.
Chalk me up in the glad to see him try for 9 pack. Just showing even more that jays are turning the corners in all areas.
http://me.woot.net
Hopefully this game helps to stop the thought that Hinske has no range. Hinske has GREAT range; he's a way above-average defensive third baseman in that respect.
His arm is the question mark. I believe that he's starting to get it together, and he'll overall be at least average defensively by the end of this season.
Hopefully this game helps to stop the thought that Hinske has no range. Hinske has GREAT range; he's a way above-average defensive third baseman in that respect.
His arm is the question mark. I believe that he's starting to get it together, and he'll overall be at least average defensively by the end of this season.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/fielding?groupId=7&season=2004&seasonType=2&split=81&sortColumn=zoneRating
I didn't see the game last night, but the reports on Hinske's defence were good. As for his range, he still is slow coming in. COMN for the zone ratings of third basemen in the AL. Hinske is at about the same place so far this year as he has been each of the last two.
As well, Hinske's throwing troubles have made it difficult for him to start the 5-4-3. There is no evidence of any change in this regard too.
I too am hoping that he is improving. Unfortunately, there is little statistical evidence of that.
I didn't see the game last night, but the reports on Hinske's defence were good. As for his range, he still is slow coming in. COMN for the zone ratings of third basemen in the AL. Hinske is at about the same place so far this year as he has been each of the last two.
As well, Hinske's throwing troubles have made it difficult for him to start the 5-4-3. There is no evidence of any change in this regard too.
I too am hoping that he is improving. Unfortunately, there is little statistical evidence of that.
http://bluejayscheerclub.com
Count me in as a guy who thought that Hinske looked great defensively last night.
Josh Phelps just crossed the waiver wire in a Yahoo pool I'm playing in. When Josh came up to bat with guys on second and third, I said to the TV, "Joshua, double them in here and I'll pick you up off of the waiver wire right this second."
He did. I did.
Count me in as a guy who thought that Hinske looked great defensively last night.
Josh Phelps just crossed the waiver wire in a Yahoo pool I'm playing in. When Josh came up to bat with guys on second and third, I said to the TV, "Joshua, double them in here and I'll pick you up off of the waiver wire right this second."
He did. I did.
I think Hinske plays way too deep. When I was at the Boston game, Pokey Reese was up with two runners on and Hinske was about 15 feet behind the third base bag. Even a strong bunt by Reese would probably have been a base hit and I was surprised he didn't try it. I'm not saying he needs to be even with the bag but he has to put himself in a position to at least have a chance at a soft grounder or surprise bunt.
But then on turf Hinske's an entirely different player. It affects his range and throwing negatively it seems though it's not surprising that a player will dive harder when the surface is softer. He also made one play where he fielded a ball coming across and got rid of it right away almost like a shortstop would and delivered a strike to first. It was a routine play and one that he normally might have double clutched on and turned into an needless adventure so it was nice to see. Maybe he's slowly coming around.
But then on turf Hinske's an entirely different player. It affects his range and throwing negatively it seems though it's not surprising that a player will dive harder when the surface is softer. He also made one play where he fielded a ball coming across and got rid of it right away almost like a shortstop would and delivered a strike to first. It was a routine play and one that he normally might have double clutched on and turned into an needless adventure so it was nice to see. Maybe he's slowly coming around.