I know I shouldn't read Griffin's column, but..

With Moneyball's grind-it-out offensive philosophy with other baseball talents placed in the background, there aren't that many defensive gems to bring you to your feet, either.

Has he even watched these games? Maybe I'm just easily impressed, but there've been some fantastic plays in the past two games.

And the whole "not enough depth" argument is pretty silly, actually. I'd like to see what kind of lineup the Yankees trot out after losing their second baseman, shortstop, left fielder, starting catcher, backup catcher, middle reliever, ace starter and fifth starter. I'm not sure it would be any better than what the Jays have.

In regards to Oakland attendance: The odd thing I found about Oakland's attendance during the Jay games is how much less it is than their average. Oakland already out averages the Jays in terms of attendance 25,119 to 20,689. They also have more overall attendance in 627,985 to 579,304, with Toronto having played an extra three games. So there does not seem to be a problem with overall attendance in Oakland, yet the last two Jay games drew 10K and 12K. Are the Jays even repulsing fans in opposing cities as well as the skydome now?

Re Griffin,

The problem with major league baseball teams on $59 million (all figures U.S.) and $50 million payrolls, as the A's and Jays are, respectively, is that there is little or no protection from injuries to key offensive players.

The Richest Team In All The Land will start Miguel Cairo and Homer Bush up the middle today against Texas.

Sigh, it's almost too easy...

Jobu- I think you have to figure in the fact that these two games have been during the week, the attendance should be somewhat higher today and tomorrow.
Then again, the Jays are playing without the two biggest draws this week in Delgado and Halladay, although I'm not sure of the effect either would have on attendance.

Maybe Griffin wrote the articles before the series even started, based on what he thought was going to happen. And since Rich Griffin couldn't POSSIBLY be wrong...

Took another quick spin through the ESPN stats page this morning. Who noticed that Jays pitchers were leading the league in strikeouts?

The hitters are still at the back of the pack in homers, along with almost everything else except walks, but the doubles and triples numbers are quite respectable.

A few links that caught my eye today:

1. The Marlins are rumoured to be interested in acquiring the services of Gregg Zaun (Florida Sun-Sentinel)

2. Mark Eichhorm made 'em whiff in his recent semi-pro start (Santa Cruz Sentinel)

3. An update on the mirky situation pertaining to Canadians eligible for the 2004 draft, in light of the H2B visa restrictions (Shi Dividi, CP)

4. The Sun's Bob Elliott has an excelllent run-down of draft-hopeful Canadians to watch out for on Monday/Tuesday, with a southpaw from Quebec topping the list.

The Jays are next to last in average road attendance, so the numbers in Oakland this week aren't shocking. I remember thinking the same thing last year about their road attendance even as they were in the middle of a wild-card chase; why doesn't anyone want to see this club? Part of it may be that they only have one starting pitcher that elicits any excitement; I'd be interested to see the attendance per starter.

Took another quick spin through the ESPN stats page this morning. Who noticed that Jays pitchers were leading the league in strikeouts?

I keep waiting for Pizza Pizza to retract the '7 K's for free pizza' promo since it seems, from my experience, that at least 75% of games end in free slices for all...It just can't be a winning venture.

Hey I usually don't listen to games on the web but I am not home today and the 590 feed is not working, does anyone know another feed or the athletics radio site?

Smack, the Stratford affiliate usually has the audio online:

http://www.cjcsradio.com/index2.shtml

I'm so glad Richard the incompetent has his facts straight. The A's and Jays are only first and fourth in the league in fielding (by percentage anyway). I can't imagine anyone paying to watch the defence of Wells, Hudson, Cash, Kotsay, or Chavez, can you?

Not having Sportsnet I haven't seen too many games, but is Chulk really throwing 94? Anyone?

Chulk was throwing in the 93-94 range by the gun they had last night. It seems accurate because the fastball velocities for Zito (88) and Harden (97) came up as excpected.

The Richest Team In All The Land will start Miguel Cairo and Homer Bush up the middle today against Texas.

Yes ARod, you did win the glove glove last year, but we're worried that if people see you play shortstop, they may not want Jeter there any more and, well, you know, he is our captain.

I desperately need a good start from Tim Hudson on my fantasy team today.
Anyone else hoping for a 1-0 Jays win?

What is with calling the players, 'on-base freaks'?

He seems to be trying to insult them, but it makes no sense.

If I want to follow the first few rounds of the draft, but don't have an MLB Radio account, is it best just to hang around here in Da Box's yet-to-be-created draft thread and refresh for the updates?

Yes.

If things go according to plan we'll have all the information on each Blue Jay pick that you could possibly want to know as shortly after each pick is made.

Wonder with the Marlins interest in Zaun if JP may look at grabbing Ramon Castro? We really dont need a catcher in return but this guy has huge potential and as I recall the Jays (and JP) have asked about him previously...It should take more then Zaun to get Castro though (although Marlins are pretty frustrated at Castro right now)...

C.

The fact that Castro has a rape trial hanging over his head might lessen his trade value.

Sounds good, Pistol. Thanks.