Batter's Box Interactive Magazine - Minors Matters and a Possible Major Injury

Minors Matters and a Possible Major Injury

All kinds of Blue Jays news has come down the pipe this afternoon, none of which appears to be 100% official at this time.

UPDATE: J.P. Ricciardi will be on The FAN 590 with Mike Wilner for an hour starting at 8:30PM EST and I'm sure they'll be covering some of these issues. They'll be taking your calls at 416-870-0590 or 1-888-666-0590. Thanks to Mr. Wilner for the info.

First, the Edmonton Trappers have reported that former Trapper and Expo farmhand Julius Matos has been acquired by the Blue Jays for a PTBNL. I imagine he'll end up in a Skychiefs uniform. Thanks to Johnnys99 for the heads up.

Secondly, the Fan 590 reports that Vernon Wells is headed to the DL with a strained calf and could miss a month. Thanks to Mike Wilner and Coach for letting us in on this one.

UPDATE (5:30 PM EST): It's official: Wells has been placed on the 15 day DL with a "mild-to-severe right calf strain". To take his place on the roster, Orlando Hudson has been taken off of the 15 day DL. No word on whether or not Hudson is ready for game action.

Lastly, the Pulaski Blue Jays have announced their 2004 roster. It is as follows:

Pitchers
Byron Bell
Yesson Berroa
Chi-Hung Cheng
Brian Grant
Cory Hahn
Daryl Harang
Adrian Martin
Juan Perez
James Pidutti
Michael Rider
Edeward Rodriguez
Scott Roy
Raymond Sanchez
Russ Savickas
Derek Tate
Aaron Tressler

Catchers
Brian Bormaster
Jon Chappell
Gooby Gerlits
Joshua Lex

Infielders
Charles Anderson
Graig Badger
Anthony Garibaldi
Greg Powers
Jose Salas
Emmanuel Sena
Eugenio Velez

Outfielders
Jon Ashford
Junior Chourio
Luke Hetherington
Yuber Rodriguez
Nick Thomas

UPDATE (8:50PM): The Auburn Doubledays have released their roster. It is as follows:

NO. Name Position 
2 Jason Armstrong SS

3 Kristian Bell RHP

4 Mike Macaluso SS

5 Joey McLaughlin RHP

7 Jermy Acey INF

9 David Corrente C

10 Danny Hill RHP

12 Aaron Mathews CF

14 Eric Kratz C

15 Jason Rodriguez RHP

16 Chip Cannon 1B

17 Mike MacDonald RHP

18 Jordan Timm LHP

19 Randy Dicken RHP

20 Chris Leonard LHP

21 Erik Rico OF

22 Vincent Esposito INF

23 Dewon Day RHP

24 David Hicks 1B

25 Chad Mulholland RHP

26 Eric Nielsen RF

27Brad Mumma LHP

28 Casey McKenzie RHP

29 Jeremy Harper RHP

31 Chris Neylan LHP 

32 Jared Mangioni OF

33 Matt Dalton RHP

40 John Wesley RHP

What are your thoughts?
All I keep thinking is "I hope that Wells estimate is a worst case scenario!"

Posted by Pepper Moffatt on Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 05:09 AM EDT.

Minors Matters and a Possible Major Injury | 65 comments | Create New Account

The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.

_Sean - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 05:16 PM EDT (#56712) #

im just going to crawl in a whole and hope that when i come out there will be no major injuries with the bluejays.

_IainS - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 05:28 PM EDT (#56713) #

Well, looks like Rios won't be going down any time soon. I do wonder how the Matos aquisition works in the scheme of things. Obviously by making a move like that, the Jays feel they need a corner infielder quickly to plug a hole. Glen Williams and Shawn Fagan at this time are nothing to write home about, so likely not being called up. I just checked Matos career and it looks like he's been used as a utility man playing all infield and outfield positions. Perhaps Gross or Pond getting called?

Coach - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 05:30 PM EDT (#56714) #

We can speculate for the next three hours, but I'll wait for the definitive word from J.P. on what is going to happen next. It's great that he gives fans this opportunity to talk to him directly each week, even when things are going badly. Just a reminder, if you call in (416-870-0590 or 1-888-666-0590) identify yourself as a Box reader and you might get bumped to the front of the queue.

I think Matos will step in as the Syracuse SS so they can give Adams all the time he needs to recover. I wish that one of Menechino, Gomez and Berg was an adequate left fielder to platoon with Cat, but I'm hoping for a trade. Now that O-Dog is back, they don't need as many infielders.

_IainS - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 05:32 PM EDT (#56715) #

I think Berg would fit nicely at short in Syracuse

Gerry - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 05:33 PM EDT (#56716) #

Syracuse lost Benard yesterday and Gross is not playing the field. Their outfield now is Pond, Guiel and Hall. They may need a backup.

_JohnnyS99 - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 05:36 PM EDT (#56717) #

Hopefully, they wont loose another player by making room for someone on the 40 man roster? Mabye we will be seeing alot of Dave Berg in the outfield?

_JohnnyS99 - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 05:37 PM EDT (#56718) #

Pond maybe their only option without loosing anotehr prospect ? Darn injuries.

_dp - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 05:38 PM EDT (#56719) #

This is really incredible, incredible luck. While the team has played better than should be expected given everyone on the DL, it would be nice if Phelps and Hinske stepped up to fill some of the void. Bernard wouldn't look bad for a month, and now he's down too. And it goes all the way down to the minors, with McGowan, Gross, Quiroz, now Adams. What did JP/Tosca do to bring this on? If anyone has a soul to barter, now would be the time to ante up...

_Rob - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 05:39 PM EDT (#56720) #

This Wells news sucks. With that in mind, and to cheer some people up, here's a partial parody of the Rolling Stones' Paint It Black:

I see an injured Wells and I want him to come back
No red flags anymore I want them to turn black
I see Dave Berg walk by dressed in pinch-hitting clothes
I have to turn my head until my darkness goes

I see a line of Jays and I want them to wear black (on Sundays only, I believe)
With Kerry and DLS, man, will they all come back?
I see people turn their heads and quickly look away
Like a typical T.O. fan it just happens everyday

I look on the DL and see five names in black
I see the lineup and it's got people named Jack (well, Howie, Dave, Gregg...close enough)
Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts
It's not easy facing up when your team's on the rack

No more will my team have that guy with his tattoos
I could not forsee him with a injury so soon
If I look hard enough into the setting sun
Miller will pitch for us before the morning comes

...Well, it's not "OK Blue Jays," but I gave it a shot.

_IainS - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 05:46 PM EDT (#56721) #

You know, at the beginning of the season someone must have told the Jays to "tear it up"... unfortunately they seem to have interpreted it all the wrong way.

_BC Mike - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 05:50 PM EDT (#56722) #

When it rains it pours.

I guess this means Phelps might actually get a chance to get some AB's, as the Jays don't have any other 'power' options for the middle of the lineup.

Who's gonna play center, Rios or Johnson?

Hopefully Hudson is ready to go, we need something positive.

_The Original Ry - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 05:55 PM EDT (#56723) #

Anyone want to take a crack at what the next Blue Jays injury will be?

I predict Eric Hinske will spontaneously combust.

_Mosely - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 05:58 PM EDT (#56724) #

Hall is the CF in Syracuse right now - they could always pull him up to fill in. I'd expect to see Johnson in CF tonight, since Rios seemed to be playing right in Syracuse before the call up.

_JohnnyS99 - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 06:01 PM EDT (#56725) #

Hall, is not on the 40 man roster, do the blue jays want to loose another prospect possibly? By clearing room for Noah hall? Do they still need Estella on the 40 man roster?

Pistol - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 06:01 PM EDT (#56726) #

I suspect that Rios will play CF. It's where he played all of last season in New Haven.

What's the latest on Delgado?

_greenfrog - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 06:01 PM EDT (#56727) #

Unbelievable.

The strange thing is, there are some real plusses in the organization this year. Some of the baby Jays are doing great (I was going to say, 'tearing it up')--Adams, Hill, Banks, Peterson. And lower down, Roberts, Negron, Marcum, etc.

But the injury problem is awful. I guess all JP can do is try to patch the roster this year and continue to think 2005-07. If everyone rebounds and is healthy next year--especially Halladay, McGowan, Quiroz, Gross, Rosario--my guess is the organization will continue to be in very good shape.

_Mosely - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 06:05 PM EDT (#56728) #

I suspect that Rios will play CF. It's where he played all of last season in New Haven.

That's a lot of pressure to put on a kid in week three though isn't it? Not to mention that he's been having problems adapting to RF in the majors. Fifty bucks on Sparky at CF.

Named For Hank - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 06:15 PM EDT (#56729) #

It's great that he gives fans this opportunity to talk to him directly each week, even when things are going badly.

I'd say it takes some real stones, especially this week.

I'll be home just in time to tune in.

And I predict that one night, while everyone sleeps, a pane of glass from Windows restaurant will pop out of its frame and come crashing down onto the turf, shattering into thousands of pieces that embed themselves and are impossible to remove. Because Sportsco doesn't want to shell out for new turf this year, the Jays will be forced to play on the bare concrete.

Craig B - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 06:15 PM EDT (#56730) #

Anyone want to take a crack at what the next Blue Jays injury will be?

I predict Eric Hinske will spontaneously combust.

I say Ted Lilly will hurt his wrist while moving his TV back to where it was the first time.

Named For Hank - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 06:17 PM EDT (#56731) #

Craig, that's classic.

_IainS - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 06:25 PM EDT (#56732) #

If anyone screams "Break a leg!" tonight, they get a serious butt whooping

Coach - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 06:29 PM EDT (#56733) #

_Chris H - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 06:34 PM EDT (#56734) #

There appears to be perhaps a couple inconsistencies between the Blue Jays release in the other thread and the Pulaski roster announcement (maybe there has been some additional signings over the past few hours)...

- Brian Bormaster CA (26th round, Tulane) is listed on the Pulaski roster
- Corey Hahn RHP (30th round, Tulane) is listed on the Pulaski roster

Baseball America is also updated (without Bormaster and Hahn):

http://www.baseballamerica.com/draftdb/xteam.php?team=TOR

Also, guess this means most of the top twenty 2004 picks are going to Auburn? Surprised to see Randy Dicken in Auburn...would have thought he might start out in Pulaski. And is the Byron Bell above actually Kristian Bell?

C.

_BC Mike - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 06:35 PM EDT (#56735) #

Mosely, as I see it, all of Rios' defensive problems have been related to nervousness and hesitation, not an inability to cover RF.

Maybe Rios will actually be more comfortable in center field.

_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 06:40 PM EDT (#56736) #

Whatever happened to Chad Hermansen? He was up with the Jays, then sent back down, and now he's not on the Syracuse roster. Did we lose him or is he hurt too?

_Mosely - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 06:50 PM EDT (#56737) #

Mosely, as I see it, all of Rios' defensive problems have been related to nervousness and hesitation, not an inability to cover RF. Once he starts trusting his ability at this level, he'll be comfortable in either position, and he'll have considerably more range in CF than Johnson. Reed is terrific in LF and (despite last night's misadventures) just fine in RF, but it's doubtful that he can handle the additional acreage on a regular basis. I'm not going to bet with you on Tosca's decision; mine would be Rios in center.

I'd still put 10 million cuttlefish on Johnson in CF tonight. No question, Rios will be a great CF (or RF with CF skills) someday. But I don't think he needs that extra pressure, and my guess is that JP and Tosca are hip to that. It'll make a good question for JP tonight at any rate.

_Rob - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 06:52 PM EDT (#56738) #

Anyone want to take a crack at what the next Blue Jays injury will be?

Terry Adams will be hurt by Julian and Bubbles somehow.

_Mosely - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 06:54 PM EDT (#56739) #

Whatever happened to Chad Hermansen? He was up with the Jays, then sent back down, and now he's not on the Syracuse roster. Did we lose him or is he hurt too?

We were talking about this at the Chiefs game on Friday. None of us had an idea - except that he was probably on the DL somewhere.

I'm out of here. Enjoy the game guys.

_Ryan01 - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 06:58 PM EDT (#56740) #

Hermansen is listed on the DL but I can't remember what the injury is.

Anyone want to take a crack at what the next Blue Jays injury will be?

My money is on Frank Menechino injuring his hand charging the mound on Mark Hendrickson in a bench clearing brawl.

_Moffatt - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 07:02 PM EDT (#56741) #

My money is on Frank Menechino injuring his hand charging the mound on Mark Hendrickson in a bench clearing brawl.

What's Frankie going to do? Punch him in the kneecap?

Pistol - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 07:09 PM EDT (#56742) #

But I don't think he needs that extra pressure, and my guess is that JP and Tosca are hip to that.

If a move from RF to CF is too much pressure for Rios I don't think the Jays have very high hopes for the long term for him.

And I've always thought it was easier to play CF than a corner OF. You get a real good look at the ball off of the bat in center.

Coach - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 07:11 PM EDT (#56743) #

Maybe Rios will actually be more comfortable in center field.

That's what I'm hoping. All the pressure on Alex, or any player for that matter, is self-inflicted. If he goes out there trying to fill Vernon's shoes, in the field or at bat, he'll be in trouble. If he sees this as an opportunity, stops worrying about failing and simply relaxes, his true talents will soon become clear. In a recent media scrum, Carlos Tosca said he didn't see any evidence of poor reads or bad jumps from Rios in spring training, hence my assumption that his inconsistency has been due to trying too hard.

He'll either get over that in the near future, or he'll need some more time in Triple-A to recover his confidence. As Delgado and Wells can tell him, that first trip to the Show doesn't always go perfectly.

Next injury? Ace will bust a move.

_Jim - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 07:25 PM EDT (#56744) #

This is perfect opportunity to find out if Rios can handle CF in the major leagues. To not use him there for the next two weeks is a big mistake.

_BC Mike - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 07:38 PM EDT (#56745) #

This is perfect opportunity to find out if Rios can handle CF in the major leagues. To not use him there for the next two weeks is a big mistake.

This is a perfect opportunity to find out if Phelps can handle 1B in the major leagues. To not use him there for the next two weeks is a big mistake.

;)

[ Reply to This ]

_BC Mike - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 07:40 PM EDT (#56746) #

Fixing Italics

Pistol - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 07:42 PM EDT (#56747) #

This is a perfect opportunity to find out if Phelps can handle 1B in the major leagues. To not use him there for the next two weeks is a big mistake.

Phelps almost has to play now, doesn't he?

_Jim - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 07:46 PM EDT (#56748) #

I was going to reference the similarity to Phelps, but I can't believe that the Blue Jays aren't playing Phelps at first without a reason....

_dp - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 07:47 PM EDT (#56749) #

The problem with Rios is that he hadn't shown signs of being ready at Syracuse before coming up. His "true talents" simply may not have matured yet. But we'll see. I'm glad he's in the majors, but I'm a little concerned about being too agressive with his schedule and hurting his head. Though I trust JP more than I did Ash, I see a parellel with the F-Lo situation (though Rios was a CF before) where a rash of injuries forces the club's hand a bit. They've been so snakebitten this year they have no real choice in the matter, but it is important to keep in mind these are human beings, and younger ones at that.

Most similar situation I guess would be Jose Reyes last year, who wasn't hitting well at AAA but was brought up anyway due to injuries and a need to give the fans something worth watching. I was against promoting Reyes before he'd mastered AAA, but it worked out well.

_Ron - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 07:49 PM EDT (#56750) #

Hopefully somebody asks JP if Phelps is still in the long term plans because if he is I can't believe Dave Freakin Berg is taking AB's away from him!

_BC Mike - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 07:55 PM EDT (#56751) #

But Dave Berg is the backup middle infielder of the future! ;)

Im not the biggest Phelps fan but not having him in the lineup doesnt make much sense. Its not like he is gonna hurt our playoff chances. Even if he isnt in the future plans they could atleast showcase him for other teams.

I'm very interested to hear what JP has to say about it.

_Ron - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 08:19 PM EDT (#56752) #

I would be grateful if you guys could post what JP says on the fan. My comp is crapping on me again. When I load up the fan and open up to listen live, the webpage closes by itself (same thing for everysite when I try to open up a video/music). Also www.espn.com still takes 3 mins to load.

_James W - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 08:26 PM EDT (#56753) #

Someone was talking about the 40-man roster, but that shouldn't be a concern. Vernon is simply taking Orlando Hudson's spot on the DL. Err, Orlando is taking Vernon's 25-man roster spot.

_JackFoley - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 08:32 PM EDT (#56754) #

I'm with Ron---I can't get the Fan going on my computer either so updates would be very cool if anyone out there is listening.

_Loveshack - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 08:33 PM EDT (#56755) #

Something "relatively serious" has come up and JP will not be appearing on the FAN tonight. Crap.

_JackFoley - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 08:36 PM EDT (#56756) #

Not the update I was hoping for, but thanks anyway.

_Ron - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 08:38 PM EDT (#56757) #

Woo Hoo Delgado has been traded for Edwin Jackson or Greg Miller and Mota .................. and least that's what I'm hoping for.....

_Loveshack - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 08:42 PM EDT (#56758) #

Yeah me neither, I was all ready to call in. There was no warning and Wilner now sounds like he's really scrambling to find something to talk about to fill the next hour.

All he would say is that it was something "relatively serious" and that knowing JP it would have to be something pretty important for him to miss the radio show as he's been very faithful all year.

_Ryan Day - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 08:42 PM EDT (#56759) #

So Wells goes on the DL while Hudson comes back. Doesn't that leave just a wee bit of an outfield deficit? Is there some reason why any team needs to have Hudson, Woodward, Gomez, Clark & Berg on the 25-man at the same time?

(oh, right... Berg & Clark are needed at first. Gah.)

robertdudek - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 08:46 PM EDT (#56760) #

Reed, Rios, Cat in the outfield. Hmmm.

At least the infield defence should be improved.

_Moffatt - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 08:54 PM EDT (#56761) #

The Auburn Doubledays have just released their roster.

_Kieran - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 09:07 PM EDT (#56762) #

Anyone have a guess as to why JP got pulled away? I sincerely hope it is not related to Tom Cheek's health...

_Gwyn - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 09:15 PM EDT (#56763) #

Kieran it isn't...a caller just asked Wilner that.

_Kieran - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 09:19 PM EDT (#56764) #

I'm glad to hear that.

So now our collective heads can begin to speculate...
- Tosca's job?
- a trade on the go?
- an argument between Tosca and JP over lineup?

Who know, but it's kind of fun (and pointless) to guess. What better things do I have to do?

_The Original Ry - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 09:22 PM EDT (#56765) #

The way Mike Wilner was talking (he knows the real reason why J.P. couldn't be on tonight), it sounds like it could be a personal matter for J.P. I hope it's nothing serious.

Gerry - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 09:46 PM EDT (#56766) #

Chris Leonard is on the Auburn roster

_Not Henry Rodri - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 10:32 PM EDT (#56767) #

Has anyone given massive props to Rob for his song, and for his Julian and Bubbles reference? Funny stuff!

_johnnnyS99 - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 10:34 PM EDT (#56768) #

25 man roster is full at Auburn, and they still have a number of guys to sign. 15 pitchers, and Jackson and Purcey should be their too.

_johnnnyS99 - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 10:35 PM EDT (#56769) #

Bubbles was in the rock band, Sandbox, if you guys ever heard.

_johnnnyS99 - Wednesday, June 16 2004 @ 10:37 PM EDT (#56770) #

John Wesley held his own as a starter in Charleston? Anybody know why he is back in Auburn?

_coliver - Thursday, June 17 2004 @ 08:08 AM EDT (#56771) #

I think that Yesson Berroa is one of the lat Gord Ash signees. What's this, his third year in the Pioneer League?

_coliver - Thursday, June 17 2004 @ 08:09 AM EDT (#56772) #

I meant one of the LAST Gord Ash signees, sorry for the typo

_JohnnyS99 - Thursday, June 17 2004 @ 10:04 AM EDT (#56773) #

I think it was his 2nd year. I remember reading, that Juan Perez is a pretty hard thrower.

_ainge_fan - Thursday, June 17 2004 @ 06:12 PM EDT (#56774) #

Chris H - re. the Bells...Byron is a LHP, non-drafted free agent signed last year to an '04 contract. Pretty big I think, out of high school (in London ON, I think). Kristian is the recently drafted RHP out of college.

_Sneeps - Friday, June 18 2004 @ 03:29 AM EDT (#56775) #

So... is Leonard going to pitch this year sometime?

_Reanna - Sunday, June 20 2004 @ 10:15 PM EDT (#56776) #

Berroa and Perez each have a year in the Pioneer league (Medicine Hat) and this is their second year in Pulaski, which is disappointing for the guys for sure. Pulaski is the not only the bottom but a really BORING town. :)

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