Batter's Box Interactive Magazine Batter's Box Interactive Magazine Batter's Box Interactive Magazine
Meaning what, exactly? You got me; the editorial board comes up with these headlines. Probably that “Mick” fellow, specifically. Whatever the case, I don’t have any “notes” to offer for today. I'm working on a dozen previews and stuff for other Web sites (yes, including this one), so my creative juices are dried up. For proof I offer that previous line, which is perhaps what the word "cliche" was invented for.

I do, however, and this is really rather obvious, possess editing rights, which gives me the authority to type the following sentence (which is in truth not an actual sentence but rather part of the same sentence, because I’m not actually going to start a new sentence but rather divide this current one with a colon, which you will see approximately . . . now): Use this space to post anything you’d like, be it Jays-related, spring-training related, Jays-and-spring-training related, whatever. As long as it’s about baseball. Links to other material are welcomed, indeed encouraged. Previously similar titles of a posting such as this would have been “Hijack Central,” “Daily Round-up,” “Make Your Own Roundup,” etc. The floor is yours, Bauxites. Scrub it wisely.
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The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Jobu - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 01:43 AM EST (#103558) #
I'd like to put forth an open call that the first person to find links to the Jays new "Now Playing" commercials post it here for us bauxites, or at least tell us what they're like if they've seen some. It may not be the Koskie Ad Campaign, but I think it will do nicely.
Dr. Zarco - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 07:23 AM EST (#103563) #
Jobu, Cubs tickets go on sale today, so if you guys are still planning that roadie to Chicago, you should try to get some tickets today, and early. There was the college-like two day waiting in line for tickets all over the news. I'll be trying my best to get some as well.
Tyler - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 09:06 AM EST (#103565) #
Thomas - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 09:36 AM EST (#103567) #
J.P. has dubbed Eric Crozier "the most eye-opening player in camp so far.

What do people think? Is it possible for Crozier to play himself onto the team given that the Jays are going to carry 12 pitchers and already have players at 1B/DH with Hillenbrand, Hinkse and Catalanotto. Given a thin bench, it's tough to carry a 1B, so I'm not optimistic for Crozier's chances, even if he does extremely well in Dunedin.

And, in case people missed it yesterday, Dave Steib and Steve Rogers are going to be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, along with 19th century player Charles "Pop" Smith (who has the 8th most games in the majors of any Canadian) and trainer Harold "Doc" Younker. Congrats to all honoured.
Paul D - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 09:52 AM EST (#103571) #
Anyone going to the SABR convention in August?

I was thinking about it, but I think it might be out of my price range.
Spartan - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 09:57 AM EST (#103573) #
I don't think it is possible for Crozier to be on the opening day roster, nor advisable. If he is working on a different stance and stuff, then giving him a few months in Syracuse would be nice. If he lights it up, which I hope he does JP can make a move.

I think Hillenbrand is only going to be around for this year, and if someone is moved to make room for Crozier I think it would be him. But then there is the problem of making the lineup to left handed heavy.
Pistol - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 10:22 AM EST (#103576) #

J.P. has dubbed Eric Crozier "the most eye-opening player in camp so far. What do people think?

I don't put too much stock in these kind of articles. Last year we were reading similiar things about Simon Pond. If Crozier ends up surprising, great, but I'm not changing my expecations because of that.

Having said that I think he could be more productive than Hinske this year. Both ZIPS and PECOTA have Crozier with better rate stats.

Magpie - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 10:30 AM EST (#103578) #
Dr Z, have you heard anything interesting about the White Sox these last few days? Is Willie Harris still miserable? Is the Big Hurt still out until May or June? Any local news that I might have overlooked just checking through the main national sites?
Jordan - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 10:50 AM EST (#103581) #
Unless Crozier has learned to hit a major-league breaking ball since last September, I don't see him as anything beyond a 4th outfielder for Toronto. He'd be much more help to a Syracuse franchise that really needs a solid season to keep ownership from seeking another affiliation.

If time and budget allow, I'll go to the SBAR convention. If not, I'll find out where the delegates are going drinking afterwards and join them for a pint.
Ryan - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 11:04 AM EST (#103584) #
I had planned to go to SABR, but my lease on my apartment is up at the end of July and I might be moving around that time. In other news, Marty York has been let go by Sportsnet.
Tom L - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 11:07 AM EST (#103586) #
I was just looking for some clarification on the time of the Jays home opener. It says on the jays website that the game is scheduled for 7:15, but I have seen and heard that the game will be played at 3:00. Is it for sure the game will be played at 7:00?
Thanks
Jonny German - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 11:07 AM EST (#103587) #
What is the cost of the SABR convention? Do you have to be a member to attend?
Jonny German - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 11:09 AM EST (#103588) #
I think the opener is at 7:15 - I just bought my tickets for it last weekend and that's what's printed on them.
Ryan C - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 12:17 PM EST (#103605) #
I would like to see Crozier get some time but it wont be opening day. I see him being in a similar situation to Gross this year in that he may be ready (or he may not) but he's currently blocked. So until the player blocking him is either traded or injured he'll be starting in Syracuse.

I wouldnt be surprised to see either of them get a good number of at bats in the majors this year considering that Cat and Koskie both have a bit of injury history and Hillenbrand is a likely candidate to be gone at the trade deadline.
Jordan - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 12:54 PM EST (#103613) #
Can anyone remember the last time the Jays had a nighttime opener? They've been launching the season in daylight for as long as I can recall. I don't think it's a good development -- skipping school or work to catch Opening Day is one of the actual time-honoured traditions of the game.
Grand Funk RR - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 01:08 PM EST (#103614) #
Jobu, Cubs tickets go on sale today, so if you guys are still planning that roadie to Chicago, you should try to get some tickets today, and early. There was the college-like two day waiting in line for tickets all over the news. I'll be trying my best to get some as well. I've been in theh "Cubs Virtual Waiting Room" since 10:30 this morning, and it's driving me CRAZY! Anyone else in the same boat?
Paul D - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 01:09 PM EST (#103615) #
I believe that a SABR membership is $40, and that the convention is another $95. I assume that's American.

Or, you can just pay $115 and not join SABR, but go to the convention.

Here's the website:
http://www.sabr.org/sabr.cfm?a=cms,c,892,34,0
John Northey - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 01:17 PM EST (#103619) #
SABR's convention website can be found by clicking here. The official hotel is more expensive than hoped (the city is almost booked up for the summer it seems) at $157 Canadian. Sadly I can't recall what the tickets will cost, nor does the website show it that I can find. SABR membership is $60 US per year and includes lots of good stuff. Highly recommended (been a member for about a decade).
John Northey - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 01:18 PM EST (#103620) #
Ooops, should've said $60 US for a Canadian, $40 US for an American to join SABR. Higher cost is for shipping of publications that you get for free as a member.
Thomas - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 01:25 PM EST (#103623) #
You should let Craig sell you on SABR. He did a great job on me. I'm pretty excited about the convention.

And the Jays changed the time of their home opener. I agree with Jordan, skipping school to go to the home opener was always a blast.
Jobu - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 01:30 PM EST (#103625) #
Dr. Z:

I know this sounds unbelievable, but I've been trying (and failing) since we last spoke of this wonderful trip to get a simple price quote from ANYONE on how much it would roughly cost to get a bus from T.O. to chi-town.

I even have "the Mickster" on the inside and couldn't get anything, I've sent numerous emails to several bus lines (including greyhound) with no reply whatsoever. I even called up greyhound myself but got the royal run around.

I'm afraid, unless anyone reading this is in the know, my hands are tied to put the trip on hold until I get some knowledge of the bus industry, even at the expense of today being mad ticket day (I'd hate to actually buy tickets today, then find out the bus ride would cost like 500 dollars each and everyone cancels on me)

DAMN YOU RED TAPE!!!!

Any help appreciated.
6-4-3 - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 01:36 PM EST (#103628) #
Greyhound's website (http://www.greyhound.ca/scripts/en/FareFinder/step4.asp) claims that it'll take around 12 hours, and cost $221 return (Canadian). It looks like (and I wouldn't really know) that you can get it for $200 if you buy 21 days in advance. There might be another cheaper option.
6-4-3 - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 01:39 PM EST (#103629) #
Whoops. That link doesn't work, buy you can go here to use the schedule and fare finder to find that info.
Jobu - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 01:39 PM EST (#103630) #
Yeah, I caught that too 6-4-3, but I was looking into if we could actualy charter our own bus and head down, perhaps it would be cheaper? Find anything regarding that? In hindsight when I filled out the charter bus information request form, they probably didnt take me to seriously upon seeing "Blue Jays Cheer Club" in the organization title space.
Named For Hank - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 02:11 PM EST (#103635) #
Jobu, I think you need to call a place that does charters rather than Greyhound. I can't really think of any off the top of my head, but they're out there.

Sinton! That's the name of one.
Gerry - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 02:14 PM EST (#103636) #
Teaser: JP Ricciardi spent some time answering our questions this week so look for an interview with the boss on Monday. Oh, he also has a special message for all Bauxites.

See you Monday.
Matthew E - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 02:25 PM EST (#103640) #
Score.
Ryan - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 02:49 PM EST (#103650) #
To find a bus charter, try the Ontario Motor Coach Association.
jsoh - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 02:49 PM EST (#103652) #
[JP] also has a special message for all Bauxites.

Stay in school? We're risking the patients life? Knowing is only half the battle? Stop drop and roll? Pick up the white courtesy phone? We're risking the patients life?

/me hops onto a tenterhook, and waits for Monday.

Tyler - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 02:59 PM EST (#103661) #
<i>Oh, he also has a special message for all Bauxites.</i>

"I can't believe I suckered you guys into defending me from Griffin for all these years."
VBF - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 03:27 PM EST (#103683) #
I'd hate to actually buy tickets today, then find out the bus ride would cost like 500 dollars each and everyone cancels on me

I don't think you have to worry about that, Jobu. I was trying to schedule a group to charter a bus to Florida this March and even then, the cost was about $350 a person if you can fill up the bus. I would think that Chicago might cost a little less.

Some companies even have smaller, 25 seat, more inexpensive buses if the price becomes too high.

Gwyn - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 03:31 PM EST (#103686) #
If you are in downtown T.O tomorrow, Ted Lilly and Josh Towers will be doing a promotional appearence in the Eaton Centre.
Matthew E - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 03:36 PM EST (#103689) #

To read an article in which Paul Godfrey shares his thoughts on the economic future of baseball and hockey, COMN: Matthew E.

(There is a way to do 'COMN'! It just isn't satisfying.)

I'm willing to go along with Godfrey about the tax stuff, but he can roll his salary cap into a cone and sit on it.

BCMike - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 03:37 PM EST (#103691) #

See you Monday.

Is that his message? ;)
VBF - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 03:44 PM EST (#103692) #
Opening Day has been changed to 7:15 because of the NHL lockout. I called the box office a couple days ago.

Would anybody have any information on the date that Stieb and Rogers will be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame? I'd like to drive up to St. Mary's for that one.

Dr. Zarco - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 04:04 PM EST (#103700) #
Magpie, there isn't much new with the White Sox. Frank is still rehabbing with return dates widely varying (Mayish sounds like it, although there is "no set timetable" I believe"). Yes, Willie Harris still stinks and appears to have lost his job to "the Japanese Joe Morgan," as people are calling him, Tadahito Iguchi. Pierzynski seems to be getting along OK with the pitchers so far. People have mainly been talking about everything related to Sosa over the past few weeks.

Jobu, make it work! Buses are fun! I still haven't gotten tickets yet, I've been in the "virtual waiting room" for a few hours. But the Jays are a relatively low-demand game, so I don't think we'll have to worry about a sell-out in the next week or so and should be able to get tickets just fine.
VBF - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 04:49 PM EST (#103711) #
Just a quick poll: How many people are actually planning to go to the Blue Jays Swing into Spring Festival tomorrow?

I'm going rain, snow or hail, but I'm afraid there may be a small turnout. But I'm usually wrong about these sort of things.
Ron - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 05:20 PM EST (#103716) #
I picked up MLB 2k5 yesterday and I've really enjoyed it so far. The presentation and audio is outstanding. Miller and Morgan do a good job of describing the action. For some reason they don't have Adam's, Gross's, or League's pic in the game. Doc is filthy. The Skydome isn't updated though.

I look foward to picking up MVP in the next week or 2.
Magpie - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 05:53 PM EST (#103720) #
Thanks Dr Z. I think Harris could be useful as long as they tell him to not even show up if there's a lefthander in the same area code. And I'm very dubious about Podsednik.
Named For Hank - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 05:56 PM EST (#103721) #
but I'm thrilled that Dustin McGowan has gotten the Bonds / Dowd treatment.

Wha-ha? Is McGowan not in the union or something?

Alex Obal needs to go to the Lilly / Towers signing and get Ted to sign a Roosevelt K.

John Northey - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 06:01 PM EST (#103722) #
This is exactly what I've been scared of hearing. MLB looking at the NHL and thinking about the massive profits if they can just break the players union. The NHL union is bent and nearly broken now with the cap agreed to, and by next January they'll fall apart completely I suspect. If that happens then Godfrey and the rest (such as Selig) will do their best to make it happen in baseball. Right when the Jays are about to become contenders too (2007 - I think the current agreement runs out at the end of 2006).

At least Godfrey finally pointed out that it is a socialist system these people who made their fortunes in the free market are after. Hmm, I think MLB is really getting annoyed with Toronto presidents saying the truth (Beeston with his 'I can make a $5 million profit into a $5 million loss' statement years ago).
6-4-3 - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 06:48 PM EST (#103725) #
Like I said, he got the Dowd treatment. He's in the game as Reynaldo Perez on the Jays AA team. It's obvious that it's him, because they have the same birthday (March 24, 1982). Ligtenberg also got this treatment on the Jays. A few prospects for each team are in this game, with new names. So Felix Hernandez, Prince Fielder, Hudson Street, etc, are all there, just waiting for someone to rename them. The Jays have McGowan and Fransisco Rosario as their faked prospects.

There's a list here: forums.simcentral.net/showthread.php?t=53390 of all the Dowd prospects in the game. It's not a big deal, but it's a nice touch.
Alex Obal - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 06:51 PM EST (#103726) #
It shall be done, NFH. Anybody else going?

I bought MVP yesterday. Gameplay-wise, it's amazing. They didn't do much to fix the irksome defensive controls, but the pitching is second to none. I dislike the owner mode because it makes you create a stadium at the very beginning. I fail to see the point of that. Dynasty mode looks as good as always, though.

About McGowan getting Dowded, it seems that most players who haven't appeared in a game in the bigs and don't figure to break camp with their respective teams don't appear in the game, for whatever reason. That explains why League, Chacin and Chad Hermansen, for example, are in, while Hill and McGowan are not. (Then again, DMG is on the 40-man roster - does that not get him union membership?) It would be really cool to see EA (or Sega - hooray for exclusivity!) try to get full minor league licensing, though I don't know how easy that would be.
6-4-3 - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 06:56 PM EST (#103727) #
No, that's not it. You need to play a game in the MLB to be a union member, and only union members are in the game. So League, Gross, etc are in, and Hill and McGowan are out (although McGowan is there, without his name, and the Jays have a AAA prospect who can replace Hill)

I love the new pitching meter, it's a lot harder to pitch perfectly. The whole point of owner mode is to take a stadium and build it up. If you started with (say) Yankee Stadium, you'd have nothing to do, and it'd be really easy to make money early on.

Anyways, I just got my first MVP points, and so I'm off to unlock either Satchel Paige or Olympic Stadium.
Magpie - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 07:17 PM EST (#103729) #
MLB looking at the NHL and thinking about the massive profits if they can just break the players union.

You'd think by now though they'd have figured that this union is not going to break, no matter how many times they try...

One thing the MLB players have always had going for them is that there are no credible replacement players. In football, especially, but basketball and probably hockey as well, there is a large pool of players outside the major league system. Credible players, many of whom may very well be good enough to play in the big league. The teams in the NFL and NBA do not control any players who are not already on their rosters; NHL teams essentially control the same number of players as are on the major league team.

But major league baseball teams all control four or five times as many players as they need for the top team. And these players are unlikely to want to cross the union and the system that is exists in order to get them more money and more freedom. It's doubtful that the teams would even want them to. In 1994, nobody connected with Toronto dreamed of using Carlos Delgado or Shawn Green as a replacement player, even if they had been willing. Jays management understood that if players like that, with a ML future, had crossed the line, they would have spent the rest of their careers leading the league in getting hit by the pitch...

And that sort of thing is probably not as big an issue in a game like hockey or football where you're supposed to be getting hit hard all the time anyway...

Anyway, what it means is that baseball has to go outside the system - way, way outside - to come up with replacement players. With a resulting lack of credibility.

VBF - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 08:28 PM EST (#103730) #
From the Mike Ganter article in the Sun yesterday:

Already this spring, Ricciardi felt one of his players, whom he did not wish to identify, was getting out of hand and threatening the chemistry in the clubhouse. Twenty-four hours later the player had been talked to, but Ricciardi did not have to say anything

No clue who it could have been.

Tyler - Friday, February 25 2005 @ 10:18 PM EST (#103736) #
<i>Jays management understood that if players like that, with a ML future, had crossed the line, they would have spent the rest of their careers leading the league in getting hit by the pitch...</i>

Free OBP!
Named For Hank - Saturday, February 26 2005 @ 11:25 AM EST (#103748) #
According to a little blurb by Blair in the Globe today, Eric Gagne is day-to-day with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his knee. He slipped during a drill on the first full day of Spring Training -- if that's not some kind of omen, I don't know what is.

Alright, back to my coffee and dead trees... just thought I should share.
Wildrose - Saturday, February 26 2005 @ 01:50 PM EST (#103758) #
I've been working like a dog lately and haven't been able to contribute much. Lots of interesting articles being posted. I'm not sure if anybody will miss Marty York. When he left the Globe 5 years ago, he was rumored to be the highest paid sportswriter in the country, and I assume he left for more money at SportsNet. He and Chris Cuthbert are victims of the NHL lock-out and their own relatively high Canadian media salaries. I've stumbled across a relatively new baseball web-site, Baseball Analysts thats quite good, they had a discussion of sophomore MLB players, which mentioned a few Jays quite prominently.
Ron - Saturday, February 26 2005 @ 02:45 PM EST (#103762) #
http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/tor/news/tor_news.jsp?ymd=20050225&content_id=950821&vkey=spt2005news&fext=.jsp

I found it interesting that Koskie has a limited no trade clause. He can only be dealt to 20 teams. I'm not a fan of no trade clauses because what happens if the best offer you recieve is from a team that is marked off from the list. It limits your options. I wonder if Koskie would have signed with the Jays if JP said no to the no trade clause.
Tom L - Saturday, February 26 2005 @ 03:02 PM EST (#103765) #
Wildrose,
Where did you hear that Marty York has been let go? I know that Cuthbert had been let go, but this is the first I have heard about York being let go.
Original Ryan - Saturday, February 26 2005 @ 03:08 PM EST (#103768) #
Info on Sportsnet not renewing York's contract can be found here.
Magpie - Saturday, February 26 2005 @ 03:10 PM EST (#103770) #
Well, a no-trade is something you give a player instead of money. Part of the bargaining process...

---We're offering you 500 K less than what you asked for...
---I'll take it if I can get a no-trade...
---Don't want to give you a blanket no-trade...
---OK, here's 15 places I don't want to go. Give me a no-trade to there...
---We can do that...
---And another 100 K...
---Let's make it 10 places you don't want to go...
---DONE!!(In unison and harmony!)

This is why, when a player is asked to give up his no-trade, he always wants money. Because the no-trade is always a substitute for money in the first place.

VBF - Saturday, February 26 2005 @ 05:06 PM EST (#103781) #
Hey, was anybody able to get out to the Jays Spring Festival?

I came pretty close to winning a pair of season tickets had I not picked the autographes ball in the first round :(

What sucked was all the other rounds involved baseball things (seed spitting, gum) that i would have killed at.

Thats okay, I got a Roy Halladay autographed ball in the end :)
Braby21 - Saturday, February 26 2005 @ 06:07 PM EST (#103786) #
How was the turnout for the event?
Brent S - Saturday, February 26 2005 @ 06:24 PM EST (#103787) #
It's good to be back!

I just returned home from Florida a few hours ago (and boy are my arms tired). In fact, this is the first time I've seen the site since the turnover. I certainly like what I see.

When I get the chance to unwind, I'll share some experiences. Well, at least the ones that are baseball related. I visited the Phillies and Threshers new stadium in Clearwater, as well as the Jays complex in Dunedin. Heck, I even got the chance to have a short conversation with Dick Scott. It will, however, have to wait for another time. Anyway, you may continue your conversation...

Braby21 - Saturday, February 26 2005 @ 06:26 PM EST (#103788) #
Also, here's a good article on Hinske and his renewed confidence this spring. I'd also like to note in my first 3 games in my owner mode in MVP 2005 Hinske has 2 bombs and is hitting .500.
VBF - Saturday, February 26 2005 @ 07:09 PM EST (#103789) #
There was a pretty good turnout. The lines for the autographs were pretty long, and there was quite a gathering for the season ticket contest and for the breakdancing and fashion show. Although I am not a big fan of mixing breakdancing and baseball together, it was alright. The temporary ticket office was constantly busy as well, and I saw many people purchasing tickets for the Home Opener who otherwise may have not even considered it. Also to note, tickets have gone through the roof for the opening series. I exchanged my one of my tickets in August for the Saturday game of the opening series, and the 100 level outfield is practically sold already. (and thats only the Saturday game, not the opener). I hope that most of the tickets bought arent Sox fans.

The only thing that I didn't like was the fact that the Jays ticket office located on scene, wouldn't accept my gift card so I had to walk to the Rogers Centre. It would've also been nice to have a sample of the new turf on display.



Thomas - Saturday, February 26 2005 @ 09:45 PM EST (#103794) #
I just returned home from Florida a few hours ago (and boy are my arms tired).

Best bad joke, ever. I enjoy using it after a joke of mine falls flat.

Ron - Saturday, February 26 2005 @ 10:03 PM EST (#103795) #
http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/tor/ticketing/singlegame.jsp

Looks like $2 games are back although I don't know which one's. The ticket prices look pretty cheap to me, too bad I live on the other side of the Country.

I'm hoping to fly over there this summer so I can check out the new and improved "Skydome" for myself.
vsaint - Saturday, February 26 2005 @ 10:26 PM EST (#103798) #
Where the Jays selling any new merchandise?
Ron - Saturday, February 26 2005 @ 10:28 PM EST (#103799) #
I still remember Huckaby's inside the park HR. I swear I thought he was going to collapse on the field from exhaustion before touching home plate.

He's bang on about the O-Dog. Half of the time I can't understand what he's saying. He did a WS preview show commercial and the only words I understood were "sit back and relax".
VBF - Saturday, February 26 2005 @ 10:41 PM EST (#103800) #
Ron, the value games ($2) are on the following days:

- April 26th, 7:07 vs. Tampa
- May 10th, 7:07 vs. Kansas City
- May 24th, 7:07 vs. Boston
- June 14th, 7:07 vs. St. Louis

Keep in mind though that the $2 games are just for the 200 level outfield and SkyDeck. The other seats will be at a slightly discounted price. Check bluejays.com or call the box office for more info.

vsaint,

The new line of stuff has been launched. Basically it's a women's line of clothing and I don't really see much of a change. But to promote this, the Blue Jays in co-operation with Sears have agreed for the Sears at Eaton Centre to carry this new line of clothing on a permanent basis.

It's good to get the logo out into the non-SkyDome world, but personally the only stores that carry a decent selection of Jays merchandise are all downtown. If they really want to get it out, they should open up one in Square One or somewhere that isn't 500 meters away from SkyDome.
Pistol - Sunday, February 27 2005 @ 09:56 AM EST (#103804) #

Sounds like the Jays are trying to sign Hudson to some type of long term deal. Works for me.

Jays Sit on War Chest

Ducey - Sunday, February 27 2005 @ 10:34 AM EST (#103806) #
Standard spring training story - this time on John Hattig

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Baseball/MLB/Toronto/2005/02/27/944256-sun.html
Ron - Sunday, February 27 2005 @ 01:54 PM EST (#103820) #
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/3424200

Looks like Huddy is going to give the Braves a home town discount. He's closing in at 48mil/4yrs. I'm sure some team out there would have gave him a long term deal at 15/16mil a season if he hit the market.
jsoh - Sunday, February 27 2005 @ 02:17 PM EST (#103822) #
Standard spring training story - this time on John Hattig

Y'gotta wonder what the organization's plans are for Hattig, since right now he's being blocked at whatever position he might play, save perhaps DH. Koskie's locked in for 3 years at 3B, and even if he were to move, you have to think it'd be for Hill, not Hattig.

I suppose 1B is an option, if Hinske gets traded - but I doubt it'd be this year. Hillebrand would slide into 1B, with the odd-one-out from Gross/Cat/Reed/Menechino DH'ing.

Not everyone can avoid being an organizational soldier, but Hattig probably represents the best power prospect in the upper minors (apologies to Quiroz and Crozier)

Magpie - Sunday, February 27 2005 @ 05:24 PM EST (#103840) #
I suppose 1B is an option, if Hinske gets traded - but I doubt it'd be this year.

I think if anyone gets traded, it'll be Hillenbrand. In fact, I hereby say that I will be surprised if Hillenbrand is with the team all season.

Not hugely surprised, not enormously surprised. Not as surprised as I'll be if Josh Towers wins 22 games. But surprised nonetheless.

Braby21 - Sunday, February 27 2005 @ 07:02 PM EST (#103852) #
Some Jays notes here.
GeoffAtMac - Sunday, February 27 2005 @ 07:28 PM EST (#103854) #
Question for all Box-aficionados: Who is Shaun Marcum, and what does everybody know about him?

I was scouring the Blue Jays website, checking out some of the guys in the minors and I happened across this guy's numbers in A:

3-2, ERA of 3.12, 69.1 IP, 74 H, 4 BB, 72 SO!

I guess I haven't been following the minors enough, but is this guy for real? An 18:1 K:BB ratio -- this guy is insane! Here is the original link for those who are interested, and as equally uninformed as myself.
Pistol - Sunday, February 27 2005 @ 08:18 PM EST (#103857) #
Geoff: Here's Jordan's look at the Jays top 30 prospects, as of the end of the 2004 season. Marcum came in at #5.

http://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20040923034445999
Zao - Sunday, February 27 2005 @ 09:50 PM EST (#103871) #
VBF same thing happened to me, but I got a V. Wells autographed ball. I wish I got Halliday. Which guy were you? I was the guy with the Jays cap and blue and black coat. btw there was a sample field turf there, I guess you missed it.
VBF - Sunday, February 27 2005 @ 10:05 PM EST (#103872) #
I was the robust lad in the Corey Koskie jersey (I know, I know, the Wells one had a stain).

Were you the guy with the 2002 All-Star jacket on and also where was the turf?

I don't really remember you but I thought about asking the guy (you) with the Wells ball if he wanted to trade. Ironically I have an autograph from almost every player except Vernon, despite supposedly being Vernon's Biggest Fan.

Matthew E - Sunday, February 27 2005 @ 11:20 PM EST (#103875) #
I was at the Swing into Spring thing for a while, but had to leave shortly after Towers and Lilly got offstage. I didn't even get to enter the season tickets contest. They did have a patch of turf there; it was up on stage at the start and then they moved it down onto the floor to get it out of the J-Crew's way. It looked complicated.
jsoh - Sunday, February 27 2005 @ 11:58 PM EST (#103879) #
Here is the original link (to Shawn Marcum's stats) for those who are interested, and as equally uninformed as myself.

Ok. Those guys at MLB are a real hoot. Here's a list of players who apparently suited up for Dunedin last year (each with their own stat lines):

  • Manny Mayorson (90 games)
  • Manuel Mayorson (6 games)
  • Joshua Banks (2 games)
  • Josh Banks (11 games)
  • Jamie Vermilyea (18 games)
  • James Vermilyea (2 games)
  • Edward Buzachero (51 games)
  • Bubbie Buzachero (2 games)
  • Brad Mumma (1 game)
  • Bradley Mumma (2 games)

There's just something gut-bustingly amusing about this. Remind me to stick to BA for my minor league stats.

Rob - Monday, February 28 2005 @ 12:21 AM EST (#103881) #
MLB.com has never had a good minor league statistics section. Before the days of Da Box and The Baseball Cube, I got my minor-league information from Baseball Weekly. If I bought that football paper for any reason now, I would not be happy with myself.

Dunedin's roster is weird, but try the Fisher Cats. Amazing how they won the championship with this team.
Zao - Monday, February 28 2005 @ 09:26 AM EST (#103891) #
damn I would've traded you. Halliday is my favourite player. And no I didn't have the All Star jacket.
Named For Hank - Monday, February 28 2005 @ 09:43 AM EST (#103894) #
Gentlemen, you need to meet up and sort out this autographed balls mess. Hrm...where could you meet up? You both like baseball... and you both like the Blue Jays... and you were both in Toronto, so it must be a reasonably accessible location for both of you...

Where could two people who live in or near Toronto meet up, when both of them like baseball and specifically the Toronto Blue Jays?
Zao - Monday, February 28 2005 @ 02:45 PM EST (#103974) #
hehe yeah man. Well I live near Waterloo, but I'll be going to some games so I'll be going to Toronto come April.
VBF - Monday, February 28 2005 @ 03:57 PM EST (#104007) #
Ooh Ooh! I wanna meet atb the zoo!
Named For Hank - Monday, February 28 2005 @ 04:27 PM EST (#104011) #
I, of course, meant the batting cages at Playdium Mississauga.
Mick Doherty - Monday, February 28 2005 @ 04:58 PM EST (#104016) #
Where could two people who live in or near Toronto meet up, when both of them like baseball and specifically the Toronto Blue Jays?

The Hockey Hall of Fame?

Zao - Monday, February 28 2005 @ 05:23 PM EST (#104017) #
How about the Beta Shoe Museum?
Named For Hank - Monday, February 28 2005 @ 05:36 PM EST (#104018) #
Oktoberfest!
fozzy - Monday, February 28 2005 @ 06:28 PM EST (#104022) #
Welcome back Chris Michalak.

Signed to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training, according to the Sun and Rotoworld. Adds to the already nice depth this year at Syracuse.

VBF - Monday, February 28 2005 @ 07:27 PM EST (#104026) #
With the season approaching, i was having a look at the upcoming April, when I stumbled upon this.

Note April 18th. When was the last one of those and will that affect the team that day, even considering the time and place of the April 17th game.

VBF - Monday, February 28 2005 @ 07:29 PM EST (#104027) #
VBF - Monday, February 28 2005 @ 07:52 PM EST (#104029) #
Just scouting around...Did anyone happen to read the Jeff Blair article today about Matt Clement?

A few things I grasped from it:
-Arnsberg made 4 calls to Clement, selling the idea of Toronto to him. Clement made the 5th call saying that he wasn't. Clement said it was the most difficult call of his life. (Wow)
-Since Arnsberg is very close to Burnett and Penny, Clement believes that Arnsberg will play a very strong role in where they choose to sign.
-Arnsberg also has a close friendship and keeps in contact with Vazquez.

You can take it with a grain of salt, but if it's true, then we could have a very interesting off-season.
Rob - Monday, February 28 2005 @ 07:53 PM EST (#104030) #
The Bosox have a morning game every year, on the same day as the Boston Marathon. Patriot's Day...or something.

The Jays were last in town for that 11 am start in 2003.

Gerry - Tuesday, March 01 2005 @ 04:58 PM EST (#104116) #
Batters Box correspondent Jim654 is in Florida and sent in this report on todays game. Thanks Jim.

The morning started with the usual drills for infielders and outfielders - throwing to the right base, cutoff man, etc. After that there was batting practice with the coaches pitching.

Then at 11:30 there was a 6 inning game with pitchers going 1 inning each. The 1st inning Doc & Towers faced off against each other. Doc looked his usual miserable self - 3 up, 3 down. Towers had a little more difficulty, giving up 2 runs - one of them a big blast from Koskie over the left field wall.

The most effective pitcher of the day probably was Schoeneweis who struck out the side in his inning of work.
A number of other pitchers also had good days: Chacin fell behind one batter 3-0 and came back to strike him out; Walker looked in great shape and was throwing well; Downs, Frasor, Glynn, and Whiteside all pitched an inning and did not allow a run to score. Gaudin gave up one run on 2 hits in his inning of work. The pitching is clearly ahead of
the hitting at this stage of the spring.

McDonald played well in the field and hit a triple down the right field line in his at bat. A good pick-up for the Jays!
The defence played very well for the Jays with Alfaro, Nelson, Koskie, Hudson, Hinski, Hillenbrand, Crozier and Hattig all making good defensive plays in the field.

The game was played under sunny skies with a slight cool breeze - a perfect day in the Florida sunshine!

Wells gave us a good laugh before the game when he said that Doc had his cleats on at 7:00 this morning and was studying the batting charts of the Jays he would face. It appears he is the leader of this ball club, and for the next few years, I for one am happy that he is playing
for the 'good guys'.

There is another 6 inning game tomorrow and I hope to make that one too.
James W - Tuesday, March 01 2005 @ 07:33 PM EST (#104138) #
Got to nitpick with the last comment slightly. The highlights on Sportsnet showed Reed Johnson singling off Doc, then Hinske striking out. For the Mattick squad, Cat led off with a double, Hillenbrand ended up driving him in with a fielder's choice, and then Koskie homered, all off Towers.
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