Springtime in Oakland
Josh Towers, Danny Haren
A 10:05 start
Josh Towers, Danny Haren
A 10:05 start
West Coast starting times
Not so bad for the first game
But now I'm sleepy
Not so bad for the first game
But now I'm sleepy
If anyone finds an internet radio feed please post the link. :)
I'm watchint the game on MLB.TV and right now they're broadcasting show which is focusing on the best hitters of the 80's. So far I've caught it starting with the #6 hitter (Winfield) and #5 (Eddie Murray). The host said the next 4 are 3rd baseman. So far all I can think of is Schmidt, Brett and Boggs...can't think of a fourth.
Plus, i would have guessed that Gywnn would have made it itno the top 5...oh well.
Plus, i would have guessed that Gywnn would have made it itno the top 5...oh well.
Schoeneweis Chavez
Slow breaking balls on the black
Jays escape trouble
Slow breaking balls on the black
Jays escape trouble
LINEUPS
JAYS
1.Catalanotto LF
2.Hudson 2b
3.Wells CF
4.Koskie 3b
5.Hillenbrand DH
6.Hinske 1b
7.Rios RF
8.Zaun C
9.Adams SS
OAKLAND
1.Kotsay CF
2.Thomas LF
3.Kendall C
4.Chavez 3b
5.Durazo DH
6.Hatteburg 1b
7.Ellis 2b
8.Swisher LF
9.Scutaro SS
JAYS
1.Catalanotto LF
2.Hudson 2b
3.Wells CF
4.Koskie 3b
5.Hillenbrand DH
6.Hinske 1b
7.Rios RF
8.Zaun C
9.Adams SS
OAKLAND
1.Kotsay CF
2.Thomas LF
3.Kendall C
4.Chavez 3b
5.Durazo DH
6.Hatteburg 1b
7.Ellis 2b
8.Swisher LF
9.Scutaro SS
Well, Schmidt was #4, Boggs was #3
And I guess Paul Moliter didn't make the top ten, just an honourable mention.
And I guess Paul Moliter didn't make the top ten, just an honourable mention.
Weird, didn't realive the game had already started- MLB.TV isn't playing it yet.
Nolan, maybe they're counting Pedro Guerrero or Ryne Sandberg as a third baseman.:) Or more likely Paul Molitor. I'd rather have had either of the two great leadoff hitters- Henderson and Raines- than several of the choices.
Nevermind- forget that last post, please.
So George Brett comes in at #2
...and Gwynn is the #1 hitter of the 80's (I guess the show didn't mean that all the top 4 were 3rd basemen).
So George Brett comes in at #2
...and Gwynn is the #1 hitter of the 80's (I guess the show didn't mean that all the top 4 were 3rd basemen).
Let's go, Fightin' Jays! Here's hoping for six solid innings from Mr. Towers again.
So the list that I caught was:
1. Gwynn
2. Brett
3. Boggs
4. Schmidt
5. Murray
6. Winfield
7. Mattingly
8. Dawson
9. ??
10. ??
1. Gwynn
2. Brett
3. Boggs
4. Schmidt
5. Murray
6. Winfield
7. Mattingly
8. Dawson
9. ??
10. ??
Haren gets the Jays on 6 pitches in the top of the 1st. He'll be able to start tomorrow's game too if he keeps this up.
Will there be TV
For the games down in Texas
Magpie wants to know
For the games down in Texas
Magpie wants to know
Another Wells at bat
Only 1 pitch
Can he lay off
As you can see, I'm not very good at this.
Only 1 pitch
Can he lay off
As you can see, I'm not very good at this.
7 pitches in the second inning for Haren. He's throwing more pitches warming up between innings. The Jays have to start taking a bit.
It's nice to Towers go right at the hitters so far.
And great grab and throw by Adams to rob Chavez. The throw was low, but Hinske made a nice grab.
And great grab and throw by Adams to rob Chavez. The throw was low, but Hinske made a nice grab.
Chavez crushes ball
Adams snags with grace
Chavez out
Adams snags with grace
Chavez out
Will there be TV
Here's what I never understand. Rogers owns the Jays, Rogers owns Sportsnet. People (at least I believe) would like to watch the Jays game. Especially when the team is off to such a hot start. There are very few other sports being played this late in the day. And yet for some reason the game is not on television.
Tonight, instead of the Blue Jays, Sportsnets (all 4 of them) are showing an NBA game (New Orleans vs Phoenix, huh?!?) and Prime Time Sports with Bob McCown which is not even a television show it's a radio show. That's right, instead of showing the Blue Jays game Sportsnet has opted to show a bunch of guys sitting around wearing headphones and talking on the radio.
And to top it off the FAN, which is also owned by Rogers, didnt broadcast the top of the 1st inning because, well they just haaaaad to interview Chris Bosh, who's team has already been rendered inconsequential for the rest of the year.
So Towers threw more pitches to Chavez than Haren has thrown in either inning...
I'm following on GameDay - six times Josh went for the low outside corner? And came inside once, but off the plate.
Gosh, I wonder where they think Chavez' power stroke is...
What I liked even better than that play by Adams (even tho it was a beaut) was the way that Towers, teh Dude, and O-Dog all immediately did the 'nice play' finger pointing schtick.
They seem tight. And loose, if you know what I mean.
(crap. towers hung one in the zone)
They seem tight. And loose, if you know what I mean.
(crap. towers hung one in the zone)
Danny Kolb blew a save against Washington by allowing three in the ninth. Tim Hudson had allowed 1 run in eight innings.
Apparently, there have been 19 blown saves in Hudson's games over the past three seasons and the first week of this one. I'd bet that figure leads the majors, and I wonder what is the next highest.
Apparently, there have been 19 blown saves in Hudson's games over the past three seasons and the first week of this one. I'd bet that figure leads the majors, and I wonder what is the next highest.
For those who have Rogers in the GTA, the Oakland broadcast is on Channel 1.
Just shown was a clip from Chavez getting his Gold Glove award last night. Any idea why VW didn't have an award ceremony last Friday at the Home Opener - I remember Hinske getting his ROY at the '03 Opener and Halladay (IIRC) getting his Cy Young at the '04 Opener.
Just shown was a clip from Chavez getting his Gold Glove award last night. Any idea why VW didn't have an award ceremony last Friday at the Home Opener - I remember Hinske getting his ROY at the '03 Opener and Halladay (IIRC) getting his Cy Young at the '04 Opener.
Will there be TV
For the games down in Texas
Magpie wants to know
For the games down in Texas
Magpie wants to know
These answers and more
If you follow this link here
Short answer is yes
and I wonder what is the next highest.
Halladay vice Koch
(ok. I kid, but for a while it seemed that Koch was blowing every single good game that Halladay had)
It's because sabermetricians don't care about defence.
Wow. Starting August 5th with New York every Jays game is on.
On Rogers out here in the eastern suburbs the game is on channel 69.
The rookie brings it
I, too old and too lazy
to see for myself.
I feel shame.
I, too old and too lazy
to see for myself.
I feel shame.
Rios at the plate
In play, no out recorded
Music to my ears
In play, no out recorded
Music to my ears
Rios jumps from 1st
Ball in dirt
The art of the steal
Ball in dirt
The art of the steal
Nice play by Ellis to nip Adams. But Rios scores anyways. Smallball(TM) strikes again!
(and umm.. if I wasnt neck-deep in code, I'd be spouting off senryu's as well. yeah. thats it. thats the ticket.)
These commentators are about as useful as Rod Black.
to paraphrase:
On the Rios steal: Well it was an out and out steal because Zaun didnt swing for the hit and run. Uh yeah, cause the ball bounced a foot in front of the plate.
On the Rbi groundout: the A's are gonna play the infield back and concede the run. Cut to shot of Chavez playing about even with the bag, and the SS in close.
Eh. I realize im nitpicking.
The commercials are awesome though. The one with Jason Kendall had me smiling.
to paraphrase:
On the Rios steal: Well it was an out and out steal because Zaun didnt swing for the hit and run. Uh yeah, cause the ball bounced a foot in front of the plate.
On the Rbi groundout: the A's are gonna play the infield back and concede the run. Cut to shot of Chavez playing about even with the bag, and the SS in close.
Eh. I realize im nitpicking.
The commercials are awesome though. The one with Jason Kendall had me smiling.
Danny Kolb blew a save against Washington by allowing three in the ninth.
Thereby getting He-Who-Must-Not - oh, hell, it's only Esteban Loaiza - off the hook. I'm a little interested in Kolb this year, and I noticed that in his save against the Mets he struck out a couple of guys.
Thereby pretty much equalling his K total from last year, of course.
But Kolb has had impressive K rates in the past. It was belief that 2004 was a fluke - an off-year. IN which he saved 39 games and went to the All-Star Game. We shall see, of course.
A four-pitch walk? From Towers? With the 3-4-5 hitters coming up? This is alarming.
Apparently, there have been 19 blown saves in Hudson's games over the past three seasons and the first week of this one. I'd bet that figure leads the majors
The average team blows 20-21 saves a year. For a pitcher who gets 35 starts a year, you'd expect him to have a touch more than 13 in three seasons. 19 is high, but I doubt he leads the majors.
Towers has some nice depth to his slider. He's getting more strikeouts this year. His control has been a little off this game.
Towers 4 pitch walk
No longer nicknamed Control Towers
Need a new nickname
His slider is really workin today. Hopefully he can get out of this 1st and 2nd, 1 out... Chavez up jam.
No longer nicknamed Control Towers
Need a new nickname
His slider is really workin today. Hopefully he can get out of this 1st and 2nd, 1 out... Chavez up jam.
Agility of a cat
Is what Towers has
Nice play
I liked that play a lot. Now get Ruby out and the Jays can wake up the bats.
Is what Towers has
Nice play
I liked that play a lot. Now get Ruby out and the Jays can wake up the bats.
His control has been a little off this game.
Has Towers been getting squeezed by the ump? That 2-2 pitch to Chavez looked like strike 3 to me. There's been a couple like that so far that I've noticed.
Nice grab by Towers on that chopper. I dont think it was hard enough for the O-Dog to do much of anything with it.
You're allowed to be a syllable off, every now and then, but 7-5-2, Dave?
Koskie looks very old
But is still young at heart
Nice play
Someone, please tell me that I stink at this and must stop or else I might keep doing it the entire night!!
Nice job by Towers of getting out of a potentially sticky situation. I was thinking about Josh today... he amazingly has been able to stick with this team MUCH LONGER than ANYONE expected (myself included). I remember it wasn't too long ago that everyone thought he was done as a Jay after he made some comments that he probably wishes he hadn't. (About basically auditioning for other teams)
But is still young at heart
Nice play
Someone, please tell me that I stink at this and must stop or else I might keep doing it the entire night!!
Nice job by Towers of getting out of a potentially sticky situation. I was thinking about Josh today... he amazingly has been able to stick with this team MUCH LONGER than ANYONE expected (myself included). I remember it wasn't too long ago that everyone thought he was done as a Jay after he made some comments that he probably wishes he hadn't. (About basically auditioning for other teams)
Nice work by Josh to get out of the jam, but he's thrown almost 60 pitches through 3 while Haren's at 22. All last night's good work in using up the Oakland bullpen is being neutralized.
So they got this guy, and Calero, and their future first baseman (they've already moved Barton out from behind the plate) and, essentially, about $ 6 million dollars. In exchange for one year of Mark Mulder.
I think that's a nice bit of dealing.... even if Mulder pitches St Louis to the World Series.
Ryan, I'll take that as a cry for help. A cry for me to stop, and I will. ;)
Amazing that after Koskie's single, Haren still has only thrown 32 pitches.
Amazing that after Koskie's single, Haren still has only thrown 32 pitches.
Nice work by Josh to get out of the jam
Why thank you. I was worried there for a bit when the toast got wedged in the jam jar opening, but it all worked out in the end.
Ok. I promise. thats the last time I'll do that with Towers on the mound :)
You can't discuss bad-luck starters without mentioning Woody Williams and his last year in TO. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if I remember correctly he turned the game over to the bullpen with the lead only to watch them lose it 9 times that year.
Hinske at the plate
Runners at first and second
Haren needs new pants
Runners at first and second
Haren needs new pants
DUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, who's on the block again?
So, who's on the block again?
Wow, he crushed that. There is no way that Hinske hits that ball out of the park last year. In fact, that was the kind of pitch that would wave at last year- his body seemed to be too far ahead of his bat. This year, his body and arms are in synch.
Someone want to tell me what's going on? Is this a dream? Does it make sense? Wow.
I can't help remembering all the posters who wanted J.P. to trade Eric during the winter and spring training. My how things change.
It's time for Eric "Michael Jordan" Hinske to start getting the Bonds treatment when there's an open base with RISP :)
That's about enough evidence for me. I haven't seen Hinske hit a ball that well in over two years. For those who didn't see it, it was a 3-2 fastball down the pipe and Hinske hit it out to dead centre. It looks like we may have a decent middle of the order after all.
Oh that was so cool. Don't have the radio on - Liam is listening to music, so I'm just watching on GameDay and giving him updates. So he's changing CDs and I announce that "hey, we finally got a hit. Two of them."
"Who's batting?"
"The Dude."
Liam comes to watch. We see the count go full. And then, those poetic words...
In play, run-scoring play
"Dude!" We say together. We wondered what had happened. We waited... we waited...
I think we've created a monster here.
omg.. Hinske does another 2 out clutch hit.. this time its 3 RUN HOMER!
It's just great to see a hitter rework himself so effectively.
Towers responds with his best inning. He and Chacin have been solid.
Agreed. Now I'm sold. He looked slightly fooled by the 3-1 splitter, but didn't panic and stayed back nicely on the fastball even though he knew it was coming. Last year he tries to pull it (if he recognizes its coming at all).
Finally decided to register today. Popped in and out in July and August last summer. Is there still an O-Drum?
Finally decided to register today. Popped in and out in July and August last summer. Is there still an O-Drum?
You know, I must say that Towers is looking very good this year. He's changing seeds well and showing off a pretty good slider. On the second last pitch in the Ellis at-bat, Towers rang in at 94 mph; it would seem that he's put a little extra zip on his fastball this year (also seen him hit a couple in the 91 to 92 mph range).
And as I write this, Towers gets his third k in 4 innings.
And as I write this, Towers gets his third k in 4 innings.
Great inning for Josh
No first strikes, but 1-1 strikes
Four pitches per man
No first strikes, but 1-1 strikes
Four pitches per man
As I'm watching Zaun walk again, I'm seeing a definite improvement in his pitch selection. He didn't strike me as this type of hitter last year.
Also, as I've been off the Box for a while, is there an official nickname list posted somewhere? I'm digging 'The Dude' especially after reading Jobu's in-game 'summary' today. But I still have no idea who the Thrillhouse is...:(
Also, as I've been off the Box for a while, is there an official nickname list posted somewhere? I'm digging 'The Dude' especially after reading Jobu's in-game 'summary' today. But I still have no idea who the Thrillhouse is...:(
yeah, I was gonna mention that Towers looks better than ususal tonight....even though he's getting hit a bit. His slider especially looks much more effective than usual - they're swinging and missing at it all over the place.
I'm not a Towers fan at all, but he looks good tonight, despite his troubles.
as for Hinske.....at what point do we think of putting him up in the 3-hole, and sliding Wells/Koskie down to 4/5?
I'm not a Towers fan at all, but he looks good tonight, despite his troubles.
as for Hinske.....at what point do we think of putting him up in the 3-hole, and sliding Wells/Koskie down to 4/5?
For those of not watching, how did the Adams grounder move Zaun up to second? Was he on the move? Was it a slow roller?
Dr. Prison Fence's Theory of Josh Towers (tm) is that he does very well against average hitting teams but gets pounded by the good hitting teams. We'll see how that holds up this year.
as for Hinske.....at what point do we think of putting him up in the 3-hole, and sliding Wells/Koskie down to 4/5?
When the Jays start needing to create runs. For now it's working, and I can't imagine any reason to mess with success. If Zaun and Rios start slowing down and they start pitching around Hinske then it would make sense, but not just yet. (Ha! I remembered to set it to 'HTML Formatted' this time!)
When the Jays start needing to create runs. For now it's working, and I can't imagine any reason to mess with success. If Zaun and Rios start slowing down and they start pitching around Hinske then it would make sense, but not just yet. (Ha! I remembered to set it to 'HTML Formatted' this time!)
Also, as I've been off the Box for a while, is there an official nickname list posted somewhere?
My lame excuse for a Game Report for the last pre-season game was a call to come up with nicknames for everyone.
http://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20050402011342685
The Dude! emerges in the course of the thread...
Meanwhile, Thrillhouse is Russ Adams - was that Jobu last September?
In fact, that was the kind of pitch that would wave at last year- his body seemed to be too far ahead of his bat.
The classic "front-foot hitter". You got it.
Hitters try all sorts of exaggerated, ridiculous things to keep their weight back - Sadaharu Oh tried literally everything, and eventually settled on the most radical reworking possible, to the point where he hit 868 home runs standing on one foot.** Hinske's stance isn't quite as exaggerated as that, but if you look at Aaron's great picture he has up today, you'll see how Hinske's barely touching the toes on his right foot to the ground.
That, combined with the high hands, ensures that his weight is behind the bat when he makes contact, and from that he can generate power. And jeez, is he ever.
** Oh-san didn't literally hit homers standing on one foot, but he really did stand in the batter's box on one foot. Every time. He would lift the right leg (he hit lefty) in the air and wait for the pitch, and as the pitcher began his delivery he'd raise the leg and plant as he swung.
I have since gotten MLB.tv, but on opening day I experienced the joy of back to back run scoring plays when O-Dawg and Vernon went deep back to back. The best is when there's nobody on base and you see that. :)
Very nice catch by Cat on that well hit ball by Kotsay. I didn't think he was going to hold onto to it- when he caught it, he caught it near the palm of his glove and I thought the wall would knock it loose. He held on and looked pretty cool as he tossed the ball to Vernon...Cool Cat.
And Josh gets his 4th strikeout.
And Josh gets his 4th strikeout.
Towers is tearing through the A's in a hurry. He's gotten seven straight outs, and hasn't gone over four pitches to any of them. That is efficiency.
Meanwhile, Thrillhouse is Russ Adams - was that Jobu last September?
Thats my recollection. Jobu seems to be our nickname czar.
Meanwhile, F-Cat makes a nice catch at the wall, and Towers sits another one down
I blame BatGirl, but I've gotten back into the habit of yelling "SIDDOWN BEE-YATCH" at the TV everytime a Jay strikes someone out. Its very theraputic.
I agree with DaveinNYC above who mentions his suprise that Josh is still with the Jays.
I REALLY admire him. Regardless what we say, or think, Josh believes in himself. I love it when the underdog kicks butt!
Josh, you're makin' me a believer too!
I REALLY admire him. Regardless what we say, or think, Josh believes in himself. I love it when the underdog kicks butt!
Josh, you're makin' me a believer too!
The Dude! emerges in the course of the thread...
Meanwhile, Thrillhouse is Russ Adams - was that Jobu last September?
Does anyone know where the first mention of the Dude was? I first witnessed it at the Hard Rock on opening day.
I think it works. Mostly because you can yell it at your TV whenever he does something good (or bad). Anyone who's seen Baseketball (or even the preview) knows you can carry on an entire conversation using just that word.
In some ways, it's not that surprising what Hinske has done so far. He was a good major league hitter when he was 24, he got sidetracked and his development hit a detour after an injury, and he's getting back to where he should have been all along. He's now 27, in the heart of what should be his peak years.
But watching the guy struggle up close and personal did make many of us question whether he would ever amount to anything, whether he had a fluke year at age 24.
The position change may also have helped. Hinske, when asked, always said he had played lots of first base before... and in fact, he was always stretched a little at third.
Ah! A little respect for the Dude from Haren?
I REALLY admire him. Regardless what we say, or think, Josh believes in himself. I love it when the underdog kicks butt!
He really is an underdog. I'm betting Towers has lost count of the number of people who told him that he couldn't do what he's doing. His self-assurance is astounding.
By the way, GameDay should have different little line-drawing men depending on who's up at the plate. A short little runty guy for the Frank Menechinos, an absurdly tall and thin drawing for the Alex Rioses, a guy wearing a warmup jacket for pitchers...
I feel bad.
I think I'm the only one on this site who absolutely hates that nickname ("The Dude.") Oh well, you guys have your fun.
As long as Hinske performs, that's all that matters.
Haren has suddenly only thrown one less pitch than Towers. He's pitched an extra inning, but like that's relevant! ;)
I think I'm the only one on this site who absolutely hates that nickname ("The Dude.") Oh well, you guys have your fun.
As long as Hinske performs, that's all that matters.
Haren has suddenly only thrown one less pitch than Towers. He's pitched an extra inning, but like that's relevant! ;)
The conversion works in a lot of ways:
- Hinske goes from being a below average 3B to an above average 1B
- he can feel free to add a few pounds of muscle now (see Thome, Jim)
- he can concentrate on hitting, rather than being distracted by hours and hours of infield practice (and it appears he has been doing just that!)
- Hinske goes from being a below average 3B to an above average 1B
- he can feel free to add a few pounds of muscle now (see Thome, Jim)
- he can concentrate on hitting, rather than being distracted by hours and hours of infield practice (and it appears he has been doing just that!)
Does anyone know where the first mention of the Dude was?
From the "nicknames" Game Report:
Magpie - Saturday, April 02 2005 @ 12:35 PM EST (#108705)
I don't think we can settle for the team's nicknames for Hinske. "Ske" is just... lazy. And "Hendu" is permanently associated with Dave Henderson in my mind.
Something that will inspire him to 30 HRs is required. A moniker worthy of respect. So that when he walks up to the plate, we all just go... "D-U-U-D-E"
Jobu - Saturday, April 02 2005 @ 01:58 PM EST (#108713)
So that when he walks up to the plate, we all just go... "D-U-U-D-E"
I kinda like it actually. Why don't we just call Eric "The Dude"? Hey, it worked for Jeff Bridges.
I guess Jobu and I should share the blame.
Wow, great at-bat for both Towers and Chavez. Most times, there is no way the hitter gets that pitch out of the infield. Chavez, though, managed to get it up into the OF.
Woo!! Towers muscled up on that high heat to Kendall. Impressive.
I remember when I first moved to my apartment in Rochester (2000), Towers was highly touted prospect and very effective AAA pitcher for the Orioles (I believe he started the All-Star Game at Frontier Field) because he almost never walked anyone. "Control Towers" was his nickname here when the Wings were an O's affiliate.
I remember when I first moved to my apartment in Rochester (2000), Towers was highly touted prospect and very effective AAA pitcher for the Orioles (I believe he started the All-Star Game at Frontier Field) because he almost never walked anyone. "Control Towers" was his nickname here when the Wings were an O's affiliate.
You know, Towers is hitting 92 regularly tonight, and I think he's gone higher than that a couple of times.
His slider will never be nasty, but it's very tight and very accurate....plus his change and curve are decent as well.
I know Josh isn't known for his "stuff"....but I'll be damned if for maybe the first time ever, his "stuff" looks MLB quality to me today.
His slider will never be nasty, but it's very tight and very accurate....plus his change and curve are decent as well.
I know Josh isn't known for his "stuff"....but I'll be damned if for maybe the first time ever, his "stuff" looks MLB quality to me today.
GameDay should have different little line-drawing men depending on who's up at the plate. A short little runty guy for the Frank Menechinos, an absurdly tall and thin drawing for the Alex Rioses,
And for Calvin Pickering...
I wish they'd get a new picture of Towers, this one irritates the hell out of me.
And I completely agree about Towers - because you're right, he has surely heard a whole bunch of times that he just doesn't have major league stuff. He is one competitive S.O.B. Easy guy to root for.
91 pitches through 6 for Towers. Think he's done?
He might have one more inning left...or we could be seeing Frasor. I'm thinking the ideal situation is to have Towers go one more, then have Speier or Frasor toss the 8th and Batista the 9th, but I'm not sure Towers has the stamina. He's usually done at around 90 isn't he?
We'll see I guess. Meanwhile 3G draws another walk. Is that 5 walks between yesterday and today? Nice.
He might have one more inning left...or we could be seeing Frasor. I'm thinking the ideal situation is to have Towers go one more, then have Speier or Frasor toss the 8th and Batista the 9th, but I'm not sure Towers has the stamina. He's usually done at around 90 isn't he?
We'll see I guess. Meanwhile 3G draws another walk. Is that 5 walks between yesterday and today? Nice.
Towers is at 91 pitches, and that's about his limit. Is anyone getting ready in the pen?
Oakland must know something about Zaun that we don't. They are obviously afraid to pitch to him. :)
I went to a Jays-Angels game in May last year when Zaunie was batting .455 after our catching injury carousel started and just kept raking. He's another one you love to root for.
I went to a Jays-Angels game in May last year when Zaunie was batting .455 after our catching injury carousel started and just kept raking. He's another one you love to root for.
Tower's GameDay pic is indeed irritating. Zaun's is also very ... unflattering.
Ok, time for the inevitable nickname recap:
Halladay -- Doc
Lilly -- ???
Bush -- ???
Towers -- Bulldog?
Chacin -- Morpheus?
Batista -- El Artista, "Strikey"
Walker -- ???
Frasor -- JFK
Chulk -- Yo Vinnie!, Incredible Chulk
Schoenweis -- SS Loogy
Speier -- ???
League -- Hawaiian Punch Out
Hinske -- The Dude
Hudson -- O-Dog
Adams -- Thrillhouse
Koskie -- CK5
Myers -- Crash
Zaun -- going, going... (he's been "the mailman" this series...)
Hillenbrand -- Chez... (somebody smarter than me please complete this)
Menechino -- Mighty Mouse?
McDonald -- John A? PMO?
Cat -- F-Cat, Cat, etc.
Wells -- V-Dub
Rios -- El Al?
Johnson -- Sparky
Gross -- Babe? 144? (gone, but will be back soon...)
Halladay -- Doc
Lilly -- ???
Bush -- ???
Towers -- Bulldog?
Chacin -- Morpheus?
Batista -- El Artista, "Strikey"
Walker -- ???
Frasor -- JFK
Chulk -- Yo Vinnie!, Incredible Chulk
Schoenweis -- SS Loogy
Speier -- ???
League -- Hawaiian Punch Out
Hinske -- The Dude
Hudson -- O-Dog
Adams -- Thrillhouse
Koskie -- CK5
Myers -- Crash
Zaun -- going, going... (he's been "the mailman" this series...)
Hillenbrand -- Chez... (somebody smarter than me please complete this)
Menechino -- Mighty Mouse?
McDonald -- John A? PMO?
Cat -- F-Cat, Cat, etc.
Wells -- V-Dub
Rios -- El Al?
Johnson -- Sparky
Gross -- Babe? 144? (gone, but will be back soon...)
A short little runty guy for the Frank Menechinos, an absurdly tall and thin drawing for the Alex Rioses,
I was noting in my program on opening day:
Frank Menechino: 5'8", 198
Alexis Rios: 6'5", 194
If we're going with nicknames for everybody Id like to second "Control Towers".
That's pretty funny.
Menechino is built like a NFL running back, and we're calling him "runty" :)
Menechino is built like a NFL running back, and we're calling him "runty" :)
JP, it's Omar
I'll pay Hinske for you now
Will Box approve this?
I'll pay Hinske for you now
Will Box approve this?
Hinske may be the Dude but to me he's the Hitske.
The nickname I suggest for McDonald was "Sir John, The Minister of Defence" (NFH seemed to like it). Well, that's a bit long for frequent use, so we could go with "Sir John" as a shortform.
My vote is still in for Governor Bush, For Towers I like Cotrol towers or something to do with his ears(not Bulldog) for Hillenbrand how bout we just call him Hack!
I get a kick out of all these nicknames. Pretty soon we'll be getting requests by other teams fans to make up nicknames for their players.
Towers -- Bulldog?
Chacin -- Morpheus?
Koskie -- CK5
Zaun -- going, going... (he's been "the mailman" this series...)
Chacin -- Morpheus?
Koskie -- CK5
Zaun -- going, going... (he's been "the mailman" this series...)
I don't have too many nicknames, but I've read enough Batgirl to call Koskie by his given name "Cordel." Chacin could have tens of nicknames. I loved the conversation between Boomhauer and Morpheus. Amazing stuff. Poor Gibby. He caught at Scranton in 1990. He was a really nice guy and pretty sharp. (He signed autographs at a photo store my mom worked at at the time) But I do see the Boomhauer reference. hahaa Zaun looks like my buddy Justin when he has the scruff going, so that's a personal one. I'd like to throw "Control Towers" out there from his Rochester days. I know its corny, but sometimes nicknames are just that.
Hmmm Frankie M is in for Koskie at 3B now. This seems a little strange unless Koskie's injured.
So far, so good for the Jays tonight, and Towers just striking out his 6th A.
A little more off-topic, is anybody else unable to access espn.go.com? Nothing will load at all for me.
A little more off-topic, is anybody else unable to access espn.go.com? Nothing will load at all for me.
My GameDay reads;
"Defensive Substitution: Frank Menechino replaces third baseman Corey Koskie, batting 4th."
Is Corey injured?! Did John Gibbons read us talking about Menechino?! I don't get it! I need answers!
"Defensive Substitution: Frank Menechino replaces third baseman Corey Koskie, batting 4th."
Is Corey injured?! Did John Gibbons read us talking about Menechino?! I don't get it! I need answers!
So I guess the A's announcers didn't think this was relevant enough to mention, but apparently Menechino is in for Koskie at thirdbase. Why? Koskie is most likely a lot better of a fielder at third...I wonder how much Mighty Mouse has played thirdbase?
A little surprised to Koskie come out of the game...
I guarantee this. Towers may allow a baserunner or even two, but there is no way Gibbons will let him pitch to the go-ahead run. He's been very consistent about it with all his starters. If they have a one-run lead, and they put the tying run on late in the game, he goes to the pen. He won't let the guy who's taken him late into the ball game take the loss.
And just as I'm saying that....
Is it possible Reed and Menechino would go in if Gibbons is anticipating Rincon coming in to pitch? Wasnt he warming up earlier? Or maybe just to get some playing time.
Nevermind, it's late, and that wouldnt make any sense.
Great outing by Towers. Heck all the starts by Chacin and Towers have been outstanding this season.
It's weird seeing League without the googles on his Gameday pic.
It's weird seeing League without the googles on his Gameday pic.
Talk about a vote of confidence for the young League, here. With Kotsay up I figured we'd see Schoeneweis, but after looking at the stats, that may not have been wise. (Kotsay hits lefties as well as he hits righties).
Hopefully the Brandon Heat King/Hawaiian Punch-out gets 'im.
Hopefully the Brandon Heat King/Hawaiian Punch-out gets 'im.
Welp, Hawaiian Punch Out needs to do just that..
I think Brandon League may need a little bit of time in Syracuse. He hasn't looked sharp so far this season.
Yeah baby!
Great running catch by Sparky to protect the lead!
Great running catch by Sparky to protect the lead!
heh!
Gibbons teh defensive tactical genius.
no way Cat gets that ball.
Gibbons teh defensive tactical genius.
no way Cat gets that ball.
Sparky REALLY got on his horse to get that one. Great catch!
I know I'm stating the obvious, but what a sage defensive substitution by Mr. Gibbons!
League needed that - strand a couple of runners. Now he can go to the shower and know he did something positive.
I'm thinking that Jay Spy is not the setup guy tonight. Frasor for the 8th, Batista for the 9th? Works for me.
Great catch by Sparky to get League out of the inning.
Would Cat have gotten to that ball? Great move by Gibbons in getting Sparky into the game. I am really liking the way that Boomhauser is using his bench.
Would Cat have gotten to that ball? Great move by Gibbons in getting Sparky into the game. I am really liking the way that Boomhauser is using his bench.
It must be an injury to Koskie for him to come out of this game. Hopefully it is just something minor. Koskie has been in to hit against all the lefties so far, I can't see them pinch hitting for him even if Rincon is coming in.
Works for me too, Magpie, but I get the feeling we'll see League again in the 8th. Gibbons is a bit slow with the hook, IMO.
Randon comment here... Justin Speier will be an Atlanta Brave by the end of July.
Gosh, Vernon Wells must lead the team in useless at-bats over the last 3 years. Does he HAVE to swing at the first pitch all the time?
I don't get the feeling that he has progressed at all as a hitter since his great season in 03. Am I just being hasty?
I don't get the feeling that he has progressed at all as a hitter since his great season in 03. Am I just being hasty?
I would leave League in to face Thomas and Kendall then bring SS in for the lefties to follow.
Is it just me or does League have almost too much movement on his pitches? Seems batters have been laying off of them because they are so drastic.
I would leave League in to face Thomas and Kendall then bring SS in for the lefties to follow.
League stays in... Not sure I like this idea... And as I type that, he gets an out.
I think that's the plan Stellers, although only Kendall is up. Schoeneweis should be on his way out of the pen now to face Chavez and Durazo. Jason Frasor is also warming up, although it'll likely just be Batista in the 9th should the SS Loogy do his job.
The depth on this staff is quite striking this year.
Pete Walker is throwing smoke, and the only place he's going to get to use it is in mop-up duty,
All 5 starters are going ok, and nobody (maybe with the exception of League) is struggling in the bullpen this year). I wonder if League eventually gets sent down to work on his control and Gross gets called back up...
Pete Walker is throwing smoke, and the only place he's going to get to use it is in mop-up duty,
All 5 starters are going ok, and nobody (maybe with the exception of League) is struggling in the bullpen this year). I wonder if League eventually gets sent down to work on his control and Gross gets called back up...
Either I was too obscure, or no one here cares. A month ago, many of us would have danced with glee at the thought of giving away Hinske. He's off to a fantastic start; have thoughts changed?
Hopefully Wells snaps out of his slump soon because's he's currently hitting .182 right now.
He's simply carrying over his ST performance into the regular season. Good thing Hinske and Hillenbrand have really picked up the slack.
...
Here comes SS, hopefully he does better than his last outing.
He's simply carrying over his ST performance into the regular season. Good thing Hinske and Hillenbrand have really picked up the slack.
...
Here comes SS, hopefully he does better than his last outing.
Nice confidence boost for the Hawaiian kid. Got out of the 7th with some help from Sparky and gets his man to start the 8th.
On the one hand, its good that the SS Loogy is keeping the pitches down in the zone. On the other hand, nobody's chasing his stuff at the shins.
Garg
Garg
I have faith in The Schosen one.
Scho me the way. Hmm..."The Schosen One"?, "The Big Scho"? This has possibilities.
Strange line-up construction for Oakland. Three lefties in a row is begging for the SS Loogy in a tight game. Of course it looks better all the time for Oakland if Schoewenweis keeps falling behind batters 3-0
Oh no...
I'm getting the baseball fever...
Every 15 minutes I say to myself 'just 15 more minutes' or 'one more defensive inning' and I'm going to watch the whole game.
Come on Jays, no more West coast games. :)
I'm getting the baseball fever...
Every 15 minutes I say to myself 'just 15 more minutes' or 'one more defensive inning' and I'm going to watch the whole game.
Come on Jays, no more West coast games. :)
Yes! Ryan, I'm glad you see the many ideas that lie within the first syllable of his last name. :D I prefer the Schosen one, but it's wide open right now. SS Loogy is fine, but I don't think has the flow.
" maybe at the skydome...or rogers dome, or whatever its called"
that sums up my feelings exactly
that sums up my feelings exactly
I'm surprised we didn't see the henchman there.
Wow, _nasty_ pitch from Duke to get Hinske.
Must be nice having a 70 MPH curve in your arsenal of pitches.
Must be nice having a 70 MPH curve in your arsenal of pitches.
Stellars Jay, I know it's practically impossible. But we issue a challenge to Bauxites, wherever you are, to spell the name of the SS Loogy correctly.
It can be done - I think King Ryan and James W pulled it off - and it takes some work, I realize.
Me, I think to myself - SHOW-NA-WEIS, and go from there.
Good luck!
" maybe at the skydome...or rogers dome, or whatever its called"
that sums up my feelings exactly
Agreed. It'll always be SkyDome
Do they not ever update those gamecast photos? Menechino is still in his Oakland uniform and Zaun is in his KC digs.
Going, Going.....Zaun!!
Going, Going.....Zaun!!
The replays showed Rios to be safe, although it was close.
Magpie,
I promise I didn't look. How's this? Probably wrong..
Schoeneweiss?
I know there's the right amount of E's but I think I used too many S's.
-Bob
I promise I didn't look. How's this? Probably wrong..
Schoeneweiss?
I know there's the right amount of E's but I think I used too many S's.
-Bob
ok be honest, how many bauxites actually just said, Going Going ZAUN.
Going Going Zaun!!!
2nd in the AL in Ribbies!!
2nd in the AL in Ribbies!!
Going, going, Zaun!
Talk about a Moneyball line:
1-2, HR, 2 BB.
C'mon Strikey! Close this one out fast so I can get some sleep!
Talk about a Moneyball line:
1-2, HR, 2 BB.
C'mon Strikey! Close this one out fast so I can get some sleep!
Nothing quite like seeing "In play, run-scoring play" when there's no one on base. :-)
Schoeneweis...the only thing that I need to remember is that the "n" is sandwiched in between two e's. Once I remember the second "e," the rest of the name is easy to me.
Schoeneweis...the only thing that I need to remember is that the "n" is sandwiched in between two e's. Once I remember the second "e," the rest of the name is easy to me.
geez the jays are playing some clutch baseball, i know it wont hold up all year, but its nice while it lasts
Uh, GameDay has Batista pitching to Russ Adams.
I'm very confused. Who's playing short?
Well, I count 7 so far on this page alone. :)
As for Schoeneweis' name, I just think of it in parts: Scho-en-e-weis. That middle E is the tricky one. And as seen above, there's a tendency to add an extra S at the end, a la Walt Weiss.
As for Schoeneweis' name, I just think of it in parts: Scho-en-e-weis. That middle E is the tricky one. And as seen above, there's a tendency to add an extra S at the end, a la Walt Weiss.
Good teams tack on the insurance runs when the opposing pitcher thinks he's playing out the string.
How can we not get excited about this squad?
How can we not get excited about this squad?
Miguel Batista on to get my fantasy team a much needed save after Danny Kolb's collapse today!
Sorry Magpie. It's late, I'll do better next time.
Magpie,
Thursday and Sunday's games are on TSN. Friday and Sat. are on Sportsnet.
Thursday and Sunday's games are on TSN. Friday and Sat. are on Sportsnet.
Uh, GameDay has Batista pitching to Russ Adams.
I'm very confused. Who's playing short?
Actually, I believe Who is on first. I don't know's at short, right?
Did Batista just kind of go "Oh, I'm tired of this bozo and his foul balls, take your damn base."
I am just not sold on Batista as closer. He just doesn't scream "I can shut down the game when we need it"
Speier makes me feel the same way about getting the lead to the closer.
Those are my only pessimist statements tonight. Not bad. :)
Speier makes me feel the same way about getting the lead to the closer.
Those are my only pessimist statements tonight. Not bad. :)
Man, Strikey should had a strikeout of Ellis, that was a good pitch for the 3rd ball.
Remember when Haren had thrown like 5 pitches through three innings and Towers had thrown like 500?
Well, After it's all said and done:
Haren: 7IP, 100 pitches, 61 strikes
Towers: 6.2IP, 100 pitches, 70 strikes
Excellent, excellent, finish for the control man.
Well, After it's all said and done:
Haren: 7IP, 100 pitches, 61 strikes
Towers: 6.2IP, 100 pitches, 70 strikes
Excellent, excellent, finish for the control man.
BBatista needs to cut down on the freebies although that was a nice AB by Ellis.
Nice to see Swisher and Hillenbrand help my fantasy team tonight. Haren was also solid although that means squat for my team.
Nice to see Swisher and Hillenbrand help my fantasy team tonight. Haren was also solid although that means squat for my team.
Actually, I believe Who is on first. I don't know's at short, right?
Nope. I dont know's the third baseman. I dont give a damn is the shortstop, as I recall.
Yay for Strikey!
Oh please. I am the guy who once mis-spelled the name of the Jays second baseman. Remember that switch-hitter, good player... Robbie Almomar?
I didn't think so.
Great game! Nice to see Batista settle down and put the A's away without too many dramatics.
There you have it folks, your 2005 World Series Champions... The Toronto Blue Jays!
So much for my assessment of Batista. Maybe I'll ride him all year in a sort of "Win in spite of me" Herb Brooks kind of vibe.
Night all. It's been a blast. Tomorrow I get to hear "F***in Blue Jays" as I walk by assorted Red Sox and Yankees cubicles. hehehe
Night all. It's been a blast. Tomorrow I get to hear "F***in Blue Jays" as I walk by assorted Red Sox and Yankees cubicles. hehehe
That's right Jsoh, mea culpa.
Costello: I don't know.
Abbott and Costello together: Third base!
Costello: I don't know.
Abbott and Costello together: Third base!
FIRST PLACE in MLB!!!!!!!
I already have my plane ticket and hotel booked for the parade:)
Great pitching, timely hitting, suprising amount of HR pop, and solid defence = 3 straight series victories to open the season
I already have my plane ticket and hotel booked for the parade:)
Great pitching, timely hitting, suprising amount of HR pop, and solid defence = 3 straight series victories to open the season
Batista pitched well, but he still tries to be way too cute.
When facing someone like Ellis, throw him the gas, and see what he can do with it. More than likely, it will be a weak groundout to Thrillhouse. Worst case scenario is a line drive base hit. But walking someone like him is just plain dumb. Especially when you throw 94 MPH with movement...
When facing someone like Ellis, throw him the gas, and see what he can do with it. More than likely, it will be a weak groundout to Thrillhouse. Worst case scenario is a line drive base hit. But walking someone like him is just plain dumb. Especially when you throw 94 MPH with movement...
It does beat the crap out of last year, doesn't it?
The Season From Hell has made us all stronger. It has given us character, and on occasion, characters. It has made us stronger. We are better for having endured it.
But no more. That's enough, buddy.
Now if Doc and the Bushmaster can turn it up a notch in their next couple of starts this team could put together a nice run. I am however cautiously optimistic given our bullpen.
Wow I did not notice that before. After tomorrow the Jays go to Texas, and then they have 6 series in a row versus divisional opponents. BOS, NYY, BAL, TB, NYY, BAL which takes us to May 6th. If the Jays are still playing this well for those series of games.........well that would be nice.
Wow. The starters have really been something this year, haven't they? And Hinske--oh, man. This is a lot of fun.
Geez, Hinske's 162 game projection is positively Bondsian!
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6645
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6645
263 RBIs eh? If he gets that then he might just live up to his contract ;)
All we can do now is wait for tommorow in the hope of another win. I know it is incredibly early, but I hope the Jays are in the hunt as I move to Waterloo for university in the fall. Magic in 2005!
Went out to watch the game, just got in now. I love reading these game threads at night. I'd also like to thank everyone for the compliments on my re-cap, I had alot of fun writing it.
If I can raise the money, I'm seriously considering putting
The Dude
11
On the back of my jersey. Great game tonight, it's damn fun watching the Jays nowadays. What's the pitching matchup tomorrow?
If I can raise the money, I'm seriously considering putting
The Dude
11
On the back of my jersey. Great game tonight, it's damn fun watching the Jays nowadays. What's the pitching matchup tomorrow?
I haven't complemented the recap quite yet old pal, nice job. I especially brother enjoyed the Morpheus dialogues. Very funny.
Bush
0-1, 5.40
VS.
Blanton
0-0, 3.60
Bush
0-1, 5.40
VS.
Blanton
0-0, 3.60
Great game tonight, it's damn fun watching the Jays nowadays. What's the pitching matchup tomorrow?
Bush (0-1, 5.40) vs. Blanton (0-0, 3.60)
Bush (0-1, 5.40) vs. Blanton (0-0, 3.60)
Hey Petey, Waterloo you say? That's where I go to school. We should get some cheer club meetings going for this magic in 05 you speak of.
I always call Russ Adams "Rafterman" because he looks like Rafterman from the movie Full Metal Jacket, he even seems to have the same expressions and mannerisms.
Speaking of which, Russ Adams is the best bottom of the order trash in the league right now if you ask me!
Speaking of which, Russ Adams is the best bottom of the order trash in the league right now if you ask me!
Apparently Koskie hurt his neck last night and is day-to-day. So do the Jays start Hillebrand at third and DH Zaun to give him some rest while starting Myers behind the plate?