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Yeah, I know, everyone seems to be calling him Morpheus (in Oakland, they called him "The Fly") - but Liam is an even bigger Tragically Hip fan than myself and Gus the Polar Bear was his idea, and I'm sticking with it. It's blood, you know.

Kenny Rogers... well, he knows what he's doing out there. He gives up a few more hits than your average AL pitcher, but makes up for it by allowing fewer walks and fewer homers. He's even harder to run against than Ryan Drese. Last year, opponents stole two - yes, two - bases all year while the Gambler was on the hill. Over the last three years, he's allowed as many balks as stolen bases.

Six balks and six stolen bases. In three years. So, forget the running game tonight. Rogers still gets more ground balls than fly balls, but he's nowhere near as extreme a ground ball pitcher as he used to be. He made some kind of adjustment during his one year with the Twins, and seems to have continued with it.

And a reminder. We're into the regular season, the games are televised now. We can assume that everyone's watching. So we don't need the play-by-play the same way we needed it during spring training. Save your strength, gang! Enjoy the game! We can cut that stuff out now, unless someone chained to a radio specifically asks for a visual description of something.

Lineups? We got lineups. Jays make a few changes...

Menechino, 3b         Soriano, 2b
Johnson, lf           Blalock, 3b
Wells, cf             Young, ss
Koskie, dh            Teixeira, 1b
Hillenbrand, 1b       Hidalgo, rf
Rios, rf              Allen, dh
Zaun, c               Mench, lf
Hudson, 2b            Mathews, cf
McDonald, ss          Barajas, c
Chacin, p             Rogers, p
Play ball!
Game 12: Gus the Polar Bear vs The Gambler | 175 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Jordan - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 07:30 PM EDT (#112029) #
It's gratifying that the Jays keep running Corey Koskie out there in the cleanup spot against lefties. I think that's both a show of confidence in their free-agent acquisition, and perhaps less charitably, an acknowledgement that there's really no one else you can slot in there right now against southpaws. Eric Hinske's doing just fine batting 6th, and no doubt Gibbons doesn't want to fix what ain't broke. "Batting fourth, Shea Hillenbrand" would make me sad.

At the same time, I'm really not thrilled to see this much playing time for John McDonald -- I'd hate to think he and Russ Adams are in a virtual platoon. This isn't Johan Santana or the Big Unit the Jays are facing tonight -- the kind of hard-throwing lefty against which Adams would have little chance. In fact, lefties hit Rogers better last year than did righties, and walked more often too. This is the kind of portsider against whom you can start a lefty-hitting rookie, because a couple of hits could really help boost his confidence. I don't really hate this move in April, but I'd hate it in May and I'd loathe it in June.

Should be a good game tonight -- Chacin gets a real test from this Ranger lineup, which is about due to break out.

DMay - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 07:41 PM EDT (#112030) #
Dropping O-Dog in the line-up is a smart play for now. His production has been atrocious and he is professional enough to know that he just isn't helping the team in the two spot right now. He'll undoubtedly get out of this slump, but in the meantime, we can't sacrifice a crucial part of the top order.

Also, interested to see Menichino tonight. Haven't seen much from him yet this season.
Pistol - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:06 PM EDT (#112033) #
So, forget the running game tonight

Not that the Jays have been running to start with. They only have one stolen base on the year.

Jordan - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:21 PM EDT (#112035) #
Left-handers who can hold runners close at first are the best weapon the Jays have to defeat the opposition running game. Gregg Zaun, whatever his other qualities, does not intimidate baserunners. Soriano didn't seem to be comfortable getting reads off Chacin, which is promising.
DaveInNYC - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:26 PM EDT (#112036) #
Is it me, or does Gustavo always seem to be able to get himself out of trouble? He's just one of those guys that seems to give up a lot of baserunners, but rarely gives up any serious damage.

This could either be a trend, or just a run of good luck. Here's hoping that it's a trend that will continue for a LONG time.
CaramonLS - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:28 PM EDT (#112037) #
Wow I didn't think that ball had enough legs to go.
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:28 PM EDT (#112038) #
Shea hit that near the end of the bat but he just did get enough of it.
Jordan - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:29 PM EDT (#112039) #
Okay, maybe Shea Hillenbrand should be batting fourth....
DaveInNYC - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:30 PM EDT (#112040) #
Hillenbrand may not walk much, but he almost always hits the ball VERY HARD and he definitely has the power to drive the ball over the wall somewhere around 20 times this season.

Another thing, he is the best opposite field hitter on the team IMO. Cat and Hudson are close behind, but Hillenbrand hits the ball the other way with authority (although the homer wasn't opposite way, just saying)
DaveInNYC - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:33 PM EDT (#112041) #
It's refreshing to see the approach that Zaun brings to the plate every at-bat. He's very patient at the plate, as evident in his 5 walks in 2 games against Oakland... and he also does a great job of waiting for HIS pitch and driving it when he gets that pitch.

Definitely respectable production for a catcher hitting at the bottom of the order.
DJR - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:41 PM EDT (#112042) #
Some great nicknames out there for Gus but, watching him do his little dance out there on the mound, I can only think of Cha-cha-Chacin.
Jordan - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:42 PM EDT (#112043) #
Further to the earlier post about shutting down the running game ... Lilly was one of the better pitchers in the AL last year in that regard. He allowed only 7 steals all season out of 8, in the top rank among pitchers with the threshold IP. That said, only one runner was thrown out trying to steal. Kenny Rogers, as advertised, is tougher: only 2 steals and 5 caught-stealings last season.

Among other pitchers, Javier Vazquez was suprisingly effective, allowing only 2 steals and getting 5 CS. Bartolo Colon surprised me: 3 steals and 6 batters. At the opposite end, Derek Lowe was a green light for baserunners: 34 steals in 36 tries. Right behind him was ex-Boston rotation mate Tim Wakefield, 33 steals in 41 attempts. Don't pin all the blame on Jason Varitek, though: Curt Schilling and Bronson Arroyo were among the best pitchers in SB/CS rates.
Jordan - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:48 PM EDT (#112044) #
The Rangers don't seem very comfortable against Chacin out there -- I'm sure the HBP of Teixeira helped in that respect, but they seem to be a little hesitant and off their stride. Chain's stuttering delivery is a real plus, but it's the kind of thing that may be good only once around the league. The two walks he's allowed already might show that the hitters may be starting to adjust.
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:50 PM EDT (#112045) #
Chacin finally follows through and gets a pitch down and in on Barajas to strike him out. He needs to pitch down there a lot more often than he has because if he keeps pitching up they'll keep fouling it back and eventually turn one around. He's already thrown 42 pitches in two innings and isn't going to last beyond inning 5 at this rate.
Jordan - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:50 PM EDT (#112046) #
Forty-two pitches for Chacin through 2 innings. Pete Walker shouldn't get too comfortable out in the pen.
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:51 PM EDT (#112047) #
Wow...MacDonald has just about the weakest infield hit I've ever seen. :)
Braby21 - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:51 PM EDT (#112048) #
DaveinNYC

I haven't seen much of Shea in his career (just as a Jay) but IMO Rios is the Jay's best oppo hitter, he seems to hit the ball hard that way for most of his extra base hits.
DaveInNYC - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:56 PM EDT (#112049) #
Braby, I respect that opinion, but from what I've seen of Hillenbrand he's very good at going the other way and finding the gaps. While Rios is another good opposite field hitter on the Jays that I forgot about ;) I still don't feel that he's fully developed in terms of his hitting approach.

Hillenbrand can go opposite field by design, Rios goes opposite field most of the times because his swing is long and he's late on most pitches. Don't get me wrong, he still absolutly ropes the ball to right, but he's not up there with Hilly just yet I don't think.

Good point though Braby.
DaveInNYC - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:58 PM EDT (#112050) #
Vernon Wells might have a good, long career with computers when his playing days are over...

because he's a HACKER!
Jordan - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 08:58 PM EDT (#112051) #
It should go without saying, but it's good to see that the umpires aren't pursuing that foolishness from last year about issuing warnings more or less automatically after teams trade HBPs. Teixeira and Johnson were each hit by pitchers coming inside legitimately, and as far as I can tell, neither side thought anything of it. As it should be.
Jordan - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:00 PM EDT (#112052) #
Yes, but Vernon did drive the ball well on that first-pitch swing. That's the nature of his game, and when it works -- as it soon will, when he catches fire -- no one complains.
Joseph Krengel - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:02 PM EDT (#112053) #
I'd rather have foolish umpires that call strikes consistently though. Every spring they say they're going to call the high strike, and every year it disappears April 1st.
Jordan - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:02 PM EDT (#112054) #
Let's see if Soriano gets a better read on Chacin at first base this time.
Braby21 - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:03 PM EDT (#112055) #
I was thinking about this during lastnight's game when Vernon came up w/ 1st and 3rd and 2 outs in the 8th. Who would you want to have up to bat for the Jays in that situation if you could pick?

I would certainly pick Shea...everytime he comes up I feel confident that he will get a good piece of the ball.
Jordan - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:05 PM EDT (#112056) #
That's what a large outfield will do for you -- Soriano could tag up on that long fly to left. Smart baserunning.
Jordan - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:06 PM EDT (#112057) #
Every time a pitcher starts focusing on the runner on second, the batter has a huge advantage. Chacin needs to pay attention to the guy holding the bat.
DaveInNYC - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:08 PM EDT (#112058) #
Once again, Gustavo escapes trouble. He's like Gilligan's Island, cause he just leaves em stranded...

I'm sorry, but when I saw that we are supposed to act as if we were trying out for a job as a broadcaster I thought that the horrible corny jokes were included.

R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:11 PM EDT (#112059) #
Rogers is giving Shea some meaty pitches to hit. Got a hanging curve and lined it hard up the middle.
Quwyetr - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:12 PM EDT (#112060) #
They're talking about lefties with perfect games...and forgot Randy Johnson...argh...and I don't think Jamie has a good eye for fly balls. He seems to call everything deep at first...maybe its just me...
CaramonLS - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:12 PM EDT (#112061) #
That looked like a Stomach first slide there by Hillenbrand.
mathesond - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:14 PM EDT (#112062) #
Don't feel bad, Dave. Warren Sawkiw said earlier that Zaun "wears his heart on his chest"
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:24 PM EDT (#112063) #
Chacin is throwing much better over the last couple of innings. 42 pitches in the first two innings and 20 pitches in the last two innings combined. Nice D by Johnson in left field to get him out of the inning there.
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:26 PM EDT (#112064) #
No cheap hit this time for MacDonald. Lovely swing on a fastball sinking away and hits it on a line to right.
Braby21 - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:27 PM EDT (#112065) #
Backup SS's should be doing anything they can do to sign w/ the Jays every off season.
CaramonLS - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:31 PM EDT (#112066) #
Wow that one looked like it was gone.
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:31 PM EDT (#112067) #
Good pitch to drive for Vernon but he just missed it. He was hitting into the wind as well.
DaveInNYC - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:31 PM EDT (#112068) #
Jays could really use some runs here to create some much needed distant. I don't feel too safe with a 1-0 lead right about now.
dp - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:34 PM EDT (#112069) #
anyone else think Adams would be playing more?
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:34 PM EDT (#112070) #
Apparently you only need to get the pitch within six inches of the plate to get a called strike. Still with two strikes Cory should be protecting that outside corner and trying to shoot a hit to left. That's the only way he's going to hit Rogers. He's left four runners on base in this game already.
CaramonLS - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:35 PM EDT (#112071) #
Wells: 4 Runners Left on base
Koskie: 4 Runners Left on base

We really need these guys.
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:36 PM EDT (#112072) #
MacDonald gets a ball spinning crazily and it kicks off his glove for an error. That play looked routine but it was tough.
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:39 PM EDT (#112073) #
Zaun throws out the baserunner. Huge out to help the pitcher after the error.
Braby21 - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:40 PM EDT (#112074) #
Mathew's Jr picked a bad pitching to run on, he should've been able to see Zaun's glove way up in the zone prior to Gus's delivery.

0-2 pitches generally aren't the best pitches to run on, especially w/ some big bats coming up.
Braby21 - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:40 PM EDT (#112075) #
bad PITCH...sorry
DJR - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:40 PM EDT (#112076) #
It's not a 2-step, it's the cha-cha.
BrockLanders - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:41 PM EDT (#112077) #
Frankly, I am getting bored of these quality starts by our rotation.

Just kidding!
Braby21 - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:42 PM EDT (#112078) #
Shea is money right now.
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:42 PM EDT (#112079) #
Chacin has really turned his game around. He started the game really shaky with his command but he went from a 5 inning pace to a 7 inning pace on his pitch count. 70 pitches through 5 innings and he's doing just enough to keep the Rangers off balance and is pitching a shutout.
Braby21 - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:42 PM EDT (#112080) #
Shea is money right now.
Braby21 - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:43 PM EDT (#112081) #
oops double post...or maybe Shea is JUST that money.
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:43 PM EDT (#112082) #
Soriano turns 2 outs into no outs. Strange night for the infielders.
CaramonLS - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:45 PM EDT (#112083) #
That whole series of events seemed really really fast.
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:45 PM EDT (#112084) #
Now Zaun gets his second hit to load the bases with nobody out and Soriano's brain cramp has put the Rangers in a lot of trouble here.

Hudson sprays it to right to drive two home and Zaun goes around to third with still nobody out. Good opposite field hitting in this inning.
Braby21 - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:46 PM EDT (#112085) #
Hudson said the most words in 1 minute ever right there.
Matthew E - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:46 PM EDT (#112086) #
What the filth florin' florin' filth was that?
DaveInNYC - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:46 PM EDT (#112087) #
Last year's Jays probably would have stranded the bases loaded right there.

Another reason how these Jays aren't the same team from a year ago. I know I know... small sample size.
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:47 PM EDT (#112088) #
Did Zaun miss a sign on a suicide squeeze there? Seems like a waste to give up the first out of the inning for free.
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:50 PM EDT (#112089) #
Reed is the hit by pitch master.
TorontoDan - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:51 PM EDT (#112090) #
Dear Texas fans: Keep doing the wave. It's waving us in one by one now.
CaramonLS - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:51 PM EDT (#112091) #
I love how Johnson acts like hes trying to get away from the pitch, but really just lets it hit him.
Pistol - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:52 PM EDT (#112092) #
I was going to suggest one of Johnson's push bunts to 2nd to score Zaun, but if you're going to get hit, hey go for it.
BrockLanders - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:52 PM EDT (#112093) #
First guy out of the pen tonight?
I'm guessing Spier?
CaramonLS - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:53 PM EDT (#112094) #
Depending on the Score (if its high), going to be Walker, then Chulk.
DaveInNYC - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:55 PM EDT (#112095) #
Wow Vernon has been awful so far this season.

WOW
CaramonLS - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:55 PM EDT (#112096) #
That leaves Wells with 7 Men stranded on base this game.

R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:57 PM EDT (#112097) #
Oy...get em next time Vernon. I really do not see the reasoning behind that bunt. It's probably not likely the MacDonald would have gotten on but losing the out for free really didn't gain them much.
DaveInNYC - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 09:57 PM EDT (#112098) #
I really think it's time that Gibbons sits down Wells for a game or two to help him get over this slump. It's doing the Jays absolutly no good trotting him out there night after night in the 3 hole just to fail over and over again.

He could have really put the game out of reach just now, but a double play just kills the rally.
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:00 PM EDT (#112099) #
Call it two! No mistakes there.
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:02 PM EDT (#112100) #
I don't think Vernon is that far off. He looks like his closed up his stance a hair so he isn't pulling off the ball as much. He just got over-anxious with the bases loaded and didn't wait for a good pitch to drive. He was ahead in the count 2-0 and went for a sinker low and away. Take that pitch for a strike and keep the pressure on the pitcher to come to you.
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:03 PM EDT (#112101) #
Ugly at bat for Koskie there chasing the high cheese.
Matthew E - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:04 PM EDT (#112102) #
I saw an article on Wells in... I think it was the Globe... he says he's feeling good at the plate and is very pleased with the way he's swinging the bat. The hits just aren't falling in. He says he's been getting a couple of hits every game, more or less, but that they've all been fielded.

I think there's some anecdotal evidence to back him up at least part of the way.
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:11 PM EDT (#112103) #
Bad throw by MacDonald and Shea barely stays on the bag to record the out. This after Hidalgo just missed a homerun pulling the ball foul over the foul pole.
CaramonLS - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:13 PM EDT (#112104) #
One of Chacin's best innings. Aside from Hidalgo just belting that one foul, he was really in a zone.
BrockLanders - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:13 PM EDT (#112105) #
Chacin won 21 games last year in the minor leagues. Someone should tell him hes pitching in the majors. LOL
hugh - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:14 PM EDT (#112106) #
...Any word on why Hillenbrand is playing 1b? Just to give Hinske a well-earned night off, or is there another reason I missed?
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:14 PM EDT (#112107) #
Chacin seems like a guy who struggles early and eventually settles down and pitches stronger as the game goes on. Other than that near mistake to Hidalgo he has gotten more effective and is pitching down around the knees where he really needs to be. He should have enough gas to go one more inning...93 pitches through 7.
ScottTS - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:14 PM EDT (#112108) #
Wow. This has been a great start for Chacin. He's not overpowering anybody, but he sure does seem to have the Texas hitters off balance.
How long will Gibbons stay with him? He's pitching a two-hit shutout.
Braby21 - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:15 PM EDT (#112109) #
Lefty on the mound, as well to give him a day off.
hugh - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:16 PM EDT (#112110) #
Thought so, just makin' sure.
Petey Baseball - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:17 PM EDT (#112111) #
The most surprising Blue Jays this season is the starting battery for them this evening.

Agreed?
Mick Doherty - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:17 PM EDT (#112112) #
Ranger TV voices Josh Lewin and Tom Grieve sound more and more like they want to put Chacin in the Hall of Fame. Lewin just said "this is the best-pitched game against the Rangers so far this year," meaning he wasn't paying particular attention to Halladay the other day or Colon last week.

P.S. just a reminder on the earlier reminder: And a reminder. We're into the regular season, the games are televised now. We can assume that everyone's watching. So we don't need the play-by-play the same way we needed it during spring training.

Greg - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:18 PM EDT (#112113) #
It's official
With that walk Zaun has replaced Craig Grebeck on my all-time favourite Jay podium
Braby21 - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:19 PM EDT (#112114) #
O Dogg looked a LOT more comfortable in that AB after the hit last AB. He was a lot more patient, waited for his pitch and drove it.
Mick Doherty - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:24 PM EDT (#112115) #
I'm not particularly a Rangers fan, but I hope Almanzar has a nice solid return to the team after back-to-back bereavement leaves when his mother and brother both died recently.

CaramonLS - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:27 PM EDT (#112116) #
My god. Johnson does it again!!!
DaveInNYC - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:27 PM EDT (#112117) #
Are you kidding me?!? 3 HBP's by one guy in one game? 2 of them to bring in a run?

Must be some sort of record.
HollywoodHartman - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:28 PM EDT (#112118) #
gv27 Asked it for me, but what is the record of HBP for 1 player in 1 game?
mathesond - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:28 PM EDT (#112119) #
So, anyone know offhand the record for RBI via HBP in a game?
CaramonLS - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:28 PM EDT (#112120) #
10 runners LOB in a single game, thats gotta be some sort of record.
Braby21 - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:28 PM EDT (#112122) #
That has to be some kind of record...getting hit twice in one game with the bases loaded!
DaveInNYC - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:29 PM EDT (#112123) #
Wells = B-R-U-T-A-L
Arms Longfellow - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:29 PM EDT (#112124) #
Reed Johnson must have insulted someone on the Rangers' mother before the game ...
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:30 PM EDT (#112125) #
Where was the shortstop on the play? He was playing awfully far in the hole against a lefthanded hitter and that ball seemed to bounce forever before it got through. Strange defensive alignment there.
Matthew E - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:30 PM EDT (#112126) #
I wonder what it is about players like Johnson and Hinske and Sprague and Baylor and Hunt that makes them so plunkalicious. Is it just that they have to be pitched inside? Are they always leaning over the plate? Are they obnoxious?
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:32 PM EDT (#112127) #
Reed definately holds his hands over the inner half of the plate. He's right up on it.

I really like this flexibility the Jays seem to have gained with Shea able to play both first and third. Menechino can effectively platoon with Hinske against tough lefthanders this way.
Mick Doherty - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:33 PM EDT (#112128) #
Matthew E., I bet that would be a great magazine article for someone, if not a dissertation for some baseball-starved grad student. I seem to recall Hunt's stance -- but I was very young -- as placing part of his upper body IN the strike zone, while Baylor was just so massive, that had to contribute.

I'd be curious to know if Ed Sprague's dad was also prone to the HBP.
hugh - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:33 PM EDT (#112129) #
Must be especially frustrating for Wells to be the weakest hitter in a lineup that no one expected to perform.

He's gotta turn it around soon. Nice slap by Koskie.
Terran - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:36 PM EDT (#112130) #
I like to think that I was the first to call him Morpheus. Maybe I wasn't, someone probably said in spring training or last year >_>

Either way the Jays are winning today and he's looking great. If we win we keep the east while the Yankees remain at the bottom of the pack. And people claimed the Yankees 12-11 showing last April was bad. Atleast they can say the only teams they've faced have been the defending champions and Orioles though...
CaramonLS - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:38 PM EDT (#112131) #
The real question is now, do you let Chacin come out in the 9th and let him try for his first CG/SHO of his career?

Hes in a real groove, but its the heart of the order, and his count is getting up.
Pistol - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:39 PM EDT (#112132) #

Reed Johnson is the 10th player in MLB history to be hit by three pitches in the same game.

Bill Freehan         DET A   3   8-16-1968 
Ron Hunt             SF  N   3   4-29-1969*
Tito Fuentes         SF  N   3   9-13-1973  
Craig Kusick         MIN A   3   8-27-1975* 
Glenn Davis          HOU N   3   4- 9-1990* 
Damion Easley        DET A   3   5-31-1999 
Richard Hidalgo      HOU N   3   4-19-2000 
Damion Easley        DET A   3   7-16-2002
Melvin Mora          BAL A   3   7-18-2002 

None of the other players on this list have an RBI in the game they played so Reed Johnson at worst has the most RBIs in a game via HBP with 2.

There's been 623 other times a player has been hit twice in the same game.

R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:39 PM EDT (#112133) #
I honestly didn't think Chacin would make it through five innings after the first two innings. But he really found his release point in the mid innings and seems to have gotten even stronger in the late innings. He's beginning to make a believer out of me.

I don't think he'll continue to pitch so unbelievably well as he has in April but he's looking like a solid mid rotation starter for this team. I might say he's neck and neck with David Bush when he has his command.
DMay - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:40 PM EDT (#112134) #
Vernon's gonna be just fine. He's in a slump. Other than Bonds, all hitters go in them. If anything, Wells has got to be relaxed because the team is winning without his key production.

As of right now, can anyone name a starting rotation that has been better than the Jays this season? They have yet to give up double digits and have not been blown out once through 12 games... knock on wood.
Magpie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:40 PM EDT (#112135) #
It's always fun scoring runs, but it's hard not to feel for Almanzar. This has probably been the worst week of his life.

Almanzar was also part of the Great Joey Hamilton trade, of course.

The new Blue Jays Media Guide is in the stores (and in my hands). And I have always enjoyed: a) looking for mistakes, so I can tease the Jays PR guys, and b) looking at the all-time franchise leaders. No particular reason, I just like it.

Anyway, for the first time in my experience, there are no current Jays anywhere on the all-time Top 10 in the hitting categories. Which is both: a) weird, and b) wrong. Because coming into this season, Reed Johnson had been hit by pitches 32 times in his career. Which was good enough for a 9th place tie with Alex Gonzalez and John Olerud. By the time this game began, Sparky had already passed George Bell and Kelly Gruber and had seventh place all to himself. After tonight... he's now been hit 7 times in 12 games. He's up to 39. Tony Fernandez is next, with 48. At this rate, Sparky should catch him by the end of the month. Delgado, naturally, is on top with 122, and that's still a long way away.

Pistol - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:40 PM EDT (#112136) #
Information found at http://www.retrosheet.org/
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:41 PM EDT (#112137) #
They keep telling Almanzar's life story and I think I need a drink or two. If I was a hitter I would feel terrible about getting a hit off this guy.
Magpie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:42 PM EDT (#112138) #
Are they always leaning over the plate? Are they obnoxious?

Yes, and in the case of Ron Hunt, yes again. And they don't try to get out of the way, they just turn to take it on some fleshy part...

Terran - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:43 PM EDT (#112139) #
"The real question is now, do you let Chacin come out in the 9th and let him try for his first CG/SHO of his career?

Hes in a real groove, but its the heart of the order, and his count is getting up."

I think you do whatever he wants. If he's tired there's no reason to push him, but if he wants the chance you might as well let him with a 7 - now 8 - run lead.
Matthew E - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:44 PM EDT (#112140) #
Magpie: I'm also fond of the all-time leaders page in the media guide. I particularly like seeing guys scratch and claw their way up the saves list.

And if you look at the AL leaderboard tomorrow morning, you'll see none other than Gustavo Chacin leading the league in winning percentage. Imagine the odds you could have gotten on that a couple of weeks ago.
CaramonLS - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:44 PM EDT (#112141) #
Hey its too bad that we wont be facing Victor Zambrano anymore... Hes always a HBP factory.
R Billie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:45 PM EDT (#112142) #
Nah they've made the decision for him. He's out of the game after 107 pitches and Batista is going to get a tune up inning which is a good idea as I believe he hasn't pitched since Oakland.
Matthew E - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:47 PM EDT (#112143) #
I don't know anything about the tragedies in Almanzar's life, but of course as a fellow human being he has all my best wishes in that area. However, I don't have the same ex-Jay-fondness I have for most Toronto alumni; I was thrilled when they traded him out of town. When he pitched here, as far as I could tell, he never had a game that was any better than terrible. I couldn't figure out what he was doing in the majors.
Magpie - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:49 PM EDT (#112144) #
I particularly like seeing guys scratch and claw their way up the saves list.

Which brings us to our second error in the new Media Guide. Jason Frasor's 17 saves last year was enough to move him past Tony Castillo and Bill Caudill for 10th on the All-Time list. They forgot him too.

They'll be hearing from me this weekend, I promise you!

DaveInNYC - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:50 PM EDT (#112145) #
What is it about Almanzar's life story? I've never heard it before, anyone mind telling me?

Thanks.
hugh - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:53 PM EDT (#112146) #
Dave -- this is his first game back from bereavement after his monther's death and his brother's suicide one day later. Apparently he also adopted his sisters' 6 kids when she passed away a couple years ago...
HollywoodHartman - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:55 PM EDT (#112147) #
A few years back (Can't remember when) his sister died, so he and his wife adopted her 6 kids (he also has 2 of his own). A few weeks ago his mother passed away, and teh next day his brother commited suicide. It truly is a tragic story and I hope maybe by pitching can get his mind off these horrible tradgeties.
DaveInNYC - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:55 PM EDT (#112148) #
Wow, that's unbelievable. I'm at a loss for words right now, just trying to think of the pain he must be going through. I will definitely keep him in my prayers and I'm definitely going to be pulling for him from now on.

CaramonLS - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:57 PM EDT (#112149) #
If you thought Chacin would start the season 3-0 with a 1.42 ERA, go buy me a lottery ticket...
CeeBee - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:57 PM EDT (#112150) #
Batista sure isn't you're protoypical closer but he wriggled out of a non-save traffic jam of his own making.
Braby21 - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:58 PM EDT (#112151) #
MVP = Gus.

Who would've thought the Jays would only have used 5 pitchers total in the first 3 games in Texas?
Matthew E - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 10:59 PM EDT (#112152) #
As Bob McCown is fond of saying, "Ho hum; just another win."
Arms Longfellow - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 11:00 PM EDT (#112153) #
When the Jays go back home, every time Chacin gets a strikeout the crowd should go "EYYYYY! CHACHI!"
Chuck - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 11:00 PM EDT (#112154) #
Batista sure isn't you're protoypical closer but he wriggled out of a non-save traffic jam of his own making.

Kubek would have unwittingly called that pitching himself into a save situation.

HollywoodHartman - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 11:03 PM EDT (#112155) #
Gus for ROY?
Matthew E - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 11:07 PM EDT (#112156) #
I'm probably going to be pointing stuff like this out a lot this season, but...

That was the Jays' eighth win, making them 8-4.

Last year, the Jays' eighth win didn't come until May 1st, and when it did, it brought their record to 8-16.

So this is better.
greenfrog - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 11:13 PM EDT (#112157) #
I managed to catch the last few innings (the first game I've watched on TV this year. I thought the sportsnet announcers were pretty good, if a bit lacking in incisive commentary). I really enjoyed watching Chacin. He was pitching like a veteran, not simply throwing or aiming. It's amazing that he wasn't even on the organizational radar a year ago.

As for Batista, is there an unwritten law somewhere that says he has to give up at least one walk and hit each time he pitches?

best400 - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 11:14 PM EDT (#112158) #
Why is it that every year the blue jays can bring in these quality shortstops that always end up getting the bulk of the playing time, Bordick then Gomez, now Macdonald. I dont know how JP finds these guys
Braby21 - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 11:17 PM EDT (#112159) #
I don't think John A. is going to get the "bulk" of the playing time, but he is playing well when he's in there.
Pistol - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 11:18 PM EDT (#112160) #
Particularly impressive, at least to me, is that the Jays hot start has been most on the road. They're 6-3 so far this year after going 27-53 last year.

Keith Talent - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 11:24 PM EDT (#112161) #
I really hope Batista can get it done as a closer. Interesting to hear Gibbons sees League as a future starter. The guy looks more like a K-Rod clone to me. How about that Hillenbrand? Goes to show OBP isn't everything, eh? Liked his aggressive sliding as well, forced Soriano to make that costly error late in the game remembering the previous hard slide.

When people pipe up that these 8-4 guys aren't the real Blue Jays; tell them they're right, our 3 and 4 hitters haven't got going yet. (Remember the slow cooking of Vernon last year, it took until mid-May before he got clicking.)

The first few telecasts I've seen this year I've been enjoying the work of Pat Tabler more than I ever have in the past.
Leigh - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 11:35 PM EDT (#112162) #
This is an amazing Chacin 2005 stat that I - in my true baseball geekness - have uncovered:

I looked at home plate umpire's stats from 2004, and then sorted them by OPS (there were 76 umpires with 10 or more games behind the plate in 2004). Chacin's three starts in 2005 have come with numbers 1, 2 and 5 behind the plate! This makes Chacin's starts even more impressive.

Top 5 Umpires OPS in 2004:
1. Paul Schrieber
2. C.B. Bucknor
3. Bruce Froemming
4. Chuck Meriwether
5. Gary Cederstrom

Chacin's three starts this season have come against Schreiber, Bucknor and Cederstrom. This is truly impressive. The average ump allows a .757 OPS; Schreiber, Bucknor and Cederstrom had OPS' of .859, .831 and .807, respectively, in 2004. In terms of which umpire gets assigned, Chacin has had virtually the worst possible luck for a starting pitcher, yet he has persevered.
BrockLanders - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 11:39 PM EDT (#112163) #
When it really comes to analyzing this team, any serious discussions about making a run at a postseason spot depends heavily: (1)the productivity and subsequent health of the 3-4-5 batters. not sure if we have enough oomph there. (2) the effectiveness of the bullpen as the season goes on. Obviously, Schoenweiss is a concern as the main lefty. Frasor, Batista &
Speir can certainly test a spectator's patience. Conversely, I'm high on Chulk and League.

But on the bright side, the jays rotation looks solid. You could certainly do much worse than a quintet of Halladay, Lilly, Bush, Chacin, & Towers. And the defense on the infield corners and up in the middle has the potential to be dynamic. It should be an interesting ride.
Leigh - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 11:40 PM EDT (#112164) #
Umpire's stats are available at Baseball Prospectus, by the way.
Braby21 - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 11:43 PM EDT (#112165) #
Anyone notice that JP is mentioned a lot LESS when the Jays are doing well??
Dave Till - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 11:48 PM EDT (#112166) #
Well, that was a fun game to watch. Comments:

- How many seams are currently imprinted on Reed Johnson's person? The over-under is 14.

- Vernon has been hitting some balls hard (but right at people), but I'm wondering whether he's starting to press a bit. It's no fun seeing a 1 as the first digit of your batting average. He'll snap out of it eventually, of course.

- I have nothing to add about Chacin that hasn't already been said, other than that he sure looks good, doesn't he? If I were evaluating an AAA prospect, I think I would now want to know something about his mental makeup - in particular, his confidence in his own ability. Bush, Adams, and now Chacin all act as if they belong in the big leagues, and therefore they do.

- 25 years ago, I never would have believed that Devo's "Uncontrollable Urge" would be used to sell cars. Sigh.

- I enjoy listening to Jamie Campbell because he isn't shrill or irritating. Some announcers feel that they're the star of the show; Campbell seems to be willing to let the game speak for itself.
DMay - Saturday, April 16 2005 @ 11:52 PM EDT (#112167) #
Johnson is at least the 11th player to be hit by 3 pitches as espn.com reports:

"Johnson was hit by a pitch in the third, sixth and eighth innings, with the last two driving in runs. He set a franchise record and tied the major league mark, last set by current teammate Corey Koskie on July 27, 2004, while he was with the Minnesota Twins."

Maybe Koskie is sharing tips in the locker room...
Pistol - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 12:06 AM EDT (#112168) #
"I enjoy listening to Jamie Campbell because he isn't shrill or irritating. Some announcers feel that they're the star of the show; Campbell seems to be willing to let the game speak for itself."

I agree. I've heard him for the first time this weekend and I've liked him.

One minor quibble I have is that he says 'that's trouble' frequently when describing a Jays potential hit. It almost makes him sound like he's announcing for the other team.
jsut - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 12:13 AM EDT (#112169) #
Chacin is the anti-Dave Stieb.

Every time he pitches he gets 5+ runs of support.
jsut - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 12:17 AM EDT (#112170) #

Why is it that every year the blue jays can bring in these quality shortstops that always end up getting the bulk of the playing time, Bordick then Gomez, now Macdonald. I dont know how JP finds these guys

Adams: 27 AB
McDonald: 9 AB

(prior to today's game)

gv27 - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 01:01 AM EDT (#112172) #
Hey Dave Till, thanks for the vote of confidence. And Pistol, you're bang on... I caught myself saying that a few times tonight. The broadcast position in Texas is a weird one that leaves you doubting the flight path of the ball. What looks and sounds like a bomb falls 10 feet short of the warning track. Could be the winds that circle the field? No excuses on my behalf, just an observation as I get used to the various stadiums.
TorontoDan - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 01:08 AM EDT (#112174) #
I've got to hand it to Jamie for being such a stand up guy. I'm sure it's tough enough being a first-year commentator in the majors, but to come on hear and read the bad and the good every game is something I admire.
Ducey - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 01:13 AM EDT (#112175) #
Stats so far in the AL:

Pitching ERA
1. Jays 3.34
8. Boston 4.34
10. Baltimore 4.92
11. Yankees 5.02
13. Rays 5.33

Hitting for Jays (AL):
7th in Average (.262)
8th OBP (.325)
3rd SLG (.428)
1st in Runs scored
R Billie - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 01:16 AM EDT (#112176) #
I think Gibbons player usage as far as platooning and resting people and getting guys work at a number of positions they can play (particularly Hillenbrand, MacDonald, and Menechino) has been a huge plus.

It's really refreshing to see enough depth on this team to let guys like Johnson and Catalanatto play in situations which help the team most.
R Billie - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 01:20 AM EDT (#112177) #
When did Gibbons make that comment about League possibly being a starter? That's encouraging. If he gets that changeup down he could be a really good one.

I think with the number of pitchers still coming from the minors the Jays should find a way to maximize the offence for 2006 and 2007. Two bats, one starter, and one reliever, plus the prospects that make in the next year or two should leave this team in pretty good shape.
Arms Longfellow - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 01:21 AM EDT (#112178) #
I'm sad that Jamie Campbell won't be doing Sportsnet News highlights anymore, because I won't be able to hear his famous "he sceh! He sceh! He sceh!" phrase again when a guy scores a goal.
JayWay - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 01:21 AM EDT (#112180) #
Jamie, just a quick question... Is your name a reference to Gilles Villeneuve?

gv27 - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 01:27 AM EDT (#112182) #
TorontoDan: I think it's best to try and understand what the educated baseball fan wants to see and hear. Casual fans come and go, but reading the contributions on Batter's Box proves most here rarely miss a game. If that's the case, these people rank as the most frequent "customers", so I need to know what the customer wants, good or bad. You'd be surprised to learn how much input I've taken from this site, and weaved into the broadcast. I welcome constructive criticism; it's the best way to learn. Besides, this continues to be an educational experience, so best to develop certain habits now rather than re-adjusting five years from now .
Mick Doherty - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 01:30 AM EDT (#112183) #
As you can see, Jamie's here and far be it from me to speak for him, but his handle is a reference to Jocelyn Guevremont (that may have to be added to the Batter's Box FAQ). For all the scoop on Jamie, see Thomas Ayers stellar interview with him here on Da Box several weeks ago.
gv27 - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 01:36 AM EDT (#112185) #
Kinda say that my handle doesn't honour a ballplayer, eh? Is it too late to change to something that pays tribute to, say, Lyman Bostock?
Braby21 - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 01:39 AM EDT (#112186) #
Jamie...since you're around, how come JZone isn't on anymore? B/c Hazel left?

I really enjoyed watching JZone every Sunday to learn a bit more about the guys on the team -- and also to listen to O Dogg talk, nothing is better than trying to figure out what he's saying.

Any chance that is comes back on?
gv27 - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 01:41 AM EDT (#112187) #
JayWay. Wow! I wasn't going to correct Mick, but then I saw your question. How did you know?
Joseph Krengel - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 01:49 AM EDT (#112188) #
I don't know if anyone else has picked up on it yet, but I saw this little nugget in a Fox Sports article...

<I>I don't know whether or not it's responsible for his fast start this year, but Eric Hinske sure looks like a better hitter with his new batting stance. Hinske also has a great new nickname that appears to be gaining some steam: "The Dude."</i>

This whole internets thing is starting to catch on. Oh, and kudos to Jamie for stopping by. Broadcaster or no, another knowledgeable baseball fan is always welcome.

You know, I've been looking at Vernon's splits, and as it turns out he actually has hit very well on the first pitch in his career. This year however he seems to pop it up every time he swings at the 0-0. Is more patience the best option, or should he be concentrating on driving the ball more effectively?
JayWay - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 01:53 AM EDT (#112189) #
I'm a Formula 1 fan myself. I guess GV27 to a Canadian autoracing fan would be like WG99 to a Hockey fan or MJ23 to a Basketball fan - instantly recognizable.
R Billie - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 02:01 AM EDT (#112190) #
Batters in general seem to do well first pitch swinging. The assumption being they sit on a certain pitch and if they get it they take a decisive cut.

I'm not sure what the answer for Vernon is other to give him time. He's hit first pitch, he's worked some deep counts, he's just not squaring the ball up right now. Maybe he's pulling off the pitch a bit as he follows through on his swing. Maybe the rib injury is bothering his swing a bit.

Other than the GIDP with the bases loaded he actually had some good at bats tonight. Hit a ball well the other way and just missed a homerun to left field. I think he's close to getting out of it. The Jays might think about resting him for a game just to give him a full day off. But I still want him to play as long as doing so doesn't interfere with his ability to heal.
Magpie - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 02:04 AM EDT (#112191) #
Batters in general seem to do well first pitch swinging.

You always have to remember - this is what they do when they put the ball in play. And you can't strike out on the first pitch, which raises everybody's average as well.

westcoast dude - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 02:11 AM EDT (#112192) #
Here's a little quote for the Clubhouse from mlb:

"In order to get to where we want to go, we have to beat the Yankees and the Red Sox," Roberts said. "It boils down to that."

Not quite, Brian.
Brent S - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 02:15 AM EDT (#112193) #
Jamie, I think today was one of your best broadcasts. In my opinion, you and Pat work best together when you can get him out of his shell a bit. I enjoyed the more light-hearted conversations between you two guys, most notably the "Dr. Evil" nickname references.
Magpie - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 02:17 AM EDT (#112194) #
I say don't worry about Wells. Almost every hitter has stretches like this - Bonds, Pujols, Suzuki maybe not - but everybody else. Just looking at David Ortiz last year, I see stretches of 3-26, 2-26, and 2-19. But he managed to put together a decent year.
gv27 - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 02:23 AM EDT (#112195) #
JZone, as far as I know, will not be returning Brady21. Though Hazel has moved to Boston, I think it was pulled because of the NHL lockout. Lack of hockey revenue has forced all networks to tighten the belts, and JZone was a costly half hour program. As a huge fan of Mel Allen and "This Week in Baseball" from the '70's and '80's, I love a weekly show that focuses exclusively on baseball. Towers versus Young in 12 hours!
gv27 - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 02:35 AM EDT (#112196) #
Thank you Brent S. To Pat's credit, he's been patient with me, as I'm still getting comfortable with turning my attention away from the field. Tonight, we got a chance, especially after the Jays took a huge lead. Chacin has that look, doesn't he? Dr. Evil. We know this much; the man can pitch. The key will be mid-summer, when every team has had a good look at him, and take their at-bats for the second time.
King Ryan - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 03:10 AM EDT (#112197) #
I say don't worry about Wells. Almost every hitter has stretches like this - Bonds, Pujols, Suzuki maybe not - but everybody else. Just looking at David Ortiz last year, I see stretches of 3-26, 2-26, and 2-19. But he managed to put together a decent year.

I have no evidence of this whatsoever, but it seems to me that every great hitter has a game like this - a truly disappointing, 10-men-left-on-base type game - right before they start hammering the crap out of the ball. Call it the calm before the storm.

I hope I'm right. And, hey, he did hit one ball tonight that I was sure...sure...was gone. I think Jamie Campbell thought it was gone as well, based on his reaction. Maybe it was that wind that he was talking about, but Vernon hit it right on the screws.

sweat - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 10:26 AM EDT (#112198) #
I think the biggest part of a high league average on the first pitch is the fact all those good hitters, who wait for their pitch often see the fastball they are looking for on that first pitch.
Flex - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 10:51 AM EDT (#112200) #
I'm sorry to see someone congratulating Campbell for his Dr. Evil references to Chacin. The kid's not bald by choice, he's got a disorder. And even without that background knowledge, I found that section of the broadcast -- joking around in the booth about a player's appearance -- the least enjoyable part of the broadcast. Way too frat-boyish for my liking.
gv27 - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 10:59 AM EDT (#112202) #
Thanks Flex. Consider it noted. I appreciate the feedback.
Flex - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 11:16 AM EDT (#112203) #
Well done.
Mike Green - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 11:29 AM EDT (#112204) #
The Jays have achieved this fast start, not only on the road, but without facing the patsies of the league, the Royals and Yankees!
Chuck - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 11:42 AM EDT (#112207) #
This is just a general "way to go" to Mr. Campbell. Your ability to take people's comments in a thick-skinned manner is admirable. That you continue to solicit feedback is a testament to your seriousness to excel at your profression.

I, like Flex, am not a big fan of frat boy shenanigans in the broadcast booth. Baseball games are not so sacred that they must be covered in a sober, buttoned-down fashion, but they are different than Sportsdesk, where the tedium of the night-after-night reporting of scores basically requires the Aaron Sorkin treatment. That said, I think Jamie as been handling his duties as play-by-play man with a great deal of dignity. The Chacin gaff was an innocent mistake.

A single baseball game is a microcosm of a baseball season. There are ebbs and flows, high points and low points, and quiet periods between activity which are well suited for reflection. Those quiet periods are not only enjoyable but a necessary respite. My only concerns about Jamie going into the season were that he would fall into the common trap of first-time announcers: the need to fill all the quiet spots, particularly coming from a role where that was absolutely a job requirement, and the need to dazzle with witty remarks (ibid).

My gas bag soliloquy almost complete, let me finish with my two cents' worth of suggestions for Jamie. Your hard core viewers are not toggling between the Blue Jay broadcasts and MTV. There is no attention deficit disorder here that requires our continued entertainment. You are obviously an intelligent and insightful fellow. Be yourself and let the game drive the pace of the commentary. Remember always that the game is the entertainment. Your role is to shepherd us through it with respect and intelligence.

Finally, keep up the good work. You are improving game by game. Everyone in these parts has your back.

jgadfly - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 11:52 AM EDT (#112208) #
Mike...What are you looking for? ...a quote on the Yankee's bulletin board ? IMO we should be quietly whistling as we walk by the graveyard awaiting the other shoe to drop...BTW I really enjoy your Minor League reports... Good work !
Ducey - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 11:53 AM EDT (#112209) #
While we are taking offence to things around here, let me say that I am offended by the references to "frat boys". As a graduate of a fraternity at the University of Alberta, I suspect you have no freaking idea what being in a fraternity is all about. I can guarantee my fraternity spends a great deal more effort raising money and awareness for people with disabilities than making fun of them.
Brent S - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 12:14 PM EDT (#112210) #
The kid's not bald by choice, he's got a disorder.

Ouch. I didn't know of that fact. Perhaps the Dr. Evil comments were a bit went a bit too far. My personal preference with respect to broadcasters is when they start to lighten up and have fun -- it is infectious. Mind you, there is a thin line between funny and offensive in broadcasting. Let's just say that I'm glad I don't have Jamie's job. ;)

Pepper Moffatt - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 12:18 PM EDT (#112212) #
Let's just say that I'm glad I don't have Jamie's job. ;)

You and me both. Besides, I think Elliotte Friedman has a monopoly on the UWO student turned sports broadcaster bit. :)

Chuck - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 12:25 PM EDT (#112213) #
You're glad that Brent S doesn't have Jamie's job?
Pepper Moffatt - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 03:36 PM EDT (#112287) #
You're glad that Brent S doesn't have Jamie's job?

Of course! If he went off to Toronto, I'd have to find another 2nd baseman for the Ivey slowpitch team!

Plus he out-homered me last year 1-0.

Arms Longfellow - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 07:11 PM EDT (#112343) #
Hey guys, are you trying to make Jamie Campbell into the most bland broadcaster in the world who never says anything interesting or funny ever so that he doesn't get accused of trying to "take over the show"?

How about let's not criticize the guy every time he makes a semi outside the box comment.
Keith Talent - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 07:38 PM EDT (#112346) #
Honestly, I don't know how poor Jamie Campbell does it. I mean solicit feedback and note everything, everyday. Good on him; but, it's impossible to make everyone happy all the time. And once you ask people what they think: watch out! I mean, just try walking around your office and solicit opinion on the office temperature: "too hot", "too cold", "too dry". Forget it; keep it a little cool and those who don't like it can wear a sweater.
Brent S - Sunday, April 17 2005 @ 09:47 PM EDT (#112353) #
Of course! If he went off to Toronto, I'd have to find another 2nd baseman for the Ivey slowpitch team!

I'm not going anywhere. Although if I did, I could get away from Moffatt's intrusive drug testing program.

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