Steady Lyle Overbay was injured when he was hit by a pitch from Chicago rookie LHSP John Danks in the yesterday's game. Overbay is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after breaking a bone in his right hand.
Hello, Matt Stairs, starting first baseman? What does this portend for the '07 Jays?
I wonder if they'll try Frank at first a few times, but I doubt it - he hasn't played the field since 2004, and that was only 4 games.
Here's another idea, though: Troy Glaus, First Baseman? Bit less wear-and-tear on him that way. Then again, I'm not sure who you'd play at third; I certainly don't relish seeing McDonald & Clark starting every day. John Hattig had a pretty decent May; maybe give him a shot for a couple weeks? Or get radical and try Sergio Santos? (Not a great idea, perhaps, but certainly a radical one)
I don't think there is any chance that Thomas plays the field during Overbay's absence.... he's purely a DH at this point of his career. He hasn't practiced fiedling at all this season (including spring training) and hasn't seen action at 1B since 2004 -- I think the Jays made it quite clear that he'll be avaiable as a PH during interleague play, but that's it. I'm not even sure he has a glove anymore!!!!
Gibby mentioned this morning on the FAN that they'd like to call-up a right-handed hitter for a "few days", especially with Kazmir coming this week. The "few days" part implies to me that they aren't looking to recall another corner infielder, but perhaps the best available RH bat (Lydon? Thigpen?). Either way, based on Gibby's comments, I'm thinking that they'll recall someone for the Tampa series and send that person back down on Friday when Zaun is activated from the DL. From then on, I think they'll keep three catchers, with Phillips seeing time against LHP as a 1st baseman / pinch hitter. And honestly, I don't mind the prospect of having Fasano around for another month or so... especially with so few other alternatives available from the farm...
The Jays have issues with the 40 man roster. They could move Chacin to the 60 day DL and call up whoever they want for a few days then remove them. The only two RHB on the 40 man, not on the team, are Sergio Santos and Robinzon Diaz.
Greg Zaun and Brandon League will be back soon and both will need a 40 man spot. Chacin could free up one, the Jays might have to make a call on Victor Zambrano or John Thomson for the other one.
There is no reason to send Lind back when Johnson returns in mid-July.
Agreed. And that's even if Johnson weren't returning from back problems. I would imagine that Johnson will be touch and go for the balance of the season, kind of like Glaus is these days. Of course, getting him to 'fess up to not feeling great might be a whole other matter, especially with a young punk looking to take his job.
Unfortunately once someone is on the 40man you can't remove them without passing them through waivers. Thus while I'd love to see Lydon or even J.F. Griffin up for the week, I'd only do it if you were willing to say goodbye to one of the superfluous relievers on the 40man. If not, for what it's worth, give Sergio Santos a call and give him a taste of what he could be in for should he continue to hit well.
As for Zaun, he's just on the 15day DL - so no 40man roster juggling required, 25man yes.
Hopefully Gibbons will platoon at first.
Is he on the 25 man roster?
:)
Overbay can be replaced (at least against righties) by "Climb UP" Stairs. Not too bad a hit.
The loss of Marcum would be quite a bit more serious, unless there is another miracle lurking in the minors - cue Thomson?
It is CRYSTAL clear that pitching is KING (and always has been). With the rotation we had (including Marcum) and the bullpen we've got there is NO QUESTION we are (were?) serious contenders for the playoffs.
Looks like we may get a look at Thigpen sooner then we expected! Can anyone confirm this?
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070604.wsptjaysside4/GSStory/GlobeSports
Unless I'm mistaken, Thigpen has only played one game at 1B this year. Would he most likely be used as a 1B if he's called up, or can we expect to see him catching with Phillips getting some time at 1B until Zaun returns?
If Marcum hits the DL, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see Janssen starting when League comes back.
Finally, I think the Jays have done very well considering their injuries. Halladay/Burnett/McGowan/Marcum/Janssen with Romero in waiting, and Ryan/Accardo/Downs/League/Frasor/Tallet/Wolfe could be really good when they're all healthy. The future is bright.
Well, he's had three appearances (two for Dunedin and one for New Hampshire on Sunday) so far and hasn't looked at all out of place. Three runs over 5 innings with at least 3 K's between the two stops I believe. I don't think suggesting he'll be back in the bullpen this season is at all wildly optimistic.
A few days ago, Ricciardi said he expects Brandon League to return to the major-league club by late June. In view of League's recent progress and his promotion to NH, he seems to be on track to reach that target.
Of course, given Ricciardi's own track record of medical accuracy, his prediction probably means that League is about to have TJ surgery.....
I was in New Britain, CT on Sunday 6/3, taking pictures for Baseball America, and Brandon League was throwing quite nicely and topped out in the high 90s. He was throwing more side armed then I remember however. After the game he told me he feels good, but the Jays' plans were for him to travel with New Hampshire for their trip to Akron and Erie, and then a few games with Syracuse before moving back up to the Blue Jays.
