Blue Jay Dugout

J.P. Ricciardi - Ciao Bello!

2009-09-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

There are roughly 11,000 reasons why J.P. must be let go first thing Monday morning. Going through the entire season with the 2nd largest attendance drop in all of baseball has much to do with J.P. When the team got off to a good start he should have, with the public's help, a campaign to get Rogers to open the purse strings and continue the wave that had begun in April and May. Ricciardi didn't do that. Did he try we'll never know. But me thinks a guy who doesn't mind telling fans that Adam Dunn doesn't like baseball, probably wouldn't mind using the media to get Rogers to make a little donation to this baseball team.

This season aside the Ricciardi regime has failed in way too many areas. The team never seems to have young athletic outfielders like a Curtis Granderson or Jacoby Ellsbury. It still doesn't have a starting shortstop produced in house. Ricciardi teams have been slow, miniature versions of the Yankees. It also consistently tried to fill holes with the Kevin Millars, Brad Wilkersons and Kevin Mench's of the world. Why didn't they ever try to build a team build around speed like the Rays which usually in the free agent market never seems to cost as much as a 20-25 home run hitter? Financially this regime has cut Frank Thomas, cut B.J. Ryan, and got bailed out with Alex Rios. Kenny Williams your Xmas present is coming early this year; hopefully you don't get fired.

The Leafs and Raptors hit rock bottom and went out and got grade A executives to rebuild their franchise. Most importantly, both Burke and Colangelo with a few bumps in the road, have sold hope. Rogers needs to realize their baseball team has hit rock bottom and right now there is no hope.

What Do The Blue Jays Have?

2009-08-03T03:06:00.000-07:00

I've avoided blogging about the trade deadline and Doc Halladay for the last couple of weeks b/c I frankly couldn't think of something to say that wasn't being said; until now. Doc will be dealt this winter and should have been dealt this week. Why? Rogers will not keep Halladay and add another $30 million to the payroll. A necessary aspect for keeping Doc happy and in town. But the Jays have said 2010 is a contending year so let's see what they have. A blank spot will mean the team must improve in that position for the team to truly contend.

The lineup as it currently stands

SS: Scutaro
2B: Hill
DH: Lind
CF: Wells
RF: Rios
1b: ?
LF: Snider
3B: ?
C: ?

Overbay, Encarnacion and Barajas, should be replaced by Adrian Gonzalez at first, Chone Figgins at third and JP Arencibia behind the plate. Of the 3 only Barajas should see some time next season given budget restraints. Management should try and do whatever it can to move Overbay and Encarnacion. Acquiring Gonzalez and Figgins (prospects for Gonzalez and a free agent signing for Figgins) would be clear signals for Doc that the team will contend in 2010.

The Rotation.

1. Doc Halladay
2. ?
3. Ricky Romero
4. Shaun Marcum
5. Brett Cecil.

A solid #2 starter is needed and John Lackey comes to mind. Yes it will be expensive but it's necessary to be a true contender. If management decides to just move the other three names I provided all up 1 spot and fill the 5th starter roll with a Brian Tallet per say than 2010 will not be a contending year and the Jays will be exploring trade offers for Doc come July. Only then the returns for Doc will be significantly lower.

A Tale of Two Sports Teams

2009-07-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a week on the Toronto sports landscape.

The Raptors are fresh off their completion of a four-team trade in which they acquired Hedo Turkoglu. He has been pegged and will receive no argument as the biggest acquisition made by the Raptors in their franchise history.

The Turkoglu signing is significant, because not only did the Raptors acquire a player coming off a potentially MVP playoff performance, but it sends a strong signal to its franchise player, Chris Bosh, that the team is serious about putting a winner on the court.

Also, if Bosh were to decide to leave anyway, the team still has a solid core to continue to build from. That core would be Turkoglu, Bargnani, Calderon, Derozan, and considerable cap space to allow for more pieces to be added.

The Raptors should be applauded for building a team this summer that not only looks to contend this upcoming season, but in future seasons ahead.

Across the street at the Rogers Centre, it appears that Roy Halladay's days are numbered. Perhaps the greatest Blue Jay of all time may be on his way out and it has stirred much debate around town.

The discontent of a Halladay departure from the fans is twofold: One, why trade your best player when he has always said that winning in Toronto has always been his first choice? Secondly, are the guys currently in charge capable of securing a healthy return for Halladay, considering they haven't been able to build a successful team around him?

Toronto fans have grown increasingly frustrated with a baseball organization that has so many built-in excuses as to why success has consistently slipped through their fingers.

Toronto is the fifth largest market in North America, yet ownership has consistently done its business as if we were one of the smallest.

Nonsense.

The television numbers are through the roof and ownership actually owns the broadcast company that airs the games.

Isn't that a similar relationship to the one that exists between the Yankees and YES?

How has that worked out for them?

I think Toronto fans would rather just be told up front that ownership simply views the team as cheap programming content and isn't interested in increasing its payroll to put a winner on the field.

Which leads us to Roy Halladay.

2009 was never going to be a winner for the team. Injuries to the starting staff made sure that wasn't going to happen.

But ownership did say it wasn't going to be a rebuilding year, but rather a transition year, looking ahead to 2010.

So what has changed? Are revenues down? Probably. But does that mean you have to trade your best player? I say, in this case, patience is a virtue.

Find a way to get guys like Alex Rios on a plane to any team that will take him and reallocate your funds that way. Instead, the team is apparently going to do the opposite: trade their best player and surround the new young players with overpaid underachievers.

It's incredible how just a kilometer apart one team is making shrewd moves to keep its superstar in town, while the other does the exact opposite.

The Team and The Good Doctor.

2009-07-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

I've been slacking lately in my attempt to update the blog mostly because I'm so frustrated at the team and don't have much energy after a game to want to relive it again. If I were an apologist I would say that the Jays still may be doing better than expected given what was said about the team during the off season. Did anybody really believe that they would be any where close to a .500 team? Furthermore in my apology I'd say that this recent slide against mostly AL EAST opponents could easily have turned in favour of the Jays with another hit here or there and some CHEESY home run balls hit by those dreaded Yankees staying in the park. How many late inning games has this team lost recently?

While I could go on bash both of those points I won't waste my and your time. Bottom line this team has once again failed to put together a team capable of playing meaningful baseball beyond July 1 let alone September 1. My biggest beef is that the 27 and 14 record should have been an indication to management and ownership that to keep this tide rolling some additions to this lineup needed to be made. Instead they sat on their hands and cry that the fans of this team are sitting on their wallets. Tough. Give this city a reason to come out and I believe they will. Until then don't call us!

In regards to these rumours about Halladay leaving I only have this to say. Listen to offers and if the right deal comes along then make it. Halladay deserves to go to a winner we can't afford to let him walk away for nothing. BUT if you're going to trade Halladay than do what you have to do to find a team willing to take Scott Rolen, Lyle Overbay, Vernon Wells and Alex Rios too. The future of this team is Adam Lind, Aaron Hill, and maybe Ricky Romero and Brett Cecil. Frankly everybody else has either improved their value and therefore should be traded i.e. Scott Rolen or have proven that they're not winners, i.e. Overbay, Wells and Rios. It'll be tough to get rid of them, but you have to try.

4 - 2 ISN'T ALL THAT BAD

2009-06-21T13:52:00.001-07:00

Six days ago if you told me the Jays would go 4 - 2 I would have said; nice and thank you. Unfortunately when you sweep the Phillies you expect and want more from a series against Washington than a series loss. It was a classic let down while at the same time facing a team with a little bit of confidence considering Washington had just taken 2 of 3 from the Yankees. Right now the Jays are 2 games out of the wild card spot. If they hope to contend they need to go out and get a bat. Yes I know, I've said before and I'll say now, GO GET A BAT. While the team averaged 8 runs in the victories on this road trip, they left way too many runners on base and that is why they lost 2 of 3 against the Nationals.

Wells Is An Anchor.

2009-06-14T03:43:00.000-07:00

The shifting of the batting lineup has provided an instant return in the form Alex Rios. Rios has had 2 multiple hit games and may be providing a bit of a spark to the bottom part of the lineup that really hasn't done much since Travis Snider came off his hot start.

Where the news is not so good rests with our new #3 hitter Vernon Wells. Vernon continues to leave men on base, hasn't hit a home run in well over a month and frankly, looks completely lost at the plate. Given how long it took Cito to jiggle his lineup the first time this is probably it for the immediate future. Hopefully Vernon can get himself going. Another position that has become an albatross for the team is the DH position. Kevin Millar is batting below .240 so expect to see David Dellucci up here real soon. With the Jays playing the next two series in National League parks the importance of either player is reduced but the Jays can't afford to get nothing from that position the rest of the year. Here's hoping (and believe I know it's only hope) but I'd like to see the team go out and get a Nick Johnson from Washington for Jose Guillen for Kansas City to solidify either the DH or LF positions.

P.S. Thank God Halladay isn't hurt too bad.

This Is The Season.

2009-06-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

With all the optimism surrounding the Blue Jays - though the 9 game losing streak may have dampened the optimism somewhat - and the possibility that they may play meaningful games in September this next month will decide the rest of the summer.

The Jays have never done well in Texas and after that have a slew of interleague games where they've always struggled. If the team falters in June the team becomes a seller in July and looks to move a big contract. If the team has a successful June and is with in a few games of at least a wildcard birth then the team potentially becomes a buyer and like I've always said, "that's when the fun really begins."

The Lineup Needs a Shakeup!

2009-06-06T16:40:00.001-07:00

Okay, welcome back Cito but you're still not without some faults. It's been a fantastic reunion but the time has come for your patience to end just like mine.
Here's how your lineup has to look.

1. Scutaro
2. Hill
3. Rios - I wish he were leading off but Scutaro doesn't deserve a demotion.
4. LIND - time to break up the righties.
5. Wells - What other Manager would keep in the 4 spot?
6. Overbay - he's quietly having a very good season considering he's platooning.
7. Rolen - no power but still a professional hitter.
8. Millar - JP needs to go out and make a deal at the deadline for a POWER DH
9. Barajas. - nothing against Chavez, but the team misses Michael Barrett.

Please revise if you wish.

Wow! It's Been 20 Years.

2009-06-04T05:54:00.000-07:00

As we probably don't celebrate the opening of the Rogers Centre but merely look back at it's opening and present state I have my own random thoughts on the "concrete convertible" as so many like to call it.

Before I give my suggestions let me say that I very much approve and appreciate all the work that the people at Rogers have already done since taking ownership of the stadium. The concourses are improved, the concessions are better and the Jays Shop is awesome.

1. If you're not going to go to a grass surface even though Milwaukee has proven that a cold climate city can have both a dome stadium and a roof than at least go to an all dirt infield.

2. Get rid of the 100 and 500 level BRIGHT blue seats and go to a warmer ocean blue like the ones that already exist on the 200 level.

3. Put some of the outfield foul line seats on a swivel that can be turned toward home plate for baseball. Those seats are absolute neck breakers and not worth even a free ticket to the game.

4. Get rid of Windows restaurant and open up the outfield with some type of party/patio deck where fans can get up off their seats and watch the game from there should they choose to.

5. Open up a little space that can work like a Hall of Fame/Museum that celebrates the history of Baseball in Toronto and in Canada.

6. Improve the Concrete facade outside with some coloured tile or whatever needs to be done to spruce it up. At the very least they can put the Jays logo on the gates that tell fans walking to the park where 1st base 3rd base and Home Plate are.

7. Last but not least have the people who are running the Rogers Centre loosen up a bit and allow the roof to be opened more often. Conditions don't need to be absolutely perfect. I can bring a sweater or a jacket and sit outside to watch a ball game. Frankly, were inside too much in this city as it is.

Suggestion and comments are always welcomed.

A Good Start To The Homestand!

2009-05-31T13:49:00.001-07:00

We asked the Jays to make a statement after a horrible road trip and they surely did. Taking 2 out of 3 in a series against Boston that didn't have Roy Halladay pitching is an absolute accomplishment no questions asked. With the Angels and Royal coming up 4 and 2 in their next 6 would be great and would help ease some of the anxiety over whether that 9 game losing streak was a hard dose of reality or only a mirage.

It's funny how that losing streak has changed peoples mindset about this season. When the team was 27 and 14 they were the best story in baseball and one that nobody say coming. Throw in a 9 game losing streak and everyone wants to forget about the 41 games previous to that. Bottom line is that nobody would have turned down a 29 and 24 record, 1 game out of first if it had been offered to you when the season began. As I said these next two series and an above .500 June will be go along way as to whether we can call the Jays a contender or not. Hopefully we can, because then it's trade deadline time and the fun will really begin.

Here We Go Again

2009-05-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

I've been of the opinion that the Blue Jays over the last ten to twelve years were losers. I know that sounds harsh. And god knows it has a lot to do with being in a division with the two free-spending behomoths in beantown and the big apple. But after last year's run by the Rays, that is no longer a sufficient excuse for 12 or so years of mediocrity.

It seems whenever the Jays put a run of wins together it was always when it didn't matter. Either early on in the season, when the perenially slow-starting Yanks gain their footing, or in September when they were already out of it. As a casual fan, there have been moments over that dozen or so years, where I for one foolish moment, started to believe that the Jays had a chance. I'd start following the team closely when it looked like they were going to make a charge. But inevitably, no matter the year, it seemed they always tanked when they actually started getting taken seriously by the baseball world.

When they started the season, 12-5 I thought they were going to fold immediately. I told myself, I've seen this script before. But they kept on winning, and slowly, after a number of blow-out wins, and close-call heroics late in games, I thought, maybe, this team was made of tougher stuff than previous incarnations. And once again, I started to believe.

On the day they went into Boston last week, they were atop the ESPN Power Rankings as the best team in baseball. As silly and meaningless a chart as that is, I got a chill. Was Toronto a serious contender? A week and half later, the Jays are an after thought. Like all teams who choke, they are finding new and inventive ways to lose. Losing the series against Boston is acceptable. But losing 6 more on top of that, has basically sucked the air out of any serious belief in this team. And so the days of 15-20k at Rogers Centre will continue. Because the city knows this team is not a serious one.

Unless they come up big this weekend against the BoSox, the season will have ended before the All-Star Break. Which of course means they will start winning games in August or September, when nobody cares.

And The Blues Just Keep on Coming!

2009-05-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

If I wasn't pissed off before, I certainly am now. You wanna go to Boston and get swept, probably just giving credence to the fact that this team won't keep this year? Go ahead. Dare we to dream. You wanna go to Atlanta and continue to lose because you're still down over the 3 in Boston? Go ahead, but that's pretty lame in my opinion.

But for crying out loud don't go to Baltimore and get swept. Don't go to Baltimore and not even compete in the first two games and then completely collapse in the finally. Show some stones, show some heart, show some character and at the very least get 2 out of 3. But then again, dare we to dream. Frankly, that's all we got because the reality that is a 9 game losing streak stinks!

What a Road Trip! NOT!!!

2009-05-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

It's getting uglier and uglier. Good teams find a way to win. Bad teams or atleast struggling teams find a way to lose. Top of the 7th with the bases loaded and Adam Lind at the plate the Jays fail to score. Bottom of the 7th the Braves get 7 and that's your ball game.

There was much discussion about the promotion of Casey Janssen and Ricky Romero leading up to this series. Much of the talk must now be focussed on Vernon Wells, Alex Rios and the acquisition of another bat. If Wells and Rios don't start to drive in runs it really won't matter who is pitching for the team. As we role in to June, teams may already start to decide that they're done trying to compete and will begin dumping salary. No doubt in my mind the Jays need to go out and get another bat. Whether it be a guy like Aubrey Huff who can DH while Lind plays everyday in LF or a Jose Guillen who can play the outfield everyday. Either way it's been too good a start for everyone; players and management to roll over and die.

What A Home Stand!

2009-05-18T13:47:00.000-07:00

Yes I've used the headline before, but it don't matter. Why? Because it is what it is. After losing a tough series with the Yankees the Jays rebounded and then some against the White Sox. They won 4 games flip flopping in style. Games 1 and 3 were good old fashioned ass-whippings. Games 2 and 4 were very tight with late inning rallies. This is how good teams put together great seasons. They win the games they should win, they win some of the games they should have lost, and they don't lose too many games that they should have won. Don't know how many of those they've had this year considering how good the bullpen has been.

It's off to Boston for 3 with all kinds of analysis and hype on the way. Just like the lead up to the Yankees series this next one is important. Is it a season make? Not at all. I'd love to get a sweep because every game you win in May is a fewer game is have to win in September. All games matter and that's why a 27 and 14 record should be enjoyed.

The Crowds Come Out For Halladay.

2009-05-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

I've been bashing Jays fans all season for their horrible attendance numbers this season. But this week something funny has happened. Roy Halladay vs A.J. Burnett drew a crowd of 43,000 followed by another Halladay start on Sunday that drew over 37,000. Take away those two starts and the home opener, the Jays have yet to average more than 22,000. Suggesting that the fans are coming out to see Halladay would be in stark contrast to history both recent and past. Games pitched by Halladay has never drawn much of a bump of attendance. Even Roger Clemens two CY Young season here in Toronto never drew any extra bodies. Have things changed. I guess we'll see. At the very least I'll only be disappointed at the fans fewer times this season.

Jays Tame the West

2009-05-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

With a 3 out of 5 west coast trip the question if this team is for real is getting really close to being answered with a resounding YES. You know things are going well when you're biggest problem right now is where to put your excess starting pitching once it comes off the disabled list. Romero, Litsch and Jannsen will all be back soon and only Ray appears to be the current starting pitching poised to lose his job. But where do the Jays go from there? Richmond and Tallet have been better than good. Richmond is coming off a Rookie Pitcher of the Month for April and Tallet save for one start against Kansas City has an era below 2. That leaves Brett Cecil and given his first two major league outings, like I said, the Jays have only good problems to deal with.

Tuesday sees a visit by the Yankees to the Rogers Centre. I couldn't have written the script any better as the pitching match up is Roy Halladay against A.J. Burnett. Is this a big series for the Jays? Absolutely. Is it the end of the world if they lose 2 out of 3. No. Are the guaranteed a post season berth if the win 2 out of 3? Hell no. It's still only May but nonetheless here's hoping Rogers Centre has 35,000 fans on Tuesday with most of them cheering for the Jays. Frankly, this team deserves some love.

What A Home Stand!

2009-05-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

Tough to complain about a 4 and 1 homestand, but not impossible. Shame on you Blue Jay fans for your lack of support in terms of attendance. The Blue Jays have the best record in baseball and we rank amongst the bottom in over all attendance. What exactly are we waiting for? Do we need the Red Sox and Yankees to come to town? The park then seems to be filled with fans for the road team any ways. Here's hoping the Jays continue their winning ways and this city can prove me wrong. Prove to me that the crowds can return to the World Series years.

Wow does Brett Cecil look like the real deal. An absolute intimidating presence on the mound. The present looks good for the team and the future looks just as promising. A rotation of Halladay, Marcum, McGowan, Cecil and Romero would have the potential to be amongst the best in baseball. Offensively players like Lind and Snider look like they belong and if the light can ever stay on consistently with a guy like Alex Rios, the playoffs will not be far away.

A Series Sweep!

2009-05-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

Just when you thought things were going to start to unravel given a 3 out 4 series loss to the Royals, the team rebounds with a sweep of the Orioles. The pitching is hanging on the say the least and the hitting has been clutch. I do have a couple of beefs but it's not with the players, it's with Rogers and YOU THE FANS! We spent our winter complaining about the sorry state of Toronto Sports teams and now that we have a team winning baseball games attendance has flushed down the toilet. I've never thought this was much of a sports town, more of a Leaf Town than anything else. But I always believe that a winning team would bring in the fans. So far I've been proven wrong. I'll grant you, it's early, but here's hoping that if the team is still playing this way come June and July we'll get 35 to 40 thousand at the Rogers Centre. Speaking of the Rogers Centre, can anyone tell me why the roof was closed today. A gorgeous day with no chance of rain and they decided to play indoors. If anyone were to say to me that the attendance is low because fans don't like to go on a day that the roof may be closed I will grant you a pardon. Rogers can make all the improvements to the stadium it would like but until the create the feel of an open air ballpark fans will stay away. Many fans believe the park is fine with the roof open, I've never heard anyone say they would rather have it closed. In April? Fine. Days like today? No excuse.

All Good Things Must End

2009-04-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

So the streak is over. Not a series win, not even a split. Instead it was a 3 out of 4 loss in which the starting pitching basically sucked! I've asked this question already, but I now know the answer. Yes, the Blue Jays have a better pitching staff on the disabled list than they have actually pitching. Here's hoping some of the arms can come back sooner rather than later. All in all we can't really complain about a 15 and 9 April. Give me a 15 and 9 May and it will be a fun summer. Tomorrow it's the O's in town, hopefully this town has woken up and realized that not all Toronto teams suck and make there way over to the Rogers Centre for what appears to be a pretty decent weekend for baseball. GET OUT AND SUPPORT!

CAN YOU SAY FRANCHISE RECORD!

2009-04-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

That's six in a row and there should be absolutely no complaints. This team may have a better starting rotation on the DL than it has actually pitching but nobody is complaining. Brian Tallet has solidified himself in the rotation. Once Litsch and Romero return it will be Burris and Purcey that get sent down. I will not harp on this for the entire season but even at 14 and 6 I really wish Shawn Marcum was pitching. Either way it's off to Kansas City for 4. Wish I were there since Kauffman Stadium is a jewel of a ballpark and one that I hope to see soon. Of course any talk of Kansas City reminds me of 1985. I wish baseball can go back to those days when such a small market team was a legitimate Wordl Series contender. Does anyone think the Jays won't get a run of Grienke? It'll be interesting to say the least.

Who Said Don't Mess With Texas!

2009-04-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

After losing the first game of the series started by Roy Halladay I've got one word for anyone who really thought the Jays would go on to win the next 2. LIAR! This series looked all too familiar to every other home series against the Rangers. One that basically sees the Jays score a lot of runs but fail to deliver the knock out punch. That didn't happen this time and it is another 2 out of 3 for the Jays. Offensively the big story has to be Alex Rios who appears to maybe coming out of a season long slump. He's the most talented player on the team and as the #3 hitter failure is not an option. Hopefully he continues to hit the ball. These wins however did come at a price. Ricky Romero and B.J. Ryan were both placed on the DL. Romero should be back after the designated time but Ryan might be gone for awhile. For anyone who thinks that's a good thing in terms of Ryan; grow up. Bottom line is the Jays need everything to fall into place for them if they're going to compete come summer and September. As written here earlier a healthy Ryan allows the rest of the bullpen to fall into its natural order. Though I'm confident in Downs to close the game, he was just as valuable getting important outs in the 7th and 8th innings. Who will be that bridge now to get to the ninth. Frasor, League, Carlsson? Not a bad list of candidates, but not enough to think that a healthy Ryan wouldn't be a welcomed benefit.

4 Series In A Row!

2009-04-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

Behind a great pitching performance by Ricky Romero the Jays one their 4th consecutive series to begin the 2009 season. Romero has now clearly stepped up behind Roy Halladay as the teams #2 starter. A more important note for today was the job done by BJ Ryan. Ryan has struggled early this season and his troubles during spring training have been spoken of plenty of times. But it appears that Ryan has slowly regained his form pitching two scoreless innings this weekend. His value to the bullpen cannot be overstated. An effective Ryan slots the other bullpen pitchers into their best position to succeed. That will also contribute to more wins. It's an off day tomorrow with the Rangers coming in on Tuesday to face Roy Halladay.

So Long Metrodome.

2009-04-17T02:16:00.000-07:00

In terms of ballparks the Metrodome may not be anything special, but mark my words the Blue Jays are going to miss that stadium. The Jays have won 12 of 13 against the Twins and now head back home to face the Oakland A's. As much as the Jays are riding high having won 3 straight series, Oakland has been a Blue Jay killer and the Jays would be wise to not overlook this team. Offensively the team is on a torrid pace, even with Alex Rios not contributing out of the #3 spot. I don't want to get involved in too much trade speculation but I wonder if Rios goes on the market for some pitching help sometime this season if it appears he's headed for another 15 home run season? It's Purcey, Tallet, and Romero for the weekend and hopefully another series win.

Just keep Winning Those Series!

2009-04-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

3 out of 4 isn't bad and for that matter neither is 2 out of 3. Unable to complete the sweep the Jays now head to Minnesota for a 4 game set. It's a 5 and 2 record for the week and like anything life, there's a lot of good mixed in with some not so much. The good has to be the hitting. Basically it's a continuation of last season once Cito took over. Even though Overbay and Barajas are struggling guys like Lind and Hill have been better than advertised. The rotation has been okay. A true measure will be how many victories can they get if Halladay were to stumble. The most serious issues seem to be coming from the bullpen. Considered the strength of the team both B.J. Ryan and Brandon League have struggled to say the least. The team desperately needs those two to be effective so they don't burn out the rest of the relief staff.

.750 Baseball

2009-04-10T05:10:00.000-07:00

3 out 4 not too bad at all. Who would of known that almost 1 time through the rotation it would be Roy Halladay surrendering the most runs of the starting staff. Yesterday was a great debut for Ricky Romero. A highly touted prospect who struggled making his way to the majors pitched with poise and confidence. Strangely enough even though Halladay is a hall of famer the games I'll be most interested in watching are games where Roy doesn't get the ball. Watching the kids can be fun and exciting. Yes there are going to be games when they struggle but seeing them recover from that will also tell you a lot about their character and the hopes of the Blue Jays.

Welcome Back Aaron!

2009-04-08T02:20:00.000-07:00

The saying it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy really does apply when you're talking about Aaron Hill's eighth inning three run home run. Having missed almost all of last season Aaron Hills return this year is one of the brighter spots in a season with little optimism. There were times last year when Aaron was questioning if he would ever play again. His recovery from a concussion was slow, his patience running out. Last night he showed how valuable he can be on a team where hopefully he serves as a pillar and building stone for years to come. I'm sure he's tired of everyone wondering how he feels. Last night in the eighth inning, he answered that question.

Big Win for BJ?

2009-04-07T19:09:00.000-07:00

Big win for the Jays but it pains me to see BJ pick up the win after blowing the save opportunity. Expect to see BJ rack up a few more wins this way over the 162 game season.

Nice to see the Jay's continue to hit as they did with Cito last year. More aggressive than we saw the first half of last year. BJ's going to need it.

Happy Opening Day!

2009-04-06T13:13:00.001-07:00

Like a little boy on Christmas morning, opening day is filled with alot of hope and excitement. Though this years Blue Jays aren't supposed to do much, know one thinks about it today. Yes reality will eventually creep back into our psyche, but today is about a new beginning. As we sit down to watch the game, many of us will have been outside shovelling our driveways and sidewalks. We'll be comforted by seeing that a baseball game is being played. After all baseball will bring the warmer weather. Yes, it didn't today, but just like after a loss hope will reign supreme for tomorrow.

The A.L. East

2009-04-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

We come home in our last division preview. Some say this is the toughest division in all of baseball. I would agree whole heartedly. Yes the Orioles are awful and the Rays were too for quite some time but it has just been so loaded at the top with Yankees vs Red Sox that any other team in any other division would not be picked as a division favourite to begin any of the past 6 or 7 seasons. No greater division represents the disparity between the "haves" and the "haves nots" than the AL East. Add in an unbalanced schedule and it's that much tougher. I've long been a proponent of not even a balanced schedule but a scheduling system much like the NFL where weaker teams play more games against other weaker teams. Thats a blog for another day however, on with the predictions.

1st Place - Boston Red Sox: the Manny drama is over and it's smooth sailing this year.
2nd Place - New York Yankees: they didn't just spend money, they got the right guys.
3rd Place - Tampa Bay Rays: they'll sneak up on no one this year. Let down, let down, let down.
4th Place - Toronto Blue Jays: why they didn't spend some fair money on affordable pitchers this year is beyond me. Look for Hallady to the Dodgers rumours begin to swirl in early June.
5th Place - Another last place finish but only by a noise.

Richmond By A Hair

2009-04-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

Scott Richmond has won the 5th starters job. After seeeing Brad Mills give a less than stellar performance last night against the Phillies common sense took over and the Jays decided that a perhaps Mills needs some time in AAA to work on a few things. I don't think anyone after Halladay is a lock to hang on the entire season. Will the Jays be more patient with Litsch and Purcey than say Romero and Richmond who knows. I say that if anyone of those four go on a long losing streak while someone is heating up down in Vegas a move will be made. The rotation is set, for now. Believe me it is going to change.

Better Late Than Never

2009-03-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

Cameron Maybin, Jay Bruce, and Jacoby Ellsbury. All 3 names should be familiar with baseball fans for two distinctive reason. 1, they have either enjoyed early success in their young careers, or are seen as high end baseball prospects. Ellsbury fills the first description while Bruce and Maybin enjoy the latter. But for Jays fans these 3 guys represents something even more significant. They were passed up on by the Jays in favour of Ricky Romero. Chosen 6th overall in the 2005 draft Romero has served as example #1 why J.P. Ricciardi should be let go. Beyond Maybin, Bruce and Ellsbury what sticks in the craw of Jays fans is that Troy Tulowitzki went 7th, right behind Romero. Shortstop has been a revolving door under the Ricciardi regime with 7 different shortstops playing the position since J.P.'s first year in 2002. Ofcourse J.P. didn't take Tulowitzki because he had Russ Adams making his way up. Adams was J.P.'s first pick as GM of the Jays. He went 14th while some guy named Scott Kazmir went 15th and another dude name Cole Hamels went 17.
Fortunately for Romero all will be forgotten if he pitches well. Ofcourse we're cheering for him but nobody will be cheering louder than J.P.. Romero can be a huge, "I TOLD YOU SO" for Ricciardi. He's been torched for Romero and Adams and hasn't gotten much credit for drafting guys like Marcum, Janssen, Litsch and Purcey. If Romero proves worthy, so will Ricciardi, maybe in the eyes of fans as someone who actually may have gotten that pick right.

Even More Questions and Fewer Answers

2009-03-27T01:55:00.000-07:00

This was to be a pretty quiet spring training for the Toronto Blue Jays. Other than filling out the remaining 4th and 5th starters role the team was pretty much set at every position. In fact with the relative good health of Lyle Overbay and Scott Rolen proponents of the team were beginning to suggest that the Jays may in fact continue the solid play that carried them to a respectable 86 wins last year. However, realism seems to be crashing any notion of that theory everyday at Blue Jay camp. First the team takes a big breath every time Vernon Wells starts to run up the first base line and will continue to do until 2013 when his contract expires. Dustin McGowan - a focal point of the Jays offseason reassurance that they could soften the blow of losing Burnett and Marcum with his May 1st return to the rotation has disappeared. Is there a chance that he won't return at all this year? Frankly, who knows. Casey Jansen was the only real bright spot of the spring from a pitching perspective. In this battle for the 4th and 5th spots not one pitcher other than Casey took the ball and went with it. Brad Mills, Ricky Romero and Scott Richmond are in a battle for the remaining 2 spots by default not because they have earned a job. But the organization spinning continues since Casey has been removed from joining the club as they head north in a couple of weeks due to shoulder tightness. And now the latest. BJ Ryan has apparently lost a few miles on his fastball and no one seems to know why. Never a hard thrower, Ryan's velocity has dipped from 88-90 to somewhere between 84-86. He claims to be healthy but the Jays will be cautious with him. Remember Brandon League missed the entire season in 2007 with a sudden dip in his velocity. A strong bullpen and an improved offense were the 2 ingredients to help offset a weak starting rotation. As the spring continues were still not sure if that will be a winning formula.

The N.L EAST

2009-03-26T05:55:00.000-07:00

As we creep closer to the Blue Jays April 6th home opener, our division previews continue their treck east. Today it's all about the National League.
1st Place: New York Mets - they've imploded the last couple of years but they really only had one glaring weakness; the bullpen. K-Rod and Putz have now made the game a whole lot shorter and their not great pitching staff should prosper because of it.
2nd Place: Philadelphia Phillies - If a team is going to repeat as champions the GM has to add a couple of key acquisitions that can revive the hunger of his teammates who won it last year. Remember the 93 Jays? They replaced Winfield with Molitor, Cone with Stewart. How did that work out? The Phillies haven't done that and will probably struggle in the early going with a late season charge to compete for the wild card.
3rd Place: Florida Marlins - they're due for their World Series run but they may be a year away. Youth, youth, and more youth dominate this team and they will pay the price for it this season. I still think they're one of the best young teams in baseball. Look for them in 2010.
4th Place - They signed Derek Lowe and traded for Javier Vasquez. They will be better than last year and could surprise. But their best player - Chipper Jones is injury prone, pushing 40 and hates Toronto - so screw them!
5th Place - Washington Nationals - They tried hard for AJ Burnett and tried really hard for Mark Texiera. Both of them said no thanks. They ended up with Adam Dunn who will help but they're still a few years away.

We Stay in the Heartland to Cover the American League Central

2009-03-19T06:01:00.001-07:00

Last week we covered my favourite division. This week we'll cover my 2nd favourite division and my 2nd favourite MLB team: the Minnesota Twins. From top to bottom this is the best division in baseball. I won't be surprised if every team comes within 2 games of .500. And that's why 88 wins can actually win this division. On to the predictions.
1st Place: Minnesota Twins - not being bias here. 1 through 5 they'll have the best starting pitching rotation in baseball.
2nd Place: Cleveland Indians - a bounce back year for the entire team. They'll need Carmona to help offset losing Sabathia
3rd Place: Chicago White Sox - I'm sure they want to make Obama proud but I think this team is getting old.
4th Place: Detroit Tigers - This is swing team. They can win the division and I wouldn't be surprised. But I don't think they will because they have issues at SS, DH and the all important Closer position. They would love to shed payroll at the deadline so they'll be looking at any excuse to do so.
5th Place - Kansas City. They too might actually move up a spot or two. They'll be improved but headcases in the locker room like Jose Guillen and Kyle Farnsworth will make it difficult.

Division Previews Move To The Heartland

2009-03-12T05:44:00.000-07:00

Baseball traditionalists will tell you that the game truly grew and flourished in the midwest. I'm in no position to argue and will go one step further and say that the NL Central is my favourite division in baseball. Why? Not sure, but every team has a beautiful ballpark and aside from the Cubs the last couple of years, the division is void of truly big free agent spenders. On to the Preview.

1st Cubs: Playoff disaster last year. Strong rotation will atleast bring them right back there again.
2nd Reds: Maybe a bit of a leap, but they got young kids at so many positions who are type A prospects which include for the first time starting pitchers.
3rd Astros: Tons of offense but not much pitching behind Oswalt.
4th Cardinals: A team that to me has been a bit of a smoke and mirrors the last couple of years. Even in 2006 when they won the World Series I thought they were horrible. Don't see Chris Carpentar staying healthy and can't believe that guys like Ryan Ludwick will do again what he did last year.
5th: Brewers: You lose C.C. and you lose Sheets. You replace them with Braden Looper. Sorry but that's not good.
6th Pirates: Why do they keep coming in last but don't draft guys like Crosby and Malkin?

A Minor Setback

2009-03-10T16:19:00.000-07:00

Dusitn McGowan has been told to rest due to soreness in his shoulder. The Jays are calling it a "minor" setback and given that they told us a couple of years ago that B.J. Ryan had a sore back days before he underwent Tommy John Surgery, why shouldn't we believe them? Call it the Cito factor but I think they're genuine this time around. If there really isn't much hope in 2009 I would have no problem if the organization took a turtles approach when deciding McGowan's return date. He and Marcum are the future of the Jays rotation and their health is critical if this team is to garner any future success. The free agent pool may have been cheap this year but that won't last. The Jays will never be in a position to buy a top tier starting pitcher and therefore the health of their young pitchers takes on an extra importance.

Ptichers Wanted! Only Recovering Ones.

2009-03-07T14:07:00.000-08:00

Add Wade Miller to the list of the walking wounded/reclamation project/low risk high reward candidates to hopefully pitch for the Blue Jays. Nothing against Miller, or Mike Maroth or Matt Clement but I will never understand why A.J. Burnett's money wasn't spent for at the very least a dependable arm like a John Garland or a Randy Wolfe. If not a starting pitcher than use the money to bolster other needs like an everyday shortstop.

Division Previews Stays on West Coast

2009-03-05T06:25:00.000-08:00

Last week I provided my thoughts and predictions on the American League West. I failed to mention that the AL West may be the worst division in baseball. Coming in at a photo finish for that distinguished title: the National League West. That being said, on with the predictions.

1st: Arizona Diamondbacks - In complete control for most of last year until September hit. Their September fall off won't happen again as their young players will benefit from last years experience. Issues in the bullpen can be shored up come trade deadline. Still have the best starting rotation in the division.

2nd; Los Angeles Dodgers - Manny solidifies their lineup but too many question marks in their starting rotation. Garland, who went to the Diamondbacks coincidentally, should have been picked up by L.A.

3rd; San Francisco Giants - Lincecum may be the best pitcher in the division and Matt Cain is better than his numbers illustrate. Still don't have anyone who can hit and Barry Zito continues to drag the spirits and economic resources of the team.

4th; Colorado Rockies - Traded their best position player (Matt Holliday) in the off season and their best starting pitcher (Jeff Francis) is out for the year. More sell offs to come as this team will be lucky to win 70 - 75 games.

5th; San Diego Padres - Tried to trade their best pitcher - Jake Peavy - and couldn't get the package they wanted. Let their legenday closer - Trevor Hoffman - walk away for nothing. Not sure why they didn't trade him last year. Will struggle to win 70 games.

Next week we start moving east as we preview the AL Central.

A new SS on the Horizon?

2009-03-03T02:25:00.000-08:00

With the Oakland Athletics acquisition of Orlando Cabrera essentially removing former rookie of the year Bobby Crosby out of the starting lineup I can't help but wonder if a trade is in the works. More importantly would the Blue Jays be interested? J.P. Ricciardi has been a long time fan of Crosby and history shows that when you are in J.P.'s good book you stay in his good book. Just ask guys like Matt Clement and Brad Wilkerson. Now Crosby does make a good chunk of change 5.25 million and is in the final year of his contract. Can a deal get done if Oakland's good friend of J.P. Billy Beane decide to help his old buddy out by throwing in few bucks. Maybe. Crosby has been injury prone over his career but the Jays might be willing to take a chance since they just saw what a contract year can do for a players health. Yes we're talking about A.J.

Having No Options May Be The Best Option

2009-02-28T08:42:00.000-08:00

If Matt Clement shows himself to be healthy enough to take the ball every 5 days for atleast half a season than why not keep him around? Is that not better than bringing up a young arm and starting the all important ticks on the arbitration clock? All things equal I say Clement gets a spot and guys like Cecil and Mills get a year of seasoning under their belts under the bright lights of Las Vegas. Their could be worse places to go.

Division Previews

2009-02-26T08:05:00.000-08:00

Every week I will provide a quick prediction on all 6 divisions. This week it's all about the AL WEST.

1st: Anaheim Angels - not as good as last year but I think their outfield glut will lead to a trade to perhaps help them in the infield, specifically First Base.

2nd: Oakland Athletics - interesting offseason. Does their inability to secure a new ballpark mean a selloff will be in store come trade deadline?

3rd: Texas Rangers - Ian Kinsler is worth the price of admission. Unfortunately no one else is.

4th: Seattle Mariners - not sure if even Ichiro is worth the price of admission. Hey, under these economic times you gotta cut somewhere dont' you?

Blame Canada

2009-02-25T11:13:00.000-08:00

Carlos Delgado has said that his lack of recognition for what he has done in his baseball career stems mostly from the fact that he spent so many years in Toronto. Is he wrong? Not entirely. But the real issue at hand with his lack of popularity is that he played for a non-contending team. During his years in Toronto who was the best player with the Kansas City Royals or the Detroit Tigers? Exactly. Ask around baseball and everyone knows Joe Carter, Roberto Alomar, Devon White. Again, we take so much abuse from excuse makers when the real issue is DID YOUR TEAM WIN.

Spring Training

2009-02-25T04:06:00.000-08:00

Although attending a Spring Training game remains one of my goals in life interms of sports the general consensus is that it is mostly an insignificant part of a baseball season. Wins and losses don't matter at all. Remember that in 1992 when the Jays won their first World Series they had the worst record in the league. But there still can be an interesting storyline(s) to watch for. What are they?

1. The starting rotation. Does anyone step up and take a spot rather than have it handed to them?

2. Injuries. Vernon is already out, Lyle is already out. Here's hoping Aaron Hill has a healthy spring.

3. Player Moves. The Jays have one of the best bullpen in baseball. Does that help trigger some type of trade for a SP or atleast a more traditional 4th outfielder who can be a defensive replacement late in games. Only time will tell.

The Hamstring

2009-02-24T13:03:00.000-08:00

Nice to know it's chronic.

2009-02-24T12:40:00.001-08:00

2009-02-24T11:15:00.000-08:00

The Latest Hamstring

2009-02-24T10:12:00.000-08:00

Vernon's hamstring injury is just another set back going into 2009. First they were hamstrung by the economy, now Vernon.