View Full Version : The Official Toronto Blue Jays Thread
Maybe I was the only one who thought that the Jays a real shot at wild card, and yes its early and the evil empire is still evil but I now think maybe a division title???? :eek: And Chacin, American League rookie of the year W00t! :thumb: :nod:
Due to the high popularity of the Blue Jays among our members, I have made this thread a sticky by request - Matt :)
The Insider
4-17-05, 10:39 AM
I think what the Jays really have going for them, is a very decent starting pitching staff. Halladay seems to have returned to form, Lilly has had two quality outings even after missing spring training, Chacin has been unbelievable and looks like he's going to win at least 15 games this year, Towers and Bush are each giving the team a chance to win by keeping the runs down. The concern for every Jays fan now has to be the 3 and 4 spot in the hitting lineup as Wells and Koskie are struggling to say the least. Koskie had a clutch 2 out single to bring in two last night so he may be snapping out of it, but Vernon, 10 LOB last night, which in itself is unbelievable. If we can get our 3 and 4 hitters going and have the rest of the lineup continue their great at bats, there is a chance we could still be in the race come July.
scorpionn
4-17-05, 2:01 PM
I simply cannot believe the Jays have performed so far this season... was expecting Halladay to be back though...
Chacin looks awesome, hopefully he keeps it up. I wonder when those Yanks will start to worry :D
The Insider
4-17-05, 4:47 PM
Well, after a rough start, the Jays battled back well but fell short in this one. Towers had a disappointing start to say the least, 2.0 IP and 6 earned runs and that was the difference in the game. Wells got benched, which was a good thing because he can now sit back and take a look at what he's doing wrong. So now off for 2 in Boston and back home again, Jays need to bounce back and get ready for tommorow's 11:00 AM game.
leaferfan87
4-19-05, 9:41 PM
The Jays got a come from behind 4-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox tonight. The Blue Jays trailed 1-0 and tied in on a home run from Corey Koskie. However, David Ortiz destroyed a Roy Halladay pitch and sent into the bleacher seats to make it 3-1 Boston. But, Vernon Wells came up big and jacked a two-run shot that tied the game 3-3 and in the 9th the Jays won it off of Keith Foulke.
Roy Halladay had another strong outing and his only blemishes were the two bad pitches to Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz who took both of them long. The Blue Jays will return to Toronto to face the Evil Empire in a two-game series.
GO JAYS GO!
The Insider
4-19-05, 9:53 PM
Very exciting game tonight, I always hate playing the Red Sox since no matter what Ramirez and Ortiz manage to always hit the Jays pitchers hard. I thought it was a bonehead move to take Rameriz out of the game, but hey, it probably won us the game so, I can't really complain. One thing though, is Miguel always finds a way to scare me when he comes in to close a game. The Jays were very fortunate to come out of this one and I kinda miss the days when Henke and Ward would bail us out all the time. Oh well, a little excitement never hurt anyone ;)
They jays still haven't lost a series. They've won 3 and split 2. Now its the Evil Doers for a quick 2 gamer to kick off a 7 day home stand that includes the Orioles and Rays. Then back to the Evil Doers home park for 2. That brings the Jays to May 1. April has been their bad month. If they can get out of April fighting for 1st, IMO they will give the Evil Doers, and the big bad bossox a run for their money. I still have a feeling this team will be fighting down to the wire for wild card. Anything after that would be the gravey. :)
Hey Amo, Is that avatar the thanks I get for sticking this thread.
Thanks a lot buddy. :cry:
:roll:
Hey Amo, Is that avatar the thanks I get for sticking this thread.If it's any condolence, the Yankees became the first team to win a series from the Blue Jays. They won both games this week at Toronto.
Hey Amo, Is that avatar the thanks I get for sticking this thread.
Thanks a lot buddy. :cry:
:roll:Ok so our bubble was bound to burst!! Umm the avatar? lol, well I saw it I knew I had to have it ;)
Madferret
4-23-05, 4:06 PM
Back to reality for the Jays?
The Insider
4-23-05, 5:18 PM
Jays are on a big slide, everything has gone south, hitting, pitching and defense you name it. They need to work on situational hitting as they are just stranding too many people and can never get a runner in from third/second. And the relief pitching needs to improve as in the last 2 nights, they've completely taken the team out of the game. I think the road trip has taken it's toll on the team and they are just not playing well at home. Not worried yet cause a couple wins and there right back there, but they've got to stop the slide now while they still are close and not drop to the point of no return.
Madferret
4-24-05, 4:35 PM
Jeez, the wheels are coming of the Jays awefully quick eh. Hopefully they can get out of this 5 game slump and get back above .500.
Jeez, the wheels are coming of the Jays awefully quick eh. Hopefully they can get out of this 5 game slump and get back above .500.Slumps like this will likely characterize the remainder of the season to come for the Blue Jays.
It's too bad, but they are in a division where they are the second worst team. Baltimore is hot right now, Boston is the defending Champions and the Yankees have one of the best overall teams.
Things aren't going to easier, but I think the focus should remain on trying to win series (getting two of three) most of the time.
Canucklehead
4-28-05, 4:32 PM
A sweep for the Jays! It's only the Devil Ray's but wins are wins. Back above .500 now :D
The Insider
4-28-05, 8:21 PM
Great job to bounce back and get back over the .500 mark. It's good to see the team getting the batting going again and hopefully they can keep it going against the teams that beat us 5 straight(that being Baltimore & New York)
On a side note, I've just picked up my first pair of tickets to the Jays this year and will be going to the game in a couple of weeks. Like the famous saying goes: "Gotta Support The Team!!!
These blue birds better not damage the Big Unit tonight!
I have him starting on both my fantasy teams. :stir:
Canucklehead
4-29-05, 1:22 PM
These blue birds better not damage the Big Unit tonight!
I have him starting on both my fantasy teams. :stir:
I hope Wells lights him up and finally gets on a roll. I have V. Wells in three pools, including one I'm paying for and he's batting around .200 :mad:
Canucklehead
4-29-05, 9:21 PM
What an outing for Halladay. CG SO, 9K's! Good job by Johnson too, other then that fastball to Hinske.
Leafs_Fa_Life
4-29-05, 9:22 PM
These blue birds better not damage the Big Unit tonight!
I have him starting on both my fantasy teams. :stir:
Well it worked out for everyone. The Evil Unit got the complete game only allowing 2 runs, but the Jays won since Halladay (who is on my fantasy team ;) ) pitched a 3 hit shutout .
The Insider
4-29-05, 9:24 PM
What an awesome game tonight!!!
Halladay was incredible shutting down the explosive Yankee lineup and Randy Johnson threw one bad pitch and Hinske popped it out.. This is why pitcher's duels are very good to watch sometimes, sort of each guy trying to one up the other one.
4 straight after dropping 5 straight, if we can beat the mighty Yanks again tommorow it'll cancel out the terrible weekend last week. And not only that but Jays got a winning record in April, which can only be good news. Keep it up!!!
BTW I just picked up a brand new Black Jays alternate Jersey, it is going to come in very handy in about a week :thumb:
Well I would have preferred a win for Johnson. But he pitched a complete game w/ respectable stats. Halladay was the winner tonight... but I'll take the K's and the CG and be happy - you can't win em all. There's a long season ahead :)
Canucklehead
4-29-05, 9:30 PM
Halladay (who is on my fantasy team ;) ) pitched a 3 hit shutout .
On all 3 of mine :thumb:
Canucklehead
5-01-05, 10:37 PM
Another win for the Jays. They take the series against the evil empire. The only bad part of the game was Lily. He's starting to worry me. I don't think he's had a strong outing yet this year. His fastball only goes 91-92 tops and some hitters were just crushing it. I don't know if he can live on a curveball alone.
Leafs_Fa_Life
5-01-05, 11:24 PM
Another win for the Jays. They take the series against the evil empire. The only bad part of the game was Lily. He's starting to worry me. I don't think he's had a strong outing yet this year. His fastball only goes 91-92 tops and some hitters were just crushing it. I don't know if he can live on a curveball alone.
I'd give him some more time. Remember, with the injury he didn't face live hitting all spring, so he's way behind everybody else.
Canucklehead
5-03-05, 10:03 PM
The Jays won again! Stellar preformance from Towers. They have now won 7 of 8.
More good news, the Yanks got killed by the lowly Devil Rays 8)
Back-to-back thrillers. I love this style of baseball. Keep it coming, please. :)
leaferfan87
5-03-05, 10:44 PM
What a game tonight. Towers pitched great and these guys look like a complete 25-man unit.
NOW GO OUT THERE AND SWEEP THE ORIOLES! GO DOC!
Canucklehead
5-07-05, 2:08 PM
Another poor outing from Liliy: 1 and 2/3's IP, 6 ER's.
The Insider
5-07-05, 11:14 PM
I went to my first Jays game of the year friday night and I thought that the changes were good. The new scoreboard was very clear and turf looks very realistic. The game was nothing to write home about, it just seemed to drag on and their were at least 3 interuptions that made the game drag on. I would recommand checking it out if you are in the Toronto area, not to expensive either, especially on 2 dollar tuesdays ;) .
I would recommand checking it out if you are in the Toronto area, not to expensive either, especially on 2 dollar tuesdays ;) .I was checking out the schedule and the NL Champion Cardinals are in T.O. on June 13-15th, which includes a cheap Tuesday night game. I'm considering going. LFL, wanna go see your Cards with me? Anyone else? Maybe we could do an HS Night Out. :nod: Contact me if you're interested.
Canucklehead
5-08-05, 4:07 PM
Tough series for the Jays. I never would have thought the Sox would hit the ball like that! Unfortunate what happened to Zaun at the end of the game. Always scary to see someone get carted off like that. I hope he's alright.
leaferfan87
5-09-05, 5:45 PM
I saw what happened to Zaun. I hear he will be OK thank G-D.
Canucklehead
5-09-05, 11:38 PM
Good win for the Jays :thumb: Vernon Wells: 2-4, R, SB. Hopefully more of that from him.
Leafs_Fa_Life
5-09-05, 11:42 PM
I was at the game tonight, and the Rogers Centre looks great in person. The field is much nicer, and all the screens look good. Oh, and the dude in the stands sold me beer without asking for ID :thumb:
As for the game, Towers pitched a beauty. For a number 5 starter he's been very solid. Throws tons of strikes, has only walked 2 batters on the year, and keeps a very low pitch count when on.
Hopefully the Jays can sweep this series to make up for losing all 3 against the ChiSox. Doc takes the mound tomorrow :D
leaferfan87
5-10-05, 5:53 PM
Towers was money yesterday. But, only 13,839 yesterday. Even with no hockey the Jays are still having trouble drawing.
Leafs_Fa_Life
5-10-05, 8:54 PM
One hour and fourty four minutes was all the doctor needed tonight. Just a brilliant performance by Halladay, and Hillenbrand gave him all the offense he needed with his two run shot earlier in the game.
Sweep tomorrow :thumb:
leaferfan87
5-10-05, 9:36 PM
I was shocked at the short game. I was watching and then all of a sudden I saw Ken Huckaby giving his congrats to Halladay and I'm like WTF the game is over already!
Canucklehead
5-15-05, 5:07 PM
Another great outing by Halladay: 7 and 2/3 IP, 6 SO, 1 ER 8)
Another great outing by Halladay: 7 and 2/3 IP, 6 SO, 1 ER 8)It's great for the Blue Jays to have him back into this form where they can rely on him for a solid effort every five days, unlike last season.
Don't look now... but the E.E. has won 8 straight and is a mere 1 game behind the Jays after an awful April. :pimp:
:groovy:
:stir:
leaferfan87
5-16-05, 3:34 PM
Don't look now... but the E.E. has won 8 straight and is a mere 1 game behind the Jays after an awful April. :pimp:
:groovy:
:stir:
Unfortunately they have been playing very well lately. Tino Martinez seems to be rejuvenated back in the Bronx. Let's hope this doesn't last though.
Canucklehead
5-24-05, 7:18 PM
Hope it doesn't last.
Roy Halladay's suffering from a strained oblique muscle and will not pitch in his scheduled start on Thursday.
TORONTO (CP) -- Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay will miss his scheduled start Thursday because of a strained left oblique and it's not clear when he'll be back on the mound.
Manager John Gibbons said Tuesday the decision was made despite Halladay's objection that he felt strong enough to pitch. The Jays are hoping Halladay can start Friday or Saturday when the Minnesota Twins arrive in Toronto for a three-game series.
"He thinks he can go, he wants go," Gibbons said. "He's not happy about it, but I've got to think about the big picture here. ..."
"We'll see how he feels as the weekend rolls around."
After Halladay missed much of last season with a sore shoulder, the Jays have been extra careful with the 2003 Cy Young Award winner. Head trainer George Poulis said Halladay risked worsening the injury by pitching through it and that taking some time off to heal it made the most sense.
"They've been pretty cautious with me so I appreciate it," said Halladay. "As much as I'd love to pitch against the (Boston Red Sox), maybe it's the best thing to do. . .n.
"If I had taken the precautions (last year) I might not have missed as much time as I did."
The decision came amid a busy day for the Blue Jays, who also activated Gregg Zaun from the disabled list and recalled outfielder Gabe Gross from triple-A Syracuse while outrighting catcher Andy Dominique to the SkyChiefs and placing outfielder Frank Catalanotto on the bereavement list.
Halladay first felt the injury while pitching Saturday against the Washington Nationals, when he threw seven shutout innings in a 7-0 win. The next day he mentioned the pain to Poulis, who began treating it.
"You throw the kitchen sink at it," Poulis said of how to treat the injury. "Ultrasound, electric stimulation, everything."
Poulis said Halladay's injury is similar but much less severe than the one suffered by Carlos Delgado last year, which cost the slugging first baseman a month and a half.
The plan is for Halladay to throw another light side on Thursday and evaluate things from there.
"I don't think it's going to be a long-range thing," said Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi. "We kind of caught it early so let's nip it in the bud."
Pulling Halladay forced the Jays to rejig their rotation, with Ted Lilly (2-4) now pitching Wednesday instead of Friday and fellow lefty Gustavo Chacin (4-3) moving from Wednesday to Thursday. Josh Towers (5-2) will probably start Friday.
"There's a chance with the day off (Monday) and the way the rotation is to take an extra day and hopefully have it go away," said Halladay. "I threw a side today and I think I could pitch with it. Given last year, I just don't know if it's the best thing and I think that's kind of the team's stance."
As for Catalanotto, the Jays kept details of his loss private. The bereavement list requires him to remain inactive for a minimum of three games and a maximum of seven.
Catalanotto is hitting .281 with one home run and 12 RBIs.
Gross will share playing time in left field with Reed Johnson. The spring sensation who smacked a club record eight homers during spring training has struggled at triple-A, batting just .236 with one home run and 12 RBIs.
"He'll play," said Gibbons. "We'll probably do a lot like we're doing now, lefty-righty. He's here to help and I think it will."
Gross began the season on Toronto's roster, but went hitless in six at-bats. Hitting coach Mickey Brantley wasted little time in taking Gross into the batting cage for some work.
"When you're struggling for a prolonged period, there's different things going on, it's not your typical bump in the road," Gross said. "You go through that, that's baseball."
Zaun, meanwhile, returns after sustaining a concussion during a 5-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox on May 8. He took a knee to the head from second baseman Pedro Lopez while breaking up a double play and spent the weekend rehabbing with double-A New Hampshire.
"I wanted to work on my reaction time, to see what the ball looked like coming to me looked like catching-wise and hitting," Zaun said. "Everything looked pretty slow so that's about right."
leaferfan87
5-25-05, 3:37 PM
Let's hope that Doc will be healthy and ready for his next start. Meanwhile this new young fellow Aaron Hill is playing quite well in his new surroundings hitting .438 in his first few games.
leaferfan87
5-31-05, 11:33 PM
David Bush was finally sent down to Triple A by the Toronto Blue Jays this weekend after yet another loss. This time Bush was seen arguing with manager John Gibbons after he was yanked from a game against the Twins. Bush is winless this season and will go to Syracuse to find his mechanics. In the meantime Chad Gaudin who was acquired from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays will take his spot in the rotation. He is currently starting tonight against the Seattle Mariners.
leaferfan87
6-04-05, 2:02 PM
What would we do without Roy Halladay. The guy keeps getting it done as the Jays beat the A's 6-2 yesterday to snap a two-game losing streak. My only worry is that the rest of the rotation (minus Chacin) looks very shaky and unproven (Gaudin). We can't wait for Roy's start to win. We gotta start supporting the pitchers with runs and help build their confidence.
Canucklehead
6-05-05, 5:08 PM
Here's a math question for everyone: If the Jays only win with the Doc on the mound, what will their record be at the end of the year?
Newfie John
6-07-05, 6:52 PM
Looks like the Jays made a good pick at the draft today with their first round selection. They picked left handed pitcher Romero. He's 20 years old and apparently he already has 3 MLB ready pitches. They are a 94 MPH Fastball, 12-6 curveball, and a nice change up which his fastball sets up well. He also has a slider that "has promise". This pick was the highest pick for the blue jays at the draft since 1997, when they picked Vernon Wells. Hopefully Romero will be a Jays Ace at the top of the rotation with Roy Halladay and Gustavo Chacin. The future seems bright.
Actually, the future seems very very bright. The pitching appears to be set for the future. We have Rios and Wells in the Outfield. Russ Adams seems to be the SS of the future for the Jays and Aaron Hill has been outstanding thus far in his rookie year. Pair that with Hinske and future gold glover Orlando Hudson on the right side of the infield the future looks like it may have a championship. If Quiroz turns out to be good as he's supposed to be(which I doubt, for whatever reason) it would appear we have a solid player at every position, because I doubt Zaun will be around for much longer.
John, your posts about the Blue Jays are too similar to your posts about the Maple Leafs. Must be the blue-coloured glasses.
Canucklehead
6-08-05, 1:05 AM
John, your posts about the Blue Jays are too similar to your posts about the Maple Leafs. Must be the blue-coloured glasses.
Sorry JR, I think it must be your blue and orange glasses. John's post looks fine too me :thumb:
Newfie John
6-08-05, 6:18 AM
John, your posts about the Blue Jays are too similar to your posts about the Maple Leafs. Must be the blue-coloured glasses.
Ahh.. the jealousy rages on. :laughing:
Ahh.. the jealousy rages on. :laughing:What jealousy? I'm not jealous of the Leafs and I am certainly not jealous of the Blue Jays. After all, I like the Blue Jays. But let's face it John, you're delusional. Just take a look at this line:Pair that with Hinske and future gold glover Orlando Hudson on the right side of the infield the future looks like it may have a championship.Like what is that? "Future gold glover" and your "Norris trophy deserving" comments are the same. Both are unlikely. A Championship with this team even six or seven (or X number of) years down the road will not happen. You're overrating and overhyping the Blue Jays, like you do so often with the Maple Leafs.
Please remember this thread is for discussion and debate of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Let's make sure we don't accidentally venture into personal confrontations.
Just a friendly reminder. :)
Thanks - Matt
Leafs_Fa_Life
6-08-05, 5:16 PM
Like what is that? "Future gold glover" and your "Norris trophy deserving" comments are the same. Both are unlikely.
J.R., name 5 second basemen in the AL better defensively than Hudson. Unlike the McCabe for Norris comments, Hudson winning a Gold Glove is very possible. Although he might not be a Blue Jay when it happens.
Looks like the Jays made a good pick at the draft today with their first round selection. They picked left handed pitcher Romero. He's 20 years old and apparently he already has 3 MLB ready pitches. They are a 94 MPH Fastball, 12-6 curveball, and a nice change up which his fastball sets up well. He also has a slider that "has promise". This pick was the highest pick for the blue jays at the draft since 1997, when they picked Vernon Wells. Hopefully Romero will be a Jays Ace at the top of the rotation with Roy Halladay and Gustavo Chacin. The future seems bright.
I also like the selection of Romero. Him, Purcey and Jackson (recently promoted to AA) give us three solid lefties in the system to go with righties Rosario, League, Arnold and McGowan. Good to see JP acquiring some depth at pitching, because chances are out of the 7 guys I mentioned only one or two will make a big impact in the majors. I think McGowan will be one, and hopefully one of the lefties will turn into a good starter.
Actually, the future seems very very bright. The pitching appears to be set for the future. We have Rios and Wells in the Outfield. Russ Adams seems to be the SS of the future for the Jays and Aaron Hill has been outstanding thus far in his rookie year. Pair that with Hinske and future gold glover Orlando Hudson on the right side of the infield the future looks like it may have a championship. If Quiroz turns out to be good as he's supposed to be(which I doubt, for whatever reason) it would appear we have a solid player at every position, because I doubt Zaun will be around for much longer.
Agree with the outfield. Wells and Rios are two good players to build around, and a servicable LF can always be found on free agency. I hope the Jays eventually move Aaron Hill to his natural position at SS and then at second either Adams or Hudson. I'd prefer Hudson, but Adams was a moneyball type hitter in the minors, so JP will likely hold onto him and see if that develops at the big league level. Plus, right now Hudson has the most trade value of the three. Speaking of trades, I hope Hinske gets a ticket out of town too. I'd like to see the Jays pursue Aubrey Huff. He's struggled so far this year, but has been a second half hitter in his career. Also, he's shown he can give you .300/30/100 seasons, which is what you'd expect from a first basemen, and something Hinske doesn't look like he'll ever do. Also, Quiroz's development has been hampered by injuries the past few seasons, but I do believe JP selected a catcher in last year's draft that he's high on. His name escapes me right now, but maybe he could pan out. Anyway, as far as catcher is concerned, you can get by with a guy that doens't hit well. Just as long as he can call a good game :thumb:
J.R., name 5 second basemen in the AL better defensively than Hudson. Unlike the McCabe for Norris comments, Hudson winning a Gold Glove is very possible. Although he might not be a Blue Jay when it happens.Soriano, Boone, Womack (when he plays 2B), Roberts and Kennedy. Even the underrated Iguchi could qualify this season. Hudson is great at times in the four d-spot for the Blue Jays, but I just don't see him winning a gold glove.
Leafs_Fa_Life
6-08-05, 8:27 PM
Soriano, Boone, Womack (when he plays 2B), Roberts and Kennedy. Even the underrated Iguchi could qualify this season. Hudson is great at times in the four d-spot for the Blue Jays, but I just don't see him winning a gold glove.
Soriano...LMAO :laughing: Offensively the guy is great, but he's a medicore to bad infielder, and anybody that covers baseball will tell you the same. The man has a career .968 fielding percentage compared to Hudson's .986. Also, in his four full seasons Soriano has had two seasons with 23 errors, and two with 19. Hudson has made 30 errors his entire career, and only has made 12 in each of his two full season. Soriano hasn't even had a season where his fielding % has passed .975.
On to Boone. No doubt he's still a solid two-bagger, but I wouldn't say he's head and shoulder above Hudson. I believe he did win the gold glove last year, but the award is very subjective. Do you think Steve Finley was one of the better OFs defensively in the NL last year? Usually guys win these things once, and then get by on reputation and win a few more after they've past their defensive prime.
Womack...career .972 fielding % and another guy with multiple 20 error seasons.
Roberts is one guy you could make a case. Aside from his first season where he played SS, the guy hasn't made a lot of errors. Kennedy has also played well at second.
Too early to judge Iguchi. Haven't seen him a lot, but so far he has 5 errors to Hudson's 2.
Like I said, Hudson is among the better defensive second basemen in the leauge, and he does have a shot at winning a gold glove. The fact that you bring up guys like Soriano and Womack is laughable.
Soriano...LMAO :laughing: Offensively the guy is great, but he's a medicore to bad infielder, and anybody that covers baseball will tell you the same. The man has a career .968 fielding percentage compared to Hudson's .986. Also, in his four full seasons Soriano has had two seasons with 23 errors, and two with 19. Hudson has made 30 errors his entire career, and only has made 12 in each of his two full season. Soriano hasn't even had a season where his fielding % has passed .975.
On to Boone. No doubt he's still a solid two-bagger, but I wouldn't say he's head and shoulder above Hudson. I believe he did win the gold glove last year, but the award is very subjective. Do you think Steve Finley was one of the better OFs defensively in the NL last year? Usually guys win these things once, and then get by on reputation and win a few more after they've past their defensive prime.
Womack...career .972 fielding % and another guy with multiple 20 error seasons.
Roberts is one guy you could make a case. Aside from his first season where he played SS, the guy hasn't made a lot of errors. Kennedy has also played well at second.
Too early to judge Iguchi. Haven't seen him a lot, but so far he has 5 errors to Hudson's 2.
Like I said, Hudson is among the better defensive second basemen in the leauge, and he does have a shot at winning a gold glove. The fact that you bring up guys like Soriano and Womack is laughable.Schooled. :o I'll concede.
Newfie John
6-11-05, 10:35 AM
Schooled. :o I'll concede.
Who's delusional now? :laughing:
Anyway, what are the Jays going to do when Corey Koskie comes back? I mean, they can't possibly send Hill down, he's been amazing. Who can you take out of the starting lineup? The only option I can see is maybe Russ Adams, but he hasn't been bad either. Do I sense a trade coming? I don't know who would be on the way out but this reminds me of when Reed Johnson forced Shannon Stewart out of Toronto.
Leafs_Fa_Life
6-11-05, 10:48 AM
Anyway, what are the Jays going to do when Corey Koskie comes back?
I was on the ESPN site earlier and on the link to their rumour central area they had the headline Hillenbrand returning to Red Sox? I'm not sure what the Jays would get in return for Shea since you have to pay to access that part of the site. Although it would make sense for both teams. Boston could use a 1B and Shea is a free agent after the season so Toronto could get something for him. I'm not sure about trading within the division though, because the Jays are still close and even if they do fall out, Boston doesn't have much to offer when it comes to prospects anyway. But right now Hillenbrand will likely be the guy moved and Koskie/Hill would split time at DH/3B.
Who's delusional now? :laughing: What's 'delusional' about it?
:confused:
Newfie John
6-12-05, 12:30 PM
I was on the ESPN site earlier and on the link to their rumour central area they had the headline Hillenbrand returning to Red Sox? I'm not sure what the Jays would get in return for Shea since you have to pay to access that part of the site. Although it would make sense for both teams. Boston could use a 1B and Shea is a free agent after the season so Toronto could get something for him. I'm not sure about trading within the division though, because the Jays are still close and even if they do fall out, Boston doesn't have much to offer when it comes to prospects anyway. But right now Hillenbrand will likely be the guy moved and Koskie/Hill would split time at DH/3B.\
What about Matt Clemente? Maybe a deal could be put together with Hillenbrand and Clemente being the centerpieces. The Jay's certainly have enough depth in the farm to make a deal to get another pitcher.
leaferfan87
6-12-05, 12:51 PM
I don't see the Red Sox trading Clement. They have enough problems in the rotation already vis ? vis the health of Miller, Wells and Schilling. Hillenbrand would warrant quite a nice return from the Red Sox. But, the Bo-Soxs are very similar to the Yankees in the sense that they have almost completely exhausted their farm system in their arms race the last few seasons.
Newfie John
6-14-05, 1:39 PM
How about those Jays last night taking down the best team in the NL. Doc with the complete game victory. We need another pitcher to complement him.
How about those Jays last night taking down the best team in the NL. Doc with the complete game victory. We need another pitcher to complement him. Talk about inconsistancy though. They get swept by the N.L. Central's worst team over the weekend, then beat arguably the best team in the entire National League. The Blue Jays could be a lot more competative if they would at least get more support from their three other pitchers.
leaferfan87
6-14-05, 7:29 PM
Talk about inconsistancy though. They get swept by the N.L. Central's worst team over the weekend, then beat arguably the best team in the entire National League. The Blue Jays could be a lot more competative if they would at least get more support from their three other pitchers.
Towers, Lilly and Gaudin are three guys you'll never be able to crack. There either on or off there seems to be no consistency from these guys.
Gustavo Chacin is good, his ERA is nice, but gets little run support from hs troops.
Newfie John
6-15-05, 12:52 PM
Talk about inconsistancy though. They get swept by the N.L. Central's worst team over the weekend, then beat arguably the best team in the entire National League. The Blue Jays could be a lot more competative if they would at least get more support from their three other pitchers.
I agree. Last night was another example of their inconsistancy on the mound. Gaudin was serving up home runs like hot plates early in the game, not that it mattered because Carpenter was just amazing. I think the Jays have to trade Hillenbrand or maybe even Koskie(but i doubt it) for some pitching help. The emergence of Aaron Hill makes that trade available. Gustavo Chacin is the only other consistant Blue Jay pitcher, but like leafer pointed out, he gets little run support which should change eventually. One more pitcher should do the trick and the Jays may finish with 90 wins.
EDIT: What do you guys think of this possiblity? Offering up Lilly or Towers WITH Hillenbrand and get a real quality pitcher back.
Leafs_Fa_Life
6-15-05, 6:39 PM
Well Lilly and Hillenbrand are both free agents after the season, so closer to the deadline lots of teams will probably have some interest in them (Hillenbrand for sure, Lilly if he starts showing signs of life). However, since both will be rent-a-players I doubt the return would bring us an impact player. Catalanotto is another guy that might get shopped around closer to the deadline. He could be a useful left-handed bat for a team in the race.
Canucklehead
6-16-05, 1:46 AM
Good news, Lily had his best outing of the year today:
7 IP, 6 K's, 4 hits, 0 ER's.
:thumb:
leaferfan87
6-16-05, 9:30 AM
He really was great yesterday. Alex Rios and Aaron Hill also enjoyed very nice games. Hopefully, the Jays can have a good series against Milwaukee and get back to where they were before the road trip.
Leafs_Fa_Life
6-16-05, 7:50 PM
Got this from another forum.
Rumor from Baseball Weekly.
The Jays covet Dodgers 1B Hee Seoo Choi and Giants 1B Lance Niekro but its unlikely either team would give up on either player at this point given their untapped potential. A greater possibility seems to be either Phillies 1B prospect Ryan Howard or Indians 1B Ben Broussard. Howard is currently trapped behind slugger Jim Thome but would probably require more compensation in return leaving Broussard a real possibilty. GM J.P. Ricciardi didn't exactly deny a rumor that he had interest in Broussard or that he had recently talked with Indians GM Mark Shapiro regarding obtaining Broussard in a deal when asked. The Jays would like to dump disgruntled starter Ted Lilly who is no longer on speaking terms with pitching coach Brad Arnsberg. Cleveland would most likely be looking for another stick or a mid to high level prospect. Interestingly enough Tribe scouting directing John Mirabelli was in
attendance down in Akron last week at a recent game between his AA affiliate Akron and the Blue Jays's AA affilitate New Hampshire and was seen scouting several Blue Jays prospects. He most notably paid particular attention to the Fisher Cats SS Raul Tablado. He came away raving about Tablado's power for a middle infielder.
Ryan Howard is an interesting prospect. He's a bit older than most guys (he's 24 or 25), but he could turn into a power hitting DH at the major league level. The big concern with him is nobody saw him as an elite prospect for a long time and has had only one monster season in the minors (and at 24 you should be killing minor league pitching).
If I was JP the guy I'd be more interested in is Austin Kearns. He was sent to AAA earlier this week and is likely done in Cincy. He's young, fields well, and has great offensive upside. I think a change of scenery would do wonders for him, and he'd provide the Jays with the power they've been lacking from the corner outfield positions.
Leafs_Fa_Life
6-23-05, 9:37 PM
The Jays have taken 3 of 4 from division rival Baltimore. They took the series on solid starts by Walker and Halladay, and Aaron Hill continues to impress. On top of his offensive production, he showed he could flash the leather today too, with an amazing diving catch in shallow LF.
Leafs_Fa_Life
6-27-05, 10:13 PM
Apparently the Marlins are shopping starting pitcher A.J. Burnett. I was reading an article that said two AL team are interested (the Orioles and another unnamed team). The Marlins are looking for a young starting pitcher, a quality reliever, and a left-handed hitting OF in return. I wonder if the Jays would be that second team in the running. He would add some much needed stability to a pitching staff that has been medicore behind Halladay, and resigning him shouldn't be a problem. Him and Brad Arnsberg have connections from when Brad was in Florida, and maybe AJ will wanna stick with his old pitching coach. Besides, we have that extra 20 million in payroll this coming offseason to spend. I think a package of Catalanotto, Batista, and Chacin or Bush could get the job done. That's plenty for a guy that'll be a free agent in the offseason, and with Cat gone the Jays could now go after a power hitter to play in LF (Huff, Dunn, Kearns). It would leave a hole at closer for the Jays, when we finally got a guy to settle in the role and not give us fans heart attacks (see Koch and Escobar), but I think Frasor could handle the job. Jason Arnold has been converted to a reliever this season in AAA, so he could be called up to fill that extra spot in the bullpen.
Nice choke by Ernie Whitt in this afternoon's game in St. Petersburg. :thumb:Blue Jays 1B coach Ernie Whitt helped security guards stop a fan who had run onto the field. "I didn't know what his intentions were," Whitt said. "I wouldn't go out of my way to stop him. He ran for me and I got him. I just put an end to it right away."He literally was choking the crazy kid for several seconds, before the security were able to get Whitt's hands off of him. You can never take fans on the field lightly, especially when they're running towards onfield coaches and players. Remember the Comisky Crazies? :mad:
BTW, the Blue Jays dumped the Double A's 12-3, taking two of three in the series.
Leafs_Fa_Life
7-02-05, 1:23 AM
Well last year on Canada Day the Red Sox lost an extra inning classic to the New York Yankees. This year there was nothing classic about the game they lost in, just a good ol' fashioned BEATDOWN to the Blue Jays :D :nod:
Leafs_Fa_Life
7-10-05, 2:04 PM
Zach Jackson will be pitching today in the Futures Game. The Jays first round draft pick has gone through the system very quickly, already in AA just a year after being drafted.
Another 04 draft pick is also moving his way up the ladder. Chip Cannon has recently been promoted to AA, and the numbers of this 6'5 215 pound first basemen are something to get excited about.
Team G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG AVG
Lansing Lugnuts 46 168 22 45 9 2 11 36 91 20 47 0 0 .351 .542 .268
Dunedin Blue Jays 29 112 28 43 4 2 14 39 93 16 32 0 1 .465 .830 .384
Just ridiculous homerun totals.
Newfie John
7-10-05, 2:47 PM
Zach Jackson will be pitching today in the Futures Game. The Jays first round draft pick has gone through the system very quickly, already in AA just a year after being drafted.
Another 04 draft pick is also moving his way up the ladder. Chip Cannon has recently been promoted to AA, and the numbers of this 6'5 215 pound first basemen are something to get excited about.
Team G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG AVG
Lansing Lugnuts 46 168 22 45 9 2 11 36 91 20 47 0 0 .351 .542 .268
Dunedin Blue Jays 29 112 28 43 4 2 14 39 93 16 32 0 1 .465 .830 .384
Just ridiculous homerun totals.
Bye Bye Hinske?
Leafs_Fa_Life
7-10-05, 4:53 PM
Chip went 2-4 with a homer in his AA debut :nod:
Leafs_Fa_Life
7-13-05, 2:15 PM
The word is if the Jays can sign A.J. Burnett to a long-term deal he will be dealt to Toronto. The centerpiece going back will be Chacin, and apparently it's a done deal if the Jays and Burnett can work out a contract.
Leafs_Fa_Life
7-21-05, 10:00 PM
Well the Jays swept Seattle this week to make up for their horrible series against Tampa Bay on the weekend. Hopefully they can take another 3 this weekend when they take on KC. Also, I was at the game today. Too bad it wasn't televised because I was second row along the firstbase line. I could've been on Sportscentre :nod:
Also, looks like things on the A.J. Burnett front have slowed down. Mainly because of two things. Firstly, nobody wants to take on Mike Lowell's albatross of a contract. Which is understandable because he's a shadow of his former self, but still getting paid like a guy who can hit 25 homers and drive in 90-100 runs. Secondly, Burnett really seems like he wants to test the free agent market this summer. Also understandable because the the FA market for pitchers this summer is horrible and he'll probably get WELL over his market value.
Leafs_Fa_Life
7-23-05, 10:45 PM
Am I the only one left on the bandwagon? Well good thing I got my drivers license last month, I'll drive while everybody else is taking a break :D
David Bush made his return to the mound tonight after a stint in the minors. He recorded the win going 7 innings, allowing 3 runs. Ted Lilly goes in game 3 tomorrow.
Leafs_Fa_Life
7-28-05, 2:15 AM
On the Jays telecast today they mentioned that Dustin McGowan might be a possiblity to fill in for Ted Lilly this Saturday. I thought they'd give him more time in the minors considering he's coming off of Tommy John surgery, but I'm definitely excited about seeing him pitch in live :nod:
Jays win 18-inning marathon to sweep Angels (http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?id=131778).
:eek:
I think the headline says it all. That's the most innings the Blue Jays have ever played in one game. That works out to two complete games people. Wow.
http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20050729/jays_717.jpg
Leafs_Fa_Life
7-29-05, 2:08 AM
I hope Scott Downs can give us a big effort tomorrow night. League is the only person in the bullpen that wasn't used tonight, and if Downs gets chased early it could be a long night against the Power Rangers. I think Downs should give us five or six solid innings though. He was alright he last outing against Texas until that Matthews homer (which was a foul ball), and he kind of lost focus after that. The Jays bats need to catch fire again too, because Batista is probably lost for tomorrow's game after pitching in all three against Anaheim. So hopefully Wells and Hillenbrand start jacking the ball out of the park again :thumb:
Leafs_Fa_Life
7-30-05, 9:32 PM
The future ace made his first start in a Jays uniform today. Dustin McGowan looked shaky early, but overall in was a solid debut for the flamethrowing rookie. He went 5 innings, allowing 2 hits, walking 3, striking out 6 and giving up one earned run. McGowan should stay in the rotation until Lilly comes off the DL. Then he'd be sent back down to the minors, or JP will have to make a move if the kid looks to good to send back down (like with Hill).
leaferfan87
8-14-05, 9:47 PM
The Jays have won 5 of 6 games after defeating the Baltimore Orioles this afternoon. I must say despite missing Roy Halladay and Ted Lilly, their best pitchers (Halladay anyways, Lilly is a different story), but they've done all right for themselves.
Leafs_Fa_Life
8-15-05, 2:14 AM
Well Bush has done a nice job since coming back from the minors.
Leafs_Fa_Life
8-18-05, 1:47 PM
Well I'm probably the only person who saw the game last night, but the Jays put on a clinic last night. Web gem after web gem after web gem. Toronto is argueably the best defensive team in the AL, and they showed why last night on a national audience in the States (game was on ESPN :nod: ). Right now the Jays are only 4 back of the wildcard, and they've been doing it without Halladay (probably out till September) and Lilly (could make his first rehab start something next week).
I found this article on the Sun website today. Gives us an idea of who JP could be looking at with his 30 million dollars in spending money :thumb:
FOR THE MOMENT, let's pretend today is Nov. 12 as we crystal-ball gaze into the future.
It's exactly two weeks after the Chicago White Sox have won their first World Series since 1917. The free-agent signing period is now underway.
The post-season was dominated by talk of whether new San Diego Padres president Sandy Alderson would hire his former Oakland A's employee, J.P. Ricciardi, general manager the Blue Jays, as GM to replace the outgoing Kevin Towers.
With more money than most teams -- maybe more than everyone but the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox -- who should the Jays pursue as the free agency doors swing open?
Remember when Ted Rogers opened the bank back on Feb. 1? The Jays could add $20 million US this year, in 2006 and also in 2007. If they didn't spend, the cash would roll over.
The Jays don't have any big-time free agents of their own to re-sign, such as Joe Carter, Paul Molitor, Robbie Alomar, Kelvim Escobar and Carlos Delgado in seasons past.
Clearly, the Jays need more power -- they had 111 homers going into last night's game, 18th in the majors -- but the problem is where to put the power if they can find it.
Do they sign a power-hitting corner outfielder or a first baseman? Can they find a team to take first baseman Eric Hinske or do they get a bat to DH and demote Aaron Hill?
The corner infielders and outfielders are a problem for the Jays when it comes to home-run production.
Hinske has 10 homers in 399 at-bats. As a point of reference, rookie of the year candidate Jeff Francouer, of the Atlanta Braves, has nine in 105 at-bats.
Outfielders Frank Catalanotto (six homers), Reed Johnson (eight) and Alex Rios (eight) do not provide the 20-to-25 homer output expected of left and right fielders.
The object of obtaining a bat is to compliment Shea Hillenbrand. The Jays would be wise to take a run at left fielder Carlos Lee (27 homers, 92 RBIs) if the Milwaukee Brewers do not pick up his $8.5-million US option.
Paul Konerko of the Chicago White Sox has 30 homers and 77 RBIs. He could DH for the Jays.
And what about Hideki Matsui? Strengthen your team, weaken the opposition.
Should Toronto try to talk Larry Walker out of retirement to be the DH and retire on his home and native land?
Also, another starter needs to be added to a rotation. The Jays will no doubt chase free-agent righty A.J. Burnett, who is 11-6 with a 3.04 earned run average with the Florida Marlins.
Other free agents to consider are Matt Morris, 12-5 with a 3.83 ERA for the St. Louis Cardinals; righty Jeff Weaver, 10-8, 4.52, who likely will re-sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers; Kevin Millwood, 6-9, 3.09 with Cleveland; and Jarrod Washburn, 6-6, 3.33, with the Angels.
The Jays could fill one need with a free-agent signing or deal a Rios or a Gabe Gross for a salary arbitration player.
Since the Jays are one foul tip away from having Ken Huckaby as their No. 1 catcher -- Guillermo Quiroz has played just 111 games the past two seasons -- another catcher is needed.
To his credit, Quiroz had hit six homers in his first 18 games at triple-A Syracuse since returning from a collapsed lung.
While scouts rave about catcher Curtis Thigpen, he only has 23 games squatting at double-A New Hampshire. He's not in this crystal ball just yet.
But free-agent help is available behind the plate, including John Flaherty of the Yanks, Kelly Stinnett of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chris Widger of the White Sox.
Catcher Ramon Hernandez of the Padres is hitting .273 with seven homers and 38 RBIs in 76 games. Sandy Alomar, of the Texas Rangers, is also a free agent and won't be back. He has appeared in 38 games with six extra-base hits and 14 RBIs.
But the best of the bunch is Bengie Molina of the Angels. The best of the Catching Molina Brothers, Bengie was hitting .278 with 13 homers and 52 RBIs through the first 82 games of the season.
Molina is very good catcher and always seems to deliver for the Angels. They will try to keep him, but Molina says he won't take any hometown discounts.
Zaun will be No. 1 after his contract vested after playing 70 games. Similarly, the Jays would like to find a solid No. 2 starter for him to catch.
Someone to fit in behind Roy Halladay but ahead of Ted Lilly, Gustavo Chacin and either Josh Towers or Dustin McGowan.
We shall see what the future holds.
Should be an interesting offseason. Hinske is definitely out. I think our infield going into next season, barring any major trade, will be: 1B Hillenbrand, 2B Hudson, SS Adams, 3B Koskie, and Hill will DH and spell Adams and Koskie once or twice a week. In the outfield nobody is really safe IMO, although I think Wells, Rios and Johnson are pretty close to being safe. Catalanotto drew some interest at the trade deadline, and should be moved fairly easily over the winter. I've always liked Cat, and it'll be sad to see him leave, but this team needs a power hitting outfielder, so he longer has a place on this team. I could see them going after Lee if he hits the open market, because JP has admitted that he tried to pry him away fro the ChiSox last winter, and would give us a much needed power hitter in the middle of the lineup. Although, nobody seems to be losing money in baseball anymore, so the Brewers might decide to hold onto their best hitter and lock him up long term. On the pitching front Halladay and McGowan are really the only locks in our starting rotation. I think Lilly, Chacin, Bush, and Towers will all be shopped, so there should be some changes in our rotation next year. Billy Wagner might be worth looking at too because I believe he's a free agent and his time in Philadelphia is done IMO. Not sure if he'd come to Toronto, but he's a guy that'd be worth looking into.
Well I'm probably the only person who saw the game last night, but the Jays put on a clinic last night. Web gem after web gem after web gem.Hey, PDO and I watched some of it, most notably seeing Vernon Wells go all out for that ball in centre, then seeing Aaron Hill (who looked like David Wright) make a spectacular long running catch in foul ground on the very next play.
Toronto is argueably the best defensive team in the AL,That is quite possible. Hard to believe. Also I can hardly believe that they're just four games back of the Wild Card. I continue to underrate this team and that's my problem. Hopefully they can get Roy Halladay back soon and make things exciting down the stretch in September. Call me a bandwagoner, but I'm a little excited.
Leafs_Fa_Life
8-19-05, 7:05 PM
From Fanball
News
Blue Jays pitching prospect David Purcey struck out a career-high 10, including four in one frame, leading the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats in a 2-0 shutout and a sweep of Norwich on Thursday. After Purcey fanned Dan Ortmeier to open the fourth inning, Eliezer Alfonzo struck out swinging but reached on a wild pitch. Purcey then struck out the next two batters to end the inning.
Views
Purcey is one of the arms that the Blue Jays expect to settle in their rotation in the next couple years. The left-hander needs to polish up his pitches and his command, but he already has four potentially above average to plus pitches and assuming he continues to make progress, he'll help the Jays by 2007.
Nice to see Purcey coming along in AA. His minor league career didn't get off to quite that start Zach Jackson's got off too (both were selected in the first round last year), but Purcey definitely has a higher ceiling than Jackson (who should max out as a middle rotation guy like Bush). JP has definitely stocked the system with quality arms since he's gotten here though. Now he just needs to focus on some bats :)
The Insider
8-23-05, 10:18 PM
Well, after tonight I think that the Jays chances are coming to an end. They have been hanging on and hanging on, but now IMHO they have fallen to far down and with Halladay and Lilly nowhere near ready to come back, I think the Jays missed the boat on this year's Post Season. They kept battling the Yanks and taking lead after lead, but Batista blew another save and this time cost us the game. Can't really see much positive out of this, the only chance we have left is to go a long winning streak and hope that all the teams in front of us fall which is very unlikely. Too bad though, cause this team is really fun to watch :thumb:
They kept battling the Yanks and taking lead after lead, but Batista blew another save and this time cost us the game.I actually watching an inning of Blue Jays' baseball and it was the ninth. When Batista came in, I just knew Reed Johnson's RBI in the top of the inning would not be enough. Sure enough, Matsui leads off with a HR to right and the Yankees load the bases, with no relief for Miguel, he gives up the game winning hit to someone I've never heard of. Well at least New York doesn't have sole possession of the Wild Card. Yet.
The Insider
8-23-05, 11:01 PM
I actually watching an inning of Blue Jays' baseball and it was the ninth. When Batista came in, I just knew Reed Johnson's RBI in the top of the inning would not be enough. Sure enough, Matsui leads off with a HR to right and the Yankees load the bases, with no relief for Miguel, he gives up the game winning hit to someone I've never heard of. Well at least New York doesn't have sole possession of the Wild Card. Yet.
That's basically be the year in a nutshell, we're always there, we've always had a shot, just whenever we needed or been given a chance to win(like how many times are you going to score on Mariano) or hold a lead, we've always seemed to not be able to do it. It's tough to watch sometimes to see the team come so close and than fall back... oh well, I guess we have to wait for next year :wave:
Leafs_Fa_Life
8-23-05, 11:42 PM
The joys of following a .500 ballclub :doh:
They've been an exciting team this year that works hard every single night, but aside from defense this team doesn't really excel at anything. They have an ok offense, and average pitching. JP has said himself that on a contending team Ted Lilly is a number 4 starter, and on Toronto he's currently the number two guy. So needless to say the pitching staff needs to be improved (looking at you AJ Burnett). On offense they were talking about this on the post-game show tonight, and I agree with Wilmer when he says this team needs two bats (preferably guys who can hit in the 3 and 4 spots). Personally I'd settle for a 4th and 5th hitter (and I think that's more likely).
As for the game tonight, Batista blew it for us. He has really struggled in the second half. He looked like the guy in the first half of the season, but he's really struggled with his stuff over the past month or so. Hopefully we can light up Mussina tomorrow so he doens't have to come in and pitch, but it doens't seem likely.
What's up with your boy Halladay??? Just last week, they were talking about him coming back soon. He got pushed back a few days, then a week.... then ESPN tells me this morning he's out for the season :curse:
(I have him in another league)
I had lofty wild card hopes for this season but now with Doc on the shelf for the rest of the way those hopes have vanished. I still hold out that Chacin has a shot at AL rookie of the year.
Leafs_Fa_Life
8-27-05, 12:05 PM
What's up with your boy Halladay??? Just last week, they were talking about him coming back soon. He got pushed back a few days, then a week.... then ESPN tells me this morning he's out for the season :curse:
(I have him in another league)
Well, he's been throwing fine in side sessions. However, the bone in his leg hasn't healed properly and he's unable to field. With the playoffs this season being nothing more than a pipedream, there's no point of putting the franchise in harms way.
Well this is not TO's year... but I gotta give respect where it's due.
Your outfielders have some guns boy, Giambi got thrown out at 2nd and Matsui at home. Both by a mile!
Leafs_Fa_Life
9-30-05, 11:49 PM
I was at the Jays game tonight, second row again:D It was a good night. Saw the Jays beatdown KC, Griffin played well, and we sat around a bunch of drunks.
I was at the Jays game tonight, second row again:D It was a good night. Saw the Jays beatdown KC, Griffin played well, and we sat around a bunch of drunks. Forget the game, let's get to the important business here. Were you able to purchase your own beer again?
Leafs_Fa_Life
10-01-05, 1:53 PM
Forget the game, let's get to the important business here. Were you able to purchase your own beer again?
No, they asked for ID this time :( It's ok though, my friend knew this place that didn't ID so we went there after the game for a quick drink :thumb:
Leafs_Fa_Life
10-09-05, 12:21 PM
TORONTO (CP) - Tom Cheek, the long-time Toronto Blue Jays radio broadcaster who became the voice of baseball in Canada, has died after a battle with brain cancer.
An official with the baseball club confirmed Sunday that Cheek had died. Cheek was 66.
Starting with the first opening day in club history on April 7, 1977, Cheek called an astonishing 4,306 consecutive Blue Jays games, a streak which came to end last June 3 when he skipped a game to attend his father's funeral.
Shortly thereafter he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and had partially successful surgery to remove it last June 13th, his 65th birthday. He underwent chemotherapy afterwards and returned to call some games last summer, while fighting short-term memory loss.
Cheek was in good spirits this spring and was to be back in the booth in 2005 when a second round of cancer hit him in the spring. The operation took place in March, but it could only add some brief time to his life, not save it.
A straight-shooter who was friendly, charming and sincere in person, Cheek was the same on the radio, avoiding gimmicks and catchphrases.
His knack for capturing the moment was best demonstrated by his call on Joe Carter's 1992 World Series winning home run - "Touch 'em all Joe, you'll never hit a bigger home run in your life."
That call became his calling card.
Cheek is survived by wife, Shirley, a native of Hemmingford, Que., and three children.
RIP Tom. You will be missed.
:(
That was awful news to hear today.
Rest in peace, Tom.
He was a man who was nothing but class for the Toronto Blue Jays organization.
Hopefully he'll be inducted into the Hall of Fame soon. Unfortunately he won't be able to attend, although maybe he would have preferred that since he never tried to be the focal point of his broadcasts.
The Insider
10-10-05, 11:21 AM
Very sad news to hear, Cheek was as much Jay as anyone else since he pretty much was the voice of every play in Blue Jays history. He will be deeply missed and hopefully will have his career calling Jays games recognized with a Hall of Fame selection.
Touch 'em all Tom, we're all gonna miss you!!!
This is a sad thing to hear because I grew up a Jays fan because of Tom Cheek. I remember My Dad and I would sit on the Balcony of our building in the hot summer months and listen to Tom and the Bluejays. It was one of the few things that my dad and I were on the same page about. I will miss you Tom
leaferfan87
10-12-05, 2:34 PM
I remember listening to Tom and Jerry throughout the glory years of 1992 and 1993 when I was supposed to be in bed sleeping. I would sneak on the game on my radio. RIP Tom, you will be missed!
http://www.tributetotom.com/
http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/memorial/tor/cheek.html
Those are a couple websites I have come across in the last few days.
Newfie John
11-01-05, 5:00 PM
Vernon Wells and Orlando Hudson won gold gloves today.
wildboy26
11-04-05, 2:51 PM
Tom Cheek's passing is sad, but he will have always left a legacy.
As for the team itself, I have 3 tips for them:
1)Get rid of Eric Hinske
2)GET RID OF ERIC HINSKE
3)GET RID OF ERIC HINSKE
Oh yeah, make sure Halladay is healthy, pick up Burnett if he is available and affordable, and let Gabe Gross play more if there is room for him. That is about all, except get rid of Eric Hinske, oh yeah already said that. :)
Leafs_Fa_Life
11-04-05, 4:11 PM
I'd send Gross out the door with Hinske. He'll be a nice major league player, but this team needs a corner outfielder that can mash, and Gross doesn't project to be that type of player. Another infielder need to be moved too. It'll probably be Hudson, although I'd like to see Koskie gone.
wildboy26
11-04-05, 4:31 PM
I just think Gabe Gross has earned his shot, he has played very well in the minors for years, and has been respectable when called up. He atleast deserves to be given more of a shot with the big team, then make a decision on him. Besides it wont be easy to get that additional dynamic outfielder right now, will it? I guess it depends what is available over the summer, but we know the Blue Jays still have tight wallet strings(or purse strings as the official term, LOL!). Hudson is such an amazing defensive player, and he can produce some big hits, I would like to see him stay, but perhaps to get what they need, they will have to part with him. :cry: I think they are stuck with Koskie for awhile, he has a pretty secure contract, unfortunately that is the case with Eric "grossly fat, clumsy defense, mediocre offense" Hinske as well. :burning:
Leafs_Fa_Life
11-04-05, 4:50 PM
The Jays payroll will go from 50 million to 85 million over the offseason. So for once I don't think the fans of this team will have to worry about money. Owning the Skydome has brought in extra revenue for the team, and attendance this year exceeded expectations.
I totally agree with you on Hudson. I love the guy and would like to see him stay, but I just don't see JP keeping him over guys that he drafted like Adams and Hill.
In the outfield there are options for the Jays. I think they'll pursue Brian Giles to hit third. Huff and Dunn are also guys that have been involved in trade rumours for awhile. Neither guy makes tons of money, and both are still pretty young.
wildboy26
11-05-05, 12:06 PM
I knew that the owners had agreed to an increase in payroll, but not that significant. I read about that in the last off-season though, I guess it has increased from the great revenue from ticket sales and the great stadium.
That is great, it should allow them to pick up some key players that fit specific needs for the team, that they would not have been able to acquire before.
Sadly I think you are right on Hudson. I have enjoyed watching him in Toronto, and will remember his spectacular defensive players and the positive energy he brought to the team. The good news is that he is probably highly sought after by quite a few teams, especialy ones that need a great defensive 2nd baseman, and could bring back some good things in exchange.
Brian Giles would be good for the team, but what will they do with Koskie then? I wouldnt mind seeing him become a bench player, but would they feel comfortable doing that with somebody with his very high salary? The same problem I could see with Hinske, what if they cant get rid of him, will they feel uncomfortable demoting him too far with his high salary they are stuck with, god I hope somebody is desperate and believes he has alot of potential :laughing: or something looney like that, and just thinks he needs a "change in environment" :wicked: and takes him off Toronto's hands.
Are they still pursuing A.J Burnett? I think they need 1 or 2 more solid starting pitchers than they have now. Halladay and Chacin are the only ones I feel comfortable with personaly, although Bush probably will get another chance.
Leafs_Fa_Life
11-05-05, 12:22 PM
Brian Giles would be good for the team, but what will they do with Koskie then? I wouldnt mind seeing him become a bench player, but would they feel comfortable doing that with somebody with his very high salary? The same problem I could see with Hinske, what if they cant get rid of him, will they feel uncomfortable demoting him too far with his high salary they are stuck with, god I hope somebody is desperate and believes he has alot of potential :laughing: or something looney like that, and just thinks he needs a "change in environment" :wicked: and takes him off Toronto's hands.
With Hinske they'll probably have to eat some of his contract, but I think they'll be able to find somebody to take him. As far as Koskie is concerned, it's not that he's a bad player, but over the past few years he's shown he can't stay healthy for a full season.
Are they still pursuing A.J Burnett? I think they need 1 or 2 more solid starting pitchers than they have now. Halladay and Chacin are the only ones I feel comfortable with personaly, although Bush probably will get another chance.
Toronto was the first city Burnett visited this offseason. From the comments he's made it seems like the visit went well. Him and Halladay even went to the Raps season opener together.
wildboy26
11-05-05, 6:52 PM
With Hinske they'll probably have to eat some of his contract, but I think they'll be able to find somebody to take him. As far as Koskie is concerned, it's not that he's a bad player, but over the past few years he's shown he can't stay healthy for a full season.
Koskie has not been that good even when he has played in the last year. His batting average is way down, perhaps some of that is due to rustiness from returning from injury layoffs, it takes time to get rythym and feel for what you are doing when you face pitchers who have that. Still low batting % and not that high of a home run and RBI ratio per game even if you factor in had he played a full schedule.
Toronto was the first city Burnett visited this offseason. From the comments he's made it seems like the visit went well. Him and Halladay even went to the Raps season opener together.
Sounds promising.
Leafs_Fa_Life
11-19-05, 5:57 PM
TORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays are tinkering with their ballpark again this winter, feathering the nest to make their home stadium a little more fan-friendly.
It's been almost a year since the team purchased the stadium known as SkyDome, renamed it Rogers Centre, and then installed a new playing surface and a video display system, featuring out-of-town scoreboards built into the outfield wall.
Toronto fans responded to the changes by clicking through the turnstiles more frequently last summer. The Jays drew almost 25,000 people per game to their new-look ballpark, and the team topped the two-million mark in season attendance for the first time since 1999.
Blue Jays president Paul Godfrey said taking control of the stadium led to a "dramatic improvement" in the team's relationship with fans.
"We've put a lot of money into the building just to improve the cleanliness and general day-to-day maintenance," he said. "The response that we got from the public has been very good."
Now the team is planning another offseason of upgrades to its lakefront home. Godfrey said three major projects are in the works this winter and that the Jays are already talking about plans for 2007.
The biggest project is an overhaul of the concourse that rings the field level seats. Godfrey said the area will be widened and brightened by removing some seats that are covered by the stadium's second deck.
"They're not the greatest seats," Godfrey said. "What we're going to do is take out about three rows of seats and basically widen the concourse area, make it brighter and improve the way the concession stands look, just give it an overall better feel."
Also in the works is a re-fit of the club seating area in the stadium's second deck.
"We're going to shrink it a little bit to make it more exclusive," said Godfrey, adding that the new club section will also boast a buffet dining section and theater-style seats.
Finally, the team is renovating 43 luxury boxes and will convert some of them into larger party suites that can accommodate as many as 150 people.
"There seems to be a demand to have bigger suites where people can hold executive office parties, larger birthday parties, bigger evenings out with bigger crowds."
The team is already looking ahead to next winter, Godfrey said, when they plan to "totally rebuild" the Blue Jays' clubhouse and weight room area below the third-base stands. The visitors' clubhouse may also get a makeover.
"Capital dollars are always at a premium," Godfrey said. "It all depends on budget availability, but we're hoping to do that as well."
Another project on the long-term agenda involves adding some type of facade to the exterior of the stadium, a monolith that is oft criticized for being cold and imposing.
"We've been working on the inside of the building first," Godfrey said. "What we would plan to do in a future phase is look at the outside of the building and try to soften the concrete look out there as well."
Good to hear.
I can't wait till they redo the stadium's exterior.
charlio lemieux
11-19-05, 7:01 PM
Good to hear.
I can't wait till they redo the stadium's exterior.
Yes, even with the sculptures it looks gloomy from the train.
wildboy26
12-04-05, 4:23 PM
I am sure all have heard of the recent deal, that is alot of money to play for a closer, even a very good one isnt it?
charlio lemieux
12-04-05, 8:35 PM
You could say too much.
But if there was one glaring weakness on the Jays last year it was closing pitching. I turned off more games in disgust in the ninth inning this season, than I even watched the year before.
They need one or two more 25+hr guys to really have a shot.
wildboy26
12-04-05, 9:48 PM
You could say too much.
But if there was one glaring weakness on the Jays last year it was closing pitching. I turned off more games in disgust in the ninth inning this season, than I even watched the year before.
They need one or two more 25+hr guys to really have a shot.
That is true. Hopefully they still have enough money availabe to get another big bat, since they desperately need atleast 1 potential 30+ HR hitter added to the team. I am just worried they may have strangled with this deal.
charlio lemieux
12-04-05, 10:18 PM
No worries. Old Man Rogers gave JP $70million extra to spend over three years. Year one JP spent Zero. So he still has lots left.
wildboy26
12-04-05, 11:17 PM
They probably will have to still spend the 2.5 million per year to get rid of Erik Hinske, when some desperate team takes him but is only willing to pay 0.5 million a year for his services(his contract with a couple years left pays him 3 million a year).
I wonder what happens to Miguel Batista now, does he move in with the relievers?
Newfie John
12-05-05, 6:17 PM
According to ESPN Insider, it will be announced tonight that the Jays have signed Burnett to a 5 year 55 million dollar deal.
Lets get some bats here now.
Lets get some bats here now.
Sign Mike Piazza. :laughing:
wildboy26
12-05-05, 10:03 PM
According to ESPN Insider, it will be announced tonight that the Jays have signed Burnett to a 5 year 55 million dollar deal.
Lets get some bats here now.
Get some bats, and somehow shed the waste of $3 million a year that is Eric Hinske's useless contract. :nod:
Leafs_Fa_Life
12-06-05, 4:41 PM
Get some bats, and somehow shed the waste of $3 million a year that is Eric Hinske's useless contract. :nod:
It's 5 million a year now.
wildboy26
12-07-05, 9:53 AM
It's 5 million a year now.
Sorry I read 3 million a year for 5 years, coming to a total of 15 million. I guess that report was slightly wrong, and it is spread out increasing over later years of the contract, as the contract of a young player(then he was young)usually does.
I am dissapointed Giles did not sign with Toronto. That would have helped Torontos search for some power in the middle of the order well. Interestingly it was not the usual TO problem of not offering enough pay, he took for less in the city he grew up in and wanted to play in most.
Hopefully Burnett finaly fulfills his still untapped potential, and does not bring the anger issues he ended last season with his former team to TO. :eyebug:
KB in Kelowna
12-07-05, 11:25 AM
Sign Mike Piazza. :laughing:
don't laugh I heard last night the Jays are having prelimenary discussions with his agent, has to be for a DH/Pinch hitter role, no way can he catch a full season.
Daryl Shilling
12-07-05, 11:43 AM
don't laugh I heard last night the Jays are having prelimenary discussions with his agent, has to be for a DH/Pinch hitter role, no way can he catch a full season.
Yeah, I heard that and thought "If only it was '96 instead of '06. And, definitely yes, he'd really have to be DH'ing to play in the AL.
Daryl
Leafs_Fa_Life
12-07-05, 7:08 PM
A deal for Lyle Overbay looks to be close. The Jays would send Hillenbrand and Bush to the Brewers. For the Jays it looks like a financial move, since Overbay will probably get 2 million in arbitration compared to the 5 million Hillenbrand is expected to make. For the Brewers, Hillenbrand would either be traded somewhere else, or moved to 3rd base.
Newfie John
12-07-05, 7:21 PM
That trade doesn't make a lot of sense to me for either teams. Unless something bigger is in the works.
Leafs_Fa_Life
12-07-05, 7:35 PM
That trade doesn't make a lot of sense to me for either teams. Unless something bigger is in the works.
Well for the Brewers, they'd probably swing Hillenbrand somewhere else for an arm. For the Jays they'd save a bit of money, and Overbay has similar power numbers to Hillenbrand, but walks a lot more. The 3 million they'd save could be used to sign a guy like Reggie Sanders, Frank Thomas, or Mike Piazza. Hell, maybe they decide to make a run at Nomar.
However, I'd like to see JP try to work out something bigger with the Brewers. Maybe throw in a guy like Rios and try to pry away Jenkins or Rios and a prospect to see if you can get Lee.
Newfie John
12-07-05, 8:11 PM
Nomar wants 8 million to play with the Jays..
Leafs_Fa_Life
12-07-05, 8:38 PM
Nomar wants 8 million to play with the Jays..
Where'd you hear that from?
The one advantage to signing Nomar would be that, since he's coming off an injury plagued season, you might be able to sign him to a one year deal. Also, if he pans out he's probably be the best hitter on the team.
Dave Bush, Zach Johnson(Pitchers), Gabe Goss(OF) traded to Milwalkee for 1B Lyle Overbay.
Source, Every sports web page you can think of ;)
Newfie John
12-08-05, 6:27 AM
The Jays have Overbay, and now are looking to trade Hinske. Apparently Baltimore is interested. The jays want another/bigger bat. The Reds are shopping Dunne so I'm thinking Frank the Cat along with Hinske and maybe a prospect or something for a big hitting outfielder. That'd complete the team IMO.
wildboy26
12-08-05, 10:43 AM
If Hillenbrand is still with the team after the trades, and they have acquired a power-hitting first baseman like Overbay, what position will Hillenbrand play next year? Designated hitter or an outfielder?
scorpionn
12-08-05, 2:48 PM
Dave Bush, Zach Johnson(Pitchers), Gabe Goss(OF) traded to Milwalkee for 1B Lyle Overbay.
That seems liek a hell of a lot to give up for Overbay.
Now I just hope the rumours aren't true and they don't trade Hudson :eek:
Leafs_Fa_Life
12-08-05, 5:48 PM
The Jays have Overbay, and now are looking to trade Hinske. Apparently Baltimore is interested. The jays want another/bigger bat. The Reds are shopping Dunne so I'm thinking Frank the Cat along with Hinske and maybe a prospect or something for a big hitting outfielder. That'd complete the team IMO.
With the trade of Sean Casey I doubt Cincy is looking to move Dunn anymore. He'll slide over to first and Kearns and Mo Pena will both get the playing time they need in the OF. Besides, if you want Dunn the offer will have to be A LOT better than that. Cincy is a tough team to deal with, and Dunn is a player entering the prime of his career with a very good contract.
I still think Hillenbrand might be traded. He's a guy that other teams have interest in, and is one year away from free agency anyways. If the Jays could sign a guy like Nomar, I think they'd ship Hillenbrand off.
Newfie John
12-08-05, 6:06 PM
The Jays have so much depth if they sign Nomar. They have to trade Cat, Hillenbrand, Hinske and whatever else it takes to get a big bat in the outfield.
Another rumor, Milton Bradley for Miguel Batista.
Leafs_Fa_Life
12-08-05, 6:44 PM
The Jays have so much depth if they sign Nomar. They have to trade Cat, Hillenbrand, Hinske and whatever else it takes to get a big bat in the outfield.
Another rumor, Milton Bradley for Miguel Batista.
Well it's a given JP will have to trade some guys. Hinske is gone, and you could probably move Cat easily if you want Nomar to play LF. Same with Hillenbrand if you want him here to DH. Hudson probably gets dealt so they can make room for Hill to play everyday.
wildboy26
12-08-05, 9:43 PM
I actually dont dislike Hinske as much as I seem to. I just think he needs to get out of Toronto, if he is sent to a different team I will follow him a bit and hope he plays better on his new team. I would be sad to see Hillenbrand go, but the likelihood is he wont play as well next year as this year, and so it is the best time to trade him, while his stock is highest.
Leafs_Fa_Life
12-08-05, 11:04 PM
I would be sad to see Hillenbrand go, but the likelihood is he wont play as well next year as this year, and so it is the best time to trade him, while his stock is highest.
Why would you say that? Hillenbrand played last year the way he's played his entire career. Average, homers, ribbies, etc. were all around his career averages.
wildboy26
12-09-05, 8:46 AM
Why would you say that? Hillenbrand played last year the way he's played his entire career. Average, homers, ribbies, etc. were all around his career averages.
Yeah but he was ahead of pace for awhile wasnt he? He tailed off near the end when Toronto was out of it anyway, and alot of teams motivation sunk.
Plus his defence was better than expected.
Leafs_Fa_Life
12-09-05, 4:14 PM
Yeah but he was ahead of pace for awhile wasnt he? He tailed off near the end when Toronto was out of it anyway, and alot of teams motivation sunk.
Plus his defence was better than expected.
Hillenbrand has always been a quick starter that tails off as the season goes on.
Leafs_Fa_Life
12-20-05, 6:33 PM
Looks like JP might be done this offseason. There was some talk about Pat Burrell briefly, but according to JP, "We've exhausted every possible avenue in regards to a trade. We're not ruling it out, but something drastic would have to change for us to say we've got something. Now, we're just sitting back waiting to see what the rest of the winter brings us. We'd like to add that one more bat but, if we can't, we'll have to make do with what we've got." So that means right now the lineup is probably:
SS Russ Adams
LF Frank Catalanotto
CF Vernon Wells
1B Lyle Overbay
DH Shea Hillenbrand
3B Corey Koskie
C Gregg Zaun
RF Alexis Rios
2B Orlando Hudson
That's a decent lineup if Koskie stays healthy and hits .270/.370/.450 on the year. It could be pretty good if Rios has a breakout season and proves he can hit for power in this league. However, it does look like this team will rely on pitching and defense to win games this season. Hopefully Lilly can bounce back and have a strong season, while Chacin avoids a sophmore slump. We'll also have to wait and see what the Yanks and Sox do the rest of the offseason.
Newfie John
12-20-05, 6:46 PM
Not a bad lineup. The pitching is our anchor though.
Halladay
Burnett
Chacin
Lilly
Towers
Walker
Schoenweis
League
Batista
Etc etc
Ryan
A potential wild card club here.
Leafs_Fa_Life
12-21-05, 4:22 PM
Apparently, the Jays have some interest in light-hitting Bengie Molina.
Newfie John
12-22-05, 7:32 AM
Apparently, the Jays have some interest in light-hitting Bengie Molina.
Makes sense. Apparently Quiroz hasn't been doing well in winter ball. I like Zaun though.
Leafs_Fa_Life
12-23-05, 6:15 PM
The Blue Jays have reached a tentative agreement to obtain third baseman Troy Glaus from the Diamondbacks, FOXSports.com has learned.
The deal is contingent on a physical, which Glaus is expected to take Monday in Toronto. A press conference is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday.
In return for Glaus, the Diamondbacks are expected to acquire second baseman Orlando Hudson and right-hander Miguel Batista. The Jays also might receive a prospect in the deal.
Glaus, 29, had the power to invoke the limited no-trade protection in his contract to block a trade to Toronto, but he apparently has agreed to waive that right and approve the deal.
Players generally require a financial inducement to relinquish no-trade protection, usually in the form of a bonus, a contract extension or the addition of an option year. The details of any agreement between Glaus and the Jays is not known.
The higher tax rate that Glaus would pay in shifting his place of employment from the United States to Canada is another financial consideration. Glaus almost certainly would want a tax-equalization benefit as part of any package he receives from the Jays.
The Diamondbacks were seeking to unload Glaus without paying any of his remaining salary - $32 million over the next three years. Batista is due $4.75 million next season. Hudson is expected to be in the $2 million range in salary arbitration.
Glaus is expected to remain at third base for the Jays, who possess a surplus of corner infielders ? first baseman Lyle Overbay and third baseman Corey Koskie, plus Shea Hillenbrand and Eric Hinske, who play both positions.
Hillenbrand is the most likely of the group to be traded. Koskie, attracting minimal trade interest, could be reduced to a designated hitter if he remains with the team.
In recent years, star players have balked at moving to Canada, but the addition of Glaus is another testament to the Jays' rising profile. Earlier this off-season, the Jays signed free-agent right-hander A.J. Burnett and left-handed closer B.J. Ryan for a combined $102 million.
Glaus also may be open to playing for the Jays because his wife, Ann, is an equestrian rider who often travels to the east coast for competitions. His contract includes an additional $250,000 per year to help finance his wife's career.
If the Jays absorb the entire financial commitment to Glaus, it is doubtful they would use him as a DH. Overbay, recently acquired from the Brewers, is set at first. Which leaves Koskie, Hinske and Hillenbrand, at least one of whom will be moved.
Koskie, 32, is guaranteed $11 million over the next two seasons. Hinske, 28, is owed $9.95 million. Hillenbrand, 30, stands to earn at least $5 million in salary arbitration. He is the most attractive of the holdovers to rival clubs, having averaged 18 homers and 86 RBIs the past three seasons.
To accommodate Glaus' contract, the Jays likely would need to clear other salaries in addition to Hillenbrand's. General manager J.P. Ricciardi has said the team's payroll will be $75 million.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5192008
If this is true, the Jays will get the cleanup hitter they need.
Newfie John
12-24-05, 8:03 AM
Everyone is reporting this now. This is cool. I don't want to trade Hillenbrand though. I'd rather keep him for DH and trade Koskie for whatever we can get for him. ANYTHING, I don't care. Same for Hinske.
SS - Russ Adams
2B - Aaron Hill
CF - Vernon Wells
3B- Troy Glaus
DH- Shea Hillenbrand
1B- Lyle Overbay
RF - Alex Rios
LF - Frank Catalnotto/Reed Johnson
C- Gregg Zaun
Halladay
Burnett
Chacin
Lilly
Towers
Ryan
This team is at least a wild card threat. IMO, on paper this is a better team then the Red Sox right now.
Leafs_Fa_Life
12-24-05, 10:39 AM
Yep, I really hope they can pull a deal for Koskie. When healthy there's no doubt he's a better hitter than Hillenbrand, but he hasn't been healthy in recent memory.
leaferfan87
12-24-05, 11:46 AM
I suppose this means that either one of Hillenbrand, Hinske or Koskie is on his way out of Toronto. I like this deal alot. It would give the middle of our lineup some great power with Wells, Glaus, Overbay and most likely one of Hillenbrand, Hinske or Koskie. It sucks that we had to give up Orlando Hudson, but I think Aaron Hill has more of an offensive upside and hopefully he can provide at least adequate defense at that position.
Leafs_Fa_Life
12-28-05, 5:32 PM
Yesterday at the press conference, JP didn't mention Koskie's name when he was talking about the bats this team will have in the lineup next year. Also, John Gibbons is rallying for the Jays to hold onto Shea Hillenbrand. This all likely means JP will try hard to get rid of Koskie, and only deal Shea if nothing can be worked out for Koskie. Hopefully he can find a taker for Hinske too, since he's gonna be one very expensive bench warmer the next two seasons.
Yesterday at the press conference, JP didn't mention Koskie's name when he was talking about the bats this team will have in the lineup next year. Also, John Gibbons is rallying for the Jays to hold onto Shea Hillenbrand. This all likely means JP will try hard to get rid of Koskie, and only deal Shea if nothing can be worked out for Koskie. Hopefully he can find a taker for Hinske too, since he's gonna be one very expensive bench warmer the next two seasons.
Would be the best moves, IMO.
Either bring in another bat in the outfield or a #4 starter and the Jays might be in a pretty good position if they get some chemistry going and Boston/NYY run into some troubles similar to last year.
Koskie's not bad.. Hinske is, and Hillenbrand is a pretty solid player.
Newfie John
12-28-05, 6:12 PM
On paper the Jays are the favourites for the wild card. If they were in a division other then the AL East they'd probably be the Div. Champs, on paper. There isn't much of a hole anywhere in the lineup. Their offense looks good, their starting pitching looks good and the bullpen looks good. Now they just have to translate it onto the field. JP has done all he can possibly do.
Leafs_Fa_Life
12-28-05, 8:06 PM
JP has done all he can possibly do.
Yep. He said he wanted two arms and two bats going into the offseason, and he got them. Now the players have to go out there and win.
leaferfan87
1-02-06, 11:38 PM
Yep. He said he wanted two arms and two bats going into the offseason, and he got them. Now the players have to go out there and win.
Exactly. Alot of people have been critical of J.P's moves this offseason and it is time that the Jays silence their critics. I think they have a great lineup and rotation this season so it should be exciting. I personally am more excited than I have been in a long time about a Jay team.
Newfie John
1-02-06, 11:45 PM
I was excited about last years team, so its fair to say I'm ecstatic about this team.
leaferfan87
1-02-06, 11:51 PM
I was excited about last years team, so its fair to say I'm ecstatic about this team.
I was certain that they'd make an improvement last year, but knew they weren't a contender. This year they've made truly impact moves that will tip the balance of power in the AL East. None of the moves they made last year had ESPN or whatever talking about the Jays again and that indicates to me that this team is capable of doing something that no Jay team has done for awhile.
As it stands right now, the Blue Jays are in much better shape than the Red Sox. If the Yankees struggle, Toronto will not only be in contention for the Wild Card, but they may have a shot at the A.L. East.
It's hard to believe, but Rogers Inc. is actually making this team a contender. I was critical when Ted Rogers bought the team and thought that they would be cellar dwellers for as long as he controlled the franchise, but since there's the commitment of money and solid management, Toronto baseball has a lot of hope. Good for them.
There is definitely expectations for this team and I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do. Imagine what the SkyDome would be like if the Blue Jays were in striking distance of NYY in September.
Newfie John
1-03-06, 9:39 AM
Hopefully there'll be a full Rogers Center a lot more often this season.
Leafs_Fa_Life
1-03-06, 12:46 PM
Hopefully there'll be a full Rogers Center a lot more often this season.
Well ticket sales are already 15% ahead of where they were at this time last season, and all the team is selling so far are season ticket packages and flex packs. I'm sure quite a few games will be in the 35-40 thousand range when the singles go up for sale.
I've already made my donation, as I bought tickets back in October (single game pre-sale) to the Mets/Jays game on Friday, June 23rd. :D
Leafs_Fa_Life
1-06-06, 11:32 PM
The Jays have dealt Corey Koskie to the Brewers for minor league pitcher Brian Wolfe.
I don't know a lot about Wolfe, but his minor league numbers from last season that they showed on TV looked alright. Maybe he'll be a player for the Jays down the road, but, even if he doesn't, I'm glad that JP was able to get rid of Koskie's contract.
wildboy26
1-19-06, 10:08 AM
They now have much improvement at both 1st and 3rd base, also giving Hill the chance to be a regular starter at 2nd base will be great for his development. Also much better depth at pitching now. Great off season so far for the Jays.
leaferfan87
1-19-06, 5:18 PM
The Jays have dealt Corey Koskie to the Brewers for minor league pitcher Brian Wolfe.
I don't know a lot about Wolfe, but his minor league numbers from last season that they showed on TV looked alright. Maybe he'll be a player for the Jays down the road, but, even if he doesn't, I'm glad that JP was able to get rid of Koskie's contract.
The prospects on Wolfe aren't that great in terms of a future in the major leagues, but who knows?
Salary dump essentially, no more, no less. Wolfe coming over was a formality.
Leafs_Fa_Life
2-11-06, 1:56 PM
The team signed Bengie Molina a few days ago to a one year deal with an option to complete JP's offseason spending spree. The lineup looks alright on paper:
Adams
Catalanotto
Overbay
Glaus
Wells
Molina
Hillenbrand
Hill
Rios
I guess you could move Cat or Overbay around, so the 3 lefties on the team won't be bunched together at the top of the order. However, Hill needs to show some more consistency before I could see him as an everyday number two hitter, and Wells took too many bad at-bats last year to start the season in the 3 spot. Overbay will give you a nice combination of power, contact, and patience in that spot.
leaferfan87
2-14-06, 1:38 PM
Zaun will also get his fair share of starts. Molina has never started more than 130 games so the way I see it Gregg will still get alot of playing time.
Leafs_Fa_Life
3-16-06, 3:54 PM
Jays sign Halladay to a 3 year extension that'll keep him in Toronto till 2010.
Madferret
3-16-06, 3:55 PM
Jays sign Halladay to a 3 year extension that'll keep him in Toronto till 2010.
40 Million also eh, that's crazy money...
You have NO idea what I would do for 40 million dollars!! It might even involve wearing pink socks with little hearts on them ;)
Good deal to get this guy signed long term though. Good job JP.
Madferret
3-16-06, 4:10 PM
1 M would set me up nicely, forget 40 M..
Leafs_Fa_Life
3-16-06, 4:10 PM
Good deal to get this guy signed long term though. Good job JP.
Yep. I also like that all the long-term deals on this team (Doc, AJ, BJ, Glaus) are with guys who are on the right side of 30 that we'll have in their primes:)
Newfie John
3-16-06, 5:55 PM
I love JP Riccardi. He should be the leafs GM.
Madferret
3-16-06, 6:02 PM
John I didn't realise you were a Newf..
:boogie:
JP is the man. I'm so impressed. He and Billy Beane have to be the two best GMs in baseball.
wildboy26
3-17-06, 10:07 AM
Roy will win the Cy young again if he can just stay healthy this year. I really hope Burnett has an awesome awesome year and lives up to his hype of prior years that he hasnt lived up to on his former teams.
leaferfan87
3-20-06, 2:03 PM
http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060318&content_id=1354513&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor
Burnett was taken out of the game on Saturday for precautionary reasons after he felt pain in his elbow. Thanfully, it is nothing serious and he'll start throwing at the end of the week.
wildboy26
3-28-06, 3:54 PM
Does anybody think Brandon League or Dustin McGowan will spend anytime with the Jays this year?
Leafs_Fa_Life
3-28-06, 5:14 PM
Does anybody think Brandon League or Dustin McGowan will spend anytime with the Jays this year?
Injury callups.
wildboy26
3-28-06, 5:17 PM
I think League will spend the whole year with the team, that is my opinion though, if you think he will be only an injury call up you are more likely right than me since you seem to have the inside track on what is going on with the Jays. I think McGowan`s star will fade fast this year and he could be trade bait sometime soon. It is funny to hear him being moved to a reliever in AAA, somehow that does not ring like good news to me.
Leafs_Fa_Life
3-28-06, 5:46 PM
I think League will spend the whole year with the team, that is my opinion though, if you think he will be only an injury call up you are more likely right than me since you seem to have the inside track on what is going on with the Jays. I think McGowan`s star will fade fast this year and he could be trade bait sometime soon. It is funny to hear him being moved to a reliever in AAA, somehow that does not ring like good news to me.
McGowan looked better coming out of the bullpen last year than he did as a starter. Coming off of Tommy John, he just needs to get innings in whatever way possible. He does have a big arm, and could be a good 7th or 8th inning guy.
I like League a lot, but his arm slot was all wrong last year, and it led to control problems. It would be best for him to work on it in the minors, but if the team feels he's better working on it under the supervision of Brad Arsberg then he might stay up with the big club for long stints, just like last year.
wildboy26
3-29-06, 9:17 AM
That is what I was thinking too regarding League and that is why he think he will be up with the big club most of the year. As far as McGowan I think he is a career minor leaguer.
Leafs_Fa_Life
4-03-06, 8:06 PM
It all starts tomorrow. Doc vs. Santana. I got my ticket :)
It all starts tomorrow. Doc vs. Santana. I got my ticket :)
Have a great time! Hopefully the park is full and has an exciting atmosphere. What a matchup for game one of 162.
wildboy26
4-04-06, 1:56 PM
Great pitching matchup and Hinske not in the opening day lineup, which I hope is a sign of things to come(although maybe not since it is against a left-hander). Either way I am happy.
leaferfan87
4-04-06, 2:02 PM
Great pitching matchup and Hinske not in the opening day lineup, which I hope is a sign of things to come(although maybe not since it is against a left-hander). Either way I am happy.
Well he did have a good spring training, which leads me to believe that they'll see if he can apply that in the regular season.
Newfie John
4-04-06, 5:33 PM
It starts tonight fellas. Can't wait! Go Jays Go!
leaferfan87
4-04-06, 10:26 PM
Jays won 6-3 tonight!!
Bengie Molina absolutely vanquished a baseball off the facing of the 500 deck. The other newcomers also came up with timely hits to supplement the Doctor who was spectacular except for two pitches.
...and B.J Ryan has some filthy stuff!
charlio lemieux
4-04-06, 10:57 PM
Watched bits and pieces. Nice way to start the year.
The new guys looked great.
The Dome was Rocking tonight.
A lot of hope for this team.
Hopefully their big guys stay healthy and perform.
Hopefully they continue to receive good fan support (averaging over 30K a game would be great).
Leafs_Fa_Life
4-04-06, 11:52 PM
Nice to see a crowd of 50,000 tonight at the Dome. I must say, it was pretty loud for a Toronto crowd.
Glad to see my boy Rios start off the season well with a few hits and a homer. Hopefully he keeps this up and entrenches himself in the starting RF spot.
Newfie John
4-05-06, 6:23 AM
Everything except for the defence was working last night. Too many errors for my liking but they got the job done.