We're talkin Homer, Blue Jays and MLB

Playing Great Baseball Rant

2008-09-07T20:49:29Z

I don't usually rant about things, but I find it appropiate here since the Jays are play such GREAT BASEBALL and it is going unnoticed just because we are not contending for a playoff spot.

Great baseball! Isn't that what we want as fans? To see our team compete everyday, and give it all they got out on the field. The Blue Jays have been very fun to watch over the past couple of weeks. They are on a eight game winning streak in late September playing against the like of the Twins, Red Sox and Rays (all contending teams with something to play for). We are finding our stride, and playing with playoff type competitiveness against the best of the American League. The pitching has been outstanding (i.e. Purcey, Litsch etc..) and the bats have woken up at long last (i.e. Rios, Wells).

Being 8.0 games out of the AL Wild Card spot, there isn't that much to get excited about with the Jays right now. We have to look to the future, as the cliche phrase goes (the same one we use every year). But I'm not doing that, I won't, no way. I just enjoy watching them play right now. Watching them play, the way they have, has made this season not a loss (even though we percievably won't make the playoffs). They are valiantly competing out there,and they are winning games when late in the season, when most teams are in their best form. I really could not care more, if they don't make the playoffs. I don't care, seriously. I like the guys on the team, I know they have talent and I also know that they can compete at a very high level (easy to see that when we sweep both the Rays and the Twins).

What more do we need as fans? They are a pleasure to watch, and the entertainment value is definately there. The 2008 Blue Jays have played GREAT BASEBALL, I have loved watching them this year, even with all their inconsistancies and their terrible hitting at times.

It is a shame the season has gone the way it has, but this has been a great season regardless. For some reason, the team has now found itself under Cito Gaston. Ya, we are not in the playoffs again, but I say 'so what'. What else is new? The Jays are feared by all MLB teams with the pitching we have. They are a tough baseball team, with no quit in them. I hope we push the Yankees down to 4th place and play spoiler to any team that comes against us thinking they can get a 'cake walk.' Come play these Jays and its likely you'll get sent home without a cake or any dessert whatsoever, not even an appertif. Nothing sweet for these 'so called' playoff teams, just bitter defeat.

Book Review: Summer of '49

2008-08-30T02:08:42Z

With the Blue Jays playing their final games in Yankee Stadium this year. I thought that I would create an entry that captures the history and tradition of Yankee Stadium in its glory days. The classic baseball novel, Summer of '49 by David Halberstam, encapsulates an amazing year at Yankee Stadium.

Summber of '49 is a baseball classic that I finally got around to reading this summer, and I'm glad I did. 1949 was 33 years before I born, but I wish I had lived in this age to experience baseball when it was more simple and pure. '49 was the year that the Yankees won their first of 4 straight World Series' under manager Casey Stengall. The book follows, both the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees, as they fight in a heated pennant race in 1949. Halberstam goes so indepth with this pennant race, that he cateloges stories from young fans, players, restaurants owners and the media all throughout the book.

It was a time where heros were made by voices over the radio, where hard working war-vetern players gave it their all on the field and baseball, not football or any other sport, was truly America's game. Individual accomplishments took a backseas to team camaraderie at this time. Long railway and bus trips would force players to build valuable team relationships and managers that layed discipline on players, forcing them to perform as a team.

Then Red Sox manager, Joe McCarthy, was a good example. He demanded that all his players play hard and take losing very lightly. While coaching the Yankees in the '30s, McCarthy overheard one of his players say, "You can't win every game," the next day that player was sent home. The really irony about McCarthy however, was that while discouraging his players to go out partying/drinking, he himself had terrible trouble with alcohol. His players even had a code word for his benders, they would say he was, "riding the white horse."

The alcoholism that existed in many of the players, during this era, is well documented in this book. These players make David Wells look like a amateur, in the way they could throw them back. Many players could not go on and play without drinking. Ellis Kinder, pitcher for the Red Sox, would stay out all night and drink as much as he could to play better baseball. This I would not recommend, but it is an interesting sidenote to a very good pitcher in those days. Like I said, it was a different time, hard to imagine now though.

Mel Allen was the radio voice for the Yankees in '49. He got the job because the previous assistant radio voice referred to Ivory Soap as Ovary Soap. Allen's voice captured fans from all over with a signature language that he developed. "If there was a play that excited him he would intone, 'How about that?' A home run was not just a home run, it was a ball that he virtually rode-"Going, going ... it is gone." ... And he was always selling beer. No one did the transition from the game to commerical better. "Little Phil (Rizzuto) made a great play on that last ball, and make a great play for yourself if you open up a Ballentine beer." Between innings would come the full commercial: 'If you're listening in at your favorite tavern, don't just say 'one up,' but be sure to ask the man for Ballentine. Enjoy the two B's, baseball and Ballantine. As you linger over that sparkling glass of Ballantine beer, as you feel it trickle down your throat, you'll say, 'Ah, man, this the life!' Baseball and Ballentine beer. And while we linger on this pleasant subject, folks, I'd like to remind you that it's a smart idea to keep plenty of Ballantine on ice at home, to serve at mealtimes, to enjoy during leisure hours, so at your dealer's be sure to look for the three rings. Ask him for Ballantine beer. Listening, one could always sense his pleasure in every aspect of what he did." A truly good broadcastor always has that quality, there are very few of them. Allen would later say that he did not like broadcasting on television nearly as much. He and fan could not use their imagination quite as much because the camera was doing all the work. He felt that he had a less intimate-relationship with his viewers. Tom Cheek and Jerry Halworth, Blue Jays radio announcers for years, had some of these qualities, and like Mel Allen, I can still hear Cheek and Halworth in my head as I watch any Blue Jay game . I cherish baseball radio broadcasts for this imaginative quality, but it is sad that they have mostly become a thing of the past.

Those were a few stories to give you a taste of what this book is all about. Within the Summer of '49, there are a lot of great stories and so much baseball history. The careers and lives of Yogi Berra, Vic Raschi, Tommy Henrich, Ted Williams, Joe Dimaggio, Dominic Dimaggio, Phil Rizzuto, Bobby Doerr, Johnny Pesky among countless others are descripted very well and written beautifully in this book. A very easy read if you are a baseball fan, the pages will just roll on by.

I won't ruin the ending, but the Red Sox blow it, badly, as they usually do, in a dramatic series against the Yankees at the end of the season. Prior to that series, they also had the opporitunity to seal the pennant but they blow it again against the Washington Senators. It is a great book about an amazing season, filled with ups and downs for both teams.

"We are Fighters" 6-5 Extra Inning loss versus the Sox

2008-08-25T19:12:34Z

If there is one thing that you can say about the Jays over the past 4 years, is they are fighters. You pretty much have to be, to maintain a .500 record in a division where two teams usually dominate. Every year it seems like we play such heated battles with the Yankees or Red Sox, and every year we pretty much break even in these matchups, playing absolutely outstanding and exciting baseball. The games show that we deserve to be in their company, they show we can play with the best, and not only that, we can beat the best.

The Jays always put up a fight no matter how far back we are, and no question, the Yankees and Red Sox fear us. For many reasons, the Jays haven't been able to put together the kind of seasons 'The Big Two' have had over the past years, but we definately 'bring it' everytime we face them. That shows that we have some pretty good things going on in Toronto, the pieces might not all be there, but there are a number of very solid pieces on this team (e.g. Halladay, Downs, Rios, Wells, McDonald) and the other regulars.

This past Sunday was an amazing pitchers duel between A.J. Burnett and Dice-K. Burnett made his mistakes, but so Dice-K. The bullpens fought 'tooth and nail', but the Red Sox ended up winning on two solo homeruns in the late innings. One by Coco Crisp in the 8th and the other by Jed Lowrie, in extra innings clinched it for the Wild Card leaders. Those guys are not likely homerun candidates but they came up HUGE for Boston that day.

Seems like every year the Jays play well, but just not well enough to surpass these teams. The Yankees and Red Sox are behind the door (metaphorically speaking) and they keep on slamming it on us. That is our story (captured in this design, below). Although this season, Tampa took a bat and smashed the door in. And 'good on them' I say, GOOD ON THEM. Would have liked it to be the Jays, but somebody had to do it.

RE: Early Season Team and Player Predictions

2008-08-21T21:47:27Z

We are coming to the final month of the season and I thought it would be a good time to refer to my April 12th post on player predictions. Was I right or was I wrong? Here is how I see it, but you be the judge. http://homerfoodandhistory.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/04/early_season_team_and_player_p.html

I have to admit that I hopped on the banwagon with some players that had great early starts.

WRONG

Firstly, I said that Mark Reynolds (who had a great start) would hit 35-40 homers this season and be a solid player for the NL leader Diamondbacks. Well Reynolds has been okay, but less than amazing. He might hit 30 homers this year, but he is definately not carrying a struggling Diamondbacks team. Reynolds also is hitting for a very low average, he doesn't seem to be a very complete hitter. An all or nothing homerun guy, like Rob Deer or Dave Parker if you can remember those old names.

RIGHT

Daisuke Matsuzaka and Johnaton Papelbon. Daisuke is 15-2 with an ERA under 3.00. He hasn't been the strikeout machine I predicted him to be, but he has been very solid for a good Red Sox team. A good September and he can still conceivably win Cy Young.

Papelbon has the lowest WHIP of all closers, is 3rd in the AL in Saves and 2nd in strikeouts among closers in the AL. He is dominant and has been dominant.

WRONG

J.D. Drew. Drew has put up solid numbers, but nothing above his career averages. He is basically doing what you'd expect him to do, which is not bad at all.

WRONG

The Red Sox are still in playoff contention, but they are not as dominant as I thought they'd be. Who would have predicted Tampa Bay this year, come on? I should have mentioned Dusin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilus because they are the ones doing the best in Boston.

RIGHT

I called it on Jorge Cantu being a sleeper. How big has this guy been with the Marlins? On pace for 30 homers, driving in runs and hitting for a respectable average. Watching him in Tampa Bay playing against the Jays, I knew that he still had lots left in the tank. I called it! Cantu is a bigtime fantasy sleeper this season.

WRONG

Baltimore, Kansas City and Oakland were all in first place in their divisions on April 12th. I knew the Orioles and Royals were not for real, but I thought that Oakland would have a chance to contend with their young pitchers. I was wrong, their young starters have been less than spectacular and they traded away Harden, which basically was the white flag on their season.

WRONG

Like many, I liked the Tigers in the central. They have disappointed, they looked like they would drive in a billion runs this season, but that is impossible. SI had them winning the World Series, come on give me some leeway here! Leeway I tell ya!

RIGHT

I was a believer in the White Sox this year, and in the post I mention "look for them to do good things." They have a solid ballclub and are contending for the Wild Card, if not he division.

BIG RIGHT

I said Jermaine Dye would be a key hitter for the White Sox and he is. On pace for 40 homers, 100 plus RBI's and hitting .298. This guy can flat out hit and he is looking like the Jermaine Dye of 2 years ago. Swish, 2 points for me!!

WRONG

Bobby Crosby. I liked this guy when he won Rookie of the Year in 2004. I thought that he would comeback with an injury free season and do well. I was wrong he is hitting .248, 7 homers, and 6 stolen bases. This guy was a one year wonder. Sorry to anyone that was unfortuate enough to take my advice here.

In the World Series I had the Diamondbacks versus the Red Sox. Still could happen, I guess, we will see.

So there is a recap of my predictions. I'm a little disappointed in myself, my picks were not that great. There were a couple good ones here and there, but I was definately not spot on.

What a Catch! Game 4 Jays/Tigers Detroit Trip.

2008-08-17T18:10:29Z

One of top five Jays highlights of 2008 came in the game that I attended at Comerica Park on Thursday. The catch that Vernon Wells made on a Curtis Granderson for sure triple, in the bottom of the 9th of the Tigers/Jays game on Thursday, was amazing. Watching from the stands, I thought no way he was getting to that ball. Vernon truly is a gold glove, in every sense of the word. I only wish he could have a stronger body and stay injury free, because he can really be a force in our outfield and our lineup. If you look at the numbers, we rely so Vernon Wells to carry this team. When he doesn't play well we lose and when he plays great and we win. It is a tough burden for Wells, but its a fact, 'the Jays will go nowhere if you can't stay healthy' sorry.

It was a great catch and it got me really excited at the ballpark, so much so, I stood up with my Vernon Wells jersey and pointed to the name/number on the back of it, to rub it into the Detroit fans. To my shegrin, the rest of that 8th inning did not go so well. The Jays gave up their 1-0 lead and ended up losing 5-1.

Despite the score, me and girlfriend had a great time at Comerica Park. Lots to do there, it is like an amusment park, the food made me very happy. Check out the picture package! It is full of beer, nachos, burritos, daquiris and legendary Tigers. While I was in near by, Windsor, Ontario, I also checked out the Underground Railroad momument. A pretty neat piece of Canadian History.

Thursday, July 28, 1994, 1:17 Mariners vs. Tigers

2008-08-10T03:16:42Z

Following up on my last post about the game that I went to when I was 12. 4-2 Tiger win in extra innings at Tiger Stadium. Probably the best game that I've been to, in recent memory. I had a vague memory of the game and I didn't remember the date or the year. All I remembered was Mickey Tettleton's game winning homer in extra innings. With my internet research skills, I was able to track down the game.

Watching the Tigers win dramatically against a young and exciting Mariners team that featured Ken Griffey Jr. and Tino Martinez in their prime was priceless. There was also a very young guy named Alex Rodriguez playing shortstop and batting 9th for the Mariners, if you can believe it. I still have a Tiger jersey, that I bought at the game, with the MLB 125th anniversary crest.

Here is a link to the Box Score from BaseballReference.com for those that are interested.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET199407280.shtml

I must have had about 10 doubles of Mickey Tettleton that I traded away when I was a kid. All I could find was a card from when he played for the Orioles. Good old Donruss cards, you can notice his unusual batting stance here, tall with the bat parallel to his hip.

Tigers and Tiger-Cats

2008-08-09T17:04:51Z

Detroit Tigers this Thursday, Hamilton Tiger-Cats next Thursday.

This past Thursday I got to watch a Canadian Football League (CFL) classic rivalry game, between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Toronto Argonauts. Living 45 minutes down the QEW from Toronto in Hamilton, Ontario, I've come to cherish this match-up. There is a bitter hatred for the Toronto Argonauts in Hamilton, that is not unlike the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry in the baseball. Fans cursing players on the sidelines, objects occasionally being thrown and the shear joy that comes over you when you see your team winning against that particular opposing team that just makes you quiver.

I don't share in the contempt, by some residents of the City of Hamilton, against the City of Toronto but I do enjoy watching Ti-Cats football, and the CFL is great game to watch. It is totally different from NFL football. 3 downs, no set positions at reciever, single points, defensive players line up 1 yard from the ball and 12 players on the field.

Another team that I enjoy watching is the Detroit Tigers. This Thursday, I will be attending the afternoon battle between the Jays and the Tigers at Comerica Park. Being situated in Hamilton, under 3 hours away from Detroit, I've taken in a number Tigers games (even tried to get World Series tickets once). One of the greatest games that I ever saw was at old Tiger Stadium where then Tiger catcher Mickey Tettleton hit an extra inning homerun against the Mariners.

Being pretty close to both Toronto and Detroit, I often wondered what a Tiger/Blue Jay rivalry would be like. The teams were mini-rivals in the mid 80's when they were both having success in the old AL East. Although, with the forming of the new American League divisions, that rivalry was never able to gain any steam.

Anyway, I still have fond memories of both teams. Usually, if the Jays are not in contention then I turn to the Tigers. If they are both struggling, as is the case right now, I follow the Blue Jays more than any team and just try to make the best of it. Like Terrace seats, large Daiquri's and Nachos at Comerica Park, OH YA. Pictures in next weeks entry! Can't wait for the Nachos.

Fishing in Familiar Waters

2008-08-02T06:29:57Z

With the recent signing of top Dominican shortstop prospect, Gustavo Pierre, the Blue Jays are fishing in an area that they know very well. Some exceptionally good Dominican talent has come through the Blue Jays farm system. To commemorate them, I made this piece that includes, Nelson Liriano, Tony Fernandez, Juan Guzman, Manny Lee, George Bell and Alfredo Griffin. To me, those guys left a great legacy on our franchise. Guzman was a phenomenal young arm, Tony Fernandez is the Jays all time leader in hits, Manny Lee was huge in the Jays 92 World Series push, Nelson Liriano was a solid defensive player and George Bell was a fierce hitter that won the MVP in 1987.

Other notable players (so they don't feel left out).

Miguel Batista, Tony Batista, Pedro Borbón (okay reliever), Sil Campusano, Pasqual Coco (coolest name award), Junior Félix, Dámaso García, Raul Mondesi (guys not from the Jays system are here too),

Only the United States has produced more Blue Jays than the Dominican Republic. We have gotten away from this talent pool recently, but with guys like Robinson Diaz and hopefully Pierre (he is only 16 now) it can make a revival.

Blue Jays need a Major League Comeback

2008-07-27T17:09:12Z

With the team down and out, and the front office looking to replace many of the players. This team needs to light a spark and exceed everyones expectations, a la the 1989 film Major League. Since July 8th the Blue Jays have the best record in the American League. New coach (Gaston), some new call ups (Lind, Purcey) and some old bats coming alive (Alex Rios), have got the Jays salvaging, at least, some respectability this season. If the Jays could grab a playoff spot this season, it would be like something out of the movies. Lets go Blue Jays, have faith "Jesus Christ can hit a curveball".

There is Always 'The Doc'

2008-07-25T22:14:06Z

When the team is struggling this bad, the greatest joy I get out of watching the Jays, is seeing Roy Halladay pitch. At this point in his career, his mechanics are flawless. His delivery to the plate, as it is right now, reminds me of a weapon. Not sure what weapon? Maybe a fighter airplane getting ready to launch a missile. Good idea for my next design, I hope you like it.

Best Centerfielder I've Ever Seen

2008-07-24T04:06:42Z

Devon White was so graceful in the outfield, that he made this famous catch and throw to first base with ease. People say Joe Dimaggio was pretty good in the outfield, but whatever Dimaggio had, Devon White must have somewhere picked up on it, as well. The way people talk about Dimaggio in the outfield, is very similar to the way I saw Devon White play. Long graceful strides, with speed and the ability to read a ball off the bat. White thought that he could track down every ball in the outfield, although his bat wasn't like Dimaggio, his feeling was legendary and it is a well deserved comparison. So, below you will see the catch (2nd most famous play in Blue Jay history) immortalized in this design of Devo with a gold glove. Getting to a ball that he had no business even getting to, starting a double play that should have been a triple play, in Game 3 of the 1992 World Series against Atlanta.

How amazing was that catch? Take it from Vin Scully, Dodger announcer that witnessed Willie Mays' legendary catch. "I saw Mays' catch," Scully said. "And this one, to me, was better." "The big thing with Mays," Scully went on, "was that he had a wide-open area. He didn't have to be concerned with the wall. And that's a major concern. So I'm inclined to think that White's catch might have been better than Mays'."

Something 'we Blue Jay fans' can be very proud of. In a time where our pride is taking a hit.

Remember Back in the Day

2008-07-22T02:51:07Z

The Blue Jays sold out every game, three of our hitters finished 1,2 and 3 in batting average and we were always, if not in, contending for the playoffs. Brings a smile to face.

In times like these, with our current club really disappointing everyone, I like to reflect on the past. I dabble in a little graphic design, so for the next month or so I will try and create some artwork of past Blue Jay glories. Here is a famous one to get me started, hope you enjoy and reflect.

Blue Jays Mid-Season Appointments and Disappointments

2008-07-14T21:42:12Z

An absolute heartbreaking season, so far. Other teams just feel bad for us now. The Marlins guy that reads my blog, http://marlinsin62003.mlblogs.com/, talks about 'the poor Blue Jays'. Always so much potential, but always behind the Sox and the Yanks, except 2006 we were ahead of the Red Sox, on an off year, but we were nowhere near a playoff spot. Since the end of the 1994 Strike season, we have been kicked around and no where near in contention for a playoff spot. I've wasted the better part of my teenage youth dreaming about the playoffs, (I even made this in my graphic design class).

Since 1994, only these teams have not made the playoffs.

Tampa Rays (might come to an end this year)

Kansas City Royals (would hate to be them, but they are still proud)

Washington Nationals (they were the Expos)

Texas Rangers (you can't win without pitching, they won't understand it, even if you beat it into their head. Really great hitters THIS SEASON, probably better than they've ever had, which is saying something)

Milwaukee Brewers (at least they are contending this year)

The Jays should not be in the same catergory as these teams, especially with our success pre-1994.

Disappointments

So, now for my mid-season disappointments. Wow, okay, where do I start?

Here is an easy one. Alex Rios - signed to a big contract in the offseason and generally thought of, to be an emerging Fantasy Baseball Stud. Rios has hit only 4 homeruns and drivin in only 39 runs, in a year where we desperately need RBI's guys. Disappointing for Blue Jays and very disappointing for the fantasy baseball people that have him. The only nice upside to Rios, this season, is that he is on pace to shatter his season high in stolen bases. He has become a 'bigtime' stolen base threat, something the Jays haven't had in a while.

Lyle Overbay - It shows how bad the Blue Jays are hitting when Lyle Overbay is almost leading the team in RBIs, yet only hitting .203 with runners in scoring position and .167 with RISP and two out. Great defensively, but his numbers are definately a downgrade, especially for a first baseman. There are many much better bats out there, at that position. Eric Hinske is making Jays fans beat their head against a wall and it is disappointing, actually more like excruciating.

Vernon Wells - He has been hitting very well lately, and you can always count on him to pick it up mid-season. However, you are too injured all time. Just stop being so injured, okay. lol. That is his only disappointment.

The Closer Role - I thought that we had this locked up with B.J. Ryan, but he hasn't been sensational and when he was injured to start the year, Accardo and company were terrible. I'm looking for a big second half from B.J, he just needs to sharpen his control and stop giving up so many walks. It is a solvable problem and I'm he can do it.

More disappointments, no there could not possibly be any more? Well there are.

John Gibbons - Not able to make this team better than a .500 ball club. Rotating relievers to see which one will lose the game for us, and messing up a lot of our hitter's approach at the plate. Blue Jay hitters seem to be free swinging, under Cito, and it is starting to have some benefits right now.

Scott Rolen and David Eckstein - These were the two, that were suppose to come in and give us that winning mentality. That edge, if you will. They were going to get us over the .500 hump. Not the case, both are performing below their career numbers in batting average, homeruns and just about everything. Didn't see this coming, I loved it when the Jays got these guys. Glaus has outperformed Rolen, and Eckstein is being out perform by Scutaro and even Johnny Mac right now. Eckstein is way better player than those guys, I just don't know what has happend to him??

Kevin Mench and Brad Wilkerson - What have these guys done?? Do they make any difference to our club whatsoever? Play Mench against lefties, is all I can say (did a great job against Andy Pettite the other nite). Desparate moves by J.P. that hurt us and set back guys like Lind.

J.P. Ricciardi - He knows that he is a disappointment because he takes full blame for the teams performance. That is a good thing. I rate him as an average G.M., taking too many risks on vetern players, is probably his greatest downfall. He has made some good moves and he has also made some bad ones, he has put together good teams (there is something to be said for that) but not great ones. Shame, because he will probably be gone before he gets to see the guys he drafted in recent years. The Jays have apparently drafted very well the last couple of years. Call up Brett Cecil now!!!

I'm ending the disappointment section now, because it is starting to make me depressed. Let me just name a bunch of guys, and Jays fans will know what I am talking about. Aaron Hill, Shawn Camp, David Purcey (for his one start, lol, kinda unfair), Frank Thomas (for his time), Shannon Stewart (bad Ricciardi move).

Appointments

'Mighty' Joe Inglett - Great pick-up, like we already have enough middle infielders. I am appointing Inglett to a back-up role and definately a spot on the squad for some years to come. Maybe he will start down the road, who knows? Hill was also a early season disappointment, so Inglett could make a case for that position, who knows?

Adam Lind - The absolute best thing Cito has done, is giving this guy full-time starts. He was killing the International League, and someone doing that, deserves to be in the majors. He had a 0 for 19 start, just bad luck for John Gibbons? Or bad coaching? Who knows? All I know is that Adam Lind can hit and he is definately an upgrade from Shannon Stewart and even Reed Johnson. I'm willing to bet that he hits over .300 in the second half.

Roy Halladay - You are the best pitcher in the American League. If you could get some more run support this season, you would be starting the All-Star game and easily on your way to being the Cy Young in 2008. When Halladay is on his game, he is very fun to watch. I would not give, a guy like that, up for anything. He still has many good years in him and I say the Jays ride it out. You just can't make a good trade for a player like Halladay, whoever you get in return, would just not be good enough. I know his value is high, but I would not be willing to take the risk of trading him. If it weren't for Kevin Mench in 2004, he would have taken us to the playoffs. He is a huge asset for a team that wants to be a winner, no way we could get rid of him and watch him succeed elsewhere. Anyone but him, period. Makes me mad. Sorry, to all you that want to trade him while his value is high.

The AMAZING Pitching Rotation (I still question) - Marcum is the real deal, he can really frustrate hitters. McGowan has great stuff and will be a solid pitcher, but I don't expect All Star numbers from him. A.J. Burnett is A.J. Burnett, a 16-14, 15-15 pitcher, streaky but no team wants to catch him on a hot streak. Jesse Litsch, sorry to say but I thing he is pitching a little over his head right now. Hitters are starting to catch onto him and he has to be careful. How bout John Parish? "Comeback player of the year", was also killing the International League, a good fallback for injuries and Jesse Litsch.

"You Wish you had a Last Name"

2008-07-10T00:46:08Z

Was my heckle on Jay Bruce (two first names) at the Cinncinnati vs. Toronto Blue Jays game on Wednesday June I can't remember. Getting on players from the bleachers is a baseball pasttime and I reveal in it, especially in Rogers Centre where the crowd just might be small enough that you can become the center of attention. You never know, Bruce might have been thinking about his name dilemma when he couldn't execute a sacrifice bunt in the 6th. It might accually scar him for life and ruin his whole career. ha ha ha. Just kidding . Jay Bruce looks like he is going to be an excellent player for years to come.

The greatest gratification that I got from heckling was when Tony Phillips, playing for the A's at the time, crossed his arms at me and my buddy. We both knew then, that we got in his head.

Anyway, anyone else have some good heckling stories because I would like to hear them? I wonder how many that guy in Tampa Bay has? Probably not a lot, cuz that guy needs better material, like "you wish you had a last name." lol. naw.

Here is me and my friend Charles, who did the camera work. He has some good stories heckling Paul O'Neil back in the day. I would love to heckle that guy all game, I hated him along with most non-Yankee fans.

Gene Tenace comes to the plate. Wa. Wa. WHAMMY!!!

2008-06-20T19:52:59Z

(Headline: Chip from the movie Anchorman)

John Gibbons is gone as Blue Jay's Manager and I am quite pleased with the move. We obviously had to do something and this is something. Desparate yes, but these are desparate times. This is what you do with a team that cannot make winning a habit.

The move to bring back Cito Gaston will not magically make this team a winner by any means. The team still needs a lot of work and we are constantly being challenged by younger and hungrier teams (i.e. Tampa). Cito will bring a different perspective and mentality, I just hope that he doesn't force hitters to pull the ball again, (i.e. John Olerud). I always thought Gene Tenace did a great job while he was here, and just maybe he can instill some WHAMMIES into the Blue Jay bats.

The two BIG flaws that I saw with Gibbons were:

1. His laid back attitude and questionable leadership skills. Sure, there is something to be said for a coach that makes the clubhouse a easy place to play and coexist, but that is only a good attitude when you have the talent to back it up. The Jays desparately need someone to come in and instill a serious winning attitude to our roster.

2. The use of the bullpen. We have had some great bullpens over the Gibbons years, guys that have really been solid. How then, do we often end up losing a lot of close games?

What really erked me about Gibbons was the way he would rotate relivers late in close games. Too often, he would pitch relievers inning by inning not considering letting relievers, that are pitching with great stuff, for 2 or maybe 3 innings. It got to the point where he was just looking to find a reliever who would lose the game. He would use Downs and he would give up no runs, same with Carlson, then Wolfe, and then Frasor or somebody would eventually blow it. Frustrating when you look at a guy like Carlson or Downs pitching lights out and you know that Gibbons will always pull them after an inning.

In the end, however, it comes to the players performing on the field. They are not now and likely will continue to underachieve, even under a new. If anything, Cito will be able to point out some of the major flaws with our current and make suggestions for J.P. or whoever. It is obvious that they need the help and Gibbons was just not doing that.