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Around SBN: More Televised Winter Baseball, Please

She Begged Son Please Don't Go to Baltimore And Leave Me Where I'm Lying - 8/17: O's at J's

Bluejayperched_tiny by hugo on in Toronto Blue Jays News

Friday, August 17 - Toronto, Ontario
7:07 PM (EDT)


Baltimore Orioles
Brian Roberts 2b
Corey Patterson cf
Nick Markakis rf
Miguel Tejada ss
Kevin Millar 1b
Aubrey Huff dh
Melvin Mora 3b
Ramon Hernandez c
Jay Payton lf

Pitching: Garrett Olson, LHP
Toronto Blue Jays
Reed Johnson lf
Lyle Overbay 1b
Alexis Rios rf
Vernon Wells cf
Frank Thomas dh
Troy Glaus 3b
Aaron Hill 2b
Curtis Thigpen c
John Macdonald ss

Pitching: A.J. Burnett, RHP

Although I hate Nashville country, I've always had a bit of a weakness for Lyle Lovett. Tonight's post title is brought to y'all by his song "Baltimore" from Joshua Judges Ruth, which, despite being one of the best ever album titles, isn't his best album (my favorites are Pontiac, Road to Ensenada, and I Love Everybody).

Anyway, the Jays host the O's for a weekend series. AJ Burnett faces off tonight against Garrett Olson.

It looks like Gustavo Chacin will not throw again this season (surprise!) and will likely need exploratory surgery to see what's wrong with his shoulder. Feel better soon, Gustavo.

Last season, sabermetric-type people, from whom I typically learn very much (I'm amazed at how much more I know about the game now than when I, you know, played it) and with whom I usually agree, kept trying to convince me (and y'all) that Brian Roberts is not any good. Personally, I think it's Randy Newman-esque height discrimination. To paraphrase Billy Beane (former 5-tool Mets prospect, by the way), "we're not trying to sell size 13 cleats here, people." Brian Roberts is good at baseball!!!. It just took him a while to recover from a horrific wrist injury. How good would he look on this team, leading off, if Hill could move to SS?

An open note to Gibbons - STOP IT ALREADY WITH THE RIOS THIRD AND WELLS FOURTH! It's not working. I'm sure it will work some night (probably tonight now that I'm ranting about it) and Gibbons will look like a non-buffoon while we win 13-2 or something, until the next day happens and our offensive ineptness starts all over again.

After last night's game, Hector Luna was optioned to AAA and an old friend was recalled . One need only consider how long it took Russ Adams to crack this season's big league team to see how far out of favor he's fallen. Adams is showing a little more power at AAA (not suprising for an age 27 season) with 11 HRs thusfar, and has been a little unlucky with the stick (a .280 BABIP lower than one would expect given his speed), so there's some chance he can contribute as a part-timer. I don't know what chance he'll get to play (assuming the team no longer is willing to try him at SS, Hill is a mainstay at 2nd) but he runs well, can steal a base, hits lefthanded, and can work a walk, so he may be able to contribute off the bench. Not sure if he's ever played third before, but I'd rather see him there than Hector Luna, although his past arm troubles are a bit worrying for the hot corner.

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Predictions
Johnson has a good game against LHP, while Overbay struggles and puts Rios and Wells behind the 8-ball.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:02 PM EDT reply actions  

maybe
but it is not as if Lyle is a black hole against lefties. this season he is OPSing .821 against LHP, actually better than his performance against righties (.747). Over his career he's better against northpaws, of course, but he's not a slug against lefties with a .774 lifetime OPS.

Of course, part of that may be that he might sit against the tough lefties, but I don't know that that is true, and it's not as if Garrett Olson is one of those type of guys anyway.

Maybe Overbay should be hitting lower in the order against lefties, I buy that, but he's not useless against them.

"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

Overbay's OBP vs. LHP this month: .267
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Overbay's Post-All Star OBP vs. LHP: .233
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

sure
if you want to toss out his whole career for the last two weeks.

kinda funny how we can go back and forth on this stuff, throwing numbers out and back, while I have a feeling Gibbons grunts, scratches himself, shrugs, and sticks Lyle in the 2-spot

"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

His hand was broken by a lefty
and doesn't the pitch look more like it's coming at you when thrown by a pitcher of the same handedness as you're hitting? That might be affecting him mentally.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

more or less, yes
it's harder to pick up the ball when someone of the same handedness is throwing. With lefties, it is exacerbated because they're not as used to seeing lefty pitchers, and because more righty pitchers are fastball pitchers and lefty pitchers more breaking ball pitchers - mlb hitters generally being more comfortable with fastballs
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's easy
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:14 PM EDT reply actions  

Only 5 on the year
plus only 8 walks.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yep
he needs to get hit by the pitch to be successful.
Allan's World

by achengy on Aug 17, 2007 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

And hit bunt singles
and other forms of infield singles.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

I bet that's one scrappy conversation
between Roberts and Johnson over at second
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 7:22 PM EDT reply actions  

More warning track power from Rios
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:23 PM EDT reply actions  

Burnett's hook too good
Thigpen hustled for it, but not in time
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 7:27 PM EDT reply actions  

It's not so easy to catch
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:28 PM EDT reply actions  

Was Thigpen a good defensive catcher?
Not so far this game.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:30 PM EDT reply actions  

I think he needs more
starts, this is only his 3rd or 4th start at Catcher, no? He played 1st in college and probably isn't a finished product behind the plate yet.
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

A nice reliant automobile
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:31 PM EDT reply actions  

Fly ball?
Aww... no four strikeout inning for Burnett.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:33 PM EDT reply actions  

Gary Thorne and Jim Palmer
are very very annoying men
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 7:34 PM EDT reply actions  

Is it Palmer that just invents stuff?
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

yes
at least he didn't condone spousal abuse while talking to Jay Gibbons wife (a lawyer who was on the broadcast raising money to fight spousal abuse).

the most entertaining thing about the O's broadcast is that the announcers aren't allowed to say anything bad about the team because of Angelos, so you would think for all the world, just by listening to the announcers, that the O's were a first place team.

"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

Looks pretty windy
based on the ruffling of Burnett's uniform.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:38 PM EDT reply actions  

It is windy here
sun is out but it's a nice cool 22 Celsius.  
Allan's World

by achengy on Aug 17, 2007 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

wow, nice
it has been 98 here all week, and I have been suffering running out there, but the weekend is supposed to be nice.
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

haha sorry
98 being 37 Centigrade
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

We have better summers
though most people in Toronto would say they hate the seemingly hot summer here.
Allan's World

by achengy on Aug 17, 2007 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

I like the summer
though not as much as winter, but here in DC the summer is just ridiculous. Not quite as bad as the four years I lived in New Orleans, but not as much better as you'd think either
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

Frank keeps on truckin'
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:43 PM EDT reply actions  

Hill gives it a ride
but with Thomas and Glaus on base, no one moves up
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 7:46 PM EDT reply actions  

Warning track power from Hill too
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:46 PM EDT reply actions  

Hill hit it hard at least
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

Thigpen works it full and pops out
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:48 PM EDT reply actions  

as usual
no runs across after we get the first two men on. We get 1st and 2nd with no outs and I no longer even expect to score any runs
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 7:50 PM EDT reply actions  

Because the two men are often Glaus and Thomas
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

Until recently
not necessarily in that order
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

A nice reliant automobile
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:56 PM EDT reply actions  

Sparky
sparking the offense? leadoff double!
Allan's World

by achengy on Aug 17, 2007 7:58 PM EDT reply actions  

Lefty on the mound
Doesn't mean Overbay, Rios, or Wells will get a hit.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

Overbay did
didn't exactly crush the ball though
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's 'nobody covers first' day
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

replay
shows he was out. We need some breaks though.
Allan's World

by achengy on Aug 17, 2007 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

Rios walks
to load them for Vernon. If VW hits into a double play, Hugo will resist the urge to punch his dog, Jagger
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:03 PM EDT reply actions  

luckily
the passed ball means no chance for the DP
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's still possible
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

true
but it won't be Vernon's fault if it happens, most likely
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wells popup, Thomas, walk, Glaus DP?
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

Rios keeps on truckin'
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:03 PM EDT reply actions  

Went on vacation
The Jays are rather frustrating on the road.  Caught a bit of the games in KC.  Split?

Glad to be back

You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. Jim Bouton

by TOBlues on Aug 17, 2007 8:04 PM EDT reply actions  

mostly off, I'd say
where'd you go on vacation? I was in Maine....
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nursing a few bug bites
Went camping in Algonquin with friends for a week and a half.  Worked around the house.
You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. Jim Bouton

by TOBlues on Aug 17, 2007 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

we camped too
it was an adventure with a 6-month old, but awesome some of those hikes are pretty tough with a baby on your back though...
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

Braver man than I
I have friends with young kids and I hear the stories about the adventures.  When I was a baby, that never stopped my parents from carting me around with the tent.

It was a combo hiking/car camping trip.

You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. Jim Bouton

by TOBlues on Aug 17, 2007 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wild Pitch
eliminate the double play possibility...at least with a grounder.
Allan's World

by achengy on Aug 17, 2007 8:04 PM EDT reply actions  

Thanks Olson
About damned time.  At least the Jays didn't have to swing the bat.
You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. Jim Bouton

by TOBlues on Aug 17, 2007 8:05 PM EDT reply actions  

V-dub swung 2-0
on a ball... what gives? You can hit 2-1 if you can hit 2-0...should be more patient.
Allan's World

by achengy on Aug 17, 2007 8:06 PM EDT reply actions  

Tank!
Finally, a homer...
You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. Jim Bouton

by TOBlues on Aug 17, 2007 8:09 PM EDT reply actions  

the big Hurt
finally, a 3 run hr
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:11 PM EDT reply actions  

haha
great picture
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Glaus keeps on truckin'
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:12 PM EDT reply actions  

Here comes the Designated Rally Killer
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:12 PM EDT reply actions  

not this time
line-drive single to right
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

That's 7 straight reaching safely
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:13 PM EDT reply actions  

Thigpen
gives the O's their first out, put them away Mac!
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:15 PM EDT reply actions  

2 men on with no out
does it count as wasted opportunities still if they get no runs?
Allan's World

by achengy on Aug 17, 2007 8:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Wasted opportunities to increase the lead to 5?
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

it can make a difference
if Burnett allows one or two more runs...it's still a close game.
Allan's World

by achengy on Aug 17, 2007 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

Are they bringing in a righty to face Overbay?
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

I guess so
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

yep
he hit it pretty well, but right at Patterson
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Didn't work out though
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Sparky keeps on truckin'
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:18 PM EDT reply actions  

Drat! Olson got the hook
All it took was a screwed up comebacker and then it all blows up for Olson.
You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. Jim Bouton

by TOBlues on Aug 17, 2007 8:18 PM EDT reply actions  

hopefully
AJ hasn't lost his focus with the long inning
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:24 PM EDT reply actions  

I think long innings hurt more when you don't get
run support from them.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

we've had our share of those
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

So far so good
2 quick outs after the leadoff single.

Just hope that Gibby doesn't let AJ throw a 1000 pitches tonight.

You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. Jim Bouton

by TOBlues on Aug 17, 2007 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

Leadoff bloop single
and the MASN guys chip in, "Here come the Orioles."
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:29 PM EDT reply actions  

haha
classic
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's easy
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:29 PM EDT reply actions  

The strike to Mora will be on That's Nasty
I'm calling it. Did you see how far in it broke?
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:32 PM EDT reply actions  

yes
in fact, I called Mrs. Hugo in hoping it would be replayed, but she has mutant not-listening-to-me-when-baseball-is-on power. somehow she is able to effortlessly tune me out whenever I talk about science, baseball, or politics, it's really pretty amazing
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

if I was Bedard
I would not extend with Baltimore. It just doesn't seem like a functional organization
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:36 PM EDT reply actions  

He will get huge money
Funny how the tune has changed so much from the beginning of the year. Health may be a future problem though but Bedard would look nice in a Jays uni.h
Allan's World

by achengy on Aug 17, 2007 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

But unless Burnett opts out after next year
our current rotation will still be with us when Bedard becomes available, and if Burnett does opt out then we would need him a year early.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

Unless Janssen
is moved to the rotation, there's still one open spot (unless you expect Chacin back). Litsch has done a fantastic job, but his peripherals mean the jury is still out on how effective he'll be going forward. He's awful young, and is great insurance, but I'm not sure I'd pen him into the rotation as a permanent member just yet.
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

And if we put Litsch in the rotation full-time
next year, he'll be missing time with injuries right when we would be signing Bedard.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm sure
the Jays wouldn't get much of a deal financially, but he might give them a square chance of signing him for fair money because of the TO connection, which is more than some free agents will do
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

If he's smart he'll take the money
discounts are nice but that doesn't mean the pressure isn't there. The Jays will need to be big spenders anyway to get negotiations going with Bedard.
Allan's World

by achengy on Aug 17, 2007 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

definitely
I just think the Jays might not have to overspend by as much as they usually do to get someone like Bedard. The thing is, if you target the right players, even overspending can work out well.
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

Rios
continues to help the Little Italy Ravioli, my fantasy team
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:37 PM EDT reply actions  

not that the "quality start"
is a particularly useful stat, but it is interesting to note that after McGowan's start yesterday, the Jays already have more quality starts this season than they did in all of 2006.
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:46 PM EDT reply actions  

Our pitching
is awesome going forward. Bull pen should only get better with the return of BJ. The Jays should be a playoff contender next season or someone should be axed.
Allan's World

by achengy on Aug 17, 2007 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wrong order
Someone should be axed so that the Jays can be a contender next year.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

Works for me
Is there any Ozzie Guillen's out there? Maybe we can hope the Yanks fire Torre and we can pick him up.
Allan's World

by achengy on Aug 17, 2007 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

haha
compared to Guillen, Gibbons is a tactical genius and JP is a PR genius
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

I expect
Gibbons to get canned at the end of the season, I think JP hasn't done it yet because they're friends and because there's not really any point to replacing him now. But I could be wrong
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

If Gibby is gone
Who would replace him?
You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. Jim Bouton

by TOBlues on Aug 17, 2007 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

Butterfield?
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

that's why he's still here
I expect. I'm a Girardi fan, myself, but I'm not sure he'd want the job
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don't think he wants to manage against NYY
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm not sure
I think his ties to Chicago are closer, he's from there and his family lives there. Either way, I don't think he'd want the TO job, though you never know. It would be great if we can get him, though. He knows the game, has a ton of energy, which we could really use imo, and is an engineer who is into using stats.
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

One point I don't like about Girardi
Is that he likes to ride pitchers.  The Marlins blog mentioned that they hated the way he burned out a few guys trying for the wildcard even though they didn't have a chance.

I think that's scary considering what Tosca did to Halladay and Gibby to to AJ (and possibly BJ.)

You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. Jim Bouton

by TOBlues on Aug 17, 2007 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

that is a good point
although the problem with the Marlins was really that Girardi was leaning too hard on rookie pitchers (4/5 of their rotation), that wouldn't be a problem with the Jays.
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

Girardi is retarded
if he is offered the Jays job and doesn't take it. It has playoff team written all over it.
Allan's World

by achengy on Aug 17, 2007 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hope we don't hire LaRussa
If we have poor team discipline on the road under Gibbons, I don't expect it to get better under Tony 'DUI' LaRussa.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

Agreed
LaRussa annoys me.  Can't qualify it though so it's an irrational annoyance.
You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. Jim Bouton

by TOBlues on Aug 17, 2007 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

According to the Rogers guys
BJ Ryan is coming back for opening day?

I hope so, but it all depends on what his stuff is like.

Accardo Downs Tallet League and Ryan.

You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. Jim Bouton

by TOBlues on Aug 17, 2007 8:49 PM EDT reply actions  

Frasor and Janssen
7 superb relief men. Though I expect Tallet to be the mop up guy.
Allan's World

by achengy on Aug 17, 2007 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

Frasor
If Gibby actually pitched him more than just once a week then I wouldn't have forgotten him.
You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. Jim Bouton

by TOBlues on Aug 17, 2007 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

Damn Roberts
AJ knew it as soon as it took off.
You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. Jim Bouton

by TOBlues on Aug 17, 2007 8:49 PM EDT reply actions  

A refreshing sight this season
George Poulis walking off the field alone.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:00 PM EDT reply actions  

Awesome
They pitch out with Johnny Mac going and the throw goes off the pitcher.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:03 PM EDT reply actions  

But a lazy fly strands him.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

crazy
and I missed it, as I am reduced to watching on Gameday now because Mrs. Hugo watches Monk.
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm sure it will make the highlight reel
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

That was funny
Brings back little league days.
You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. Jim Bouton

by TOBlues on Aug 17, 2007 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

That curveball missed
but the break on it was insane--it was like it deflected off an invisible wall.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:10 PM EDT reply actions  

a mime-ball?
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Could also be used to describe a changeup
where you pull the string
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's easy
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:11 PM EDT reply actions  

Wells keeps on truckin'
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:18 PM EDT reply actions  

Rios got a little frisky on a ball that didn't get
far away from Hernandez.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:20 PM EDT reply actions  

V-Dub, NOOOOOOOOO!
You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. Jim Bouton

by TOBlues on Aug 17, 2007 9:24 PM EDT reply actions  

Burnett out, Downs in
with the pitch count over 100 and switch-lefty-lefty due
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:26 PM EDT reply actions  

Wild pitch moves the unearned runner to 2B
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:30 PM EDT reply actions  

A nice reliant automobile
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:31 PM EDT reply actions  

Cheapie
That was a strike as defined by the rule book, but I thought it was a little high.  Not complaining though.
You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. Jim Bouton

by TOBlues on Aug 17, 2007 9:31 PM EDT reply actions  

Time for the seventh inning grope
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:33 PM EDT reply actions  

Thigpen keeps on truckin'
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:40 PM EDT reply actions  

A couple of hard hit balls that inning
but right at Mora.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:41 PM EDT reply actions  

Downs does his job
which doesn't consist of giving up the lead and then claiming that he did his job.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:45 PM EDT reply actions  

who does that?
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Armando Benitez
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

boooooooo
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

Did I just fail to notice Tek's beard?
Or is it really really new?
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:47 PM EDT reply actions  

relatively new
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

Tek allowing a few 2-out baserunners
on a HBP and a bleeder.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:51 PM EDT reply actions  

got Mora
to strand them both though
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Strands them on a popup
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:52 PM EDT reply actions  

between Bradford
Walker, and Shuey, the O's bullpen is pretty much the blue collar comedy tour
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 9:55 PM EDT reply actions  

Lyle keeps on truckin'
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:57 PM EDT reply actions  

Overbays August BBs still = Sparky's season BBs
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 9:57 PM EDT reply actions  

Wells reaches on the Mora bobble
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 10:00 PM EDT reply actions  

More advancing on wild pitches
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 10:02 PM EDT reply actions  

Frank keeps on truckin'
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 10:04 PM EDT reply actions  

Glaus strands them loaded
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 10:04 PM EDT reply actions  

too bad we couldn't score any runs
but hopefully Accardo is up for the task
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 10:05 PM EDT reply actions  

It's a 3 run save
If he's not up to it, he's not up to anything.
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

against the bottom of the order, no less
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

accardo sporting the august beard too
makes me feel better about my own summer beard
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 10:07 PM EDT reply actions  

It's easy
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 10:09 PM EDT reply actions  

Reared back and smoked'em
Good game.  A stupid mental error opened the doors for the Jays.
You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. Jim Bouton

by TOBlues on Aug 17, 2007 10:12 PM EDT reply actions  

nice start by A.J., nice close out by the pen
I guess one good inning for the offense is a step forward
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 10:12 PM EDT reply actions  

JotD
Burnett, Thomas, Sparky, honourable mention to Wells?
"He almost has to start. Do you believe in miracles?"

by Torgen on Aug 17, 2007 10:13 PM EDT reply actions  

Jays of the Day
Burnett, Thomas, Sparky, with Honourable Mention to Wells (and Downs, I suppose)
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 10:14 PM EDT reply actions  

heh
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Aug 17, 2007 10:15 PM EDT reply actions  

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