Tuesday Bantering: Miscellaneous Notes from the Weekend
by Tom Dakers on Sep 13, 2011 11:53 AM EDT
in Toronto Blue Jays Opinions
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PrintI'm back from a weekend away, my dad had knee replacement surgery Friday. All went very well, he claims there is no pain and he's been walking and doing the exercises he's supposed to, so life is good. I took him home yesterday. They keep you awake for this surgery, there is a spinal block, but I'm sorry, if it was me, you would have to put me right out. There are not enough 'happy pills' in the world to make me lay still while someone uses a mallet and chisel (not kidding) on my leg bones.
Some random notes on the weekend games:
- Do you know how hard it is to get a bar to put baseball on a TV on the opening Sunday of the NFL season? Dad was doing good and Dustin McGowan was starting Sunday's game, so a friend and I decided to go to a bar to watch. We went to Shanks, a bar that has roughly 45 TVs, but they wouldn't put the Jays game on any. On to the next, the Tilted Kilt or something. I pulled up, it looked like it was closed, no cars and a piece of plywood leaned up against one of the front doors, but I went in. Not a single customer, but a dozen bar maids wearing very skimpy outfits and 30+ TVs. Now they didn't have a single customer, but still wouldn't turn a TV to the Jays' game. On to the next, another 'no' but the waitress was sympathetic, she would have rather watched baseball too. Off to West Edmonton Mall. Hudsons Tap House has a TV at each booth, no they couldn't change it to baseball. Walked past the bar at Earls and they have darts on one of the TV's. "Could you change it to the Jays' game, I'll tip big? "Sure". Finally the right answer. Missed the first inning or so, but enjoyed a couple of beers and a nice meal and left a good tip.
- Dustin didn't look as good as he had in his first appearance. Too many walks, it didn't look like he was finishing pitches but then results are secondary for him. Just getting out on the mound is the important thing this season.
- I was able to watch the end of Saturday's game. Anyone, other than Scott Carson, miss Gregg? One of the criticisms of bloggers is that we 'don't watch the games'. But how would anyone, that has watched the games, like Gregg over FrankyFrank? I know Francisco didn't start the season well and first impressions are tough to shake, but Carson knows that Frank missed spring training time and the start of the season with an injury, doesn't he think that maybe he came back too quick? Wouldn't you rather have the Francisco that we have seen over the last couple of month over Kevin Gregg, even if Gregg did have 37 saves last year?
- That said, it is kind of funny that the Orioles seem to pick up all our crappy pitchers. I was listening to the Orioles/Yankees game, on my drive up to Edmonton Thursday, and they used Jo-Jo Reyes, Jeremy Accardo and Kevin Gregg. And still won!
- Great to see Adam Loewen get his first MLB home run and he hit it to center field too. Not a cheapy. I'm also happy to see them play him in CF. He isn't great but I'd rather him get at bats than Dewayne Wise. We know Wise won't be here next year, but Loewen could be a useful 4th outfielder, especially if we aren't afraid to use him in CF. Cito used Jose Bautista in center a few times and it didn't turn out to bad.
- Nice to see David Cooper hitting well, in a very small sample size, 4 for 10 with a homer and 2 doubles. He said he is more relaxed than he was his first look. I don't know that we have a spot for him but glad to see him doing good.
- J.P. Arencibia has had an interesting week, just 3 hits but 2 were home runs and the other was a walk off single. And, is it just my imagination, or is he throwing better on steal attempts?
- When we hit a little slump, after trading Hill and McDonald, we were treated to comments about how the team chemistry was wreaked. Now that we are on a little hot streak (5-2 over the last 7 games) will we get 'Hill and Mac were clubhouse cancers'? The trouble with talking about clubhouse chemistry is a)I'm not close enough to see how guys interact in the clubhouse, some look like they would be great teammates at least when the camera is on them, but how do you know they aren't putting on a show for the camera. And b) I don't care about it. I care about what happens on the field. If the players get along, great. If they don't but still play well, great. Do they let the team with the best chemistry into the playoffs? No? Ok, when they do, I'll care.
- When are they going to put Danny Farquhar in a game?
- The Red Sox have signed Joey Gathright. Really they have, not joking. Don't believe me? Fine, look here.
- Manny Ramirez was arrested. This isn't Manny being Manny.
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It shouldn't
But it still amazes me that KG blows up with two outs. The only thing that kept my TV during the 9th was that fact. I have to admit that it’s more fun when you’re on the giving end not the receiving end of a KG blow up.
Also, still very glad (20/20 hindsight) that AA didn’t even bother to sign Manny.
In honor of the Jays 2nd Baseman who played with fire in more ways than one.
by Damaso's Burnt Shirt on Sep 13, 2011 12:03 PM EDT reply actions
4th Outfielder
I’m not sure if Loewen would be the Jays 4th outfielder next year, don’t forget that Rajai Davis is under contract and will most likely fill that role.
Follow me @BBBMinorLeaguer | 2011 Jays record while in attendance: 9-11 (.450)
by Minor Leaguer on Sep 13, 2011 12:18 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Agreed
I think he’s a decent fill when someone is on the DL.
"I want to set the record straight: I thought the cop was a prostitute."
In terms of the depth chart, you would figure
Bautista, Rasmus, Snider/Thames, Davis, Thames/Snider, Loewen is the current order, with one of Thames or Snider in the minors, or getting AB at DH.
by Playoffs!!!!1 on Sep 13, 2011 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
It really is a starting lineup
Capable of contending for the playoffs. I wouldn’t mind an upgrade over Lind, and I’m not off the Jose Reyes for second base bandwagon, but this team is super close. One more frontline starter (Darvish?) I think is our biggest need right now. There’s enough young guns in the minors that the bullpen will work itself out.
Or how awesome/funny/magical would it be if we pried Sabathia away from the Yankees
I'd like to agree...
And then I see how easily the entire “core” lineup can be shut down by a mediocre pitcher.
OTOH, it only takes one or two changes to make an unproductive lineup into a productive one.
Maybe the solution is a better bench we can use more?
if a mediocre pitcher couldn't shut down a pretty good team every once in a while
he wouldn’t be pitching in the Major Leagues
Total Internet points: 10 000
Is Snider out of options or close to being out of options in 2012? There are a few comments and reports online. The best I could find is this article on drunkjaysfans:
Purple Row explains that an option year isn’t used “if a player’s optional assignment(s) to the minors total less than 20 days in one season.” Snider played five games in the low minors, and twenty for New Hampshire last year— however, all of that time in Rookie and A-ball was part of a rehab assignment, as was some of his time in New Hampshire. Snider was removed from the DL and optioned to New Hampshire on July 17th last year. He returned on July 30th. And while I may have had a **** of a time with Rob Neyer’s old Transaction Primer for ESPN, and the explanation of options given by Jim Callis in a 2005 Baseball America chat, but I do know that 30 minus 17 is less than twenty.
Not to mention, I’m totally not entirely positive he really does still have an option year left.
by JaysSaskatchewan on Sep 13, 2011 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
i'll be so happy his options run out
make a decision on him already. If you aren’t going to play him, then trade him.
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
I thought this was finally going to be the year they gave him 600 at bats but no.
but I’m with you. I think my biggest disappointment of this year is how they dealt with Travis.
I blog, therefore I am.
I find it funny how they stick with the crappiest of players for the whole year (or at least half a year) since they made a "promise"
but they can’t do the same for travis. At least give him fair chance. I feel bad for the kid.
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
I really think that 'promise' thing is the silliest idea yet.
How you can promise marginal veteran talents will get to play no matter what just runs counter to how I’d like to run a team.
I blog, therefore I am.
I don't know how serious Anthopoulos is about those stuff
is he being sincere with it or is it just more BS for the medai to feed on?
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
Honestly
I was okay with how he was dealt with this season. Maybe I’m putting too much stock into what the team wants me to believe, but his technical issues seemed to be at the heart of the problem for him.
If he can’t become consistent with his swing, (not necessarily his timing), then he wouldn’t have been able to perform regardless.
Can't wait for some October Baseball.
@VagabondBansal
I wouldn't get too excited at that prospect.
Anthopoulos mentioned in an interview a few months back that they still have one option year left on him. Apparently they were able to work some magic with the rehab assignment time and keeping him down less than 10 days after that ran out last year to avoid burning an option there.
My mistake (i got it reversed)
How bad a player must you be when you might actually be a worse player than a guy who’s main claim to fame in baseball is that he can jump over a car?
And also, how bad do you have to be to make Wise look like an all-star?
Maybe slightly better than how I hit?
Follow me @BBBMinorLeaguer | 2011 Jays record while in attendance: 9-11 (.450)
by Minor Leaguer on Sep 13, 2011 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Boston just wants a pinch-runner. Gathright can do that. Perhaps even a late inning defensive replacement.
by JaysSaskatchewan on Sep 13, 2011 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Thats exactly what Bill Simmon was complaining about
When the Sox were against us. Something about “$140MM payroll, with no one to pinch run in the 9th”. I guess he was right.
Can't wait for some October Baseball.
@VagabondBansal
I know we don't believe in Chemistry around here
…until there’s a sabrmetric for it. However, no doubt we’re all happy to see how long the former 51s all get along with each other… e.g. Brett & JPA
I'm coming late to the conversation here...
but I love the chemistry of the team this year. I truly enjoy seeing them get along and enjoy playing the game with each other. In a way it makes me more proud to say that ‘Yeah, they’re the team I cheer for!’. I want to see and know that they work happily as a team and I do believe that it has an effect on the play of the game.
I realize of course that they are professionals and are paid very well to play the game so therefore they should excel regardless of whether or not they like their fellow workers, but I would much rather watch a team that enjoys who they work with than one who doesn’t.
If you can't convince them, confuse them!
by Carm on Sep 13, 2011 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I like when guys get along
but I sincerely doubt it helps the Blue Jays win baseball games
Total Internet points: 10 000
Just because they can't be measured and are overused by old school MSM types, that doesn't mean there's no such thing as confidence or chemistry
Hic sunt fortuna dracones
of course there is chemistry
the actual effects of chemistry, however, is either overrated or unmeasurable.
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
oh Pikachu, why do you find it so hard to believe?
Hic sunt fortuna dracones
Because that’s blind faith
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
you totally missed the joke, kid.
the correct answer was: “why do find it so easy?”
Hic sunt fortuna dracones
umm
I’m sorry. still not getting the joke.
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
"why do you find it so easy"
Now I ruined the joke. I give up today.
Hic sunt fortuna dracones
oh jeez
a LOST reference. I hated Lost.
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
no offence to people who liked it
but I thought it was terribly overrated
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
oh man, I ruined my own joke and you slag Lost
Not my day today.
Hic sunt fortuna dracones
The 1978 Yankees hated each other and won.
It is nice when people get along, I get a long with a lot of people, but we wouldn’t make much of a baseball team. It the choice is chemistry or talent, take talent every time.
I blog, therefore I am.
exactly
which is why I like the #jerkball tag
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
hahahahaha
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
The trouble is media doesn't want to just say it is talent that a team wins
it is more fun to think that there is some magic mixed in.
If the Jays believed in chemistry there is no chance they would have traded Marcum for for Lawrie.
I blog, therefore I am.
"and there you have it
as we expected, a very good baseball team had some luck along the way and won the World Series. luckily for them, they stunk for many years, leading to high draft picks and signed good free agents"
not much story there
Total Internet points: 10 000
sounds like a good movie idea
“Suck For Years, Then Win”
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
Yeah, I know right?
"We are all agreed that your theory is crazy. The question that divides us is whether it is crazy enough to have a chance of being correct."
- Niels Bohr
Respect...
/fistbump
Not changing my signature until Hechavarria is promoted to the big leagues.
[Funny phrase about how few followers I have on Twitter]
72-74 Oakland A's
Had a couple of noted clubhouse brawls.
Even the 92 Jays had their issues (see Kelly Gruber waterskiing/knee mess.)
In honor of the Jays 2nd Baseman who played with fire in more ways than one.
by Damaso's Burnt Shirt on Sep 13, 2011 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
That was a great team to follow (the A's, I mean)
There was always some kind of conflict going on with them. As one sportswriter put it: they hated their opponents and they hated each other. Yet they won three WS in a row.
by Defense Counts! on Sep 13, 2011 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions
How about the 1979 "We are Family" Pirates?
Was that good chemistry or just poor song choices during the disco era?
Hic sunt fortuna dracones
Tell me about it!
Once the Jays were eliminated that year (in like May?) I was pulling for the Bucs, but that d*** song is the most irritating ever even when you only have to listen to it once. And why did they want to be viewed as each other’s “sisters”?
don't know about basketball
but i could see hockey . . . guys on defensive pairings and lines might better anticipate one another
"Look at me! I'm Tomokazu Ohka of the Montreal Expos!"
Lord Farquhar says he wants to play..
Not changing my signature until Hechavarria is promoted to the big leagues.
[Funny phrase about how few followers I have on Twitter]
some funny stuff from minorleagueball.com
Re: Lawrie
Charley Hustle Two… I seen EVERY at bat and EVERY defensive play the kid has had in the the Show. He is nothing short of other worldly. His defensive range to both right and left is WOW – his arm even from well outside the 3rd base line is WOW. His instincts on double plays is WOW. I swear the kid has a decade of Gold Gloves in his future.
Did I mention the kid has a bat too? WOW. He’s 21 – he’s a .300, 30+ homer, 40+ double guy NOW. It’s almost scary to think what he’ll be doing in his prime. I see a decade of: .300+, 400+, 600+ 40 homer, 30+ steals, Gold Glove excellence. Only injury or a jealous husband with a Smith and Wesson can stop him now!
In my 65 years – a good 45 of which I’ve been a baseball nut – I’ve NEVER seen the like of him. One of those very few guys who are truly worth the price of admission all on their own.
by Mylegacy on Sep 11, 2011 8:42 PM PDT .
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
Decades of .300+/.400+/.600+!!!!
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
FUTURE CRAIG BIGGIO!!1
"We are all agreed that your theory is crazy. The question that divides us is whether it is crazy enough to have a chance of being correct."
- Niels Bohr
He started off as a catcher then moved to second then moved to third
IT ALL MAKES SENSE NOW
Follow me @BBBMinorLeaguer | 2011 Jays record while in attendance: 9-11 (.450)
by Minor Leaguer on Sep 13, 2011 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
20 years of .300/.400/.600
he’s going to destroy the HOF
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
Lawrie doesn't need dynamite
he’ll just stare at things until they are compelled to self-combust
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
Like Josh Beckett
"We are all agreed that your theory is crazy. The question that divides us is whether it is crazy enough to have a chance of being correct."
- Niels Bohr
If he IS that good...
… he’ll end up with the Yankees, Phillies, or Red Sux as soon as he has been around long enough for free agency. Unless, of course, playing for a Canadian team is worth $5 million per year to him.
doubt that
Rogers just announced yesterday that TV ratings are up 22% in the male 18-36 demo. over last year. Money isn’t going to be a problem when it comes to Lawrie.
I love Lawrie...but I don't think he will be THAT good..
Not changing my signature until Hechavarria is promoted to the big leagues.
[Funny phrase about how few followers I have on Twitter]
That guys sure loves Lawrie
"We are all agreed that your theory is crazy. The question that divides us is whether it is crazy enough to have a chance of being correct."
- Niels Bohr
Mylegacy is a poster here as well
He’s also a frequent poster over at Batter’s Box. A lot of his entries are tongue in cheek and are meant to be fun. Notice the line about jealous husbands. There’s no need to make fun of the guy.
Hic sunt fortuna dracones
oh, is it sarcasm?
dammit. I thought he was being serious.
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
If you're reading this, i apologize Mylegacy
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
Sarcasm doesn’t translate well on the Intertubes.
"We are all agreed that your theory is crazy. The question that divides us is whether it is crazy enough to have a chance of being correct."
- Niels Bohr
no it doesn't
BTW, the post wasn’t directed at you Frag.
Hic sunt fortuna dracones
I usually don't like pointing out stupid things that people say
because it makes me feel like an internet bully. But then I realize most of these people are way older than me, so I don’t they’d mind that much.
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
I don't know
I really can’t tell if Mylegacy is being serious or not. All this time I thought he was some gigantic homer, but now that I think about it, it might’ve all been said in tongue in cheek.
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
It's difficult differentiating between the jokers and homers on the Internet
"We are all agreed that your theory is crazy. The question that divides us is whether it is crazy enough to have a chance of being correct."
- Niels Bohr
It's a gimmick
he does it here, a little at battersbox, is probably one of the sanest posters over at realgm, is pretty reasonable on jayshournal as well. He has a different approach for each forum. Is no worse than a lot of people.
moar
Re: Moore for MiLB pitcher of the year
on Hutchison – I’ll bet you my well used Panama Hat against a new Corvette (I’ll even let you pick the colour) that in five years time we’ll all agree Hutchison was the better choice! The clue I might be a Canadian is in the way I spell "colour" correctly.
by Mylegacy on Sep 13, 2011 9:25 AM PDT
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
Hey elders
What’s a good website to buy appliance parts for an oven?
I just replaced the bake element on my oven. I went old skool and phoned the local appliance shop to ask them to order it in.
BTW, look up the model number on the inside of the lower drawer before you phone or make the order. That will help you greatly.
I'm not that dumb :P
I have the model number and the part number so I know exactly what I need (clock timer thing). I phoned the appliance people around here and they would charge me 150$ for it. I already found a cheaper place online (here) but I’m just looking around for other websites. Its like 30$ cheaper in the US, but shipping would be annoying.
I wasn't that smart
Foolish me. I thought the model number on the manual would be sufficient. I was wrong and had to look it up on the oven itself.
Going cross border also introduces the possibility that Revenue Canada (or whatever its name is these days) might add a charge.
I’ve ordered stuff from Pickering Appliance
Yeah.
Cheapest I could find was 142$. Gah, it’s so expensive. The stupid oven itself was like 350$. This is so annoying. Thanks though.
Found one for 130$ now.
Saved 10 bucks, greeeeaat.
Checked the website.
They don’t have the part I need.boooo
For basketball fans:
are any of you familiar with APBRmetrics?
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
No escobar and no KJ today
so our middle infield is going to be awesome.
Sad, Drunk, And Poorly
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world. - JL
Wow.........................
Damnit….we have Hechavarria on the 40-Man Roster, and we’re in the US of A now…might as well tell go to Boston.
Not changing my signature until Hechavarria is promoted to the big leagues.
[Funny phrase about how few followers I have on Twitter]
We are facing Lackey though. Should be a good one :)
by JaysSaskatchewan on Sep 14, 2011 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions
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