Blue Jays Fair to Middlin’ Ways Continue

It is hard to believe now but there was a time for a glorious decade from the mid-1980’s through the 1994 strike and season cancellation when the Toronto Blue Jays were a dynasty that consistently beat the MLB odds and would play before packed sellout crowds at what was then known as the Sky Dome. Things have simply not been the same since that work stoppage, as fans turned away from the Blue Jays and baseball in droves and the team has been unable to keep up with the Jonses, or make that the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

The Blue Jays broke even with the MLB odds this year as they were 81-81 but 16 games out of first place. This has been the pattern of the Blue Jays in recent years, as they will often give fans a hint or tease at success only to then fall back as a small market type of team that actually plays in Canada’s largest market and a market with plenty of funds.

Pitching was the biggest reason for Toronto’s problems this year, as they ranked 24th in the major leagues for staff earned run average and 21st in quality starts. The poor performance by the pitching staff wasted a solid offensive season that saw the Blue Jays ranked a surprising 6th for runs scored and 5th in home runs. It is interesting to note the lack of a home field advantage for the Blue Jays as they won 39 games on the road compared to just 42 at home. Much of this has to do with the antiseptic sterile environment of Rogers Centre and a town that is obsessed with hockey’s Maple Leafs.

The bullpen blew a staggering 25 saves and lacks a quality starter at the 4th and 5th slots. Filling those slots will be the priority of the management staff in the off season. There is considerable depth in the Jays' developmental system and they expect to develop their own rising talent to fill other needs on their own.

The anchor of the team is, of course, Jose Bautista, who hit .302 with a whopping 43 home runs and 103 RBI, in 2011. Another Toronto mainstay is Yunel Escobar, who hit .290 and scored 77 runs with an ailing elbow down the stretch, but is expected to be healed when spring training begins.

With division rival Tampa Bay winning on a shoe string budget, there are simply no more excuses for teams like Toronto and 2012 will be a pivotal season.

______________________________________________

Be sure to follow 1BlueJaysWay on Twitter for stats, updates and insight.

OMG

In the last few days, a whole bunch of people have asked me about my thoughts on the Bautista deal. I must admit, they are still somewhat scattered.

When I first heard reports of the deal - 5 years/$65M (2011-15), plus 2016 option at $13M - for the services of one Jose Bautista my initial reaction was: OMG what did we just do. Like most Toronto sports fans - more specifically Jays fans - long term deals give me the creeps. Vernon Wells, Eric Hinske, BJ Ryan and Alex Israel Rios Cruz just to name a few that didn't work out so hot. You could say we have been a little snake bitten over the years.

Conversely all those seem to pale in comparison to the rage I felt when King Carlos was cut lose for nothing. Not even picks. How about the memories the name Chris Carpenter brings back. Remember what it was like to be cheap?

Argue all you want about true value but with both Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols setting the market for free agents next year, you have to figure Bautista would have certainly cashed in. All he had to do was have a decent year and he would have made a great back up plan for whichever (large market) team missed out on the big boys. I don't think there is any way we get him to sign this same deal after the 2011 season has played it's course. He is still going to be hitting in the 3 hole in a power packed lineup that plays half it's games in a hitter friendly park. Christ, every park in the AL East minus Tampa Bay is a launching pad. He still has the same hitting coach that helped him "unlock" the power in his swing. His confidence is at an all time high as a player.

This deal to me is a bit of a gamble by the Boy Wonder. We all know that is what he has always said he needs to do to compete in this division. The Morrow for League trade was a gamble. The Gonzalez for Escobar trade was a gamble. The Gose for Wallace trade was a gamble. The Marcum for Lawrie trade was - you guessed it - a gamble. All of those guys, fair or not had question marks about their character or their game when we got them.

The difference with J-Bau is that he has been with us since the end of the 2008 season. He has had well over 1000 at bats in a Blue Jays uniform. The organization has gotten a chance to know him as a player and a person. He is an asset in the club house. He can communicate with every player on the team. There are no surprises with him like there was with Lawrie and Podsednik. On a somewhat more comparable scale, think about what is going on right now with Miggy and the Tigers. They gave away a decent haul and had to take on Dontrelle Willis just to get their hands on him. Then they pay all that cash to extend him only to find out he has a bit of a (reoccurring) drinking problem.

Some dick named J.P. traded Robinson Diaz for Jose Bautista. Straight up. Give credit where it's do.

Anyways, once the dollars and term of the deal was officially announced I went straight over to Cot's for some comparables. This made me feel much better.

I would take his deal - all things considered - over many on this list. It also doesn't prevent us from going out and adding another top dollar guy in the future.

Please note:

- These salary figures include the buyout amounts, which would have to be deducted if the option is exercised.

- In the interests of comparing apples to apples, I did not include pitchers.

Alex Rodriguez 3b
10 years/$275M (2008-17)

27.5M average salary over the life of the deal.
He was 32 when he signed this deal.

Joe Mauer c
8 years/$184M (2011-18)

23M
He will be 35 when this deal expires.

Mark Teixeira 1b
8 years/$180M (2009-16)

22.5M
He will be 36 when this deal expires.

Ryan Howard 1b

3 years/$54M (2009-11)
5 years/$125M (2012-16), plus 2017 option at $23M

22.375M
He will be 38 if the option is picked up.

Carl Crawford lf
7 years/$142M (2011-17)

20.286M
He will be 36 when this deal expires.

Miguel Cabrera 1b
8 years/$152.3M (2008-15)

19.038M

He was only 25 years old when he signed this deal.

Jayson Werth rf
7 years/$126M (2011-17)

18M
He will be 38 when this deal expires.

VernonWells of
7 years/$126M (2008-14)

18M
He will be 35 when this deal expires.

Torii Hunter of
5 years/$90M(2008-12)

18M
He will be 37 when this deal expires.

Ichiro Suzuki rf
5 years/$90M (2008-12)

18M
He will be 38 when this deal expires.

Carlos Beltran of
7 years/$119M (2005-11)

17M
He will be 34 when this deal expires.

Matt Holliday lf
7 years/$120M (2010-16), plus 2017 option at $17M

17.143M
He will be 37 if the option is picked up.

Derek Jeter ss
3 years/$51M (2011-13), plus 2014 player option at $8M

17M
He will be a 40 year old free agent after he exercises his option.

Alfonso Soriano lf
8 years/$136M (2007-14)

17M
He will be 38 when this deal expires.

Carlos Lee of
6 years/$100M (2007-12)

16.667M
He will be 36 when this deal expires.

Jason Bay of
4 years/$66M (2010-13), plus 2014 option at $17M

16.5M
He will be 35 if the option is picked up.

Michael Young inf
5 years/$80M (2009-13)

16M

He will be 36 when this deal expires.

Adrian Beltre 3b
5 years/$80M (2011-15), plus 2016 option at $16M

16M
He will be 37 if the option is picked up.

Troy Tulowitzki ss
10 years/$157.75M (2011-20), plus 2021 club option at $15M

15.775M
He will be 36 if the option is picked up.

Prince Fielder 1b
1 year/$15.5M (2011)
15.5M
He will be a free agent at 27 years old.

Aramis Ramirez 3b
5 years/$75M (2007-11), plus 2012 club option at $16M

15M
He will be 34 if the option is picked up.

Albert Pujols 1b
7 years/$100M (2004-10), plus 2011 club option at $16M

14.286M
He is in line for one hell of a 32nd birthday present.

Travis Hafner dh
4 years/$57M (2009-12), plus 2013 club option at $13M

14.25M
He will be 36 if the option is exercised.

Chipper Jones 3b
3 years/$42M (2010-12), plus 2013 option at $7M

14M
He will be 41 if the option is exercised.

J.D. Drew of
5 years/$70M (2007-11)

14M
He will be 35 when this deal expires.

Adam Dunn 1b-of
4 years/$56M (2011-14)

14M
He will be 34 when this deal expires.

Todd Helton 1b
9 years/$141.5M (2003-11), plus 2012 club option
2 years/$9.9M (2012-13)

13.764M
He will be 39 when this deal expires.

Justin Morneau 1b
6 years/$80M (2008-13)

13.333
He will be 32 when this deal expires.

Jorge Posada c
4 years/$52.4M (2008-11)

13.1M
He will be 39 when this deal expires.

David Ortiz 1b/dh
4 years/$52M (2007-10), plus 2011 club option at $12.5M

13M
He will be 35 when this deal expires.

Jose Bautista 3b-of

5 years/$65M (2011-15), plus 2016 club option

13M
He will be 35 years old if the option is picked up.

Victor Martinez c-1b
4 years/$50M (2011-14)

12.5M
He will be 35 when this deal expires.

Paul Konerko 1b
3 years/$37.5M (2011-13)

12.5M

He will be 37 when this deal expires.

Dan Uggla 2b
5 years/$62M (2011-15)

12.4M
He will be 35 when this deal expires.

Chase Utley 2b

7 years/$85M (2007-13)

12.143M

He will be 34 when this deal expires.

Kosuke Fukudome of
4 years/$48M (2008-11)

12M
He will be 34 when this deal expires.

Aaron Rowand of
5 years/$60M (2008-12)

12M
He will be 35 when this deal expires.

Josh Hamilton of
2 years/$24M (2011-12)

12M
He will be 31 when this deal expires.

Carlos Guillen 2b
4 years/$48M (2008-11)

12M

He will be 35 when this deal expires.

I completely understand why so many people hate this deal. But I figure those are most likely the same people that hated on Bautista the entire 2010 season. Yes, it was improbable what he did. But he still did it. And that is one hell of a ceiling for a player offensively. Never mind the fact that he can play a serviceable 3rd base or right field for the team, right now. Near the end of the deal you could see him make the move to 1st base if need be.

Just one more thing everyone, please refrain from heaping all these expectations on him. I know it's what we do and it will be hard but.....try.

Weekly Round Up: Another Double Shot

Consider this your required reading. Consider this a close second place.

Consider this your required listening. Consider this a close second place.

Consider this your required viewing. Consider this a close second place.

Courtesy of Ken Fidlin:

“I won’t be open to it after the hearing,” said Bautista following a workout at the Jays spring training facility.
“After the hearing, I believe we will notify the team that (a long-term deal) is not going to be a possibility, unless it’s in that window they have from the end of the season until the free agency period begins.”
It’s a crapshoot for both sides. By season’s end, Bautista’s value could be through the roof or plummet back into the real world.
Bautista contends the reason he will close off negotiations is that he doesn’t want any distractions for himself or for the team. Nobody should read into this decision that Bautista wants to play anywhere else but Toronto. He made that clear.
“My desire is to play in Toronto long term but, after the hearing, or during the season, I have come to the conclusion that it’s probably not the best thing for me to be negotiating any type of deal,” he said. “I want to focus on the game and trying to win ballgames.
“If I’m in that type of negotiation, it’s going to shift my focus from what I need to worry about and that’s baseball. I don’t want my mind to be elsewhere when I come to the ballpark to help my team win.”

I'll start off with the elephant in the room. I have said it before and I'll say it again, there is no way - if I'm Jose Bautista - that I sign any contract extension of any length for any amount. As an athlete all you can ask for is an opportunity to show how good you can be. J-Bau was given that last season for the first time in his career. And he will be given that again in 2011. I think he easily wins the arb case tomorrow and doesn't talk extension until that small five day window after the World Series ends.

Courtesy of Replacement Level Yankees Weblog:

I’ve updated the 2011 CAIRO projections to version 0.6 and have uploaded them to the site.  They can be downloaded at the link below:
Cairo_2011_v0.6.zip
I’ve basically just updated rosters again and fixed a few issues.  I’ve also added a projected standings page.

TM	W	L	RS	RA	Div	WC	PL	W+/-	RS+/-	RA+/-
Red Sox	96.2	65.8	831	687	45.6%	17.6%	63.2%	7.2	13	-57
Yankees	92.1	69.9	821	726	28.8%	19.4%	48.2%	-2.9	-38	33
Rays	87.9	74.1	737	663	17.3%	14.6%	31.9%	-8.1	-65	14
Blue Jays	77.2	84.8	709	738	4.2%	5.0%	9.2%	-7.8	-46	10
Orioles	76.9	85.1	739	788	4.2%	4.8%	9.0%	10.9	126	3

Here is the first of many predictions with respect to standings. 77 wins sounds about right to me.

Courtesy of Yankeeist:

Interesting stuff right there.

Courtesy of North Of The Border:

Four games will be nationally televised on Rogers Sportsnet, four games on bluejays.com while eight games can be heard on Sportsnet Radio Fan 590, with an additional two games being available on the Blue Jays network of stations. Specific details are below:

Feb. 26  --  vs. Detroit Tigers --  1:05 (FAN 590)
Feb. 27  -- at  Detroit Tigers --- 1:05  (FAN 590)
March 2 -- vs. Tampa Bay Rays  -- 1:05 (Bluejays.com)
March 5 --  vs. Detroit Tigers -- 1:05  (Jays Radio Network)
March 6 -- at Pittsburgh Pirates -- 1:05  (SNET/FAN 590)
March 11 -- vs. NY Yankees -- 1:05  (Bluejays.com)
March 12 -- vs. Pittsburgh Pirates -- 1:05 (FAN 590)
March 13 -- vs. Tampa Bay Rays -- 1:05  (SNET-1/Jays Radio Network)
March 15 -- vs. Philadelphia Phillies -- 1:05 (Bluejays.com)   
March 19 -- at NY Yankees -- 1:05 (FAN 590)
March 20 -- vs. Minnesota Twins -- 1:05 (FAN 590)     
March 23 -- at NY Yankees -- 7:05 (SNET)
March 24 -- vs. Atlanta Braves -- 1:05 (Bluejays.com)
March 26  -- at  Philadelphia Phillies -- 1:05 (FAN 590)
March 27  -- vs. Baltimore Orioles -- 1:05 (FAN 590)
March 30 -- vs. Tampa Bay Rays -- 4:10 (SNET)

Anybody know WTF the Jays Radio Network is and whether or not I have to pay the cheap bastards @ Rogers to get it?

Courtesy of Sporting News:

When talking about the A.L.'s top rookies, don't leave out Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia.
He heads into spring training with a starting job to be won. He's doing what he can to make sure he's ready.
"J.P. has been here since Jan. 3," said Blue Jays TV play-by-play man Buck Martinez, who resides in Dunedin, Fla., the Jays' spring home.

I'm so happy that we will actually have a Rookie of the Year candidate this season. Go get em J.P.

Courtesy of Sporting News:

Toronto also is asking Lind to learn to play first base after serving primarily as a DH the past two seasons. Regaining your batting stroke while learning a new position doesn't make for a stress-free spring.
"Sometimes you can make a drastic change and it can affect your hitting," Blue Jays hitting coach Dwayne Murphy says. "I hope it doesn't. I don't think it will."
The 11 games Lind played at first base last season were the only times he has played anywhere but the outfield or DH in his professional career, other than one game at first base in the minors. General manager Alex Anthopoulos prefers to have Lind take over for Lyle Overbay, who signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a free agent, in the field because it will give the club needed flexibility at the DH spot.
Murphy doesn't believe Lind, 27, will have much trouble at the plate.
"He didn't have the year he wanted, but look at the numbers he put up— 23-72. So it wasn't like he had what I would consider a bad year," Murphy says.

Mmmm K. I guess.....

Courtesy of THT:

Drabek has the stuff to be a big league starter. He throws five pitches, although he didn't use his change-up against right-handed batters in his three September 2010 starts for the Blue Jays.

Average pitch speeds

Pitch	MPH
Change	87.5
Fastball	94.5
Cutter	90.9
Sinker	94.8
Curveball	84.9

Kid throws hard, that's for damn sure.

Courtesy of Baseball Prospectus:

Division	LHB%	SHB%	LHB+SHB%
AL Cental	35.6	15.6	51.2
AL East	37.8	15.6	53.4
AL West	27.8	19.4	47.2
NL Cental	25.9	3.7	29.6
NL East	35.6	17.8	53.4
NL West	31.1	11.1	42.2

With the exception of the Jays, each AL East team figures to have at least four left-handed and switch-hitting batters in their lineup most days. Even with the righty-heavy Jays included, the AL East is tied for the highest rate of switch- and left-handed hitters with the NL East. On the other end of the spectrum is the NL Central—coincidentally Dotel’s home for most of the 2010 season—with more than 70 percent of the expected starters batting right-handed.

I found this article particularly insightful. Take a second and check it out. 

Courtesy of Fanhouse:

Spring training and the 2011 regular season are just around the corner, which means it's time to take stock of the top potential future stars in the minor leagues.
Below are the Top 100 prospects in baseball right now, based upon my years of experience in the industry as a scout and talent evaluator.
In order to be eligible for the list, the player must be part of a major league organization and still considered a rookie (fewer than 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the major leagues and fewer than 45 days on an active roster, excluding September call-ups).

Your Toronto Blue Jays had 5 of the top 100 on this list.

Courtesy of Fox Sports:

As spring approaches, baseball fans' minds turn to the possibilities of the season to come. Which teams will emerge victorious? Which players will rise above the rest? And which rookies will capture our fancies?
As much as baseball fans appreciate the game's history, they also look forward to the future stars.
My list of baseball's top 50 prospects was compiled based on my personal scouting of the players along with input from all 30 teams including GMs, scouting directors and other evaluators in the game.
With that, let's take a look at the top players of the future going into the 2011 season.

And we had 4 of the top 50 on this one. Kyle Drabek at number 5 overall!

Courtesy of Minor League Ball:

A.J. Jimenez, Grade C:

Jimenez hit .305/.347/.435 last year in 70 games for Low-A Lansing, with 17 steals in 21 attempts, 18 walks, and 56 strikeouts. He's got impatience issues but Midwest League sources seemed to think he has a good chance to keep hitting at higher levels. His defense is also intriguing: he caught 51% of runners and didn't give up an excessive number of passed balls or errors. I gave him a Grade C in the book, but with the notation that he could take a big step forward in 2011. Looking at him again right now, you can make a really good case for a Grade C+ and that is how I would rate him today, though of course it is too late to change the book grade. He was drafted in the ninth round in 2008 from high school in Puerto Rico.

Don't sleep on A.J. when discussing our depth at the catcher position. Cannon of an arm, great wheels and he can hit. Look for him to start at High A and push d'Arnaud all year.

Courtesy of Fox Sports:

Lind, Hill and Rivera all performed below their career norms in 2010 — just as Wells did in 2009. As long as one of them reverts to the mean — like Wells last year — Bautista should be suitably protected. If that doesn’t happen, Bautista might lead the majors in walks, not home runs.
Either way, Bautista acknowledges that he won’t see the same (hittable) pitches that he did in 2010. By now, opposing managers and pitchers are well aware of the data, at Baseball-Reference.com and elsewhere, that says 52 of Bautista’s 54 home runs were to left or left-center.
“It’s going to be a challenge,” Bautista said. “I don’t expect them to try to get me out the same way they did last year. I can’t try to hit home runs to left field if they throw it down-and-away.
“The good thing is that the changes I made (before last year) weren’t about hitting the ball out to left. I was just trying to get ready earlier, so my swing was on time. It was all about driving the ball more. If 85 percent of the pitches I see are outside, hopefully I can hit a lot of hard balls to right.”
I know what you’re thinking: He’s going to overswing. Actually, I don’t think he will. The guy drew 100 walks last year, second-most in the American League.
“The most impressive thing about Jose’s season was the pitches he didn’t  swing at; he had an unbelievable eye,” Hill said. “I think Jose will have another big year. He’s obviously going to have big expectations, but he’s been very good at just focusing on the task at hand.”

Man I can't wait for baseball season! It's going to be a lot of fun watching pitchers not let Bautista beat them this year. Somebody, anybody, needs to get hot early in order to give our opponent something else to think about.

Courtesy of SportsLogos.Net:

 
My $20 bet on the Toronto Blue Jays to take the 2011 World Series, $1020 in my pocket when they pull it off

Gotta love the spirit!
 

Courtesy of ESPN:

Is it hyperbole? Probably, but it might be fitting that Scioscia invoked baseball history, because last year’s Angels outfield was historically awful. It became a sore subject for fans, pitchers, coaches and, especially, one keenly interested observer.
“I’m not trying to be disrespectful to any players, but we really had a lot of problems in right field and left field last year,” Angels owner Arte Moreno said recently. “There were balls falling short, over their heads, in the gaps … Torii [Hunter] was running everywhere and, to be a good hitter, you’ve got to have your legs.”
The ultimate zone rating data -- which seems to be as good as any defensive measure -- suggest that Juan Rivera (minus 4.9) was well below average as a left fielder, Hunter (minus 3.8) was well below average as a center fielder and Bobby Abreu (minus 6.2) was a borderline disaster in right.

Juan Rivera can't play LF - let alone RF - according to his old teams OWNER. Consider yourself warned.

Courtesy of Jeremy Sandler:

A pair of Canadians who less than two years ago looked to be on the path to the big leagues will not be among them.
In 2009, the Toronto Blue Jays selected University of Kentucky pitcher James Paxton of Ladner, B.C., 37th overall in baseball’s June amateur draft.
It was the highest the Blue Jays had ever taken a homegrown prospect since Canadian players were included in the draft in 1985.
Just 31 picks later, Toronto selected Newmarket high school pitcher Jake Eliopoulos with a second-round choice.
No general manager, scouting director or player would suggest 20 months is any kind of time frame to evaluate a baseball draft pick given development often takes four to six years.
But nearly two years later, both Paxton and Eliopoulos are unsigned and waiting to take the next step in their baseball careers.
Each pitcher took a different path to their current place in a kind of baseball purgatory.

Yet another update on The Paxton Affair. Shoulda just signed the fucking contract James.

Courtesy of The Seattle Times:

In that 2010 draft last June, the Mariners picked Paxton -- who is from Ladner, British Columbia -- in the fourth round (132nd overall). Many scouting analysts felt it was a shrewd sleeper pick by Seattle, and that the Mariners had stolen a potential first-round talent. Yet here it is Jan. 31, and Paxton still hasn't signed. Because he is no longer in college, Paxton was not subject to the Aug. 16 signing deadline. The Mariners thus own his rights until the week before the 2011 draft in June -- but Zduriencik is hoping it doesn't get that far.
"There has been a conversation or two over the course of the winter,'' he said. "It will be an interesting one, because here's a guy who lives just an hour and a half up the road, and there's a point in time he needs to get his career moving. You know, he's missed time in pro ball. I couldn't think of a better scenario for him and his family (than) to drive right down the road and play for the Seattle Mariners.
"As we move forward and we get closer, we'll see what happens. I would hope there's a motivating factor on his part to try to get something moving. Scott (Boras) and I have had a few discussions here and there over the winter, but we haven't had any lately."

This one is from the Seattle perspective. Total waste of a perfectly good 4th rounder right there guys.

Courtesy of SI.com:

Not every team buys into this type of program. Teams such as the Nationals, Orioles and Mets have had below average results for the studied period. (There are no accurate records of injuries before 1997.) Some teams, like the Blue Jays, show solid results, but have had difficulty over the past three years keeping pitchers healthy. In 2009, the Jays were a bit better than average overall, but broken down by pitchers and position players, there was a huge divide. The team couldn't seem to keep pitchers healthy at any level. There was no pattern. The injuries happened to different body parts. They happened at different levels. They happened to starters and relievers. They happened to American and Latin players. There was no pattern, just flukish results. The Jays stabilized to a more normal level with pitcher injuries in 2010, but while teams like the Mets improved over a horrendous '09 campaign that reached historic injury levels, they only made it back to below-average. How bad can it be? The Orioles lost over $30 million more than average over the last 10 years. The Nationals were worse, but they had that whole Montreal situation in there that I can't fairly adjust for.

A real good read on injuries in baseball.

Courtesy of Gregor Chisholm:

At the time, manager Cito Gaston was burdened with most of the blame. The 66-year-old was set to retire at the end of the season, and he was accused of sacrificing the long-term benefit of the club in order to finish his career with the best possible team on the field.
Anthopoulos said while he understands the criticism the organization received, the move was made because of the promise that was given to Buck.
"When we give our word to someone ... that's part of our brand," Anthopoulos said. "When I'm negotiating with an agent or I'm trying to recruit a player, and we have to tell them something, whether it's good or bad news, they know that we're going to honour our word and we're going to be straight shooters.
"People in the game are starting to realize that the way the Toronto Blue Jays operate, they're men of their word and they keep to their commitment."

In keeping with the same train of thought, this helps explain why Boy Wonder dealt Napoli away. I'm guessing he promised E5 full time at bats and Napoli had some trade value.

Courtesy of CBS Sports:

Check out the size of the bat Bryce Harper is swinging in the first half this video, which was posted to YouTube this week. It's a 36-inch, 47-ounce Marucci, custom made for the 2010 No. 1 draft pick.
If you're not familiar with bat sizes, that's like swinging a tree trunk. Most major-leaguers use bats between 32-34 inches and 30-34 ounces. Many years ago, sluggers would sometimes use heavy bats, notably Babe Ruth, who reportedly started his career using a 54-ouncer but in his prime was at about 40. I held one on the 54-ouncers in a Hall of Fame exhibit, and it's tough to imagine swinging it with any speed.
Heavier bats hit the ball farther (look here for more than you ever wanted to know on the subject), but it's a tradeoff for bat speed. Even though players are bigger than ever now, most sacrifice bat size for the confidence they can catch up to a 100-mph fastball -- and be assured Harper would look a lot different taking those hacks against Aroldis Chapman than in a BP setting. I asssume the monster bat is just for show and the 34-ounce models shown later in the video are his game bats.
(Also, in case you were curious, the bible verse Harper has engraved on his bats, Luke 1:37, reads "With God nothing shall be impossible.")

Rolling With GC

One of the things that is kinda cool about bothering to write about the Blue Jays is hanging out with the other people that bother to write about the Blue Jays. Well, most of the time. Since we clearly share a common interest, it seems to make random invites a little more easy to follow through on.

So anyways, GC has a blog Snider's Web, a twitter account gcm1979 and some season tickets right above the other teams bullpen. As a result he gets invites to the offseason promo events. And he likes to spread the wealth around.

Example 1: Winter Tour

GC was looking for some wingmen for the Toronto leg of the Winter Caravan. Dustin Parkes of Getting Blanked and I were the only people to take him up on the offer. Previously I had a twitter fight with Parkes about the value of big money/lights out closers and walked away from that encounter figuring he was a douchebag. Unfortunately, after our brief face to face meeting I have nothing to update on that front. Meaning he's still a douche. Only now I'm relatively positive of that.

The plan was to meet at Hoops for a breakfast/beerfast at 10ish. I left my house in Guelph at 8:45 thinking that would be just about right. What I didn't consider was the fact that nobody seems to feel the need to plow the roads on a weekend. I arrived at destination just past 11.

We stroll in to a completely empty SkyDome. I mean empty. There was maybe 80 other idiots that braved the weather and made the trip. Mostly kids. Lotta kids. It felt a little like going to Canada's Wonderland. There was free food, free calendars and free hats.

So we decide to sit down and watch the players take BP. In the cage was Travis Snider, Adam Lind and some right handed hitting black guy none of us recognized. I figured it was new guy Rajai Davis. Turns out I was right.

After BP ended and Parkes bounces without saying later the playing surface became available for all to walk around on, play catch and take some pics. After careful consideration, GC and I make our move. It was sorta cool wandering around the field and I took full advantage.

Joey Bats new home

Was hoping to see Tallet but kinda glad I didn't

The Cito's former place of business (Thank God)

The Man With The Golden Arm (me) holding it down in CF

Probably my favorite shot

The view from standing on home plate looking down the LF line

Now straight ahead

And finally, down the RF line

After everyone had had enough, two players come out of the clubhouse and sit down to sigh autographs. To everyone's surprise it was J.P. Arencibia and Travis Snider! They both seemed happy to be there, allowed people to take pics with them and engaged in conversation. I snagged a couple more signed balls for my now kinda getting ridiculous collection.

Standing in line I befriended one of the only other people there above 4 feet tall and we discussed the Marcum trade at great length. She seemed disappointed that her Shaun Shine left town.....

After seeing what she got autographed, me and GC figured it was none other than captainlatte herself.

Since we didn't meet up prior to the event for a beer, it only made sense to right that wrong once it was time to leave. GC suggested Real Sports and since I hadn't been there yet, I agreed. On the walk over he enlightened me on his 3 catcher roster theory with 1 guy DHing full time. I countered with my thoughts on the starting rotation and how service time will play a role going into 2011. GC mentioned that most of the ballplayers would probably be at the bar to watch the football playoffs.

One thing I will say about Real Sports is this: there is no way 2 beers and a hamburger should cost $40 plus. Massively huge big screen TV and smoking hot bartenders are nice and all but common now.....

When it's time to go our separate ways, we decide to have a quick smoke break out front of the bar in the freezing cold. Halfway done who do we see walking down the sidewalk, head down and looking bored? None other than Adam Lind. I had a ball/pen out in record time and asked politely for an autograph. He declined. Which is fine. I guess. But it's how he declined, totally ignoring us, that kinda pissed me off. No matter, I guess he was too busy being unnoticed.

Example 2: State of the Franchise

Disclaimer: I am not a season ticket holder. Just know a guy.

GC mentioned that he would try to score me an extra pass into the State of the Franchise and he came through big time. This time I vowed not to be late. The meeting spot was the Loose Moose at 5:30 and I nailed it. A quick warm up pint and we stroll in the doors just after 6. We are greeted with a coat check and a pamphlet containing a bunch of info on the team and the new player and staff acquisitions. But the best was yet to come. FREE BEER. That`s right. You read that right. The cheap bastards @ Rogers finally ponied up. There was also free food and 40% off merchandise. After some internal debate I scored a black Kyle Drabek jersey. The logic on that one was since we didn't deal him for Grienke he's probably sticking around a while.

So I literally just walked around and ate and drank and then ate and drank some more. The house was packed with VIP's. BJH was holding it down with digital audio recorder in hand. Captain Latte made an appearance once again. There was a Fake Cito Gaston sighting. Also in the house was powder_blue, highsockmojo, spookylish, tbettz and jamiedewu just to name a few. I'm sure I missed someone. Point being: the place was packed with Blue Jays faithful not to mention every damn beat reporter you can think of.

After the meet and greet was over, we take our seats and buckle up for a guaranteed love in. Second row bitches!

If you are looking for some info on the event, just go visit The Blue Jay Hunter. He's got it all for ya. I must mention Robbie Alomar had a rocking quote that I didn't see in any of the other recaps. Check it:

"Alex is the kind of General Manager that brings me back memories with Pat Gillick. He's a work alcoholic, he's addicted. It's like drugs!"

After it's all said and done (we get told to leave nicely) a pack of drunk people head back to the Loose Moose for a nightcap or six. It was there I was introduced to the Bautista bomb.

Basically a boilermaker but with Red Bull in one cup and this poison in a shot glass

which is dropped in the Red Bull and downed. Yikes. GC does one of these "shots" after the game for every J-Bau home run at the Dome.

Needless to say I recall very little else from that night but I'm certain I enjoyed every minute of it.

Conclusion:

Rolling with GC works just fine with me.

Thanks again dude.

Weekly Round Up: Double Shot

You see what I just did right there?

Missed last week's round up due to the 3 day bender I went on after the Vernon trade was officially completed. Much has happened in Blue Jay land. Check it.

Consider this your required reading.

Consider this your required listening.

Consider this your required viewing. This one was a close second place.

Courtesy of Kirby Arnold:

Wakamatsu, still considered one of baseball's best young managerial prospects, said he had coaching opportunities with four teams before going with the Blue Jays under new manager John Farrell.
"People asked me, 'Why not Baltimore, why not Milwaukee, why not Oakland?'" he said. "The impression I got from (Blue Jays general manager) Alex Anthopoulos, (assistant GM) Tony LaCava and everybody in the front office really blew me away. I felt really good about Johnny Farrell. It felt like the right fit and I think I needed something like this to rekindle myself.

Great read on the Wak.

Courtesy of Shi Davidi:

Hill, with six seasons under his belt, is now the longest-tenured Blue Jay while Bautista — who is eligible for free agency after the 2011 season but is believed to be engaged in talks on a long-term deal — embodies many of the qualities the team would like to have going forward.
The longest-tenured player on the team is reliever Jason Frasor, who made his debut in 2004, but the heart and soul of the pitching staff is now left-hander Ricky Romero.
Those four players, along with starter Brandon Morrow, first baseman Adam Lind and outfielder Travis Snider, may all end up shouldering some of the burden in Wells' absence.

So.....ah.....which one is it then? Hill or Frasor

Courtesy of Robert Emrich:

MiLB.com: You're moving to an organization that has an established second baseman at the big league level in Aaron Hill. Has the idea of switching positions been discussed at all?
Lawrie: I've been working out at third -- they've wanted me to play some third. I felt comfortable over there, I think I am going to go into Spring [Training], where third is where I'm going to be put at.

This interview via an MLB.com reporter was posted on MiLB.com an hour before..... 

Courtesy of Jonathan Mayo:

2. Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays: Toronto got the top Canadian prospect from the Brewers in the Shaun Marcum deal and he's another one still learning the position after being drafted No. 16 overall in 2008. Lawrie can flat-out hit and should have power and speed at the big league level. He may never win a Gold Glove, but a Jeff Kent-like evolution isn't out of the question.

This one was posted on MLB.com. Nice to see the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing in other organizations as well isn't it?

Courtesy of Jonathan Mayo:

3. Kyle Drabek, Blue Jays: Doug's kid had a pretty good first season in Toronto's organization after coming over from Philadelphia in the Roy Halladay deal. He was the Eastern League's Pitcher of the Year and made his big league debut in September. With one of the best breaking pitches in the Minors, Drabek also throws a lively fastball and a changeup that's improved considerably. A strong competitor, he's ready to take on the AL East as part of the Jays rotation.

Mayo also liked two of our catchers, and a shortstop. Throw in a top 60 list and you got yourself a couple of busy weeks.

Courtesy of Justin Bopp:

Courtesy of WAR Graphs:

Courtesy of Sporting News:

But the 33-year-old lefthander readily admits he will not miss facing the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays in a third of his team's games this season.
"Face it, that had has much to do with it as anything," Tallet said. "Let's be honest. It's a brutal division."
So brutal that it can wear on teams such as Toronto, which enters every season as a long shot to contend. The Blue Jays have won at least 83 games in four of the past five seasons but have yet to finish closer than 10 games out. That can put a drag on players.
"You start to accept (you're not going to win)," Tallet says. "And that's the worst thing a player can do."
Tallet isn't the only refugee from the AL East hoping to find comfort in the NL Central. All six clubs have added at least one player whose most recent team resides in the AL East:
Reds: Fred Lewis, Blue Jays.
Cardinals: Tallet, Blue Jays; Lance Berkman, Yankees.
Brewers: Shaun Marcum, Blue Jays.
Astros: Bill Hall, Red Sox.
Cubs: Matt Garza and Carlos Pena, Rays; Kerry Wood, Yankees.
Pirates: Lyle Overbay, Blue Jays.

Take note fellow fantasy pool players. These guys are nice candidates to reap the rewards from moving from the AL to the NL.

Courtesy of Jim Caple:

28. Blue Jays

Toronto tried to improve its old logo a couple years ago. It failed.

Does anybody out there actually, you know, like the new logo? This guy clearly doesn't either.

Courtesy of Ben Badler:

The Blue Jays have agreed to terms with 16-year-old Dominican lefthander Jairo Labour for $350,000.
Labour, who is 6-foot-4, 185 pounds, became eligible to sign when the 2010 international signing period opened on July 2, but he developed into a better prospect later and has run his fastball up to 92 mph. Labour, who is from Azua, is a good athlete with a solid delivery and feel for spinning a breaking ball. 

A little prospect porn sprinkled in for ya. Everybody loves prospect porn. 

Courtesy of Bernie Puchalski:

After two years, he was promoted to assistant scouting director in 2003, but decided to take a step back to become the scouting coordinator with the Toronto Blue Jays because he worried what would happen if the Montreal Expos made their rumoured move to the United States.His ascent through the Blue Jays' ranks was dramatic. He became assistant general manager in 2005, vice-president of baseball operations in 2006 and, finally, the team's general manager in 2009.
"If there's one word you leave here with today, it's humility," he said. "There's more power in humility than you will ever believe."
Because of that humble nature, he drives around Toronto in a Honda CRV.
"I've got a raise, but I'm not changing the way I live.
"I don't need to."

Stay grounded. Stay focused. Do whatever you gotta do man, just win me a World Series before I die.

Courtesy of Jeremy Sandler:

But money probably means something — especially when the MLBPA pushes its members to go for the maximum — and a big contract would help Bautista help a lot of kids.
Taken together, unless the Blue Jays are right now willing to pay him premium power hitter money for several years to come, Bautista is likely going to take his chances and see what the market will bear.

The more I think about it, the more I don't see an extension being done with J-Bau at any point this season. And there is really nothing anybody can do about it. Consider that he has been playing/waiting his entire career to become a free agent and his 2010 season slash line of .260/.378/.617 looks a little video gameish. Perhaps his agent is driving the bus on this one or as the article suggests the MLBPA, either way, I say he plays out his final year of arbitration and takes his chances on the open market. Wouldn't you? 

Courtesy of Kevin Goldstein: 

Five-Star Prospects
1. Kyle Drabek, RHP
2. J.P. Arencibia, C
Four-Star Prospects
3. Brett Lawrie, 2B
Three-Star Prospects
4. Travis d'Arnaud, C
5. Deck McGuire, RHP
6. Carlos Perez, C
7. Adeiny Hechavarria, SS
8. Zach Stewart, RHP
9. Anthony Gose, CF
10. Aaron Sanchez, RHP
11. Asher Wojciechowski, RHP

Nine More:
12. Eric Thames, OF: As of now, this spot might be low, because he could be solid, everyday corner outfielder.
13. Dickie Joe Thon, SS: This $1.5 million fifth-rounder has the tools to rank higher, but he needs more polish.
14. Adonis Cardona, RHP: The Venezuelan teen got a $2.8 million bonus, but he's raw, but he also has an absolutely huge arm.
15. Noah Syndergaard, RHP: A teenage righty with length and projection, Snydergaard needs to tighten up his secondary stuff.
16. Henderson Alvarez, RHP: Scouts love his stuff, yet wonder why the results rarely match.
17. Jake Marisnick, OF: A tremendous athlete, but he's far away from being a tremendous baseball player.
18. Griffin Murphy, LHP: He possesses a good fastball, better curve, and--like many young Jays pitchers--tons of projection.
19. Kellen Sweeney, 3B: The younger brother of Ryan has the same pretty swing from the left side of the plate.
20. Chad Jenkins, RHP: This 2009 first-round pick had a so-so full-season debut, but looks like future innings-eater.

BP weights in on the much improved farm system. I tend to take this list a little more seriously than the one BA puts out. What about y'all?

Courtesy of You Don`t Know Dick:

Need a clue that something with the Jays and Young could be in the works? Vernon Wells was asked during a Tuesday conference call where he’d been when Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos called to ask him to waive his no-trade clause, to consent to go to Anaheim in trade.
“I was at the Mavericks-Lakers game with my wife and, ironically, with Michael Young and his wife,” Wells said. “I got the call at halftime and missed most of the rest of the game.”
Ironically? Why would Wells use that word for something that was merely coincidental?

Hate to point of the obvious here Dick but Vernon didn't go to college. Just relax. This is not a "clue". This is obviously a writer for a sport in it's offseason trying to make up a story out of absolutely nothing in order to sell some papers. As always, a trip into the comments section provides some interesting reading. My favorite is courtesy of Adhoc: 

a teachable moment for Griffin

Hey Griff - Even if Wells used the term 'ironic' because he knew the Jays were looking to acquire Young, it would still be a coincidence; there's nothing ironic about it. Have you been studying at the Alanis Morissette School of Irony?

Courtesy of  Jeremy Sandler:

But baseball sources confirmed to the National Post that Toronto also included a cash payment to the Angels.
Jon Heyman of SI.com, who broke the news of the money changing hands and is one of the most reliable insiders in the business, pegged the amount at US$5-million.
All cash transfers greater than US$1-million must be approved by the commissioner’s office.
When confronted with this information on Wednesday, Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos offered only a cryptic reply.
“We agreed for the deal to be that deal, that was the deal that was announced,” he said. “I don’t think there’s anything more to it. I think people are trying to read way more into this, like way more. There’s not. There’s no smoking gun. There’s no conspiracy theory.”
In truth, the only conspiracy comes from the two teams involved in their attempts to keep the money quiet.
This is what Anthopoulos said last Friday when directly asked about dollars changing hands in the deal:
“I guess what I would tell you is the deal that was consummated is the deal that we announced, which is  a 2-for-1 deal,” he said. “And that ultimately was the final transaction of Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera.”
Why Anthopoulos or his Angels counterpart Tony Reagins would try to cover up the payment is more of a mystery than anything else.

Alright, seriously now. I was starting to embrace the lack of commenting from the braintrust PRIOR to a transaction taking place.....but are we also suppose to except them not commenting on transactions AFTER they are completed as well? WTF is going on here? 

Courtesy of Tom Valcke:

Toronto Blue Jays legendary closer Tom Henke leads the 2011 class of inductees who will be enshrined on Saturday, June 18^th in St. Marys, Ontario.  “The Terminator” will be joined by Kelowna, British Columbia native Allan Simpson, the founder of Baseball America, the monthly publication commonly referred to as the Bible of the baseball industry, and posthumous inductee George “Dandy” Wood, born in Pownal, Prince Edward Island, who played almost 1,300 games in the major leagues back in the 1800’s, but whose Canadian citizenship was only uncovered a year ago.

Bob Elliott, an icon in baseball journalism, will be presented with the Jack Graney at the ceremony as well.

God damn this song was fucking awesome. Terminator, Terminator, you can bring him in now but he's even better later. Been singing it for the last hour now.

Courtesy of Ian Harrison:

As they delightedly discussed the deal on Twitter, Jays fans called their GM the “Silent Assassin” for trading a supposedly untradeable player without even a whisper of rumour beforehand. Anthopoulos didn’t comment on the moniker when Canadian Press reporter Shi Davidi informed him of it during a conference call last Friday night.
Talk? Come on. That’s not how the Silent Assassin rolls.

Actually, in fact, that's how the Blue Jay Hunter rolls dude.