When Kenny Chesney wrote these lyrics in a brilliant song: "I wanna know how forever feels," I bet he never though it would be a period of time between posts on a ridiculous blog.
But it does feel like forever since I posted, and it's only been 5 days.
Anyway, I've decided that it's time to look at the free agents that will likely be available.
Catcher
Pudge Rodriguez & Miguel Olivo will be the top 2 available catchers, and the rest are mainly defensive guys with little bat, or Johnny Estrada. Gregg Zaun & Jason Varitek need to nealize they are not starters anymore, and should embrace a back-up role. Varitek should be back in Boston, while the rest are a crap-shoot. I could see the Jays picking up a catcher on a 1-yr deal, maybe even a solid one trying to find a pay day next offseason.
A Josh Bard, Mike Barrett, Johnny Estrada would be nice pick-ups, as all 3 have variary degrees of success in the big leagues and have all shown good sticks at some point. Personal preference is Bard, a switch-hitter who edge Estrada because he isn't Mexican.
First Base/Third Base Types
Rich Aurilia, Maybe Hank Blalock, Nomah Garciaparrah, Kevin Millar, Richie Sexson, Casey Blake, Aaron Boone, Russell Branyon. These are some guys I would rather have than a 12th pitcher. All could handle 3rd base when Rolen gets hurt, and all (minus Blalock & Branyon) can play 1st base against certain lefties to give Lyle some time off. Personal preference is Branyon, who I think just needs a really good shot to put up some big numbers.
Middle Infielders/Utility Players
Willie Bloomquist, Craig Counsell, Jerry Hairston, Nick Punto, Felipe Lopez, Alex Cora, Cesar Izturis, Ramon Vazquez. I wold love to see the Jays add some speed. And I think the best place is a utility guy. Bloomquist can play all over, and Punto is slick in the IF. I would really want Izturis, even though he is Mexican. I can see 1 depth aquisition, but probly a minor league free agent type. I would really to see Hairston, Izturis, or Punto.
DH Types
Since the Jays don't need outfield help, I will include OF as well that would be nice fits. Jason Giambi, Jeff Kent, Raul Ibanez, Garret Anderson, Adam Dunn, Luis Gonzalez, Manny Ramirez, Moises Alou, Ken Griffey.
I would love to see a lefty bat added that could hit between Rios & Wells, so I'm looking at Giambi, Ibanez, Dunn, or Griffey. Griffey would be a shocker, while Dunn is so not likely thanks to JP's stupidity. My love of Griffey would really want him in Toronto, but realisticaly Ibanez is a perfect fit.
Starters
Ryan Dempster, Freddy Garcia, Derek Lowe, Jon Garland, Randy Johnson, Brad Penny, Oliver Perez, Randy Wolf. I would like to see 2 guys added from this group. I have always had a Mexican man crush on Oliver Perez's stuff, so that would be nice. Arnsberg could turn that kid into a monster if he is half the man I imagine him to be. Dempster is an unrealistic option, but I mention him because he gives me a Candian boner. 1 year of the Big Unit would be pretty sweet as well.
All in all...there are guys I want off the Jays roster. I love McDonald, but if Scutaro is starting, I want a fast bench, and McDonald seems pretty slow without a glove in his hand. Punto or Izturis ar both a bunch quicker and not that far behind with the glove. Both switch-hit, so it also helps with match-ups. As a fourth OF, I want a fast guy as well. Scott Podsednik would be amazing coming off the bench to run for Barajas late in the game.
Back-Up C
Out: Thigpen (to AAA)
In: Josh Bard - switch hitter, good defence, not shitty like Thigpen.
Back-Up middle infielder
Out: Johnny Mac (sorry bud)
In: Cesar Izturis - switch hitter, great defence, really fast, better hitting than Mac by a wide margin.
Back-Up corner infielder
Out: Bautista (his power doesn't outweigh his shittiness)
In: With no other righty hitting options on the team anymore, Aaron Boone - I have always liked Boone, so I would like to see this.
Fourth OF:
Out: Buck Coates?
In: If Bautista can play OF, he can stay in this role. If not, Jason Michaels - lefty masher for Lind to play with.
Fifth OF:
Out: 12th Pitcher (the Jays don't need seven relievers, fuck Tallet)
In: Scott Podsednik - amazing fast, good bunter, wouldn't embarrass if he had to start, unlike Wilkerfuck.
With Snider starting in AAA (hopefully, please god) Ibanez can come in and DH for 2 or 3 years.
These are all fucked up thoughts I have been having, trying to come up with a perfect bench for next season.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Again, Fuck Me
Fuck. I almost ate my words again, by saying that Tampa would easilty discard of Boston after it was 3-1. Well, Fuck. Boston almost won the series.
I thought Boston would demolish Tampa, and it ended up pretty much the opposite.
I thought Lester would go 2-0 and pitch brilliantly. He went 0-2 and looked mediocre as fuck.
Josh Beckett pitched like a retard in his first start.
Papeldouche continued to be really good.
Dustin Pedroia, that rat-faced fuck stick, had a great series.
Youkilis was also great.
Ortiz was a disgrace.
Looking at the playoffs from a Tampa hindsight perspective, BJ Upton has been fucking incredible, just pounding mistakes made by pitchers.
Evan Longoria has been great as well, but only seems to come through early in games.
Philly better win this thing, or I am going to fucking snap.
I thought Boston would demolish Tampa, and it ended up pretty much the opposite.
I thought Lester would go 2-0 and pitch brilliantly. He went 0-2 and looked mediocre as fuck.
Josh Beckett pitched like a retard in his first start.
Papeldouche continued to be really good.
Dustin Pedroia, that rat-faced fuck stick, had a great series.
Youkilis was also great.
Ortiz was a disgrace.
Looking at the playoffs from a Tampa hindsight perspective, BJ Upton has been fucking incredible, just pounding mistakes made by pitchers.
Evan Longoria has been great as well, but only seems to come through early in games.
Philly better win this thing, or I am going to fucking snap.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Disecting The Peavy Trade Winds
As much as I would love to write about how the Jays have the pieces to pull off something like this, which they do, but it is not going to happen.
Peavy has stated that he would only waive his no trade clause to go to 5 NL teams: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, LA, and St Louis.
I do not buy for a fucking second that San Diego would trade Peavy in their division.
He has also stated that he would consider waiving his NTC to 3 undisclosed AL teams as long as generous compensation is given. To me, those 3 teams are the Yankees, Red Sox, and Angels.
With the reported starting point being 2 mlb-ready starters and an mlb-ready CF, let's look at what each of the 4 top suiters could offer, and see who would give the most and go the extra player.
Houston Astros
Potential CF:
Michael Bourn, Hunter Pence, Jordan Parraz, Eli Iorg
Potential SPs:
Felipe Paulino, Brad James, Bud Norris, Sam Gervacio
Other Potential Pieces:
C JR Towles
I think a 4-man package of Pence, Towles, and 2 of the pitchers would not top what other teams would offer. SD will need at least one front-end starter in the deal, and the other pieces are not going to be strong enough.
Atlanta Braves
Potential CF:
Jordan Schafer, Gorkys Hernandez, Jeff Francour
Potential SPs:
Tommy Hanson, Cole Rohrbrough, Jeff Locke, Jose Ortegano
Other Potential Pieces:
SS Brent Lillibridge, SS Brandon Hicks
If Hanson is offered with Schafer, then a lower pitcher who could step in right away could be a Chuck James or Jo-Jo Reyes type. Either Lillibridge or Hicks would be nice players to aquire to eventually replace Khalil Greene. Lillibridge would be a better fit if Greene gets dealt this offseason. The Braves could blow away an offer by the Astros, but let's see how they stack up to the rest.
St. Louis Cardinals
Potential CF:
Colby Rasmus, Skip Shoemaker, Brian Barton
Potential SPs:
Jaime Garcia, Tyler Herron, Adam Ottavino, Jess Todd
Other Potential Pieces:
C Bryan Anderson, SS Peter Kozma, 3B Allen Craig, 3B David Freese
Colby Rasmus would be the centre-piece, and the starters are not as impressive as Atlanta could offer. A package of Rasmus, Garcia, Ottavino, Kozma would be a huge price to pay, but it would not cripple the Cards system, as it is pretty deep. SD would have to weigh whether they value higher upside pitching or the CF.
Chicago Cubs
Potential CF:
Felix Pie
Potential SPs:
Jeff Samardjzilla, Jose Ceda
Other Potential Pieces:
3B Josh Vitters, 3B Matt Craig
The Cubs system kind of sucks, in my opinion. Pie could turn into a great player, but poor showings have kind of given him a Corey Patterson feeling to me. He is allready an above average CF defensively though, and SD could use the defensive certainty. Samardjzilla could turn into a solid starter and Ceda is a guy with big upside and shakey control. Those 3 would match any other offer, and Craig would be a really nice add-on, and could play 3B if SD trades Kouz.
I would rank the potential packages like this
4. Pence/Towles/Paulino/Norris
3. Pie/Samardjzilla/Ceda/Craig
2. Rasmus/Garcia/Ottovino/Kozma
1. Shafer/Hanson/James/Lillibridge
I see him becoming a Brave if Atlanta is willing to give up a package so big. But I will always take a sure thing and proven guy over an unknown prospect. And Peavy is still young, so it's not like whoever the acquiring team is gets a past-his-prime 30 something. The haul should be at least that of Dan Haren.
Peavy has stated that he would only waive his no trade clause to go to 5 NL teams: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, LA, and St Louis.
I do not buy for a fucking second that San Diego would trade Peavy in their division.
He has also stated that he would consider waiving his NTC to 3 undisclosed AL teams as long as generous compensation is given. To me, those 3 teams are the Yankees, Red Sox, and Angels.
With the reported starting point being 2 mlb-ready starters and an mlb-ready CF, let's look at what each of the 4 top suiters could offer, and see who would give the most and go the extra player.
Houston Astros
Potential CF:
Michael Bourn, Hunter Pence, Jordan Parraz, Eli Iorg
Potential SPs:
Felipe Paulino, Brad James, Bud Norris, Sam Gervacio
Other Potential Pieces:
C JR Towles
I think a 4-man package of Pence, Towles, and 2 of the pitchers would not top what other teams would offer. SD will need at least one front-end starter in the deal, and the other pieces are not going to be strong enough.
Atlanta Braves
Potential CF:
Jordan Schafer, Gorkys Hernandez, Jeff Francour
Potential SPs:
Tommy Hanson, Cole Rohrbrough, Jeff Locke, Jose Ortegano
Other Potential Pieces:
SS Brent Lillibridge, SS Brandon Hicks
If Hanson is offered with Schafer, then a lower pitcher who could step in right away could be a Chuck James or Jo-Jo Reyes type. Either Lillibridge or Hicks would be nice players to aquire to eventually replace Khalil Greene. Lillibridge would be a better fit if Greene gets dealt this offseason. The Braves could blow away an offer by the Astros, but let's see how they stack up to the rest.
St. Louis Cardinals
Potential CF:
Colby Rasmus, Skip Shoemaker, Brian Barton
Potential SPs:
Jaime Garcia, Tyler Herron, Adam Ottavino, Jess Todd
Other Potential Pieces:
C Bryan Anderson, SS Peter Kozma, 3B Allen Craig, 3B David Freese
Colby Rasmus would be the centre-piece, and the starters are not as impressive as Atlanta could offer. A package of Rasmus, Garcia, Ottavino, Kozma would be a huge price to pay, but it would not cripple the Cards system, as it is pretty deep. SD would have to weigh whether they value higher upside pitching or the CF.
Chicago Cubs
Potential CF:
Felix Pie
Potential SPs:
Jeff Samardjzilla, Jose Ceda
Other Potential Pieces:
3B Josh Vitters, 3B Matt Craig
The Cubs system kind of sucks, in my opinion. Pie could turn into a great player, but poor showings have kind of given him a Corey Patterson feeling to me. He is allready an above average CF defensively though, and SD could use the defensive certainty. Samardjzilla could turn into a solid starter and Ceda is a guy with big upside and shakey control. Those 3 would match any other offer, and Craig would be a really nice add-on, and could play 3B if SD trades Kouz.
I would rank the potential packages like this
4. Pence/Towles/Paulino/Norris
3. Pie/Samardjzilla/Ceda/Craig
2. Rasmus/Garcia/Ottovino/Kozma
1. Shafer/Hanson/James/Lillibridge
I see him becoming a Brave if Atlanta is willing to give up a package so big. But I will always take a sure thing and proven guy over an unknown prospect. And Peavy is still young, so it's not like whoever the acquiring team is gets a past-his-prime 30 something. The haul should be at least that of Dan Haren.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Retired? I Wonder If The Jays Can Coax A Couple Of Them Out Of It.
According to Cots Baseball Contracts, the following players are considered retired.
Josh Hancock
Joe Kennedy
Corey Lidle (Osama Bin Lidle, as I refer to him as)
This is something I discovered after Joe Kennedy had FUCKING DIED and I was cruising the site.
It actually got a chuckle out of a friend who is as sick in the head as I am.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
What is That on My Face?
I wrote this last week:
"Dodgers over Phillies in 7 in a great series. Cole Hamels pitches twice and makes the Dodgers look like AAAers. Lidge gets rocked by Manny at least once in a big spot. Russell Martin continues to give me a Canadian boner. Jon Broxton looks like a stud reliever and shuts down the middle of the Phillies order. Jayson Werth puts up a monster series in a losing effort."
Besides the Cole Hamels comment, I look pretty fuckin ridiculous with egg all over my face.
Martin & Eithier choked cock behind Manny. Lidge was nails in 4 appearances. Broxton made me look like a jack-off by getting pwned by MATTY FUCKING STAIRS. Werth was my long shot so I could feel big if he was clutch, but his performance was really bad.
And to top it off, the Phils easily discarded the Dodgers, who I thought would win the series. Now, I root for the Phils. Tear those Tampa fucks (I'll eat my words again when that series is over) a brand new asshole. Knock them down a peg.
"Dodgers over Phillies in 7 in a great series. Cole Hamels pitches twice and makes the Dodgers look like AAAers. Lidge gets rocked by Manny at least once in a big spot. Russell Martin continues to give me a Canadian boner. Jon Broxton looks like a stud reliever and shuts down the middle of the Phillies order. Jayson Werth puts up a monster series in a losing effort."
Besides the Cole Hamels comment, I look pretty fuckin ridiculous with egg all over my face.
Martin & Eithier choked cock behind Manny. Lidge was nails in 4 appearances. Broxton made me look like a jack-off by getting pwned by MATTY FUCKING STAIRS. Werth was my long shot so I could feel big if he was clutch, but his performance was really bad.
And to top it off, the Phils easily discarded the Dodgers, who I thought would win the series. Now, I root for the Phils. Tear those Tampa fucks (I'll eat my words again when that series is over) a brand new asshole. Knock them down a peg.
Oh Canada
On the heels of Matt Fucking Stairs going deep to give the Phils the lead, and with Matty going to the series, I have decided to pull out my favourite thing to do....
....Ponder Team Canada for the World Baseball Classic
I do this monthly, deleting my old roster, and throwing essentially the same roster together, except sometimes I change the bench players around.
I hope this will be different.
Assuming this is another 30-man roster, this is how I hope it will break down
The Pitching Staff
The Starters: I would rock a 4-man starting staff
1. Rich Harden - CHC. If healthy, he is the best of the bunch.
2. Jeff Francis - COL. Wanted to throw a lefty between my 2 best.
3. Ryan Dempster - FA. Will be a free agent, so he may pass.
4. Erik Bedard - SEA. Huge injury-based question mark.
The Pen: I would rock a 10-man pen, giving plenty of flexibility for position players
CL. Eric Gagne - FA. The best late inning option, despite shakiness.
SU. Jesse Crain - MIN. Solid set-up guy.
Loogy 1. R.J. Swindle - PHI. I love the euphus pitch, it brings a tingle to me.
Loogy 2. Rheal Cormier - Retired. My Canadian legendary loogy, he has got to be on the team.
Loogy 3. David Davidson - PIT. Not a true loogy, can also be a long-man
Mid Reliever 1. Chris Begg - SF. Low-upside prospect has had some international success.
Mid Reliever 2. Scott Mathieson - PHI. This kid has got serious heat.
Mid Reliever 3. Phillipe Aumont - SEA. Top Canadian pitching prospect would look great in relief.
Long Man 1. Shawn Hill - WSH. Would be 5th starter, but not needed.
Long Man 2. Scott Richmond - TOR. MLB success paves way to a well-earned spot.
So with 14 pitchers, that leaves (math is so my specialty) 16 postion players. Let's meet my hopefull team.
Catchers
1. Russell Martin - LAD
2. Pete LaForest - PHI
3. Brett Lawrie - MIL
With Martin on the team, no one else will will play, but the 2 I selected offer plenty of versitility. Lawrie can play pretty much anywhere, and LaForest has played some 3rd & 1st and has serious power.
Infield
1B. Justin Morneau - MIN
2B. Pete Orr - WSH
3B. Mark Teahan - KC
SS. Emmanuel Garcia - NYM
1B. Scott Thorman - ATL
INF - Matt Rogelstad - WSH
1B. Matt Stairs - PHI
With no respect to Stubby Clapp, this is my infield. I liked the way Garcia played short at the Olympics, and Morneau & Teahan give the infield some offensive energy. Matty Stairs is my DH.
Outfield
LF. Joey Votto - CIN
CF. Mike Saunders - SEA
RF. Jason Bay - BOS
OF. Adam Stern - BAL
OF. Nick Weglarz - CLE
OF. Jamie Romak - PIT
With Morneau, Votto is pushed to the OF, pushing Bay to RF and Weglarz to the bench. Saunders is a fast moving prospect with the M's and should be able to handle CF for a couple weeks.
My Line-Up
1. CF - Mike Saunders
2. 3B - Mark Teahan
3. RF - Jason Bay
4. 1B - Justin Morneau
5. C - Russell Martin
6. LF - Joey Votto
7. DH - Matt Stairs
8. 2B - Pete Orr
9. SS - Emmanuel Garcia
That is actually a line-up that I think could do well in the AL East. It is very lefty happy, but the big hitters can handle it anyways. Bay & Morneau are a scary 1-2 punch, and Martin is very movible in the line-up.
And I think the starting staff will match any team in the tournament in talent. The bullpen is the major weakness, as most of the other countries with asperations of 1st place are 2 or 3 closers deep. We barely have 1.
So that's that.
Matty Fucking Stairs in the World Series. Go Phils.
....Ponder Team Canada for the World Baseball Classic
I do this monthly, deleting my old roster, and throwing essentially the same roster together, except sometimes I change the bench players around.
I hope this will be different.
Assuming this is another 30-man roster, this is how I hope it will break down
The Pitching Staff
The Starters: I would rock a 4-man starting staff
1. Rich Harden - CHC. If healthy, he is the best of the bunch.
2. Jeff Francis - COL. Wanted to throw a lefty between my 2 best.
3. Ryan Dempster - FA. Will be a free agent, so he may pass.
4. Erik Bedard - SEA. Huge injury-based question mark.
The Pen: I would rock a 10-man pen, giving plenty of flexibility for position players
CL. Eric Gagne - FA. The best late inning option, despite shakiness.
SU. Jesse Crain - MIN. Solid set-up guy.
Loogy 1. R.J. Swindle - PHI. I love the euphus pitch, it brings a tingle to me.
Loogy 2. Rheal Cormier - Retired. My Canadian legendary loogy, he has got to be on the team.
Loogy 3. David Davidson - PIT. Not a true loogy, can also be a long-man
Mid Reliever 1. Chris Begg - SF. Low-upside prospect has had some international success.
Mid Reliever 2. Scott Mathieson - PHI. This kid has got serious heat.
Mid Reliever 3. Phillipe Aumont - SEA. Top Canadian pitching prospect would look great in relief.
Long Man 1. Shawn Hill - WSH. Would be 5th starter, but not needed.
Long Man 2. Scott Richmond - TOR. MLB success paves way to a well-earned spot.
So with 14 pitchers, that leaves (math is so my specialty) 16 postion players. Let's meet my hopefull team.
Catchers
1. Russell Martin - LAD
2. Pete LaForest - PHI
3. Brett Lawrie - MIL
With Martin on the team, no one else will will play, but the 2 I selected offer plenty of versitility. Lawrie can play pretty much anywhere, and LaForest has played some 3rd & 1st and has serious power.
Infield
1B. Justin Morneau - MIN
2B. Pete Orr - WSH
3B. Mark Teahan - KC
SS. Emmanuel Garcia - NYM
1B. Scott Thorman - ATL
INF - Matt Rogelstad - WSH
1B. Matt Stairs - PHI
With no respect to Stubby Clapp, this is my infield. I liked the way Garcia played short at the Olympics, and Morneau & Teahan give the infield some offensive energy. Matty Stairs is my DH.
Outfield
LF. Joey Votto - CIN
CF. Mike Saunders - SEA
RF. Jason Bay - BOS
OF. Adam Stern - BAL
OF. Nick Weglarz - CLE
OF. Jamie Romak - PIT
With Morneau, Votto is pushed to the OF, pushing Bay to RF and Weglarz to the bench. Saunders is a fast moving prospect with the M's and should be able to handle CF for a couple weeks.
My Line-Up
1. CF - Mike Saunders
2. 3B - Mark Teahan
3. RF - Jason Bay
4. 1B - Justin Morneau
5. C - Russell Martin
6. LF - Joey Votto
7. DH - Matt Stairs
8. 2B - Pete Orr
9. SS - Emmanuel Garcia
That is actually a line-up that I think could do well in the AL East. It is very lefty happy, but the big hitters can handle it anyways. Bay & Morneau are a scary 1-2 punch, and Martin is very movible in the line-up.
And I think the starting staff will match any team in the tournament in talent. The bullpen is the major weakness, as most of the other countries with asperations of 1st place are 2 or 3 closers deep. We barely have 1.
So that's that.
Matty Fucking Stairs in the World Series. Go Phils.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
I YEARN FOR YOU
Please Mr. Giambi sir, come play in Toronto. The legal drinking age is 19, which makes nailing a drunk 17 year old so easy.Just look at that scowl, that unkept hair, the goatee. He was made to be a teen-fucker.
Sorry, getting off topic.
Giambi would help the 2009 team greatly. His power and left-handed bat would be huge between Rios & Wells.
Please, sign that beast.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Post-Season Party
Well, I was 1-4 in my 1st round predictions, as I had the Dodgers over Cubs. The other series' surprised me greatly.
Chi Sox vs Tampa (Tampa won in 4)
The Rays played great, with their offense doing just enough to beat the White Sox, who looked pretty shitty to me. Mini Beej hit 3 homers in the series, including 2 in the clincher. Iwamura & Upton had 4 RsBI a piece to lead the offense. Grant Balfour & JP Howell made sure close games weren't lost by Tampa's best arms, each pitching 3 scoreless outings.
Ex-Jays: DeWayne Wise had 2 big hits to account for 5 RsBI in the series. Gabe Gross was his last name (Zing!), but not really, as he was solid getting on base. Pinske didn't get play at all, which disapoints me greatly. Trever Miller faced one guy...and walked him. Nice job former Jays.
LA Angels vs Fag Sox (Sox in 4)
Ellsbury & Bay had big offensive series', with each hammering the ball. They over came Toriiiii Hunter's clutchiness by seamingly shutting everyone else from driving in runs. Masterson pitched in every game, and pitched well for the most part, except for some control problems. Papelbon was amazing. Enough said.
Ex-Jays: Kevin Cash came into a game as a defensive replacement, then was pinch-hit for.
Canadian Elert!: Bay was awesome in the series, hitting over .400 with 5 RsBI.
Phillies vs Brew Crew (Sillies in 4)
Shane Victorino & Pat "The Bat" Burrell (I assume he got the nickname by beating his wife. Wait, that was Brett Myers. Oh well, I'm sure Burrell hits his wife as well.) were the RBI machines, picking up slack for Ultey, Howard, & Rollins. Ryan Madson & Brad Lidge were good out of the pen.
Ex-Jays: Scott Eyre pitched a shakey inning for the Phils. Matty Stairs had 2 unsuccessful pinch-hit attempts. Jayson Werth hit over .300 with a homer to put together a nice series. Dave Bush threw 5+ innings to get the Brews only win.
Canadian Elert!: Along with Stairs, there was Gagne. Gagne threw 2 good innings, keeping the crew in a couple games.
Dodgers vs Cubs (Dodgers sweep)
Loney, Martin, & Manny were nails in demolishing the Cubs. Jon Broxton & Corey Wade were the go-to relievers and both were good.
Ex-Jays: Lilly, arguably Chicago's best regular season hurler, didn't even get an appearance. Dougie got shut out, even as a D-sub or pinch runner. Jeff Kent had 1 unsuccessful at-bat.
Canadian Elert!: Dempster got hit hard in his loss in game 1. Harden got hit pretty hard-en (oh, I'm fuckin hillarious) in his loss as well. Martin hit over .300 with 5 RsBI.
Divisional MVP's
AL:
Jacoby Ellsbury - .333 - 6 RsBI - 3 SB
Jason Bay - .412 - 2 HR - 5 RsBI
Jon Papelbon - 1 W - 1 SV - 0.00 ERA
Jon Lester - 14 IP - 0.00 ERA - 1 W
NL:
Shane Victorino - .357 - 5 RsBI - 3 SB
Russell Martin - .308 - 5 RsBI
Jon Broxton - 3.1 IP - 1 SV - 0.00 ERA
Cole Hamels - 8 IP - 0.00 ERA
Silly Prediction Time:
Boston over Tampa in 6 games. Ortiz is a monster. Hinske embarasses himself, his family, and his race. The Tampa rotation gets exposed. Jon Lester becomes even more a god to Red Sox Nation, while actually deserving it. Mark Kotsay becomes a Dave Roberts style legend with a clutch hit or 2. Jason Bay brings Canada to it's feet by being awesome. Evan Longoria does everything he can, but just doesn't get enough help.
Dodgers over Phillies in 7 in a great series. Cole Hamels pitches twice and makes the Dodgers look like AAAers. Lidge gets rocked by Manny at least once in a big spot. Russell Martin continues to give me a Canadian boner. Jon Broxton looks like a stud reliever and shuts down the middle of the Phillies order. Jayson Werth puts up a monster series in a losing effort.
Chi Sox vs Tampa (Tampa won in 4)
The Rays played great, with their offense doing just enough to beat the White Sox, who looked pretty shitty to me. Mini Beej hit 3 homers in the series, including 2 in the clincher. Iwamura & Upton had 4 RsBI a piece to lead the offense. Grant Balfour & JP Howell made sure close games weren't lost by Tampa's best arms, each pitching 3 scoreless outings.
Ex-Jays: DeWayne Wise had 2 big hits to account for 5 RsBI in the series. Gabe Gross was his last name (Zing!), but not really, as he was solid getting on base. Pinske didn't get play at all, which disapoints me greatly. Trever Miller faced one guy...and walked him. Nice job former Jays.
LA Angels vs Fag Sox (Sox in 4)
Ellsbury & Bay had big offensive series', with each hammering the ball. They over came Toriiiii Hunter's clutchiness by seamingly shutting everyone else from driving in runs. Masterson pitched in every game, and pitched well for the most part, except for some control problems. Papelbon was amazing. Enough said.
Ex-Jays: Kevin Cash came into a game as a defensive replacement, then was pinch-hit for.
Canadian Elert!: Bay was awesome in the series, hitting over .400 with 5 RsBI.
Phillies vs Brew Crew (Sillies in 4)
Shane Victorino & Pat "The Bat" Burrell (I assume he got the nickname by beating his wife. Wait, that was Brett Myers. Oh well, I'm sure Burrell hits his wife as well.) were the RBI machines, picking up slack for Ultey, Howard, & Rollins. Ryan Madson & Brad Lidge were good out of the pen.
Ex-Jays: Scott Eyre pitched a shakey inning for the Phils. Matty Stairs had 2 unsuccessful pinch-hit attempts. Jayson Werth hit over .300 with a homer to put together a nice series. Dave Bush threw 5+ innings to get the Brews only win.
Canadian Elert!: Along with Stairs, there was Gagne. Gagne threw 2 good innings, keeping the crew in a couple games.
Dodgers vs Cubs (Dodgers sweep)
Loney, Martin, & Manny were nails in demolishing the Cubs. Jon Broxton & Corey Wade were the go-to relievers and both were good.
Ex-Jays: Lilly, arguably Chicago's best regular season hurler, didn't even get an appearance. Dougie got shut out, even as a D-sub or pinch runner. Jeff Kent had 1 unsuccessful at-bat.
Canadian Elert!: Dempster got hit hard in his loss in game 1. Harden got hit pretty hard-en (oh, I'm fuckin hillarious) in his loss as well. Martin hit over .300 with 5 RsBI.
Divisional MVP's
AL:
Jacoby Ellsbury - .333 - 6 RsBI - 3 SB
Jason Bay - .412 - 2 HR - 5 RsBI
Jon Papelbon - 1 W - 1 SV - 0.00 ERA
Jon Lester - 14 IP - 0.00 ERA - 1 W
NL:
Shane Victorino - .357 - 5 RsBI - 3 SB
Russell Martin - .308 - 5 RsBI
Jon Broxton - 3.1 IP - 1 SV - 0.00 ERA
Cole Hamels - 8 IP - 0.00 ERA
Silly Prediction Time:
Boston over Tampa in 6 games. Ortiz is a monster. Hinske embarasses himself, his family, and his race. The Tampa rotation gets exposed. Jon Lester becomes even more a god to Red Sox Nation, while actually deserving it. Mark Kotsay becomes a Dave Roberts style legend with a clutch hit or 2. Jason Bay brings Canada to it's feet by being awesome. Evan Longoria does everything he can, but just doesn't get enough help.
Dodgers over Phillies in 7 in a great series. Cole Hamels pitches twice and makes the Dodgers look like AAAers. Lidge gets rocked by Manny at least once in a big spot. Russell Martin continues to give me a Canadian boner. Jon Broxton looks like a stud reliever and shuts down the middle of the Phillies order. Jayson Werth puts up a monster series in a losing effort.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The Top 20 Prospects
I have decided to review the farm system going forward, with a top 20 prospect list of my own, splitt into 2 top 10 lists. I will be using guidelines like Minor League Ball's top 20, Baseball Reference for stats, and Baseball America's top 10 list. These will be overpowered by personal belief of what these guys could be.
Hitters
1. Travis Snider - OF
Snider is the consensus #1 prospect in the Jays system and may crack the top 10 in all of baseball next year. Snider may be the stating something next season, and should put up decent numbers. If they hit him 8th or 9th, and he hits .270 with 20 homers, consider it a success.
2. JP Arencibia - C
JP really opened some eyes this year, hitting 27 HR and driving in 105 runs. He hit .298 as well, proving there is legit hitting ability at play. JP should start 2009 in AAA, but could push Barajas after a couple months of good baseball. I think he could be a very effective player in 2010, and a potential star catcher going forward.
3. David Cooper - 1B
Last year's first round pick has skyrocketed through 3 levels this year. His power isn't really there, with 5 HR in 273 AB, but his AVG of .333 is more than impressive. I see him a Lyle Overbay type, hitting a lot of doubles and maybe hitting 20 HR someday. He could be in Toronto in 2010 if he keeps hitting.
4. Kevin Ahrens - 3B
The first of the high-school drafted "3 Musketeers" from 2007, Ahrens had the highest AVG among the 3. He carries the most upside, although playing 3rd base instead of SS hurts his value a bit. They should try him as a SS in 2009, just to see if he could do it. He will need to develop his power in order to be a corner man.
5. Scott Campbell - 2B
Campbell didn't exactly come out of nowhere this year, as this season is in line with what he has done so far in his pro career. He took a major step in competition this year, and more than rose to the challenge. He hit over .300 and showed a little pop with 9 HR. At the minimum, he should be a Joe Inglett type.
6. Brian Dopirak - 1B
Now, this guy came out of nowhere. Signed due to proximity to his home in Dunedin, Dopirak has done nothing but hit. After some almost terrible seasons with some Cubs affiliates, the Jays snatched him up and he has exceded any expectations the Jays could have had. 29 HR, 101 RsBI, a .300 AVG. Dopirak could be in AAA next year, just waiting for Overbay to screw around with a weak couple months.
7. John Tolisano - 2B
Tolisano was the 2007 high-schooler that I had the most hope for. That has died down with his weak 2008. A SS in high school, he has only played 2B & DH in his 2 pro seasons, which doesn't bode well for future utility guy. He will need to crack the line-up as a 2B or 3B, maybe LF. He will need to hit if he has to play a corner.
8. Justin Jackson - SS
Probly the fastest player in the entire organization (Eric Eiland may be faster), Jackson is a superb athlete and a pretty promising SS prospect. Like Tolisano & Ahrens, Jackson has had a pretty disapointing season. All 3 2007 picks should move to the next level next season regardless of performance, mainly due to lack of options.
9. Brain Jeroloman - C
One of my favourite potential Blue Jays for reasons I can't explain. He does deserve to be on this list though. In AA, he had an OBP of almost .400. He stumbled a bit in AAA, but didn't have a lot of AB. Jeroloman could overtake Thigpen with a good spring training for the back-up position behind Barajas. I see him as nothing more than a great defensive back-up catcher.
10. Bradley Emaus - 2B
Emaus had a big season in Dunedin this year, hitting .300 with 12 HR & 71 RsBI. He showed surprising power, and will hope to translate that into success at higher levels in 2009.
Honorable Mentions: C - Jonathan Jaspe & Joel Collins, SS Tyler Pastronicky, OF - Eric Eiland, Moises Sierra, Johermyn Chavez, Kenny Wilson
Pitchers
1. Brett Cecil - P
Cecil put up some really pretty numbers this season in AA/AAA, and may even crack the rotation next season. I still see him more as a BJ Ryan type down the road, and if that is his downside, I really like him.
2. Brad Mills - SP - 13-5 - 1.97 ERA - 159K in 147.1IP
Drafted twice by the Jays, Mills has had a great season and pushed near the front of a pretty shallow group of prospects. A lefty with a FB, CRV, CHG combo, he reminds some people of Ted Lilly. The CRV isn't as good, but everything else screams average.
3. Robert Ray - SP - 13-9 - 3.63 ERA
Ray made the move from Dunedin to New Hampshire this season and actually improved himself in making the move up. He could be sleeper prospect for the Jays, a Jesse Litsch type maybe.
4. Marc Rzepczynski - SP
Another lefty, he has had a solid first full season, just like Mills (he was drafted 30 picks behind Mills in 2007). He's bigger physically than Mills, but is a similar type of pitcher.
5. Kyle Ginley - SP
Ginley started in Lansing and pitchied like a guy who wanted to move up. When he got his wish, he struggled a bit. If he can make some needed adjustments, he could be a back-of-the-rotation type prospect.
6. Reider Gonzalez - SP - 12-4 - 3.15 ERA
Not a strikeout pitcher, he will need to continue his excellent command in order to succeed at higher levels.
7. Randy Boone - SP
In his first season of pro ball, he had a season similar to Ginley. He pitched really well in Lansing, but struggled in Dunedin. He's 23, so he isn't a young pup. He will need to make adjustments quickly if he wants to be any kind of prospect.
8. Zach Dials - RP
Dials didn't spend much time in Dunedin before moving to AA this season. He struggled a bit with the increase in talent, but managed 15 saves and is a solid relief prospect for the Jays.
9. Tim Collins - RP - 1.58 ERA
"Tiny Tim" is a JP Riccardi find out of the Mass area. Undrafted, the 5'7'', 155 LB lefty makes the most out of his body. He struck out 98 in 68 innings this season, which is impressive. He is only 18, so he has tons of time to grow (not physically).
10. Alan Farina - RP
In his 2nd pro season, he moved up and got better at the same time. He was very *meh* in his pro-debut, but pitched very well this season. He only threw 29 innings, but they were impressive, with 37 K. Someone to keep an eye on.
Honorable Mentions: Davis Romero, Ricky Romero, Trystan Magnuson, Brandon Magee, Ryan Page (not enough pro ball), Edgar Estanga & Cody Crowell (2 leftie relievers with impressive K ratios)
Hitters
1. Travis Snider - OF
Snider is the consensus #1 prospect in the Jays system and may crack the top 10 in all of baseball next year. Snider may be the stating something next season, and should put up decent numbers. If they hit him 8th or 9th, and he hits .270 with 20 homers, consider it a success.
2. JP Arencibia - C
JP really opened some eyes this year, hitting 27 HR and driving in 105 runs. He hit .298 as well, proving there is legit hitting ability at play. JP should start 2009 in AAA, but could push Barajas after a couple months of good baseball. I think he could be a very effective player in 2010, and a potential star catcher going forward.
3. David Cooper - 1B
Last year's first round pick has skyrocketed through 3 levels this year. His power isn't really there, with 5 HR in 273 AB, but his AVG of .333 is more than impressive. I see him a Lyle Overbay type, hitting a lot of doubles and maybe hitting 20 HR someday. He could be in Toronto in 2010 if he keeps hitting.
4. Kevin Ahrens - 3B
The first of the high-school drafted "3 Musketeers" from 2007, Ahrens had the highest AVG among the 3. He carries the most upside, although playing 3rd base instead of SS hurts his value a bit. They should try him as a SS in 2009, just to see if he could do it. He will need to develop his power in order to be a corner man.
5. Scott Campbell - 2B
Campbell didn't exactly come out of nowhere this year, as this season is in line with what he has done so far in his pro career. He took a major step in competition this year, and more than rose to the challenge. He hit over .300 and showed a little pop with 9 HR. At the minimum, he should be a Joe Inglett type.
6. Brian Dopirak - 1B
Now, this guy came out of nowhere. Signed due to proximity to his home in Dunedin, Dopirak has done nothing but hit. After some almost terrible seasons with some Cubs affiliates, the Jays snatched him up and he has exceded any expectations the Jays could have had. 29 HR, 101 RsBI, a .300 AVG. Dopirak could be in AAA next year, just waiting for Overbay to screw around with a weak couple months.
7. John Tolisano - 2B
Tolisano was the 2007 high-schooler that I had the most hope for. That has died down with his weak 2008. A SS in high school, he has only played 2B & DH in his 2 pro seasons, which doesn't bode well for future utility guy. He will need to crack the line-up as a 2B or 3B, maybe LF. He will need to hit if he has to play a corner.
8. Justin Jackson - SS
Probly the fastest player in the entire organization (Eric Eiland may be faster), Jackson is a superb athlete and a pretty promising SS prospect. Like Tolisano & Ahrens, Jackson has had a pretty disapointing season. All 3 2007 picks should move to the next level next season regardless of performance, mainly due to lack of options.
9. Brain Jeroloman - C
One of my favourite potential Blue Jays for reasons I can't explain. He does deserve to be on this list though. In AA, he had an OBP of almost .400. He stumbled a bit in AAA, but didn't have a lot of AB. Jeroloman could overtake Thigpen with a good spring training for the back-up position behind Barajas. I see him as nothing more than a great defensive back-up catcher.
10. Bradley Emaus - 2B
Emaus had a big season in Dunedin this year, hitting .300 with 12 HR & 71 RsBI. He showed surprising power, and will hope to translate that into success at higher levels in 2009.
Honorable Mentions: C - Jonathan Jaspe & Joel Collins, SS Tyler Pastronicky, OF - Eric Eiland, Moises Sierra, Johermyn Chavez, Kenny Wilson
Pitchers
1. Brett Cecil - P
Cecil put up some really pretty numbers this season in AA/AAA, and may even crack the rotation next season. I still see him more as a BJ Ryan type down the road, and if that is his downside, I really like him.
2. Brad Mills - SP - 13-5 - 1.97 ERA - 159K in 147.1IP
Drafted twice by the Jays, Mills has had a great season and pushed near the front of a pretty shallow group of prospects. A lefty with a FB, CRV, CHG combo, he reminds some people of Ted Lilly. The CRV isn't as good, but everything else screams average.
3. Robert Ray - SP - 13-9 - 3.63 ERA
Ray made the move from Dunedin to New Hampshire this season and actually improved himself in making the move up. He could be sleeper prospect for the Jays, a Jesse Litsch type maybe.
4. Marc Rzepczynski - SP
Another lefty, he has had a solid first full season, just like Mills (he was drafted 30 picks behind Mills in 2007). He's bigger physically than Mills, but is a similar type of pitcher.
5. Kyle Ginley - SP
Ginley started in Lansing and pitchied like a guy who wanted to move up. When he got his wish, he struggled a bit. If he can make some needed adjustments, he could be a back-of-the-rotation type prospect.
6. Reider Gonzalez - SP - 12-4 - 3.15 ERA
Not a strikeout pitcher, he will need to continue his excellent command in order to succeed at higher levels.
7. Randy Boone - SP
In his first season of pro ball, he had a season similar to Ginley. He pitched really well in Lansing, but struggled in Dunedin. He's 23, so he isn't a young pup. He will need to make adjustments quickly if he wants to be any kind of prospect.
8. Zach Dials - RP
Dials didn't spend much time in Dunedin before moving to AA this season. He struggled a bit with the increase in talent, but managed 15 saves and is a solid relief prospect for the Jays.
9. Tim Collins - RP - 1.58 ERA
"Tiny Tim" is a JP Riccardi find out of the Mass area. Undrafted, the 5'7'', 155 LB lefty makes the most out of his body. He struck out 98 in 68 innings this season, which is impressive. He is only 18, so he has tons of time to grow (not physically).
10. Alan Farina - RP
In his 2nd pro season, he moved up and got better at the same time. He was very *meh* in his pro-debut, but pitched very well this season. He only threw 29 innings, but they were impressive, with 37 K. Someone to keep an eye on.
Honorable Mentions: Davis Romero, Ricky Romero, Trystan Magnuson, Brandon Magee, Ryan Page (not enough pro ball), Edgar Estanga & Cody Crowell (2 leftie relievers with impressive K ratios)
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