2008 Toronto Blue Jays [Forum Archive]

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2008 Toronto Blue Jays

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Posted by: min0 lee

Blue Jays believe this is their year

Sunday, March 2nd 2008, 4:00 AM
DUNEDIN, Fla. - With a new season at hand, managers will all tell you it's good to have players who have something to prove. Incentive is always the best ingredient for winning and, assuming that's so, the Toronto Blue Jays are loaded this year.
Indeed, Blue Jays manager John Gibbons has a wealth of players trying to redefine themselves and, as he puts it, "We've got a lot of guys here who play with an edge."
Here are the hungry Blue Jays:

Center fielder Vernon Wells, their franchise player, wants to prove the offseason surgery on his shoulder has restored him to the force that earned him a seven-year, $126 million deal a year ago.

Shortstop David Eckstein, who had to settle for a one-year, $4.5 million contract this winter, wants to make his former employers, the St. Louis Cardinals, regret not making an effort to re-sign him after he hit .309 in 117 games as their only legitimate leadoff man last year.

Eckstein's fellow Cardinal mate, third baseman Scott Rolen, merely wants to stick it to his former manager, Tony La Russa, with whom he feuded bitterly the last two years, by regaining his All-Star form after offseason shoulder surgery.

Left fielder Reed Johnson wants to prove he's fully recovered from back surgery and can once again be the player who hit .319 and led the Jays in hits, runs and doubles in 2006. He got further incentive when the Jays signed their former longtime outfield fixture Shannon Stewart to compete for a part of the left field job. Like Eckstein, Stewart also was rebuffed on a multiyear deal in the market this winter and fired his agent before accepting a minor league deal from the Jays.

No. 2 starter A.J. Burnett, though continually bothered by periodic shoulder soreness (that sidelined him twice in '07) is in the opt-out year of his five-year, $55 million contract.

Closer B.J. Ryan is coming back from elbow surgery and looking to regain his role from Jeremy Accardo, who performed a surprise rescue mission for the Jays in '07, saving 30 games in 35 appearances.

DH Frank Thomas, two years removed from the foot injury that nearly ended his career, isn't satisfied with just leading the Jays in homers (26), RBI (95) and on-base percentage (.377) as he did in '07. He's determined to have another vintage Hall-of-Fame season at age 40.

First baseman Lyle Overbay needs to show that the broken hand that sidelined him for six weeks in '07 is fully healed and that he's able to provide the Jays with the much-needed lefty power bat (in a predominantly righthanded lineup) he gave them in '06

Posted by: min0 lee

Dustin McGowan and Shaun Marcum, the No. 3 and 4 starters, are out to prove last year, in which they had 12 wins apiece, was real and that they are young righthanders who are only going to get better.

Is that enough?
"There's no question, we've got a lot of guys here with something to prove," said Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi, who is beginning to feel some heat from fans and media frustrated by the Jays' absence from the postseason since 1993. "There's so much you can do, and while I don't want to use injuries as an excuse, we had 12 surgeries last year. That's a lot. Because of that, we didn't think we'd be real active this winter and then all of a sudden these guys (Rolen, Eckstein, Stewart and all-purpose infielder Marco Scutaro) just became available. I'd have to say this the most depth we've had here since I've been GM."
All told, the Blue Jays last year had 13 different players go on the disabled list a total of 15 different times, including staff ace Roy Halladay, who equaled his 16 wins of the year before and led the majors in complete games with seven despite missing three starts with an appendectomy in May. And in Rolen (whom they acquired in a straight-up contract dumping deal for Troy Glaus) and Eckstein, they're bringing in a whole left side of the infield that missed a combined 98 games due to injuries in '07.
"This is a great club," said Eckstein, "but we have to prove we can stay healthy. I know I've got to prove myself again if I ever want to get another multi-year contract. It hurt me that the Cardinals never once talked to me."
"The best team I was on was the 1993 White Sox, who won 94 games and the division title," said Thomas. "This is a team that's definitely capable of that. With Vernon healthy and our pitching and hitting, this could be a dominant team."
It has not gone unnoticed by the Blue Jays that the Yankees, for the first time in more than a decade, aren't going into the season as locks for a playoff spot. With the Yankees banking heavily on two rookies, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, in the rotation and the Red Sox counting on still-unproven Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, Toronto's foursome, with workhorse ace Halladay at the top, may well be the deepest in the division in terms of proven quality.
"We're at the point where this is the best team I've had since I've been here," said Gibbons, who obviously isn't afraid to put the pressure to finally win in Toronto squarely on himself. "We're trying to live up to expectations we haven't been able to. Teams that win are strong 1-25 and that's what we're now able to do. We've brought in guys with an edge - Rolen, Eckstein, Stewart, Scutaro - and that's what we needed."
The Blue Jays appeared to have sufficient talent to compete with the Yankees and Red Sox the past two years, only to be devastated by injuries. At least this year anyway, they're more protected, with Stewart providing outfield insurance, Accardo having proven he can close if Ryan doesn't make it all the way back and Casey Janssen (2.35 ERA in 70 appearances) having emerged as a top set-up man.
"The sun is due to shine on us," said Gibbons, hopefully.

Posted by: min0 lee

Of course this is all fiction, we all know the Yankees will win it.

Posted by: IainDaniel

I am really hopeful this year, but I have said that the last two years.

Guess I will have to wait and see.

Posted by: Triple Threat

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Of course this is all fiction, we all know the Yankees will win it.

Every team is a contender in the spring.

Posted by: NeilPearson

I didn't think Canadians gave a shit about baseball

Posted by: Triple Threat

Iain isn't just any Canadian.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeilPearson

I didn't think Canadians gave a shit about baseball

You are incorrect sir.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Threat

Iain isn't just any Canadian.

I am premium grade A Canadian.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeilPearson

I didn't think Canadians gave a shit about baseball

I thought the same too, especially because of what happened in Toronto.

Although I do remember they used to crazy over Rusty Staub in Canada. They used to call him Le Gran Orange.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Baseball is huge out west in BC, and on the east coast. It used to be huge here in Ontario, but soccer seems to be taking over.

Baseball has always been my #1 sport.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Remember the Jays of the early 90s first team to break 4 million in attendance for a season.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeilPearson

I didn't think Canadians gave a shit about baseball

The Expos took such a hit because of the strike year when they were atop of their division and had a good chance of winning the '94 World Series which unfortunately was never played.

Canada's had its troubles supporting teams of all sports (Expos, Grizzlies) but placed in the right market, they'll succeed.

Posted by: IainDaniel

The Jays took a hit from the strike years.. The strike pissed of a lot of fans here in Canada.... Including myself.

Toronto is the only market that can hold any major league franchise.

Posted by: soxmuscle

yahoo.com - Armando Benitez will attempt to salvage his career with the Blue Jays.

Benitez and the Blue Jays agreed to terms Tuesday on a minor league contract, as reported by Yahoo.com.

Once considered one of baseball’s most dominant closers, Benitez has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency over the last three seasons.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

yahoo.com - Armando Benitez will attempt to salvage his career with the Blue Jays.

Benitez and the Blue Jays agreed to terms Tuesday on a minor league contract, as reported by Yahoo.com.

Once considered one of baseball’s most dominant closers, Benitez has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency over the last three seasons.

He is bad.

Posted by: NeilPearson

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Baseball is huge out west in BC, and on the east coast. It used to be huge here in Ontario, but soccer seems to be taking over.

Baseball has always been my #1 sport.

Growing up in Alberta, I never knew ANYONE that watched baseball

Posted by: IainDaniel

Jassen lost for the year decent blow for the jays.... hopefully it isn't a sign of things to come.

Jays lose Janssen for the season - Sportsnet.ca

Torn labrum isn't good. He will never be the same.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Unfortunate.

globeandmail.com: Janssen sidelined for season

Posted by: IainDaniel

I don't think any pitchers have ever come back from a torn labrum.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

I don't think any pitchers have ever come back from a torn labrum.

He's no Doc or A.J. but Casey Janssen was pretty solid last year.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Yep.

Torn Labrum is a biggie though. Pretty much a career ender.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Yep.

Torn Labrum is a biggie though. Pretty much a career ender.

Baseball's most fearsome injury. - By Will Carroll - Slate Magazine

It's funny - reading some articles after I google searched "torn labrum," I'm seeing a striking resemblence to what I've gone through the last couple of weeks with my shoulder. God, I'm a retard for continuing to workout.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Pretty much ended any serious ball I was playing about 12 years ago.

Hopefully on the path to getting it fixed now.

Assuming it is a SLAP tear, what I have been diagnosed with right now.

Posted by: soxmuscle

How'd it happen? Just overthrew or something?

Posted by: IainDaniel

I had a subluxation from playing hockey, which was probably never rehabbed properly. I was a pitcher, so there was a lot of wear and tear. So a combination of the two.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Makes sense.

Does it hinder your weight lifting at all?

Posted by: IainDaniel

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Makes sense.

Does it hinder your weight lifting at all?

A little, shoulder is a little sloppy during pressing movements. or heavy curls. I don't really push it that heavy any more. The only real activity that bothers me is overhead activities. So Throwing, Volleyball, Tennis....even throwing a Frisbee. I am stupid though and still do these activities and just deal with the agonizing pain each time I push it.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

A little, shoulder is a little sloppy during pressing movements. or heavy curls. I don't really push it that heavy any more. The only real activity that bothers me is overhead activities. So Throwing, Volleyball, Tennis....even throwing a Frisbee. I am stupid though and still do these activities and just deal with the agonizing pain each time I push it.

Aren't we all.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Opening Day officially starts today, Cause the Jays play

Posted by: soxmuscle

...against the Yankees.

Beat them, please.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Yep tough opening. Yanks, then the Sox,

Posted by: IainDaniel

Fucking Rain Delay.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Fuckin hardly raining and they postpone it. Fucking pussy Yankees.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Good win against the wankees. Burnett looked great, and Barras called a good game behind the plate.

Burnett scared me for a minute after the comebacker.

Two good starts..... see how McGowan does tonite, after a decent season last year.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Go Blue Jays!!

As much as I hate the Yankees, I love getting the YES network in HD.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

Go Blue Jays!!

As much as I hate the Yankees, I love getting the YES network in HD.

Nothing like seeing the Yankees get their asses kicked in High Definition.

Posted by: IainDaniel

I love HD baseball. And I love it even more When the Jays win

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Nothing like seeing the Yankees get their asses kicked in High Definition.

I am looking forward to seeing Phil Hughes get his cock kicked in tonight in HD.

Posted by: IainDaniel

I certainly hope McGowan can continue to grow, after a great showing last year.

Posted by: min0 lee

Mussina's too old, Hughes should have pitched in front of him instead.

Posted by: IainDaniel

And that is the problem with the Wankees staff. There pitching.

Either young and unpredictable, or old.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

And that is the problem with the Wankees staff. There pitching.

Either young and unpredictable, or old.

They still make it to the posst season, but that's where it all ends.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Might not this year.

Assuming the Jays don't get the injury bug again

Posted by: min0 lee

That is what all the sports writers say as well, I didn't think they would make it last year for the same reason.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Not what I have been reading.... all the power rankings have the yanks pretty high.... I don't see it. But who knows.

Mind you, you have Detroit and Cleveland as well in the Central.

Posted by: min0 lee

The Detroit hitters scare the hell out of me, that's an impressive lineup.

I do think the young kids will help out but not now, Wang has me worried though, he's been shaky of late.

Posted by: min0 lee

I spoke too soon!
Greinke, Gordon power Royals' sweep

The damn Royals actually swept the Tigers.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Where was the Blue Jays' offense last night? Homos.

Posted by: Triple Threat

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

I am looking forward to seeing Phil Hughes get his cock kicked in tonight in HD.

That didn't quite happen.

Posted by: Triple Threat

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Mussina's too old, Hughes should have pitched in front of him instead.

Posted by: Triple Threat

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

The damn Royals actually swept the Tigers.

Before the season started, who would have guessed that after just one series, KC would be the only remaining undefeated team?

Posted by: IainDaniel

Jays need to capitalize with runners in scoring position. Seems to be there downfall.

I don't know what Thomas was arguing.... looked like a good pitch to me.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

Where was the Blue Jays' offense last night? Homos.

The Stud Phil Hughes closed the closet doors.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

I am looking forward to seeing Phil Hughes get his cock kicked in tonight in HD.

He gave them the cock, this kid is going to be good.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Nice win tonite. Another solid pitching performance.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Fucking asshole necks.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Bats and Pitching

5 quality starts, very nice to see.

Posted by: min0 lee

Damn proud of the Jays.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Damn proud of the Jays.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Damn proud of the Rays!

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Damn proud of the Rays!

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Damn proud of the Jays.

Go back to your Yankee thread, queernuts!

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

Go back to your Yankee thread, queernuts!

queernuts.

I've been called a few things in my days but that's cute.

Posted by: IainDaniel

God damn couldn't buy a fucking victory against the A's

Posted by: IainDaniel

So they Sweep, get swept, then sweep again.....

Posted by: soxmuscle

Vernon Wells is back. That's got to be intriguing.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Yep.....seems the shoulder surgery has worked.

However they did lose last night.

Albers pitched good for the O's

Posted by: I Are Baboon

ESPN - Report: Blue Jays release Thomas after slow start to 2008 season - MLB

He'll hook up with another team.

Posted by: soxmuscle

I can see not wanting the $10 million dollar option for next year to vest, but why treat one of the games best with such disrespect?

Posted by: natural^

/reminisces when frank thomas was with the white sox.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Are Baboon

ESPN - Report: Blue Jays release Thomas after slow start to 2008 season - MLB

He'll hook up with another team.

At first I was like "Why"?

But then after this I said "OK"

Quote:

"I don't know that we have the luxury of waiting two to three months for somebody to kick in because we can't let this league or this division get away from us," Ricciardi said.

Posted by: soxmuscle

I agree with him, but it's not like they have better options within the organization to replace the Big Hurt.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Rumors of Bonds

Not that I ever think it would happen.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Some GM is going to come under intense scrutiny but in the end look like a genius when they sign Bonds - Does Ricciardi have the cajones?

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Rumors of Bonds

Not that I ever think it would happen.

That would be cool. I'd love to see him join the Jays. It makes for good TV watchin'.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Rumors of Bonds

Not that I ever think it would happen.

No way, he would be a cancer to that team.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

Some GM is going to come under intense scrutiny but in the end look like a genius when they sign Bonds - Does Ricciardi have the cajones?

A team with no hopes of a playoff run, he's about me me me.

Fuck Bonds.

Posted by: min0 lee

Look, not even the Yankees want him.
That tells you something.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by min0 lee

Look, not even the Yankees want him.
That tells you something.

It tells me he must be heterosexual.

Posted by: soxmuscle

The Yankees don't want him because they have no place for him.

They're already paying Jason Giambi 20+ mil to DH.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

The Yankees don't want him because they have no place for him.

They're already paying Jason Giambi 20+ mil to DH.

That never meant anything in the past but then again the Boss is not in the picture as much.

Giambi is stinking up the joint.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Jays could use a solid left hand bat.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Well my optimism has disappeared

The bats are atrocious. Pitching is ok.

Posted by: I Are Baboon

That was a great game last night. You don't see too many of those 1-0 duels where both starting pitchers are completely dialed in.

Man, Roy Halladay can't buy any run support. Four straight complete games and three were losses. The Jays should have signed Frank Thomas after he was released by....oh....nevermind.

Posted by: soxmuscle

It's not like the Red Sox bats are hitting either.

Teams slump, it's just unfortunate for Roy Halladay.

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

It's not like the Red Sox bats are hitting either.

Teams slump, it's just unfortunate for Roy Halladay.

Red Sox, Red Sox, Red Sox...it's always about the Red Sox. Get your own thread.

Posted by: soxmuscle

It is always about the Red Sox, you won't hear me say any different

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

It is always about the Red Sox, you won't hear me say any different

It's ok....Iain would want it that way.

Posted by: IainDaniel

I like the Red Sox.... But the Skankees and I would hand out infractions

Another game gone in the Ninth. Sad to say but the beginning of May and the season is over.

Posted by: soxmuscle

You can't say it's over.

Do you really expect the O's and Rays to be tops in the East come seasons end?

Posted by: IainDaniel

The Jays need to make significant improvements with there bats if they want to do anything.... and I just don't see that happening.

Pitching has been pretty good.

They have league worst homeruns so far. They need some significant changes with the batting order

Posted by: IainDaniel

And what does it matter if they beat the O's and Tbay.

They need to be in Contention for a playoff spot.

Posted by: Goodfella9783

YouTube Video

Posted by: IainDaniel

um yeah sure.

Posted by: soxmuscle

It's amazing to me how much a guy like Barry Bonds would help an American League team. The Jays are just too scared to take the plunge.

What I mean is... it's becoming crystal clear that the Yankees aren't going to be a contender this season. I really can't see the Orioles and Rays winning at the rate their winning now all season. That means that the division comes down to the Red Sox and Jays, no?

Posted by: I Are Baboon

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxmuscle

It's amazing to me how much a guy like Barry Bonds would help an American League team. The Jays are just too scared to take the plunge.

What I mean is... it's becoming crystal clear that the Yankees aren't going to be a contender this season. I really can't see the Orioles and Rays winning at the rate their winning now all season. That means that the division comes down to the Red Sox and Jays, no?

I agree. The Yankees are in trouble. However, I do think the Rays could at least hover around .500 this year. They have good starting pitching and have Scott Kazmir coming back, one of the best bullpens in baseball (so far, anyway) and can hit.

Scott Rolen will be a huge boost to the Jays' offense once he gets going.

Posted by: soxmuscle

I think the Rays have a good chance to be at or above .500, I just see two 90+ win teams in this division but I could be wrong.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Jays can't compete with the Red Sox. That is what it comes down too, they need to be looking at the Wild Card. But with out a solid batting order they won't do shit.

After this past week, I would be contacting bonds.

Rolen has played really well since he started back up.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Beat Tbay tonite and tied for 2nd in the AL east HAHAHAHA

Bats still horrifically inconsistent. Something needs to happen.

Posted by: soxmuscle

In other news, the Players Association is looking into why no team has even considered offering Barry Bonds a contract.

Posted by: soxmuscle

ESPN - The Blue Jays sent cash to the Rangers on Friday in exchange for Kevin Mench and signed free agent Brad Wilkerson to bolster their outfield, according to The Associated Press.

Mench was playing in Triple-A Oklahoma, while Wilkerson was released by Seattle on April 30.

"I'm working on three hours sleep," Mench said before the start of a four-game series against the Indians. "It's been a whirlwind last 24 hours."

"They are two guys we've always liked," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "We've been looking for a right-handed bat to complement [Matt] Stairs at DH. We've also been looking for a left-handed hitter. To be able to get both is like a bonus."

***

Great moves IMO

Posted by: IainDaniel

Yeah especially when Vernon Wells breaks his wrist that night.

Posted by: soxmuscle

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Yeah especially when Vernon Wells breaks his wrist that night.

He's on my fantasy team...

Posted by: IainDaniel

God damn they can't hit a fucking thing. Pissing me off... such a good pitching staff, and the bats suck balls.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Is Riccardi on his way out?

J.P. Riccardi isn't an Adam Dunn*fan - Royals Review

Quote:

The Toronto GM has a radio show and was asked by a caller if he's interested in trading for Adam Dunn. In his typical, diplomatic style, Riccardi responded:
"Let me ask you something. What do you know about Adam Dunn?" Ricciardi said to the caller. "He's a lifetime .230, .240 hitter that strikes out a ton and hits home runs.
"Do you know that the guy really doesn't like baseball all that much?" Ricciardi continued. "Do you know the guy doesn't have a passion to play the game that much? How much do you know about the player? There's a reason why you're attracted to some players and there's a reason why you're not attracted to some players. I don't think you'd be very happy if we brought Adam Dunn here."
When hearing of this, Dunn responded, ""I know nothing about this clown. I have no idea who he is," Dunn said. "I don't really care what one guy thinks, to be honest with you. If I'm a GM, I don't know if I would go out of my way to kind of discredit a player."
What an unbelievable douche. It's fine for him to have a low opinion of Dunn or any player. But to publicly tear this guy up? Are you kidding me? Does J.P. even know how to spell "professionalism"?

Posted by: IainDaniel

How much longer does John Gibbons and his staff have?

Posted by: IainDaniel

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

How much longer does John Gibbons and his staff have?

Guess they listened to my plea

Jon Heyman; Gibbons out, Gaston back in as Blue Jays manager - MLB - SI.com

Posted by: min0 lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

How much longer does John Gibbons and his staff have?

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Guess they listened to my plea

Jon Heyman; Gibbons out, Gaston back in as Blue Jays manager - MLB - SI.com

You underestimated your Moderator Powers.

Whatever life holds in store for you, Don't forget these words I give you: "With great power comes great responsibility." This your my gift, your curse. Who are you? Your Iandaniel.

Posted by: IainDaniel

I demand Lee give me a lap dance LOL

Posted by: min0 lee

Can you ban Dolan?...the Knicks suck right now....

Posted by: IainDaniel

No the knicks sucking is better for the Raptors

Posted by: Triple Threat

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

How much longer does John Gibbons and his staff have?

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Guess they listened to my plea

Jon Heyman; Gibbons out, Gaston back in as Blue Jays manager - MLB - SI.com

The answer to your question would be 4 hours and 41 minutes.