Doc is no longer a Jay. While I am a little upset I have the same reaction I did when I heard Bart Andrus was fired earlier today: it's about time.
Finally the rumours can stop and we can focus on sports. As I said, I am not looking forward to watching the Jays take the field without Roy Halladay in a home uniform. Although I will say that this move proves that Alex Anthopoulos has winning in Toronto on his agenda, no matter what the cost.
Flashback to 2008 Spring Training where a reported trade had Alex Rios headed to San Fransisco for Ted Lincecum. Rios was claimed off waivers by the White Sox and proceeded to stink out the city. Lincecum is now the two-time defending Cy Young champion. At the time, Rios had signed a long-term, big money contract and was a fan favourite. JP Ricciardi (and I pray that's the last time his name appears on this blog) pulled the plug on the deal for fear of upsetting fans. Last year's rotation? Doc, um ... some rookie ... a young guy ... yeah, bad deal.
While their rotation for this season now consists of the rookie and a young guy (Scott Richmond or Brett Cecil becomes the ace!) the deal today proves that Anthopoulos is not afraid to pull the trigger, not the plug, on deals he feels will improve his team. The Jays don't have the cash of the BoSox and Yankees who have proven their MO to be 'buy a winner' over the past years. So they're apparently going with the Tampa Rays MO of 'build a winner over a few years'.
If it works, Alex will look like a genius. If it doesn't, he'll be booed out of town like many before him. The problem is, Toronto sports fans are extremely impatient (funny considering they're still cheering a team that hasn't won a championship since 1967 ...). Last season fans were every but the Dome on game nights. Surly trading all the name players isn't good for business.
The other team down the street though has shown in their 40+ years of futility that team management to make money does not win anything. Could it be that Alex is onto something? A message to all Toronto sports fans, the trade today IS a great thing for the Toronto Blue Jays. But don't schedule the parade just yet. This may take a few years to come to fruition.
I just hope, for all our sakes, it isn't 40+.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
3 - 15 = Unemployment But Don't Blame Bart!
I'll admit, when I heard Toronto Argos' coach Bart Andrus was fired earlier today I wasn't shocked. If someone told me it was to happen in week four of this year's season I wouldn't have thought any different. However, was this the right move? I'm not so sure.
Yes, a record of 3 wins and 15 losses is terrible, and yes, the Argos are a sinking ship (perhaps Shea Hillenbrand is next in line ...) but no, I don't blame Bart for the entire 2009 debacle. Critics of his work will point to Andrus's feuds with Byron Parker and Arland Bruce III, both of whom were exiled for expressing their opinions. Team quarterback Kerry Joseph also publicly expressed his displeasure for the coach, although his comments gained him the starting job (albeit for a week).
While the record and quarrels with teammates point to troublesome signs for Andrus, I am still not a believer this was the right move. Since the beginning of the 2007 season the Toronto Argonauts have employed 5 coaches (if you include Pinball Clemons from 2007 and whoever succeeds Andrus in 2010). Clearly the coach is not the problem in Toronto.
Much of the blame has been placed on the shoulders of Kerry Joseph. When he came to Toronto, he was the reigning CFL MOP and a Grey Cup Champion. He was to tag-team Michael Bishop who was 11-1 as a starter in Toronto. The "tag-team" ended with "controversy" and Bishop was shipped to Saskatchewan where he started in the 2009 Grey Cup. Perhaps it was Joseph's fault. But, if you include those two QBs, over the same stretch since the start of the 2007 season, Toronto has fielded 5 starters (Damon Allen, Joseph, Bishop, Cody Pickett, Steven Reaves). None of the above were overly effective. Which leads me to believe this is not the problem either.
I have to lean where not many are. That the only constant through these years has been team General Manager, Adam Rita. Perhaps it's time for the old man to step aside. It appears the ball, while not rolling, may be in 'pre-push' mode for his exit. Reports indicate Rita was not in attendance at the Andrus press conference today furthering rumours he may be out after owners David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski expressed their displeasure of his leadership after the season.
Don't applaud just yet. Other rumours have Cynamon and Sokolowski wanting to sell the team during the off season. If that were the case, it's speculated BC Lions' owner (and GTA resident) David Braley could be a name in the hat to purchase the franchise. If so, don't expect Rita to go anywhere as the two are good friends and former co-workers in BC. The evidence may point to Andrus and Joseph as the main culprits for the Toronto disaster (in football anyway) but if a receiving corps or kick returner or ... ... (insert every roster position but Kicker here) were provided, I have to believe the 2009 Argos may have been better.
Rita has to go!
But for now, we'll await the next head coach. He'll likely come with whoever is the GM. And he'll likely be whoever the owner likes. Candidates for coach include Calgary offensive co-ordinator George Cortez, B.C. defensive co-ordinator Mike Benevides and Danny Barrett (University of Buffalo offensive co-ordinator). Candidates for GM include, alas, Adam Rita.
Yes, a record of 3 wins and 15 losses is terrible, and yes, the Argos are a sinking ship (perhaps Shea Hillenbrand is next in line ...) but no, I don't blame Bart for the entire 2009 debacle. Critics of his work will point to Andrus's feuds with Byron Parker and Arland Bruce III, both of whom were exiled for expressing their opinions. Team quarterback Kerry Joseph also publicly expressed his displeasure for the coach, although his comments gained him the starting job (albeit for a week).
While the record and quarrels with teammates point to troublesome signs for Andrus, I am still not a believer this was the right move. Since the beginning of the 2007 season the Toronto Argonauts have employed 5 coaches (if you include Pinball Clemons from 2007 and whoever succeeds Andrus in 2010). Clearly the coach is not the problem in Toronto.
Much of the blame has been placed on the shoulders of Kerry Joseph. When he came to Toronto, he was the reigning CFL MOP and a Grey Cup Champion. He was to tag-team Michael Bishop who was 11-1 as a starter in Toronto. The "tag-team" ended with "controversy" and Bishop was shipped to Saskatchewan where he started in the 2009 Grey Cup. Perhaps it was Joseph's fault. But, if you include those two QBs, over the same stretch since the start of the 2007 season, Toronto has fielded 5 starters (Damon Allen, Joseph, Bishop, Cody Pickett, Steven Reaves). None of the above were overly effective. Which leads me to believe this is not the problem either.
I have to lean where not many are. That the only constant through these years has been team General Manager, Adam Rita. Perhaps it's time for the old man to step aside. It appears the ball, while not rolling, may be in 'pre-push' mode for his exit. Reports indicate Rita was not in attendance at the Andrus press conference today furthering rumours he may be out after owners David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski expressed their displeasure of his leadership after the season.
Don't applaud just yet. Other rumours have Cynamon and Sokolowski wanting to sell the team during the off season. If that were the case, it's speculated BC Lions' owner (and GTA resident) David Braley could be a name in the hat to purchase the franchise. If so, don't expect Rita to go anywhere as the two are good friends and former co-workers in BC. The evidence may point to Andrus and Joseph as the main culprits for the Toronto disaster (in football anyway) but if a receiving corps or kick returner or ... ... (insert every roster position but Kicker here) were provided, I have to believe the 2009 Argos may have been better.
Rita has to go!
But for now, we'll await the next head coach. He'll likely come with whoever is the GM. And he'll likely be whoever the owner likes. Candidates for coach include Calgary offensive co-ordinator George Cortez, B.C. defensive co-ordinator Mike Benevides and Danny Barrett (University of Buffalo offensive co-ordinator). Candidates for GM include, alas, Adam Rita.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Je Suis Heureux
I want to begin by apologizing to everyone at the Grey Cup party with me Sunday. I'll admit, I started cheering for the Alouettes because I knew everyone else would be showing their Rider Pride. Heck, I can barely speak french! Then, when the comeback started, I couldn't help but cheer for them for real. It's the same reason I found myself cheering for Queens on Saturday. Regardless, I apologize, my massive cheer when Duval's kick split the uprights wasn't rubbing it in or being a turd, it was pure emotion.
I am happy the Als won though. First off, let's face it: even those in the room with me will admit after the second half we all witnessed, Saskatchewan didn't deserve to win. Sure everyone is pointing to the too many men penalty trying to blame anyone within finger-pointing range. But let's not forget the decision to take a knee in the endzone and give up one point in stead of pushing Montreal back on a penalty call. The play immediately following a penalty where the Riders accepted another penalty. In hindsight, that was one huge point. Even at the time someone said "that will be a big point". Devon, please post tomorrow's lottery numbers below.
Although it didn't take a call to Miss Cleo to know that would turn into a bad call. Let's also not dismiss the atrocious defense after the break. It almost seemed like the cardinal sin was committed. As if the Riders decided to run out the remaining 30 minutes of the clock and hoist the trophy. A look at any Canadian highlight show, newspaper or internet site will show what happened next. And while the theatrics the last second penalty created provided for a great finish, the penalty wasn't the issue.
I'm also glad Montreal won because it will give believers in 'football gods' ammunition. Rewind to week 10 when Montreal was forced to try a game-tying 3rd and 1 play. The first try resulted in a BC Lions time out call. The second try resulted in a confusing (and controversial) call where the ref ruled Cobourne's apparent touchdown run void due to a booth review. The Als third attempt was stopped. It was only Montreal's 2nd loss of the season, a loss many in Montreal STILL say they should've won. I'm happy they took the Grey Cup so the Frenchies can shut up!
And finally, I'll admit the football fan in me feels for Rider Nation but I am happy Montreal won because maybe now, FINALLY, Anthony Calvillo can retire in style.
I am happy the Als won though. First off, let's face it: even those in the room with me will admit after the second half we all witnessed, Saskatchewan didn't deserve to win. Sure everyone is pointing to the too many men penalty trying to blame anyone within finger-pointing range. But let's not forget the decision to take a knee in the endzone and give up one point in stead of pushing Montreal back on a penalty call. The play immediately following a penalty where the Riders accepted another penalty. In hindsight, that was one huge point. Even at the time someone said "that will be a big point". Devon, please post tomorrow's lottery numbers below.
Although it didn't take a call to Miss Cleo to know that would turn into a bad call. Let's also not dismiss the atrocious defense after the break. It almost seemed like the cardinal sin was committed. As if the Riders decided to run out the remaining 30 minutes of the clock and hoist the trophy. A look at any Canadian highlight show, newspaper or internet site will show what happened next. And while the theatrics the last second penalty created provided for a great finish, the penalty wasn't the issue.
I'm also glad Montreal won because it will give believers in 'football gods' ammunition. Rewind to week 10 when Montreal was forced to try a game-tying 3rd and 1 play. The first try resulted in a BC Lions time out call. The second try resulted in a confusing (and controversial) call where the ref ruled Cobourne's apparent touchdown run void due to a booth review. The Als third attempt was stopped. It was only Montreal's 2nd loss of the season, a loss many in Montreal STILL say they should've won. I'm happy they took the Grey Cup so the Frenchies can shut up!
And finally, I'll admit the football fan in me feels for Rider Nation but I am happy Montreal won because maybe now, FINALLY, Anthony Calvillo can retire in style.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Donaghey's Confessions
Assuming this article actually quotes Tim Donaghy's tell-all book, and then assuming his quotes are truthful, (both, in my mind, are big assumptions) this is quite a good article.
Read the excerpts here.
My only criticism, if Isaiah Thomas is so revered by officials, why didn't the Toronto Raptors do better in their initial years with him in the front office?
At any rate, I really thought the NBA was over the scrutinizing of officials. If that's the case, this book (which has been blocked by the original publisher) opens Pandora's box once again. Or would it be renamed Bovetta's box?
Enjoy the read!
Read the excerpts here.
My only criticism, if Isaiah Thomas is so revered by officials, why didn't the Toronto Raptors do better in their initial years with him in the front office?
At any rate, I really thought the NBA was over the scrutinizing of officials. If that's the case, this book (which has been blocked by the original publisher) opens Pandora's box once again. Or would it be renamed Bovetta's box?
Enjoy the read!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Ones That Got Away - part 2 of 2
If there's one thing more anticipated than the World Series since yesterday, it's this post. Picking up right where we left off yesterday it's time to examine the rest of "the ones that got away", former Toronto Blue Jays players still playing in the post-season. Today's focus: the National League
After tonight's events, I admit, I should've started with these guys yesterday but that being said, our first focus will be on the outgoing National League team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Dodgers
1. Orlando Hudson
The O Dog was once the man in Toronto. Draft by the Jays in 1997, he made his debut in 2002. He wasn't drafted by JP but Hudson was welcomed to Toronto by JP. He was also exiled by JP in 2005 via trade. The trade sent Hudson and Miguel Batista (now known more for his poetry than pitching) to Arizona for Troy Glaus and Sergio Santos. Santos has since been a journeyman in the minor leagues never once climbing higher than AA ball. Let's assume he has no impact in this trade analysis.
At the time, Glaus appeared to be a great pick up. However, injuries stalled most of his production during his short stay. Glaus was traded for Scott Rolen after two seasons when both struggled with injuries. Rolen (when healthy) was solid defensively and had arguably one of the most consistent bats in the lineup. However, he too was traded at the deadline this past season. Coming back to the Jays were Edwin Encarnacion, Josh Roenicke and Zach Stewart. All are supposed to be strong prospects but only time will tell if JP's stench will linger long into the future.
Effectively, O Dawg was moved for a handful of picks. Given Toronto's current (and apparently third) rebuilding movement, it's not a bad deal. It's an easier pill to swallow given the emergence of Aaron Hill, especially after his career threatening concussion in 2008. Yet, fans will look at Hudson's 2 gold gloves (one in each league), his opening day cycle, his all star appearance, and now his playoff run and realize he's another one that got away.
Philadelphia Phillies
1. Matt Stairs
When in Toronto, Stairs had a reputation for hitting a ball half way to Iqaluit or swinging for the fences and coming up very short. He was signed as a free agent in 2006 to the delight of (fellow) Canadians. In 2008, Stairs went the way of Cory Koskie and was traded to the Phillies for Fabio Castro.
Stairs produced fairly well in Toronto but let's not forget, when he was brought in, it was to be an 'off the bench' player. Injuries and the dismissal of Frank Thomas allowed him a chance to play every day either at DH, first base or in the field. It was during this time he flourished. Fans won't quickly forget his game changing moon shot with the Phillies in game 4 of the 2008 NLCS. It was the dropped head shaking moment of the season where fans far and wide agreed "this one got away".
Oh yeah, Matt Stairs went on to win a World Series ring and he is four wins from a second. Fabio Castro? He's a decent prospect who spent all of 2009 in AAA. Check back in about three years.
2. Jayson Werth
In a word: ouch. Originally acquired from Baltimore for John Bale, Werth was a youngster with great potential. However, he was a late bloomer (as we can now see). Bale didn't fare much better playing ten MLB games over three years. He played two full seasons in Japan. Bale is now back in the majors with Kansas City but might as well be in Japan compared to the production of Werth.
If the Jayson Werth story ended there, Toronto would be laughing. However, in 2004, JP struck again trading Werth to the Dodgers for Jason Frasor. Frasor, like Werth, has only started blooming in the past few seasons. He filled in at closer when BJ Ryan had Tommy John surgery and this season was one of the only 'sure bets' coming out of the bullpen. But again, Werth is tearing up everything (including the Jays) in Philly. In 2008 he had a 3 home run game against Toronto and this past season became only the 16th player to hit a home run into the upper deck at Skydome/Rogers Center. He led the league in pitches per plate appearances with 4.50 and was named an All Star replacement.
Some will argue with the bats of Hill and Lind, we need Frasor's arm more than Werth's power. Which could be true but there's no denying, Jayson Werth is yet another player, that got away.
The only other former Jay in an LCS this season is Miguel Cairo, inactivated by the Phillies. He has played all over creation and only qualifies as he played 10 games in his debut season in 1996. Cairo was picked by the Tampa Bay (then Devil) Rays in the 1998 expansion draft and remains the only active player from their opening day roster. As he only played 10 games in Blue, and was gone long before JP's reign of terror (lucky him!), Cairo doesn't really qualify for this list. But he's worth mentioning anyway.
After tonight's events, I admit, I should've started with these guys yesterday but that being said, our first focus will be on the outgoing National League team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Dodgers
1. Orlando Hudson
The O Dog was once the man in Toronto. Draft by the Jays in 1997, he made his debut in 2002. He wasn't drafted by JP but Hudson was welcomed to Toronto by JP. He was also exiled by JP in 2005 via trade. The trade sent Hudson and Miguel Batista (now known more for his poetry than pitching) to Arizona for Troy Glaus and Sergio Santos. Santos has since been a journeyman in the minor leagues never once climbing higher than AA ball. Let's assume he has no impact in this trade analysis.
At the time, Glaus appeared to be a great pick up. However, injuries stalled most of his production during his short stay. Glaus was traded for Scott Rolen after two seasons when both struggled with injuries. Rolen (when healthy) was solid defensively and had arguably one of the most consistent bats in the lineup. However, he too was traded at the deadline this past season. Coming back to the Jays were Edwin Encarnacion, Josh Roenicke and Zach Stewart. All are supposed to be strong prospects but only time will tell if JP's stench will linger long into the future.
Effectively, O Dawg was moved for a handful of picks. Given Toronto's current (and apparently third) rebuilding movement, it's not a bad deal. It's an easier pill to swallow given the emergence of Aaron Hill, especially after his career threatening concussion in 2008. Yet, fans will look at Hudson's 2 gold gloves (one in each league), his opening day cycle, his all star appearance, and now his playoff run and realize he's another one that got away.
Philadelphia Phillies
1. Matt Stairs
When in Toronto, Stairs had a reputation for hitting a ball half way to Iqaluit or swinging for the fences and coming up very short. He was signed as a free agent in 2006 to the delight of (fellow) Canadians. In 2008, Stairs went the way of Cory Koskie and was traded to the Phillies for Fabio Castro.
Stairs produced fairly well in Toronto but let's not forget, when he was brought in, it was to be an 'off the bench' player. Injuries and the dismissal of Frank Thomas allowed him a chance to play every day either at DH, first base or in the field. It was during this time he flourished. Fans won't quickly forget his game changing moon shot with the Phillies in game 4 of the 2008 NLCS. It was the dropped head shaking moment of the season where fans far and wide agreed "this one got away".
Oh yeah, Matt Stairs went on to win a World Series ring and he is four wins from a second. Fabio Castro? He's a decent prospect who spent all of 2009 in AAA. Check back in about three years.
2. Jayson Werth
In a word: ouch. Originally acquired from Baltimore for John Bale, Werth was a youngster with great potential. However, he was a late bloomer (as we can now see). Bale didn't fare much better playing ten MLB games over three years. He played two full seasons in Japan. Bale is now back in the majors with Kansas City but might as well be in Japan compared to the production of Werth.
If the Jayson Werth story ended there, Toronto would be laughing. However, in 2004, JP struck again trading Werth to the Dodgers for Jason Frasor. Frasor, like Werth, has only started blooming in the past few seasons. He filled in at closer when BJ Ryan had Tommy John surgery and this season was one of the only 'sure bets' coming out of the bullpen. But again, Werth is tearing up everything (including the Jays) in Philly. In 2008 he had a 3 home run game against Toronto and this past season became only the 16th player to hit a home run into the upper deck at Skydome/Rogers Center. He led the league in pitches per plate appearances with 4.50 and was named an All Star replacement.
Some will argue with the bats of Hill and Lind, we need Frasor's arm more than Werth's power. Which could be true but there's no denying, Jayson Werth is yet another player, that got away.
The only other former Jay in an LCS this season is Miguel Cairo, inactivated by the Phillies. He has played all over creation and only qualifies as he played 10 games in his debut season in 1996. Cairo was picked by the Tampa Bay (then Devil) Rays in the 1998 expansion draft and remains the only active player from their opening day roster. As he only played 10 games in Blue, and was gone long before JP's reign of terror (lucky him!), Cairo doesn't really qualify for this list. But he's worth mentioning anyway.
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