Spies, twitter, and the Jays

"Hello Agent 6, come in"...
"Agent 6 here, over"
"Agent 6, are you in the file room, over"
"Yes, and it was not hard, their password is password, over"
"Agent 6, is there anything on their hard drive about Darvish. over "
"Nothing so far..ooh crap, they have an old style network, you'd think Rogers would have state of the art technology, over"

"Agent 6, we just need to verify if they bid, how hard can be to verify that, over "
"The files are encrypted, those devious bastards, over"

"Ok, but I am tracking the security guard, so you have 3 minutes, or you have to abort, over"


" Geezus the Maple Leaf system was easier to hack than this thing, but you had to get past the guy at security desk, don't ask what I do for him to get by, over"
" Found it !....all it says in the file is a big nay nay..., I am aborting , over"

"Agent 6, come in....Agent 6 ???"

We would have to resort to such covert ops if the Jays rfecognized that fans are a lot more savvy and their passion has grown over the past 5 years.

Has the world of available media quietly slipped past the Jays, cannot see how, they are owned Rogers, so how does the current GM figure double speak, and controllable years, and payroll certainty matter to Jays fans who show up to watch live, or pay premium cable packages.

Yesterday Stephen Brunt , as he usually does outred the organisation for being "out of step with reality". Steve, I would normally agree with you, becasue it appears that the train has left the station so to speak on the extent of media that wanted, nay demanded forthright information on whether the home team bid on a foreign player.

The GM said it was not his policy to comment on such matters, well the Yankees did, the Cubs did, I don't see the city burning to the ground in NY or Chicago in outrage over low bids.  In Toronto, we are used to skull duggery by Ron Wilson, and the "who' your goalie tonite Ron ?" antics, so are they taking a page from MLSE.

The twitter and blog world has been abuzz by Jays fans over the Darvish posting, fans grew their own expectations that good things were coming. That is not the GM's fault, but he has to be aware that fans want either results, or sell em' hope. Tell you bid, but cannot disclose.
Don't use the words "cost certainity, and controllable years ", these are business terms, and you have forgotten what it is to be a fan.

What is my take on this ?  Fear crept in, admitting that as Richard Griifin of the Toronto Star that a $ 50 million dollare bid was placed, lets fans know you were willing to spend that type of cash for one player. Losing out would mean you still have the $50 mill lying around, not going back to buy Bonds, T-Bills. 

Get with the program Alex, or watch the fan base turn on you, you don't have the city in your hands as the Leafs do.

                 

Say Howdy !

I tried to photoshop a ten gallon hat for Darvish, my skill lie elsewhere, but as the Texas Rangers won the sweepstakes, they can outfit him in chaps, and boots and whatever they want now.

The Rangers were the successful bidders for 25 year Yu Darvish, with a reported $51.6 million posting bid. They now have 30 days to conclude a contract. Hardly an issue, as bthe Rangers already have a good feel on his expectations.  5 years and $ 75 million should be around the final deal to join a team that has twice in 2 years been toi the World Series, and has a great core of young talent.

I would not say the Rangers are out on Prince Fielder, but in all likelihood a $125 million committment to Darvish eliminates them.


The Blue Jays heard the news that they were not the successful bidders, and this city shrugged it's shoulders, yet again. But this morning I am sure many awoke thinking the same thing. So if they missed out, by how much. Because we all want to know how serious the Jays were, $ 30 million, $ 40 million, if he was considered better than Dice K, $ 50 million ?  Will they tell us fans, not likely, will they seek to sign Fielder ?
Again I would say no.  So we are left to wonder, and knowing the Toronto media ( Leafs Fan ) they won't let this bone slip out of their mouths.

It is 3 months still before spring training, and that is a long time to repeat your "no comment " answer to the media, when the Twitter world in Toronto was awash with fans all stirred up over Darvish.

What we have is a lump of coal in our stockings, and the hope of some aquisitions in future.

Dear Santa,

Please send me one of the following, Gio Gonzalez, Matt Garza or Prince Fielder.

Signed ,
Alex Anthopolus,
( I promise I have been a good boy all year)

Blue Jays near years end

As we approach the end of 2011, amid silly rumors of a Prince Fielder signing, or Carlos Beltran acquisition we take stock of the current state of the roster.

Now to be fair, Alex might have a few morsels to add onto the crew that will take flight in late February, but we should look at what we have as pretty close to the 40 man roster to start 2012 with.

Our rotation, give or take has 3 definite, In Romero, Morrow and Cecil. Add to that hopefuls Henderson Alvarez, Dusty McGowan and Kyle Drabek, with Luis Perez a long shot. That is 7, so perhaps they give Carlos Villanueva another look see in Dunedin.

The bullpen has built rebuilt with certainties being the new closer Sergio Santos, holdovers Jesse Litsch, and Casey Janssen. Add these 4 names in as 75 % sure locks, Joel Carreno, Jim Hoey, Carlos Villaneuava and one of Chad Beck / Danny Farquhar. Other possibles are Luis Perez, Tristan Magnuson, Alan Farina and Jessie Chavez, with extreme outsiders Deck McGuire just there for exposure to a big camp. Don't rule out McGuire asserting himself into the mix. He is big, has quality stuff and is cocky.

There is a chance Alex signs a lefty, and there are a few out there, Darren Oliver, Arthur Rhodes, George Sherrill, guys who will be sought after to be a situational lefty.

I think we should expect a move or two as players begin to get a little desperate for employment, so the new year might alter the current pitching. Yu Darvish, you wish !, not with the bidding to negotiate with him perhaps at $ 40 to $ 50 million, then salary.  Perhaps a Kerry Wood, or Joel Zumaya, but both have warts, but need homes.
Rotation wise, I think we shall see a 4 man competition for 4rth and 5th spots. McGowan is the sentimental fave, and Alvarez has a leg up as well. Drabek, and Luis Perez have options.  And there is Jesse Litsch as an emergency starter, same as Villanueva.

Offensively we are cornering the market in utility / platoon outfielders.  Fransisco, Thames, Kelly Johnson, Rajah Davis, and forgotten slugger wanna be Travis Snider. Johnson if the team accepts the arbitration decision can slide back to 2nd base, but heavens, we do not need 4 outfielders, and there's hopeful Edwin Encarnacion stealing at bats at DH.  Davis has another year, so if they cut him, they have to buy him out.

The odd man out would seem to be Travis Snider yet again, but a hot spring training either helps him get dealt or kept as regular.  The Eric Thames is the odd man out.  Hard to know what happens.

Anyhow, the year is coming to a close, and just based on what we have, I would be hard pressed to predict 81 wins.

But let's check in with the team in late January/ early February as pitchers and catchers are ready to report. We might have a clearer image of what the team has to choose from.

Right now, not that much, but 2 months from now, things may have changed.

Brains and Braun

I found it hard to start this blog because after all I have read, and heard, it hasn't quite sunk in.
If it is true and I can't dispute the tests, then a 50 game suspension will be handed out, probably after the holidays.
There are many disturbing aspects to this case, obviously the easy one is, and presumes guilt is, with testing done, why ?
Why take anything ?  What was it that caused his testosterone levels to sky rocket ?
Don't you think that in 2011, with all we know, a player of average intelligence would try and get the team doctor, or his personal doctor to look at what he puts in his body.  I don't know if Ryan Braun thinks this way, but missing 50 games is a significant chunk out his wallet.

So the next most puzzling aspect is the 1st positive test was established in October, then verified by a second positive test.  So, before the players takes the stage for playoffs, or further posts season play, he has violated MLB's drug policy.  What happened is Part 2, of "Braungate".   Nothing happened, neither by the Brewers or MLB, or by the player.  This news was leaked, and as far I can tell, players and management are more concerned with why the news was leaked than the fact he was caught cheating, and nobody blew the whistle.

So if there were no whistle blower, we'd still be in the dark, and it was everybody's best interest to keep it quiet. So if you think this story is over once the league finally suspends hi, guess again.

Sad that Bud Selig told us we had put that ugly decade behind us, and for it to be the Milwaukee team, a team he owns in blind trust, run by his daughter. 
This scandal, and make no mistake, it's a scandal, might force Selig to resign, I mean a cover up by MLB, ratted out on his watch.
First, it seems MLB was sweeping this under ther rug.
Second, the information could not even stay confidential, so what does that say about the security of information.
Lastly, MLB owners have a marquee star go down, not an aging Manny, or retired Roger Clemens, so the game's reputation is tarnished.

It means the whole testing system is flawed, and maybe they finally are forced by Congress to an independant body with no affiliation to MLB, agents and players.  A true arms length.

Braun denies two positive tests, Ryan pal...use your brains...you're caught, confess and move on.

End of an ERA

It still has not sunk in, the news is hours old from Dallas, Albert Pujols has agreed to a 10 year $250 million deal. Somewhere Prince Fielder is smiling.

Lucky the Cardinals got their 2nd World Series win in 5 years, otherwise, they would be hard pressed to return.


This was topped seconds later by the report of CJ Wilson signing as well with the Angels.  Uh, I thought the Marlins were spendthrifts, but the Angels in one morning have just over shadowed the Fish with these bold moves.

Albert is the real prize, Wilson, adds depth to a deep rotation at the expense of the rival Rangers.  Addition and subtraction should make the Angels odds on to take the division.

Albert will still wear a red and white jersey, but the bird is gone, and the halo replaces it, as Albert's pay day will be heavenly.  My buddy the Ricster always moans of the lost talent to the National League, and as we both play a fantasy brand, we are a AL only league, and if lost talent is not replenished, the rich stay rich, and the poor pick up the scraps.

Now 2 major pieces have landed, and we will have to watch the Fielder situation play out, the Mariners say they are in, so do the Marlins, and Brewers, but Prince wants to be paid like a king, and the bidding starts at $250 million, thanks to Pujols.  Prince is younger than Albert, but his body might not remind anyone of Charles Atlas, so there might be some generous 7 year offers, but not sure I would go 10 years. No one finishes these 10 year deals anymore, the retire and walk away, or get bought out when they are 38-39, so won't expect Albert to be bopping when he hits 40.

Meanwhile the fans in Boston, unaccustomed to a post season of no awards, rings, and accolades they do a slow burn.  Bobby Big Britches talks glowingly about super touted prospectYu Darvish, who will get posted ( meaning some team has to bid countless millions and hope to win his rights, to pay him....countless millions ).
Despite Bobby's remarks about his abilities, this is a pitcher that has pitched an average of once a week, and a 130 game schedule, and throws 8 to 9 pitches, some slop balls, some hard stuff.  I like this player NOT.  He reeks of impending arm problems, his pitch counts are monitored like NASA watches satellites, looking for orbit decay.

The Red Sox were spitting nails 2 days ago as they were not even in on the Sergy Santos sweepstakes, and hell, why not us argument. In Boston remember they have enough issues to take to the pysch ward, so being dissed by Kenny Williams doesn't improve their ego.


So Albert goes to Anaheim, and Wilson signs there too, and for keeners like Boston, and the Yankees, they must be saying "what the hell", first these upstart Fishes, now the Orange County squad, I mean what's next ...the Blue Jays ??... Okay stand down folks...give the big boys time to regroup, this was not a year for either superpower to add Pujols or Fielder, both teams are chock full of 1st basemen, and DH's, and maybe some free agents just want an easier place to play in than NY or Boston.

It would be worse if the Mets started adding players ( what you say Frank Fransisco and Jon Rauch signed with M-E-T-S, Mets Mets Mets ) Cannot imagine what the New York Post is saying about another quiet Cashman winter. And in Massachusetts, newly anointed GM Cherington will be asked who is replacing departed Johnny Papelbon ? 


End of an era in Saint Lou, no Larussa, and now no Albert, they will regroup, and spend their savings elsewhere, and they still have Carpenter and Wainright, so they are cupboard bare, just wounded today.

Christmas coming early in Anaheim, deck the halls with boughs of Pujols, fa la la la la

Christmas Shopping

The Grinch (Miami Marlins) attempts to steal all the off season presents so far has gone well, and a 6 year offer to CJ Wilson may enough for him to move to Florida for more than orange juice.

This winters meetings ratified a lot of loose ends form the agreement, but who's kidding who, it signals the silly season of spending, dissing and swapping players.

Closers are moving around rapidly, and Red Sox had bette rgrab Ryan Madson while they can, before the music stops. Just today, intrepid reporter Brad Drew reported that the Rockies had moved Huston Street to the Padres, but there are still some stories to the opposite.  Sergie Santos moved back to the Jays for a decent double AA starting pitching prospect, as well.



Earlier on, Papelbon signed with the Phils, and the Fishy Fishes signed Heath Bell to 3 years worth of swordfish, and salary incentives. Them Marlins are sporting gold teeth these days, already with Jose Reyes landed.  So the closers are danci around and their are other moves still, there is Krod, Frankie Cordero, and maybe Kevin Gregg.  Andrew Bailey was a wasn't availble, in true Billy Beane Hocus Pocus.

Beane waved his star 3 season and 75 save cheap money closer under some noses, but was looking to score 3 pitching prospects back.   Sorry Charlie, no tuna for you today.  Beane is still playing the stock the shelves deal for ace Gio Gonzalez, but again, no one is biting, hell, not even the Marlins, and they are after almost everyone.

The Jays have again found the trade route more to their liking, getting 28 year closer Santos, who saved 30 odd games last year. His second numbers were not hot, but the amount of innings, plus the new role may have reduced him later in the year. He should rebound.   I like how he gets announced, based his 8 years of controllable costs, like a mortage that won't increase, or a constant bank dividend. Christ isn't it what he can do to stabilize the back end of the pen.

The Jays however continue to disprove any theorists who say that their comittment to spend like the big boys is coming.  When ? 2010, nope, traded Halladay for a package ( looks like a Beane move ), in 2011, nope ( moved Marcum for Lawrie ), looks like a Rays move, but get talent. So here is 2012, is this year Paul Beeston ?   Well, we have always said we would spend money and Rogers say the money is there to ask for it, but we want to spend it wisely. Now we have heard we need to see those turnstiles and if, if the team is in the hunt in July, we will spend the money.  Huh ?   What free agents exist in July, and if the team is enconsed in 4rth, who in their right mind would seek to add payroll in a veteran player being dumped ?

How do you get to 2nd or 3rd , and in a race, answer, add players in the off season. 

Don't listen to that blow hard Mike Wilner, he has been hooked on that Kool Aid they serve at Jays games and cannot see straight.


But I always say, Anthopolus, Beeston prove me wrong, swing for the fences.  I will admit error, and admit you are seeking the brass ring, bujt no evidence to the opposite. 

Some GM's have already packed up and gone home, they are not after Princes, and Fat Alberts, or start pitchers. The spenders are all staying to make deals. The remainder will complete their Christmas shopping on e-bay., amazon or through desparate agents.   Already players who thought themsleves big winners have started opting for arbitration.


More in few days, expecting an Albert signing, and maybe a CJ Wilson splash (Miami) .