Father's Day

Ever since I can remember, the game of catch intoned my father tossing a ball to me in our East York backyard, such that it was. Then onto the school yard as I could heave 20 feet by age 5 or 6. Straight was another story, but distance I had mastered.

In my early remembrances, my dad would get home from work, clean off the dirty and grime, and sit telling work stories at the dinner table, then unless he had to do inventory on his work truck, I could get a minutes from May to September to play catch. My 2 sisters were totally lost as to why this game of catch was important. Girls ? What do they know about such things. Likely an unfair reaction, but we had not reached that liberated state in the mid 60's, so pardon my chauvinism.

So to my dad, thanks again for being my partner.

And to my son, and daughter, whom I treasure, thanks for letting me be your catching partner, as we continued the traditions handed down. With both kids, they played softball and baseball, and catch was a regular activity either near their school, or at the family cottage in Georgian Bay.

We would take those 2 weeks to vacation there, but the kids never missed any of their games, or weekend practises, as we would take them back down to Mississauga anytime they asked us.

Like the early Sunday hockey, or cool evenings outdoors in May, our butts were within shouting distance at every opportunity.

Thanks kids for allowing me to enjoy your special moments.

As for what is going on this weekend, the big boys enter inter league play again, and I hope all the fans enjoy their moments at the ballpark, with fathers, sons, uncles, and big brothers, and moms who do double duty.

 
Two years ago the Blue Jays committed to building a strong farm system. The reasoning was simple; to battle with New York and Boston they’d need quality players, and the only way to get ample talent on a tight budget is to get ‘em while they’re young.
If that seems like an obvious route to success, that’s probably because it is.

Every ball club in North America wants a stable of young talent, but few seem quite as hell-bent on building one as the Toronto Blue Jays.

If they Jays had gotten any more aggressive in the 2011 Draft they’d be punching somebody with every pick.  Anthopoulos worked his ass off this winter to ensure his team would have a wealth of high picks, and it paid off – the Jays ended up with 7 of the first 78 selections.

But that was only phase one of the plan. Once they scouted and complied a list of guys they wanted, they’d actually have to draft and sign these guys. Of the three remaining steps, drafting is probably the easiest; you’ve already ranked players in order of desirability, now you just need to sweat and bicker as they’re picked off by other teams, cross your fingers, and hope for the best as you call the name of the best player remaining.
The biggest potential hurdle is signing these guys, that’s why they’re listed in order of “desirability” and not “talent.” Basically, you could draft the best 18-year old on the planet, but if he spurns you for an NCAA pit-stop on the way the majors, you can kiss that prospect goodbye.

It’s pretty common for guys to slip down the draft board if they’re seen as a “signability threat.” This is why the Jays drafted so many college players under the Ricciardi regime, there was very little chance draftees would turn down contracts because they had no real Plan B on the table. It’s a lower-risk, lower-reward strategy.
But Anthopoulos turned that strategy on its’ ear Monday evening, as he selected teenagers with all seven of those aforementioned picks. All of these players are highly-talented, and all of them are committed to quality NCAA schools with solid baseball programs. In summary, each of these guys is going to be very difficult to sign.

On a radio interview Tuesday evening, Alex hinted he’d rather sign 5 out of 8 potential All-Stars than 8 out of 8 players with mediocre talent. When you word it like that it’s a tough stance to argue against, assuming he can actually sign the majority of these guys. However, the plot thickens, because MLB teams have an ace up their sleeves this year and it seems Anthopoulos is one of the few GMs ballsy enough to play it.

As the collective bargaining agreement gets renegotiated next winter, it’s almost a given the draft’s bonus system will be completely re-built. This means players won’t be able to negotiate their bonuses as they do now, instead it will be predetermined based on their draft position. This also means Alex can dangle big bonuses in front of high school players (bonuses that will probably be unavailable after this draft) and persuade them to join the pros. If you had the choice of waking up tomorrow as a multi-millionaire, or going to school for three years, risking injury/poor performance/the likelihood you’ll never get anywhere near that kind of money in your next draft year… which option would you choose?

Rocking Roll High School !!!

Here is the Jays first pick from the 2011 amateur draft

Round 1, the 21 st pick– Tyler Beede, RHP Lawrence Academy (MA)
Beede is the top prospect that New England has produced since the Marlins drafted Jeff Allison 16th overall nearly a decade ago. Like every other pitcher on the Jays’ draft board, Beede’s huge for a teenager at over 6’3 and 200+ lbs. He signed a commitment to Vanderbilt University, but was forthright in a media conference call and said his decision to sign with Toronto will likely come down to dollars.

Tyler has already gone on record as, well, maybe the $$ will have an influence on signing or college

As I have stated in the past, witht he average MLB career topping out at 3 years, guess what, go to college after yopu make some coin.

Lawrence Mass High School

Grand Theft Lenny

 Few who followed Lenny Dykstra's exploits in the old days would have foreseen an outcome where the former Phillies star would have become a car-wash impresario or a provider of investment tips for thestreet.com, with a net worth of more than $50 million.
If the on-field style that earned him the nickname "Nails" was how he ran his finances, they might have instead projected the Dykstra who filed for bankruptcy in 2009, claiming he owed more than $31 million and had only $50,000 in assets. Investment Banker....this is a guy who specialized in stealing bases, signs, cheated any way to win, an investment man..

 Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Lenny, how could ya ???

The news yesterday that Dykstra was charged by the Los Angeles County Prosecutor's Office with 25 counts of trying to lease cars using phony business and credit information and with drug possession is another step in the downward spiral that has enveloped Dykstra recently.
There have been allegations that he wrote a bad check for $1,000 to a female escort and that he forced his housekeeper to give him oral sex on Saturdays, and his claim that he was "tortured" during a recent stay in prison.
"Over the last 2 years, they have basically stole everything from me; my family, my kids, my homes, my cars, my businesses, my reputation, my money, my life; but what they can never steal is my 'HEART and my FIGHT' and at the end of the day, I will win and I will win big!" Dykstra wrote recently in a letter to his fans he titled, "Nailed, Jailed and Bailed."
The initial bankruptcy filing led to a whirlwind of legal moves, allegations that Dysktra stole property after declaring bankruptcy and subsequent denials from him. He and his attorneys have claimed authorities are motivated by retribution stemming from a dispute with the bankruptcy trustee.
"Bottom line: when all of the evidence is brought forward, the jury will be told by the judge to make an example out of these corrupt people so this does not continue to happen to other Americans," Dykstra wrote.
A month after being indicted in federal court on charges related to bankruptcy fraud, Dykstra was taken into custody during a hearing in San Fernando Superior Court on the new charges. He was jailed on $500,000 bail with a bail-review hearing set for Friday.
Two co-defendants were charged in connection with the alleged auto theft but not with drug crimes, said a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County district attorney.
All three men are scheduled to be arraigned June 16.

Proves that all the fame and the money, the women, the adulation, is fleeting, and especially if you are a horses ass.

Quotes about Nails...

Jon Stewart:

• "My broker is Lenny Dykstra.  And when my broker talks, you can't air it on national television."

• "Who better to trust your investment portfolio to than a not so literate, horse-shite chomping, man named 'nails'."

From James Cramer on Dykstra:

• "Not only is he a sophisticated investor, he's one of the great ones.  I'm telling you he's one of the great ones."

Nails Dykstra, Busted !

Brett Lawrie watch

Officially tonight would have been Lawrie's major league debut, but for a ball hitting the back of his hand, and subsequent swelling, the debut is put on hold. Encarnacion stay of execution is on hold as well.

That is my opinion as well, the subtraction of Edwin E 5 for Lawrie.  No speculation, but Jayson Nix should not be the victim of Brett playing first, as Nix and Johnny McD can handle the support roles around the infield.

2 things lead to this speculation. and the first one is Juan Rivera can play at 1st, a little, and eating his $ 5 million of salary is not not as hard as Encarnacion's $1.5 million.
The second reason is that Nix can back up 3rd, and, and I suppose shortstop as well, again things E 5 cannot do, or do well. Nix cheaper option and has displayed as much or more long ball prowess in spot roles, and E 5, just the one dinger, and all those errors do pile up.

Lawrie's tenure at Triple AAA has been the topic of some discussion, when is he coming, is it this year, at the All Star break, why is it taking so long ???.

Please don't ask me to explain the Super 2 rules, they are always different every time I read them, but Alex was ready to make the final move, then fate stepped in and delayed his arrival until his hand heals, and maybe that is just this weekend, we'll see. 

Word comes out this afternoon that room has been made on the Jays 40 man roster, so imminently Lawrie will be on a plane, either to Baltimore or likely Kansas City, to begin his career.

More things Jays

Closer by committee, how's that going ? Lousy, cause no one can close, Frasor should get another shot, Rauch , Dotel and Fransisco have flamed out.

Lind back in at 1st sometime this weekend, and just in time, his presence will stabilise the middle of the order, and also take a lot of stress off Brett Lawrie's arrival.

Zach Stewart, and Brett Cecil, time to give either a shot, isn't it ?   Litsch out awhile, And we are wasting Villenuava as the 5th starter. I expect Drabek will get sorted out, but maybe skip his rotation spot, and have him work harder at his release point.

Jose leads all All Star voting in the AL. Great job Jays fans, but I see the next 4 are all Yankees, so am immediately skeptical that Jose will maintain that lead if Yankee fans begin write ins for Brett Gardner.
Also, how in all that is holy can fans vote for Derek Jeter over Asdrubal Cabrera, or even Elvis Andus, or
c'mon, Yunel Escobar, 6 homers, .300 batting average.

28-28 record, roughly where I thought they'd be, or just under .500, but next 7 games against the Orioles and Royals are crucial. Have to beat weaker teams if you expect to get anywhere.

Secaucus, the playground of New Jersey

With the 2011 Major League Baseball draft set to take place on June 6, let's take a look at the top 10 players coming out of college that will be drafted this year.






Anthony Rendon-3B
Coming out of Rice, Rendon has drawn comparisons to Evan Longoria. He hit .325 five home runs and 34 RBIs. Those numbers aren't great, but when you look at the fact that he was walked 76 times, it makes more sense. There has been talk of moving him to second base, but that is something I would avoid.
( 2nd base make sense with Neil Walker already established, his plate discipline is remarkable at that age.)

Gerrit Cole-SP


Cole had great numbers this season at UCLA, going 1-2 with a 1.78 ERA in 30 1/3 innings. In his first two seasons, he went 15-12 with a 3.42 ERA in 208 innings. Either Rendon or Cole will likely be the first pick of the draft.


Danny Hultzen-SP


Hultzen went 9-3 for Virginia this season, while accumulating a 1.49 ERA. In 13 starts, he pitched 90 1/3 innings, allowing just 60 hits and 15 walks. He has a great arm and has worked hard this season to get where he is as a top-five pick. ( A big game winner, and the best pitcher, I see his upside ahead of Cole, but Cole gets more press in Southern California, but make no mistake, he has a rotation spot awaiting him in 2014, or earlier, wherever he goes )

Trevor Bauer-SP



Another UCLA product, Bauer had an amazing 2011 season, striking out 142 batters with an incredible 1.47 ERA. The one knock on Bauer is his body size. He is an oblique injury away from the disabled list.



Matt Barnes-SP



A product of the University of Connecticut, Barnes might be a late first-round steal for whatever team selects him. He had a 2-2 record this season with a 1.53 ERA in 29 1/3 innings. UConn isn't known for its great baseball talents, but Barnes has a chance to change that with the help of another Huskies product.
He "got" gas, and he knows it.


Sonny Gray-SP



Much like Bauer, Vanderbilt's Gray has a small frame, but is believed that he may be ready to pitch in somebodies bullpen late in 2011. During his 2011 collegiate season, he went 4-0 with a 1.71 ERA.
( A complete package, with good second pitch, a curve, but no 3rd, or 4rth pitch )


Matt Purke-SP



One of the best TCU products ever, Purke put together a great 2011 collegiate season, going 2-1 with a 0.66 ERA. Some feel that once Purke grows into his body more, he will be a front-of-the-rotation pitcher.
( I think Purke has DL written all over him, another 100 + heater, Chapman, Strasbourg, Zumaya, Prior )
Arms have not been built to sling the ball at that speed, at least genetically not yet.


George Springer-OF



Another UConn product, Springer saw his average dip between freshman and sophomore year, but saw his stolen base total nearly triple. From sophomore to junior year, Springer's average jumped back up to .361, while hitting 12 home runs and 74 RBIs. His stolen base total surpassed 30 again in 2011, and he could be a threat on the base paths for an MLB team. He was selected by the Twins out of high school and could easily be a top-15 pick this year. ( I see him as another that might slide, due to expected $$$ expectations, the Orioles need a true lead off man, so watch out in Maryland )



Levi Michael-SS



This shortstop from North Carolina has a lot of talent and has been durable, averaging 60 games a year from 2009-11. He hasn't shown as much speed from a shortstop that I would like to see (39 steals in three seasons) but he has a great sense of the strike zone and gets on base. He will almost definitely be taken in the first round, possibly by the Mets. ( Jose Reyes, time to punch your ticket )



Taylor Jungmann-SP



This Texas pitcher had spectacular numbers in college this season, going 4-0 with a 0.78 ERA. He allowed just 21 base runners in 34 2/3 innings and will likely be a top-15 selection.

This guy has so much more upside than the previous 9, but his sign-ability has caused him to slide downwards.

New Jersey will host the 2011 June entry draft, but the Jersey Whores crew are still causing a fuss over in Florence, a city of paintings, and art, and history. 




Of note on Friday, as we enter June ( my God a 1/3 rd of the season is gone ) is my Marauding Elephants on acid, fresh off a 6-1 week, and an ass whupping of my 2 two biggest contenders.
Of course, the game giveth, and the game taketh away, Matt Holliday and Jason Kubel both put on the 15 day DL yesterday, but injuries so far have not fazed this team. We will expect Hunter and Juan Pierre to make up some slack.

38-19 record, a 3 game lead, and as my son says, some weeks we just got all the breaks. Playing teams with no hitting, or poor pitching at the right time. The things generally even out over time, so expect some groaner weeks to come as the season progresses.

For now, wooo hoooo, let's enjoy the view from the top.

Mitch McCullough arrives !

Mitch as in Pitch

This weekend we added to the family numbers with a 9 week old golden doodle, named Mitch.
He will never replace my 2 golden retrievers, but once up to speed is my new walking buddy.
Mitch knows nothing of baseball, so there is first a learning curve where I must be patient and make him understand the fundamentals.
Hate the Yankees
Hate them with a passion.
Well, that is a good start.

Walking the dogs was an activity I always enjoyed, as written before it allowed me to vociferate my potentially draft strategies, and line up cards.

Mitch so far seems to favour smelling anything and everything, so his attention span is pretty weak.


My new companion will also help me shed some unwanted girth, once he is able to handle a walk longer than 5 minutes. Plus he is not trained in the art of walking beside me. That will come, and then we can discuss the hatrid of the Yankees, and hell, the Red Sox as well.

Here is the young lad after bathing prior to his trip to Mississauga.

He leaves 3 brothers and 3 sisters behind and has already developed in instinct for chasing the ball.
I think if you train the kids at an early age, they are yours to mold.

Plus hating the Yankees is essential, same for the damn Red Sox. 



Today he visited my wife's employer, to ooohs and awes, of course, but when I get home, he is mine to command, Jays and Tribe on tonight, so we have to of course explain that the Jays are the chosen ones, and the Tribe are just riff raff masquerading as a first place club. After taking 3 of 4 from the White Sox, it looks like it is time to beat up on the Central division.  Why not ?  Well that will be lesson 2, after " why and how to hate the Yankees ".

Mitch, rest up lad, school begins tonight.

Busted

This week, Giant catcher Buster Posey attempted what most catchers do on instinct.

Block the plate. Cost him the 2011 season, it would seem.

This photo is of a young Ray Fosse, in a game against the Red Sox, doing what he was trained for, hanging in to make the out.

Infielders are trained the same way, get the ball and make the tag, or hang in there on a force out.



Some this week, in light of the Posey injury are calling to ban the play, to ask catchers to simply allow the runner free passage to home plate. What will they tell shortstops, and second basemen to do when runners barrelling in to break up double plays ? Step aside lads, give the runner the base.
I am not going to be surprised if this idea dies out of natural apathy, laughter and derision, because it is just stupid to expect catchers, and other infielders to give up on a play, they are not built that way.

Can you imagine Ty Cobb then, "aw c'mon, where's the challenge", he would have thought his opponents were cowards, and called them so for abandoning their posts.

Ray was forever tied to the 1970 All Star Game, as the winning run was scored by Peter Rose by bowling over, shoulder first, just like he was taught into Fosse. Fosse never had a good offensive year after the collision, but never did anyone whine about taking the "bang bang" play out the game. This was an All Star Game, no a playoff game, not even the key game against a key opponent.

But they played the game this way, because it's in their DNA.

Posey was the victim of a baserunner who knew his chance to score was based on Posey not holding onto the ball, and took a route to collide with Posey. Should he be called out, as runners are between 1st and 2nd ? Perhaps, but I agree with Mike Sciosia, and I disagree with Tim McCarver, who would not only negate the run, and make the runner out, but suspend runners who target vulnerable catchers who must absorb the full weight of the play.

He didn't care for McCarver's proposed rule change.

Buster busted

"Scioscia told me he didn't like it," McCarver said. "He said the reason he didn’t like it was that (blocking the plate) was the last vestige of courage the game has.  But sports is going this route, protect the QB rule, head shots in hockey, concussion syndromes, and baseball is the latest, a "time out" rule on concussions, and now this.


 I am all in to maintain safety, but Justin Morneau did not collide with a Blue Jay catcher, he collided with 2nd baseman Johnny Mac, and has still not returned to form. So can we ban sliding to breakup double plays ?

 I don't want to see the rules changed because Posey was injured, injuries are still rare, and catchers won't want that aspect taken from them, they just hope the throw is well ahead of impact, then they have an opportunity to prepare