The blue birds season opener is only 12 days away. Yes, I am counting. With that in mind, certain positions are gettin more clear, while other areas will be decided on the last day of the spring.
Jays management, have said that its now down to Drabek, Jo Jo Reyes, and Jesse Litsch to fight for the final 2 spots in the rotation. It would not surprise me, if all three make the team out of spring. Jesse Litsch and Kyle Drabek look to be in the lead to land the last couple spots, with Reyes being one of the long men out of the bullpen.
Speaking of the bullpen, the outlook from the Jays camp is that Dotel, and Francisco may not be able to start the season with the ball club. Rauch will then be the guy, if thats the case. Shawn Camp and Jason Frasor, will share a set up role.
Everyone hates injuries in spring before the season even starts, but if there is a position the Jays have depth in, its the bullpen. The injuries to Dotel and Francisco should not hurt the club too much.
Keep your eye on the ball!
Matty R
me at rider game
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Who Will Jays Take North?
It's just about that time again!
Here we are, half way through spring traint. Time to predict what the Toronto Blue Jays roster will look like, come opening night, on April 1st, against the Twins
Starting off, lets look at the starting rotation.
Ricky Romero
Brandon Morrow
Brett Cecil
Jesse Litsch
Kyel Drabek
That is most likely the five men, who will be starting this year for the Jays. I have a feeling, that Jesse will get the fourth spot. Little more experience, and you may want to break up the power arms, with Jesse who throws a little bit slower, and then come back with alittle more heat, with Drabek.
A couple dark horses, Zach Stewart, and Jo Jo Reyes. Stewart, is having a great spring, but he's still young, and the organization, probably wants him to spen another year in the minors. Although, look for Stewart, to get the call sometime this year. Reyes, was acquired last year from the Braves, in the Yunel Escobar deal. Reyes is out of options, so the Jays will take a hard look at him. He's been impressing also this spring, and could wind up with a bullpen job aswell
Staying with pitching, this is how I see the bullpen shaping up
CP-Frank Francisco
SU- Octavio Dotel
SU- Jon Rauch
Jason Frasor
Shawn Camp
David Purcey
Casey Janssen
Few dark horses include Jo Jo Reyes, who I talked about above, Carlos Villanueva ,also Jesse Carlson. But I feel Purcey will win the lefty job over Jesse.
Now to the guys, who will be counted on, in scoring the runs. The lineup
CF-Raja Davis
SS-Yunel Escobar
1B-Adam Lind
3B-Jose Bautista
2B-Aaron Hill
LF-Travis Snider
RF-Juan Rivera
DH-Edwin Encarnacion
C-J.P Arencibia
The bench will look something like:
C-Jose Molina
IF-John McDonald
IF/OF-Mike McCoy
OF-Corey Patterson
I would love if Canadian Brett Lawrie was the opening day third baseman, but i feel the Jays wont want to rush him, even tho he is having a great spring. We will see him up sometime this year, but Brett probably starts the year in AAA Las Vegas
Looking over this roster of the 2010-2011, edition of our Jays, it really gets me excited. This team is not far off from championship contention, and who knows, if things fall into place, and we avoid injuries, that wildcard spot, is very reachable.
I just want to quickly give props to Jays GM Alex. When he took over for JP, the Jays farm system was ranked almost dead last, not many prospects, and the idea of signing the likes of Frank Thomas.
Under Alex's leadership and the importance he feels in scouting and drafting, the Jays farm system is ranked all the way up, at #4, with many top prospects.
There are some great years ahead for this franchise, and its very exciting.
In the very near future, we will be back where we belong, playing some October ball
Thanks for reading
We'll chat again soon
Keep your eye on the ball!
MR
Here we are, half way through spring traint. Time to predict what the Toronto Blue Jays roster will look like, come opening night, on April 1st, against the Twins
Starting off, lets look at the starting rotation.
Ricky Romero
Brandon Morrow
Brett Cecil
Jesse Litsch
Kyel Drabek
That is most likely the five men, who will be starting this year for the Jays. I have a feeling, that Jesse will get the fourth spot. Little more experience, and you may want to break up the power arms, with Jesse who throws a little bit slower, and then come back with alittle more heat, with Drabek.
A couple dark horses, Zach Stewart, and Jo Jo Reyes. Stewart, is having a great spring, but he's still young, and the organization, probably wants him to spen another year in the minors. Although, look for Stewart, to get the call sometime this year. Reyes, was acquired last year from the Braves, in the Yunel Escobar deal. Reyes is out of options, so the Jays will take a hard look at him. He's been impressing also this spring, and could wind up with a bullpen job aswell
Staying with pitching, this is how I see the bullpen shaping up
CP-Frank Francisco
SU- Octavio Dotel
SU- Jon Rauch
Jason Frasor
Shawn Camp
David Purcey
Casey Janssen
Few dark horses include Jo Jo Reyes, who I talked about above, Carlos Villanueva ,also Jesse Carlson. But I feel Purcey will win the lefty job over Jesse.
Now to the guys, who will be counted on, in scoring the runs. The lineup
CF-Raja Davis
SS-Yunel Escobar
1B-Adam Lind
3B-Jose Bautista
2B-Aaron Hill
LF-Travis Snider
RF-Juan Rivera
DH-Edwin Encarnacion
C-J.P Arencibia
The bench will look something like:
C-Jose Molina
IF-John McDonald
IF/OF-Mike McCoy
OF-Corey Patterson
I would love if Canadian Brett Lawrie was the opening day third baseman, but i feel the Jays wont want to rush him, even tho he is having a great spring. We will see him up sometime this year, but Brett probably starts the year in AAA Las Vegas
Looking over this roster of the 2010-2011, edition of our Jays, it really gets me excited. This team is not far off from championship contention, and who knows, if things fall into place, and we avoid injuries, that wildcard spot, is very reachable.
I just want to quickly give props to Jays GM Alex. When he took over for JP, the Jays farm system was ranked almost dead last, not many prospects, and the idea of signing the likes of Frank Thomas.
Under Alex's leadership and the importance he feels in scouting and drafting, the Jays farm system is ranked all the way up, at #4, with many top prospects.
There are some great years ahead for this franchise, and its very exciting.
In the very near future, we will be back where we belong, playing some October ball
Thanks for reading
We'll chat again soon
Keep your eye on the ball!
MR
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Heat Struggle In The Clutch
Times are rough for the Heat and their fans.
Today they dropped yet another game, to a top tier team in the league. Miami is 1-9 againt the top 6 teams in the league, and 14-18 against teams who are under 500.
With this loss, they have now dropped 4 in a row, and 5 of 6.
I will be honest, when the big 3 arrived in Miami in the offseason, i knew they'd be a tough team, but i was sure, they couldnt contend with the top teams in the league.
Yes, they have arguably the top two players in the league, and maybe another top ten, in Bosh. But, other than those 3 players, they have really nothing. No center, no point guard, and no bench. So when your goin against a great defensive team, like the Bulls or the Celtics, you cant just depend on the 1 on 1 game.
The only time Miami can get anything going, is when James, Wade or Bosh are on the court. These guys will tire, being played so much, especially come playoff time.
The great Michael Jordan was quoted saying "you win games with talent, but you win championships with teamwork and intelligence". Flat out, the Heat dont have that. They have talent to beat the lower class teams, but not the playoff type teams.
If Miami wants to contend for titles, they have to trade Bosh and pick up some role players. Some guys off the bench, solid guys down low. Give James, and Wade some help. Keep them rested for the stretch run. Make other teams worry about other players. Unless they do that, the Heat will have an awful amount of difficulty contending for a title.
Have a great day
Keep your eye on the ball!
MR
Today they dropped yet another game, to a top tier team in the league. Miami is 1-9 againt the top 6 teams in the league, and 14-18 against teams who are under 500.
With this loss, they have now dropped 4 in a row, and 5 of 6.
I will be honest, when the big 3 arrived in Miami in the offseason, i knew they'd be a tough team, but i was sure, they couldnt contend with the top teams in the league.
Yes, they have arguably the top two players in the league, and maybe another top ten, in Bosh. But, other than those 3 players, they have really nothing. No center, no point guard, and no bench. So when your goin against a great defensive team, like the Bulls or the Celtics, you cant just depend on the 1 on 1 game.
The only time Miami can get anything going, is when James, Wade or Bosh are on the court. These guys will tire, being played so much, especially come playoff time.
The great Michael Jordan was quoted saying "you win games with talent, but you win championships with teamwork and intelligence". Flat out, the Heat dont have that. They have talent to beat the lower class teams, but not the playoff type teams.
If Miami wants to contend for titles, they have to trade Bosh and pick up some role players. Some guys off the bench, solid guys down low. Give James, and Wade some help. Keep them rested for the stretch run. Make other teams worry about other players. Unless they do that, the Heat will have an awful amount of difficulty contending for a title.
Have a great day
Keep your eye on the ball!
MR
Monday, February 28, 2011
Baseball is Back
Spring training is upon, and I find myself, really getting excited for Jays baseball again.
So many compelling stories to follow through spring, and into the start of the season. Who will win the fourth and fifth rotation spots? Who is the main man, responsible for closing out games? Who will win the extra outfield position? We will have to wait and see, but one thing is for sure, certain young prospects are already catching the coaches eyes.
Starting off, Zach Stewart. He's only 24 years old, and was our top pitching prospect, before we acquired Kyle Drabek, in the Roy Halladay trade. We got Stewart along with Edwin Encarnacion, and Josh Roenicke in a deal for Scott Rolen. Stewart, opened the spring pitching two scoreless innings in an intrasquad game. Watching his progress as he fights for the final rotation spot, asuming Drabek gets the other aswell, will be really fun and exciting.
Anthony Gose, is the Jays center fielder of the future. Of coures, asuming his bat comes around more, but this kid is super athletic. Think Carl Crawford, with maybe less power, but a better throwing arm. Gose is a speed demon. To explain my case even more, he stole third the other day, in 3.28 seconds. Thats Rickey Henderson numbers right there. If Anthony Gose can get on base more often, he has all the tools to be a stud leadoff hitter, and gold glove outfielder.
The final prospect I wanna touch on, is Adeiny Hechavarria. The Cuban shortstop the Jays signed last year. He's a guy right now, who is MLB ready, in the field. He has reminded scouts, and coaches, of one of the all time great Jays in Tony Fernandez. Adeiny has to also improve at the plate, and just getting to know the game more.
Since Alex has took over the GM position, we have built up our farm system into one of the strongest in baseball. We may not see alot of them this upcoming year, but in a year or two, we could see these guys make an impact at the Major League level
When we get closer to the season opener, I will post my predictions for the pitching rotation, what the bullpen may look like, and the batting order we may see on most nights.
Baseball is back!
Keep your eye on the ball
MR
So many compelling stories to follow through spring, and into the start of the season. Who will win the fourth and fifth rotation spots? Who is the main man, responsible for closing out games? Who will win the extra outfield position? We will have to wait and see, but one thing is for sure, certain young prospects are already catching the coaches eyes.
Starting off, Zach Stewart. He's only 24 years old, and was our top pitching prospect, before we acquired Kyle Drabek, in the Roy Halladay trade. We got Stewart along with Edwin Encarnacion, and Josh Roenicke in a deal for Scott Rolen. Stewart, opened the spring pitching two scoreless innings in an intrasquad game. Watching his progress as he fights for the final rotation spot, asuming Drabek gets the other aswell, will be really fun and exciting.
Anthony Gose, is the Jays center fielder of the future. Of coures, asuming his bat comes around more, but this kid is super athletic. Think Carl Crawford, with maybe less power, but a better throwing arm. Gose is a speed demon. To explain my case even more, he stole third the other day, in 3.28 seconds. Thats Rickey Henderson numbers right there. If Anthony Gose can get on base more often, he has all the tools to be a stud leadoff hitter, and gold glove outfielder.
The final prospect I wanna touch on, is Adeiny Hechavarria. The Cuban shortstop the Jays signed last year. He's a guy right now, who is MLB ready, in the field. He has reminded scouts, and coaches, of one of the all time great Jays in Tony Fernandez. Adeiny has to also improve at the plate, and just getting to know the game more.
Since Alex has took over the GM position, we have built up our farm system into one of the strongest in baseball. We may not see alot of them this upcoming year, but in a year or two, we could see these guys make an impact at the Major League level
When we get closer to the season opener, I will post my predictions for the pitching rotation, what the bullpen may look like, and the batting order we may see on most nights.
Baseball is back!
Keep your eye on the ball
MR
Thursday, February 24, 2011
NBA Trade Deadline Comes and Goes
The NBA trade deadline, has passed, with many key trades being pulled off. The big deal happend a couple days ago, on the 22nd.
The one, I am talking about, is of course, the Carmelo Anthony trade, that most sports enthusiasts were following all year. The deal had Carmelo Anthony, Chauncy Billups, Renaldo Balkman, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter, and Corey Brewer going to the Knicks. In return, the Nuggets get Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Timofey Mozgov, a 2014 first-round pick and two second-round picks. This blockbuster, got the flood gates open, and rolling with other deals.
The Nets also picked up an all star player, in point guard Deron Williams from the Jazz along with Brandon Wright, and Dan Gadzuric. In return the Jazz receive Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, two first-round picks and $3-million.
When Jerry Sload was still the head coach of the Jazz, it was made very public, that Sload and Deron Williams didnt see eye to eye. It lead some to believe that Williams had some sort of role in the stepping down of Sloan after 23 seasons and 1,127 wins at the helm of the Utah Jazz.
Deron Williams, along with star Chris Paul have come out and said, when they become a free agent, next year, that they would be interested in joining, Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. With Williams now in New Jersey, its hard to imagine that he will sign and extension, and the possibility of him going to New York is still a possibility.
There has been many smaller deals, but with myself being a bulls fan, one other deal caught my attention.
The Boston Celtics have acquired forward Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic in a deal that would send big man Kendrick Perkins and the small point guard Nate Robinson to the Thunder.
The Thunder picked up a down low threat in the paint that they really need, to go along with superstar Kevin Durant. Perkins will help them on the pick and roll, along with a pretty good shooter in his own right. Does a great job drawing fouls, and brings lots of energy.
Boston's big prize was Jeff Green who'll serve as a back up to Paul Pierce.
I am personally disappointed the Bulls didnt pick up a shooting guard, with the likes of Courtney Lee and OJ Mayo available. It would've been really awesome to see Derrick Rose play with another playmaker, but Rose is so good, and probably the MVP, that maybe its not much of a deal as some of us are making it. Look for the Bulls to be players in free agency tho
Trade deadline day, is always an exciting day, no matter what sport it is, and this was no different. We now have the NHL deadline to look forward to, with that taking place on this upcoming monday.
Thanks for reading
Keep your eye on the ball!
MR
The one, I am talking about, is of course, the Carmelo Anthony trade, that most sports enthusiasts were following all year. The deal had Carmelo Anthony, Chauncy Billups, Renaldo Balkman, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter, and Corey Brewer going to the Knicks. In return, the Nuggets get Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Timofey Mozgov, a 2014 first-round pick and two second-round picks. This blockbuster, got the flood gates open, and rolling with other deals.
The Nets also picked up an all star player, in point guard Deron Williams from the Jazz along with Brandon Wright, and Dan Gadzuric. In return the Jazz receive Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, two first-round picks and $3-million.
When Jerry Sload was still the head coach of the Jazz, it was made very public, that Sload and Deron Williams didnt see eye to eye. It lead some to believe that Williams had some sort of role in the stepping down of Sloan after 23 seasons and 1,127 wins at the helm of the Utah Jazz.
Deron Williams, along with star Chris Paul have come out and said, when they become a free agent, next year, that they would be interested in joining, Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. With Williams now in New Jersey, its hard to imagine that he will sign and extension, and the possibility of him going to New York is still a possibility.
There has been many smaller deals, but with myself being a bulls fan, one other deal caught my attention.
The Boston Celtics have acquired forward Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic in a deal that would send big man Kendrick Perkins and the small point guard Nate Robinson to the Thunder.
The Thunder picked up a down low threat in the paint that they really need, to go along with superstar Kevin Durant. Perkins will help them on the pick and roll, along with a pretty good shooter in his own right. Does a great job drawing fouls, and brings lots of energy.
Boston's big prize was Jeff Green who'll serve as a back up to Paul Pierce.
I am personally disappointed the Bulls didnt pick up a shooting guard, with the likes of Courtney Lee and OJ Mayo available. It would've been really awesome to see Derrick Rose play with another playmaker, but Rose is so good, and probably the MVP, that maybe its not much of a deal as some of us are making it. Look for the Bulls to be players in free agency tho
Trade deadline day, is always an exciting day, no matter what sport it is, and this was no different. We now have the NHL deadline to look forward to, with that taking place on this upcoming monday.
Thanks for reading
Keep your eye on the ball!
MR
Monday, February 21, 2011
Nhl frenzy before deadline day
I dont know if i can recall an nhl season, where so many fairly influencial trades have taken place before the deadline day, which is a week from today. Today the trades just kept on comin, with dallas sending forward James Neal and defenceman Matt Niskanen to the Pittsburgh Penguins for defenceman Alex Goligoski.
It looks like the pens trying to fill the hole of some injuries, especially to crosby and malkin.
Unlike other years in the past, there is no certain player that is making headlines at this deadline. Earlier in the year, it was thought that maybe Iginla was on the block, but since the flames have really turned it around, and in a playoff position, thats off the table now.
The av's continue to be an interesting team, after trading stewart away, and anderson, it sound like they may not be done, with stastny and liles apparently on the block. What team wouldnt like to add either of those players to try and make a run at the cup this year.
The canucks, are in a great position, first overal in the nhl standings, but have had many injuries to the defence core. It'll be interesting to see if the nucks try and add a d man, maybe liles? although avs prob dont trade within division. Canucks d men will be back for playoffs, so its a good chance, they stand pat, and tread water until healthy. I dont think they have anything to give up, other than draft picks, to try and pick up a solid defencemen, anyway.
There's goin to be deals done on the deadline, but it may be a slow day, compared to what we've seen in the past. Although i may be completley out in left field, and it could be a very busy day, which is what all of us are probably hoping
Whatever happens, it should be lots of fun
chat with you later
keep your eye on the ball
It looks like the pens trying to fill the hole of some injuries, especially to crosby and malkin.
Unlike other years in the past, there is no certain player that is making headlines at this deadline. Earlier in the year, it was thought that maybe Iginla was on the block, but since the flames have really turned it around, and in a playoff position, thats off the table now.
The av's continue to be an interesting team, after trading stewart away, and anderson, it sound like they may not be done, with stastny and liles apparently on the block. What team wouldnt like to add either of those players to try and make a run at the cup this year.
The canucks, are in a great position, first overal in the nhl standings, but have had many injuries to the defence core. It'll be interesting to see if the nucks try and add a d man, maybe liles? although avs prob dont trade within division. Canucks d men will be back for playoffs, so its a good chance, they stand pat, and tread water until healthy. I dont think they have anything to give up, other than draft picks, to try and pick up a solid defencemen, anyway.
There's goin to be deals done on the deadline, but it may be a slow day, compared to what we've seen in the past. Although i may be completley out in left field, and it could be a very busy day, which is what all of us are probably hoping
Whatever happens, it should be lots of fun
chat with you later
keep your eye on the ball
Saturday, February 19, 2011
D Rose and the best get set for nba weekend
Just getting set to watch nba all star saturday, with the skills competition. My opinion, that the nba does maybe the best job with all star festivities than any other sport, its right up there for sure. Derrick Rose is the guy, iam most lookin forward to watching this weekend, no surprise, eh. lol, ya he's my main man. The thing i admire about rose the most, is how humble he is, now that he's really takin off into stardom. The guy is so shy, so humble, and works harder than anyone. You hear me, melo, wade, james, bosh, just to name a few off the top of my head...So nice to see a superstar just care about the game, the fans, and winning. Hopefully Rose stays on this same path through his nba career, and all playin with the bulls. Goin to be a great couple of days, watching the best of the best in the nba all star weekend, which technically started last night with the rookie, sophmore game, and celebrity game.
Get your popcorn ready!
Here is an example of Derrick Rose's humbleness
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzGzCXRzftM
keep your eye on the ball
Get your popcorn ready!
Here is an example of Derrick Rose's humbleness
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzGzCXRzftM
keep your eye on the ball
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