Toronto Blue Jays News

[chef_ducky 0]

Thomas got released

**********************

Crappy title fixed

[Viking 1]

Oh shit!... I knew he wasn't staying in Toronto with the way he's been, but I would have thought they could have gotten something for him in a trade. Thomas has been a real dick about this whole thing. They probably would sit him for contract reasons and I don't argue with him on that, but if the guy would hit the fucking ball once in a while, they'd be glad to let him play, and pay him $10 million next year - he has to see where a lot of this is his fault, because of his sub-par play.

[Doctor Hook 0]

Started off hot then went tits up. RIP Big Hurt.

[cds 0]

I think they should have given him a few more games before they made the call. Obviously the .167 average sucks, but David Ortiz is hitting .141 right now and I don't see Boston panicking. Aside from the average, 3 hr, 11 rbi in 16 games isn't that bad.

[Viking 1]

David Ortiz isn't 39 years old, and at the end of the road with his career. If Thomas didn't have the $10 million contract stipulation for next year, and hadn't been such an asshole about all this, I'm sure they wouldn't have released him. Sitting him was mostly about his play (and I'm sure somewhat about his contract), but releasing him was entirely about his attitude. Yesterday, they won, and he was the only player who didn't come on the field to congratulate his teammates after the game. After that, and what he'd already said, I'd have him traded or released before he left the stadium yesterday.

Since he got to Toronto, he's insisted that he isn't a cancer in the clubhouse, and he just wants to help the team win, but he showed his true colours as soon as things started to go bad for him personally. The team won, but they did it with him sitting on the bench, so he didn't care.

The Blue Jays have had enough problems off the field with Shea Hillenbrand, Ted Lilly, and John Gibbons - and probably other players too - the Hillenbrand/Zaun rift couldn't have been good for chemistry, they have Sal Fasano sulking in AAA after they promised him a major league backup job, and I imagine John MacDonald isn't happy they signed him long term, then signed David Eckstein shortly thereafter to ensure that he'd spend most days on the bench; or Alex Rios after they clearly spent the entire offseason trying to trade him. And don't forget Roy Halladay publicly stating last year that basically, the rest of the team didn't care if they won or lost. They don't need anyone contributing to the problems further. They can't afford to let the division that has been in their locker room get worse, and they had to get Thomas out of there to stop a bad situation (hopefully) before it started. The Blue Jays don't need any more unhappy players who make it miserable for everyone else, but the absolute last thing they need is a player like that who also can't perform on the field.

[RadioGaGa 162]

David Ortiz isn't 39 years old, and at the end of the road with his career. If Thomas didn't have the $10 million contract stipulation for next year, and hadn't been such an asshole about all this, I'm sure they wouldn't have released him. Sitting him was mostly about his play (and I'm sure somewhat about his contract), but releasing him was entirely about his attitude. Yesterday, they won, and he was the only player who didn't come on the field to congratulate his teammates after the game. After that, and what he'd already said, I'd have him traded or released before he left the stadium yesterday.

Since he got to Toronto, he's insisted that he isn't a cancer in the clubhouse, and he just wants to help the team win, but he showed his true colours as soon as things started to go bad for him personally. The team won, but they did it with him sitting on the bench, so he didn't care.

The Blue Jays have had enough problems off the field with Shea Hillenbrand, Ted Lilly, and John Gibbons - and probably other players too - the Hillenbrand/Zaun rift couldn't have been good for chemistry, they have Sal Fasano sulking in AAA after they promised him a major league backup job, and I imagine John MacDonald isn't happy they signed him long term, then signed David Eckstein shortly thereafter to ensure that he'd spend most days on the bench; or Alex Rios after they clearly spent the entire offseason trying to trade him. And don't forget Roy Halladay publicly stating last year that basically, the rest of the team didn't care if they won or lost. They don't need anyone contributing to the problems further. They can't afford to let the division that has been in their locker room get worse, and they had to get Thomas out of there to stop a bad situation (hopefully) before it started. The Blue Jays don't need any more unhappy players who make it miserable for everyone else, but the absolute last thing they need is a player like that who also can't perform on the field.

Aren't JP Richardi and Gibbons a little responsible for some of that stuff. Gibbons can't manage a bullpen worth shit, and JP is on year, what, 7 of a 4 year plan?!?!?!

[bubber27 0]

Aren't JP Richardi and Gibbons a little responsible for some of that stuff. Gibbons can't manage a bullpen worth shit, and JP is on year, what, 7 of a 4 year plan?!?!?!

It was a 5 Year plan. Gotta get your empty promises straight! And another Toronto pro team with locker room problems? No way, I don't believe it!!!!

And was at the game today, the fans here know their shit. So it's disheartening to see ROD BARAJAS DHing, hitting in the 5 spot today. And Wells, 0-fer with the sombrero, yikes.

Jays should've only taken a flier on Thomas, and spent the 9 mil elsewhere this year. Maybe an upgrade at SS (even though Eckstein went deep today).

And Burnett needs to stop trying to strike everyone out, and get groundball outs. 115 pitches in 5 innings? Yikes, the inevitable DL trip is just around the corner for this guy. So glad he's on the books for another 3 years.

I could go on, but i'm just getting more frustrated typing this. My keyboard is begging me to stop.....

Phil

[RadioGaGa 162]

Aren't JP Richardi and Gibbons a little responsible for some of that stuff. Gibbons can't manage a bullpen worth shit, and JP is on year, what, 7 of a 4 year plan?!?!?!

It was a 5 Year plan. Gotta get your empty promises straight! And another Toronto pro team with locker room problems? No way, I don't believe it!!!!

And was at the game today, the fans here know their shit. So it's disheartening to see ROD BARAJAS DHing, hitting in the 5 spot today. And Wells, 0-fer with the sombrero, yikes.

Jays should've only taken a flier on Thomas, and spent the 9 mil elsewhere this year. Maybe an upgrade at SS (even though Eckstein went deep today).

And Burnett needs to stop trying to strike everyone out, and get groundball outs. 115 pitches in 5 innings? Yikes, the inevitable DL trip is just around the corner for this guy. So glad he's on the books for another 3 years.

I could go on, but i'm just getting more frustrated typing this. My keyboard is begging me to stop.....

Phil

I read (somewhere) today...."Could Bonds be the DH answer in Toronto?" I hope not...this locker room hardly needs MORE distractions...

For the time being...I'd DH whoever of Stairs/Stewart isn't in the starting lineup.

[bubber27 0]

I read (somewhere) today...."Could Bonds be the DH answer in Toronto?" I hope not...this locker room hardly needs MORE distractions...

For the time being...I'd DH whoever of Stairs/Stewart isn't in the starting lineup.

Oh man, that would be ugly. They'd have to keep the roof open, so he wouldn't bang his ungodly big head on the ceiling.

Phil

[RadioGaGa 162]

I read (somewhere) today...."Could Bonds be the DH answer in Toronto?" I hope not...this locker room hardly needs MORE distractions...

For the time being...I'd DH whoever of Stairs/Stewart isn't in the starting lineup.

Oh man, that would be ugly. They'd have to keep the roof open, so he wouldn't bang his ungodly big head on the ceiling.

Phil

Although, he could have a field day in Skydome (I hate the name Rogers Centre). He might add another 100 to that record of his in a couple seasons in the T-dot.

[bubber27 0]

Although, he could have a field day in Skydome (I hate the name Rogers Centre). He might add another 100 to that record of his in a couple seasons in the T-dot.

Yeah, but with a big ass asterisk beside it, again.

And the city doesn't need another prima donna waltzing through like they own the place (see: Carter, Vince).

Phil

[patr0510 0]

thank god thomas is gone.

[Viking 1]

Aren't JP Richardi and Gibbons a little responsible for some of that stuff. Gibbons can't manage a bullpen worth shit, and JP is on year, what, 7 of a 4 year plan?!?!?!

Yes, of course they are. They're responsible for almost all of it. Pretty much, Ricciardi is responsible for the on-field problems - like A.J. Burnett's contract, the fact that the lineup only has one (maybe two if Wells can keep his shit together) strong offensive player, they now have no designated hitter, and that they simply aren't good enough now and don't have any young players or minor league prospects that would indicate that they will be good enough any time soon.

When he's had fist fights with two players, and a team has had this many chemistry, and off-field issues; you really have to believe the off-field things are John Gibbons' fault - and if they aren't his fault, they're at the very least, his responsibility - he can't let things like that keep happening. The responsibility for that has to fall on the manager. The Cincinnati Bengals are about the only professional sports team I can think of that have had as many off-field problems with their players as the Toronto Blue Jays have. They've had so many that I couldn't even remember them all - I forgot about Gustavo Chacin when I was listing them earier.

If I were running that baseball team, neither one of those clowns would have had a job at the start of last season, let alone this one. They have already officially worn out their welcome a while ago - at the end of the five year plan, Ricciardi had them no closer to the playoffs than when he began, and had done nothing he promised; and Gibbons continues to show that he's only capable of making things worse. When the Hillenbrand thing happened, I and everyone else stood behind Gibbons, but when things like that keep happening with Blue Jays players, you can't really blame the players for it anymore. It's the people running the show that aren't good enough, and that's reflected on the field.

[RadioGaGa 162]

Aren't JP Richardi and Gibbons a little responsible for some of that stuff. Gibbons can't manage a bullpen worth shit, and JP is on year, what, 7 of a 4 year plan?!?!?!

Yes, of course they are. They're responsible for almost all of it. Pretty much, Ricciardi is responsible for the on-field problems - like A.J. Burnett's contract, the fact that the lineup only has one (maybe two if Wells can keep his shit together) strong offensive player, they now have no designated hitter, and that they simply aren't good enough now and don't have any young players or minor league prospects that would indicate that they will be good enough any time soon.

When he's had fist fights with two players, and a team has had this many chemistry, and off-field issues; you really have to believe the off-field things are John Gibbons' fault - and if they aren't his fault, they're at the very least, his responsibility - he can't let things like that keep happening. The responsibility for that has to fall on the manager. The Cincinnati Bengals are about the only professional sports team I can think of that have had as many off-field problems with their players as the Toronto Blue Jays have. They've had so many that I couldn't even remember them all - I forgot about Gustavo Chacin when I was listing them earier.

If I were running that baseball team, neither one of those clowns would have had a job at the start of last season, let alone this one. They have already officially worn out their welcome a while ago - at the end of the five year plan, Ricciardi had them no closer to the playoffs than when he began, and had done nothing he promised; and Gibbons continues to show that he's only capable of making things worse. When the Hillenbrand thing happened, I and everyone else stood behind Gibbons, but when things like that keep happening with Blue Jays players, you can't really blame the players for it anymore. It's the people running the show that aren't good enough, and that's reflected on the field.

I don't know if Cincy is the best comparison, but I see what you are saying. They've got personality issues (Ocho), but Toronto doesn't have the problems with players getting into legal/ethical problems like the Bengals. I think those go WAY beyond sports.

[Chadd 916]

They're in the same division as the Sox and the Yankees, they don't have a chance in hell of winning anything.

[RadioGaGa 162]

They're in the same division as the Sox and the Yankees, they don't have a chance in hell of winning anything.

They are ahead of NYY right now...(mind you it's early). I'm not saying they will win the East...but, if ever they've had a lineup capable of making a run at the Wildcard...it's this year.

They've got a great staff if everyone stays healthy and does what they are capable of. Decent bullpen (when Gibbons doesn't mismanage a game all to hell). 2 GREAT closers (Ryan/Acardo) Their defensive infield is awesome! And, Rio/Wells/Rolen (once healthy)/Overbay/Stairs and Stewart are all able to put up offensive numbers. The parts are there, if they don't get injured.

[cbj05 0]

<------ :P I know many hate him, but I actually like Gibby. JP is the one that needs to go, IMO.

Anyways, how 'bout Frank Thomas bobblehead day on May 25! :lol:

I never really liked Thomas signing from the beginning, and I am very glad to see him gone. I went down to spring training this year, and he looked like complete shit. He couldn't get around on a fastball from some minor league scrub, and looked like he could not generate any bat speed. He didn't produce, and the Jays couldn't wait around for him to heat up, simple as that.

[RadioGaGa 162]

<------ :P I know many hate him, but I actually like Gibby. JP is the one that needs to go, IMO.

Anyways, how 'bout Frank Thomas bobblehead day on May 25! :lol:

I never really liked Thomas signing from the beginning, and I am very glad to see him gone. I went down to spring training this year, and he looked like complete shit. He couldn't get around on a fastball from some minor league scrub, and looked like he could not generate any bat speed. He didn't produce, and the Jays couldn't wait around for him to heat up, simple as that.

At least b'head day isn't next weekend. They've got time to do something new for the promo. I wonder what those will show up on ebay for *L*

[Viking 1]

They're in the same division as the Sox and the Yankees, they don't have a chance in hell of winning anything.

I don't know why I'm bringing this up, because I mostly agree with that - but they did come in second place, ahead of Boston in '06... I know that without the wild card spot, that and three dollars will get you a ride on the bus; but they have come in second recently, and if they can do that, you have to believe the wildcard is a possibility, though admittedly a remote one. They've played tough, and had good records against good teams like Boston and New York - it's what they've done against teams they should be annhialating that's been the problem. It's not the Yankees and Red Sox that keep them out of the playoffs, it's the Devil Rays and the Orioles. The records are pretty even when they play the Red Sox and Yankees - why they aren't contenders is because the records are also pretty even when they play the Devil Rays; which isn't the case for Boston and New York.

Boston and New York go into Kansas City, Baltimore, or Tampa Bay, and are disappointed if they don't leave with a sweep. The Blue Jays are happy when they leave with a win or two, and they shouldn't be. If they can beat the Yankees and Sox on a regular basis, and play them tough every time - which they do - they should be able to win by ten when they play the Royals - which they don't. But that they're beating the better teams when they get up for them says that they have the players and the skill to make the playoffs, or at least be in the race. I don't know if this comes down to lazy players, or a bad manager (which they have, but I'm not sure they'd be in the playoffs with a better one), or what; but they can do it... They just don't.

[mrusse01 0]

The Jays brass handled this like a bag of hammers. I don't know what kind of franchise simply outright releases their best offensive player from the previous season. Over the length of the season is a Lind/Stairs/Stewart platoon at DH/LF going to be better than Thomas at DH and Stairs/Stewart in left? NO.

Maybe I'm nuts, but paying $10 million for the guy who led your team in HR and RBI last season togo away doesn't sound like a good baseball decision.

It'll never happen, but I'd sign Bonds for sure. The guy led MLB in OBP last year, and that was with arguably the worst line-up in the majors hitting around him and having to go out and play LF every day. Put him at DH in a hitter's park with a strong line-up like the jays potentially have and he easily puts big numbers. Plus we are dying for a LH bat.

[-brady2 0]

The Jays brass handled this like a bag of hammers. I don't know what kind of franchise simply outright releases their best offensive player from the previous season. Over the length of the season is a Lind/Stairs/Stewart platoon at DH/LF going to be better than Thomas at DH and Stairs/Stewart in left? NO.

Maybe I'm nuts, but paying $10 million for the guy who led your team in HR and RBI last season togo away doesn't sound like a good baseball decision.

It'll never happen, but I'd sign Bonds for sure. The guy led MLB in OBP last year, and that was with arguably the worst line-up in the majors hitting around him and having to go out and play LF every day. Put him at DH in a hitter's park with a strong line-up like the jays potentially have and he easily puts big numbers. Plus we are dying for a LH bat.

I like the Bonds idea, I like it a lot.

[RadioGaGa 162]

The Jays brass handled this like a bag of hammers. I don't know what kind of franchise simply outright releases their best offensive player from the previous season. Over the length of the season is a Lind/Stairs/Stewart platoon at DH/LF going to be better than Thomas at DH and Stairs/Stewart in left? NO.

Maybe I'm nuts, but paying $10 million for the guy who led your team in HR and RBI last season togo away doesn't sound like a good baseball decision.

It'll never happen, but I'd sign Bonds for sure. The guy led MLB in OBP last year, and that was with arguably the worst line-up in the majors hitting around him and having to go out and play LF every day. Put him at DH in a hitter's park with a strong line-up like the jays potentially have and he easily puts big numbers. Plus we are dying for a LH bat.

I like the Bonds idea, I like it a lot.

Big Hurt wanted to get to his $10M option for next year ans the team balked (to borrow a bb phrase)....Big Head is gonna want $20M+...I don't see it happening.

[-brady2 0]

The Jays brass handled this like a bag of hammers. I don't know what kind of franchise simply outright releases their best offensive player from the previous season. Over the length of the season is a Lind/Stairs/Stewart platoon at DH/LF going to be better than Thomas at DH and Stairs/Stewart in left? NO.

Maybe I'm nuts, but paying $10 million for the guy who led your team in HR and RBI last season togo away doesn't sound like a good baseball decision.

It'll never happen, but I'd sign Bonds for sure. The guy led MLB in OBP last year, and that was with arguably the worst line-up in the majors hitting around him and having to go out and play LF every day. Put him at DH in a hitter's park with a strong line-up like the jays potentially have and he easily puts big numbers. Plus we are dying for a LH bat.

I like the Bonds idea, I like it a lot.

Big Hurt wanted to get to his $10M option for next year ans the team balked (to borrow a bb phrase)....Big Head is gonna want $20M+...I don't see it happening.

Neither do I, but it's nice to dream.

[Viking 1]

I think at this point, the Head would take whatever he was offered if it was offered to him by a Major League team. Nobody wants him, for so many very good reasons. If the Blue Jays are in bad shape now, they'd be a disaster if he were there. I'd rather they let John McDonald be the DH than bring in Barry Bonds. Even if your team comes in third place because of it, there's something to be said for not contributing to a black eye on your sport, and becoming the laughingstock of your league. And even with his possible on-field contributions, would that really be worth it? Not even from the standpoint of ripping apart the team and making it a joke - on the field as well. We all know what a circus the team would become - that distraction would probably subtract as much from the team as Bonds would add. The only bright side I can see in Toronto signing Barry Bonds is that maybe John Gibbons would beat him up.

[mrusse01 0]

The Jays brass handled this like a bag of hammers. I don't know what kind of franchise simply outright releases their best offensive player from the previous season. Over the length of the season is a Lind/Stairs/Stewart platoon at DH/LF going to be better than Thomas at DH and Stairs/Stewart in left? NO.

Maybe I'm nuts, but paying $10 million for the guy who led your team in HR and RBI last season togo away doesn't sound like a good baseball decision.

It'll never happen, but I'd sign Bonds for sure. The guy led MLB in OBP last year, and that was with arguably the worst line-up in the majors hitting around him and having to go out and play LF every day. Put him at DH in a hitter's park with a strong line-up like the jays potentially have and he easily puts big numbers. Plus we are dying for a LH bat.

I like the Bonds idea, I like it a lot.

Big Hurt wanted to get to his $10M option for next year ans the team balked (to borrow a bb phrase)....Big Head is gonna want $20M+...I don't see it happening.

No way he's getting anything close to $20 million.

I agree he may be a distraction off the field, but Toronto is probably one of the better markets in that it wouldn't be as crazy as New York or something like that, but the team is just good eneough and the city large enough that he would still feel relevent.

And I don't buy the whole argument that signing him is a disgrace to the game or whatever. The whole era is tainted, we already have Zaun on the team, he was in the Mitchell Report? You can't single out one player just because he happened to be better than everybody else and was an asshole about it. It should be about winning ballgames, not trying to put together a friendly roster, Bonds would make us a better team. Period.

Problem is there is no way Rogers is going to give JP the money to sign him, even if he wanted to. If they had done the smart thing and maybe got someone to eat even half of Big Frank's contract that could have freed up the $5 million or so to try and chase Barry.