Inside Baseball with Jesse Barfield

With the trade deadline just around the corner, Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi has stuck to his guns and so far refused to trade A.J. Burnett. Good pitching is so hard to come by, and with the uncertainty surrounding Dustin McGowan after he had shoulder surgery, I really can't blame Ricciardi.

A.J. has electric stuff and he is a bulldog on the mound, which is intimidating to hitters. With some pitchers, you see players just dig in, get comfortable and get ready to crush the ball. But with A.J., you don't see many hitters running up to home plate to face him. When he is on top of his game, he can match up with any pitcher - yes, I said any pitcher in baseball.

With the trade deadline just around the corner, Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi has stuck to his guns and so far refused to trade A.J. Burnett. Good pitching is so hard to come by, and with the uncertainty surrounding Dustin McGowan after it was announced he needs shoulder surgery, I really can't blame Ricciardi.

A.J. has electric stuff and he is a bulldog on the mound, which is intimidating to hitters. With some pitchers, you see players just dig in, get comfortable and get ready to crush the ball. But with A.J., you don't see many hitters running up to home plate to face him. When he is on top of his game, he can match up with any pitcher - yes, I said any pitcher - in baseball.

A scout told me just the other day that when Burnett steps on the mound he has a presence that only some of the elite pitchers have, and when he is on his game there are not many pitchers who are better "stuff-wise." By "stuff-wise," the scout means a combination of the velocity and movement on Burnett's pitches. And his breaking ball is nasty. So would you trade him?

Angels get more dangerous

Speaking of trades, how about the Angels-Braves deal involving Mark Teixeira and Casey Kotchman? Wow! The Angels already had the best record in the majors and many people feel like the acquisition of Teixeira may put them back into the World Series.

After doing the Jays-Angels broadcast last month, I can plainly see why L.A. is so good.

They have a closer who I think is the best in the game today in Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez. Also, the team is so fundamentally sound that although they were not hitting very well at the time, they did just enough to win the close games. Adding one of the game's top young sluggers in Teixeira, who also happens to be a Gold Glove first baseman, only makes them more dangerous.

To tell you the truth, though, I was really surprised by the trade because Kotchman is such a good player. And since he came up through the Angels organization, I thought he was a part of their future.

But - and I can speak from experience - things don't always work out that way. When my son Josh Barfield got traded from the Padres, he was in San Diego for a banquet to get an award! He had grown up through the organization, and he loved his teammates and the city. Sometimes this game can catch you off guard.

Sox should make amends with Manny

How about the situation in Boston? Manny Ramirez says he is tired of the front office and they are tired of him, so he wants to be traded. If I were in the Red Sox' position, I'd try to make amends with Manny because his bat cannot be replaced and they can't win without him.

With just two games separating the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays and the Red Sox on Wednesday morning, Boston can't afford to lose Ramirez now. I think a move like that would only benefit the Rays or any other team that would get Manny.

The thing about the trade deadline is that it causes a lot of uneasiness in the clubhouse because you never know who is going to be there from day to day. Everyone is wondering, "Is it going to be me?" and "How will my family
take a move to wherever I go?"

You have to go out and do your job, but it's still in the back of your mind. So once the deadline is over, you can breathe a little better.

By the end of the deadline there should be a few more interesting moves that could impact the rest of this season. So I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Posted by Signa Butler at 07:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Tuesday night’s game against the Baltimore Orioles was a slugfest!

The Jays kept battling from behind with some tough at bats and gutsy play - now that was a good old-fashioned, knock-down, drag-out ballgame. It just kept going back and forth until the late innings. And Toronto’s hitters FINALLY picked up the pitchers this time.

Hey, they were due, the pitchers have been carrying this team all season long and to be quite frank with you, they have carried the load for the past few years.

Tuesday night’s game against the Baltimore Orioles was a slugfest!

The Jays kept battling from behind with some tough at bats and gutsy play - now that was a good old-fashioned, knock-down, drag-out ballgame. It just kept going back and forth until the late innings. And Toronto’s hitters FINALLY picked up the pitchers this time.

Hey, they were due, the pitchers have been carrying this team all season long and to be quite frank with you, they have carried the load for the past few years.

Adjusting to pitching "trickery"

Why you might ask? Despite some untimely injuries, the hitters are just not getting the job done in clutch situations. I know I have said it before, and I am saying it again because it's the truth. There has also been a lack of consistency and absence of the long ball from some very talented hitters, who are still trying to figure themselves mechanically, as well as the "trickery" gong on in major league baseball.

By trickery, I mean throwing slow stuff when the hitters are ahead in the count or as players call it, "pitching backwards.” Pitchers have been doing this for quite some time now and getting away with it, but now some of the Jays hitters have figured them out and are making the adjustment.

And speaking of adjustments, it has taken a little longer to reprogram the Jays’ hitters and get them to buy into the team’s new hitting philosophy.

Hitters have to trust the new program, mentally and physically. It's funny, my wife and I were talking about how sometimes your mind and body have a fight. Your hand says, "I am going to pick that up but your mind says, no you're not!" Well, sometimes the mind wins, sometimes the hand wins. Anyone on a diet can understand what I am saying! You know, like a piece of candy or cake?

It's the same with trusting the new hitting philosophy - your mind agrees with it, but your body is still a few steps behind and doesn't respond right away. Although you know what is best for you, it takes time to reprogram yourself. It has taken a little more time tweaking some of the mechanics of a few hitters, but as they win games like Tuesday, they will build on that confidence.

Lind has been explosive

Sometimes it seems like the Jays are toying with the fans by winning a few games, looking like they have finally broken out for a long winning streak, and then come the losses. Because expectations are so high right now, we are trying to push the Jays into a position for the playoffs. And to be honest, I really expect them to turn the corner and make a run for it.

Just look at the play of young Adam Lind. His swing is so smooth and the ball jumps off of his bat. And Adam is starting to get a little seasoning, learning the league and getting use to these crafty American League pitchers. Just look what he did Tuesday night with two outs in the top of the sixth on a 0-1 side-arm breaking ball. He just crushed it deep to right with teammates on first and second base with the Jays trailing 7-6. Lind waited back and with one swing of the bat, he pulled his hands in and kept the ball fair! Boom! The Jays went up 9-7 and would never look back as they pulled away with a 10-8 win.

B.J. Ryan came in and although it wasn't pretty, he held off the pesky Baltimore Orioles. Wasn't it good to see Shawn Marcum back on the mound again where he belongs? He wasn't as sharp as he normally is, but that is to be expected after being out so long. He just simply got the ball up in the zone and hung a few breaking balls, which the Orioles just didn't miss. He's a tough kid and he will shake it off and bounce back. It's all a matter of adjustments.

There is still a lot of baseball left to play, so let's go gain some ground in the American League East.

Posted by Signa Butler at 04:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We're at the midway point of the Major League season, so here's my wrap up of the first half in the American League and few things to look for going forward.

We're at the midway point of the Major League season, so here's my wrap up of the first half in the American League and few things to look for going forward.

Boston has come out and taken over the lead in the AL East. With Big Papi on his way back they are going to be a force to be reckoned with the rest of the season.

Has Tampa Bay finally come down to earth? Or is this something they will shake off? As for the New York Yankees, it's only a question of whether the bats will come alive in the second half.

Can the Jays stay healthy and continue to improve offensively? With Cito and his staff at the helm, I think Toronto’s chances are still very good. Hopefully we’ll see more wins for the Jays in the second half.

As for Baltimore, well, they are Baltimore and many expected them to be right where they are … in the cellar.

Surprises aplenty in the Central

As for the AL Central, it hasn't gone the way many predicted it would. The Chicago White Sox have been pitching their butts off and they get just enough clutch hitting when they need it. These guys could be dangerous because they have a lineup full of power.

The Minnesota Twins have come from nowhere to get back into the race. Ron Gardenhire is one of the most underrated managers in Major League Baseball, so you can never count them out. The Twins play great fundamental baseball and Joe Nathan is one of the most reliable closers in the game. And let’s not forget the power of Canada's Justin Morneau, who just won the home run derby and Joe Mauer's leadership behind the plate.

On paper, the Detroit Tigers looked unbeatable entering the season, but got off to a horrible start and dug a hole they may not be able to get out of. Injuries, poor performance, and just inconsistency have dogged them the entire first half. The Kansas City Royals have a crop of good young talent, but they still need to learn how to win. They look great for a week or two then tank for a week. It's just youth and it's going to take a while.

The real surprise in the Central is the Cleveland Indians. From first to worst is tough on a team. Injuries have killed them this season. They have released their closer Joe Borowski who saved 45 games last season and traded the reigning Cy Young winner CC Sabathia to the Brewers.

The next half should be just as interesting.

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Fans got their money’s worth over the all-star weekend, from the incredible home run derby to the game itself.

Did you see Josh Hamilton in the first round of the home run derby? He put on a video game-like display with 28 bombs. You've got to be kidding me!

For those fans who had not heard the background story of Josh Hamilton and his struggle with drug addiction, they got to see a young man determined to turn his life around, and boy has he ever. Just think, he didn't play baseball for the last three years and can dominate Major League pitching the way he does? Now to me, he is "The Natural.”

Then we have the all-star game and no one expected it to be the battle it turned out to be.

Fans got their money’s worth over the all-star weekend, from the incredible home run derby to the game itself.

Did you see Josh Hamilton in the first round of the home run derby? He put on a video game-like display with 28 bombs. You've got to be kidding me!

For those fans who had not heard the background story of Josh Hamilton and his struggle with drug addiction, they got to see a young man determined to turn his life around, and boy has he ever. Just think, he didn't play baseball for the last three years and can dominate Major League pitching the way he does? Now to me, he is "The Natural.”

Then we have the all-star game and no one expected it to be the battle it turned out to be.

In the 15 innings, this game had it all. Some great throws from the outfield, web gems in the infield and how about the job Canadian-born catcher Russell Martin did behind home plate?

Pitching roster should be expanded

Both managers emptied their benches and bullpens which put them in a position to use players that they didn't intend to use, such as [Tampa Bay Rays left-hander] Scott Kazmir. Kazmir had just pitched Sunday and was on a pitch count. Roy Halladay came in looking strong and made the Jays proud. And look at what happened to [Phillies’ closer] Brad Lidge. He kept having to get up and almost threw an entire game warming up in the bullpen.

If these games are going to determine who has home-field advantage in the World Series, then I think the pitching roster should be expanded. It's better to have too much than not enough. It really would have been a mess for Major League Baseball if no one had scored in the 15th.

I was so impressed with Russell Martin from the way he handled the pitchers to the way he moved behind home plate … and oh yeah, this kid can HIT! Pretty good, eh? All in all, it was a fantastic send off to a great stadium that many will miss, including me. Remember, that was also my home for four years.

(Believe it or not, I’m playing in the last Old-Timer's Game in Yankee Stadium next month. Yes, I said Old Timers. When did I get old?

Posted by Signa Butler at 07:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

There has been so much talk lately about all the great catchers that come from Puerto Rico, like rookie all-star Geovany Soto of the Chicago Cubs.

How good is he?

How about this stat … he’s the first rookie catcher ever to start an all-star game! Now that’s impressive. But I have a theory that there is a farm somewhere in the hills of Puerto Rico where they raise catchers just like San Pedro in the Dominican Republic raises big league shortstops!

Just think about it, all three Molina brothers are Puerto Rican (each has a World Series ring), and of course Carlos Delgado came to the Jays as a catcher. Where is he from? Yep, you got it, Puerto Rico. For some, this may be a surprise, but not really for me. Let me tell you why.

There has been so much talk lately about all the great catchers that come from Puerto Rico, like rookie all-star Geovany Soto of the Chicago Cubs.

How good is he?

How about this stat … he’s the first rookie catcher ever to start an all-star game! Now that’s impressive. But I have a theory that there is a farm somewhere in the hills of Puerto Rico where they raise catchers just like San Pedro in the Dominican Republic raises big league shortstops!

Just think about it, all three Molina brothers are Puerto Rican (each has a World Series ring), and of course Carlos Delgado came to the Jays as a catcher. Where is he from? Yep, you got it, Puerto Rico. For some, this may be a surprise, but not really for me. Let me tell you why.

A mentor in Sandy

Last year while I was at a Gold Glove autograph show, Roberto Alomar and I had a chance to catch up and he shared a little insight with me. Robby, as he is called, said that Sandy Alomar Jr. has been passing along valuable techniques and skills to the next generation of catchers in Puerto Rico and are we ever seeing the fruits of his labour!

Again, the importance of a player to give back and to mentor is so important, like a movie said, pay it forward. The benefit we get as mentors is that as the game or sport we love continues to grow, the players will get better and the game will live on.

It’s funny how we think so much has changed. Sometimes when we’re young we feel we can’t learn from the “elder statesmen,” but I learned from my uncle who played in the old Negro League about driving the ball the other way and using the whole field! At the time he shared with me, he hadn’t played in over 40 plus years, but the game itself hasn’t changed. Look at the managers and coaches, they are the experience of the game, they may not be able to execute it anymore, but they can tell you how to do it.

One thing I have noticed is that the intensity level for the Jays goes back and forth from game to game. And that has to stop if you want to get on a winning track. I know it’s adjustment time, but hey, stay focused and turn up the intensity level, especially on the road. Not being critical, just a bit of advice.

Seriously though, why are the Rays still in first? They play with intelligence, intensity and they just get after it night after night! From one through nine they are a force to be dealt with every game because you don’t know who is going to step up and be the hero. They do the little things well such as situational hitting and they can still hit the long ball when they need it. The Rays know how to execute and get the job done.

The great stadiums take a bow

With the all-star game coming up, I am starting to get a little sad. The Yankee Stadium I played in will soon be gone, but so is Exhibition Staduim in Toronto, and The Kingdome in Seattle, The Astrodome in Houston, The Old Cominsky Park where I grew up … how about we just stop right there because there are too many stadiums that are gone since I played. I guess I am getting old or something … or maybe it’s just Rance getting old. How many stadiums in your lifetime can you name that have been demolished or, let’s just say, retired?

I am off to see my youngest son play in a professional game tonight in Vancouver. It is so awesome having these young men play the game we love in Canada. Isn’t that crazy! Hey, the kids supported me all these years, now it’s my time to get in the stands and do the same. Can I boo them like they did me when I struck out? I guess not.

[My oldest son] Josh was the worst. In the old Exhibition Stadium, it was so quiet, then this little voice would scream: “You struck out Barfield and don’t do it again.” At one point, I think I feared Josh more than Bobby Cox! But after a heart to heart, I let him know I needed his support and he stopped (I guess he just kept it inside). So once again I’m cheering on a team in Canada - the Vancouver Canadians.

Life is good.

Posted by Signa Butler at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Interleague play in Major League Baseball was more exciting this year than ever. Why? It’s because the cross-town rivals are playing good baseball.

Just look at the Chicago teams, the Cubs and the White Sox are kicking some butt this year. Growing up in Joliet, Ill., just outside of Chicago, I was a huge fan of both teams.

Now, some people say you can’t be a fan of both teams, but why not? I loved my hometown teams and had heroes on both: from Ernie Banks (Mr. Cub), Billy Williams (Cubs) to Dick Allen of the White Sox. The excitement for both the Cubs and White Sox fans seeing their teams go head to head during the season takes the rivalry to another level. Oh, I would have loved it! Can you imagine the trash talking in the stands? It must be crazy.

Interleague play in Major League Baseball was more exciting this year than ever. Why? It’s because the cross-town rivals are playing good baseball.

Just look at the Chicago teams, the Cubs and the White Sox are kicking some butt this year. Growing up in Joliet, Ill., just outside of Chicago, I was a huge fan of both teams.

Now, some people say you can’t be a fan of both teams, but why not? I loved my hometown teams and had heroes on both: from Ernie Banks (Mr. Cub), Billy Williams (Cubs) to Dick Allen of the White Sox. The excitement for both the Cubs and White Sox fans seeing their teams go head to head during the season takes the rivalry to another level. Oh, I would have loved it! Can you imagine the trash talking in the stands? It must be crazy.

How about the Cubs, Reds and Braves coming to the Rogers Centre this season? It’s awesome! The Jays fans came out to get a look at players that they only hear of or see on TV - Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, and wasn’t it great to have Bobby Cox back in town?

The stadium was full of excited fans that came to see how the Jays matched up to these National League teams. It started off pretty rough, but the Cubs are on a tear, they are just beating up on teams, so the Jays are in good company.

But when the Reds and Braves got to town, all the dust from the change of management had settled down, and the guys were playing good fundamental baseball, taking two out of three from both teams. I’ll take that any day!
And look at the runs they put on the board! That gave the pitching staff some room to just go out there and not worry about if they would get any run support. Where did all of this suddenly come from?

“Cito effect” comes into play

It comes from the top. The quality of leadership that manager Cito Gaston brings is almost father-like - he’s encouraging yet firm when he needs to be. The “Cito effect” in the Jays’ clubhouse is growing more every day. They’re now playing with more confidence and they’re even starting to get their swagger back. You can see in their faces as they take the field that the stress level has gone down tremendously. (And so can the opposing team, they know the Jays now mean business).

Now I see guys smiling in the dugout, coaches talking to the guys, and a new chemistry being developed. I even hear about game plans and how to execute them, and it’s starting to work. Look at the offence - it’s beginning to come around.

It takes time, though. They didn’t get into all this mess overnight and won’t get out overnight, but these are steps to getting back into contention. If the Jays will stay with the game plan, the second part of this season should be a lot of fun to watch.

Rios searches for rhythm

Speaking of game plans, Cito told Alex Rios to get a game plan at the plate and stick with it. That is advice well put. As a hitter, when you just don’t feel right at the plate, you start experimenting with all kinds of stuff, listening to everyone, trying everything that everyone else is doing and before you know it, you are really messed up!

Unfortunately, I can speak from experience about that ... believe me, no one likes going 0-for-4 or 0-for-5. It stinks!
The best thing I could say to Alex is: listen to the man! He knows what he’s talking about, trust me, he told me the same thing when I was your age. Cito mentored me, as well as many others who went on to have very successful careers, and it worked. That’s an added benefit of having a manager who was also a player, a hitting coach and has gone through all of this. Sit down, talk to him, pick his brain. After all, Cito knows about producing, he was Hank Aaron’s roommate!

By the way, a note to all the unbelievers, the Tampa Bay Rays are still in first place. No one saw this coming, except maybe them. Their pitching has been phenomenal and they keep getting clutch hit after clutch hit. And the defence is spectacular. They make web gems almost every night! Add it all together; you get first in your division. I keep telling you, these guys are for real.

And, I think the Jays are now too.

Posted by Signa Butler at 10:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)