Saturday, May 01, 2010
Frasor not, Frasier!
Kevin Gregg is absolutely my choice as closer for several reasons:
Filthy Numbers: ERA 0.82 and a K/BB ratio of 14/1
Closer Mentality: 5/5 in save opportunities
Closer Demeanour: Funky delivery, and weird goggles should do the trick
Not Dr. Randy Gregg: but I keep mistaking him for the retired Edmonton Oiler. I’ll support anything that takes me back to the mid-80’s when 21 wins could actually get the Leafs into the playoffs, and my responsibilities consisted of riding my bike to the local Beckers for slushys and Mad Magazines.
…and most importantly for me…
I’m not really a fan of his: He just joined the team in the off season. I haven’t spent any time or energy watching him develop. Having no vested interest in the player on the mound really helps lower my anxiety level during save opportunities.
So keep going Kevin…but try punching out some young fans looking for autographs…so I don’t develop an attachment.
In contrast to the Jays current closer allow me to present their previous one, Jason Frasor.
I’ve become a big fan of his, through watching him develop his surprisingly lively arm, allowing him to transition through the roles of a stop-gap closer –17 saves in ‘04-, the frustrating obscurity of middle relief, and dependable late inning guy in 2009. He’s been a quality character, never showing up drunk or nude on the internet, played well enough that I’ve forgiven him for costing us Jayson Werth –another JP classic “Since I didn’t draft him he can’t be any good” kind of move-, and I’ve even got him on my fantasy baseball team. Relating to a player in this way is part of what makes it so enjoyable to be a sports fan. It allows us to reach ultimate highs, but unfortunately results in some significant lows. It pains me to relay this butchering paraphrasing of a Cheers classic, but here goes:
-Missing the game winning shot: That’s a Frasier
-Missing the game winning shot, while losing balance, and knocking yourself out on the floor: That’s a Frasier Crane
-Going three for five in save opportunities, while consistently failing to get the leadoff batter out, and losing two mph on your fastball: That’s a Jason Frasor.
But on that note…Buck: stop pronouncing his name Frasier.
Some other unrelated thoughts:
-The minor tweak made to Brandon Morrow’s delivery has elevated his status as a ball player past olympian Brenden Morrow and just behind Mauro Gozzo. Keep up the good work Brandon.
-The Tampa Bay Rays have gone to a light blue jersey. My obsession with the blue unis has allowed me to overlook the fact that teams stopped wearing the baby blues several years before the Devil Rays were even a glint in Bud Selig’s eye.
-In the last 14 games the Jays have gone 1 and 8 in games against AL powers L.A., Tampa and Boston, and managed to win an tidy 4 of 5 against also rans KC and Oakland. Call me crazy, but I really prefer watching the Jays beat the dregs of the league, than have their retro white panelled hats handed to them by the cream of the crop. So, would the morons insisting that a balanced schedule or realignment would hurt the Jays because they’ll see less of the big crowds brought in by the good teams please stand down? I want to see a winner, I really don’t care if we’re beating a fourth rate cricket team. Besides, Rogers doesn’t need the extra money, I’ve seen my cable, internet and phone bill.
-Travis Snider is really starting to look more comfortable at the plate. Even when he’s not getting hits, he’s showing more of a clue, and making solid contact. Yesterday’s double to left field off former Jay Chad Gaudin (where were the boos then?) showed his power to the opposite field. The fact that he’s seeing any pitches away suggests that the league thinks he’s beginning to adjust to the high and inside stuff.
-I’m having a great time watching the V-dub renaissance, but why’d he get lifted for a pinch runner on Friday night? Did he tweak another hamstring?
-Adam Lind, could you please stop striking out, I’m starting to get nervous.
And Lastly: Tao of Stieb, which is a Jay’s blog I use to feed my addiction, made a suggestion that Windows Restaurant be replaced with some sort of open patio. I like the idea a lot, this could be a general admission walking area, hard core barbecue and beer garden. I’d like to take it a step further and have some of the outfield sections replaced with an astro turf picnic area. People should be allowed to eat the barbecue here, or even bring their own food from home. Families would love this and it would go a long way to building up a young fan base that could grow with the team into its competitive years. ¶ posted by Mark at 3:02 PM
Filthy Numbers: ERA 0.82 and a K/BB ratio of 14/1
Closer Mentality: 5/5 in save opportunities
Closer Demeanour: Funky delivery, and weird goggles should do the trick
Not Dr. Randy Gregg: but I keep mistaking him for the retired Edmonton Oiler. I’ll support anything that takes me back to the mid-80’s when 21 wins could actually get the Leafs into the playoffs, and my responsibilities consisted of riding my bike to the local Beckers for slushys and Mad Magazines.
…and most importantly for me…
I’m not really a fan of his: He just joined the team in the off season. I haven’t spent any time or energy watching him develop. Having no vested interest in the player on the mound really helps lower my anxiety level during save opportunities.
So keep going Kevin…but try punching out some young fans looking for autographs…so I don’t develop an attachment.
In contrast to the Jays current closer allow me to present their previous one, Jason Frasor.
I’ve become a big fan of his, through watching him develop his surprisingly lively arm, allowing him to transition through the roles of a stop-gap closer –17 saves in ‘04-, the frustrating obscurity of middle relief, and dependable late inning guy in 2009. He’s been a quality character, never showing up drunk or nude on the internet, played well enough that I’ve forgiven him for costing us Jayson Werth –another JP classic “Since I didn’t draft him he can’t be any good” kind of move-, and I’ve even got him on my fantasy baseball team. Relating to a player in this way is part of what makes it so enjoyable to be a sports fan. It allows us to reach ultimate highs, but unfortunately results in some significant lows. It pains me to relay this butchering paraphrasing of a Cheers classic, but here goes:
-Missing the game winning shot: That’s a Frasier
-Missing the game winning shot, while losing balance, and knocking yourself out on the floor: That’s a Frasier Crane
-Going three for five in save opportunities, while consistently failing to get the leadoff batter out, and losing two mph on your fastball: That’s a Jason Frasor.
But on that note…Buck: stop pronouncing his name Frasier.
Some other unrelated thoughts:
-The minor tweak made to Brandon Morrow’s delivery has elevated his status as a ball player past olympian Brenden Morrow and just behind Mauro Gozzo. Keep up the good work Brandon.
-The Tampa Bay Rays have gone to a light blue jersey. My obsession with the blue unis has allowed me to overlook the fact that teams stopped wearing the baby blues several years before the Devil Rays were even a glint in Bud Selig’s eye.
-In the last 14 games the Jays have gone 1 and 8 in games against AL powers L.A., Tampa and Boston, and managed to win an tidy 4 of 5 against also rans KC and Oakland. Call me crazy, but I really prefer watching the Jays beat the dregs of the league, than have their retro white panelled hats handed to them by the cream of the crop. So, would the morons insisting that a balanced schedule or realignment would hurt the Jays because they’ll see less of the big crowds brought in by the good teams please stand down? I want to see a winner, I really don’t care if we’re beating a fourth rate cricket team. Besides, Rogers doesn’t need the extra money, I’ve seen my cable, internet and phone bill.
-Travis Snider is really starting to look more comfortable at the plate. Even when he’s not getting hits, he’s showing more of a clue, and making solid contact. Yesterday’s double to left field off former Jay Chad Gaudin (where were the boos then?) showed his power to the opposite field. The fact that he’s seeing any pitches away suggests that the league thinks he’s beginning to adjust to the high and inside stuff.
-I’m having a great time watching the V-dub renaissance, but why’d he get lifted for a pinch runner on Friday night? Did he tweak another hamstring?
-Adam Lind, could you please stop striking out, I’m starting to get nervous.
And Lastly: Tao of Stieb, which is a Jay’s blog I use to feed my addiction, made a suggestion that Windows Restaurant be replaced with some sort of open patio. I like the idea a lot, this could be a general admission walking area, hard core barbecue and beer garden. I’d like to take it a step further and have some of the outfield sections replaced with an astro turf picnic area. People should be allowed to eat the barbecue here, or even bring their own food from home. Families would love this and it would go a long way to building up a young fan base that could grow with the team into its competitive years. ¶ posted by Mark at 3:02 PM
