Gibbons '08 scrum debut

Happy Valentine's Day. Like a rock star headlining a live show, John Gibbons sauntered into the press room at the Englebert Complex about an hour later than scheduled...which is interesting since he really had nothing to do today and never was in uniform. But one guesses that his thought process is that you might as well make the unwashed scribes wait on Day 1 of camp with over seven months to go in the season. You don't want to spoil them. By the dog days of August, there's even some days where he doesn't appear at all. And who can blame him? We don't mind, unless, of course, we're on deadline. But that's the great thing about spring training. No early deadlines at the paper, no snow on the ground, no ice except in your drinks.

Besides, unless there's a specific issue at training camp, regarding an injury, someone who's late to report, someone who labels the Jays clubhouse a country club, like Shea Hillenbrand two years ago or something else unusual, these informal sessions with the manager in the early afternoon usually devolve into free-form discussion combining sports and politics and life itsownself that are worth a few laughs with a few notable one-liners thrown in.

Today's baseball wisdom from the manager included the fact that B.J. Ryan is the key to a lot of things on the pitching staff. Gibby prefers Casey Janssen in the bullpen, but others in the front office (i.e. J.P. Ricciardi) would like to see him in the rotation -- only, of course, if B.J. is ready on Opening Day. Janssen will begin the Grapefruit League sked as a starter, because it's easier to reign a pitcher back in as the spring winds down rather than stretch him out. And Gibbons is insistent that he will go with 12 pitchers even if his rotation is heallthy and ready to go six-plus innings in April.

Gibby believes this is the deepest, most talented Jays team he has had. He may play Marco Scutaro some at first base as well as in the outfield, which would make him a super-sub something they tried and failed to accomplish with Ryan Roberts a year ago. Scuitaro pretty much filled that same role in Oakland.

I mentioned earlier the Hillenbrand "country club" crisis from a couple of springs ago. It's funny how back then Gibby took exception to that criticism from his designated hitter, but when informed today of Roy Hallladay's two-day-old comments that at times last season in the clubhouse he didn't feel there was a sense of urgency, the skipper just shrugged and said that maybe he was right. I guess it's really not that surprising considering the difference in respect the two players had within the clubhouse and the front office.

Other baseball notes from today  included the absence from camp of the three new key players, Scott Rolen, Eckstein and catcher Rod Barajas. Of course, they don't need to be here, because the pitchers and catchers are on the field for the first time officially on Saturday afternoon following morning medicals. A little later, I'll have some leftover thoughts about Roger Clemens and the Congressional hearings. I'm sure that after yesterday's performance by the Rocket, he and Debbie are having a wonderful Valentine's Day dinner. Or not.

Richard Griffin

Comments

[Miles]

What was the "country club" incident? I don't recall it at all...

This blog is a great idea!

Griffin replies: When Hillenbrand showed up for his second camp with the Jays, he met a group of us out on the field. He said that his experience in the clubhouse the year before was more of a "country club" atmosphere and that he was hoping to help change it since he was now in his second year. Needless to say the manager wasn't too thrilled with the commentary reflecting on his leadership. Later that summer, Hillenbrand, of cours, switched country clubs

[Brett]

Tough Job Griffin don't get too stressed out.

[neil underwood]

Just wanted to comment on Wednesday's Congressional hearings. As a die hard baseball fan I find it excruciatingly painful to view my favourite sport as being a reflection of, and a microcosm of, much that ails our neighbours to the south, politically and ethically. How are we to take our neighbours seriously when you have a clear divide within Congress, based on party alliance, when it comes to simple straightforward logic and reason. 2 + 2 = 5 and if you don't agree well you know you won't get a hunting blind provided to you by a former president to escape the nasty non-Republican world's misguided attempts of rationality and the search for truth.
Make no mistake the Rocket is running on fumes and there most definitely will be some loose tiles on re-entry but the most disturbing aspect of this sordid affair is the sheer stupidity and blind faith exhibited by those members of Congress that appear to respect wealth and a "good ol' boy" mentality over integrity and logic.
I love the game of baseball and for the most part my USA friends and associates represent some of the most quality individuals I have ever had the honour of meeting but there is a recurring theme within this group. Frustration with the current USA political regime, the lack of finesse when it comes to foisting propaganda on the populace and the desire to keep the majority of the population under educated and in the dark about global events. Fear is a direct by-product of ignorance and I'm curious to see who will be fingered after all is said and done. Hang on a second, I've got it...it's Iran's fault that there are PED issues in baseball, lets bomb the *$% out of them!

I simply wish the arrogant Rocket would disappear (the time to come clean has long past), stop embarrassing himself and Congress and let the game of baseball do what it does best, providing a relaxing cerebral break from the rigours of our stressful day to day routines, instead of adding to the clutter and confusion. I thought this was supposed to be fun?

Who would have thought... "The Manchurian Candidate meets The Natural".

[Greg K.]

Great preview of the 2008 team. So pumped for season!

http://mlbfleecefactor.com/2008/02/17/the-2008-toronto-blue-jays-uphill-climb/