Blue Jays Rotation: And Then There Were Three
As promised yesterday by Cito Gaston, the tussle for the 4-5 rotation spots became a little clearer this morning when non-roster, rehabbing right-hander Matt Clement was sent to minor-league camp for assignment. That leaves three guys, Brad Mills, Scott Richmond and Ricky Romero still in the running.
Clement was busy packing his bags this morning in the Jays' clubhouse and has not decided whether to report to the minors. He is taking a couple of days, talking to his agent and looking for another team that offers an easier road back to the majors. However, that team does not exist.
"Trying to give you any insight would be premature," Clement said, with resignation in his voice.
With the off day tomorrow, Gaston is giving everyone the day off completely. When they come back it will be Mills on Thursday at the Braves, Roy Halladay on Friday, then Richmond on Saturday, with Romero on Sunday in the real game and Jesse Litsch at Triple-A.
They need to see Romero and Richmond in real games against some major leaguers before they decide -- although somehow you get the feeling they've already made that decision but don't know how to tell Richmond he's the odd man out after telling him to go to Team Canada and not worry.
Too bad for Clement, he could have signed with the Jays back in 2005 and avoided the awkwardness of being cut. I'd like to see him work things out, somewhere... sometime.
Posted by: Scott | March 24, 2009 at 11:36 AM
The way the Jays have treated Scott Richmond is disgraceful.
They keep him away from the Olympic squad by using him once, they let him go to the wbc and then somehow use that against him when it comes time for his rotation spot.
Our rotation isn't so deep that we can afford to alienate the journeymen who may be able to help.
More great moves from our classy GM.
Posted by: Paul Tenk | March 24, 2009 at 11:57 AM
I thought he was looking good?
Posted by: Ray Y | March 24, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Okay......so let me get this straight. In 08 the coaches aren't good enough so you bring back 'experienced' coaches (Gaston, Tenace et al). The Upper management needs to change so you bring back experience (Beeston). So you need pitching and you ship out the most experienced option (Clement). If experience is so essential, and I think it is, why are the Jays trading Clements experience for 20 odd innings of 'experience' between Romero/Mills/Cecil?
Opening day 08 should be Halladay/Purcey/Litsch/Romero/Clement&the Bullpen.
It appears the Riccardi 'experience' has more to do with Jimi Hendrix than baseball - RM
Posted by: R. Murphy | March 24, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Unfortunately, I got hooked on baseball when the Expos came to Montreal, and the Jays are the team easiest to watch consistently in this market. I say unfortunately because it appears I'm doomed to follow a team whose GM displays more arrogance than baseball knowledge or caring about the fans (those people who pay the bills and your salary, J.P.). I will still follow the team and cheer for the players, but with the knowledge that the team is not going to contend until the GM is shown the door - and please, let it slam his heels on the way out!
Posted by: Tabber | March 24, 2009 at 04:18 PM
I don't think the Jays are using Richmond's experience in the WBC against him. I think they're using his poor pitching during Spring Training against him. That's not classless, that's intelligent.
Similarly - Richmond wouldn't even be considered for a major league job right now if the Jays had let him go to the Olympics.
Posted by: mike | March 24, 2009 at 05:32 PM