When you've had an offseason like the Blue Jays have had this winter, strange things happen and you don't even bat an eye.A former first round draft pick is introduced to those three dreaded letters - D, F, and A? Seriously, all the best and good luck to you, Rusty. Your team is the only one in the league not to sign a free agent to a major league deal? It's "the economy", I guess. Assistant GM's are cut loose to save a little cash? Let's call it a redistribution of assets instead. A 23 year old pitcher with less than 50 big league games under his belt becomes a staff mentor? No big dea.....what?
Jesse Litsch - veteran influence?
That's right, Uncle Jesse is ready to step up and be a leader. And you know what? That's just fucking nails, man. Oh sure, you can question the wisdom and validity behind the rationale that sees a kid who spent some time in AAA last season saying "follow me"....but just listen to him:
"We just have to think we're better than them," Litsch said of the Jays' positive thinking. "If we come out hitting and pitching like we did last year ... at the end of the season we were just as good as anybody. We have to overlap that into this season and run with it. We're all good enough to be at the major-league level, it's just a matter that they spend more money. Some people may not be worth the money they get, but we still have the same number – nine guys – that they have. It's just you against the Yankee hitters, and you're going out there with same winning mentality as their pitchers."
You know what, I'm sold. Now if he can just master the art of the fist pump after inducing a weak inning-ending grounder, and maybe sprinkle in the odd congratulatory hug for his teammates, we're all set at the #2 spot in the rotation.
(14 wins and a sub-4.00 ERA would be nice too, but let's not get crazy.)
I'll tell you what, the Jays management have done nothing for my confidence this off season with all their talk (economy, tough division, economy) but the players have been really getting me excited for the season. I don't care if it is just lip service, I'm excited for the challenge.
ReplyDeleteCito and Jesse. It's going to be a beautiful thing. And, Uncle Jesse, I could get used to that.
ReplyDeleteWhen I clicked on the Uncle Jesse link, I was hoping to see John Stamos. My bad.
ReplyDeleteJesse is a number 5, not a two. Uncle Jesse? Try Our nice Jesse . This season is doomed...........
ReplyDeleteAccording to any statistical measure applied to last year, Listch was a legitimate #3.
ReplyDeleteAnyone who says he's a #5 hasn't looked around at most of the stiffs taking the fifth turn for MLB teams.
If someone can't even bother typing in a name instead of just clicking "Anonymous" then I doubt they're looking around at other teams too much. Or at stats for that matter.
ReplyDeleteOn a slightly different note, is it just me or does Jesse's delivery look a bit like Jim Clancy's from the stretch, or am I just showing how old I am again? That's not to say he'll be the horse that Clancy was, but one can hope. Maybe there's some footage online to compare them side by each...Tao, next post!
ReplyDeleteIs there a little Kevin Appier in Litsch's delivery also?
ReplyDeleteI can totally see some Kevin Appier in there Lloyd, now that you mention it. For Clancy, I'd have to check the archives.
ReplyDeleteI see a little of Cupid in him, right in time for Valentine's.
ReplyDeleteI love that little cherub.(Litsch, that is. Cupid can go fuck himself).
Is it possible to not like Jesse? Even if he lost 30 games with an ERA over 10, I'd still want to pat him on the head and tell him to "go get 'em tiger" every time out.
And Ian-You "hoped" to see John Stamos? Disturbing shit, man. You might want to see someone about that.
ReplyDeleteFuck that...you know who steps up when the chips are down? Leaders do. If he steps up, then he's got the right stuff. Innings, years etc mean nothing. A leader is a leader in thier rookie year or there 20th.
ReplyDeleteHe is J-Roc...who is Tyrone???
ReplyDelete