Johnny Mac!

Frankly, I'm not sure it speaks more to the cult-like reverence John McDonald holds amongst Blue Jay fans or to the respect he's earned within the organization's front office that Johnny Mac heads into camp with nary a peep concerning his undisputed hold on a roster spot.

And again, quite frankly, I'm good with that.

I've always been a bit of a closet Mac fan myself. Never been able to bring myself into really questioning why a career .604 OPS baseball player has been a constant part on a team rife with turnover over the course of the last six seasons, and haven't been able to heap the usual scorn reserved for those who would blindly defend his presence.

I mean.... he's Johnny Mac fer chrissakes!

Love him or hate him - and how could you, really - he's played the cliched role of human highlight reel on a team that's seen more downs than ups during the course of his time as a Blue Jay. And given the circumstances of the club, isn't that exactly what you'd like to see from a reserve middle infielder?

Of course, there have been the "bads" to go with the "goods". Those would be the times when Mac has been miscast as an everyday player. Be it by necessity or poor judgement. And let's not forget the times when McDonald, whose value lies entirely in his ability to play the shit out of shortstop and a little second base...... was drawing at-bats as a left-fielder.

But let's not dwell on those "bads". Let's not punish McDonald for the poor decisions of others. Let's celebrate McDonald, very likely (you'd think?) in his last big-league season, for what he does do and has done: defensive wizardry, a seemingly calming presence and all around good dude. Should some of those qualities ever be taken into account when evaluating baseball players? No, of course not. But we (I?) do anyway.

Hey, we don't punish Yunel for being flashy, do we? This ain't Atlanta.

So here's to you, Johnny Mac, and one more year of highlights. Looking forward to it.

Return of the Mac

Bastian tweets that the Jays are ready to announce the re-signing of team mascot John McDonald as soon as today. Jays co-mascot Ace could not be reached for comment.

What does this mean? Another season of Prime Ministerial punnery, pugnacious pinch-running, and picktacular playmaking in the field. (Also, alliteration. Always alliteration.)

Don't get us wrong, we really like Johnny Mac, and it is worth noting that he had a career high four homers in just 151 at bats, and his slugging percentage reached dizzying new heights (.384). But on the other side, he is one of four or five players that we envision as the 25th man on the roster, and we're a tad bit worried that all of those guys are going to make the team.

Also, what's this mean for Mike McCoy? Is there only room for one Mac on the roster? Too much mackin'?

The Halladay Sweepstakes, part XXXIV
So today, it is the Red Sox, who allegedly want to get this wrapped up before the winter meetings. Also, the Angels, although that Canada.com report sorta looks like horseshit.

Yorvit? Our Vit!
Torrealba catching for the Jays? Meh. Could happen. He's no Miguel Olivo.

The Cavalry's a-comin'

Unfortunately, the cavalry is arriving in the form of fresh arms for the rotation instead of hot bats to boost a slumping Jays offense. Oh, there is Voodoo Joe Inglett's lefty swing to replace the suddenly-overwhelmed (and demoted) phenom, Travis Snider....but as much as I like me some Joe Inglett, he's more of a warm blanket than a ball of fire. No offense, Joe. I've got your back.

Yes, it will be fantastic to see Casey Janssen and his funky high socks delivery taking a turn every five days, and we're all hoping that young Ricardo can regain his early season magic (remember, Vegas stats don't count for shit) to help stabilize the rotation.....but as evidenced in the series opener against 1992's World Series losing team, the way the Jays are swinging the sticks, a rotation of five Doc Halladays wouldn't help.

(The above statement, of course, is just fucking ridiculous, as a rotation of five Roy Halladays could cure cancer before breakfast, let alone win a few goddamned ball games. The Jays would run the gauntlet with default victories from cowardly opponents refusing to take the field if such an absurd reality were to occur. But I digress....)

What we need to hope for, friends of the Tao, is for the Vernon Wells Hatred Advisory System to return to acceptable levels, for the Blissful Gazelle to be just a little less oblivious, for Lyle Overbay to find directions to those outfield gaps he used to frequent so regularly, and for Scott Rolen to continue being Scott Rolen (because I believe in him).

In short, a few fucking hits please. Jesus!

I'm starting to question why we're carrying Johnny Mac
Or Jean-Mac, if you prefer. The truth of the matter is, "starting to question" is an understatement, but when the team is winning, it's hard to quibble with roster make-up. I'll also remind you that it's impossible not to be a fan of John McDonald - in the field, there are none better, and he carries himself like the professional baseball player that he is, and has been for 11 seasons.

But seriously now....if your predominant (only?) tangible asset is sublime defense, but the team's starting shortstop is above average defensively, and thus not a candidate for late-inning replacement....and the title of "clubhouse leader and all around good locker room guy" is already taken by an idiot (his words, not mine) with a penchant for cowboy-ing up (what?)......then what exactly is your role on the club?

Hey Philadelphia, you done with our guy Stairsy yet?

Bring on the Rays

So, it wasn't a sweep, but at least we aren't going home hungry (and I swear, no more Meatloaf references from me, I promise). There's just something about dropping the third game of a series after taking the first two that leaves you a little dissatisfied though - yes? Watching the game today left me feeling like the team came in hoping for 2 out of 3, and having won the first two, put it on cruise control for the finale (like me and this post - HEYYYYOOO).

Shaun Marcum had a so-so outing - much better than his first start off the DL, but he still doesn't look all the way back, does he? He looks like he's dropped 1 or 2 MPH from his fastball, and where was his breaking ball? Oh, and Johnny Mac - clearly on the juice. Scotty Rolen - not so much. He's putting on a defensive clinic at the hot corner every time out, but offensively, it would be nice to see him really start putting a charge in the ball, wouldn't it? And does it seem like I'm asking a lot of questions? Seems a little excessive. Sorry.

Statement series on deck
We've got Tampa rolling into town for a 3 game set, and you can bet that both clubs will be looking to make a statement this series. For the Jays, coming off series wins against fairly shitty Baltimore and uber-shitty Seattle, this is a chance to show that the team can get it done against a contending ballclub. For the Rays, it's a chance to bury the Jays and put some distance between them and the Red Sox (and surging Yankees). For Joe Maddon, it's a chance to confirm that he really is the huge prick he made himself out to be the last time the teams met, and I'm sure he won't disappoint.

That's a wrap
Heading into this rookie weekend of posting, my goal was to try and be entertaining, and at least give you something to read. My fear - posting a steaming pile of nothing and turning people off the Tao. I guess that remains to be seen, but I had a good time doing it and unless the ToS pulls the plug on this experiment (probably justifiably), I'll be back next weekend. Until then, we'll return you to your regularly scheduled quality blogging.