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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – January 12, 2014
It is the SUNDAY REQUEST on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
@sullybaseball Not sure if you’ve done this before: Greatest team (single season or organization) never to win a World Series.
— Tony (@tony_f70) January 11, 2014
Lots of great teams missed out on winning it all, but few as perplexing as the Blue Jays of the late 1980’s.
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Melk! It’s Good For Your Outfield: Where Does Toronto’s New Outfield Stand?
Thursday, November 22nd, 2013
Photo Courtesy of bleacherreport.com
Alex Mednick (Baseball Writer and Analyst)
Since the Blue Jays and Marlins blockbuster trade, there has been a lot of discussion about Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle. Jose Reyes is going to have an amazing presence at the top of the lineup, getting on base, steal bases and playing beautiful shortstop on the left side of the infield with Brett Lawrie for the Blue Jays ground ball pitchers. Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle immediately make the Blue Jays rotation a top rotation in all of baseball by being inserted in. Effectively, they got two top of the line starters to create an elite rotation that makes them serious contenders.
The Toronto Blue Jays Franchise Hitters: Part 3 Of A 7 Part Article Series
Friday, Nov.16/2012
Note from Chuck Booth: I am attempting to bring the history for each of the 30 MLB Franchises into a 5 part series that will focus on 1. The teams history. 2. The hitters 3. The pitchers. 4. The Teams Payroll going into 2013 and 5.The Ball Park that they play in. (The stadium articles will all be done next summer when I go to all of the parks in under a month again.) Be sure to check my author page with a list of all of my archived articles section here.
Tony Fernandez leads the Blue Jays Franchise for Hits and Games Played ALL-Time. At the age of 37, he flirted with a .400 average for half of the season in 1999. In his first go around with Toronto, he was part of the BlockBuster Trade that saw he and Fred McGriff go to San Diego for Joe Carter and Robbie Alomar at the GM’s Meetings in Dec of 1990. -Photo Courtesy of Sports Illustrated.
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer): Follow @chuckbooth3024
I like that this franchise series is right dab smack in the middle of the biggest Franchise trade since Tony Fernandez and Fred McGriff went to San Diego for Roberto Alomar and Joe Carter in 1990. A Toronto Blue Jays fan can only hope for the same result that came down afterwards to repeat itself in the next few year. The early days of the Jays hitters (late 1970’s provided some long-term reliable guys,) however it wasn’t until Jesse Barfield won a HR Title and George Bell came home with the 1987 AL MVP, that the rest of the MLB started to take notice on the hitters of this Canadian Team. As soon as the club moved into SKYDOME, the hitters had a field day. Not to say that Exhibition Stadium didn’t aid some homeruns and nice averages in its day, it is just that SKYDOME is a hitter friendly park.
From George Bell and the outstanding other 80’s OF trio of Barfield and Lloyd “The Shaker” Moseby, to Tony Fernandez and Ernie Whitt, these guys all played a huge chunk of their careers with this Canadian Club. Fred McGriff routinely hit towering shots off of the Windows Restaurant and led the AL in HRs during the 1989 Pennant Winning Season. In 1991, when Joe Carter and Roberto Alomar arrived onto the scene, the offense just clicked on all cylinders. Devon White was gracefully stealing bases and striding into runs with those gigantic high knee kicks of his. John Olerud walked right out of College and added one of the best ‘natural’ swings that any of us have ever seen. Veterans Dave Winfield and Paul Molitor bashed their way into Jays hearts with their limited time with the organization en route to back to back World Series Titles in 1992 and 1993. After the Strike/Lockout, the team then saw Shawn Green and Carlos Delgado routinely destroy pitchers and be amongst the league lead in several power categories.
There is a ton more on this article just past these links or by clicking the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
Here are the links for the article series.
The Toronto Blue Jays Franchise 1977-1993 Part 1 Of A 7 Part Series Click Here:
Franchise History Part 2 1994-2012: https://mlbreports.com/2012/11/28/jay/
The Hitters: The Toronto Blue Jays Franchise Hitters: Part 3 Of A 7 Part Article Series:
The Pitchers: The Toronto Blue Jays Franchise Pitchers Part 4 Of A 7 Part Series
Skydome: An Interview with ‘Rogers Centre Expert’ and “MLB reports Founder” Jonathan Hacohen Part 5 of 7
For Part 6 of the 7 Part Series: Blue Jays 2013 Team Payroll Click here:
For Part 7 of the 7 Part Series: Blue Jays 2013 Team Payroll: A Readers Thoughts, Click Here:
The Toronto Blue Jays Franchise 1977-1993 Part 1 Of A 7 Part Series
Friday, Nov.09/2012
Note from Chuck Booth: I am attempting to bring the history for each of the 30 MLB Franchises into a 5 part series that will focus on 1. The teams history. 2. The hitters 3. The pitchers. 4. The Teams Payroll going into 2013 and 5.The Ball Park that they play in. (The stadium articles will all be done next summer when I go to all of the parks in under a month again.) Be sure to check my author page with a list of all of my archived articles section here.
The Blue Jays have not qualified for the Playoffs since they won Back to Back World Series in 1992 and 1993. Only Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Toronto have not made a playoffs appearance since the 1994 strike. At the time they were around the top of the MLB Payroll for all teams.
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer): Follow @chuckbooth3024
In sifting through 35 years of history with the Toronto Blue Jays as a franchise, it is sad that since 1994, only Pittsburgh, Toronto and Kansas City have not made a playoff appearance in the Major Leagues. They have been battling the Red Sox and Yankees powerhouse clubs since the 1994 player strike/1995 Lock-out. This baseball interruption of play was also a deciding factor on the Montreal Expos losing their franchise, however one could say that this has had a profound effect on the other only team North of The Border. The Jays were a model franchise all the way through the 80’s. From 1983-1993, the team carried out 11 straight winning seasons, 5 Pennants and back to back World Series Wins in 1992 and 1993.
Pat Gillick had been with the baseball club from the get go, and after finishing in dead-last for the first 5 years of existence, the Jays rode the backs of several budding stars that were drafted by the man. From the early pitching stars of Jim Clancy and Dave Stieb, to the young outfield that flourished as a core for years in: Lloyd Moseby, George Bell and Jesse Barfield, the team showed that drafting and trading for young players was the way to build an organization. It took until 1985 for the teams first Pennant, barely edging the Yankees by 2 games for the AL East. Playoff disappointment followed from 1985-1991. The team soon would find the promised land as the top team in 1992 and 1993.
Franchise History Part 2 1994-2012: https://mlbreports.com/2012/11/28/jay/
The Hitters: The Toronto Blue Jays Franchise Hitters: Part 3 Of A 7 Part Article Series
The Pitchers: The Toronto Blue Jays Franchise Pitchers Part 4 Of A 7 Part Series
Skydome: An Interview with ‘Rogers Centre Expert’ and “MLB reports Founder” Jonathan Hacohen
For Part 6 of the 7 Part Series: Blue Jays 2013 Team Payroll Click here:
For Part 7 of the 7 Part Series: Blue Jays 2013 Team Payroll: A Readers Thoughts, Click Here:
Ooh La La Gems: Review of Baseball Jewellery Fit for a Home Run King
Sunday May 13, 2012
MLB reports – Jonathan Hacohen: Happy Mother’s Day Everyone! Today’s feature has the special women in our lives in our mind. Whether it be our own mothers, grandmothers or the mothers of our children, today is the day that we give thanks to women. Giving us life and helping us all grow. Thank you moms!
Now what is the best way to thank moms you ask? Most people go the traditional route, with flowers and chocolate. Good presents…but not great. If you really want to blow away mom and send your appreciation, jewellery is your ticket. Now I now that today is actually mother’s day…so you could be late on the present. But if there is one thing I know about women, it is this: they tend to be very selective in their jewellery choices. Necklaces, bracelets and earrings can be a very personal choice. Not just for moms and women, but men love their jewellery as well. Especially baseball jewellery for us die-hard fans. So to meet the jewellery needs of everyone, you will need a place with a large selection that customize to all tastes and preferences.
Enter: Marla Barfield. Marla??? Wait a minute. You know Jesse Barfield. The 2-time gold glove winning, home run hitting, arm for a cannon outfielder with the Jays and Yankees. You know Josh Barfield. Second baseman with both the Indians and Padres. You know Jeremy Barfield. Huge prospect with the A’s (no joke, the kid is 6’5″ and 220!) But do you know Marla? Guess what… you do now. Marla Barfield is her name. Ooh La La Gems is her game. Read the rest of this entry
Interview with Jeremy Barfield: Oakland A’s Prospect Extraordinaire
Monday December 26, 2011
Jonathan Hacohen: Second generation ballplayers are all over the major leagues these days. Strong blood lines and baseball influences help these young men continue their fathers’ legacies. But some become part of a baseball family and create a strong impact on the game. That is the case in the Barfield household, as father Jesse and his sons Jeremy and Josh are all active in the baseball world. Jesse Barfield played from 1981-1992 with the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees. Jesse was a gold glover, all-star and silver slugger during his major league career. Oldest son Josh plays second base in the Phillies organization. Now, emerging into the scene is Jeremy Barfield. The younger brother of Josh, Jeremy is 23-years-old and has recently completed his 4th professional season. Ironically, Jeremy got his start in Canada, playing for the Vancouver Canadians in 2008 (the country of origin for Jesse’s career). Originally drafted by the Mets in 2006, Jeremy opted to attend college instead. The A’s then selected Jeremy in the 8th round of the 2008 draft and he has been climbing the organizational ladder ever since.
Jeremy’s greatest strengths are his cannon for an arm in right field and strong pop at the plate. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 240 lbs., Jeremy is built like a tank. He definitely has the physical tools to succeed in the game. Speaking to him on several occasions, I definitely respect his commitment and focus on baseball. This is a very grounded young man who has the right perspectives on the game and life in general. Jeremy Barfield is mature beyond his years and will be knocking on the A’s door very soon. I talked to Jeremy about growing up as a Barfield, his development and future in the game. As he continues to develop and refine his baseball skills, I can foresee that the youngest Barfield will quickly become a fan favorite in Oakland. It will not be long before people approach Jesse Barfield and ask: “Hey…aren’t you Jeremy’s dad?”
Featured on MLB reports, I am thrilled to present my interview with Jeremy Barfield. Oakland A’s Outfield Prospect:
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MLB reports: Welcome to MLB reports Jeremy. It is a pleasure to be speaking with you today. Starting off: who was your favorite baseball player growing up, that you most idolized and patterned your game after?
Jeremy Barfield: Ken Griffey Jr. was by far my favorite player.
MLB reports: Which current MLB star do you most admire and why?
Jeremy Barfield: I don’t have a favorite player anymore
MLB reports: Reflecting on your career to-date, what are your proudest accomplishments on the baseball field?
Jeremy Barfield: In 2008 while in the Northwest League, I hit a game tying grand slam in the bottom of the 9th inning on an 0-2 count.
In 2009 when playing in the Midwest League I had a 3 home run game. I almost hit 4 but the centerfielder brought it back from over the fence my last at bat.
MLB reports: What are your goals going into the 2012 season?
Jeremy Barfield: I am setting my sights as high as possible. I want to play in the Major Leagues.
MLB reports: When you first found out you were drafted, what were your reactions? What was the process like being drafted originally by the Mets in 2006 and the A’s in 2008? What made you decide to finally sign with the A’s?
Jeremy Barfield: I was actually half asleep and didn’t really understand what happened, but when I came to I was very excited. After not signing in 2006 I made sure that I was going to sign this time around. I knew it was a great situation with Oakland since they rely so much on homegrown talent.
MLB reports: What do you consider your greatest baseball skill(s)?
Jeremy Barfield: My throwing arm and that I have a high rate of contact at the plate.
MLB reports: What facets of your game do you most wish to improve upon?
Jeremy Barfield: I want to be more consistent with my swing. More consistency means more power.
MLB reports: How do home runs and walks figure into your game? Do you see any of these three items changing over time and to what degree?
Jeremy Barfield: I don’t go up to the plate looking to walk. Home runs are great but it’s all about production. Michael Young is a prime example of that. I’m sure as I get older I’ll hit more home runs and I’m not concerned about walks. Those come with a good hitting approach.
MLB reports: How much of an influence was your dad on you growing up? What did you learn from your dad that has shaped you as a baseball player?
Jeremy Barfield: My dad was instrumental for me in becoming the player I am today. And the real question you should be asking is what DIDN’T I learn from my dad. He taught me everything I know.
MLB reports: If you had to look into a crystal ball, when do you see your expected time of arrival in the big leagues and what do you think you need to do most to get there?
Jeremy Barfield: Hopefully within the next year or two. I need to be consistent- that’s all.
MLB reports: If you were not playing professional baseball, you would be ____________
Jeremy Barfield: Working for a graphic design company.
MLB reports: What do you do for fun away from the ballpark?
Jeremy Barfield: Play video games and watch movies.
MLB reports: Which of your teammates are you closest with – any good stories?
Jeremy Barfield: My roommate LHP Trey Barham. Our love for late night Whataburger is unmatched.
MLB reports: How close are you with your brother Josh? Is there a good healthy baseball rivalry going?
Jeremy Barfield: Very close. We live together in the offseason. Since we’re so different as ballplayers, we don’t have much of a rivalry going.
MLB reports: Given that your dad was a successful major league player- do you find that you have added pressure to prove yourself? Tell us your experiences of being a 2nd generation baseball player.
Jeremy Barfield: When I was younger, people used to say I was overrated and that my dad was the only reason I was playing. I just let my play on the field stop all that nonsense. They quickly realized that my talent on the field was for real.
MLB reports: Final thought: When fans think of the name Jeremy Barfield, what images do you want them to associate you with?
Jeremy Barfield: Trendsetter extraordinaire!
Thank you to Jeremy Barfield for taking the time to join us today on MLB reports. We highly encourage our readers to post at the bottom of the article any questions and/or comments that you may have for Jeremy.
You can also find Jeremy Barfield on Twitter (@Baseclogger). He may be a MLB prospect extraordinaire, but yes- he does answer back!
Jonathan Hacohen is the Lead Baseball Columnist & Editor for MLB reports: You can follow Jonathan on Twitter (@JHacohen)
Please e-mail us at: MLBreports@gmail.com with any questions and feedback. You can follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook . To subscribe to our website and have the daily Reports sent directly to your inbox , click here and follow the link at the top of our homepage.
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