Now, I am biased because own this guy in my fantasy team, yet he has dominated AAA in the international league.  Today, he was 3-4 with two doubles, a walk and a strikeout.

I thought JP Riccardi was from the billy Beane school of baseball.  He seems to have a great eye in a difficult league.  I just don't understand why the Jays continue to use Mench, Wilkenson and Stewart when they have a young prospect who is ready.  They need offense.

Anyone have any idea why this guy is still down there?  Did he piss someone off?

of the A's.  He hasn't been in the lineup for the last week except for one at bat.  Is he OK?  How is he looking?  Seems like he is taking the A's plate discipline philosophy to heart.  I guess with Emil Brown doing so well, the A's will most likely keep Gonzalez in the minors for a while.  Yet, the A's need power.  The signing of Thomas might relieve the power woes for a while.  Yet, don't the A's need a centerfielder?  Thoughts?

?

what are Sabean and Bochy thinking having Lincecum throw 112 pitches?  Obviously they aren't thinking.  

The kid is 21 years old and 165 pounds.  I know that people say that he has a rubber arm, yet you just do not have him throw that many pitches at this age.  

Sabean and Bochy are old school fools trying to burn a kids arm out.  They could have removed him after the sixth inning.  He should be on a strict pitch count.  

John,

Sorry to hear about Toonces.  My cat Murphy was 15 and 1/2 last december when the vet told us that he had cancer.  We were worried about putting him down when I came home and found him coughing and about ready to go.  He died on my lap.  At least I was there for him and didn't have to put him down.  I feel for you and your loss.  

Lubanski had a monster night for wichita yesterday.  

KC  AA  Lubanski, Chris LF  .........   3  2  2   5  .268 - 2 HR (9); .571 SLG in July

He is a streaky guy though.  Would love to see him get his act in gear.  I do see Gordon and Butler up in KC next year.  I would expect KC to keep Lubanski in Wichita next year.  

I am rooting for him.

what is up with this franchise?  I understand not promoting Gordon or Butler until they are ready, yet why not play Justin Huber every day?

Now, I could see playing Meinkevitch or Stairs IF you were actually winning, yet if you are not winning then start the future.  I don't know if the owner or GM know this yet having a 60 win season is NOT a good thing.  It is unacceptable.  Playing a competitive game and losing is not acceptable.  If you are going to lose, at least let the future of your franchise play.  Justin Huber was an excellent hitter in the minors and he needs to play every day.  I would even play him at first base every day in that Butler will be arriving next year.

This franchise is doomed to lose 100 games a year.  It is unacceptable.

Last night John Danks of Texas' AA team had a decent night.   Any thoughts on him?

Danks (W, 3-4)    IP: 6.0 Hits: 3 Runs: 3 ER: 3 BB 1 K's: 12    HR's: 2   

For the season, Danks has pitched 40.2 Innings and given up 9 home runs.  He has allowed 24 Earned Runs.  He has 56Ks and 15 walks in 40.2 innings.  A very good ratio.

Is there any movement on his fastball?  How would the picture change if you were to remove the runs scored off of home runs.  It reminds me of Blyleven.  He struck out a ton, yet gave up so many home runs.  

I hope that he can turn the corner on the gopher balls.

When does everyone think that the massive overhaul will begin.  Justin Huber should be up within the month the way he is hitting the ball.  Alex Gordon may be up by the all star break.  Billy Butler's production has dropped, yet he should be on track soon.  Then if they can get Greinke back on track and perhaps one more pitcher, they might be a decent team.  Thoughts?

Then there is Tampa Bay.  They are so loaded in the outfield.  Can they please trade Gathwright or Gomes for pitching.  I would love to see Dukes, Young, Bankston and Upton come up.  Is there any way to move Cantu to third and Upton to 2B?

The kid had tommy john surgery a year ago and the Jays are throwing this kid to the wolves every 5 days.  First of all, hasn't he thrown enough this year?  You need to be very careful with these kids during their first year.  Second, his ERA in the bigs is close to 8.  Won't this wreck his confidence?  I sure do hope that Lilly comes back soon so that they can shut down McGowan for next year.