Jays Jots: Dave Stieb, Alex Gonzalez, John Olerud, Jake Marisnick

Here are some Jays links from our friends around the web on this early Friday morning, with a full clip of Jon Rauch’s tirade on Alfonso Marquez from July embedded at the bottom.

The Dave Stieb vs. Jack Morris Hall of Fame Debate | Mop-Up Duty
Callum over at Mop-Up Duty with an in-depth comparison of Dave Stieb and Jack Morris regarding Hall of Fame candidacy. Check it out.

AA’s Suggested New Year’s Resolutions | The Blue Jay Hunter
Ian over at BJH has three New Year’s resolutions for Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos, and I quite like the Brandon Morrow extension idea.

Top 55 All-Time Greatest Blue Jays: No. 42 Alex Gonzalez | Bluebird Banter
Back from Jamaica, Tom Dakers over at Bluebird Banter chimes in with the latest of their “Greatest Blue Jays of All-Time” list.

Historically Underrated: John Olerud | MLB Dirt
Jonathan at MLB Dirt compares former Jays first baseman John Olerud to recent Hall of Fame inductee Jim Rice.

Looking back at 2011 | Gray Matter
Kevin Gray of the New Hampshire Union Leader recalls Sal Fasano’s first win as the Fisher Cats’ manager, when switch-hitter John Tolisano faced switch-pitcher (yes, that’s correct) Pat Venditte with the game on the line.

Jake Marisnick: A Future Top 10 Prospect? | Minor League Ball
Ray Guilifoyle over at Minor League Ball asks a great question about Jays outfield prospect Jake Marisnick. My short answer after seeing Marisnick in 2011? Yes.

1BJW’s Top Soundbites of 2011 | 1 Blue Jays Way
Jay over at 1BJW has the goods on their top ten interviews of 2011.

New year, same question: Will Braves deal? | Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This one isn’t necessarily about the Jays, but rather a former prospect in Tyler Pastornicky, who will likely be the Braves’ Opening Day shortstop in 2012. I’ll take Yunel Escobar any day of the week.

What’s next for Blue Jays? | FOX Sports
Ken Rosenthal says that major league sources are feeling that the Jays are unlikely to acquire Cubs right-hander Matt Garza. Rejoice!

Marlins can thank taxpayers for big roster moves | National Post
Scott Stinson of the National Post offers a quick look at how Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria took a 24% share of the Montreal Expos in 1999 and mischievously got to where he is today.

The 6 Most Surprising Trades Of The Offseason | MLB Trade Rumors
Tim Dierkes looks at 6 of the most memorable trades of the offseason, and the Blue Jays acquiring Sergio Santos is listed at No. 2.

Frasor proves you CAN come home again | Toronto Star
Richard Griffin chimes in on the Blue Jays’ acquisition of Jason Frasor and supplies some interesting words from Frasor, who “can’t believe that Alex pulled [Santos] away from Chicago”.

Romero on Fielder possibility: “It’d be special” | Sportsnet.ca
Mike Cormack writes on the recent positive reaction from Ricky Romero about Prince Fielder signing in Toronto. The audio clip can be found here.

Most influential Canadian in baseball is… | Toronto Sun
Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun, in an impressive list, runs down the top 100+ most influential Canadians in professional baseball. (Spoiler alert: Greg Hamilton of Baseball Canada wins it)

Jays Offer Kyle Drabek for Matt Garza? | Bluebird Banter
Tom at BBB asks the question, would you trade Drabek straight-up for Matt Garza? The vote is currently split 70/30 in favor of the move.

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Finally, a look at, in its entirety, the memorable incident between Alfonso Marquez and Jon Rauch back on July 2:

-JM

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