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 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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