The Blue Jays are still in the hunt for a playoff berth, not because of their success, but rather because of the mediocrity of the teams they are battling with, as some clubs struggle to play for an average above .500 since June 9.
Jays president Mark A. Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins must do a major analysis of the situation and find solutions.
Let’s start with the lack of depth within the formation.
I don’t want to point the finger at specific players, because they are not the ones who signed up to be part of the club; they were selected by the DG.
When manager John Schneider turns his head in the dugout looking for a pinch hitter with power or even a good batting average, there isn’t much to choose from. There are only if one of its stars has a day off.
Fifth starter wanted
Once again, the manager turns to his pitching coach, Pete Walker, to pick a reliever.
Once again, he is confined to a corner, as the fact that he is missing a fifth starter means that there are no relievers available. They were used in a departure that paired relief gunners.
Yes, the Tampa Bay Rays often use relievers to start a game. On the other hand, we must not forget that the group of relief pitchers, who made 24 starts this season, was chosen to fulfill such a function.
Let’s quickly analyze their performance in two offensive categories. The lack of opportunities to push runners to the plate is worrying. Jays batters are sixth in three-strike out and 22nd in walks.
Whose fault is it ?
The Jays are exciting with home runs, but their 95 “Good evening, they’re gone” total ranks them 17th in major league baseball, heading into yesterday’s games.
I don’t like to compare sports because there are so many things that are similar, yet so different at the same time.
In football, if the offense doesn’t produce, it’s the offensive coordinator who gets blamed for inefficient performance. Should we do the same with the Jays batting coaches?
General manager Atkins must address the lack of depth both at bat and on the mound to improve the Toronto squad, which is still in the picture to earn its ticket to the postseason playoffs.
A hockey immortal also excelled at baseball
I cannot ignore the appointment of Pierre Turgeon to the Hockey Hall of Fame. The remarkable part of his accomplishment is that Pierre, who pitched for Rouyn-Noranda in the Little League Series at Williamsport, could have signed with the Expos.
Another Hall of Famer who chose to play hockey was power hitter and excellent first baseman Denis Potvin, who was offered a contract by the Expos.
Another hockey player who was offered a pact by the Expos and who could have formed an excellent duo with Gary Carter is Lucien Deblois, who won a Stanley Cup with the Canadiens.