Has this been a successful season for the Toronto Blue Jays? Consider a few things before answering:
- Only seven teams have had winning records in each of the last three years. They are the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Phillies, Mets, Dodgers, and Blue Jays. Of the seven, only Toronto has failed to make the post-season in that time.
- The Jays are assured of being the first American League East team in the Wild Card era to finish fourth … with a winning record.
This team will end the year with the best earned run average in all of baseball. They sport a 20-game winner in Roy Halladay. Their bullpen was air-tight and little-known Jesse Carlson emerged as its most effective contributor.
On the downside, the offence was a major disappointment. Gary Denbo’s work-the-count philosophy had the hitters taking a lot of belt-high fastballs, and they suffered for it. Before the first month had wrapped, the Jays cut Frank Thomas loose and played the entire year without a legitimate designated hitter. Bringing back Shannon Stewart was a mistake. And unless Vernon Wells sizzles on the final weekend here in Baltimore, the Jays will finish the year without a 20-home run hitter for the first time in a non-strike season since 1977.
Bringing Cito Gaston back proved to be a savvy decision, and his impact on the club has been obvious. Take a look into the dugout and notice players – especially the youngsters, like Travis Snider and Adam Lind – sitting right beside the manager. It’s a hands-on approach from one of the wisest souls in the game.
Still, the Jays won’t be involved when October rolls around. The month nears bearing a basket of surprises: The Rays are division champions and Detroit might finish below Kansas City.
But Toronto hasn’t seen a playoff game since Joe Carter touched ‘em all in ’93. So, you tell me: disappointing season, or not?
