MINNEAPOLIS - With the first week in the books, you’ve likely checked off every emotion on the list. Dedicated followers of Toronto Blue Jays baseball know exhilaration, exasperation, satisfaction, and complete frustration.
All this in just eight games.
The quick start feels like smoke-and-mirrors, and there is indeed an element of illusion. Roy Halladay aside, the Blue Jays have not had consistent starting pitching (Tuesday night on Sportsnet, we’ll see how Ricky Romero does a second time around).
They lead the division, and have lost just twice, but the starter’s ERA (5.24) needs reduction. This should be noted: two other pitching-rich teams in the American League East are even worse. Boston comes in at 5.66 and Yankees starters are an embarrassing 6.43.
As I write, the severity of Jesse Litsch’s right forearm strain is unannounced. A harbinger: this type of injury kept Jeremy Accardo away all of last season. So, chances are, the Jays will have to look to Las Vegas, and bring up someone like Brad Mills or big league veteran Wade Miller. They may also choose to stretch out reliever Brian Tallet who pitched in long relief Monday night. It's safe to say there just isn't enough money in the cookie jar to entice Pedro Martinez.
By now, Cito Gaston and Brad Arnsberg must be getting irritated by the daily question as to who happens to be the closer. The role is unchanged, and though B.J. Ryan nearly handed Cleveland a win on Saturday, he was effective Monday in earning his first save (Ryan gave up a pair of hits, but both Denard Span and Justin Morneau made contact on good pitches away).
The beauty of this team lies in the bats. The "have-a-plan" approach of both Gaston and hitting coach Gene Tenace has been remarkably evident, as each game brings a significant contributor. It was Travis Snider on Monday; Aaron Hill and Adam Lind on several occasions; Scott Rolen, Marco Scutaro, Alex Rios, Vernon Wells, Lyle Overbay, Kevin Millar, and even Rod Barajas can all lay claim to critical hits at various times.
Your Toronto Blue Jays are first in the American League East and, at the very least, they’ve been fun to watch. How long is this ride going to last? Please let me know below.
