ROGERS SPORTSNET’S MARTINEZ, TABLER AND ZAUN GRADE THE JAYS WITH ANNUAL MID-SEASON REPORT CARD

Martinez, Tabler and Zaun assess Jays and reveal their top awards contenders at mid-way point of 2011 season

TORONTO (July 14, 2011) – As the Toronto Blue Jays get ready for the second half of the 2011 season, Rogers Sportsnet’s Blue Jays play-by-play voice Buck Martinez with analysts Pat Tabler and Gregg Zaun offer their mid-season report on the ball club. Martinez, Tabler and Zaun not only grade the Jays, but also present their nominees for some of Major League Baseball‘s top performers at the All-Star break.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Martinez (Grade: C) – “I think the Blue Jays are about where they should be given the personnel they have at the moment. The bullpen of late has cost them some games but overall it has been OK. In the second half, I look forward to seeing more of Eric Thames and Brett Lawrie once he is healthy. Adam Lind and Jose Bautista have been better than advertised both at the plate and in the field.”

Tabler (Grade: B) – “This team has played well, notwithstanding the injuries. They have developed a great one-two punch with Romero and Morrow on the mound. And of course Bautista and Lind have supplied great individual offensive performances so far.”

Zaun (Grade: A) – “I am giving them an ‘A’, more so for the effort and attitude these guys have brought this season, rather than taking into account their place in the standings. Considering the best they have had to work with, personnel and injury wise, the Jays are playing to the capacity they would be capable of. Going into the second half, I would expect more of what we have seen so far, with a few new faces getting a look such as Lawrie.”

LEAGUE MVP Martinez – American League: “AL MVP for the first half is Jose Bautista. He is 70 points higher in batting average and leads the league in home runs, on-base percentage, slugging and walks, in addition to being in the top-10 of just about every offensive category.” National League: “I’ll go with Lance Berkman who is keeping the Cards afloat with Pujols having a down year.” Tabler – American League: Jose Bautista. “He surprised everyone last year. What’s more surprising is after being so well-known across the league now, his overall numbers are even stronger this season.” National League: “You have to go with Jose Reyes of the New York Mets. He leads the NL with a .354 batting average and 124 hits.”

Zaun – American League: “MVP honours goes to Jose Bautista. His numbers speak for themselves as the reigning home run king. Bautista has been a strong leader both on and off the field. Unselfish and productive is the best way to describe his first half.” National League: “Matt Kemp of the LA Dodgers. With 22 home runs and 27 stolen bases thus far, he might be finally realizing his potential.”

CY YOUNG

Martinez – American League: “Justin Verlander has been the most dominate pitcher for me in the AL. He has thrown a no-hitter and been dominate in every sense of the word, sporting a 12-4 record with a 2.15 ERA.” National League: “Could go with either Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee or Cole Hamels as my top contenders over in the National League.”

Tabler – American League: “My pick is Justin Verlander who has overpowered every player he’s faced. He has set the tone for the Detroit Tigers this year as they battle for first in the AL Central.” National League: “Roy Halladay is the natural choice. One of the main reasons the Philadelphia Phillies are the best team in baseball.”

Zaun – American League: “Justin Verlander in the American League has a sensational win/loss record as he continues to leads the AL in strikeouts. He is the total package.” National League: “I’ll take Roy Halladay even though his ERA is slightly higher than Cole Hamels. But Halladay has a much better strikeout total and will continue to push for the league lead.”

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Martinez – American League: “You can go with either Mark Trumbo of the Los Angeles Angels or Blue Jays’ JP Arencibia.” National League: “Right now I would either take Darwin Barney of the Chicago Cubs or Danny Espinoza of the Washington Nationals.”

Tabler – American League: “You have to go with Michael Pineda from the Seattle Mariners. He is the most dominant rookie starter I have seen in 10 years.” National League: “Pitcher Craig Kimbrel from the Atlanta Braves is someone to keep an eye on.”

Zaun – American League: “Michael Pineda from the Mariners. His 3.03 ERA is nothing to gloss over.” National League: “My NL rookie candidate is Dillon Gee of the NY Mets.”

SURPRISE TEAM OF THE YEAR

Martinez – “My surprise team of the year is the Cleveland Indians as no one can say they saw this coming. The Indians have a bunch of grinders that believe they can beat anyone, anywhere, anytime. We keep waiting on them to fall off the pace but they haven’t. I like their defence and their closer Chris Perez. Should be fun to watch in the second half.” Tabler – “Cleveland Indians have come out of nowhere to win 47 games and battle for first place in the AL’s Central Division. Their starting rotation is in the middle of the pack and better than what people expected.”

Zaun – “It would definitely have to be the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates are a revelation this season as they sit four games over .500 near the half-way point. Pittsburgh has not had a winning season since 1992, but definitely on course to get back to the dance.” For all the scores, highlights, breaking news and inside stories from MLB, tune in to Sportsnet Connected and visit www.sportsnet.ca. Big Names, Big Teams, Big League.

Rogers Sportsnet provides HD live-event coverage of the Toronto Blue Jays, Major League Baseball's 2011 World Series, NL and AL League Championships, MLB Divisionals, the 82nd Annual MLB All-Star Game, 2011 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby.

-END-