I often wonder why Cito bothers to call the Jays bullpen sometimes. Who is there who’s worthy of answering the call?
The only way the Jays are going to have the ability to truly compete within their division — or with other teams — in future wild-card races is if they get a bona fide closer. Say what you will about the revolving door of starters or lack of production from Vernon Wells and former Jay Alex Rios, it is the bullpen that needs a serious upgrade.
Toronto has 14 blown saves this year. Not the worst in the AL nor the best, but consider that they’ve had 33 save opportunities and that ranks them third worst in the MLB in save percentage. No lead seems to be big enough for the Jays to feel confident they are going to win.
Who is our Mariano Rivera or Jonathan Papelbon? Someone who makes you feel confident going into the ninth with a lead. They’re not out there for long, but when they are they make it worthwhile.
By default, that reliever title for the Jays belongs to Scott Downs. Downs is the best they have, with nine saves. A mere 28 less than Rivera, and 23 below Papelbon. It’s embarrassing that every other team in the AL has a big-name closer they can rely on no matter what situation.
I used to feel bad for Roy Halladay when he couldn’t get the run support he needed, but now I’m starting to feel bad for the hitters like Aaron Hill, Adam Lind and Marco Scutaro. These guys have had career-best years, picking up the slack for the guys who aren’t contributing, only to have their efforts wasted by the bullpen. Offence is exciting, but I’d rather watch a one-run game if it means getting the win.
Before anything else this off-season, the Jays need to find a closer who can actually close a game.