and the Toronto Blue Jays are right in the thick of things. Here are the standings after the completion of all games on June 9th.
AL East (GB)
Boston -
New York 0.5
Toronto 2.0
AL Wild Card (GB)
Chicago -
New York 1.5
Toronto 3.0
When looking at the Wild Card standings I should note that Detroit, who are now playing quality teams, are in free-fall and I anticipate that Chicago will take over the AL Central lead and Detroit will eventually fall out of the race.
Considering that the Blue Jays are getting 2 good starts out of each 5 (being generous) they are pretty lucky to be where they are. It has been announced that A.J. Burnett will come back on June 22 against the Atlanta Braves. If the Blue Jays are to continue contending they need him to the arm they threw all that money at. I am worried about Chacin as he has not be good since returning from the DL. I am happy with Casey Janssen, especially if he move from 4th to 5th starter. Ted Lilly has been very inconsistent lately, or more correctly he has been consistently bad the last three weeks. If he gain he .500 form then that is more than acceptable as a 3rd starter. The key will be the Blue Jay starters to go deeper in the games to relieve the bullpen - which is nowhere as good as billed, expect for B.J. Ryan.
Can the Jays offense continue to be lights out? I think so. Vernon Wells and Troy Glaus are the real deal. I've been happy with Lyle Overbay and Aaron Hill has been great in moving his average from .190 to .280. I expect Alex Rios' numbers to level off, especially since his is batting leadoff or second in the batting order. But this guy has been priceless in moving Erik Hinske into a bench player. I am concerned about second base since none of Alfonzo, MacDonald or Figeroa are a long term answer. We will see what happens with Russ Adams but Jamie Campbell reported on the telecast that he would be back in July.
Bottom line is that they are equal parts exciting and frustrating. Meaningful games in September look to be a reality but I have been teased now and I want more - hence the frustration.
Comments (2)
Don’t discount the Tigers. They too can hit (Inge aside) and their starting rotation is much better top to bottom than Toronto’s. Detroit doesn’t have an ace like Halladay but Bonderman can be very good and Verlander will be great. Of course the bullpen as currently composed is worse than awful (see the 8 run 8th last night). If they let Zumaya close for them it will only strenghten their chances. Show me a Jay who can throw 99-101 fastballs with a devastating curve to go along with it.
Posted by mark | June 10, 2006 2:44 PM
Posted on June 10, 2006 14:44
Blue Jays need another starter for the stretch.
The 2B/SS problem will be plugged by the July deadline - Adam Kennedy could still be a Jay.
I don’t think you can make the playoffs in the AL East just with hitting. You also need reliable starters who can get you to the 7th or 8th inning and keep your club in the game.
Right now, the Jays have Doc & Casey. Lilly wasn’t bad today, but this guy is - at best - a .500 pitcher. AJ will be the 3rd, and I hope JP will pickup another durable arm soon.
I wonder who they will call-up to pitch against the Orioles to repl. Chacin, and then against the Marlins (Willis trade bait?). Boy, I sure hope it is not the Leaning Towers of Josh!
Posted by Anonymous | June 10, 2006 5:48 PM
Posted on June 10, 2006 17:48