Week 3

In life, we all die. It’s inevitable. You do what you can to enjoy the time that you’re here, but it all unfortunately comes to an end at some point. Just like death is inevitable, it was inevitable that Munenori Kawasaki would be sent back to AAA Buffalo (exaggerated comparison, I know). His antics and personality brighter than the sun seems to capture the imagination of even the most casual baseball fan, and we’re always left wondering, why he couldn’t stay longer? Last year abysmal play was the cause, and I was much happier to see him leave the team, though there was still the hole in my heart that missed the legendary post-game interviews. This year however, it was a different story. With Reyes finally becoming healthy (for now at least), he is the clear #1 starting SS for the Jays, finally filling the hole in that position. However, with Izturis out for 4-6 months now, the only players who Gibbons seems to be playing at second is either Jonathan Diaz or Ryan Goins, and Kawasaki would be a much better player to have starting for the Jays, and I’m not just saying that because I like seeing him say funny things on TV every once in a while.

Goins and Diaz both played a few games in September of last year (Diaz with the Red Sox), where Goins caught the attention of many after he had an eight-game hitting streak to start off his career with the Jays, tying a record set with Jesse Barfield. After the streak ended however, he played less than average baseball, finishing the season a .252 average, 2 home runs and 8 RBI’s, which some might argue are pretty decent numbers for a players first month in the MLB. Diaz on the other hand, played in 5 games and didn’t register a hit in his 4 at-bats. Both are young players that do have some potential for the future, but just aren’t ready to compete at the major league level. This just leaves Kawasaki. He isn’t an amazing player by any stretch, but he’s the best choice the Jays have. His numbers have never been spectacular, but he has played in the majors before. That’s what separates him from Diaz and Goins, his two years of major league experience. He knows what to expect from the AL east now, and is better prepared to perform at a higher level compared to years past. Goins and Diaz will be good, maybe even great players one day. But for now, the Blue Jays need results. The only player who could potentially produce those results right now, is Kawasaki.

Thanks again for reading, and feel free to leave a comment on what you think could make these posts better. I appreciate any criticisms.

Week 2

Another week has come and gone for the Toronto Blue Jays, and it still feels too early to call anything as to where they would fit in the standings come September. Decent results against the AL East are already promising (5-5 against the East, second to New York’s 6-4), yet there are still holes to be filled. One day hitting would be extremely dominant with pitching coming up short, and then vice versa. However, after yesterday’s 11-3 win over Baltimore, it’s easy to overlook all of that.

Everything that could’ve gone right did, for once. Buehrle had yet another dominant start, giving up one earned run over seven innings of work, allowing only five runners on base, all of which were hits. He was relying heavily on his fielders to back him up, as he only pitched two strikeouts. But when your team has the third-highest fielding percentage in all of baseball, it helps ease a pitcher’s nerves knowing their whole team is supporting them. Fielding has been the biggest improvement so far for the Jays, considering they had the fifth-lowest fielding percentage in all of baseball last season. Unnecessary errors can cost a team very important runs, and despite how well everything else could be going, poor fielding could cost the one or two runs that lose a game for a team. As long as this keeps up, it should bring in many big wins for the Jays. As far as hitting goes, 11 runs speaks for itself.

Melky Cabrera has also been a pleasant surprise up until now, picking up right where he left off before his suspension at the 2012 All-Star break. He has been batting for average like he’s been known for, along the way also picking up four home runs so far this year, tying him at second place for most home runs in the MLB currently (Bautista is first).  His speed (if you want to call it that) has also been improving since last season. While dealing with lower-body issues last season, watching Cabrera run was one of the most painful parts of the Jays season last year. And while he’s no Jacoby Ellsbury by any stretch, you can tell he’s always hustling to the fullest extent of his abilities. He’s even caught some outfielders off guard and stretch routine singles into doubles. If this keeps up, you can expect to see the Jays sign him to an extension.

Altogether, Blue Jays fans should be pleasantly surprised with how their squad is performing up until now. Is it going to last past April? Who knows. All we can tell is that they look a hell of a lot better than last year.