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.