Jays undefeated when Rolen hits fourth
Jays undefeated when Rolen hits fourth
The headline is true, the Jays have a perfect record when Scott Rolen is hitting fourth in the order. Of course they’re only 1-0.
After moving Rios down in the order the Jays now have a 1-3 record (Marlins Sweep + last nights win).
Flip Rios and Wells in the order
In the Jays version 2.0 batting order Vernon is in the three spot and Rios is back hitting sixth. This seems to have (at least in the short-term) woken Rios up. In four games Alex has collected 9 hits, 2 HR and a 1.611 OPS. Conversely Wells is hitting .111 over this stretch, with two hits in 18 AB. I’d flip these two if this trend continues, even in the short-term (ie one or two more games)
Cito sticking up for his players?
Cito said the following after last nights game (regarding Scott Downs limping after running down to first base and pitchers hitting as a whole)
“That’s what happens,” said a disgusted Gaston. “My guys don’t take batting practice every day and they don’t run, so things like this are going to happen.”
Is he for real? I hope not. It is what it is (and has been for 100 years +). Bitching about this baseball fact of life will solve nothing.
(On a side note pitchers run and jog all of the time). I’ll give Cito the benefit of the doubt and assume he’s sticking up for his club.
Jays would be better off in the NL anyways
Sticking with the DH argument, how good would the Jays look without the DH rule? They’ve lacked a true DH for the entire season. The vs righties lineup of Barajas, Overbay, Hill, Scutaro, Rolen, Lind, Wells, Rios would stand up very well in the NL.
Time for the longball
Grounball pitcher Ricky Romero was the Jays best bet vs the Phillies and Citizen Bank Park. I expect game’s two and three of the series to average four HR apiece. A series win vs the defending World Series champs is just what this club needs.
June 17, 2009
Running and jogging is much different from baserunning, getting out of the box, etc.
However, I think Downs might have rolled his ankle on the actual swing.
June 17, 2009
Sprinting in the outfield is all that different from running to first base or getting out of the box? I don’t know about that. From a simplified pitcher’s perspective toss the bat and run to first. I will concede the actually running of the bases.
June 17, 2009
You honestly think Downs sprints from the bullpen at the start of an inning with the same intensity he would as running to first base? Going full out from a dead stop? You played the game, you know how it is.
June 17, 2009
Of course, but dead sprints in the outfield during offdays, training, etc take place. Perhaps pitchers that are due to bat have a pre-set stretching routine in the dugout before their AB, as they typically don’t stretch and warm up as positional players do.
June 17, 2009
I’m with Cito: I’m going to be bitching about the NL’s stupidity for the next 100 years.
June 18, 2009
Boom! Look at Rolen acting like a cleanup hitter by slamming a homer.
June 18, 2009
Whoa, Rolen hit a HR. Did my eyes decieve me?
When I flipped back to the game I saw the replay and it showed a ball leaving the park and I automatically assumed it was by Wells. But Rolen? Holy crap, watch out Philly – Scott Rolen thrives on your hate.