Game 48 – Never Make Assumptions

The Jays showed improvement going 3 for 11 w/RISP, but that only got them 3 runs. Their other problem aside from hitting w/RISP has been the lack of x-base hits and it showed tonight as they had 10 1B’s and 1 2B and the lone 2B came w/no one on base. Furthermore, the Jays hit into 3 DP’s for the 2nd straight game and continue to lead the majors in that category.

Meanwhile the Angels only had 3 AB’s w/RISP and managed 1 hit but it was a big one as Vlad hit a 3-run HR to add to his solo HR earlier. The mistake by Marcum was neither one of the Vlad HR’s, it was the leadoff BB’s to Figgins and Matthews in the 3rd prior to the Vlad HR. It is one of the reasons Litsch has been so successful this yr despite giving up his share of HR’s. He refuses to walk guys. Marcum hasn’t exactly walked many either but it is all the more important for him as he is more of a flyball pitcher which leads to the occasional HR.

I didn’t think Gibbons would bring Tallet back out for the 9th but Tallet was v ery good through 2.1 IP keeping the Jays within a run. The Jays offence just couldn’t get that run. Tallet continues to pitch well and it is all the more reason the Jays need to look at trading one of their LH relievers. Excluding Ryan since he is the closer, the Jays have 3 LH’s coming out of the bullpen which is unnecessary and none of them deserve to be sent down, in fact Carlson is the only one who can be sent down w/o having to clear waivers. Once Wolfe and/or Accardo come back, and no one else in the bullpen gets hurt they need to seriously consider shopping some of their relievers. Maybe you package one or two w/one of their prospects (ie. Purcey/Cecil/Ginley/Lind) for a big bat.

I thought the PB in the 7th was fouled off too, but you should never assume. If it was indeed foul the umpires will send you back. That is why Rios should have been standing on 2nd. Granted Hill took awhile to get going and Rios cannot take off for 2nd and Hill leaves but it is his responsibility (and the 1B coaches) to go as soon as he sees Hill leave.

Let’s check the stats:
WG: Stewart (1), Barajas (2)
ME(r): Rios (4)