Blue Jays Report - August 22nd, 2002
August 22, 2002
LATEST TEAM INFO
The Jays have been struggling once again, going 7-13 in the month of August. Injuries, injuries, injuries, isn't that always the way. With Carlos Delgado and Jose Cruz on DL the Jays are hurting for power. During Tuesday night's extra inning game against KC, the Jays got 16 hits, all singles. That kind of anemic power just doesn't cut it for an American league team.
Rookies Vernon Wells and Eric Hinske are still pulling their own, putting up great numbers and making timely hits. But honestly, is Chris Woodward really a cleanup hitter?
Catcher turned DH Josh Phelps has been erratic, hitting a smattering of home runs, but striking out way to much. Delgado's replacement at first base, Brian Lesher, hasn't given the Jays very much in the way of offense and has found himself riding the pine in favour of the multi talented Dave Berg.
The pitching staff has looked much better than they did in the first half of the season. Guys like Pete Walker and Cliff Politte are coming into their own with the team. But the loss of Chris Carpenter yet again is a big blow. Justin Miller has been called up to take his place in the rotation and has been effective, although limited in innings.
The Jays are hoping to get Delgado back this weekend sometime while Cruz is probably out for another few weeks and possibly the season. Now's as good a time as any to let OF Dewayne Wise show his stuff in the field. If he can get his average up, he can be a real force in the outfield with his defensive instincts.
ON THE FARM
If baseball goes into September, Blue Jays fans will get a chance to see some pretty decent minor leaguers get a chance to play in the big leagues. Former starting short stop Felipe Lopez is once again tearing up Triple A hitting .353 in 30 games since being sent down to Syracuse.
Another guy to watch for is Jayson Werth. He's catching at the moment because Kevin Cash is injured, has been playing alot in the outfield and stealing bases at a rate the big club would love to see from it's regulars. Werth also is showing some power boasting 16 home runs and 71 RBIs to this date.
QUICK VIEW
ADD: 2B Orlando Hudson - I said it before, but this guy can walk the walk. He's hitting and fielding like a pro and looks to remain in a prominent hitting position for the rest of the season
DROP: OF Jose Cruz Jr. - He won't be back for another couple of weeks and even then, it doesn't make much sense for the Jays to play him when there are a glut of OFs in the minors they would prefer to get a look at. Jose is probably done for the year.
HOLD: SP Roy Halladay - Duh! He got roughed up last night, but not to worry, he's solid, don't panic and go trying to unload him.
TRADE: It's too late, the trading deadline is past in most leagues. If you can get him, try to snag Delgado, he's not going to be happy about having been sidelined and watch for him to take it out on American League pitching.
