Double header preview

Preview double header Monday May 12, 2008


This is the worst scenario for Jays right now a double header. They have not had one of these for several seasons but the issue is their state of readiness.

Missing Wells on disabled list for 6-8 weeks, Eckstein at least until May 22nd, McDonald at least until May 22nd. Wolfe could be ready soon but, Accardo now on the list and Jannsen already gone for the season. This is not good. Not yet as bad as 2007.
But add in the dismal state of the hitting that has disappeared in the last month, they are in no fit state for one let alone two against Cleveland today.
Add to the scenario the two best pitchers that Cleveland has in Carmona and Cliff Lee 6-0 with .081 ERA BUT some good news right now is that Wedge is already saying Carmona may not be pitching as he wants to keep regular rotation. SO it may be either Jeremy Sowers from AAA Buffalo. Not that is any comfort as Jays are notorious for losing against rookies or pitchers they haven’t seen before.

BUT having said all that Toronto is THE most inconsistent team, and is just as likely to win BOTH games and with big scores. I don't think it likely but not out of the question for this team that cannot continue missing so many scoring opportunities. They definbietly have the pitching and have the bats on paper just need to get them together.

This will be the first traditional ( i.e. back to back as opposed to day and night) double header at Progressive Field in Cleveland for more than 10 years. Cleveland has either rescheduled postponed games on open dates or as part of day-night doubleheaders. Jays have not had one since September 2004 against Baltimore when they lost both.

Obviously right now it is also to Cleveland’s advantage having won the first two so decisively and having Toronto in total disarray. Toronto on the other hand may have preferred to see Sunday’s game in September when they may be playing better. Before we start Cleveland already has the advantage.

Burnett and Marcum are the Jays scheduled starters and Jays desperately need two good outings from both of them. A poor outing by Burnett will stretch the bullpen for the second game or leave someone in to soak up the innings.
Burnett is 3-3 and will start on five day’s rest, not his favourite routine. Look out for some initial wildness today.

Although Wells was not exactly scorching the ball he was leading the team had an eight-game hitting streak, 12-for-29 for a .414 average. After 38 games, he is the team leader in hits (39), total bases (61), runs scored (21), home runs (five) and RBIs (24).

Rolen however is one good news item for the Jays. In his first 14 games has hit in 11 and is.320 (16-for-50).
New guys Mench and Wilkerson were not factors on Saturday and Wilkerson had horrible game with glove in RF. Fumbling and kicking ball around. Hope that is not his style of play.

What they said: Gibbons on injuries to Wells, McDonald, Eckstein and Accardo: "You move on, what are you going to do?" What can you do? It's part of it."
Gibbons on Wells: "He's one of the leaders on our team in just about everything. He's one of our cornerstone guys. It's a big blow but you deal with it. When you lose one of your top players it's always a big blow.”
Gibbons on Saturday’s 12-0 loss: “Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.”
Gibbons on Hill: missing first game of season Saturday night. "He could use a break; he's been in there every day,"
Hill on Hill: "I don't feel like I'm doing the things you usually do when you're in a slump. I don't know what you'd call it. It's a slump but it's not terrible. It's not where I want to be but I'm seeing the ball. You've just got to stay mentally strong because this game will get you if you let it get in your head."