Preview (3) Jays v Boston series

Thursday May 1st 2008.

Boston set for the sweep tonight. First time since 2004. Will they do it? Will Toronto break out and hit ? Can Burnett continue his dominance of Red Sox ? Burnett’s is 3-0 He's 3-0 with a 1.82 ERA in last three starts against Boston. His only start at Fenway a three-hitter in a 5-1 win on Sept. 2, 2006.

I think also some perspective on Jays hitting here and reasons for the fans to continue faith.
1. Toronto is not a sub- 500 team. They are in the middle of a slump that most teams go through in a season. The unfortunate part is that the slump is now. But this team also is capable of a ten game win streak.
2. Upside is that no one is streaking away with the Division, there is so much parity that could last all season.
3. Boston is in similar slump and has not hit big against Jays in this series. Boston lineup is one of the strongest in baseball and they are also World Champions.
4. Jays batters have also faced two very good pitchers.
5. Boston is a very good team and to lose by one run is by no means a disaster most teams would be happy with the pitching.
6. Boston slump is also concerning Boston fans. Ortiz like Wells is in early-season slump. But lately there has been no production from anyone. They scored just five runs during a three-game sweep by Tampa Bay and a total of seven hits combined in the first eight innings of action over two nights.
7. Good signs from Rolen, Rios, Stairs and Lind bats in this series.
8. A few good hits will turn this around AND there is no need to fire John Gibbons.
9. Postscript: Great to hear JP last night emphatically reject any notion of bringing Bonds to Toronto.

Wakefield and Burnett go at it, anything could happen with either of them. Both bullpens are rested. We should see B.J.Ryan at least for an inning whatever happen.