Series Preview Toronto v Seattle

Series Preview Toronto v Seattle. July 25,2008

Obviously once again another important series. Toronto on a win streak of three ! coming back home for six. Seattle first at Rogers Centre with the worst record in the majors. On paper Jays should handle them But as always with this team as inconsistent as they are anything can and will happen. No Burnett or Halladay in the series.

Tonight Parrish, also inconsistent in his three starts so far but has good stuff when he is on, followed by Purcey who has replaced Jesse Litsch and Marcum on Sunday. Litsch will be able to straighten himself out in the minors and will be back sooner than later. Jays have no long relief man now with Wolfe also in Syracuse. That may change if the starters falter.

This home series will probably also decide whether Jays trade Burnett by the 31st. If they go on an extended win streak then may not happen. On the other hand if they lose six then it will not look good at all for this current team makeup.
The good signs in Baltimore were definitely related to the hitting. Lind continued his amazing performance since his recall. Rolen and Overbay are almost there. McDonald was huge surprise with the bat and definitely earned more starting time. Scutaro started to get off track but the final game on the Orioles series was hitting much better. Stairs and Barajas remain big disappointments, Stairs in particular. Zaun hit very well yesterday in his rare start and is pushing Barajas. Eckstein remains on the outside and may be trade bait this week. Scutaro has proven a great utility backup in so many positions which gives him an edge over Eckstein. Wilkerson had a good breakout game yesterday and Mench earlier on the road trip in his return from the minors but both have been so inconsistent and disappointing replacements to date. But Vernon will be back soon and they will revert back to the bench.

In terms of other aspects of the game, the defence has remained strong the several double plays in the Baltimore series, the throwing out of runners has been an improvement and the base stealing by Rios and Inglett in particular has been another weapon although not heavily used yet by Cito.

An interesting week ahead and one that could well determine the direction of the team for the rest of the season. Yankees are in Fenway so Jays can make up some ground this weekend followed by head to head with Tampa next week to really show some spine.