Report Card first week.

No game today but perfect for a weekly report card on those Jays.
Flying high at 5-1 there have been some interesting performances. A few surprises and a couple of disappointments.

Doing well this first week, certainly JP Arenciba takes the first prize, his third HR yesterday against Astros and looking very good. His problem however is breaking through with Jose Molina and John Buck in front of him, Cito will not take three catchers north in April. But the brains trust in front office will be pleased to see (the other) JP do well and be in the wings for call up.

Infield: To date Aaron at second has just continued on from his great 2009 season. Almost perfect at bat and in the field. Emaus and McCoy are probably the subs after Johnny Mac of course. By the way Johnny Mac had two hits yesterday in three at bats. Has he been working on his hitting?

At short Alex Gonzalez has been getting lots of playing time. Unspectacular but certainly fills the role. Jays do not need power at that position with this lineup and he will certainly give confidence to those young pitchers with his glove and ability. Johnny Mac of course is also there to provide the same for the ground balls and double plays to help out the pitchers. I noted in particular Romero with 7/9 ground ball outs yesterday. He needs Aaron and Alex to be there for him.

At first base Lyle has done enough and also been hitting consistently, however his position is being hotly contested by Randy Ruiz and Brain Dopirak who continues to impress everyone as he did last season moving rapidly through the system. Brian will probably not make the squad in April but gives the Jays lots of flexibility if they need to trade Lyle. If that happens the Jays will have power of Randy Ruiz at first base for the first time since Delgado.

At third it should be Encarnacion but we have not seen him out there yet. If he is unable to do so it may be Bautista. Brad Emaus has been filling in this week but I preferred him at second last spring.

DH it looks as if Adam Lind will be fulltime DH and has been gradually powering up. With Ruiz on the bench Cito has insurance for resting Lind occasionally. I am sure we will also see Randy pinch hitting for Lyle in the later game.

Outfield: This is still in flux for Cito. Apart from Vernon who is having excellent spring to date with his hitting. For the first time in the last three years at least Vernon appears to be relaxed, injury free, and hitting well. Going to opposite field, no more swinging at that third strike down and away. Vernon I hope you have a great year.
Right field has been an ever changing position with no one staking a claim but from this seat it has been such a joy not to have to watch Alex Rios hitting. Everyone I have seen so far has been trying 100%. Gathright has brought speed in right, and if he doesn’t make the spot will undoubtedly be used off the bench for pinch running and stealing. Travis Snider has not taken advantage of either left or right. Opening day right now could well be Bautista, Wells and Gathright with Travis in Las Vegas with AAA.

Of all the concerns right now, I think Travis is the number one. He has not looked at all comfortable with his bat, has struck out far too many times looking like Alex Rios. On two strikes he is tightening up and the pitchers have his number. This has also affected his fielding and he has made some poor fumbles and miscues in left. To this eye he just needs to RELAX and start to smile and enjoy. Easy to say for Travis but he also needs a mentor on the bench. Right now he has the world’s troubles on his shoulders.

Small ball and running: Cito has made good on his pre-season promise to provide some speed action. A successful double steal this week and sending Gathright and others promises to add another dimension to a team that has been challenged historically to steal. Gathright had an excellent bunt single against the Phillies. I think that the Jays will need every edge they can get this season.

Fielding: So far nothing to complain about with the Jays fielding apart from the concerns in left with Travis.

Pitching has been excellent overall at this stage of the spring with Ricky Romero certainly positioning himself for the rotation and so far unchallenged for the number one position. Marcum was definitely a pleasant surprise. If those two are settled add in Morrow, not such a long shot from here, and Rzcepynski and the others will fight for remaining spot.

David Purcey, Jesse Carlson and Brian Tallet have lots of work to do. Purcey and Tallet if they want a rotation spot. Brandon Morrow so far has been good as has Rzecpynski, Gregg, Frasor, Accardo and Janssen. And no faulting the remainder of the large relief corps who have held the many leads in the five wins. There are some excellent arms available. It will be interesting to see if any will be trade bait. Cecil goes tomorrow to add to the logjam for that remaining spot.

But overall impression from the first week has been the confidence of this very young group. They start with no pressure on them to succeed this season, most observers are projecting fourth spot in the division, but I like what I see. They remind me of Tampa two years ago in spring.
“I think the most important thing of all for any team is a winning attitude”. (Bear Bryant)