The season has been over since the all-star break, despite the spin that the Blue Jays front NFL jerseysoffice might put on things. But for three Blue Jays this has been a breakout year, the likes of which have not been seen in these parts for quite some time.
In fact, the numbers that the top third of the batting order have put together can be put up against any in baseball. Marco Scutaro, playing as a regular for the first time in his eight year career and not your prototypical lead-off man, has been nothing short of spectacular.
Playing in more games this season than he ever has, Scutaro has been the lynchpin. His numbers across the board are all career-highs, the most noticeable is that he's one run from scoring 100 on the season. No one would have dreamed that up before the season. But more importantly, no shortstop has accepted more total chances this season and his fielding percentage should get him a lot of votes for a Gold Glove. Sure, he's always been considered a journeyman from his time in Oakland, but he has shown that he's as slick a fielder as anyone in the game, playing one of the most demanding positions always with a smile on his face. The spotlight may not find him like Derek Jeter, but his numbers this season were equal or better on some levels.
For second baseman Aaron Hill, this has been the greatest comeback season in franchise history. After having his 2008 season cut short after just seven weeks when he collided with David Eckstein, resulting in a concussion that left him lethargic and nauseous for the rest of the year. No one really knew what to expect from the 27-year-old because different people respond differently to post-concussion syndrome and there really is no pattern. But Hill arrived in Dunedin this spring looking fit and trim with no lasting effects from the injury. And when you look at his numbers (.288 average, 30 doubles, 32 HR and 98 RBI) no one could have expected this level offensive output.
Despite the team crashing and burning, things could not be better on a personal level. He made his first All-Star appearance, set new career-highs and records for a Blue Jays second baseman (and remember, his numbers have eclipsed those of the great Robbie Alomar), and became a father for the first time with the birth of a daughter just over a week ago. To say these are the best of times for Hill would be an understatement and if he doesn't win the MLB Comeback Player of the Year then something is wrong.
For left fielder and designated hitter Adam Lind it's been the type of year that was hinted at last year after Cito Gaston and Gene Tenace returned to the dugout in late June of 2008. Like a sponge, Lind has soaked up any and all information that the veteran manager and hitting coach have sent his way and the proof is in the pudding. On Monday night in Detroit, Lind blasted a three-run home run off Tigers' ace Justin Verlander, giving 100 RBI for the season. You couldn't help but smile as Lind returned to the dugout to be mobbed by his teammates and the grin on his face was that of a young man who couldn't believe what he just accomplished. Remember this was the same Adam Lind that was sent back to triple-A last season after a stumbled through a 1-for-19 stretch. In fact, by his own admission, Lind thought his major league dream was now over and was preparing to become a lifer in the minors. But when Cito arrived to take over from John Gibbons he put Lind in the line-up every day and the rest his history. He becomes the 17th Blue Jay to drive in 100-plus RBI (32nd overall), joining a list of some of the franchise's all-time great hitters. All that's left for Lind this season is one more home to give him 30 and a couple of points on his batting average to reach .300 and putting the finishes on one of the most complete offensive seasons in the history of the ball club.
So, you see, as bad as this 2009 season turned out to be, there have been great performances. I know, in the end, we'll look at the standings and see the team firmly entrenched in fourth place, close to 30 games behind the high-flying Yankees and close to 20 games under .500. But for Marco Scutaro, Aaron Hill and Adam Lind this was an unforgettable campaign when they showed the world that they were among the best in the game.
TWO REASONS TO WORRY IN THE BRONX
Don't get me wrong Yankees' fans, I still see your team as the one to beat once the playoffs begin. Derek Jeter is having one of those magical seasons that have solidified his Hall of Fame credentials, CC Sabathia is likely the Cy Young award winner when it's all said and done, Mark Teixeira showed what all the fuss - and the money - was about, and Mariano Rivera showed that despite his advancing age he still one of the greatest shutdown closers in the history of the game. But for two other high profile Yankees, big questions remain. Alex Rodriguez, arguably one of the most talented players ever, still has not done squat in the post-season and needs to step up this fall. Some would say that nothing short of a Joe Carter moment - walk-off home run to win a World Series -- would ever make the fickle fans in the Bronx totally embrace A-Rod, who seems, at times, more interested in dating Madonna or Kate Hudson than he is winning baseball's ultimate prize. Then there's case of A.J. Burnett, well known in Toronto from his three-season stint as the number two man in the rotation behind Roy Halladay. No one has ever question Burnett's abilities. When he's on - and that includes mentally - there are few pitchers in the game that can match his pure 'stuff'. But when he's not focused, he's just a frustratingly average pitcher, which is the way that his first season in the Bronx has gone. After starting out 10-4, 3.53 ERA in his first 20 starts, Burnett has been slapped around pretty severely. Over his last nine starts, he's gone 1-5, 6.10 ERA, and showing, once again, why the name 'A.J. Burnett' and the phrase 'complete pitcher' will never spoken in the same sentence. Despite the way that they manhandled the opposition this season, the Yankees will not be automatic if Burnett continues to cough up these fur balls on a regular basis. I could be wrong, but after having watched every one of his starts from 2006-08, when he's bad, he's really bad and October is not the time to pitch like that. Too much is at stake.
没有评论:
发表评论