About two years ago, I mentioned that I would be writing about how I thought the Jays would still make the playoffs, even after that horrendous nine game losing streak. (By the way, I think there should be a new name for that, 'streak' sounds like too much of a good thing)
Since the Jays started out at 27-14, they've gone 10-17. Not good.
But since the nine game funk (that's better), they've gone 10-8.
Okay, not bad.
But now Roy and Downs are out, and this club is relying heavily (again) on young starting pitching, always a sticky situation.
There are, let me see, five reasons why I think the 2009 Toronto Blue (always so very close to Black) Jays will indeed make the playoffs, althought it will probably be as the wild card entrant.
1. Cito Cito Cito... I know, too much credit can't be doled out to this man. He doesn't even play, right? Still, he (and the coaching staff) elevates the play of this roster. You know it's true.
2. Marco Scutaro, Scott Rolen and Adam Lind...If there were 3 of each of these guys composing the starting 9, they'd min a shit load more games. Each hussles, each works the count, and each is what you could call 'heady' players. Rios and Wells should watch those three guys' approach at the plate.
3. Roy...He'll be back, and when he does, he'll win 10 more games and help solidify a surprisingly strong and sturdy starting staff (see what I did there?)
4. There is more parity...No one in the Central is winning the wild card, and it might not come out of the west either once Texas fades. That leaves Toronto, Tampa and the Yankees. I still don't think the Yankees are as good as they've sometimes played, and I just don't like the Rays ok? So there.5. It's been 16 god damn years...Can't the Jays just be that team that surprises everyone? For once? It's been everyone to the Rockies to the Marlins to the Rays over the years. It's time.
By the way, for those of you wondering what Cito's record is since taking over again last season, here it is:
87-68 (.561)
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