On Thursday night, Mark Hendrickson pitched like a man who didn't want to go to Syracuse. This afternoon, his fellow finesse lefty Doug Davis has a similar incentive. If Davis gets knocked around, or walks too many Cubs, Carlos Tosca will have Corey Thurman standing by to take over -- not just today, but the next time the Jays need a fifth starter. With Trever Miller pitching almost every day, another southpaw is needed in the bullpen, so Davis, who unlike Lurch is out of options, will avoid demotion to AAA if he can't hang on to his starting role. Mike Smith is also in the mix; if Thurman isn't the answer, Smitty will get his chance.
It's unreasonable for the Toronto pitchers (and there may be several) to expect their usual awesome run support today. I know, the hitters surprised Kerry Wood with three homers last night, something that's never happened to him before, but Mark Prior might be an even tougher opponent. The 6'5" righty fanned 10 Yankees in his last start, a six-inning win. In his last three starts, totalling 21.2 IP, he's struck out 23 and walked just two. He has a perfect pitcher's body -- long arms and torso, powerful legs -- and amazing poise for someone who won't turn 23 until September. I'm not saying the home team can't win, just that it would be an upset.
I can't criticize the skipper for leaving Josh Phelps on the bench against Prior and getting both Myers (his best lefty DH) and Wilson into the lineup. Howie Clark bats ninth and plays 3B, though his average is now "only" .522 -- I suspected he couldn't hit .600 all year. When Eric Hinske comes off the DL, which will depend on how he looks in batting practice next week, but should be sooner than originally expected, the powers that be will have to choose between keeping the versatile Clark, or whoever they consider the 12th pitcher. I presume that means Hendrickson, Thurman and Smith are battling for two jobs, but nobody around here would shed a tear waving goodbye to Tanyon Sturtze. This isn't the easiest day for Shannon Stewart to return, but I have a hunch he'll be back tomorrow against Estes.
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20030614034846999