Did you know that the sweep in St. Louis was the only series the Jays have lost in more than five weeks? Toronto has won six series (sweeping four) and split two since being surprised by the White Sox May 21. The rubber match of this set will determine the Pearson Cup result -- the Jays have earned at least a tie -- and the next two series, in Detroit and Baltimore, are winnable.
Each team has had limited exposure to the opposing pitcher. Cabrera and Vidro have fared well against Escobar, but Delgado and Hinske are both just 1-for-6 off Ohka. Last June, Tomo beat the Jays in Montreal, then lost the SkyDome rematch. He's coming off two solid starts against the Pirates, allowing just two earned runs in 12 innings. Kelvim, in three 2002 relief appearances against the Expos, had a win, a loss and a save. Whether he meant to bean Conine or not, he lost concentration (and the game) in the sixth inning of his latest, so his poise and maturity remain questionable. His stuff has been excellent all month, with 34 K and just 7 BB in 34.2 IP -- I like his chances, if he stays calm.
Chris Woodward is still nursing the shoulder he hurt Friday night; Bordick (3-for-3 vs. Ohka) gets another start. Wilson gives Myers a breather. Josh Phelps is now a platoon DH, at least until Cat moves back to left field. I get it; Reed Johnson deserves to be a regular, and they have to prove that Shannon's hamstrings are OK in order to trade him. It's an embarrassment of riches when a guy with 25 HR in 514 career AB, a .353 OBP and .496 SLG wastes away on your bench.
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20030629124440999