The .500 Jays try for a fourth straight win at home, which last occurred against the Pirates and Cubs in June. Halama-Walker doesn't deserve the same kind of buildup as Zito-Halladay, but it's going to draw a bigger crowd; the Molitor bobblehead giveaway guarantees that. As expected, Brian Bowles was sent down to make room for Walker, who hasn't pitched since June 3 and hasn't pitched well since April. I like Pete, and admire his tenacity. I hope he is finally healthy and has some success, but I'd rather he was in the bullpen and Towers stayed in the rotation. The relievers may decide this one, as neither starter can be expected to go more than five innings.
Remember when the Jays didn't match up well against southpaws? Now it's an embarrassment of riches. Mike Bordick is 8-for-17 off Halama, but Chris Woodward is 1-for-2, with a homer. Good call by Tosca to give O-Dog the day off and play Bordick at second. RF Bobby Kielty is just 1-for-6 (a 3-run homer) off the 6'5" lefty, but he's walked three times (an interesting 167/444/667) and he's 313/431/646 from the right side for the season. Carlos Delgado has a 417/529/750 line in 12 AB, and Vernon Wells doubled his only time up. DH Josh Phelps (remember him?) has never faced Halama, so he deserves a chance. With Hinske (0-for-2) at third, there's no room in the lineup for Dave Berg and his 308/368/577 split against lefties this year.
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