You could argue that the Blue Jays were tripped up by the oldest canard in the sporting lexicon: caught looking ahead. With this three-game series in Boston early in the schedule, it might be understandable if Toronto had taken the Tigers for granted, contributing to their three-game SkySweep. Then again, this year's 0-3 start now makes the Jays 18-30 over their last three Aprils, and counting. Mike Barnett thinks the Jays' hitters are over-anxious and getting themselves out; less clear is how Detroit touched the top three Jay starters for 20 runs in three days. But no matter. Today is the challenge.
The Red Sox, as has been noted here and elsewhere, are a powerhouse, loaded on offence, in the rotation and in the pen; a playoff appearance is the minimum expected of them, and many folks foresee a World Series appearance this October. But they're also a hurting ballclub, and not just because of last night's extra-inning marathon and flight: Nomar Garciaparra and Trot Nixon are out with injuries, as is today's regularly scheduled starter, Byung-Hyun Kim; Bronson Arroyo takes the hill in his place. Moreover, the Jays are sending left-hander Ted Lilly to the mound in oppostion, a pitcher who shut down the BoSox in last year's playoffs and whose south paw is something many Boston starters do not like. With two fellows named Pedro and Curt lined up to pitch for Boston in the weekend games, it seems that now is the time Toronto has to strike. A 1-5 start to the year would be bad; 0-6 is not worth contemplating.
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