The main reason the Jays are under .500 is the offence. They've hit the second-fewest homeruns in the AL (50), and have the second lowest slugging percentage (.396); they're 12th in the league in runs scored per game.





Because of their respectable number of walks and HBP, the Jays have had about an average number of runners reach first base. And because they don't run much, they are susceptible to the ground ball double play. In fact, they have the second most in the AL as we speak (61; Yankees have 64) - that's too much.

The disappointing offensive seasons to date from Josh Phelps, Eric Hinske and Carlos Delgado are most responsible for the power outage. Due to injuries, there have been simply too many low-power players in the lineup.

The starting pitching has been average - did you know that the Jays starters have a better ERA this season than Yankees starters? The relief pitchers are ranked tenth in ERA in the AL, but have given up only 5 unearned runs.

I've watched this team perform poorly late in the game. The easy thing to do would be to blame the bullpen, but it seems to me that the offence has had a tough time scoring runs in the late innings. Because of this, comebacks have been a rarity and holding onto a lead perilous.