Just Wishful Thinking

It was the third inning of the Toronto Blue Jay's matinee game against the Minnesota Twins. I tuned in to sportsnet and Vernon Wells was at the plate. The bases were empty and Carl Pavano was pitching. He missed on his first pitch outside with junk. Then tossed a 1-0 two-seamer over the inside half of the plate that cut towards V-Dub. It was a mistake and Vernon jumped all over the pitch smashing a 200-level moon shot that left the park instantly.

Wells was given a ludicrous contract for exactly what I had witnessed, he is suppose to jump on mistake pitches at least 30 times a season and field gold in the centre of the Jay's outfield. In the same game Edwin Encarnacion and Lyle Overbay hit 2-run bombs, and Aaron Hill added a solo shot. The Jay's went on to win 11-2.

I couldn't help but laugh that this Jay's team is the most powerful lineup in the majors. Lead by Wells, Jose Bautista, Alex Gonzalez, and John Buck.

Buck Martinez, currently my favourite Toronto sportscaster because he is not Jamie Campbell, told me that Jose Bautista has hit the most home runs in the Major's since September of last year (he hit 10 that month). Move over Mark Teixera, Evan Longoria, and Kevin Youkilis there is a new big boy on the AL east block.

I hope my tone of cynicism is clear because I cannot decide if the Toronto Blue Jay's current standing in the American League is promising or disparaging.

The offense is getting magical production from career journeyman like Gonzo, Shaun Marcum and Ricky Romero are pitching like aces, and Adam Lind and Aaron Hill, last seasons offensive saviors, are both struggling at the plate. Marc Rzepczynski and Jesse Litsch two young arms that have been successful in the past are also returning from injury.

Despite the Blue Jay's record, the fourth best in the AL (24-17), they are still 2.5 games from the wildcard spot. The emergence and dominance of the young Tampa Bay Ray's rotation is frightening, and they have a comparable lineup to the Evil Empire making them serious pennant contenders, and the probable favourites.

I sigh because the Blue Jay's good fortune will fade, and/or injuries will strike, the Jay's will spiral down, although I pray not to the depths of the Boston Red Sox (a grossly overrated team this season).

But it is so rare for the gods of sport to smile on any Toronto franchise. I know that this team is not built for success this season. The future is the return on the Halladay trade (Wallace, d'Arnaud, and Drabek have been performing promisingly in the minors), this season's draft, and the core of young arms lead by Romero, Cecil, and Morrow.

And so I am left with the line made cliche by Toronto's faithful fans, maybe next year is THE YEAR.