©97-01 gm_kel

First off, let me apologize for the lack of updates in the past month. Now that that's out of the way... What's wrong with the Blue Jays? This season started out promising, but has turned into an all too familiar story, with the Jays under .500 and quickly slipping as the Yankees and Red Sox battle it out for first place in the AL East. After my previous article, on May 6, the Jays lost six straight games, and since they have also had losing streaks of five and four games. Obviously, this team has the talent, but sometimes it seems like they're not performing up to their capabilities.

In the May 31-June 3 series against Boston, the Jays were swept away. They proceeded to lose three-game sets to the Marlins, Devil Rays, Expos, and Orioles. What's baffling is that, since that time, they've also taken two of three from the Braves, and swept a three-game series in Boston from June 22-24. Of course, only to lose three of four to lowly Baltimore.

Speaking of Baltimore, what in the world was Gord Ash thinking when he waived Tony Batista? Wake up! When your other options at third base are Chris Woodward and Jeff Frye, who are batting a combined .183 with three home runs and 13 RBI at the moment, wouldn't you rather go with the All-Star who may have been batting .207 but was still third on the team with 13 homers and fourth with 45 RBI? If you don't know yet, the Jays put Batista on irrevocable waivers because they wanted to send him to the minors to rediscover his swing. The problem was, the Orioles picked him up, so the Jays got absolutely nothing. Sure, they dumped some salary, but if you're going to give up on a guy, why not trade him? Heck, Ash should've traded Batista at the beginning of the season when he was overvalued and teams might've given up a good number two or three starting pitcher! Nonetheless, we'll be watching Batista trot around the bases for Baltimore the rest of this season.

Before the current series against the Boston Red Sox, manager Buck Martinez hinted at dumping salary if the Jays didn't win the four-game set. Trade rumors have involved - who else - Jose Cruz Jr, but I'm surprised to hear Shannon Stewart being mentioned as well. Hopefully, the Jays will win the series so management believes they're still in it. If the Jays take three of four (they have thus far split the first two games), then go on the win the upcoming series against Tampa Bay and Montreal, they would be in fairly good position going into the All-Star break. That's a big if, of course.

While on the topic of the All-Star Game, I think the only Jay who's going to make the squad this year will be Carlos Delgado. Outfielders Raul Mondesi and Shannon Stewart are deserving also, but I don't think there's much room. Delgado might have been voted in had it not been for those crazy Seattle fans, who before this whole thing ends might have their entire team starting the game. Speaking of Delgado, ESPN The Magazine recently tabbed him as "The Coolest" guy in sports, which is great because Carlos is definitely deserving. You can pick up the magazine at your local bookstore or check out the article online. Also, be sure to check out ESPN's "The Life", as the latest show features Delgado, and follows him around as he bikes to the SkyDome, grabs some Cuban cigars, goes to see a show, and chat it up with the fans. Quoting the article, "you have to like a guy with style, substance and one sweet stroke."

For those of you wondering what has gotten into Billy Koch and his recent turnaround, the Jays closer has switched to more of a three-quarters delivery rather than over-the-top, resulting in more movement on his pitches. This has obviously paid off, as since Koch made the move, he's been virtually unstoppable, allowing not a single run in ten appearances. The word is that setup man Kelvim Escobar is also giving the low delivery angle a shot, although he was already doing very well without it. Hey, does this thing work for starting pitchers?

More news: Deion Sanders has agreed to a deal to play for the Jays' Triple-A team, the Syracuse SkyChiefs. The 32-year-old two-sport star was recently waived by the Cincinnati Reds, and I'm sure would be a welcome addition to the Jays if he can find his stroke again. His speed would make him very useful in late-game situations, even if only as a pinch-runner. Regardless, "Primetime" might be in for a tough time, as the Jays' fourth outfielder right now is Brian Simmons, who Martinez has been pleased with, and don't forget that Vernon Wells is also down in Syracuse right now, waiting for a call-up. In Sanders' debut with Syracuse on Friday, he was 0-4 with a strikeout, batting leadoff as a DH. This situation will be an interesting one to watch as it develops.

Also in the minors is the Jays' No. 1 pick from this year's draft, outfielder Gabe Gross. He has agreed to terms with the club and is expected to report to Class-A Dunedin on July 2. Gross is 21, bats left-handed, and compiled a .326 batting average with 13 homers and 65 RBI this past season at the University of Auburn. In another move, the Jays have waived lefty reliever Lance Painter; I guess they feel Pedro Borbon and Dan Plesac are sufficient in the bullpen.

On another note, have you noticed Mike Young making some highlight reel plays for the Texas Rangers, or that Brent Abernathy is batting 7-18 (.389) for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays? Both are second baseman, both have very bright futures ahead of them, and both were traded by the Blue Jays to their current teams. And guess what, Homer Bush is injured right now. Who did the Jays get in return, you ask? Try Esteban Loaiza and Steve Trachsel.

Well, that's it for now, I guess. Hopefully the Jays will win this series with the Red Sox, sweep the D-Rays, sweep the Expos, and head into the All-Star break with a 46-42 record and some momentum. It's not very likely, but I'm pretty sure the Jays will start the second half with a winning record. Keep your fingers crossed.

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