I am convinced that Bud Selig ran the Montreal Expos better than J.P. Ricciardi is running the Blue Jays. Yup...after a burst of optimistic posts, cruel reality insists on intruding again.

Again, the Jays lost 2-of-3 to the Mariners; the Jays have scored two or fewer runs in four of their last six and are batting .181 with runners in scoring position over the last eight games. In six games against Seattle, the Jays have held them to an average of less than three runs per game and lost four times.

The Jays bats are reverting to form and the Jays have to look to a general manager who thinks the offense is sufficient to compete. I’m sure he adds under his breath “for last place.” I guess he wanted the Red Sox GM job and thought he could serve Boston’s interests best by staying in Toronto.  

Once again, I am convinced that Bud Selig ran the Montreal Expos better than J.P. Ricciardi is running the Blue Jays.  

The Jays are closing in on the century mark in hitting into double plays and have a ten twin-killing cushion over the Boston Red Sox--the number two team in MLB in make-an-out, take-a-friend philosophy. I’m surprised it was Ed Wade that was thrown to the ground--I’m sure among most of the pitching staff, it’s their number two fantasy (number one involving males).  

As of this writing whining, the Jays are eighth in the AL or worse (and below league average) in six lineup spots: first and second base, all three outfield spots and DH. Obviously, little can be done as Aaron Hill is on the DL, Vernon Wells and Alex Rios ain’t going anywhere and Adam Lind will address the problem in left (.333/.367/.704; 3 HR 10 RBI since his call-up … 27 AB).

What about DH?

Look, I love Matt Stairs as much as the next guy however he hits righties .281/.361/.448 which is just 50 OPS points above league average--and that’s for his best platoon split and is batting just .214/.322/.320 overall since mid-May. He’s again making good contact and getting on base but has just six extra base hits since the beginning of June.

Bottom line--the Jays have an opening for a big bat.

I’m not holding my breath that J.P. Ricciardi will do much about it--perhaps a little sinus excavation, mixed with some navel gazing, digitally-aided gluteal itch-relief while mulling whether to go to a podiatrist or a orthodontist to alleviate the embarrassment of his next public statement.    

Perhaps he’ll be thinking about a career change--certainly Ringling Bros can find use for a contortionist act where the performer manages to stick his foot in his mouth while suffering from inverse cranial-rectal syndrome.

(sigh)

After all, most teams need southpaw relievers and the Jays have more lefties than the NDP (a Canadian socialist party for you Yanks) and J.P. cannot parlay that into … anything?

I’m trying really hard not to give up on this season; the Phillies bats are booming again (ah the sound of maple hitting hide with authority--remember when we used to hear that up here?) and I wonder if I should make that my main focus and watch Jays games solely to see if Shaun Marcum and Roy Halladay can contend for the Cy Young, or watch Adam Lind go from prospect to major league slugger or even see if Brandon League can harness his electric arm and become Duane Ward redux. However, I would measure wins and losses by their progress rather than the numbers on the score board and prayerfully count down to what I hope is the end of J.P. Ricciardi’s reign of error and look forward to the day when he has to listen to my order because dammit--I want my fries supersized!

I’m so close to bailing and I know I’m not the only one. I’m sure the front office is worried about ticket sales in the second half and if I might offer a suggestion--how about winning some ballgames? You know, make a few calls, pick up a big bat, clear the outfield wall a few times with runners on board and watch the profits roll in!

If J.P. cannot do that then find someone who can--I vote for the latter idea. He’s had seven years and he’s the weakest link.

Oh … and could you supersize my Coke while you’re at it? Thanks much big guy--nice to see you finally found something you’re good at.

Hey! These fries are limp!

Why am I not surprised?

Best Regards

John