The Toronto Blue Jays completed their sweep of the struggling Miami Marlins in fine fashion, taking the final game of the series 7-2, and extended their winning streak to eight games. The Blue Jays are finally over .500 for the first time this season, with a 31-30 record.
It seems like there is something in the air when June comes around; in each of the last three seasons, the Jays have gone on long winning streaks in June, turning their seasons around. Once again, the offense has been fantastic and the pitching is finally showing sign of life. Though injuries to some of their top players have popped up here and there, they have managed to fill those holes with surprise players like Ezequiel Carrera and Chris Colabello, who contribute every game.
The Blue Jays should also be thankful that the AL East has become such a weak division, as they are only 3 games behind the first place New York Yankees. As for the Wild Card, they are only 1.5 games behind the second spot, currently held by the Texas Rangers.
The Blue Jays get to rest Thursday before heading to Boston for a three game series against the Red Sox. This team needs to stay focused, as they have 11 games ahead of them against division rivals (Red Sox, Orioles, and Rays) and a three game series against the Texas Rangers. If the Jays keep up the good work, they shouldn’t have anything to worry about, but its never bad to have a bit more help, and a trade could give this team that extra boost.
According to Ken Rosenthal, that the Philadelphia Phillies are looking to finally trade closer Jonathan Papelbon and not only that, they are willing to pay a significant portion of his contract. This is exactly what the Blue Jays need and the fact the Phillies are willing to pay some of his deal is the icing on the cake. During spring training, Papelbon said that he would wave his no trade-clause to play in Toronto.
Papelbon is an All-Star, World Series winning closer and would be the perfect addition to a team that needs a legitimate closer to solidify the bullpen. Statistically speaking, he’s having a great year, with a 1.13 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 29 strikeouts, and 12 saves in 24 innings pitched. Rosenthal said that the Cubs and Jays are interested in acquiring Papelbon, but nothing serious has surfaced yet and neither team appears close to a deal.
The real question is this: what is Alex Anthopoulous waiting for? It is now or never. If this team doesn’t make the playoffs, or have any kind of satisfying run, Paul Beeston won’t be able to save his job and when the new president comes in, A. A. probably won’t either.
It’s quite simple: if there is a trade that both sides can agree upon, don’t wait, just pull the trigger. These fans have been waiting a long time for the postseason. They have been told for three long years that it is win-now time and they haven’t delivered whatsoever. Not only that, Papelbon would provide a huge morale boost to this team, which will make a difference when it comes time to grind down the stretch. This team deserves a game-changing move. Don’t wait until it is to late. Make the move now while the opportunity is there.
The ball is in Anthopoulous’ glove, so to speak, and making this deal could help the Jays in tight games when their bats aren’t up to the challenge. They won’t score seven or more runs every game. If there is a trade to be made, let us hope that Anthopoulous has the guts to pull the trigger and make the trade and potentially help this team rise to the top of the AL East.
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