Blue Jays Player of the Week: Russell Martin

Over 6 games in the past week the Blue Jays went 3-3. To repeat a frustratingly recurring narrative this season, two of those games they should easily have won. Since the all-star break the Jays have hovered within one game of .500. They’ve gained some ground playoff odds-wise but that’s equally due to the teams behind them starting to tail off. The Jays currently sit at 43% in Baseball Propectus’ playoff odds. BP rates the Jays chances of advancing to an ALDS round at only 28.9%. These next 2 or 3 games will be absolutely crucial in determining whether those odds are worth betting on.

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Ezequiel Carrera, he of three career homers prior to this week, hit two home runs, a single, a walk, and four RBIs in 10 ABs. Carrera also made a home run robbing catch but was part of the horrendous baserunning gaffe that resulted in one of the most embarrassing triple plays ever. Josh Donaldson had two home runs as well, 3 doubles, two singles and three walks in 24 ABs. Russell Martin also had 2 home runs, 2 doubles, 4 singles and two walks in 18 ABs. Devon Travis collected two double, 3 singles, and 4 walks in 16 ABs—the kid’s got quite a discerning eye.

R.A Dickey was the Blue Jays pitcher of the week with an 8.1 IP start allowing two earned runs, 6 walks/hits, no home runs and 6 strikeouts. Mark Buehrle had two starts and did quite well in one and was good enough in the other. Over 12.2 IP he allowed 4 earned runs, 16 walks/hits, 1 home run and picked up 6 Ks. The other three starters struggled significantly.

By the numbers, the ‘pen did very well this week. Unfortunately, the runs they did let up were at the most crucial junctures. Liam Hendriks, Aaron Sanchez, Steve Delabar, Ryan Tepera and Brett Cecil all did not allow an earned run. Fate was not kind to Delabar as he was sent down in favour of Aaron Sanchez in spite of Steve’s recent success. Tepera was kept up instead with 4 scoreless innings with 3 Ks and 3 walks/hits. The over relied upon Bo Schultz and Roberto Osuna had small setbacks this week but Bosunez should return with a vengeance. We’ll give reliever of the week honours to Aaron Sanchez for twice holding the fort late in a tied game. Sanchez allowed just one hit and struck out 2.

We’ll give Blue Jays player of the week to Russell by a hair over Donaldson.

In the Razzie category, Smoak had a terrible week at the plate but Aaron Loup’s season from hell continued and he takes the dishonour. However, John Gibbons shares the blame with Loup for putting Loup out there in that situation in the first place (as Keegan Matheson pointed out).

Next: Big Package Still to Come?