Series Preview: Blue Jays Aim to Flatten the Phillies

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Aug 11, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin (55 rounds third base as he runs in to score against Oakland Athletics in the second inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

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Much of this Blue Jays team is firing on all cylinders but one who isn’t is Russell Martin. He is playing his usual no-holds-barred defense but is that affecting his batting (4 for 37, .175 BA)? He is mired in a terrible slump for most of the month of August and you may see the Blue Jays giving more time to Dioner Navarro as the season wears on. When Martin was signed Navarro was upset and wanted to be traded. Alex Anthopoulos almost did…at least we know he tried valiantly, but his presence could now allow the Jays to rest their star when needed.

Could you imagine how this team would be without him? He is the safety net they didn’t know they really needed. Navarro may not be producing with the bat as he did last year but his ability to spell Martin more often than many thought he needed to has gone a long way towards keeping this team going forward rather than stalling on the mound. Martin needs to pick it up more as we get into the last month and a half.

Predictions

I predict it is going to be a long series if you are a Phillies fan. The Blue Jays have the tools to take apart this team and show them what a true contender looks like. The Phils will lose 100 games this year barring a miracle and at least two of those losses are going to come at the hands of the Blue Jays. Mini sweeeeeeeep!

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