Blue Jays ALCS Game 6 X-factors

Oct 8, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Ben Revere hits a single against the Texas Rangers in the fourth inning in game one of the ALDS at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Revere

For a player that batted .319 in a Blue Jays uniform once he was acquired from the Phillies at the trade deadline, he has been non-existant at the plate thus far this ALCS.  In the first round of the playoffs against the Rangers, Revere was a tough out.  He batted .307 with 2 steals and an RBI while scoring 3 runs in the ALDS.  Through 5 games against the Royals he is batting .158 and has scored 3 times.

Could the Royals just have Revere’s number and be exploiting it or has Revere slid into a slump?  For a batter that has as much speed as Revere and typically makes solid contact, I find it hard to believe that the Royals have figured him out. I am glad that he is finding a way to get on base to score some runs still and has been playing solid defense, but something has to give soon.

If Revere is getting on base in front of Mount Crushmore, Toronto’s entire game looks different.  When Revere is on base he is an instant distraction for pitchers.  This season he stole 31 bases and only was caught 7 times.  Since becoming an every day player he has stolen at least 22 bases a season.  Having that threat on the bases typically leads to more fastballs for the hitters waiting behind him.  With Toronto’s lineup being notorious for hurting fastballs, this is a welcomed side effect.  So not only are the batters seeing better pitches, but they have someone fast enough to score on the bases already.  Look for Revere to breakout of his slump tonight and get the game rolling early.

Next: Stuck in the middle with you