SCOUTING REPORT: After starting the season as chic picks to contend for a playoff spot, the Blue Jays are instead battling to stay out of last place.
Ravaged by injuries and inconsistent performances, they have had little go right this season. Firing manager Carlos Tosca in early August hasn't had much effect; the Jays are 13-22 under interim manager John Gibbons. The only area in which the Jays have done well is starting pitching, and the Rays will see three of their top arms in Josh Towers, David Bush and Justin Miller. Their bullpen has been the worst in the league, posting a 5.82 ERA and blowing 16 of 47 save opportunities, and the offense has been surprisingly impotent, ranking 12th in the AL with a .260 average and tied with the Rays for 13th with 127 home runs.
Most of their top players have had down years. Carlos Delgado, however, is one home run shy of becoming the 14th player in big-league history to have 30 or more in his first eight seasons.
CONNECTIONS: Toronto infielder Chris Gomez is an ex-Ray, Bush was a Rays draft pick and catcher Kevin Cash is a Gaither High grad. Third-base coach Brian Butterfield was an assistant at Eckerd College and pitching coach Gil Patterson lives in Odessa. Tampa Bay pitchers Mark Hendrickson and Trever Miller and outfielder Jose Cruz are former Jays. Coaches John McLaren and Lee Elia used to work in Toronto.
SEASON SERIES: The Jays lead 7-6 and 4-2 at SkyDome, including a three-game sweep in July. Overall, the Jays lead 58-49 and 34-20 at the dome.
