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By MARC TOPKIN
© St. Petersburg Times, published June 5, 2001
7:05 p.m. tonight, 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, 12:35 p.m. Thursday
SCOUTING REPORT: The Jays finished April tied for first at 16-9, but they followed that with a 10-18 May, their worst May in 20 years, and are 0-3 in June. A big part of their problem has been an inconsistent offense. They rank near the top of the league in home runs but close to the bottom in average and on-base percentage. Carlos Delgado is their most dangerous player, but he's hitting just .243 over the past 30 days with 13 RBI. The Jays have just two wins in their past 14 home games.
THE PAST WEEK: The Jays have lost five straight (one to Chicago, four to Boston), with four of the losses charged to the bullpen.
EX-RAY REPORT: LHP Chris Michalak was in spring training with the Rays last season and released from Triple-A Durham; he's 5-3 with a 3.07 ERA in 10 starts for the Jays.
SEASON SERIES: The Jays have won four of the first six, outscoring the Rays 36-15. That's not unusual: The Rays are 17-26 overall against the Jays, including a 6-16 mark in Toronto, their worst in any road city.
WHO'S HOT: Outfielder Brian Simmons is on a 7-for-15 roll, including hits in his past four starts.
WHO'S NOT: Closer Billy Koch has allowed five runs, on eight hits and a walk, in his past three appearances.