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Up next: Blue Jays

By MARC TOPKIN

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 21, 2001

SCOUTING REPORT: What was supposed to be a season of promise quickly went awry for the Jays, who followed a 16-9 April with a 10-18 May and a 12-15 June. By July 30 they were a season-high 10 games worse than .500. The blame can be spread equally, from disappointing starting pitching to inefficient bullpen work to ineffective offense. Carlos Delgado has impressive power numbers -- 38 homers and 96 RBI -- but hasn't had nearly the impact of previous seasons with a .281 batting average. The Rays are pitching their two left-handers in this series, which should help. The Jays are 13-17 in games started by lefties, 59-56 against right-handers.

THE PAST WEEK: The Jays won their first two games after the break against Baltimore, and played the Orioles again Thursday. ALL-TIME SERIES: Like most teams, the Jays have a sizable edge, 30-11 overall and 18-7 in Toronto. This season, the Jays have won two of three in each of the first four series.

CONNECTIONS: Second baseman Brent Abernathy was a prized prospect in the Jays system before the Rays acquired him in a July 2000 deal for Steve Trachsel and Mark Guthrie (neither of whom is with Toronto anymore).

WHO'S HOT: Infielder Felipe Lopez was 3-for-7 with a home run in the first two games after the break.

WHO'S NOT: Outfielder Jose Cruz was 1-for-9 in the first two games.

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