Series Thread: Jays @ Cards (June 24-26)

[Randle McMurphy]

Heck of a job by Romero today. People are still reluctant to call him an ace... he's sure looking like one to me.

Nine consecutive starts of 7 innings or more. His numbers over the last two seasons aren't too far off a guy that many consider to be one of the best pitchers in baseball, CC Sabathia.

[baulderdash77]

I still don't get the Rivera hate. I don't mind if people have Rivera minor dislike. I just don't get the hate. Take away the first month of the year (which was admittedly awful) and he's a 280 hitter with some power who's surprisingly decent at first base and can play a very average LF. It's nothing great but he's been far more consistent than all of the guys he seems to keep getting lumped in with. Would I prefer to have Thames in? Absolutely. But Rivera is definitely a decent bat to have around (especially in a platoon situation where he could face mostly lefties).

Juan Rivera has a .615 OPS vs. righties in 2011. He should never face them when you have an option like Thames available.

And Rivera would be useful in a platoon role, it's true. I hope contenders see it the same way so the Jays can deal him.

I'm really advocating a Rivera/Thames platoon in LF. Same with Patterson/Davis We could have a very effective offense if everyone was managed to succeed better..

[Schad]

And Rivera would be useful in a platoon role, it's true. I hope contenders see it the same way so the Jays can deal him.

For me, that's the most frustrating part. If we just platooned Rivera, he'd have gaudy enough numbers against lefties that we might actually get something for him. We can still make that argument, but it's a tougher sell with his overalls.