When Jays manager Cito Gaston refers to "two-and-a-half men," which is often, he is not talking about the hit TV comedy. Instead, he's describing what he considers the main reason for his team's improved offensive attack since he took over last June – the hitting instructors.
In Gaston's mind, the Jays are unique because they have what he likes to describe as 2 1/2 hitting coaches. Humbly enough, the "half" is Cito, while he credits the main architects of this overachieving offence as batting coach Gene Tenace and first-base coach Dwayne Murphy, a man who coached the 2001 World Series-champion Arizona Diamondbacks and has worked with young Jays on the farm.
"I don't think they're overachieving," Tenace disagreed. "They're achieving what they should. Most of these guys have been in the big leagues for several years. The only kid we got in this lineup who's really a rookie would be (Travis) Snider."
Five guys in the Jays' everyday lineup are on their way to recording career bests in batting average, combined with much-improved power.
The biggest difference moving forward from the banjo-string-tight teachings of former coach Gary Denbo to now is the same as the difference between the confident character Charlie Harper, played by Charlie Sheen in the TV show, and his tightly wound brother, Alan. It's about confidence and relaxation. The feeling in the clubhouse is palpable.
http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/629051
