A View From the North

Fenway West interviewed the Toronto blog “Sports and the City” to get their take on the Blue Jays and the A.L. East this season.

FW: How confident are you that the Blue Jays will be in the playoff hunt in August?

S&TC: August? I’m thinking October. The Blue Jays are winning the pennant.

FW: What is the biggest need for the Jays?

S&TC: Healthy pitchers: Ricky Romero, Casey Janssen, and Jesse Litsch are all battling back from injury. Shaun Marcum could be ready to pitch in August. Also, increased production from three and four hitters Alex Rios and Vernon Wells. The best offense in the American League has yet to receive much from two of their most important and historically productive hitters. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

FW: Do you foresee them making any big moves before the deadline?

S&TC: I don’t. The return of healthy arms, one by one, will be the equivalent of big moves before the deadline, especially Marcum in August, if he’s ready to go.

FW: How much does Toronto miss A.J. Burnett?

S&TC: Who’s A.J. Burnett?

FW: Who has been the Jays MVP so far? Why?

S&TC: The Jays are the best team in the AL East thanks to three co-MVPs: Aaron Hill, Roy Halladay, and Marco Scutaro. Hill can rake, and will prove to be better than Dustin Pedroia. Doc is, well, Doc; the best pitcher in baseball. Scutaro is getting on base like nobody’s business, and has been flawless in the field.

FW: What do Jays fans think of Kevin Millar?

S&TC: We have embraced him. “Cowboy Up!”