CLEVELAND – It's a dank, dreary day here in downtrodden downtown Cleveland, somehow fitting for this sad metropolis that turns into a ghost town at nights and over the weekends.
They've just announced that the game, slated for a 1:05 p.m. start, is now officially “on hold.” Unofficially, word here in the press box is that it might not be until 3 p.m. that the game gets underway, if that.
Otherwise, the Jays and Cleveland are looking at perhaps staging a doubleheader on Monday to get the four-game series in.
If and when the game gets underway, the Jays will unveil yet another batting order – No. 33 on the year.
“You really want some continuity [in the batting order] but we haven't been able to do it,” conceded manager John Gibbons.
With Vernon Wells and his broken wrist out for as long as eight weeks Toronto manager John Gibbons has been forced to shuffle the deck once again.
Wells had been batting cleanup.
But in his absence Gibbons has decided to move Alex Rios from the leadoff spot down to No. 3 with Scott Rolen hitting out of the four-hole for the first time this season.
Leading off will be newcomer Brad Wilkerson.
The Jays have lost three in a row, a rut in which their bats have gone missing, getting outscored 26-4.
Through 38 games last year the Jays had connected for 42 homes runs. Though 38 this year they have stuck just 24.
Rather than “wallow in self-pity”, Gibbons is doing his best to present a calm front when discussing his team's woes.
“Everybody's frustrated, but it's not for lack of effort,” Gibbons said. “The odds are in our favor to explode.
“I like this team and I've stuck with that. I really believe we'll come together.”
Here are the lineups should the game every get going.
Blue Jays
1. Brad Wilkerson, RF
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Alex Rios, CF
4. Scott Rolen, 3B
5. Matt Stairs, DH
6. Lyle Overbay, 1B
7. Marco Scutaro, SS
8. Rod Barajas, C
9. Joe Inglett, LF
Pitcher: A.J. Burnett
Indians
1. Grady Sizemore, CF
2. Ben Francisco, RF
3. David Dellucci, LF
4. Victor Martinez, C
5. Jhonny Peralta, SS
6. Travis Hafner, DH
7. Ryan Garko, 1B
8. Asdrubal Cabrera, 2B
9. Casey Blake, 3B
Pitcher: Fausto Carmona
