Who’s Hot, Who’s Cold: Blue Jays Batters

Over the past two weeks, the Blue Jays have been 4-6. Our batters hit .241/.309/.354, averaging 4.1 runs per game, a nice step up from the 2.9 runs we had the two weeks before.

Hot

Vladimir Guerrero: Started all 10 games. Hit .410/.489/.513 with 1 double, 1 home run, 8 RBI, 6 walks, 7 strikeouts and 1 steal.

He played every inning of the last ten games at first base. If it were me, I’d put him at the top of the order. Anyone who gets on base half the time should be at the top of the order. I’d like to see him hit with more power, of course, but he’s getting on base, and I think we ought to put him where we could optimize that. The commentators keep saying his power will come, and I’d like to think so. His defense has looked pretty good this year. It’s not Gold Glove or anything, but it’s reasonable.

Bo Bichette: Started 10 games. Hit .290/.357/.395 with 1 double, 1 home run, 3 walks, 8 strikeouts, 4 RBI, and 1 steal.

He made his first error since the season's second game on May 3rd. It was an unfortunate moment, but his defense has been good. And he’s suddenly started hitting this past week. We knew he would at some point. Earlier would have been better, but I’m streaky at everything I do, so it is hard to point find.

Davis Schneider: Started 9 games. Hit .276/.436/.517, 4 doubles, 1 home run, 8 walks, 9 strikeouts, 3 RBI and 2 steals.

He started 2 games at second, the rest in left. I like him in left field. He did have an error out there, but those are going to happen. He’s having a nice season. I don’t mind him leading off, but I’d prefer Vlad there. I’m sure I’d like Davis in the third or fourth spot. So far, he hasn’t been great with RISP (.227/.379/.273), but that’s a small sample. I’d expect it to improve.

Kevin Kiermaier: Played in 5 games, started 4 games. Hit .357/.400/.643 with 1 double, 1 homer, 1 walk, 4 strikeouts, and 4 RBI.

Good, in a small sample. He came off the IL, just to miss time with the flu, or whatever has been working thru the clubhouse. I wouldn’t generally count 15 PA in on the hot or cold, but the hot ranks have been kind of small.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa: He played in all 10 games, starting 8. He’s hit .313/.303/.406 with 1 home run, 0 walks, 6 strikeouts, and 6 RBI

He’s played second in 8, third in one game, and one at short. It's kind of a hot lite. I’d like him to take the odd walk. He’s been much what we thought he’d be. During the season, he has a 95 OPS+. I’d be happy if he took some walks. And his glove has been very good at any positions he’s played.

Danny Jansen: Played in 9 games, starting 7. Hit .333/.387/.593 with 4 doubles, 1 home runs, 4 RBI, 3 walks and 1 strikeout.

He DHed once. He’s having a terrific start to the season. Putting him in the cleanup spot and leaving him there would be fine by me. It is great to see how well he is doing. 0

Cold

Ernie Clement: Played in 9 games, starting 7. Hit .240/.269/.320 with 1 triple, 1 RBI, 1 walk, 1 strikeout and 1 RBI

He also had a sac bunt—well, one successful sac bunt. He has been our regular third baseman lately. He made 3 errors in the last two weeks, but generally his defense has been good. Third basemen will make errors; they have a long throw to make and get their throws off in a hurry. I’m hopeful the team lets him work through this cold spell.

Cavan Biggio: Played 5 games, starting 4. Hit .071/188/.071, with 2 walks, 7 strikeouts.

He started 3 starts in right, and 1 at second. He had a great start to the season but has just 1 hit in his last 21 at-bats. He had a high water mark of .316/.409/.447 on April 12th. Since then he’s hitting .102/.254/.143 in 60 PA. I’m sure it isn’t easy to hit well when you are playing occasionally, but then that’s his role, and if he can’t do it, let’s get someone else on the roster.

George Springer: Played in 8 games, starting 7. He’s hit .161/.206/.194 with 1 double, 1 RBI, 2 walks, 7 strikeouts, and 4 stole bases.

Another who has missed time with the flu or whatever it was. He’s not hitting well at all so far this season. We all think he should be moved from the leadoff spot. I’m sure he’ll start hitting at some point this season, but until then, let’s let him not hit in a spot other than the leadoff spot. He is 7 and 0 in stolen base attempts. I haven’t been thrilled with his play in the outfield, and neither has UZR (-20.5/150), but I’m hoping that will balance out.

Alejandro Kirk: Started 4 games. Hit .154/.214/.308 with 2 doubles, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts.

He isn’t hitting at all. Playing good defense. He’s thrown out 32% of base stealers. Batters are hitting .241/.316/.430 with him behind the plate, .268/.325/.429 with Jansen. 4.19 ERA with Kirk, 4,57 with Jansen (still a small sample size). I would have never guessed that Kirk would be the better defensive catcher and Jansen the better offensive catcher.

Justin Turner: Played in 8, starting 7. Hit .094/.121/.094 with 1 walk, 3 strikeouts, and 1 RBI.

He started 2 games at third, the rest as DH. He is another who has missed games with the flu. He’s had 1 hit in his last 24 at bats. I’m willing to write some of that off because of the illness, but it would be nice if he got back to hitting the way he was at the start of the season.

Daulton Varsho: Started 9 games. Hit .162/.262/.297 with 1 home run, 2 doubles, 5 walks, 9 strikeouts, 5 RBI and 2 steals.

He started 3 games in left and 6 in center. He’s having a rough time at the plate. Great in the outfield. His bat seems to be coming around again. But maybe that is hopeful thinking. He is the sort of player I like, some speed, some power, some on base. I’m not sure I like that he’s hitting second a lot lately, but I’m not sure there is anyone I’d like to see hitting second, so I’d be happy to let him work his way out of the slump hitting anywhere. Defensively, he gets to everything, and he has no errors yet this season (there is no game today, so I feel ok with typing that, knowing it won’t cause an error tonight).

Daniel Vogelbach: Played in 6 games, starting 4. He’s hit .071/.133/.071, with 1 walk, 3 strikeouts and 2 RBI.

He’s hitting .111 in 42 PA this season. It isn’t easy to bat occasionally, but that’s his job, and he’s not doing it. Buck and Dan seem to be paid based on how many times they can tell us what a great guy he is (he is the type of guy that commentators like). And I’m sure he is. I’d gladly go for a beer with him. But he’s a baseball player, and he’s not contributing to the field. I haven’t heard much about Joey Votto lately. He’s doing ‘baseball-type’ things, but he hasn’t faced any live pitching (at least to my knowledge. I don’t know if he will likely play in Buffalo in the next couple of weeks.