The Toronto Blue Jays Shouldn’t Make Eric Thames A Scapegoat For Their Struggles In Baltimore

Published: 27^th Apr 12 4:22 pm

Mark Hock
Mark

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Kim Klement - US Presswire

The Toronto Blue Jays just got swept by the Baltimore Orioles. It’s truly embarrassing, as despite being the superior team the Jays found new and exciting ways to lose each of the three games against the Orioles. It’s early, but already fans are looking for a scapegoat. And unfortunately, some have picked the wrong one in Eric Thames.

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of #teamsnider, as I was hoping that the Jays would use Travis Snider in left field. However, Eric Thames hasn’t been terrible offensively, hitting 288/333/385. While that batting line isn’t very impressive, it makes Thames the fifth best hitter on the Jays. While we’d expect more production from a left fielder, it’s not exactly terrible either.

What is terrible, however, is his defence. Or should I say his attempts at playing defence. If you’ve watched Thames, you’ve probably cringed every time a ball is hit into left field. He may have improved defensively over the outfield, but it’s pretty clear his future is going to be as a designated hitter.

However, with Edwin Encarnacion mashing the ball, there’s no chance that he’s going to sit for Thames. There is another player who plays a critical offensive position that is struggling, and it’s none other then Adam Lind. This season Lind has hit 217/309/350, and while it’s early in the season there’s little reason for optimism. He’s been in decline for several years now, and there’s no reason to expect him to rebound at this point.

So what can the Jays do in the short term?

Quite frankly, the best thing to do might be to put Adam Lind on waivers. If some other team picks him up, the Jays would be better off giving him away for nothing. If they have to eat $10-15 million, it’s not the end of the world, as Adam Lind is simply one of the worst everyday players in the game.

Removing Lind would also allow Snider to get the shot that he deserves in left. While Las Vegas, the Jays AAA affiliate, is known as a hitters park, it’s clear Snider has made some big improvements. He’s got a 1.170 OPS in AAA this year, but more importantly he’s got the same number of walks and strikeouts (11) in 86 at bats. Snider has cut back on the strikeouts while improving his walk rate, which would indicate that his adjustments have led to some legitimate improvements. Maybe this won’t translate in the majors, but the Jays would be better off giving him a shot then Adam Lind.

It’s worth pointing out that sometimes our bias gets in the way of making the best decision. Travis Snider has been considered a bust who can’t hit a major league fastball, while Adam Lind has been the primary cleanup hitter for the Jays over the past few years. That kind of thinking has kept Lind in the everyday lineup. However, when you look at the numbers, it becomes very surprising how poor Lind has been outside of his career year:

Adam Lind (06-08, before breakout): 745 OPS

Adam Lind (2010-2012, after breakout): 719 OPS

Travis Snider (major league career OPS): 730 OPS

Yes, Lind did have his impressive breakout in 2009. But none of his numbers in the majors have come remotely close to that, meaning that he’s more likely to produce like he did in 2006-2008 and 2010-2012. And those numbers are eerily similar to Snider’s, who still remains a strong breakout candidate.

With the Jays struggling to score runs, it’s time for them to make a bold statement. Adam Lind needs to go, providing Travis Snider with the opportunity he’s clearly earned. Moving Eric Thames to the designated hitter spot will improve the defence, and Edwin Encarnacion remains an effective option at first given the thunder in his bat.

Toronto has said that this year they want players to earn their spots, and to prove they deserve to play in the everyday lineup. It’s time to put their money where their mouth is, and get rid of Adam Lind.

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