lol
the problem with that line of Wilner thinking is it ignores reality of what is actually going on - this team is hurt, losing and unable to squeak out 3-4 more wins the last 27 games...and imo, when the tide gets rough, this team hasn't been able to squeak out a few more wins...and really, reading the lineup these days, I can't blame Gibby...
The O's were something like 7-14 b/w May 11-31st before really turning it around...jays are something like 9-18 since June 6th win against cardinals...
from an O's form, part of a post dated May 27th:
"For us, you know, it was looking up with the pitching going on a roll, but the offense never clicked during that span. Now Tillman and Ubaldo are struggling again and it's been tough for us to hold a lead. Fortunately, the offense is a little more consistent lately.
Tough to call it. It all hinges on Tillman and Ubaldo, IMO. If those guys are giving us quality starts, we're in business. Especially now that we've figured out the closer.
I'd like to see our bullpen be a little bit less in flux. Brach/Guilmet/MacFarland - that whole thing needs to stabilize."
Without further info, the distinction b/w the O's & Jays rough stretch is consistency (O's) vs. injuries/consistency (jays) but mostly injuries imo in respect of the position players, ergo offense and also, stating the obvious again, the failure of AA to address a full-time 2nd basement in the off-season.
Question is will the O's, other than Wieters, remain healthy moving forward? So far, they've mostly avoided the injury bug...
The O's also have essentially played 16 position players this year with #16 by games played being Hundley with 17 games. #'s 17-25 have played a total of 28 games. #17 in games played for the O's has only played 4 games. If we exclude pitchers, of the 28 games, only 7 games by other position players (hundley & weeks).
The Jays on the other hand have at #16 Diaz with 23 games...and from #17-#22, the jays other position players (excluding pitchers) have played in 67 games.
I know the above is not necessary to reach the conclusion the jays have not only had injuries but also the obvious infield issue with a # of minor leaguers filling in...
the bright side of this is there is hope - that the O's will have inevitable injuries, that the jays trade for a 2nd/3rd baseman who can stop the revolving door of minor league replacements & the walking injured will be strong after the all-star break...
imo, AA needs to get a right handed (or switch) bat from a 2nd/3rd baseman asap...that's the first thing he needs to do imo and quick...