Okay, calm down people.
Roy/Doc Halladay (why not just change his name for good?), starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, was reported yesterday as expressing frustration at his (our) team’s seeming inability to take advantage of situations this year, that could have propelled his (our) team to the top of the division.
Blah, blah, royal blah.
Seriously, who can blame him? I love my Jays, but we have had some pretty weak performances the past few years by players who should have stepped up to the plate, so to speak. Last year, we had injuries galore, and I don’t think much save a miracle season by several batters could have changed the end result, even if we had miracles seasons by several pitchers. This year, that can’t be blamed, and I guess that’s why Gibby and three other coaches were, instead. I might be risking some bashing for saying this, but I think it was the right decision, made too late. When J.P. saw Gibby wasn’t having the great success like had been hoped or even the little success that had been expected, that should’ve been the end right there. Getting new coaches lends a new light on things, and I think it’ll be good for the boys. Frankly, these men are TALENTED. They wouldn’t be here if they weren’t. So the fact that after so long, and so many chances, the wins are still few and far between, leads to the conclusion the problem is mostly mental.
My boys are smart. They just needed new direction. New inspiration. And the knowledge that if something isn’t working right, it’s gone. Shake things up, and you’ll see people with new reason to play hard every day. Plus, Cito’s apparently helping the team be more “accountable”, which, of course, is desperately needed by the fans. It’s not just frustrating for the players, after all. (Anyone remember the whole B.J. Ryan-is-fine fiasco last year?)
So back to my Doc. This is being played out on Sportsnet and in the news as some big revelation that Doc is unhappy with the Jays, might be looking at leaving, etc., etc……. but in any of the actual quotations in this story, Halladay doesn’t seem anything other than a player who is frustrated. He doesn’t love or even like to win; he HAS to win. So this reaction doesn’t come as a surprise. What would you expect him to say? That he’s happy we’re not winning? That he’s disappointed there haven’t been more injuries to blame the losses on? Come on, guys, stop trying to fabricate news. He’s upset he’s not winning, which is completely understandable, and I’m pretty sure it just ends there.
And I’m pretty sure he’s going to rock the second half of the season. I mean, SEVEN complete games, in the FIRST HALF.
Seriously folks, this guy got a line-drive to the temple, so what does he do in his next scheduled start? Pitches a shutout victory complete game.
Of course.
Because he’s the Doc.
Copyright L.M. 2008. (thanks to Globe and Mail, www.YouTube.com and www.bluejays.com, for references.).
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