Well, well, well. It looks like Vernon Wells might finally be paying for his despicable showing at the plate this year. Not really "paying" as such, considering he's in the midst of a 7 year/$126 million dollar contract. But with his inability to get it done at the dish, Cito Gaston is expected to push him down in the batting order.Thursday against the Rays, Wells was given the day off by Gaston. Trying to kick start his stagnant offense, the Jays manager slotted Adam Lind into the three hole, a spot Wells has the incumbent, and likely will keep him there for the foreseeable future. Gaston hinted Wells will be dropped down to 5th in the order, if not further.
Earlier in June, Vernon toiled in an ugly 0 for 25 slump, setting a new career high (low?) without a home run in 160 at bats. The thinking was that V-Dub needed a change in focus, so he was moved him up in the order. That seemed to spark Vernon, if only for a 10 games where he hit at a .348 clip with 2 long balls and 8 RBI. That followed a brutal 13 game stretch where he limped to a .089 average with zero homers.
That productive stretch was more of an exception then the rule this season. The reverse slump was a periodic bout of being good. Since then, its been back to Vernon being Vernon. The Jays hand was forced. They have no choice but to do something about it.
It's about damn time.
