Saturday, August 15, 2009

Inglett solid in return to Jays

Joe Inglett must have felt slighted after missing out on a roster spot with the Blue Jays coming out of spring training. After all, he posted excellent numbers last year filling in for an injured Aaron Hill, hitting .297 with 39 RBI and 45 runs in 109 games. Caught up in a numbers game, there was no room on the roster so Inglett was sent down to AAA Las Vegas, where he battled injuries. He received a much deserved promotion in May, but he had just come off the disabled list and struggled, hitting .167 in 15 games before promptly being sent back down to Vegas to work on his timing at the plate.

Inglett regained his swing upon his return to the minors, scorching the ball at a .398 clip, including an impressive .451 mark spanning 18 games in July. The Jays called Inglett back up, and in 8 games, he has 12 hits in 42 at bats for a .285 average, including a 7 game hitting streak. The 31 year old has started the past 4 games, once in left field and three in right following Alex Rios’ departure and has performed well.

The Jays would do well to have Inglett on the team next year, filling in a super sub role. He has the ability to play both the infield and the outfield giving the club a quality left handed bat off the bench while adding some speed on the base paths.

Overbay thriving in cleanup spot

After Scott Rolen was dealt at the trade deadline, the Blue Jays have been in search of someone to fill the void in the cleanup spot of the batting order. Lyle Overbay, who has battled wild inconsistent stretches at the plate all season long, has grasped the challenge and is producing in the heart of the order.

Overbay connected on a 2 run shot in the first inning in the series opener against the Rays Friday, giving Roy Halladay some early run support that aided Toronto's ace in picking up his 13th win of the campaign. In 9 contests that the Jays first basemen has hit 4th in the batting order, he has put up impressive statistics, going 12 for 29 (for a .413 average) to go along with 3 HR and 7 RBI.

Overbay could potentially be on the move before the waiver trade deadline ends August 31st. Should the Jays part ways with the 32 year old veteran, he would provide a decent left handed bat with some pop and a great ability to get on base, not to mention exceptional defense.