Spectacular Scutaro

How good is Marco Scutaro? Really, did anybody think he was going to be THIS good at the start of the season? The guy has been a consistent threat the top of the lineup, provides sensational defense, and displays an incredible intelligence with how he plays the game. Watching this guy day in and day out is a treat, because he leaves everything out on the field.

This past week, Scutaro's aforementioned high baseball IQ was on full display. In a game against the Phillies, the Jays shortstop walked, and sensing that no one was paying attention to him, swiped second base immediately afterwards. Then in the following contest, he advanced to second again on a misplayed ball in the outfield, again illustrating a wonderful heads up play.

Just how important is he to the team? Consider in the first two games against the Washington Nationals. Scutaro struggled, going 1 for 10 at the dish. Not surprisingly, Toronto lost both tilts in extra innings. The last game of the series, Scutsy went 3 for 5, pacing the Jays to victory. Tonight, he belted a 2 run home run. The long fly turned out to be the difference in a 7-5 win.

Oh, and he leads the American League in runs, has the best strike zone discipline in baseball, is second in walks, all the while committing just one error.

And this guy is 4th amongst shortstops in all-star voting? Absolutely ridiculous.

Russ Adams is back!

I might be the only Blue Jays fan to be ecstatic that former 1st round pick Russ Adams is back with the big club. In fact, that appears to be a virtual certainty. But why not see what he can do with a revised role? It seemed like he would never return after busting out as an everyday player, but Adams will attempt to reinvent himself as something of a utility super sub. He was good enough in Cito Gaston's eyes in spring training to head north with the team, but the Jays simply had no room for him at that time.

Tonight, Adams got his first start in 2 years for Toronto, manning left field and hitting 9th in the order. Unfortunately, he went 0 for 4 at the dish, though his plate discipline was pretty good, and he didn't look out of place on defense either. His shoddy play in the field is what cost him a roster spot with the Jays a few seasons ago, but he's expected to be able to fill in for any outfield spots and at 3rd, shortstop and 2nd base.

I understand he was pretty awful in his previous tenure with the Blue Birds. But it's time to see if he can at least contribute in some way with the team rather than having him walk after investing so much time into him. Adams can swing the bat pretty well, and has had success with Las Vegas in AAA this season. I can only hope my faith in Adams will be rewarded.

I probably shouldn't hold my breath.

FINALLY! Wells ends homerless drought

It's about damn time. Vernon Wells has ended the misery. At long last, he belted a home run, ending the longest homerless drought of his career. It took him 161 at bats, a span of 45 days without lifting a pitch over the wall. Maybe now he can go on a much needed tear.

Of course, Wells didn't exactly wind up smelling like roses in the game, having made a critical error on a catchable ball that led to a run, and also grounding out into a double play in extra innings. But I'm feeling generous this evening. I really shouldn't be in a charitable mood, considering the two straight defeats to the lowly Nationals.

Maybe I'm just awestruck at such a rare occurrence from Wells. The stars have aligned. Wells actually hit a home run. Cherish this moment my friends, for it might be 45 weeks, not days, before it happens again.

Sweet return for Jeremy Accardo

Jeremy Accardo must feel relieved to finally be back in a Blue Jays uniform. After going down to a season ending injury in May of last year, Accardo has waited patiently to ply his trade north of the border. He failed to make the club out of spring training, but likely assumed he would be on speed dial should the Jays need help in shoring up their bullpen.

Except that call didn't happen. He was passed over, again and again. Mostly to far inferior pitchers like by Bill Murphy, Bryan Bullington, Brian Wolfe and Dirk Hayhurst. Accardo continued going about his business, saving games for the AAA Las Vegas 51's. If he felt a sense of entitlement that he should be with the Jays, no one could blame him. After all, he was a big part of the success of the Blue Birds two years ago, having locked down 30 games.

Since his return, Accardo has been fantastic, notching his first save in over a year against the Phillies, then putting up two scoreless innings against the Nationals, while striking out four batters. It's been a long and difficult road back for Accardo, but he's been given an opportunity to stick with Toronto. Knowing his resiliency, he'll take full advantage to steer his major league career back on track.

Barajas comes through in a pinch

What a time for Rod Barajas to crush his first career pinch hit home run. Barajas came through with a clutch solo shot in a deadlocked ball game in the 9th inning against the Phils, securing a series sweep of the defending champs. What made it extra special for the Jays catcher is it came against his former ball club, one that has a fan base with a long memory in the city of brotherly love.

Much like Scott Rolen, Barajas was jeered every time he came to the plate, having served as the Phillies backstop for 48 games in 2007. In both Rolen and Barajas' cases, they scorched the ball in the series, exacting a small measure of revenge on their former organization. Barajas hit a pair of dingers in the 3 game set, in addition to a critical 2 run double in extra innings of the second contest.

How sweet it must be for Barajas. How sweet it is for a Blue Jays club that was bailed out by one swing of the bat after squandering countless opportunities yet again with the bases loaded.

Wells flying high in Philly

Maybe it's a sign our overpaid centre fielder is getting his act together. Or maybe Vernon Wells will revert back to being useless. Either way, Wells' solid series against the Phillies will hopefully kick start his limp season.

Wells capped off the series sweep by having his finest ball game in recent memory. V-Dub went 3 for 6 at the plate, driving in two runs with a pair of CLUTCH hits and making a slick sliding grab to preserve a one run lead in the 9th inning. In the series, Wells went 6 for 16 at the dish, also coming up with a big in the first game of the series with a lead off single in the 9th inning on Tuesday. He eventually game in to count the tying run, and the Jays walked away with an extra innings victory.

Dare I say it? Might we be seeing a more relaxed Wells in his new slot in the batting order? I'm not proclaiming him worth every penny of his 7 year/$126 million contract just yet, but it's no coincidence the Blue Birds are winning now that he's playing well.

Mixed results for Mills in first career start

Given the rash of injuries to the Jays rotation, another rookie southpaw was summoned to the big league rotation, and this time it was Brad Mills' turn. The 24 year old rookie showed flashes of potential in his first career start, but also experienced bouts of erratic play against a strong Phillies lineup.

His stat line looks rather indicative of a rookie making his first start against the defending World Series Champs. Mills served up a pair of home runs in 3.2 innings, allowing 4 earned runs, 6 hits and 4 walks with only 2 strikeouts in a no decision. However, Mills showed he could work his way out of a couple of jams and displayed his sharp 12-6 curveball that looked as dynamic as any Jays youngster coming through the system.

Mills' outing is indicative of his play down in AAA Las Vegas this season. He's had some quality starts sprinkled in with a few bad ones. His record is 1-8, with a fairly respectable ERA just under 4.50, so he could still use more seasoning at the minor league level. However, he'll have to take his licks for at least one more start in the majors with the injury bug biting again in Toronto.

Mills went 15-5 the past two minor league seasons, shooting through the system to make it to this point. He's got some game, it might just take a while to fully blossom.