Game 84: Slumping?

Tuesday, July 01 2003 @ 06:59 AM EDT

Contributed by: Coach

Last night, I said anything less than a sweep in Detroit would be disappointing. A Jays win tonight would hardly be considered a triumph, but another loss would be viewed by some as catastrophic. If that happens, please resist the urge to push the panic button. Remind yourself, it could be worse -- you could be a Twins fan, or an Angels fan. Even a great team goes through stretches of futility, and if the hitters are in a slump, it won't last long. The concern, as always, is the pitching.

Who knows what to expect from Mark Hendrickson? The tallest man ever to hit a big-league homer couldn't be any closer to a demotion. After two pretty good starts against NL clubs, he was hit hard by Baltimore in his latest and knocked out in the third inning. I expect the Tigers to try more bunts tonight, so Lurch may have to help himself with the glove. He won't be alone out there; you can be sure coach Butterfield worked with the infielders today, and Hudson, much quicker than Bordick, is back at 2B.

Rookie Matt Roney has made just two career starts, failing to last four innings either time. He faces what I believe to be the Jays' best lineup -- Josh Phelps is the DH, and Cat's in RF. Sorry, Reed. You'll get your chance to play every day once Stewart is traded.

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