It is quite possible that Reed Johnson, with his frankly incredible diving catch to rob Victor Martinez of a double in the ninth inning tonight, may have saved the Blue Jays' season.
There are almost no words to describe the significance of Johnson's miracle play. Leave alone the impact on the game and the impact on Jeremy Accardo, the psychic impact of bringing back a player who will dive face first into the warning track on the day he returns from back surgery is utterly immense.
I have no doubt in my mind that Sparky's catch (to say nothing of his bat being immediately in leadoff form with a hit and a walk) was the difference between a win and a loss tonight. In addition, Jeremy Accardo was about to face a serious crisis with Travis Hafner as the winning run (and with the tying run on second with one out). Instead, Reed Johnson made a play that I am quite confident no other leftfielder in baseball would make. Geoff Jenkins might make that play. No one else comes to mind.
That was the manifestation of the will to win that the Blue Jays seem to have been missing this season. I sincerely hope that with Zaun and Johnson (the Jays' twin atavars of effort and indomitability) back in the saddle now the lackadaisical effort we've seen from time to time will end.
Reed, once again you did it your way - pure guts. God, how we've missed you.
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20070706221336630