... as has been reported here recently (and many, many times previous to that), Roy "Doc" Halladay (3-0, 1.13) is pretty good.
As if his usual doctoral brilliance weren't enough, Halladay, whose career batting average lies just south of .080, now sports a three-game hitting streak. Doctor, doctor ...
a two-game hitting streak
You mean a three-game hitting streak.
Yeah, he sure did suck in road games last year with his "injured" wrist.
Sorry folks, my last comment tasted a little sour. I guess I'm getting tired of having to remind people that Wells' wrist only bothered him in home games last year.
In all seriousness, I think there's a lot to be said about the psychological side of this. If Wells THINKS he's healthy, maybe that makes a difference. If Wells figures that he was so awful that he can only improve on last year's numbers, he likely feels less pressure in front of the fans and that probably makes a difference too. It might even be that with the emergence of Hill and Lind as premium hitters, he can go back to his flying-under-the-radar play that made him so successful in earlier years when he wasn't expected to be the team's best hitter.
Consider Vernon Wells' job description: his job requirements called for him to hit like Carlos Delgado, field like Devon White, and serve as the inspirational team leader. All because he is being paid all that money.
I think that might be overstating it, Dave. I think that general fandom has moved far beyond asking for the moon from Wells. Were he to put up an OPS+ of 110, that would go a long, long way to winning back the fans (the presumption being that such an OPS+ would translate into an impressive AVG/HR/RBI line). Everybody loves a feel good, comeback story, especially if it can be twisted into one of redemption (whether said twisting logic applies or not).
As for his defense, I would guess that his reputation still exceeds his actual level, so he's probably not getting as much grief on that front as he otherwise might. I've heard casual fans still refer to him as a Gold Glove caliber center fielder.
It is certainly true that were Wells a third-year player, say, making a million bucks he would inspire far less wrath. But fans reward performance, not effort (unless you're a scrappy, little player overachieving in a big man's world), all the while heavily factoring salary into their calculus. And whether this is all fair or not seems to have precious little to do with fans' actual behaviour.
I remember when JP came in and started cleaning up Ash's mess. It was awesome. He was ditching expensive strikeout machines and everything looked great.
AA is now doing everything JP couldn't. He got his SS prospect, and now got some speed for the bench. I love how he is able to make things happen. Now, if only he can fix the Overbay thing.
any thoughts as to whether he's looked better?
My unobservant and baseless theory is that Murphy had Wells playing shallower since he came on board with Cito, and it's burned him over his head. Add to that hammy issues and some memorable almost-catches. It's tough to say how much of his actual skill is lost, though. Some, I don't doubt, but I'm hoping he can get himself back up to a-little-below-average. Whether he is or not (or is even playing any deeper)... *shrug*
I second the "please stop posting Halladay updates"I personally like the occasional reminders. Not everything this site does is Jays-centric, with the Hall of Names being a popular example. This at least has a distinct Jays relationship. Don't worry, though - I'd imagine the novelty will wane as the season goes on (with some calander-based exceptions, of course, like the Philly series, ASB, and playoffs). As for the banner, I'm with you. I'd guess that when inspiration strikes one of the cabal (there is no cabal) we'll see Romero in his place.
