As I am sure most of you know, David Eckstein has been dealt to the D-Backs (August fire sale!!!) for single A prospect Chad Beck.
I have conflicting thoughts about this situation.
1) Cito Gaston clearly indicated that Eckstein was basically not a part of this team anymore when he decided that "The Monster" John McDonald would receive more at-bats down the stretch. So, with that said, it made sense to move David.
2) I am little peeved that we didn't use Eckstein properly while we had him. David is actually a very good hitter, and handles the bat very well in small-ball situations. But again, Cito decided not to play him.
Eck was brought on to hit .280, which he did. He was brought on to post a .350OBP, which he did. He was brought on to show some hustle, which he did. He was brought on to post a .730OPS, which he did. He was brought on to play mediocre defence, which he did. So I am left with the question; why didn't he get full-time playing time? We are a team that has lacked offence all season long. He could have helped with more at-bats.
Anyways, he wasn't part of the future here in Toronto, so I guess it makes sense to move him. I actually heard that six teams we interested in his services!
Whay does that say?
Good luck in the postseason Mr. Eckstein. Give Johnny Mac and Cito Gaston a call during that time.
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Hi, Josh
Stephen Knight here, your Big Brothers buddy. Yes, sad to see Eckstein's hustle leave town. The Jays could use more of it. I watched a game on July 29 in which the Jays were -- surprise! -- shut out by the Tampa Bay Rays 3-0, wasting another fine outing by Roy Halladay. The turning point in the game was a ball hit deep to centre field. Alex Rios made an attempt to catch the ball, but didn't come up with it. Brad Wilkerson, in right field, and Rios seemed to think it was a home run, so they were standing around as the ball sat there on the warning track, with the Rays runner rounding the bases. It was unbelievable to see nobody chasing that ball as the guy rounded the bases. In addition to some big bats at DH and shortstop, the Blue Jays need to grasp the mental focus it takes to be a winner. They have some miles to go.
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