Give and take

Image courtesy of Daylife

From a fan’s perspective, I had tunnel vision with one goal in mind for last night’s game; get to Zack Greinke. As an armchair manager, my mission was accomplished after the 1st inning. But is it possible that the Blue Jays were so preoccupied with breaking Zack Greinke’s 43-inning scoreless streak that they got too comfortable with a 2-0 lead? Probably not. This is why I don’t wear Cito’s managing cap, nor do I claim to.

But last night was the first example of the season where Cito gave his starting pitcher plenty of rope, and Brian Tallet proceeded to hang himself with it. For the most part, that tactic has worked to the Blue Jays advantage this season. Cito’s confidence in Ricky Romero and Scott Richmond late in games has helped them build confidence.

But Tallet served up more meatballs than an All You Can Eat Italian restaurant. Do I blame Cito for that? Maybe just a little – but Tallet was bound to get roughed up sooner or later. And you can’t start calling in relievers when it’s only the 3rd inning.

Besides, Brian Burres is starting this afternoon and he’ll probably need all the bullpen help he can get.