Defensive gems

Is it any surprise that the Toronto Blue Jays are the best defensive teams in the majors this season? Thanks to those defensive gems that were put on last night, hitters are lucky if they can even sneak a hit by the Blue Jays infielders.

Last week, Marco Scutaro stunned the Philadelphia Phillies with an intuitive play by stealing second base on a walk. This time, he left the Reds dumbfounded by throwing out Johnny Gomes from his back. As you can see from the photo above, Scoots was flat out on his back and yet somehow managed to lean over and make the throw one-hop throw to Lyle Overbay in time to get Gomes. That play alone should get Scutaro into the All Star Game.

Earlier in the game, Aaron Hill flashed some leather and made an incredible leaping play to throw out another Red at first base. Although I didn’t see it, I heard that Scott Rolen robbed Hairston once again with a diving grab along the third base line and followed it up with the throw from his knees.

For an opposing hitter, the only way to be guaranteed that the Blue Jays infielders won’t somehow make the out is to hit it at least ten feet above their heads. And even then, there’s nothing saying that Scott Rolen won’t pick up Marco Scutaro, put him on his shoulders and launch him in the air to track down the ball.