Why would the Jays keep sitting one of their best players? I have always followed the Jays even through their tougher years, but I believe this is their best team in a long time. Fred Lewis is easily one of the best players they have, he is hitting .268 and has thirty doubles this season. Lewis was picked up by the Jays in an off season trade with the San Francisco Giants for a player to be named later.
Lewis who was an instant success in Toronto became the regular left fielder for the blue birds going into a season with great expectations. As the season continued the Jays began to fall in the tough American League East but still remain a reputable ball club. Lewis filled a spot that General Manager Alex Anthopoulos originally had planned for up and coming rookie Travis Snider. When Snider became unavailable due to a wrist injury, Lewis was brought in and eventually took the role of lead off man.
In the past month Snider made his recovery and rejoined the ball club after a quick stint in AAA with Las Vegas. Now that Snider is back their are four outfielders for three positions, Snider does have one of the batter bats on the Jays roster but lacks a defensive presence that ends up costing the team. Last night in Oakland was a prime example of Snider's inability to be a prime defender for the Jays. With two outs in the bottom of the seventh Rajai Davis hits a line drive to Snider who is unable to handle it. The ball bounced away with Snider unable to locate it while Mark Ellis rounds the bases to score from first.
Lewis is consistent both offensively and defensively while delivering clutch performances when called upon. He adds great depth to roster with a desire to win and contribute to the teams performance. If you ask me Lewis should be the only left fielder in Toronto. My solution would be to move Snider to right field, send Jose Bautista into third and trade third baseman Edwin Encarnacion.
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