Toronto Blue Jays: Yes, Ben Revere Will Eventually Get a Hit (Updated)
Ben Revere is still looking for his first hit as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays
[Update: Revere went 2-3 last night, crossing home plate once. Welcome to Toronto!]
It hasn’t exactly been an impressive debut for Ben Revere.
More from Toronto Blue Jays
- Blue Jays avoid disaster as Kevin Gausman injury not serious
- Blue Jays interested in outfielder Andrew Benintendi
- Blue Jays hope fresh start for Sergio Romo boosts bullpen
- Blue Jays need to have a break from Yusei Kikuchi
- Blue Jays: Nate Pearson suffers yet another setback
When the Toronto Blue Jays added Revere as a last-minute and unexpected addition at the non-waiver trade deadline, we were promised something dynamic. Revere was billed as a steady bat, reliable glove and quick pair of feet. He doesn’t hit for much power, we were told, but he hits for a high average and should cause some havoc on the base paths.
In fact, the Jays were so eager to provide Revere an everyday spot in left field that they sacrificed Danny Valencia through the waiver process (his was quickly claimed by the Oakland Athletics) – the same Valencia who’s batting .296 (.316 against left-handers, .279 against right-handers) and boasts an OBP of .331.
Jul 5, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Danny Valencia (23) at bat against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Valencia isn’t great on defence, but his bat is tough enough that David Price was “happy” to call him a teammate upon joining the Jays. Price was tired of surrendering hits to Valencia, who owns a 12-20 (three runs, three RIB, four BB) record against the new Ace in Toronto.
I’m mentioning all of this because it helps to contextualize Revere’s debut for the Jays and what we gave up to provide him an everyday spot in the lineup. Despite all the promises of something special, Revere is 0-13 to start his career as a member of the Jays.
Some of these have been particularly tough outs like the final out of the sixth inning last night: the Minnesota Twins opted to walk Kevin Pillar and face Revere with the bases loaded in a 3-1 game favouring Toronto. It worked and they survived the jam.
Aug 1, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Ben Revere (7) talks to the media during batting practice before a game against the Kansas City Royals at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
A lot of this has been frustrating for Jays fans and puts a damper on what has otherwise been a great week of baseball for Toronto. You look at Troy Tulowitzki or Price and can’t help but wonder, “Why can’t Revere fit in right away like them?”
Before we get ahead of ourselves, however, it’s important to remember that Revere will hit the ball at some point for the Jays. His career numbers – .291 BA, .325 OBP, 169 SB – reflect someone who’s capable of making his fair share of offensive contributions. It might just take some time for Revere to feel comfortable in his new surroundings.
Until the rest of the offence stumbles, there will be plenty of time and space for Revere to figure things out. That’s when we will learn if the Revere for Valencia trade-off was really worth it.
More from Tip of the Tower
- Cam Phillips making his mark on Toronto Argonauts offence
- Toronto Argonauts: 4 storylines ahead of matchup against Redblacks
- Federico Bernardeschi ready for new challenge with Toronto FC
- Toronto Argonauts overcome Roughriders in entertaining Touchdown Atlantic
- Buffalo Bills: Von Miller drawing inspiration from Bruce Smith