Buffalo Boy's Blog

Shortstop has been a position of concern over the last several years. I would argue that the Jays haven't had a good full time shortstop since Alex Gonzalez. Yes John Mcdonald provided some defense last year and played a lot of games but I never realistically considered him a full time option. It was ludicrous to think he could be a full time shortstop. He is excellent as a late inning defensive substitution.

In a day and time when shortstops need to have some offensive punch the Jays managed to fill that need with the signing of David Eckstein. Maybe he isn't what he was three or four years ago, but if he is half the offensive threat he was then and can still steal bases, he will be a better leadoff hitter than the Jays have had in quite some time.

I like having his bat at the top of the order and we can only hope that his bat and speed on the bases makes up for the drop off in defense. John Mcdonald will still be there for later innings and if Eckstein needs a day off and he will fill in admirably but David Eckstein is another much needed piece and if he pans out and plays well, he brings World Series and playoff experience to a team that needs it badly when and if they get to the post-season this year.