So should the Jays take a run for a playoff spot?

You got to love Jose Bautista for telling it like it is. The Jays have been in a rebuild mode for some time now. Joey Bats isn't getting any younger and he wants AA to give up some young talent warehoused in the farm system for pitching help right now. It is refreshing to hear him express what every Jays fan is saying. We are tired of waiting, let's win now. It's also nice that a star player is shunning Toronto like so may others including the Nash's (Rick and Steve).

But is this really the right time? I look at the Jays roster and can't decide if the glass is half full or half empty. Are we just a player or two away from being a contender or an injury away from falling to the AL basement?

Sure the Jays are 2.5 games out of the second wild care spot with a record of 43-43. Seems easy enough to make up over a half a season. But there only 3 teams below them in the standings which means a lot of teams have to be leapfrogged over to reach the playoffs.

Let's not forget that their starting rotation and bullpen have been devastated because of injuries. Players are being placed in roles that they may not suited for. Can you really save a season after losing your closer and 3 starters?

There is one intangible in all of this - Alex Anthopolous. You know he will do his best to find help for the team. AA may badger a rival GM for days until in a moment of weakness he agrees to a deal. He will avoid rental players and try to land players are controllable for the next few season. That has always been important to AA. But more important, he has promised not to be a "seller" prior to the non-waiver trading deadline.

Like other fans in the local sports market, I am beyond frustrated by the lack of success by the local teams. With all their improvements the Jays are still just at .500 just like they were last season and the season before that. The offense is truly scary but its pitching and defense that wins championships.

AA you don't have to mortgage the future. But at this point progress is only going to be measured and acknowledged by making the playoffs. We want to see some meaningful games in October.