[flames_fan_down_under]

I would agree. The perspective that the Jays were somehow not patient enough seems to be a bit pervasive. I don't see much merit to it. Obviously the stats listed by Roof-Daddy sheds some light on how well the team hits the baseball. Looking into a bit more...with RISP in scoring position I suppose the Jays could have been better, 8th in the majors team OPS with RISP, 2nd in the AL behind the Astros. I mean really, there just isn't a team hitting stat where the Jays aren't near the top. Behind in a game, top 3. Late/Close, top 3. So the more patient approach angle is something I just didn't see.

Offense is obviously down significantly in baseball, that is attributed to the attention on launch angle, emphasis on doubles and home runs, but it's also harder than ever to hit a baseball. Tons of pitchers throw 100 MPH, immense amounts of data for every player and what a pitcher can exploit, shifts, 4 outfielders, less emphasis on starters so players see different looks more ofter which means more relief guys that, again, throw really fast and have incredible sliders and change ups. Mostly every single team is striking out more, grounding out more and scoring less runs. Average league BA was the was the 5th lowest in MLB history! That is mind blowing. Something has to be done to improve this obviously.

I think in regards to a more patient approach is maybe due to a lot of attention is being put on Vladdy, where he had a .780 OPS this season with RISP, which is not great, it's not bad. He struggled with the bases loaded. A LOT of inning ending ground outs which definitely people focussed on a lot, rightly so and they're frustrating and has exposed a flaw in his approach. I guess I just see a 23 year old in the majors figuring things out, where some are expecting linear development.

I think there is definitely a lot of the factor of watching one team day in and day out and having not much of a reference point for how other teams are playing. We see the Jays, we see them with some ugly strike outs, but put far less attention on how other teams strike out, or hit the ball.

In regards to Romano I think he is fine as closer. I think it's best when he comes in for 3 outs. Asking 6 outs from him in the wild card game was a little much in my opinion. Building the bullpen with more guys that can strike out and maybe have fewer situations where he is needed would be better.