News
Barajas' timing couldn't be better
Toronto (75-84) at Baltimore (60-98), 7:05 p.m. ET
By John Barone / MLB.com
10/01/09 2:30 AM ET
BOSTON -- Rod Barajas's .228 batting average this season probably won't earn him many free-agent dollars over the winter. Then again, general managers interested in signing the slugging catcher will likely have other numbers on their mind.This weekend, when the Blue Jays close out their 2009 schedule with a three-game series against the Orioles at Camden Yards, the 11-year veteran will put the finishing touches on his most productive offensive season since 2005 -- just in time to hit the free-agent market.
Manager Cito Gaston had little insight when asked if the Jays would be interested in re-signing the 34-year-old backstop, who offers power numbers rarely provided from the Major League catching position.
"I'm not sure what's going on there," Gaston said. "You'd have to ask [general manager] J.P. [Ricciardi]."
Entering Friday's series opener, Barajas has amassed a single-season best 71 RBIs in 2009 to accompany 19 home runs that is just two shy of his career high.
Simply put, his timing couldn't be better.
"I'm pleased for him, because he's a free agent," Gaston said. "Rod's a pretty good hitter when goes up there and does the things he's supposed to do. His average is not real hot, but as far as his RBIs and home runs, he had a real good year. I'm not surprised he's done what he's done."
Pitching matchupTOR: LHP David Purcey (1-2, 5.28 ERA)
Purcey scattered nine hits over 5 1/3 frames of three-run ball Saturday in a no-decision against the Mariners at Rogers Centre. The 27-year-old southpaw went 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA in three September starts. On Sept. 21, he limited the Orioles to one run on four hits over 7 2/3 innings for his first victory of the season. BAL: RHP Jason Berken (5-12, 6.51 ERA)
Berken's late-season struggles continued in Saturday's road start against the Indians, as the rookie right-hander was tagged for four runs on eight hits over just 3 2/3 frames. He has allowed 15 runs in his past three appearances, a span of 13 innings. Bird feed
Right fielder Jose Bautista has gone deep in three consecutive games for the first time in his career. Eight of his 11 home runs this season came last month. ... The Jays tallied 48 long balls in September, the most by the club in that 30-day period. ... First baseman Lyle Overbay's 16 homers mark his largest total since mashing 22 taters in 2006. He has hit safely in 13 of 15 contests dating back to Sept. 14, batting .340 (17-for-50) over that span. Tickets
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• Saturday: Blue Jays (Scott Richmond, 8-10, 5.35) at Orioles (Mark Hendrickson, 5-5, 4.38), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Sunday: Blue Jays (Ricky Romero, 13-9, 4.26) at Orioles (Jeremy Guthrie, 10-17, 5.05), 1:35 p.m. ET
John Barone is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
