Fred MacDonald’s column appears every Saturday in The Guardian. FileArticle contentToronto Blue Jays fans shouldn’t be too worried even after losing three of four in Baltimore simply because neither the New York Yankees nor Boston Red Sox is strong enough to overtake Toronto which has a significant lead in the American League East.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentYou’ve heard me say many, many times over the years that winning teams must be strong up the middle and the Jays have as good a shortstop as any in Bo Bichette, outstanding defenders in either Ernest Clement or Andres Giminez at second, a solid catching duo in Alejandro Kirk and Tyler Hieneman and collectively an outfield filled with top ball hawks. On the other hand, the Yankees and Red Sox are two of the worst defensive teams in the American League.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThe Blue Jays, however, are not invincible. Their starting pitching staff is showing signs of aging, and although the recent trade that brought Baltimore reliever Seranthony Dominguez will help, the Jays still need more quality pitching. Veteran Max Scherzer was razor sharp last time out, and he could fill one starting spot, but with his age and injury, can he stay healthy?Article contentThe Blue Jays will soon be getting back outfielders Daulton Varsho and Anthony Santander, plus second sacker Jiminez, so there’s no need for more position players. Besides, why disrupt a winning team when short-term guys like Springer and Kirk are almost ready. I am not a big fan of the three guys calling the shots for the Toronto organization, but even these three can’t screw this pennant up, or can they?Article contentIslanders baseballArticle contentThe Charlottetown Islanders dropped a pair of games last Saturday in Chatham losing 6-4 and 8-2 and have slid into second place at 13-8 two games behind the Ironmen. They played Moncton last night in Summerside.Article contentArticle contentWhile on the topic of Summerside, we regret to report the passing of Paul MacWilliams, an outstanding forward with the Maritime champion Halifax Junior Canadians of the mid-1960s. He was a big part of the Halifax success with many of his Summerside buddies like George MacNeill, Errol Thompson and Bill Dickie. He starred with SDU at the national university hockey championships and earned all-Canadian 1967 honours as a defenceman when paired with Vince Mulligan. He moved to Buchans, N.L. and was a big scorer there as well. Paul also starred with Summerside junior baseball teams under Hank Landry. To Isabel, Kate, her husband Justin and son Scott, brother John and sister Gloria our condolences.Article contentTennisArticle contentI am certain Charlottetown tennis fan Nora Henry is not happy with the schedule handed to Montreal tennis star Leylah Fernandez earlier this week when she was forced to play a Tuesday afternoon game at the Montreal National Bank international tennis tournament.
FIDDLER’S FACTS: Blue Jays fans shouldn’t worry
