Why we (kinda) like Matt Stairs at first base

In case you hadn’t noticed, we’ve taken our share of potshots at the Pride of Tay Creek, N.B. this year.

Mostly, we’ve been wary of seeing Stairs patrol the outfield given his limited speed, and the fact that his starts there have been at the expense of Alex Rios on a number of occasions. But given the fact that we’ll be seeing a lot of the big guy at first with Lyle Overbay on the shelf for four to six weeks, we’re trying to talk ourselves into liking the idea.

At the plate, Stairs has been more than respectable, with seven homers and 19 RsBI to go with a solid .936 OPS, although it’s important to remember that a good chunk of those numbers came over the span of nine at bats in Philly (3 HRs, 6 RsBI and 2.394 OPS). Stairs’ numbers versus lefties (3 for 15, one double and 2 driven in) would also lead us to believe that (God help us) Jason Phillips may get some starts at first.

Still, we’re vaguely optimistic that if the Jays are still five games out of the Wild Card with the myriad infirmities that have suffered thus far, then Stairs playing a corner infield spot shouldn’t spell the end of their season.

Another thought: Troy Glaus’ only professional experience at first was an inning in last year’s All Star Game. But given his limited mobility, shouldn’t he be taking ground balls at first, and preparing for the inevitability that his career will likely end up on the other side of the diamond?