Get to Know: Jon Jay

How many times have you heard one of your buddies say, "Well I could hit behind Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday!"

No -- they couldn't. But St. Louis outfielder Jon Jay (pictured) can.

Jay was recalled on July 3, and he has responded by going 13-for-26 with an eight-game hitting streak. That includes a .524 average, two homers and five RBIs in six games hitting in that coveted No. 5 spot behind Pujols and Holliday.

What do we know about Jay? He's a 25-year-old lefthander, and he's a former second-round pick out of Miami. He sported a .321 average and .394 OBP at Class AAA Louisville this season. He almost has the same name but not the same spelling as the first Chief Justice of the United States.

We touched on Jay in this week's Pickup Lines and Waivers, which means the hitting streak at least has our attention. Should it have yours?

The key will be whether Jay can make it last. The No. 5 spot in St. Louis' order is a prime piece of fantasy real estate; Five-hole hitters are batting .296 with 16 homers and 57 RBIs for the Cardinals in 2010. Colby Rasmus (hamstring) and Ryan Ludwick (calf) usually share duties in that spot. Rasmus returned in a pinch-hitting role Sunday; Ludwick is expected back after the break.

Jay still could stick in NL-only leagues. He could work into a platoon role with Rasmus, who has struggled against lefties in the past.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa moved Jay into the No. 2 spot in the lineup Sunday. Hitting in front of Pujols and Holliday isn't the worst job in the world, either.

Consider Jay a short-term fix with upside, but La Russa will favor Rasmus and Ludwick down the stretch.



(sportingnews.com)