Still searching for an identity

Toronto batters don't hit for power, but they aren't particularly adept at playing small ball either

- GREGOR CHISHOLM

Davis Schneider put the Blue Jays up early on Wednesday with a solo home run in the first inning in Milwaukee, but the offence struggled for the rest of the game until the ninth inning.

When front office executives start putting together an everyday lineup they’re often forced to answer a difficult question: Is this offence going to to be built around power or contact and speed?

An increasing number of teams in today’s game prioritize damage. They want a roster that limits risk on the basepaths, never bunts and is content to sit back and wait for a game-changing home run.

Other clubs have a power threat or two but the majority of their offence is built around putting the ball in play. They encourage aggressive baserunning, limiting the strikeouts and applying pressure on opposing fielders.

The Milwaukee Brewers proved this week it’s possible to do both. They hit some homers and also showcased an offence that can score plenty of other ways too. It’s the type of versatility the offensively challenged Blue Jays can only dream about.

The Jays’ lineup came to life in the ninth inning on Wednesday, but prior to that it didn’t do much of anything in a 5-4 loss to the Brewers. Same story, different day for a team that wasted another strong effort from Chris Bassitt, who has tossed 15 consecutive scoreless innings without registering a win.