Fans View: Toronto Blue Jays report
Obviously you can tell I am a huge Blue Jays fan, so I am more than happy to write this report on them. The Jays are a usually strong team with strong finishes yet always seem to be denied a pass to October due to key injuries (note: Blue Jays sent 13 guys to the DL last year with 4 players out for the year (2 were in Sept.)) and a tough AL East. Toronto finished their 07 season with a record of 83-79 which is around the usual record they finish with. However, the Jays finished 13 games out. 13 GAMES!!! The Cubs finished 85-77 and won their division, so what does that say. The Blue Jays are big fish that are caught up in the shallowest pool trying to escape a 14 year playoff drought. Not much change was made this year for the Jays, as there is no need to, but the question remains: Can the Blue Jays finally clinch a playoff spot once again? That and more will be answered very shortly.
Starting Pitching:
When I think of Toronto’s Pitching Rotation, I think of two things: Dominance and Weakness. You are probably puzzled after reading that but I will explain how that is possible. The Blue Jays have one of the strongest rotations in the AL with Halladay, Burnett, McGowan, and Marcum, yet 3 out of the 4 were sidelined last year at one point. Not to mention former #3 starter, Gustavo Chacin’s season was cut short in April, and the dominance of the Jays pitching has left him fighting for the 5th spot and possibly ending up staring the year in AAA. This brings me to the battle for the 5th spot. The men vying for that spot is Chacin, Casey Jannsen, and Jesse Litsch. Jannsen has the least to worry because if he does not win the starting job, he has a spot reserved for him in the bullpen. My prediction: I feel Litsch will snag that 5th spot, and the former rookie of the year candidate will find himself in AAA or looking for another team.
Relief Pitching:
Like their starting pitching, the Jays bullpen is very strong too, and this year will hopefully be stronger as their closer, BJ Ryan, returns from Tommy John Surgery. This makes Jeremy Accardo see a return to his role as a set-up man, which he does a fine job at. Blue Jays will see another return reliever, Brandon League, however, the Jays possibility of carrying 11 pitchers may leave him without a spot on the roster at the beginning of the season, especially with the likes of Brian Tallet, Scott Downs, and possibly Casey Jannsen in the pen.
Catching/DH:
Gregg Zaun has returned (once again) as the Blue Jays starting catcher with the hopefully rebounding Rod Barajas as his back-up. Sal Fasano who came back most likely will begin in AAA but the Jays told him they will trade him if his time there is unhappy. Frank Thomas is also back as the DH looking to hopefully pull some better stats than last year as he struggled in the beginning of last year. I’m expecting to see around 25 homers out of him again.
Infield:
Some new faces in this place for the Jays as the whole left side has changed, which has made that side have an unbelievable defense. The addition of David Eckstein has added a glove, speed, contact, and a leadoff batter to the Jays. The very defensive John MacDonald will sadly have to take the back seat to Eckstein but will be a back-up over at SS and 3B. Speaking of 3rd, the Jays took a loss this year by trading Troy Glaus for Scott Rolen. Both these guys have had their injury issue. The offensive stats from Toronto’s 3B will likely see a drop however defense will be great with Rolen over there. Aaron Hill returns over at 2nd and Lyle Overbay who’s looking for a healthier year, will remain with his duties over at 1st. The addition of Marco Scutaro also added some more depth to Jays bench.
Outfield:
Lets see. We got Alex Rios in right. Say no more. Vernon Wells in center. Looking to rebound, but say no more. In left…wait…what the @$!% is going on here? The Jays have added a bit of conflict over in left. It looked as if Matt Stairs and Reed Johnson would share the duties over in left, but now they decided to sign back an old friend, Shannon Stewart. This could either be a big or little mess for the Jays. The GM has already said Stairs is a definite lock as a starter, but Johnson and Stewart will be playing for their spot to get the sharing starting job over in left. The decision on whether one will end up in AAA is unknown at the time. I also have to note that Marco Scutaro can play the outfield too. My prediction: Stewart takes the back seat and wonders why he came back to this team.
Overall:
The Blue Jays can always be a playoff contender every year, but there problem is unlucky breaks and health issues. If they can solve these problems they will make the playoffs for sure. As for this year though, I don’t think it will happen. Sure I am a fan and will root for them to win, but as an honest fan, I predict the Jays will become Wild Card contenders, yet will fall short with weeks remaining. I’m not giving up hope though.
Please add your voice and comments they are appreciated.
Thanks for reading.
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