Toronto Blue Jays Season Preview
2007 Record: 83-79, 3rd in American League East
Key Additions: Scott Rolen(3B); David Eckstein(SS); Marco Scutaro(2B); Armando Benitez(RHP)
Key Departures: Josh Towers(RHP); Troy Glaus(3B)
Starting Pitchers:
Projected Rotation: Roy Halladay(RH); A.J. Burnett(RH); Dustin McGowan(RH); Shaun Marcum(RH); Jesse Litch(RH)
The Blue Jays have an incredible staff on paper. McGowan had a breakout year in 2007, same goes to Shaun Marcum, but injury problems continue to harness the talent of both Cy Young pitcher Roy Halladay and his sidekick, A.J. Burnett. If one or both can get over the injury hump, the Jays could be a serious contender. The number 5 slot is all open at this time, but it appears as if Jesse Litch will be the 5th starter. Injury bug Gustavo Chacin will most likely start in AAA Syracuse. With all 5 healthy, the Blue Jays have a Top 10 pitching staff.
Bullpen:
Projected Bullpen: B.J. Ryan(CL); Jeremy Accardo(RH); Scott Downs(LH); Jason Frasor(RH); Brian Tallet(LH); Brandon League(RH); Armando Benitez(RH)
Closer B.J. Ryan will not be healthy or ready to go on Opening Day, but when he comes back, he will assume the closer role from Jeremy Accardo. The first 3 in the Jays bullpen are very good pitchers, but from Frasor to Benitez, it becomes trashey. When healthy, B.J. Ryan is a dominate closer and one of the few lefty closers in the Major Leagues. Scott Downs is one of the best lefty relievers in the league. Frasor was once a reliable reliever for the Jays, but has fell apart since.
~ Jeremy Accardo will be the Jays closer on opening Day
Line-up:
Projected Line-up:
1) David Eckstein/SS
2) Lyle Overbay/1B
3) Vernon Wells/CF
4) Frank Thomas/DH
5) Scott Rolen/3B
6) Alex Rios/RF
7) Matt Stairs/LF
8) Gregg Zaun/C
9) Aaron Hill/2B
Bench: Rod Barajas/C; Marco Scutaro/INF; John McDonald/INF; Reed Johnson/OF
The Line-up looks like a strong line-up when healthy, but the key word there is healthy. Overbay, Wells, and Rolen were all injured last year, and Frank Thomas has a history of health problems. Eckstein is an upgrade offensively for the Jays, after batting over .05 more than McDonald last year. Overbay will, for the Blue Jays sake, be healthy this year, and can go back to producing his average seasons of .275-.315 and hitting 15-25 home runs. Vernon Wells had a tpsy-turvey year in 2007, but comes back strong and still one of the best outfielders in the American League. Frank Thomas could be entering his final season of a Hall of Fame career and you should expect a solid number of home runs between 15-30. Scott Rolen will give you great defense and a strong bat. Alex Rios is a potential break-out candidate in 2008, meaning he should have a career year. Matt Stairs had a good year for his home team in 2007, and xpect a weaker season, but still strong enough to help the Jays out. Gregg Zaun should not be the starting catcher, but there are little options left other than a trade for Michael Barrett or Ramon Hernandez. Finally, Aaron Hill produced a good season in 2007, nd I see another out of the second baseman.
~ Jays outfielder Alex Rios is a good candidate to be a breakout star in 2008.
