Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Posted on July 17, 2013 at 07:29 PM.
By Andrew Newsted / MLB.com
Jays Fall To Indians In Opening Day Affair
| Toronto Blue Jays at Cleveland Indians | ||||||||||||
| Apr 5, 2012 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
| Toronto (0-0) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 0 |
| Cleveland (0-0) | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | X | 6 | 7 | 0 |
| W: Justin Masterson (1-0) L: R.A. Dickey (0-1) S: Chris Perez (1) | ||||||||||||
By Andrew Newsted / MLB.com
Jays Officially Release Opening Day Depth Chart
Toronto Blue Jays Opening Day Depth Chart - 2012
- Catcher
- J.P. Arencibia
- Henry Blanco
- First Base
- Edwin Encarnacion
- Mark DeRosa
- Adam Lind
- Second Base
- Emilio Bonifacio
- Maicer Izturis
- Brett Lawrie
- Third Base
- Brett Lawrie
- Mark DeRosa
- Maicer Izturis
- Emilio Bonifacio
- Shortstop
- Jose Reyes
- Maicer Izturis
- Left Field
- Melky Cabrera
- Rajai Davis
- Emilio Bonifacio
- Center Field
- Colby Rasmus
- Emilio Bonifacio
- Rajai Davis
- Right Field
- Jose Bautista
- Rajai Davis
- Emilio Bonifacio
- Starting Pitcher
- R.A. Dickey
- Brandon Morrow
- Mark Buehrle
- Josh Johnson
- J.A. Happ
- Ricky Romero (AAA)
- Relief Pitcher
- Brad Lincoln
- Sergio Santos
- Esmil Rogers
- Steve Delabar
- Darren Oliver
- Aaron Loup
- Closer
- Casey Janssen
- Designated Hitter
- Adam Lind
The Toronto Blue Jays have finally released their opening day depth chart just one week before they play their first game of the season on opening day in Cleveland. Mark DeRosa and Brad Lincoln were the two players remaining for the final two roster spots after the Jays cut a handful of other players.
By Andrew Newsted / MLB.com
DeRosa Wins Final Bench Spot, Bonifacio Wins Starting Job
Mark DeRosa, who came into camp without a job knew that he could very well also be leaving camp without a job in the big leagues. The veteran infielder can play many positions and along with his veteran stability and presence, he made the roster for the 2012 Toronto Blue Jays. Blue Jays manager John Gibbons stated the following: "We have a fairly young team here in Toronto and we feel that the sort of veteran presence that a player like Mark can bring to the clubhouse has a positive impact." When asked if he has a guarenteed spot on the big league roster for the rest of the season, Gibbons response was: "Well, he might have an impact in the clubhouse but the impact on the field is more important right now. If he shows that he can perform, they sure, but if he can't, that's another story."
In other news around the Blue Jays spring training, utility player Emilio Bonifacio, acquired in the same trade that brought pitcher Josh Johnson and shortstop Jose Reyes to Toronto, has won the starting second base spot for the big league club. Bonifacio, who missed a large amount of time last season with an injury, proved that he has tons of speed to burn on the base paths and is a relatively good fielder. He has played at almost every position, making appearances at center field, right field, left field, shortstop, third base and second base. He has yet to pitch, play backcatcher or first base in his career.
By Andrew Newsted / MLB.com
Jays Up Close: Josh Johnson and Jose Bautista
Josh Johnson
Joshua Michael Johnson... Is married with two children... Graduated from Jenks High School (OK) in 2002... Named to All-State team as a senior... Also played basketball. Returned from injury-shortened 2011 to make 31 starts and pitch 191.1 innings, both of which were second-highest totals in career (33 starts and 209.0 IP in 2009)...Did not record his first win of season until May 15 against PIT... In seven starts prior, had gone 0-3 with a 5.87 ERA (38.1 IP/25 ER), and opponents were batting .329... Over a nine-start span beginning with first win, went 5-2 with a 2.45 ERA (58.2/16), and held opponents to a .242 average...Won 50th career game on May 20 at CLE, and lowered career ERA to 3.10 in the process... Only active starting pitchers at time who had a lower ERA when winning 50th game were Clayton Kershaw (2.83), Tim Lincecum (2.91) and Barry Zito (3.04)...Had best month of season in June, despite settling for a 2-2 record... Owned a 1.87 ERA (33.2/7) in five starts, which was 5th-lowest mark in National League for month, behind R.A. Dickey (0.93), Zack Greinke (1.70), Johnny Cueto (1.72) and Kyle Lohse (1.80)... Opponents batting average (.205) was tied with Matt Cain for fifth-lowest in NL in June, behind Dickey (.131), Johan Santana (.180), Lohse (.185) and Greinke (.203)...Closed out season with 1-3 record in Sept., despite a 2.91 ERA (34.0IP/11ER) in five starts... Allowed three or fewer runs in each start and limited opponents to five-or-fewer hits...Miami scored just 2.92 runs per 9.0 innings of support, marking the lowest run support average in Majors (min. 30 starts)... Also marked lowest in franchise history for a pitcher who made at least 30 starts, breaking Anibal Sanchez's record of 3.16 in 2011...Allowed just 14 home runs, which tied Aaron Harang (31 GS), Felix Hernandez (33 GS) and Edinson Volquez (31 GS) for the third-fewest in the Majors among pitchers with at least 30 starts, behind Gio Gonzalez (nine in 32 GS) and Lucas Harrell (13 in 32 GS)...Finished first-half of season with a 5-5 record and a 4.06 ERA (102.0/46) in 17 starts, with 85 strikeouts to 34 walks (four intentional)... For his career, is 33-18, 2.71(518.2/156) in 87 first-half appearances (80 starts)... Went 3-9 with a 3.53 ERA (89.1/35) in 14 starts in second-half, notching 80 strikeouts to 31 walks (three intentional)... Overall, is 23-19, 3.73 (398.0/165) in 67 career appearances (64 starts) following All-Star break.
Jose Bautista
Jose Antonio Bautista... Single... Has two children... Attended Chipola (FL) Community College... Attended De La Salle High School in Santo Domingo... Favourite athlete growing up was NBA Hall of Famer, Michael Jordan...Has been featured as the cover athlete for the Canadian edition of MLB 12: The Show and MLB 13: The Show...Participated in the Toronto/Winnipeg portion of the Blue Jays 2013 Winter Tour. Was sidelined on July 16 at NYY after damaging a tendon in his left wrist while completing a swing during his AB in the 8th inning...Returned to the lineup Aug. 24, but was removed on Aug. 25 with recurring soreness...Had season ending surgery on Sept. 4...At the time of his injury ranked 2nd in BB (58), T-2nd in HR (27) and T-3rd in RBI (65) in the AL...Earned Honda Player-of-the-Month honours for the club in May and June...Posted a .257 average with nine home runs and 22 RBI in May...Also recorded a team high 20 runs scored along with four doubles and 13 walks...In June batted .271 with 14 home runs and 30 RBI... The 14 home runs set a Blue Jays record for home runs in a single month, surpassing the 12 hit by Carlos Delgado (Aug. 1999), Jose Cruz (Aug., 2001) and Bautista twice (May and Aug., 2010)...Led all Major Leaguers in home runs, (14) RBI (30), walks (22) and slugging (.750) for the month of June...With his 27 home runs now has 140 as a Blue Jay, passing Ed Sprague (113), Kelly Gruber (114), Shawn Green (119), Jose Cruz Jr. (122), Fred McGriff (125) and Ernie Whitt (131) in 2012, and ranks 7th on the Blue Jays all-time list...Homered on Opening Day in the Blue Jays 7-4 16-inning win at CLE on April 5...Was the second consecutive season he has homered on Opening Day...Took part in the All-Star game for the 2nd straight season, 3rd overall (2010-2012)...Ranked 3rd in voting among OF at 4,971,155...Is the 3rd Blue Jay to be voted in as a starter in back to back seasons (Alomar, Carter being the others)... Started in RF, batted 4th (0-1, BB, K)...Represented the AL in the 2012 State Farm Home Run Derby...Lost in the finals to Prince Fielder...Marked the 2nd straight year that he took part in the HR Derby...Had two multi-home run games and now has 17 in his career, with all but two coming as a Blue Jay...Despite missing time in 2012, still leads all Major Leaguers in home runs with 124 since 2010, 12 ahead of Miguel Cabrera.
By Andrew Newsted / MLB.com
Jays Up Close: Brandon Morrow and Mark Buehrle
Brandon Morrow
Brandon John Morrow (MORE-owe)... Married... Graduated from Rancho Cotate High School in June, 2002... Earned firstteam all-league, first-team All-Redwood Empire, first-team All-North Coast Section and second-team All-State honours... Competed for the California All-Stars at the 2002 Sunbelt Classic in McAlester, Oklahoma... Attended the University of California at Berkeley... One of 10 semifinalists for the Roger Clemens Award as the nation's top collegiate pitcher... Named first-team All-Pac-10, going 7-4 with a 2.05 ERA (2nd in Pac-10)... Had 97 strikeouts (4th in Pac-10) in 96.7 innings (9th in Pac-10)... Was named National Pitcher of the Week after 6.1 innings, no hits, no runs, one walk and a career-high 12 strikeouts at UC Irvine Feb. 3... Also named a Cape Cod League All-Star in the summer 2005 for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox... Named a third-team preseason All-American and the fifth-best professional prospect out of the Cape Cod League by Baseball America.
Mark Buehrle
Mark Alan Buehrle (Burr-lee)... Married with two children... Has been very active in spreading awareness of pet adoption... Appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman on July 27, 2009, reading 'The Top 10 Things That Went Through Mark Buehrle's Mind During His Perfect Game'... Made two appearances on the "Oprah Winfrey Show" following the White Sox' World Series Championship in 2005... Graduated from Jefferson Junior College (MO) and was selected as a NJCAA Third-Team All-America... Attended and graduated from Francis Howell North High School in St. Charles, Mo.
By Andrew Newsted / MLB.com
Jays Up Close: R.A. Dickey
Robert Allen (R.A.) Dickey... Is a 1993 graduate of Montgomery Bell Academy (TN) High School... Named an All-American in baseball his senior year... Attended the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) where he holds the school record for career wins (38)... Went 38-10 with a 3.40 ERA in his career for the Volunteers... Majored in English... Member of the bronze medal winning U.S. Olympic team at the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta.... Helped form a non-profit organization called Honoring Thy Father Mission, aimed at reaching out to school, athletic and church youth groups as well as performing missionary work in Latin American countries... Active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes... Was the recipient of the "Ya Gotta Have Heart" Award at the BBWAA Dinner on January 25, 2011... Received the "Tennessee Male Athlete of the Year" Award on February 11, 2011 in Nashville, TN... Was inducted into the Tennessee Baseball Hall of Fame on January 18, 2012... Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in January, 2012 with Mets bullpen catcher Dave Racaniello and former teammate and current Cleveland Indians pitcher Kevin Slowey... Raised over $100,000 during the climb for Bombay Teen Challenge, an organization dedicated to rescuing young women from forced prostitution... Honored at the Thurman Munson Dinner on January 31, 2012 with a "Thurman Award."... His autobiography "Wherever I Wind Up, My Quest for Truth, Authenticity and the Perfect Knuckleball" was released in March, 2012... Is featured in a documentary film titled "Knuckleball".
By Andrew Newsted / MLB.com
Blue Jays Set Starting Rotation; Romero Optioned To Triple-A
The Toronto Blue Jays and manager John Gibbons have set the starting rotation that will take to the mound come opening day this season. After a massive twelve player trade with the Miami Marlins that netted the Blue Jays two excellent pitchers in left hander Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson and a trade that got them National League Cy Young award winner R.A. Dickey from the New York Mets, the Blue Jays have finally revealed their much anticipated rotation. One surprise though, was that left hander Ricky Romero, the club's ace from last season, was option to Triple-A Buffalo after he was dealing with mechanic issues and there is not timetable for his return to the big league club.
R.A. Dickey will head the rotation and will get the nod on opening day. He will be following by Brandon Morrow, Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson and J.A. Happ. Happ won the fifth spot in the rotation by having a amazing spring posting an ERA just above one. He and Brandon Morrow are the only returnees from last year's rotation. Now that the starting rotation is set, the bullpen and fielders need to be settled before we can play ball!
1. Aaron Sanchez (RHP)
If you wanted to build a prototype of what a big, strong, projectable pitching prospect should look like, starting with Sanchez might not be a bad idea. The Blue Jays had aggressively stockpiled young arms via the Draft in recent years. Some of them were used as trading chips, but Sanchez remains, and for good reason. His pure stuff is outstanding, with a plus fastball and an outstanding curve to give him as good a one-two punch as any pitching prospect. His changeup projects to be at least an average offering. He throws downhill and there’s room for him to add some strength. Sanchez needs to cut down on his walk rate to succeed as he moves up, but he has all the makings of a frontline starter if that happens as the Blue Jays start to take the kid gloves off.
2. Roberto Osuna (RHP)
While the Blue Jays used some of their young pitching depth in trades during the offseason, that didn’t leave that cupboard bare. As long as everyone can be patient, Osuna may help fill the void quite nicely. The nephew of former big league reliever Antonio Osuna, he will be just 18 years old for all of the 2013 season. Osuna has a plus fastball that can touch the mid-90s and he commands it pretty well. His slider will be solid in the future, though it’s a bit inconsistent right now and he has a better feel for a changeup than most teenagers. His overall command and pitchability is advanced for his age, which should enable him to continue to be young for his level, even if he’s developed cautiously.
3. Daniel Norris (LHP)
The Blue Jays were very aggressive in pursuing talent in the Draft in 2011, with Norris standing out as a prime example. He was the top high school lefty in the class but slid due to signability, but Toronto was able to get him to sign rather than head to Clemson. His pro debut was shaky results-wise, but the stuff is still there as is the projectability. His fastball can be plus for a lefty and he's done a good job of commanding it in the past. His curve has the chance to be above-average and his changeup gives him a third solid pitch to work with. He's had some delivery issues, but with his athleticism and makeup, he should be able to work through them in time.
4. D.J. Davis
It might be difficult to find a better athlete in the 2012 Draft class and there certainly isn't anyone faster. While he's sure to be a major basestealing threat, he's much more than a one-tool guy. Davis has the chance to hit, with good bat speed and even a bit of power to grow into. There's some refining to his approach that will need to happen, but he has an understanding of what his game will need to be hitting at the top of the lineup. He's able to outrun any mistakes in the outfield, but projects to be an above-average defender in the future. He's been compared to Michael Bourn, not a bad aspiration, but he might have the chance to have a little more pop and a little less swing-and-miss if things click for him.
5. Marcus Stroman (RHP)
It was difficult enough to evaluate Stroman coming out of Duke as an undersized right-hander who could fire mid-90s fastballs with surprising ease to go along with a power breaking ball. He even showed the ability to mix in a changeup and throw strikes as a starter in his final college season. That evaluation became tougher when Stroman was suspended for 50 games for taking a performance-enhancing drug, though Stroman said he unknowingly took the substance as part of an over-the-counter supplement. The Blue Jays sent Stroman out as a reliever and he had reached Double-A by August during his pro debut. If he can return to the game without any further issues, he still has the chance to be a very quick to the big leagues power arm coming out of the bullpen.
6. Anthony Alford (OF)
Alford was thought by many to be unsignable as a two-sport standout, one who had a scholarship to Southern Miss to play quarterback. But the Blue Jays were creative with their Draft pool and managed to sign the athletic outfielder, who got in a handful of Gulf Coast League games before heading to school to play football. He appeared in nine games for Southern Miss, starting five. Alford has considerable raw tools, with a Reggie Sanders-like upside, but hasn't had the opportunity to refine them with his focus split among two sports. His approach at the plate isn't bad and he has the chance to have above-average power in the future. He has plus speed that should allow him to be a threat on the bases as well as a solid defensive outfielder. It's going to take longer as he continues to play two sports, but the wait could be worth it.
7. Matthew Smoral (LHP)
Big lefties with big stuff and a feel for pitching don't grow on trees, so it's not surprising the Blue Jays got creative and found a way to sign the Ohio high school product, despite the fact he missed his senior season with a stress fracture in his foot. More projection than anything at this point, Smoral has the chance to have three at-least average pitches. He has an easy arm action and an above-average fastball that sits in the 91-92 mph range. He can reach back for a plus fastball at times and combines it with a solid changeup with good sink. He commands both of those pitches fairly well. Smoral throws a slider, but it's behind the other two pitches. If he can sharpen that, he has the chance to be a solid starting pitcher at the highest level, though it might take a while for him to get there.
8. Sean Nolin (LHP)
Following the big offseason trade with the Marlins, the Blue Jays system didn't have as much pitching depth as it once had, especially in terms of any advanced arms. Nolin, the San Jac junior college product, is an exception. The big lefty's stuff isn't necessarily eye-popping, but it all plays up because of his advanced feel for pitching. He'll locate his fastball well and he can reach back for a little extra when he needs it. His changeup is his best secondary pitch, but he also has two breaking balls: a slider that shows flashes of being an out pitch and an average curve he can get over for strikes. There's deception and overall decent command and he goes right after hitters, which should help him as a middle-of-the-rotation type in the future.
9. John Stilson (RHP)
A shoulder injury during his junior season at Texas A&M hurt Stilson's Draft stock, but the Blue Jays' willingness to take a shot in the third round might pay off. He didn't need surgery and reached Double-A in his first full season while staying healthy. His fastball touches plus, at 96 mph, and he goes after hitters with downhill sink and tail. He throws his changeup with a lot of deception and sink as well. The right-hander has two breaking balls, a big, downer curve or a wider, 3/4 slider. His delivery creates deception on all of his pitches, but it also comes with a lot of effort and hampers his ability to command the ball. Combine that with his injury history and some see a future coming out of the bullpen, something he did at the end of the 2012 season to limit his innings. A role switch like that could get him to the big leagues faster.
10. Adonys Cardona (RHP)
There is little question about Cardona's arm strength and he's added to it ever since he signed out of Venezuela. He's been brought along very slowly, spending two summers in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League. He's thrown just 47 1/3 innings combined, but has managed to strike out 10.5 per nine in that stretch. Cardona's fastball should be a plus pitch as he continues to mature and he's shown a better feel for a changeup than most his age, projecting to have an above-average offspeed pitch. His breaking ball isn't close to the other two pitches and he's struggled with command, leading some to believe he'll eventually have to move into a bullpen role. The 2013 season could go a long way in determining his furutre.
11. A.J. Jimenez (C)
Jimenez was off to a solid start during his first taste of Double-A ball in 2012 when he needed Tommy John surgery after just 27 games. He's a defensive-minded catcher, so getting that arm back healthy is important, especially considering it was responsible for throwing out 43 percent of would-be basestealers throughout his Minor League career. He's athletic and agile behind the plate, giving him outstanding defensive grades across the board. The backstop from Puerto Rico was showing that while he's glove first, he can do some things with his bat. He has quality at-bats, squares up consistently with some extra-base pop that could turn into a bit more. Once 100 percent, he has the chance to be a regular big league catcher and at least he doesn't have Travis d'Arnaud blocking him in the Minors anymore.
12. Christian Lopez (SS)
A subpar senior season hurt Lopes' Draft stock in 2011 and the Blue Jays went over-slot to sign the SoCal product. He had a solid pro debut in 2012, getting the chance to play at two levels and displaying some of the offensive skills that made him a prospect before his senior swoon. Lopes has the chance to be a solid offensive-minded middle infielder with good bat speed and some power. His hands and feet work well in the infield, but his fringy speed affects his range, meaning second base might be a better long-term home. That's where he played most of his games during his debut, so the Blue Jays might agree with that assessment.
13. Jacob Anderson (OF)
When the Blue Jays couldn't come to terms with first-round pick Tyler Beede in 2011, Anderson became the organization's highest pick to sign, one of four sandwich picks to do so. Anderson is all projection at this point, a tall and lean athlete who has shown some ability to hit to all fields. He should grow into more power and he has solid speed. He played a lot of first base in high school, but has settled into right field, where his defensive skills should be more than playable. More than anything, Anderson needs to refine his approach at the plate, His strikeout rate in 2012 was alarming, even for a young, raw player. He's a project, so patience is necessary.
14. Deck McGuire (RHP)
When the Blue Jays drafted McGuire out of Georgia Tech, it was with the hopes that his combination of stuff, pitchability and mound presence coming out of a major college program would allow him to move quickly. He did reach Double-A in his first full season, but when he went back there in 2012, he really struggled. When he's at his best, he mixes four pitches well and throws them for strikes. His fastball and slider are the best of the offerings, but he had shown progress with his changeup during his first season of pro ball. He didn't command the ball well in 2012, as his walk and hit rates went way up. He threw fairly well in a relief role in the Arizona Fall League, but it remains to be seen if that serves as a confidence builder moving forward.
15. Alberto Tirado (RHP)
Tirado made his United States debut a very successful one in 2012, pitching well in both the Gulf Coast and Appalachian Leagues. The right-hander has a fastball that can run up to 96 mph with good sink and he does a good job of keeping it down in the strike zone. He complements that with an above-average changeup. His breaking ball is developing and looks more like a slider than a breaking ball right now. While he's not gigantic, he's physical enough where his size isn't a concern. He'll spend all of 2013 at age 18, so it will be interesting to see how cautious the Blue Jays are with his development.
16. Dalton Pompey (OF)
Pompey was having a fine start to his 2012 season with short-season Vancouver when a broken hand knocked him out of action after just 11 games. He did eventually return to action, joining full-season Lansing at the end of the year and starting in center for their short-lived playoff run. The native of Ontario's best tool is his speed and it should allow him to steal bases (he's gone 32-for-35 thus far in his career) and play center field. He has good range as a result and could be an above-average defender as he improves his reads and routes. Pompey does have a chance to hit a little bit, albeit without much power, but as a top-of-the-order type, that's not as important.
17. Griffin Murphy (LHP)
Coming out of high school in 2010, Murphy was an interesting southpaw with excellent fastball command, a solid curve and the kind of pitching frame you like to see. He looked like the kind of prep lefty who could move more quickly than some other young arms. It hasn't exactly worked out that way. Murphy was a starter during his pro debut in 2011 in the Gulf Coast League, but he pitched almost exclusively out of the bullpen in 2012. He threw well in that role, albeit at age 21 in the Appalachian League. He still has similar stuff, along with the potential for an average changeup. In a relief role, his stuff may play up and he could start moving more quickly.
18. Ryan Goins (SS)
Goins has made steady progress through the Blue Jays system and is now poised to contribute in somce capacity in the near future. He's one of those middle infielders who's whole is greater than the sum of his parts, a gamer who plays the game the right way. He can hit a little bit, with an ability to put the ball in play and a little gap power. Coming out of Dallas Baptist, many thought he'd have to move to second base because of his lack of speed, but he's yet to play anywhere else and has more than enough arm for the position. He may not have wow factor, but he knows how to play the game and is the type of player who invariably finds his way onto a winning roster.
19. Danny Barnes (RHP)
The Princeton product led the Minor Leagues in saves in 2012, setting a Dunedin Blue Jays record in the process. He's moved one station at a time thus far in his career and has shown an ability to dominate in short stints at each stop. The right-hander relies mostly on an effective two-pitch combination: An above-average fastball with a little sink and a slider that gets a good share of swings and misses. He will also work in a changeup to give hitters a different look. At age 23 for all of the 2013 season, there's a chance Barnes could move a little more quickly and get to the big leagues faster. He may not ultimately close at the highest level, but could make a major contribution in a back-end role.
20. Matthew Dean (3B)
Another aggressive high school Draft pick who singed over slot in the 13th round in 2011, Dean made his pro debut in the Appalachian League in 2012. He struggled a bit with the bat, but he still has the raw tools to be a good all-around third baseman. A shortstop in high school, Dean has good actions and more than enough arm for the hot corner. He still has some things to iron out with his approach at the plate, but as he continues to fill out he should tap into his power in the future. As long as the Blue Jays continue to be patient with Dean, his work ethic and raw tools could allow the finished product to be an everyday big league third baseman.
Complete Toronto Blue Jays 2013 Season Preview: Final Thoughts
As fans, the time for complaining is over. Whether you love the offseason trades, hate them or are indifferent, it is time to stand behind your team.
You like them enough to read this comprehensive preview (or at least skim it, no hard feelings), so why not like them enough to show them your support?
The Blue Jays are in win-now mode, and as fans we need to be in support-now mode. Watch them on TV or, if you can head down to the ball park, pack the house. Show the team that this city appreciates a good baseball team and help them win.
This is a team built to win 90-plus games and earn a playoff spot. Be a part of that ride. The waiting is over—it is just time for execution!
Complete Toronto Blue Jays 2013 Season Preview: Prospect to Watch
Young prospects is where the offseason trades may come back to haunt the Blue Jays. They may not have given up much major league talent, but they traded away a small fortune of minor leaguers.
The prospects that played for the Blue Jays last year and are still under contract are limited. Aaron Loup pitched so well out of the bullpen in his rookie season last year, that it is hard to call him a prospect anymore.
The only one left is Anthony Gose. Gose came up to help fill the void left by Jose Bautista’s ailing wrist last year, and did not have the coming out party he had hoped for.
Due to the depth of the Blue Jays, he may not see any action in a MLB uniform this year, but his development is worth watching. He struggled mightily against left-handed pitching in the minors and he needs to improve in that aspect of his game before he can be counted on to contribute at the highest level.
Worst-case scenario is an injury that forces him to play before he is ready. Best-case scenario is that as of September, he will join the team just in time for a playoff run and gain some valuable experience.
Wherever Gose ends up playing the majority of his baseball this season, his progress will be something to watch.
Complete Toronto Blue Jays 2013 Season Preview: X-Factor
I’ve always seen an x-factor as an intangible. Something that matters but just can’t be quantified in any reasonable manner. Momentum and crowd noise are examples of x-factors. It’s something that definitely plays a role in the outcome of a game or a season, but the impact of which cannot be measured.
For this team, chemistry is the x-factor. One of the most important intangibles is the culture in the clubhouse. Teams more talented than this have faltered because of issues behind closed doors, and avoiding any of those problems will be a large factor in their success.
The returning group of players have shown that they like playing with each other. Whether it is the unique postgame celebrations between Bautista, Rasmus and Rajai Davis in the outfield, or the brotherhood of Team Unit (Lawrie, Arencibia and Bautista), it is clear that this is a team with a lot of youthful enthusiasm that loves to play the game.
Sometimes this youthful zeal can be a hindrance. Young players can get distracted on the road, not get motivated for games or find themselves concentrating on extraneous distractions, like their social media presence, more than baseball.
That is where the acquisition of the veteran players will be a key role. Veterans like Dickey, Buehrle and Reyes will work to keep the youngsters in check on the road and in the clubhouse.
Combine last year's enthusiasm with this year's belief that they can win a World Series and the situation is magnified. Their youthful enthusiasm and chemistry could be their downfall, but more likely, it could be their x-factor to success.
Complete Toronto Blue Jays 2013 Season Preview: Studs
Pitching Stud
What a luxury to actually have to sit down and think about whom to put into this section. Some teams have one pitcher whose name jumps off the page as the indisputable ace, but with this team, it is not as cut and dry.
Is it Mark Buehrle who has a perfect game under his belt? Probably not. Is it Brandon Morrow who Toronto fans have watched mature before their eyes over the past three seasons? It could turn out to be Morrow, but as of right now it’s not.
It could also end up being Josh Johnson, but instead of acting like we don’t know where this is going, let’s just all agree that R.A. Dickey has earned the recognition of being the stud of the staff.
Dickey won 20 games last year, the NL Cy Young Award, made his first All-Star appearance and put the world on notice that the knuckleball is back. He will be the man toeing the rubber on Opening Day, will be counted on as a clubhouse leader and relied on to record a win for the team every fifth day.
R.A. Dickey is the pitching stud, nestled inside an extremely talented rotation.
Hitting Stud
Health permitting, it has to be Jose Bautista right? A wrist injury last year put an abrupt end to a two-year joy ride that Bautista was having at the plate, but in 2013 he will be back.
Bautista led the league two years straight in homeruns and had back-to-back seasons with 100 RBI. If he can stay healthy, there is no indication that he won’t be able to return to the form that warranted him MVP consideration in 2010 and 2011.
He can hit for average, for power, at the top of the order and in the clean-up spot while playing the field or as the designated hitter.
With Reyes hitting in front of him, there will be plenty of opportunity for Bautista to knock in some runs and with Encarnacion hitting behind him, he will see his fair share of pitches to hit. Everything is lining up for Bautista to have a monster year at the plate.
Complete Toronto Blue Jays 2013 Season Preview: Hitting
Scouting the Hitting
The best part about the offseason trades that changed the makeup of the lineup so drastically is that the Blue Jays gave up very little major league quality talent.
Last year’s shortstop Yunel Escobar was shipped out, along with Adeiny Hachavarria and Jeff Mathis, while Kelly Johnson was lost to free agency; but other than that, most of the talent was retained. With more hitters coming in than leaving, manager John Gibbons has a lot of firepower and lineup combinations to work with.
Whereas last year the lead of spot was a trial and error type of situation, newly acquired Jose Reyes will be a mainstay at the top of the order this year.
Reyes has proven he can be an extremely effective leadoff hitter with a career .342 OBP, and just one year removed from hitting .337 with the Mets. He has the speed (410 career stolen bases) and power (462 career extra base hits) to be a real threat at the top of the order.
Who will hit second is a little bit less definitive, but there is really no bad option. Whether it ends up being Melky Cabrera, Brett Lawrie, Emilio Bonifacio or a revolving door of players, the Blue Jays are in a fortunate situation to have so many options. Whoever hits second will be tasked with getting on base (ideally pushing Reyes into scoring position) for the big guns that are coming up next.
Hitting Bautista third in the lineup is probably the best thing for this team. Firstly, it forces opposing pitchers to face him in the first inning. It also means that pitchers cannot pitch around him in order to get past him in the lineup.
The reason it is foolish to pitch around Bautista is the Blue Jays clean up hitter, Edwin Encarnacion. He enjoyed a breakout season in 2011 and has never looked back. He has hit .276 over the last two years including 42 homeruns last year.
While once a liability at the plate (career .245 BA pre-2010), and in the field (his 103 errors from 2005 to 2010 earned him the nickname E5) Encarnacion is now a source of strength in a very powerful lineup.
The rest of the lineup will be some combination of Colby Rasmus, Adam Lind, J.P. Arencibia, and Maicer Izturis. Each of these hitters have the ability to contribute significantly to the team but have struggled to do so consistently in their career.
Rasmus hit .276 in 2009 and saw his average drop to .225 in 2011 before recording 75 RBI in 2011. Regardless of his performance at the plate, Rasmus has been steadily improving in the outfield and has played the ultra-important center field position well during his time in Toronto. Whether or not he can hit consistently at the plate will be secondary to his play in the field, especially hitting alongside such talented hitters.
The ever-so-frustrating Adam Lind will be on a short leash this season. His time in Toronto was on the clock last year, and that clock may become an hourglass this season.
When the Blue Jays put him on waivers last year, not one team filed a claim for him. That was a clear indication of his perceived value around the league, and unless he can improve at the plate, he will be spending much of his year two hours down the road in AAA Buffalo.
That being said, when he hits, he hits well. In 2009 he hit .305, and after being recalled from AAA last year, he hit .301 to close out the season. Consistency is a clear issue for Lind, but his upside remains an enticing conversation piece. If he can figure out how hit consistently, he may be the piece that turns a good lineup into a great one.
The Blue Jays have a very good batting order. Not the best in the league, but powerful enough to give their starting pitchers a lead. Which may be all they need.
Complete Toronto Blue Jays 2013 Season Preview: Pitching
Scouting the Starting Pitching
The injury bug left the 2012 Toronto Blue Jays pitching staff as a fraction of what it was when the season started. Players that were counted on early in the season, including Kyle Drabek, Brandon Morrow, Drew Hutchison and Sergio Santos, all missed significant time with various injuries last year.
But what a difference a year makes. A couple phone calls from general manager Alex Anthopoulos, and what was a fairly meager starting rotation turned into an absolute powerhouse in the already strong AL East.
Although there are seven starting pitchers listed on the Blue Jays website right now, the five that will see regular time on the hill are extremely strong. Offseason trades brought the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey to Toronto, along with Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle.
These trades made enough of an effect to move last year's Opening Day starter, Ricky Romero, to fifth on the depth chart. They also warranted an investigation from MLB commissioner Bud Selig, and made Twitter erupt, but that is beside the point right now.
R.A. Dickey was absolutely lethal last year with the New York Mets. He finished the season with a 2.73 ERA and struck out 8.9 hitters per nine innings en route to his first All-Star appearance and the Cy Young. His performance has earned him the chance to pitch on Opening Day for his new club.
Since there is not much room to improve, even a slight decline in production out of Dickey will be acceptable. There is a popular theory amongst his critics that Dickey will falter in the windless confines of a domed stadium, but the evidence indicates otherwise. Last year Dickey pitched in Tropicana Field, under a dome, and recorded a one hit complete game.
Brandon Morrow has shown Blue Jays fans what he is capable of over the last three years, including coming within one out of throwing a no-hitter against the Tampa Rays. He is coming off an injury-plagued year where he only pitched 124.2 innings and struggled to get batters out via the strikeout. He recorded 7.8 strikeouts per nine innings, a career low for a pitcher who has relied on the strikeout as a means to retire batters throughout his career.
Mark Buehrle’s transition to Toronto has been less than ideal for him and his family, having to leave behind his family dog due to a ban on the breed in Ontario. His Staffordshire Terrier/bulldog mix will stay with his family in St. Louis and not make the move to Toronto.
There is no reasonable way to predict how living away from his family for the first time in his career will affect his performance on the field, but his career statistics speak for themselves.
Buehrle has recorded double digit wins in each of his last 12 seasons and has a career 3.82 ERA. He has pitched at least 200 innings and, on average, gives up just one home run a game.
Buehrle is entering the latter years of his career, but at 33 years old, still looks to have the drive to compete. Pitching out of the third spot in the rotation, the Blue Jays hope to get his usual 200-inning, ten win season. Anything less would be disappointing, anything more would be a bonus.
Another newcomer that found himself in blue and white by way of the Miami Marlins is Josh Johnson. In 2011, Johnson found himself on the disabled list and only pitched in nine games. Last year, although healed, he struggled to win games and was shipped out as part of a salary-cutting move by owner Jeffrey Loria.
Johnson relies heavily on his slider, a pitch notoriously hard on the arm and one that typically takes a little longer to regain control after sustaining an injury. If he can find his deadly knockout pitch that allowed him to strikeout 191 batters in 2009, he should be able to get his record back to well above .500.
The motivation for Johnson to have a good season has never been higher. He is in the last year of his contract and will be rewarded in the offseason with a significant pay raise if he can regain his form.
The last piece of the rotation puzzle is the much talked about Ricky Romero. Romero’s struggles last season have been well documented and analyzed, but offseason surgery has him feeling better and looking to get past last season’s woes.
(Offseason surgery, by the way, that was performed to correct elbow problems. Elbow problems that were apparently not a factor in his struggles last year, although he feels “100 times better” after the surgery. Curious to say the least.)
Romero will have an improved offense to give him run support, and with the flexibility in the rotation, he may find himself matched up against opponent’s fourth and fifth starter for at least the early part of the season. He should be able to exploit this mismatch and get off to a strong start.
As a whole, the rotation looks to be a force. They have the talent and diversity to cause serious problems for hitters.
In any three game series the Blue Jays can really mess with hitters' timing. Imagine facing Romero’s curve one day, Dickey’s knuckleball the next and Morrow’s fastball the third day. Absolutely lethal.
Scouting the Bullpen
The bullpen is one of the only areas that did not see major changes this offseason. Just two new faces grace the relief pitching corps, Esmil Rogers and Jeremy Jeffress, both acquired to add depth.
Heading into the season, the most talked about role in the bullpen will be the closer. When Sergio Santos got injured last year, Casey Janssen filled in admirably. His 22 save performance earned him the opportunity to begin this season as the closer, forcing Santos into the setup role.
The old adage that you can never have too much pitching holds true for the Blue Jays bullpen, as there are a number of players that could pitch in each role. Janssen and Santos are capable of handling the closer’s duties with the odd man out being the setup man.
Converted starter Brett Cecil, Brad Lincoln and, potentially, J.A. Happ will see time in long relief. Aaron Loup and Steve Delabar will be the middle relief pitchers, while Rogers, Jeffress and Darren Oliver will be counted on as specialists.
If everything goes according to plan, the Jays will not have to go deep into the bullpen, as Dickey and Buehrle will be expected to pitch over 200 innings while, most nights, the other starters should be able to provide at least six innings of work.
If things go awry, the bullpen is well stocked to handle the task. Save for Aaron Loup, each member of the bullpen has at least three years experience pitching in the MLB. Whereas youth may be beneficial elsewhere on the diamond, experience in the bullpen to tackle high-pressure situations is always a plus.
Complete Toronto Blue Jays Season Preview: Overview
Optimism is running rampant on the streets of Toronto, and rightly so. The excitement is due almost entirely to the offseason moves made by the Blue Jays.
General manager Alex Anthopoulos made good on his promise that he spend the necessary money in order to improve his team.
He was able to improve defensively, offensively, his starting pitching and his bullpen via trade as well as free agency. Big name acquisitions now comprise a large part of the team and I, for one, cannot wait to get this season underway.
Here is a complete overview of how the Blue Jays are shaping up heading in 2013.
2012 Record: 73-89, fourth in AL East
Key Arrivals: RHP R.A. Dickey (from NY Mets), RHP Josh Johnson (from Miami), LHP Mark Buehrle (from Miami), SS Jose Reyes (from Miami), IF Emilio Bonifacio (from Miami), OF Melky Cabrera (FA), IF Maicer Izturis (FA), RHP Jeremy Jeffress (contract purchased), RHP Esmil Rogers (from Cleveland), C Josh Thole (from NY Mets), C Henry Blanco (FA)
Key Departures: SS Yunel Escobar (to Miami), 2B Kelly Johnson (FA), RHP Henderson Alvarez (to Miami), C Jeff Mathis (to Miami), SS Adeiny Hachavarria (to Miami), RHP Jason Frasor (FA), SS Omar Vizquel (Retirement), 3B Yan Gomes (to Cleveland)
Projected Rotation (as per the official site)
1. R.A. Dickey (20-6, 2.73 ERA, 1.053 WHIP)
2. Brandon Morrow (10-7, 2.96, 1.115)
3. Mark Buehrle (13-13, 3.74, 1.171)
4. Josh Johnson (8-14, 3.81, 1.280)
5. Ricky Romero (9-14, 5.77, 1.674)
Projected Starters (BA/OBP/SLG)
C: J.P. Arencibia (.233/.275/.435)
1B: Edwin Encarnacion (.280/.384/.557)
2B: Maicer Izturis (.256/.320/.315)
3B: Brett Lawrie (.273/.324/.405)
SS: Jose Reyes (.287/.347/.433)
LF: Melky Cabrera (.346/.390/.516)
CF: Colby Rasmus (.223/.289/.400)
RF: Jose Bautista (.241/.358/.527)
DH: Adam Lind (.255/.314/.414)
*** All credit goes to Matthew Appleby from BleacherReport.
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