In Flight - A Toronto Blue Jays Franchise

[Jakesparrow1008]

IN FLIGHT - A TORONTO BLUE JAYS FRANCHISE

By Jakesparrow1008

[Jakesparrow1008]

Toronto Blue Jays 2017 Season Preview
By Mike Johnston / ESPN February 23, 2017

Today in our 30 in 30 series, we'll be taking a look at the Toronto Blue Jays as they shape up for the 2017 season. The Jays finished 89-73 and lost in 5 games to the Cleveland Indians in the ALCS last year.

Biggest Departure:

Spoiler

Edwin Encarnacion. Without a doubt, the Jays' former 1B/DH bolting for the Cleveland Indians is the biggest blow Toronto will have to overcome this year. Not only will the team have to fill the production of 42 home runs and 127 RBI, but they'll look to save face after what some fans saw as an ugly parting between the two sides.

Biggest Addition:

Spoiler

Kendrys Morales. To fill at least some of the production of Encarnacion, the Jays jumped quickly at the chance to sign Morales to a 3 year, $33 million contract. If Morales' numbers improve in the hitter-friendly Rogers Centre, this move will look great for Toronto, but if Morales fails to live up to expectations, the Blue Jays' brass will have a lot of explaining to do after handing out a contract that ranked on many "Worst Offseason Contracts" lists.

Biggest X-Factor:

Spoiler

Jose Bautista. One of the most polarizing players in baseball, Joey Bats is back for another run with the Blue Jays. Injuries contributed to a 2016 season in which he was worth just 1.1 WAR, his lowest since 2008. If Bautista can bounce back, he'll go a long way in solidifying the Jays' offence and his own legacy in Toronto.

Team Predictions:

Spoiler

MVP: Josh Donaldson: After winning the actual award in 2015 and following it up with a fourth-place finish in 2016, Josh Donaldson is the clear favourite to lead the Blue Jays this year. Big things are ahead for one of the best third basemen in the game.

Cy Young: Marcus Stroman Aaron Sanchez may be the more popular pick, but look for Stroman to have a big year after finishing the 2016 season on a high note.

The Blue Jays start their season on April 3 in Baltimore against the Orioles.

[Jakesparrow1008]

Ah, the joys of Spring Training... the team is getting back into baseball shape and with returning stars and new faces, this promises to be an exciting and eventful year in Toronto. Mark Shapiro, Ross Atkins and Co. have pledged to continue building the Jays into a consistent winner, and these next couple of months will be very important in that playing out.

Speaking of the higher-ups, let's listen in on a conversation from earlier today...

Quote: Originally Posted by Mark Shapiro

...I understand. Only time will tell.

Quote: Originally Posted by Unknown

Time's running out. I want it, and if I don't get it, it won't look good. For either of us.

Quote: Originally Posted by Mark Shapiro

I'll see what I can do, but make no mistake, I call the shots around here.

Looks like there's already some drama in the front office. Pressure from ownership? A trade demand? Role change? Stay tuned.

[Jakesparrow1008]

[Jakesparrow1008]

[BlueJays09]

Following! Love you take on the Blue Jays!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jakesparrow1008]

March 13, 2017

Mat Latos showed up to the Blue Jays' split squad game in Dunedin late, arriving about 30 minutes after the team was scheduled to be at the stadium. Latos has been one of the better pitchers for Toronto this spring, but as he is only signed to a minor league deal, this incident could hurt his chances of making the big league team.

"It's disappointing," said manager John Gibbons. "We're dealing with it where it needs to be dealt with, but I don't have much else to say other than that."

Latos has appeared in 10 spring training games, pitching to a 2.08 ERA.

[Jakesparrow1008]

Quote: Originally Posted by BlueJays09

Following! Love you take on the Blue Jays! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks! Hope you enjoy!