Blue Jays Blog

Blue Jays new Logo Leaked

2011-09-22T13:37:00.000-04:00

The Toronto Blue Jays 2012 Logo looks to be going back to a retro Blue Jay that has been brought up to date.

Here is the logo, complete with Canadian Maple Leaf

The Jays have refused to comment on the new logo, or if it's fake, but all signs point to it being the real thing

J.P Arencibia & Brett Lawrie get their new Rookie Uniforms

2011-09-15T11:03:00.000-04:00

As posted by Jose Bautista on Twitter, here are JP & Brett wearing their brand new rookie unis!

Lawrie surpassing expectations

2011-08-27T14:29:00.000-04:00

Major League Baseball prospects and hype are nothing new, but what is a rare sight, is that player surpassing already lofty expectations.

Case in point, Brett Lawrie.

The young Canadian from Langley, BC is long what the Blue Jays organization has coveted, a franchise player whom is Canadian.

Toronto dealt starter Shaun Marcum for the rookie third baseman and all early indications are that it could be the most important trade in franchise history (Alomar & Carter still hold that torch), already garnering high praise all around baseball, some insiders are already calling him the "New Charlie Hustle" for his rugged go get it style, which is not uncommon to Canadians who watch hockey, Brett Lawrie is the definition of a rugged Canadian in your face style hockey player, only he wears baseball cleats and a glove, not skates.

There is also now a connection between the two as you can routinely see banter (on twitter, or possibly around the GTA) between some of the Jays players and players of the Toronto Maple Leafs (ie. Tyler Bozak, Colby Armstrong) and Paul Bissonette of the Phoenix Coyotes.

Brett Lawrie is taking Toronto by storm, and even the iconic Maple Leaf franchise is taking notice of a ball player.

Only good things can come with Lawrie wearing the Jays colours (whatever they may be next year)

Note: I leave you with a rocking new version of Come As You Are

Jays deal Hill, McDonald to D'Backs for 2B Kelly Johnson

2011-08-23T17:27:00.000-04:00

Aaron Hill and John McDonald have been dealt to Arizona for 2B Kelly Johnson

The Jays GM Alex Anthopolous held a press conference earlier this afternoon to announce that the Toronto Blue Jays had dealt 2B Aaron Hill and long time fan favourite utility man, John McDonald to the Arizona Diamond Backs for 2B Kelly Johnson

Kelly Johnson comes to the Blue Jays with a significant drop in his numbers following an impressive campaign in 2010.

Both clubs will be banking on the resurgence of the two Second Basemen.

Notes from the Presser

Alex Anthopoulos:

I know for the fans this will be a tough one.
I have not ruled out either player being back here in 2012.
Kevin Towers contacted me, looking to make changes, asked about John McDonald, and then Aaron Hill’s name came up.
Talks started several weeks ago.
McDonald asked to be moved to a playoff team if possible so he could experience it and so he could bring that experience back to the Blue Jays.
Kelly Johnson is obviously not having his best year.
He’s a left handed bat, draws walks, has some power to all fields.
This gives Blue Jays a chance to get a good look at Johnson.
Brian Jeroloman fills the empty roster space so as not to halt development time of other prospects.

John McDonald:

I’m extremely conflicted.
Looking forward to a great opportunity to play in postseason.
The playoffs are what every ball player wakes up in the morning thinking about.
Hopes to come back next year, but postseason opportunity is something he’s felt he’s been missing.
I think we were able to leave a lot behind. Had great talks with young players about the city, organization and future chances of winning.
I can only gain from this situation as a player and in the future as a coach.
Kirk Gibson was my hitting coach during my short stint in Detroit. Spoke with him earlier by phone.

Aaron Hill:

I can’t thank everybody enough for everything.
This is a little tough. This is all I’ve known.
It’s been a blast. I’m very open to coming back next year.
I do believe this team will win. Whether I’m a part of that or not, I’ll be rooting for them.

Lawrie has potential to be most popular Blue Jay

2011-08-06T08:58:00.000-04:00

Roberto Alomar and Joe Carter stand back, there is a Canadian with talent on the Blue Jays roster.

And we love our Canadians.

Brett Lawrie made his major league debut last night vs the Baltimore Orioles, going 2-4 with an RBI single and an 8th inning single which saw Colby Rasmus thrown out at the plate in a close call.

Toronto has never had a Canadian player with this much hype surrounding him, with projections of a +.300 average, good power, great hitting instincts not to mention speed and a good old Canadian hockey in your face style of play, Brett could be just what the doctor ordered to put bums back in the seats at the Rogers Centre.

Lawrie went 2-4 in his MLB Debut

Lawrie looked like a seasoned pro at the plate not allowing obvious nerves to get in the way of his approach at the plate, which saw him work the count in all 4 AB's leading to two well hit singles, Brett's AAA numbers speak for themselves, and he looks every bit of what Blue Jays brass has been cautiously giddy about since the Shaun Marcum to Milwaukee trade.

Alex Anthopolous has put together a nucleus of excellent talent from 1-9 save for the hitting troubles of Aaron Hill (who likely will not be re-signed after 2011), this Blue Jays team while still a ways to go mainly in the pitching department, will be a contender for years to come and a formidable one at that, Brett Lawrie will be right in the middle of that.

Brett Lawrie jerseys are about to be a hot commodity.

Blue Jays demote Wilson, Call up Litsch

2011-07-28T22:17:00.000-04:00

Following the Toronto Blue Jays 8-5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday the team called up pitcher Jesse Litsch from AAA Las Vegas and demoted newly acquired RP, PJ Wilson.

Litsch is expected to join the bullpen while Brad Mills has been given the go ahead for a Saturday start vs the Texas Rangers.

Notes:
Colby Rasmus went 0-5 in his Toronto debut hitting in the #2 spot againt the Baltimore Orioles, Toronto won the game 8-5.

The All-Star "Vote John McDonald @ 2nd base campaign"

2011-04-27T08:52:00.000-04:00

We all love Johnny Mac, so let's get the ball rolling and give the guy an All-Star birth as a write in.

Go Here to vote for Johnny Mac

John McDonald may not hit 30HR's or drive in 100, but his value to the Jays is unmeasurable.

McDonald fills in wherever he is needed, can play basically any position and play it very well, and I can't think of a more deserving guy for a write-in vote, you never hear a single complaint for McDonald as he shows up and does his job every day.

Vote for John McDonald as your All-Star write-in!

Relax Jays fans, it's still early

2011-04-19T18:07:00.000-04:00

I have been reading many blogs/posts/tweets etc. on how the Jays are "terrible, horrible, blow it up", I would like to interject for a moment, and bring some sanity to the Blue Jay fan populace.

This team is a rebuilding young squad, with some very good potential on it, but to set aside the reality from the fantasy, I am going to break down what you should expect from the current group on this team.

Pitching:
Ricky Romero: quality starter, contending team #2 or #3

Brendan Morrow: quality starter, contending team #2 or #3

Kyle Drabek: Ace potential, excellent "stuff", high velocity, great movement

Jesse Litsch: Borderline MLB pitcher, could be a backup starter on a contender

Jo-Jo Reyes: potential #4 or #5 starter, needs to work on consistency and mechanics

Brett Cecil: potential #3 or #4 starter, needs to work on delivery to stay low in zone (must pitch low in zone or 88-90mph will be hit and hit hard), also must work on working the corners and changing speeds more effectively.

has the makings of a perennial all-star

Catcher:
J.P. Arencibia: high end hitting potential, possible he develops into consistent .280/.300 hitter with 20 HR's per year, needs to adjust to major league pitching on consistent basis as well as continue to grasp the nuances of catching.
Jose Molina: solid "veteran catcher", every team needs a guy like Molina, his worth to a team is in his knowledge and ability to teach

Infield:
Edwin Encarnacion: good bat, terrible glove, a liability due to his inability to make routine plays at 3rd base, would not consider him part of a contending team, unless used as pinch hitter.

Yunel Escobar: great 5 tool player, should develop into top hitting AL shortstop once Jeter retires, solid glove, great instincts.

Aaron Hill: has the tools to be the 2nd best 2nd baseman in the AL behind Cano, needs to get passed whatever has been holding him down since last year, good glove, good bat when going, if he doesn't put together something close to .270 20HR 75RBI this year, I would walk away from resigning.

Adam Lind: glove has been progressing at 1st Base, still not a true power hitting 1st baseman however, still doesn't hit left handed pitching well and is regularly over-matched by 92+mph fastballs

John McDonald: excellent glove, great team player, would be a welcome addition to any playoff caliber team, is the kind of player who fights tooth and nail all year long from the bench for his team, and ends up hitting a World Series winning base hit, good karma will follow this guy.

Jayson Nix: decent bench player, has some pop, has a good glove, not a starter for a contending team however, best used as a pinch hitter/defensive replacement/spot starter

Outfield:

Jose Bautista: has the makings of a perennial all-star, is developing his game with a better eye at the plate and has the "fear factor" working for him now, pitchers nibble and that only makes Jose's job easier. a true 5 tool player.

Corey Patterson: has a good glove, good speed, and decent bat, would be considered an excellent bench player, pinch runner or spot starter on a contender.

Juan Rivera: looks lost this year, has potential but it doesn't look like he'll find it in Toronto, not going to be here once team contends.

Travis Snider: high end potential, 5 tool player, maybe the highest potential of any player on the Jays, has raw power, glove needs some work, still learning to hit ML pitching but should put up numbers this year or I would start to worry.

you may agree or disagree on this analysis, but I think it's fairly accurate and hopefully will temper the "blow it up" calls from the new baseball fans, I have watched this team since 1983 and have played/coached at high levels of baseball. I know a thing or two, until next time Jays fans!

Bullpen blows big lead in Seattle

2011-04-12T05:44:00.000-04:00

The bullpen was automatic through 9 regular season games, in game 10, the trigger seemed to be stuck.

The Blue Jays bullpen gave up an opportunity to go 6-4 on the season as they blew a 7 run lead built up on Felix Hernandez to a Seattle team whom hadn't won in their previous 7 games.

“A tough night on the mound,” Blue Jays manager John Farrell said. “Anytime you walk 11 guys and still be in the game. Things obviously had to go right for us in the first part of it, but we simply lost the strike zone, to say the least.”

In the eighth, a walk and two singles chased Toronto reliever David Purcey and loaded the bases. Octavio Dotel walked in two runs and Mark Rzepczynski walked in another before allowing a single to Justin Smoak that scored two and pulled Seattle within one.

“It was a tough inning,” Rzepczynski said. “For me personally, overall it was a tough inning. Camp should never have gotten out there, we should have got those guys out. It was one of those innings that every thing that could go wrong did go wrong.”

Seattle ended up winning with a walk-off single off Shawn Camp, 8-7.

Manny Ramirez retires / fails Drug test

2011-04-08T16:35:00.000-04:00

Tampa Bay, FL

Manny Ramirez has given a sudden notice to the Rays that he will officially retire from active Major League Duty, it is widely speculated that Manny has been recently informed of failing a MLB drug test and is retiring to avoid the storm to follow.

If Ramirez was to seek re-instatement with MLB, he would in turn have to follow the MLB Joint Prevention and Drug treatment program.

Jays Blast Twins in Opener

2011-04-02T08:23:00.000-04:00

Bautista picked up where he left off in 2010

From: bill.lankhof@sunmedia.ca

TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays opened their 35th season Friday night with a nostaligic look back.

They almost made Pat Gillick cry. They painted a grin on Roberto Alomar’s face.

But this edition of the Blue Jays is showing symptoms of not only being able to celebrate the glories of the Alomars and Gillicks, they’re starting to look like they can achieve some of their own.

The evening began with a video of the Hall of Famers and a banner celebrating their Cooperstown election lifted to hang alongside those of the 1992 and ’93 World Series. It ended even better, the Jays sending a sellout crowd of 47,984 into ecstasy with a display of power, aggression and future glories.

Jose Bautista crushed his first homer. Adam Lind hit one that went third level in right field. J.P. Arencibia, their new catcher, went deep. Twice. And Rajai Davis is going to be giving Twins’ starter Carl Pavano nightmares for the next month.

When it was done, Toronto starter Ricky Romero had a tidy 13-3 win, becoming the first Jays left-hander to win a season opener since Jimmy Key in 1989. That season, of course, ended with a pennant hanging from the rafters.

Not to suggest that one game will a similar season make, but ...

“There were a lot of good things that happened tonight,” said manager John Farrell, now unbeaten in his major league managerial career. “Ricky went out and put zeros on the board ... that first inning was as good as we could’ve drawn it up.”

That would be the one in which Davis might’ve been out. Twice. Instead he scored the first in a four-run inning. “It set the tone,” said Arencibia.

Davis hit a grounder to the right of shortstop and beat Alexi Castilla’s throw. It set the rally towels to waving and the Blue Jays running. The Twins actually had Davis out a second time when Pavano picked him off, but in the ensuing rundown, the Jays’ speedy new centre fielder dove safely back into first.

Yunel Escobar singled, then, on the first pitch to Jose Bautista, the fans got a flashback to the days of yore with Devon White and Alomar — being treated to a double steal. “A lot of people don’t know (but Davis) is unbelievable,” said Arencibia. “He’s got the confidence you need to be great. He has brought a lot to the team just by playing hard, turning singles into doubles. He’s an indication of what this team can be.”

Suddenly, the 14-year veteran Pavano looked like the rattled kid. There was a balk, a hit batter, and a 4-0 Toronto lead. “A very efficient inning,” noted Farrell.

As debuts go, this one can’t help but get rave reviews — except for the fools disguised as fans who interrupted play tossing giveaway rally towels on to the field. Actually, the fans showed more fight than the Twins — maybe too much. Several altercations broke out in the upper deck. Guess they call ’em the cheap seats for a reason.

The Jays, though, could do no wrong. Romero took a shutout to the seventh inning, before departing to a standing ovation, scattering seven hits. The Twins didn’t get a runner beyond first until the sixth.

“I can’t say enough about him,” said general manager Alex Anthopoulos of Romero, who struck out seven in allowing one earned run. “He’s one of my favourite players on the team just because of who he is. His ability speaks for itself but he’s an anchor. He’s what we want every Blue Jays starter to be about, in terms of work ethic, competitiveness, humility, community affairs, all of it. Total package.”

Actually, the entire Jays’ lineup was the total package — at least for one night. The club that led the majors in homers last year flashed familiar muscle, along with a hint of small-ball.

Lind’s homer was his third in three season openers and Bautista hit his after being awarded his Silver Slugger Award between hurrahs for Alomar and Gillick.

The only foible came when Gillick bounced the ceremonial first pitch. But, Alomar grabbed the bounce, flipped it back to Gillick and the do-over was, well, perfect. Kind of like the game.

For instance, maybe folks can stop fretting about Arencibia. The rookie also spanked a two-run triple off the wall in centre that polished a four-run fifth inning to give Romero a 10-0 cushion.

By then, the Rogers Centre was in party atmosphere. Farrell was, by comparison, low-key but allowed he might keep the lineup card of his managerial debut.

“When I was standing in line during the anthems,” he admitted to feeling the “electricity in the building ... it was a special night, especially when you have people honored like Pat and Roberto and what they meant to this organization.”

Which makes sense because for one shining night, the crowd cheered, and it was like 1993 all over again.

Roberto Alomar named Jays Special Assistant

2011-03-31T16:38:00.000-04:00

TORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays have appointed former star Roberto Alomar to the position of special assistant to the organization.

Alomar recently became the first player inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame as a Blue Jay.

The team said Thursday that Alomar will be involved with baseball operations and community efforts.

No word yet on what the exact duties of Alomar will be for the club.

Jays Acquire Jayson Nix from Indians

2011-03-29T16:02:00.000-04:00

Blue Jays Acquire Jayson Nix

The Blue Jays acquired infielder Jayson Nix from the Indians for cash considerations.

Nix is out of options and can decline an outright assignment to the minors if he does clear waivers.

Nix, 28, hit .224/.281/.396 with 14 home runs in 363 plate appearances for the White Sox and Indians last year, playing mostly second and third base. He was in the mix this spring for a backup infield job with the Tribe, but Adam Everett won that battle. It became clear yesterday that the Indians would try to trade him

Blue Jays Rogers Sportsnet "I'm Coming Home" Video HD

2011-03-29T15:59:00.000-04:00

For all the fans wanting to check out the Jays new "I'm Coming Home" video that is creating so much buzz, we have it here for you in 720p HD

Loewen navigates plate on path back to bigs

2011-03-20T09:28:00.000-04:00

From Gregor Chisholm / MLB.com

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Adam Loewen is doing his best to make up for lost time.

Loewen is entering his third season in the outfield after the former first-round Draft pick was forced to give up his pitching career following a series of devastating injuries.

The 26-year-old is trying to reinvent himself as a right fielder, but the transition hasn't been easy. He has had no choice but to play year-round baseball to acclimate himself to hitting after spending almost six seasons away from the offensive side of the game.

"I was completely lost," Loewen said of his first season. "The only thing I could do was play defence. I really didn't swing the bat well, I just didn't know what I was doing and it was frustrating.

"The second year, it was more of the same. I went through some good periods, but I really didn't know what made me successful even when I was playing well. This offseason I kind of figured it out."

Loewen's career in the outfield began when he signed a Minor League contract with the Blue Jays in October of 2008. After one year in Class A, he made the jump to Double-A New Hampshire, where he hit .246 with 13 home runs and 70 RBIs.

When the season came to an end, Loewen was sent to the Arizona Fall League and played 14 games for the Peoria Javelinas. The native of Vancouver, British Columbia, hit .333 (18-for-54) with five home runs and 19 RBIs.

Even though it was a brief stint, Loewen says it was there that he began to figure things out. He went on to the Dominican Winter League to continue his work and appear in another nine games. His success at the plate followed, as he homered twice and knocked in seven runs while posting a .355 batting average and a 1.034 OPS.

Through all the extra work, Loewen began to understand his mechanics at the plate and what made him successful.

"The best hitting coach is yourself," said Loewen, who also played for the Canadian Senior Men's National Team during the offseason. "You know what you need to do to get ready, and if you don't, you're kind of lost out there. You can't have guys telling you what to do. In order to be successful you need to know it for yourself.

"I went through a lot of changes over the last two years, but I got to the point where I know what my swing is now and I can repeat it."

Loewen appeared to have a bright future when he was selected by the Orioles with the fourth overall pick in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft. He rocketed through the club's Minor League system and made his Major League debut at just 22 years old.

In his first season, Loewen went 6-6 with a 5.37 ERA over 22 appearances. After gaining that initial experience, he began the following year in the rotation and posted a 3.56 ERA over six starts.

In early May, though, he suffered a stress fracture in his left elbow that required surgery. He returned in 2008 only to have the exact same thing happen again. Doctors told Loewen a second procedure on the elbow would force him to miss at least 18 months of action.

Instead of choosing the difficult -- and potentially impossible -- rehab, Loewen opted to give up his pitching career and try to make it as a hitter. It was a skill that had once served him well, but that had come six years before, while he was still in school.

The transition didn't come easy. The long time away from hitting regularly affected not only his swing at the plate but his mental approach in the batter's box.

"I was still trying to be a pitcher up there and trying to think about what he's going to throw," said Loewen, who hit .353 with a homer and 38 RBIs while pitching at for Chipola Junior College. "I think that can only work against me, but I tried to do it my first year, tried to think along with them.

"But to have success, you really have to pick out what you think you're going to get and stick with it the whole at-bat, ... Now it's about getting ready at the plate and being prepared for the fastball."

For a brief moment during the offseason, Loewen thought his time in the Blue Jays' organization might be coming to an end. Toronto general manager Alex Anthopoulos left the 6-foot-6, 235-pounder unprotected during the 2010 Rule 5 Draft.

In the weeks leading up to the Winter Meetings, Loewen was mentioned as a potential candidate to be selected. He monitored the situation, but once the Draft began, Loewen realized he wasn't the type of player teams seemed to be targeting.

"I had a really good [Arizona] Fall League, so I thought anything was possible," Loewen said. "I kind of paid attention to it, but after looking at it, they took three middle infielders. So I think clubs have a set approach of what they want to accomplish with the Rule 5 and they don't just go after anybody who they think is going to be big league ready. They go after very specific needs."

Not that he has a problem with that. While Loewen would like to make it back to the Major Leagues as soon as possible, he also realizes there is more work to be done.

It has been a long road to travel, one that likely will take him through Triple-A Las Vegas this season. There he will continue to get the everyday at-bats he needs -- something that would not have been guaranteed if he had been taken in the Rule 5.

"My swing has never been this ready before," Loewen said. "But I don't have a problem with taking a step back to get the at-bats that I need. I think that can only make me better."

Gregor Chisholm is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, North of the Border, and follow him on Twitter @gregorMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

CECIL STRUGGLES BUT BLUE JAYS RALLY TO TIE YANKEES / PRE-SEASON

2011-03-20T09:21:00.000-04:00

From TSN.ca

TAMPA, Fla. -- A-Rod is ready.

Alex Rodriguez drove in a run for the sixth consecutive game, rotation candidate Freddy Garcia gave up five runs and five hits over six innings and the New York Yankees tied the Toronto Blue Jays 5-5 in 10 innings on Saturday.

"I've never put a lot of stock in pre-season stats or pre-season results," Rodriguez said. "For me, spring training is all about what happens pre and post-game. For the most part I've been very happy with my development and with the progress."

Rodriguez had an RBI double in the first. The third baseman also has a hit in all 12 games he has played in.

Garcia is competing with Ivan Nova, Bartolo Colon and Sergio Mitre for two open starting spots behind CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes and A.J. Burnett. New York general manager Brian Cashman said the decision on the fourth and fifth rotation spots will come "sooner than later."

"We just have to make a call here," Cashman said. "We have to make a bet. Got to bet on somebody. It's been a healthy competition. We're going to have a tough call to make here. Who we think can help us as we move forward."

Garcia had six strikeouts.

"I feel good, but I don't want to give up five runs," Garcia said. "The good thing is, I pitched six innings. I don't think I pitched six last year in spring training, so that's a good sign for me."

Garcia did retire his first nine batters before allowing three runs in the fourth.

"I'm not going to make too much of one start," Yankees managerJoe Girardi said. "Obviously, you've have to continue to make pitches."

Girardi, after the game, announced that Burnett and Hughes will follow Sabathia in the rotation.

"That's what we brought A.J. here to do, that's the bottom line," Girardi said about Burnett being the No. 2 starter.

Brett Lawrie of Langley, B.C., had an RBI single during the fourth and David Cooper hit a two-run homer in the sixth for Toronto. Left-handerBrett Cecil gave up four runs and seven hits in 4 1-3 innings.

Toronto manager John Farrell had mixed news on injured relieversFrank Francisco and Octavio Dotel, who both had bullpen sessions.

Francisco, out with a right pectoral injury, felt continued discomfort while throwing on the mound. The right-hander was scratched from a minor-league appearance on Sunday.

"We're hopeful that opening day is still a possibility," Farrell said. "We've got to continue to evaluate him day to day. When he gets on the angle of the mound, that's where he feels it."

Francisco underwent an MRI on Friday, which Farrell said showed no structural problems.

Dotel, sidelined by a left hamstring injury, showed improvement in his throwing session.

"Decreased symptoms in the hamstring," Farrell said. "He still showed very good arm strength, so there's no restriction for how he's letting the ball go."

Dotel will have his status re-evaluated on Sunday.

NOTES: Yankees closer Mariano Rivera had two strikeouts during a 1-2-3 seventh. He has thrown three scoreless innings overall. ... Blue Jays 2BAaron Hill (strained right thigh) played in the field and went 1-for-4 in a minor league game. ... Cecil walked three, struck out one and hit a batter during a 98-pitch outing. ... The Yankees optioned RHP Dellin Betances to Double-A Trenton.

Former Jay Greg Zaun signs 2 year pact w/Rogers Sportsnet

2011-03-14T17:57:00.000-04:00

Greg Zaun has signed a 2 year contract with Rogers Sportsnet to be the full-time MLB Analyst on it's broadcasts.

Zaun with Roy Halladay

“We are excited to have Gregg back on the team,” said Rob Corte, Vice-President, Production, Rogers Sportsnet. “His knowledge of the game and candid analysis makes him a must-watch for baseball fans. The pairing of Zaun and Jamie Campbell has drawn great reviews in the past, and we look to continue that success going forward.”

“Sportsnet is exactly where I saw myself landing after life in the major leagues,” said Zaun. “This network is where I always wanted to be and I couldn’t be more ecstatic. It’s like coming home.

During his Major League career of 16 Seasons, Zaun had a .252 BA 88 HR's and 446 RBI's while catching in 1067 games for Baltimore, Florida (where he won a World Series), Texas, Kansas City, Houston, Colorado, Toronto, Tampa Bay and Milwaukee.

2011 Jays Pitching Preview / Predictions

2011-03-14T08:57:00.000-04:00

Today I am taking a look into the Jays starting and bullpen pitching, and what will be required to turn the AL East upside down!

Starters:

Ricky Romero: Has progressed every season quite nicely, showing he can be a true #1 and will start Opening Day 2011 for Toronto.
Top Stats: 17 wins 3.25 ERA

Brett Cecil: Looked very effective last season and will need to continue on that path, Jays will need Cecil to have a break out season which does not seem far fetched.
Top Stats: 14 wins 3.75 ERA

Brandon Morrow: Coming off his best season to date and a near no hitter vs the Rays last season, Morrow will need to focus on pitching low in the strike zone using his excellent velocity to move the ball around the plate.
Top Stats: 15 wins 4.30 ERA

Jesse Litsch: Litsch is back healthy and will be counted on at the back end of the rotation to eat up some innings, if Litsch can get back near his 2008 form, the Jays will be very happy.
Top Stats: 12 wins 3.85 ERA

Kyle Drabek: The rookie Phenom who came over in the Halladay trade will get a chance to win the 5th starter spot this year and run with it, coaches and players rave about his "stuff" and given some run support he could end up with 13-14 wins.
Top Stats: 13 Wins 3.45 ERA

Other Notables: Mark Rzepczynski

Bullpen:

The Jays have ALOT of options in the Bullpen this year, they will need Francisco to pull in close 30 saves or a combination of it from other bullpen members.

Once the Jays leave for Toronto at the end of March I will get more in depth as the bullpen situation becomes clearer.

2011 Jays Position Players Preview / Predictions

2011-03-13T13:55:00.000-04:00

Toronto is entering the 2011 season with tons of optimism, a young core, a pitching staff with steady and potential fueled arms, plus a bullpen that has been replenished with closer experienced pitchers.

I will be taking a look at what Toronto's starters need to do to succeed in the AL East this year, and what will be expected from the players filling out the roster this season.

Lind, Hill & Snider will be Key to the Jays success in 2011

Catcher: JP Arencibia - Needs to continue development, learn the pitchers on the staff and continue to progress as a hitter [Possible Replacements: Jose Molina]
Top Stats: .280 15 HR 50 RBI

1st Base [OF, DH]: Adam Lind - Lind will begin his first season as a full-time 1st Baseman, Toronto will require a commitment to developing defense and a bounce back year at the plate.
Top Stats: .300 30 HR 100 RBI

2nd Base: Aaron Hill - Hill although hampered by a minor injury through the spring will be counted on to bounce back from a much lower than expected offensive year.
Top Stats: .285 25 HR 80 RBI - Low Stats: .245 17 HR 55 RBI

Shortstop: Yuniel Escobar - Escobar, who was acquired last year from the Atlanta Braves for SS Alex Gonzalez will need to continue to perform defensively and maintain what looks like a promising career ahead offensively.
Top Stats: .280 10 HR 45 RBI

3rd Base [1B, OF]: Edwin Encarnacion - needs to work long and hard on his defense, was a defensive liability last season and the Jays will need him to step up his game in that department, everyone knows he can hit, and that will be expected as well. [Possible Replacements: Brett Lawrie, Jose Baustista, John McDonald]
Top Stats: .275 28 HR 85 RBI

OF: Rajai Davis - Davis being one of the better defensive CF's in the game will expected to bring that to the Jays, who have been use to solid OF play from Vernon Wells in years past, Davis also brings a lead-off/speed element Toronto has not seen since Shannon Stewart
Top Stats: .290 5 HR 50 RBI 60 SB

OF: Travis Snider [DH] - Snider is in the verge of breaking out and becoming one of the premier hitters in the AL, in order for the Jays to succeed this season, Snider will be huge cog.
Top Stats: .295 35 HR 100 RBI

OF: Jose Bautista [3B] - Bautista is coming off one of the greatest offensive seasons in Blue Jays history, beaking George Bell's club record of 48 HR's, by hitting 54 of his own. Toronto will need at least 35 of those back this year, Bautista also brings a strong arm and commitment to above avg. defensive play in the field.
Top Stats: .275 40 HR 120 RBI

Tomorrow I will take a look at the Starting/Bullpen Pitching and go over what will be required in order to push the Yankee's and Red Sox this season.