The Toronto Blue Jays

Looks like I'm substitute blogging for Eckstein today. Finally!

The Toronto Blue Jays play in the AL East, which basically tells you everything you need to know about their playoff chances this season. I know Eckstein predicts them to finish dead last in the division, but I'm gonna give our Canadian friends some love and predict they finish in their customary 4th place. The lineup is extremely bland this year, and most every year for that matter. Amazingly, they only had one player, Vernon Well, with an OPS above .800 last year, and were being led in home runs by Matt Stairs for most of the season. They have not made many changes to their everyday lineup, which desperately needed some offensive pop, maybe even Adam Dunn. Instead of free agents, the Blue Jays are counting on young top prospects, Travis Snyder and Adam Lind, to spark the Jays' meager offense. Snyder is said to have 35+ homer power and Lind the ability to hit .320 in the big leagues, but neither has shown star potential the likes of Longoria, Braun, and even Chris Davis. They got rid of the real David Eckstein; however, Marco Scurato is basically his Venezuelan brother from a different mother. I don't see their 126 homers, .331 OBP and .399 slugging improving too much next season. It is a young ball club, but the only real upside I see is Alex Rios.

The bright spot of the Blue Jays Organization has been their pitcher development, or at least in was until every single one of them went down with arm problems. Halladay is a strike out/ground ball beast who is as a sure thing as any other pitcher in the bigs. He was able to accumulate 20 wins last year, despite having Stairs and Thomas leading the offense behind him. However, this may be the year Halladay is finally traded at the deadline as the Jays' aren't likely to contend any time soon. Last year was the break out year for 3 stud starters in Jesse Litsch, Dustin McGowen, and Shaun Marcum. All have above average control of the strike zone, and the potential for 200 strike out seasons. But as is the case with many young pitcher these days, McGowan and Marcum have succumb to serious injuries that puts their futures in jeopardy.

Not only is the starting rotation a strong suit, but the bullpen will also help the Jays separate themselves from the Orioles. BJ Ryan is currently having trouble with his mechanics, which can be a real problem, just ask Dontrelle Willis, but he has been a topo closer when healthy. Still, the strength of the bullpen is in the setup men. From the left side, Scott Downs has had a tremendous career since crying after being traded to the Expos from the Cubs. Righties Carleson, League, and Tallet all feature solid peripherals with below 3 era's from last year. It is the pitching depth that will keep the Blue Jays from the abyss of the AL East.

My biggest gripe with the Organization is their Gm JP Ricciardi. He was one of Billy Beane's cronies in book "Moneyball", but wasn't really one of the stat freaks that worked under Beane. Everyone thought it was a great addition for the Jays, and some still do, but I have always been critical of this dope. His on field acquisitions have been laughable to say the least. His first mistake was letting Carlos Delgado walk and signing Vernon Wells to a hundred million zillion dollars. Seriously? If you're from my generation and too young to remember the Robby Alomar, Joe Carter, John Olerud Blue Jays, Delagado is the Jays. Since leaving due to "age concerns" Delgado has proceeded to smack 33, 38, 24, 38 homers for the Marlins and Mets with 3 top 12 MVP votes. Wells had one good season, batting in front of Delgado, prior to the league realizing he can only pull the ball. He makes Soriano's contract look like one of Jim Bowden's 'steals'. Ricciardi also game closer B.J. Ryan a 4yr/$44 million dollar contract. He is a top closer, but don't you think so much money can go to better use? Last year, he decided to retool his infield by acquiring David Eckstein and trading Troy Glaus for Scott Rolen. No need to dissect the Ecktein move. He finished first in grindiness and last in every other statistical category. It was obvious to everyone that Scott Rolen no longer has a right shoulder, but Ricciardi was convinced Rolen's shoulderless toughness was more valuable than Glaus's 30 homer bat. He also acts extremely snotty with the media, despite never winning anything, also disputing any suggestion or rumor from the media. He called Frank Thomas a dog, Adam Dunn a dog, and anyone who's not him a dogg. I hope he gets fired soon, i really do.

Players to Draft:
Roy Halladay- Low WHIP, low era, high wins, high innings, high K/BB, low FIB, career 131 ERA+. What else do you want you greedy bastard?

Jesse Litsch- Not a standout name, but an above average selection in the later rounds. He has the K/BB to overcome less than overpowering 'stuff'

B.J. Ryan- I'm not big on drafting closers high, but if you must this guy is a stud when healthy. Like I said, there have been reports that his delivery is off, but that may just be an excuse to not play in the WBC.

Alex Rios- He is a 5 tool outfielder, although no bonus points for the arm in fantasy. I believe he will regain the power stroke he showed in 2007 as he overcomes the shoulder injury. I see 70 xbh, 30 steals, and 90+ runs and RBI's. Definitely the best position player on the team.

Vernon Wells- He won't cost you $136 million to draft so take a shot on him. He doesnt walk as much as you want, or slug consistently, but he will put up decent all around stats worth having.

Lind/Snyder- Don't draft quit yet, but be ready to pounce on the waiver wire as soon as the beginning of May.

Out!