Down to the final two previews for the brand new 2015 MLB season, and today’s look is at what what be the biggest “if” team in the game. “If” things break right for the Toronto Blue Jays, they’ll have a chance to win the AL East. “If” they don’t, it could be a lengthy campaign north of the border and the jays become a franchise that will have to consider some serious changes.
The first bit of news for the forthcoming season was all bad. Marcus Stroman, who is one of the best young pitchers in the game, has already been lost for all of 2015. That’s a devastating blow for a team that is probably going to hit plenty, but was a bit on the shaky side to begin with as far as the staff is concerned.
Eliminating a potential ace like Stroman is huge. The remainder of the rotation just doesn’t fill me with confidence. Veterans RA Dickey and Mark Buehrle will likely get by on their savvy. Drew Hutchison has a good chance to make forward strides this year. But the back end is a serious question mark and I’d probably bet against Aaron Sanchez and Daniel Norris both coming through with plus seasons. The difference with and without Stroman is massive in my view.
The bullpen is also dicey. Brett Cecil and Aaron Loup are each capable lefties, but unproven in the roles they will be assuming this year. Miguel Castro could be the emerging star in this relief corps, but he is 20 years old and hasn’t pitched above Hi-A. If Castro is the lead righty out of the pen, that’s a ton of pressure on a kid with no experience.
The good news is that this team could be very potent with the sticks. Jose Reyes and Russell Martin should be fine at the top of the order. The 3-4-5 trifecta is a legit murderer’s row with Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Josh Donaldson. That’s as dangerous a trio as owned by any team and a 90-100 HR output is an absolute reality. Justin Smoak never put it together in Seattle but I like the way he’s swing the bat in Florida and he could be a breakout candidate. The bottom of the order is a wait and see scenario, but rookie Dalton Pompey and Devon Travis are loaded with potential, particularly the speedy Pompey.
One thing that can’t be measured on the data is leadership and that’s a major area of strength for the Blue Jays. Joey Bats is the face of the franchise and Russell Martin was a phenomenal acquisition. Martin is also the game changer behind the plate that could transform what presently appears to be a weak staff into one that’s not nearly as much of a liability.
But in the end, I believe the Stroman injury and the very uncertain bullpen are going to be too much for the Blue Jays to overcome as far getting to October is concerned. I’d have to lean Under on the Toronto win total, and my guess is that they’ll end up dueling the Rays to stay out of the divisional cellar.