Young Guns 2.0

March is finally here along with baseball. It is back! And very soon (depending on what happens with the neighbours down Bremner Blvd) the Blue Jays will be the talk of the town again.

After an exciting 2010 campaign filled with home runs and near no-hitters, Toronto looks to the young guns in 2011. With the departure of Shaun Marcum, Alex Anthopoulos was able to bring in one of baseball's top prospects in Brett Lawrie. As much as most fans not agreeing with the trade, I think it was a must. I am a big Marcum fan and always will be. But, A.A. was able to get an elite talent in return. Marcum's mechanics are not the greatest in the world and the way he delivers the ball, his arm could go out at anytime (though that could be said for any pitcher). The Blue Jays have one of the best, young pitching staffs in the majors.

I start with Ricky Romero and Brandon Morrow. Either one could be the Jays opening day starter and ace of the staff. Romero a lefty, and Morrow a right-hand pitcher; both have lights out stuff. Romero can touch 94-95 mph on his fastball, with an above average curveball and a wonderful change-up that the rest of the starters were able to learn from Marcum before he was shipped out. Morrow has one of baseball's most electric arms. His fluid motion allows for his fastball to reach 97 mph, a devastating curveball to go along with a hard, breaking slider. Toronto basically stole him from Seattle after they gave up on him.

Offensively, I do not expect the same kind of output of home runs leaving the yard in bunches. With new manager, John Farrell, he is looking to add a new dimension to the club, which we have not seen in quite some time, speed. With the addition of Rajai Davis and Scott Podsednik (minor league contract with an invite to spring training), the Blue Jays should be using the hit and run more often, and more attempts at stealing bases.

Jose Bautista has been an interesting topic during the off season. Now that he is signed long-term, the questions now rise to "Can he have a similar offensive season as 2010?" "With the departure of Vernon Wells, who will protect him in the line-up?" Well, I can tell you nobody knows how Bautista will perform in 2011. If I were to guess, I would be happy with 30+ home runs and 100+ RBI.

The Blue Jays are going to be very exiting to watching again this season. I urge you to come to the ballpark and see for yourself.

Our team will go over the rest of the pitching staff, roster and predictions before opening day.

The countdown is on! 31 days!


Chase Hadden

Twitter: @ChaseHadden