With the new season just around the corner (mark your calendars for April 5!), here's a glance at what I hope to see for the Blue Jays:
Pitching:
No doubt, Farrell will have Romero (@RickyRo24) as the Ace, followed by Brandon Morrow. As for sports 3-5, I'm predictinng Cecil, Alvarez & McGowan, though it likely goes without saying that McGowan will be on a pitch count as he works his way back from his shoulder injury. I firmly believe that the rotation has to step up its game even more and to not let their opponents get the best of them--something Drabek has to work on. Also, I'd be remiss to say that the bullpen better seriously step up their game so that the horrendous stat of "25 blown saves" doesn't become a sticking point again!
Hitting:
Bautista, Lawrie. These two are just something else aren't they? I certainly think so and they'll likely lead the way in terms of homeruns, RBIs etc. Can Adam Lind have a year of redemption? One can only hope he will. Encaracion as DH was a pretty good surprise--I like him at that position MUCH more than at either 1B or 3B! As for who needs to step up hitting wise: either Thames or Snider and most definitely, Colby Rasmus. I had expected much from them last year, only to find myself very disappointed.
Extra AL Wild Card spot? Right now, I'd say plausible. A lot of things would have to swing in favour of the Blue Jays if they're seriously thinking of contending: great pitching, offence, stellar defence...the list goes on--I'm quite sure the rest of the list you readers can complete for yourselves.
I do carry somewhat higher expectations this year, though I still refuse to predict just what the overall record will be--it's just too early for me to tell.
Take care, Blue Jays nation. Just remember: the season isn't that far away now.
GO JAYS GO!
Pitching:
No doubt, Farrell will have Romero (@RickyRo24) as the Ace, followed by Brandon Morrow. As for sports 3-5, I'm predictinng Cecil, Alvarez & McGowan, though it likely goes without saying that McGowan will be on a pitch count as he works his way back from his shoulder injury. I firmly believe that the rotation has to step up its game even more and to not let their opponents get the best of them--something Drabek has to work on. Also, I'd be remiss to say that the bullpen better seriously step up their game so that the horrendous stat of "25 blown saves" doesn't become a sticking point again!
Hitting:
Bautista, Lawrie. These two are just something else aren't they? I certainly think so and they'll likely lead the way in terms of homeruns, RBIs etc. Can Adam Lind have a year of redemption? One can only hope he will. Encaracion as DH was a pretty good surprise--I like him at that position MUCH more than at either 1B or 3B! As for who needs to step up hitting wise: either Thames or Snider and most definitely, Colby Rasmus. I had expected much from them last year, only to find myself very disappointed.
Extra AL Wild Card spot? Right now, I'd say plausible. A lot of things would have to swing in favour of the Blue Jays if they're seriously thinking of contending: great pitching, offence, stellar defence...the list goes on--I'm quite sure the rest of the list you readers can complete for yourselves.
I do carry somewhat higher expectations this year, though I still refuse to predict just what the overall record will be--it's just too early for me to tell.
Take care, Blue Jays nation. Just remember: the season isn't that far away now.
GO JAYS GO!
