Blue Jays
- Thread starter romeo25
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I have to agree. Barring a major meltdown or many injuries, the Sox and Yanks will predicatbly win again. Just like they always do. Ho-hum.
The Jays are a question mark. At least they're healthy this year - touch wood. A lot depends on how their young players like Gross and Rios do and whether they're truly ready for prime time. As well, we get to see if Hinske and Hudson can consistently play at a higher level than in the past. the pitching staff seems resonably solid and the Twins manage to do okay with a small payroll.
The season could be interesting or - ouch - just like last year.
The Jays are a question mark. At least they're healthy this year - touch wood. A lot depends on how their young players like Gross and Rios do and whether they're truly ready for prime time. As well, we get to see if Hinske and Hudson can consistently play at a higher level than in the past. the pitching staff seems resonably solid and the Twins manage to do okay with a small payroll.
The season could be interesting or - ouch - just like last year.
I think they can win anywhere between 91-95 games, pending on how the starting rotation holds up and stays healthy. Maybe they can add an additional starter w/ some extra cash like Ben Sheets of the Brewers. He'd look good as a third starter in T.O. The bullpen is another concern if they are to win over 80 games. Hopefully there aren't much blown saves this year.
As for the offence is concerned, they may not have powerhitter in the lineup, however it's more balanced (more clutch hitters) where they can all swing and chip away (National league style game). Another thing about the offence is that they have a righty-lefty-righty order (if Gibbons decides to put the order this way). This would give them advantage over other teams bullpens cuz they (opponents) wouldn't be able to have a lefty-lefty or a righty-righty matchup. But overall, I'm pretty optomistic about the jays fortune this year. They are probably a bat and another big starter from being a playoff contender, but should be fun to watch them this year.
As for the offence is concerned, they may not have powerhitter in the lineup, however it's more balanced (more clutch hitters) where they can all swing and chip away (National league style game). Another thing about the offence is that they have a righty-lefty-righty order (if Gibbons decides to put the order this way). This would give them advantage over other teams bullpens cuz they (opponents) wouldn't be able to have a lefty-lefty or a righty-righty matchup. But overall, I'm pretty optomistic about the jays fortune this year. They are probably a bat and another big starter from being a playoff contender, but should be fun to watch them this year.
Sheets would be a #2 starter, and would even push Halladay IF they ever got him...they didnt do anything to improve their pitching significantly this offseason, so they'll have a similiar season to last season. And who is going to step up and fill Delgado's shoes?
I say between 75 - 85 wins
I say between 75 - 85 wins
I don't have particularly high hopes for the Jays. Probably around .500 record. I just hope that they don't get off to a bad start like last year because it just wipes out any hope for a miracle season (which is what they need to compete in the AL East). As long as they can stay within 10 games going into September it at least makes the games meaningful which makes a huge difference in the enjoyment/excitement level. It will also make a big difference in the attendance if the games mean something.
I'll place my bet for 80-90 wins. Should be a fun season (baseball season is always fun, in my opinion).
And as far as trying to win in an division filled with excessive payrolls, has anyone read (it's a few years old but still relevant) "Moneyball" about the Oakland A's attempts to win with no money? It was a great, great read - for fans and non-fans alike.
And as far as trying to win in an division filled with excessive payrolls, has anyone read (it's a few years old but still relevant) "Moneyball" about the Oakland A's attempts to win with no money? It was a great, great read - for fans and non-fans alike.
I think they will surprise some people, but unless the Yankees or Red Sox have some serious injuries, they will be hard pressed to make the playoffs.
I say they will finish at 85 wins and 77 losses and finish third. Lets just hope they do decide (they claim to have extra cash) to get a bat and an arm before the season ends to make it interesting at least.
I say they will finish at 85 wins and 77 losses and finish third. Lets just hope they do decide (they claim to have extra cash) to get a bat and an arm before the season ends to make it interesting at least.
