Toronto Blue Jays Preview
Win Total (5dimes)
Over 71 +105
Under 71-125
The Blue Jays won 75 games last year and lost the best pitcher in the game (Halladay) in the off season. Shortstop Marco Scutaro has left to Boston and most think the Jays are in for a long season that they should use to rebuild.
Whats to Like: Most probably wont agree with me but I like their pitching. They have potential to suprise people since the departure of Halladay has everyone down on them. Ricky Romero threw 178 innings as a rookie in '09 and held his own, he won 13 games and had a respectable 4.30 ERA. They brought in hard throwing B.Morrow from Seattle to bolster their rotation. A little inconsistent, but he has tons of room to improve and has a career ERA under 4.00. Lefty M.Rzepczynski can get people out, not over powering but proved he knew how to pitch last year against some tough AL East opponents. What I like most is the return of 2 guys that missed 2009 with injuries. I think most have forgotten how good Shaun Marcum and Dustin Mcgowan were before the got injured. Of course they may not return to form but if they do watch out, they could fill out a sneaky good rotation for the Jays.
If you like HR's then you'll like the Jays this year. Second baseman Aaron Hill (.286,36HR's) and DH/LF Adam Lind (.305,35HR's) lead an offense that has potential to score a bunch of runs. Youngster Travis Snider is expected to have a breakout year which should include 30+ HR's. CF Vernon Wells, FB Lyle Overbay, OF Juan Bautista, and 3B E.Encarnacion are all expected to add about 20 HR's a peice. That is alot of round trippers people.. so say wahtever you want about these guys, they will hit their share of homeruns which will lead to some unexpected victories.
The bullpen wont be dominant, and will see alot of work with all the young starters. The good thing is they have 3 solid guys in K.Gregg, J.Frasor, and S.Downs. They should be able to hold onto some of the leads that all their homerun hitter give them. They have about 6-7 potential starters so the ones that dont make the rotation should be ready for long relief.
Whats not to Like: For a team expected to win about 70 games there isnt much I hate about them. Their team batting average is a concern. Lind, Overbay, and Hill might be the only everyday starters to hit over .270.
They dont have a dominating Starter..
Their Catchers and Shortstops will be below average on offense..
Recap: I expect the AL East to get a little tighter this year, that means some must fall and somebody has to rise. In the Jays case I see them winning as many games as last year (75) if not more. This would be a huge suprise seeing that they lost Halladay and Scutaro. I may be crazy but the Jays are my suprise American League team of 2010. This being said the OVER 71 Wins +105 is a very strong play in my mind.
Win Total (5dimes)
Over 71 +105
Under 71-125
The Blue Jays won 75 games last year and lost the best pitcher in the game (Halladay) in the off season. Shortstop Marco Scutaro has left to Boston and most think the Jays are in for a long season that they should use to rebuild.
Whats to Like: Most probably wont agree with me but I like their pitching. They have potential to suprise people since the departure of Halladay has everyone down on them. Ricky Romero threw 178 innings as a rookie in '09 and held his own, he won 13 games and had a respectable 4.30 ERA. They brought in hard throwing B.Morrow from Seattle to bolster their rotation. A little inconsistent, but he has tons of room to improve and has a career ERA under 4.00. Lefty M.Rzepczynski can get people out, not over powering but proved he knew how to pitch last year against some tough AL East opponents. What I like most is the return of 2 guys that missed 2009 with injuries. I think most have forgotten how good Shaun Marcum and Dustin Mcgowan were before the got injured. Of course they may not return to form but if they do watch out, they could fill out a sneaky good rotation for the Jays.
If you like HR's then you'll like the Jays this year. Second baseman Aaron Hill (.286,36HR's) and DH/LF Adam Lind (.305,35HR's) lead an offense that has potential to score a bunch of runs. Youngster Travis Snider is expected to have a breakout year which should include 30+ HR's. CF Vernon Wells, FB Lyle Overbay, OF Juan Bautista, and 3B E.Encarnacion are all expected to add about 20 HR's a peice. That is alot of round trippers people.. so say wahtever you want about these guys, they will hit their share of homeruns which will lead to some unexpected victories.
The bullpen wont be dominant, and will see alot of work with all the young starters. The good thing is they have 3 solid guys in K.Gregg, J.Frasor, and S.Downs. They should be able to hold onto some of the leads that all their homerun hitter give them. They have about 6-7 potential starters so the ones that dont make the rotation should be ready for long relief.
Whats not to Like: For a team expected to win about 70 games there isnt much I hate about them. Their team batting average is a concern. Lind, Overbay, and Hill might be the only everyday starters to hit over .270.
They dont have a dominating Starter..
Their Catchers and Shortstops will be below average on offense..
Recap: I expect the AL East to get a little tighter this year, that means some must fall and somebody has to rise. In the Jays case I see them winning as many games as last year (75) if not more. This would be a huge suprise seeing that they lost Halladay and Scutaro. I may be crazy but the Jays are my suprise American League team of 2010. This being said the OVER 71 Wins +105 is a very strong play in my mind.
Bound to get 1 out of 30 right.
