Toronto Blue Jays: Spring Training Information

By Stopmikelupica
Location: Knology Park - Dunedin, FL
Pitchers and Catchers Report: Feb. 15th
First Game: Feb. 28th
Schedule

Projected Opening Day Lineup

1. David Eckstein (SS)
2. Lyle Overbay (1B)
3. Alex Rios (RF)
4. Frank Thomas (DH)
5. Vernon Wells (CF)
6. Scott Rolen (3B)
7. Aaron Hill (2B)
8. Gregg Zaun/Rod Barajas (C)
9. Reed Johnson/Matt Stairs (LF)

Projected Rotation

1. Roy Halladay
2. A.J. Burnett
3. Dustin McGowan
4. Shawn Marcum
5. Gustavo Chacin/Jesse Litsch/Casey Janssen

Projected Bullpen

Long: Jason Frasor
Situational: Brian Wolfe, Scott Downs (Lefty specialist)
7th Inning: Brian Tallet
8th Inning: Brandon League
Closer: Jeremy Accardo/BJ Ryan
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Key Battles: One of the biggest questions facing the Blue Jays in spring training this year involves injured closer B.J. Ryan. After a terrible start last season, Ryan was put on the DL with what was first reported by GM J.P. Ricciardi as a mysterious back injury, but eventually was revealed to be an elbow injury requiring the dreaded Tommy John surgery. The Jays are reportedly expecting Ryan to be ready by Opening Day, but that seems a bit optimistic. Tommy John surgery historically requires around 12 months to recover from, so realistically don't expect BJ until around June.

In the meanwhile expect last year's surprise closer, Jeremy Accardo, to continue to close games. Accardo saved 30 out of 35 save opportunities last season, finishing with a 4-4 record and a 2.14 ERA in 64 games. The rest of the Blue Jays bullpen is very strong: the lefty specialist Scott Downs had a 2.17 ERA in 81 games (58 IP); Brian Tallet was 2-4 with a 3.47 ERA in 62 IP; and Brian Wolfe was 3-1 with a 2.98 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 45 IP. Brandon League struggled a bit in his 11 plus innings pitched as a September callup, but his minor league numbers in AAA (54.7 IP, 2.16 ERA) have the Jays believing he can be a strong set up man this season.

The man Brandon League might replace in the bullpen is former setup man Casey Janssen, who did a great job last year in that role, going 2-3 with a 2.35 ERA in 72.7 IP. Janssen is a former starter in the minors, and is in the running for the 5th starter job. His main competition is Gustavo Chacin, whose season was cut short after just 5 starts due to a left shoulder injury that required surgery, and last year's rookie fill-in surprise, Jesse Litsch (7-9, 3.81 ERA).

Left field will be up for grabs in spring training. Reed Johnson was the Opening Day starter last season, but a slipped disc in his back forced him to miss three months of the season and required surgery to fix. Matt Stairs was re-signed by the Jays, putting him in the mix as the likely lefty hitter in a platoon. Also having a potential shot at nabbing the starting LF job is youngster Adam Lind, though odds are he will likely start in AAA. Also lurking as a possibility at some point this season might be uber-prospect Travis Snyder. The 2006 first rounder is only 20 years old, but is a top-10 prospect in all of baseball.

The only other position currently up for grabs is catcher, where incumbent Gregg Zaun and his .242 BA is going up against recently signed Rod Barajas. Back in 2006, Riccardi offered Barajas a three-year deal; Rod foolishly cancelled the deal at the last second, and eventually ended up having to sign a one-year deal with the Phillies. Barajas signed with the Jay this offseason, and is in definitely in the running for the starting job. He has a better bat, and a better arm, than Gregg Zaun. Zaun has familiarity with the pitching staff, and the support of the coaches. Also keep an eye out for Curtis Thigpen. Thigpen played 47 games in the majors with the Jays last season, hitting only .238; he was better in AAA, where the good contact hitter had a .285 BA.

What To Expect: Injuries, and recovery from injuries. A possible Cy Young for Roy Halladay, now that Johan Santana is in the NL. A bounce back year for star center fielder Vernon Wells, who was plagued by a shoulder injury for most of last season. A possible break out season for 27 year old Alex Rios. Perhaps some winning attitude in the clubhouse, thanks to new imports David Eckstein (acquired via free agency) and Scott Rolen (acquired via the Troy Glaus trade). More steroid rumors for Gregg Zaun. A low number of stolen bases for the Moneyball-loving Blue Jays. Hopefully a rebound year for Lyle Overbay, who was heating up in May (.274 BA, 6 HRs) when his right hand was broken by a John Danks fastball. Less HRs for Aaron Hill, who went from a previous career high of 6 HRs to a surprising 17 HRs last season. Hopefully Hill and Eckstein's defense will compensate for their lack of power. Roy Halladay will, barring injury, undoubtably lead the AL in complete games again. A.J. Burnett has an option to void his contract and declare for free agency at the end of this season, so look for him to stay healthier than normal in his pursuit of a new deal.

SML covers the Jays, Knicks, NBA in general and much, much more on his blog, Stop Mike Lupica.

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