2010 - A Jays Odyssey

Lately, I keep hearing that the Jays just need a few bodies here or there, and perhaps they are not as bad as others would portray them.


So, let's look at the situation by position, and see where they stand.

Catcher - Well Rod Barajas ( 34 ) is about ready to file for free agency, but I think he'd be glad to get an offer from Toronto, and maybe partner with Raul Chavez. I think the youngster Arenciebia is still quite far off, his batting numbers slipped badly, so he is not ready to assume the back up duties. This position needs a good game caller, and some one that has a rapport with young arms, so I would try and keep Raul Chavez, and get another younger backup, let them split the job. There are usually some guys that fit that bill.

I would say they will be no further ahead offensively, perhaps a bid worse.

1st base - So there's rumours of Overbay being shopped. Hey Mike Wilner ( FAN 590 ), the biggest Overbay fan in Toronto, where are those juicy 50 plus doubles, and mid teens in home runs coming along for Lyle ??? Yup, Jays need to move him out, and move Adam Lind to 1st base. If that happens, 1st base is the best position on the team.

2nd base So here is the 2nd best position on the team, Aaron Hill, fresh off his All Star super human performance of 2009. His stats were amazing, considering he'd never come close in the past. I do not believe he'll duplicate the power numbers, but I would settle for a few more 2 baggers, and reduce the k's, and improve his on base %, and he is the number 3 hitter in front of Lind.

3rd base - It starts downhill from here. Encarnacion has proven a few certainties, he does possess some long ball potential, some, not enough to ignore his erratic defense, and his strikeouts, and the fact his batting average last year was below his career average. But he had a wrist problem, so perhaps he was affected by that injury. He is a below average fielder, decent arm, but too many throws in the dirt. Oh, Overbay was still there, he would snag a few errant balls and save Edwin a few errors, but if Lind moves there, his error total will only increase.

shortstop - Scutaro has filed for free agency as well, and had a good year at age 34, and made the majority of the defensive plays, but the Jays should not get caught up in giving him a raise or long term deal. Twins made the deal the Jays would liked to make, sending Carlos Gomez to the Brewers for JJ Hardy.


Scutaro if retained will be fine, but won't be able to duplicate those numbers, and the Jays need to rethink their lead off spot, since they will have to generate more runs with speed, so maybe take a pass on Marco, and bring in someone else, and platoon with Johny MacDonald, who would love to stay.


Centre Field - VW still drives the outfield, and his big salary will kick in and likely cause him to press more than he already does. I expect nothing more than 130 games, and mediocre numbers and good defense. Hey, Mike Cameron could fill that bill for less than a 3rd of Vernon's $$. Oh well.

Left/ Right Field - Travis Snider patrols one slot, and if Lind does not move, he gets the other. Lind is already written about, he's great, the other guy, who knows yet. He strikes out too much, and while he has a strong arm, he is slow afoot, and has limited range. His batting numbers should improve in 2010, but he has to show he has a better handle on the strike zone, and some patience.

So the offense is Lind and Hill with a dash of Encarnacion, and newbies behind the plate, in the outfield and short, so expect some cheaper one yr deals along the lines of Kevin Millar types.

Unless they have dealt Halladay and have picked up a corner OF, or starting shortstop ( likely a kid at Triple AAA who's blocked at the major league level ) Hope for the Elvis Andrus scenario, that was lightening in a bottle for the Rangers.

At DH, they will try Randy Ruiz and maybe they will pick up a scrap heap left handed version and platoon them. Would help if this mystery DH can play the outfield. Or maybe it's Jose Bautista , who will carry 3 gloves ( of/3rd, and 1st ).

On the mound, first off, the bullpen is fine, not lights out, but fine. Keep Downs in closer role for now, hope Casey Janssen improves, same for Brandon League, and you have a fairly decent pen.

Rotation wise, this all depends on dealing Halladay, which is more likely to happen than not.'

If you get a mid rotation youngster in return, great, that and a few body parts at other positions is the most you can expect.

Marcum , Litsch, Romero, Cecil, Mr X, and Scott Richmond or Brian Talett are the expected rotation, with outside shots to Brad Mills, and David Purcey.

Marcum, Litsch are both coming off year long injuries, so are not to be counted on. Romero tailed off, but looks to be talented, needs another year. Cecil showed flashes, but needs probably a full 30 starts at Triple AAA, but will be rushed. Tallet and Richmond fill in here and there, and of course, Mr. X.

Mr. X is either a blue chipper that needs more time, or a guy who's already in a rotation, but on the green side of experience. Or is the Doc still here. I think the die is cast, he's pitched his last time in Toronto.

So , weaker on the mound, weaker on defense at the corners, youngsters at short, or outfield, and what does this translate to, a 65 win season, maybe 68-69, but nothing past this.


The new GM gets a free year, to rebuild the scouting staff, and look for Cito's replacement, a manager who is a true teacher, a mentor, because the 30 something players will all be gone. it will be a new crop, and you need to teach your children well ( apologies to Crosby, Stills and Nash ).

So for those who see the glass half full, let's ee if you guys are still buying tickets in June, I will expect to see you on that bandwagon, sipping Paul Beeston's Kool Aid.

I am afriad I do not see happy days in 2010, or 2011, it will take longer and they will lack a veteran leader like Roy Halladay to help them.

Mr GM, good luck this off season,