So when the snow melts, and the spring arrives, and today being -18, trust me it seems a long ways off, we get to evaluate the Jays, and where they are.
Are they ready to compete, or will they have keep a uilding process through 2015. My guess in mid January is that by late February we will have some but not all the answers, meaning 2nd base and centre field are works in progress. Pompey in centre and Travis at 2nd are kids, but if they appear competant, AA will give them the beneift of the doubt.
Where they will make moves will be with respect to bullpen. I don"t think now that there will be a recognizable closer with long track record despite all the rumours and buzz. They will trade a catcher, but even that is becoming harder and harder. We all thought the D Backs would be candidates, ex Jay turned GM Dave Stewart is seemingly quite content to hold the course, so Jays and others hoping to deal off excess backstops will have to look elsewhere.
Navarro better learn how to catch the knuckle ball and catch the ball at first base. Without Lind now, he can back up Encarnacion and Smoak at first, and DH as well.
The Rays are not much different than the Jays, budgets dictate their direction. They are re stocking their farm system and making frugal choices. I think the Jays will be a team that can finish in the top 3 in their division, Tampa has little offense, good defense and solid rotation ( with Matty Moore returning ). BUt they cannot generate enoough offense and will rely on small ball and timely hitting to win. I just cannot forsee a top 3 finish for the Rays.
The Orioles want to spend and can, but cannot catch a break. Chris Davis is a concern, and re signing Delmon Young is like admitting you missed on the ptom queen and took Grizelda. Steve Pearce will now be expected to duplicate break out numbers. Rasmus is being sought by too many teams with his high strike out ratio, and the Birds have to hope for a healthy Matt Wieters and a very strong encore from many pitchers. I just don't see, but Showalter had me scratching my head all year long. He may have to do it again.
In the Yanks ranks, boy these guys have done some good work. Gone is Kuroda, CC has to prove he can put up 200 innings and they have No Mo and No Jeter, but Jeter's defense is easier to replace and Headley's back at 3rd, so I think they will be fine.
Also, they have Pineda & Tanaka ( young guns ) and I think they will rebound, and Eovaldi from the Marlins so while the rotation needs time to gel, they have good pieces there.
Oh the weather outside is frightful, so it makes for more speculation until the snow melts and the birds fly north.
And it is still just January 13th, and we have a ways to go before pitchers and catchers report, but we are the right side of the calendar now, and less and less free agents and loose ends.
And who doen't like to wax over what the spring will bring, because it brings the spring.
I will be looking ahead at the Central, the Tigers, the AL champs, in KC, Twins, White Sox and Indians. Is there a new dark horse in the Central. You will be suprised at what I think will happen, but that is for another day.
Back to shovelling and shivering.
