Toronto Blue Jays

TORONTO BLUE JAYS




The Blue Jays have some pieces to make a good team, but they just don't feel like living up to their potential. They compete for sure, but come up short way too many times. Just like the Orioles, they need to be in a different division to ever know their potential. Sure you gotta beat the best to be the best, but 18 games against the Yankees, 18 games against the Red Sox and 18 games against the Rays every year can sure screw up your record, while teams like the Dodgers get to play the Rockies, D-Backs, Padres and Giants 18 games apiece (No offense to those clubs, but c'mon). I can see them finishing above the Orioles and maybe even the Rays but just short the Yanks.

Rod Barajas: Not even average. undraftable. sucky.

Adam Lind: Lind has a bright future in the majors and this may be his year. If you are looking for an ultimate sleeper, he may be your man. He got a little more work under his belt last year and did pretty well once he got a handle on things. His only problem is he swings too much. I believe he's the straightest man on the planet because he's just alittle too afraid of balls. He's worth taking a chance on late in the draft as a potential stud. ABK:6 ABB:20

Scott Rolen: Put a fork in this guy. He went from a stud to not being able to crack 60 RBI's in an instant. He was outplayed by his backup, Marco Scutaro. He ranks about 33rd for a thirdbasemen to me.

Aaron Hill: I LOVE this guys potential this year. He could be a top 5 second baseman if he can stay healthy. He missed alot of time last year and upset alot of owners, but I truly see this guy getting it back together this year. In '07 he hit .291, 87 Runs, 17 HR's, and 78 RBI's. I expect a performance like that this year. Keep him in mind while drafting. ABK:7 ABB:15

Vernon Wells: Wells is another bounceback player this year. Injuries plagued him last year and he is just too good of a hitter to be bad. He only played in 108 games last year but he still scored 63 Runs, 78 RBI's and he batted .300. He also hit 20 HR's; he hit 16 the year before. He doesn't strikeout too much and he has raw power. I'd take a chance on him for sure. ABK:9 ABB:15

Alex Rios: Rios took a step back last year after being selected to his first All-Star Game. I guess it didn't help that he didn't have some key players for alot of the year. All of his stats took a dip but like I said about Aaron Hill and Vernon Wells, I expect a bounceback year. He's a good second or third outfielder, but by no means should he be your first option. ABK:6 ABB:14

Roy Halladay: I don't know what to say about this guy other than SOLID. He is definately one of the very first pitchers to go this year. He had an outstanding year last year and should do the same this year. He went 20-11, 2.78 ERA, 206 KO's (only 39 BB's), 1.05 WHIP, 9....that's right- 9 CG's and 2 shutouts. He should be somebody's #1 pitcher.

As for the rest of the rotation....I don't expect any of them to get drafted. The next best option is Jesse Litsch and that in itself is scary. The other four projected starters were a combined 22-22 last year with a 3.58 ERA. That my friends is what I call AVERAGE at best.

BJ Ryan is solid, and if he can be healthy all year, I'd say 35-40 saves.

Team MVP: Roy Halladay Team LVP: Scott Rolen