With the Blue Jays out of the depths of rebuilding, they're making a push at the AL East title. I've brought in A LOT of impact players via the trade, and it's a major possibility that I could make the postseason. Just take a look at what I've put together this offseason:
* denotes new addition this season
^ denotes a Toronto minor league product
Batters:
Lineup:
Num Pos Name Bats Age Ratings 1 DH *Anderson Rosario R 34 9-7-4-8-9, 6-7-7 speed 2 2B ^Joseph "Wildfire" Cuccia R 24 8-7-8-10-8, 5-9-8 speed, 5/.995 def 3 C ^Ralph "Malph" McCluney R 27 9-9-9-9-6, 9/.969 def, 6 arm 4 RF ^Christain "Bleeder" Ricker R 25 8-8-10-5-6, 9/.996 def, 7 arm 5 3B *Miguel "Snacks" Galaz R 32 7-7-10-10-7, 2/.945 def 6 1B *Luis "Liquidator" Cintron R 29 8-7-6-10-9, 5/.983 def 7 CF ^Daniel Golder R 22 9-5-6-6-6 (9-7-10-8-8 talent), 7-7-7 speed, 7/.981 def, 6 arm 8 LF *Peter Pooler L 27 8-8-9-7-6, 7/.981 def, 8 arm 9 SS ^Anthony "Dopey" Jayne L 24 8-7-7-4-9, 7/.979 def
Bench:
Pos Name Bats Age Ratings C ^Ed Gledhill R 24 9-7-7-4-9 OF ^Paul Soltys R 25 8-8-6-8-9 SS ^Darryl Dollar S 28 9-8-2-4-7 1B *Andrew Bernabe R 28 9-9-5-5-8 2B ^Jonathan Cook R 28 8-7-6-6-6
Strengths: I really went for the OBP this offseason. I think with Rosario, Cuccia, Cintron, Galaz, and Soltys, plus when Golder fills out, that I could really get things going on that level. Also, defense should be a definite strength, especially in the outfield.
Weaknesses: Lack of lefties could really hurt, and also a lack of real speed. Those 2 could really be tough on the lineup. But hopefully they can get over that.
Pitching:
Rotation:
Num Throws Name Age Ratings 1 R *David Elizondo 28 10-8-9, 89-92 MPH, 10 end, 58 GB% 2 R *Joseph "J.R." Colton 24 9-7-10 (10-9-10 talent), 88-91 MPH, 9 end, 42 GB% 3 R ^Wakui Toson 20 10-6-7 (10-8-7), 98-100 MPH, 10 end, 46 GB% 4 L *Kevin Krout 29 10-6-8, 95-99 MPH, 9 end, 45 GB% 5 L ^Stewie Griffin 20 8-7-8 (9-9-9), 91-94 MPH, 8 end, 32 GB%
Bullpen:
Pos Name Throws Age Ratings CL ^Nate Griffin L 24 6-10-10 (10-10-10), 89-92 MPH, 5 end, 57 GB% SU Griffin/Nod MR1 *Henry "Ripper" Nod R 22 9-9-8 (9-10-8), 87-90 MPH, 4 end, 37 GB% MR2 ^Raymond Gratton R 24 8-8-9 (8-10-9), 91-94 MPH, 4 end, 36 GB% MR3 ^Wes Dunn R 29 10-6-9, 93-96 MPH, 3 end, 60 GB% MR4 *Robert Heng L 30 10-5-7, 88-91 MPH, 3 end, 36 GB% MU1 ^Thomas "Lisp" Walz R 27 8-4-10, 89-92 MPH, 5 end, 33 GB%
Strengths: Youth. Only 1 pitcher with a 3 in the 10's column, and it's a 30. Also, the starting pitching will be a strength, especially when Griffin fills out more. Nate Griffin was untouchable in his short stretch at the end of last season in the closer rolse. I'm excited about Nod as well, and Gratton is filling out and looking good.
Weaknesses: Not too many here, but I'm worried about walks, as they were a big problem last season. However, with Alvarez and Bertrand going down to AAA and Walz relegated to mop-up for now, it shouldn't be too big of a problem. Toson has to cut down on the walks, and hopefully his control fills out soon.
Overall thoughts:
I'm REALLY excited about this team. The pitching is relatively strong, and if the lack of lefty hitters and speed doesn't hurt too much, this team should be very strong and competative. There's no real huge holes, especially with the aquisition of Rosario to fill my leadoff spot. This team is VERY young, and should be around for a while.
YOUR THOUGHTS?? Let me hear 'em.