JAYS ENTER SPRING TRAINING UNDERDOGS IN POTENT AL EAST
Toronto can contend for a playoff spot, but need better fortune than they had last year
The Toronto Blue Jays head into the 2018 season like a dude heading into a gunfight with a knife. Sure, they’ve got a chance. But it’s a long shot.
The Jays are going to need a lot of things to go their way and for their AL East rivals — New York and Boston — to misfire.
Here are five things to look for as the Blue Jays embark on spring training, starting Wednesday:
1.
Can the Blue Jays contend for a playoff spot in 2018?
According to most insiders, they can (likely only for a wildcard spot). First and foremost, they need their starting rotation to stay healthy.
Last season, the Jays could not put together any meaningful win streaks as their starters kept dropping. Aaron Sanchez started only eight games after being put on the DL four times because of blister issues. Left-hander J.A. Happ landed on the DL with left elbow inflammation early in the season. Marco Estrada went into a mid-season funk because of sleeping issues.
The same rotation is still intact with Joe Biagini being touted as the probable fifth starter unless the Jays make a move to bring in another rotation piece via free agency or a trade. However, one of the organization’s young minor leaguers (Ryan Borucki, Sean Reid-Foley or Thomas Pannone) might be ready to step up.
2.
Can the Jays’ starting middle infielders stay on the field?
A couple of years ago, Toronto manager John Gibbons suggested that one day, if he can stay healthy, second baseman Devon Travis may win a batting title.
Unfortunately, the personable Travis has been dogged by shoulder and knee injuries throughout his major-league career. Last season he played only 50 games before shutting down in June. Travis had knee surgery and missed most of the 2017 season. As well, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who at 33 is showing signs of slowing down, suffered ligament damage in his right ankle running to first.
To their credit, the Jays made some key moves to add depth in the infield — trading for veteran infielders Yangervis Solarte and Aledmys Diaz, who played in the 2016 all-star game. Gibbons’ toughest job may be keeping everyone happy if the infielders all stay healthy.
3.
Can all-star third baseman Josh Donaldson stay healthy and, if so, will all the talk about a possible contract extension or trade prove to be a distraction?
If the Jays get off to a slow start, and a playoff spot does not appear possible, look for Toronto to trade Donaldson for young, controllable players as they look to contend in a few years on the backs of future stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (age 18), Anthony Alford (23) and Bo Bichette (19).
4.
Will the Jays score more runs this season?
Last year, the Jays ranked dead last in the AL in runs scored (693) and 14th in OPS (.724). In all likelihood, yes, they will score more runs.
The addition of Randal Grichuk as the club’s probable everyday right-fielder (replacing the aging Jose Bautista) should be a shot in the arm, as will Curtis Granderson and Steve Pearce platooning in left.
Having Travis back would be huge and catcher Russell Martin, if he can remain healthy, would certainly contribute more with the bat. Of course, Donaldson and Justin Smoak need to have good seasons for the Jays to contend.
5.
How is the Jays’ bullpen going to shake out this season?
There are a couple of certainties. Roberto Osuna will be the closer and Ryan Tepera and Danny Barnes will be used in key situations. After that, it’s anyone’s guess.
The Jays have been stockpiling bullpen options, adding Canadian John Axford, Jake Petricka, Al Alburquerque, and Craig Breslow, joining Toronto veterans Aaron Loup, Matt Dermody and Tim Mayza. Competition for spots will be fierce in spring training, and that’s always good.