A look at the boys of Spring, Summer, and hopefully Fall
Spring training is in full swing for the Toronto Blue Jays, who are looking to snap their 21-year long playoff drought this season. 21 consecutive years without a playoff berth marks the longest ongoing streak for a team in professional sports. We take a look at how the Jays plan to change that.
The Blue Jays made headlines when they added all-stars Russell Martin and Josh Donaldson to their roster over the offseason. Russell Martin is a Toronto native who was previously a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates, as well as rival New York Yankees. Martin was signed as a free agent to a five-year contract worth $82 million and will be taking over the catching responsibilities.
With Spring Training in full swing for the Toronto Blue Jays, staying healthy seems to be the main concern for the boys of summer heading into opening night.
Later on Nov. 28, Toronto acquired Donaldson in a five-player trade that included fan-favourite Brett Lawrie. Lawrie’s enthusiasm and intensity was loved here in Toronto, but he was plagued with injuries and never met the high expectations that were set for him. In contrast, Donaldson was voted in the Top 10 for American League (AL) MVP the past two years and is a significant improvement at third base for the Jays.
Early sceptics criticized Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos for not addressing the depth in their roster, but, more specifically, in the pitching staff. Brandon Morrow and Dustin McGowan could not come to terms with the team and were destined to test free agency alongside closer Casey Janssen. J.A Happ was traded to Seattle for Outfielder Michael Saunders. Anthopoulos bolstered his pitching staff by signing struggling lefthanders Jeff Francis and Johan Santana to minor league deals. Alex also traded for Marco Estrada, a middle of the rotation starter, at best. These previous moves do not exactly spell out playoffs.
High hopes followed the Jays into spring training where they were quickly extinguished by a flurry of injuries, including Michael Saunders tearng his meniscus in the days leading up to their first pre-season game. Fortunately, Saunders underwent successful surgery and remains a question mark for opening day. That also goes for Brett Cecil, who is experiencing a nagging tightness in his arm. Then there is slugger Edwin Encarnacion who is listed as day-to-day with back pain. Worst of all, Marcus Stroman suffered a season ending injury when he tore the ACL in his left knee whilst partaking in a fielding drill. The sophomore starter was arguably the Jays’ best pitcher in the second half of last season and with high hopes and a tremendous upside, the up-and-coming pitcher will need to watch this season from the bench. As the past has already shown, staying healthy is proving to be one of Toronto’s biggest challenges.
After the first couple weeks of spring training, it is safe to say that the Blue Jays playoff expectations have dropped a great deal, but there is still hope. With a lack of depth in pitching and position players, this Blue Jays line-up is looking quite frail. Nevertheless, if the top two starters and the top five position players can stay healthy, this team can compete.
In typical Toronto fashion, our beloved Blue Jays are making our hearts soar, our heads shake, and our blood pressures rise.