2010 Record: 85-77
1. CF Rajai Davis
2. SS Yunel Escobar
3. 3B Jose Bautista
4. 1B Adam Lind
5. 2B Aaron Hill
6. LF Travis Snider
7. DH Edwin Encarnacion
8. RF Juan Rivera
9. C J.P. Arencibia
There are 4 players that will define this lineup, and they are all going to hit one after another. Jose Bautista will most likely not be able to put up the numbers he did last year, but if he can his 35+ HRs with 100+ RBIs that should be fine. The key is Lind and Hill having bounce back years. In 2009 these guys were unbelievable, and although they were somewhat able to keep their power numbers up their batting averages completely fell apart. If they get back to hitting around .280 with 25-30 HRs and 85-100 RBIs this could be a really dangerous offense. The last guy that I think is a key is Travis Snider. We have been waiting on him for a while now. He is still very young, but this should be the year they start seeing some results. I am not the biggest fan of his, but scouts really like him. If he can hit around 20 HRs and 70-75 RBIs, I really like this offense.
Pitching:
1. Ricky Romero
2. Brandon Morrow
3. Brett Cecil
4. Jesse Litsch
5. Kyle Drabek
Romero is a guaranteed 15 wins type of pitcher, although I never think he will be an "ace", he is a great guy to have in the rotation. Morrow is my boy, he is the guy that could really make this team something special. He has strikeout potential that everyone dies for, the problem with him is staying healthy and limiting his walks. He is starting the year on the DL, but is only going to miss one game. I think this is the year he breaks out and makes a name for himself. Once again, I caution that I am a HUGE Morrow fan. Cecil is solid, and a good #3 or #4, but this rotation could hinge on Litsch getting back to his 2008 ways. He is coming off Tommy John, but all reports seem to indicate he looks good. If he can be a solid #4 and stay healthy that would be enormous for this team. I love Drabek, but he is a rookie, and will have an up and down season. Overall you have to love what this team is building with their rotation.
Overall:
They may be a year away from being a playoff team, but they aren't far off. With the Yankees and Rays seemingly taking a step back this offseason the Blue Jays could challenge them for the 2-3 spot in the AL East. I expect improvement, but if Lind, Hill, Snider, and Litsch have good seasons this could be a great team.
2011 Record: 91-71
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