Bloggin’ Blue: Jays Link 3/25/13

September 29, 2012; Toronto, ON, CANADA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Casey Janssen (44) throws against the New York Yankees in the ninth inning at the Rogers Centre. Toronto defeated New York 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY SportsThe great thing about being a Toronto Blue Jays site, is that we are part of a large fraternity of great blogs and news organizations that follow the Blue Jays. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more passionate and knowledgeable fan base in all of baseball.

With that in mind, we’re going to do something, new for us, that pays it forward and calls attention to other great blogs and articles from the Blue Jays community around the web. So sit back, get relaxed, and wake up to Bloggin’ Blue, a sampling of the best Jays links to kick off your day.

At the Tao of Stieb, the Taomeister, Meistertaoer continues his great 37 Jays series, this time discussing the rise of one Steve Delabar. Did a metal plate lead to a Rookie of the Year type comeback? Does Delabar’s late season success foretell a great run in 2013?

Token Quote:

"In some crazy corners of the interwebs, it even got some people considering the idea that maybe – just maybe – he might be an option to set up or even close games at some point in the near future."

The Griff steps up and interviews Mark Buehrle, who comes right out and says that this Blue Jays team could be better than the 2005 World Series Champion Chicago White Sox, which Buehrle pitched for. For Blue Jays fans clambering for good news to start the season, that’s a good as it comes. I’m not sure we have complete game potential every night, but our rotation will be filthy.

Token Quote:

"“On paper, it looks like we’re going to be pretty good, but we have to go out there and stay healthy and make our starts, so only time will tell.”"

Blake Murphy at Bluebird Banter breaks down the outfields of the American League East and as we guessed it, the Blue Jays have a pretty solid outfield in comparison to their other divisional brethren. However, it is a telling stat to see that Toronto’s UZR is the second worst in the division, ahead of only Baltimore.

Token Quote (In reference to New York):

"Things look bleak (and old) on this depth chart, but when Granderson returns they’re at least good. Oh Vernon…thanks, J.A. Happ."

Closing things out, we fitting slide over to Richard Justice at MLB.com and his recap of Casey Janssen‘s progress. Janssen appears on target to be ready for opening day, especially after striking out five in his first two innings of work this spring. That takes a lot of pressure off of the Blue Jays to start the season, especially with the rest of the pen, outside of Santos, Delabar, and Oliver, very much in flux.

Token Quote:

"“I love it. I love the pressure,” Janssen said. “I love pitching with the game on the line. Being the last man standing back there in the ninth is fun. I think everybody who pitches in the bullpen aspires to be a closer. I don’t think anyone wants to be a middle reliever.”"