Lots Too Look Forward To BEFORE Offseason Moves

March 2, 2012; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Travis dThis offseason Alex Anthopoulos made it clear his major focus is going to be upgrading the starting rotation. He also said the payroll is going to go up and that the Toronto Blue Jays would be more open to using free agency. Even before anything is done in the offseason there is a lot to get excited about the 2013 Blue Jays.

In the bullpen Sergio Santos will return from his injury. Whether the Blue Jays use him as there closer or a set up guy or middle reliever he’s another effective power reliever that will be helpful. The Blue Jays top 2012 draft pick Marcus Stroman will be done his 50 game suspension for PED use in early April and he should be ready to come up to the big leagues and contribute out of the bullpen soon after. He might even be able to be used as an insurance starter next season if the Blue Jays choose to give him more development time in the minor leagues.

In 2013 the Blue Jays top prospect Travis D’arnaud will finally be ready to come to the big leagues, even as soon as opening day. D’arnaud is considered to be the top catching prospect in all of baseball. He’s been compared to Russell Martin when he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and been called a middle of the order type bat. Adding D’arnaud to an offense that didn’t need any help scoring runs when healthy will make the Blue Jays have one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball. D’arnaud also brings some much needed versatility as he can also play 1st base in addition to catching. That gives the Blue Jays the option of rotating the DH spot between D’arnaud, Edwin Encarnacion and J.P. Arencibia.

Another of the Blue Jays top hitting prospects Jake Marisnick will be ready to come to the big leagues by at least September. He’s expected to be able to hit for average and power with good defense and speed. If the Blue Jays are in contention that gives them an extra bat in the lineup or at the very least a pinch runner. If there not in contention you at least get to watch one of their best hitting prospects hit in the big leagues.