Blue Jays offense looks good early in spring training

Feb 27, 2014; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Moises Sierra is patted on the head by third baseman Brett Lawrie (13) after scoring in the first inning against Philadelphia Phillies in a spring training exhibition game at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Blue Jays took on the Philadelphia Phillies today at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium and won 7-5 to remain undefeated after two games. It was an impressive offensive effort from the Jays and although it’s still early there was a lot to like about today’s game.

Jose Bautista led the charge for the second day in a row and had two RBI doubles to go along with a walk in his perfect day at the plate. Moises Sierra batted second and doubled off the wall while also showing some speed by reaching on an error. Brett Lawrie also impressed and showed a much quieter swing than the first half of last season, which helped him generate two hits including a double.

Jose Reyes had an RBI single and was 1 for 3. Edwin Encarnacion showed he was still human and somehow struck out twice, which is basically unheard of for him. Maicer Izturis looks like he might not be nearly as bad as last year and slapped out a single. Melky Cabrera had a two RBI double and even more impressively advanced from second to third on a fly out to right field. His legs looked good and he also hustled out a could have been double play ball to make it just a force at second.

Kenny Wilson had an RBI single in his first big league camp at bat and also played well defensively. Catcher Erik Kratz was charged with a passed ball but otherwise looked serviceable catching Dickey. He was 0 for 3 at the plate with a strikeout and stranded three runners.

R.A. Dickey was okay and didn’t really give us anything to worry about. He did walk two batters but also had two strikeouts and was victimized by some bad Lawrie D in the first. Esmil Rogers walked a batter and then allowed a home run but settled down after that. Dustin McGowan made quick work of the Phillies with three fly outs. Aaron Loup allowed a home run while Jeremy Jeffress walked a batter and gave up a hit but came out of his inning unscathed.

Rob Rasmussen showed he’s probably not taking anyone’s bullpen job anytime soon but it’s also far too early to make any judgement on the young lefty. However the Blue Jays most impressive pitcher was probably Marcus Walden, who managed the game’s last three outs with two of them coming courtesy of the K. The 25-year-old sinkerballer missed time due to Tommy John surgery but could be an arm to watch the rest of camp.