5 Keys to a strong 2nd half for the Toronto Blue Jays

July 12, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley (7) hits a single in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

3.)    Insert a sparkplug

Considering all of the injuries and the lack of moves during the offseason, the Blue Jays have done themselves a big favor by playing above expectations. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen in recent weeks, exceeding expectations is not always sustainable. Sometimes you need a bit more.

That said, the team’s invigorating play early in the season, as well as its fortuitous positioning in both the divisional and Wild Card races should be enough to convince Jays management that this team is worth investing further in.  Now, that might now mean a big run at a pitcher like David Price or an infielder like Adrian Beltre, but it could bring others into play.

The Blue Jays have been connected to players like Chase Headley, David Murphy, and numerous other available infielders, as well as bullpen arms and starters. Adding just a single new dynamic might be enough to give this team an uplift as it tries to navigate through a tight AL East race.

It’s worked for other teams in the past and there is no reason to believe it couldn’t help the Blue Jays as well.