Toronto Blue Jays’ Steamer vs. Reality: Positional Players

Nov 20, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin (left) shakes hands with general manager Alex Anthopoulos after Martin was introduced at a press conference at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

C Russell Martin

[table id=42 /]

Martin went above and beyond expectations in 2014, and turned that into a nice little contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.  I’m not sure how much room there is between here and his ceiling, but here’s hoping he finds some.  Between Bautista and Martin, the Jays will have two players coming off a .400+ OBP season.

1B Justin Smoak

[table id=43 /]

Smoak is coming off an ugly season, but there’s always the glimmer of hope with a former top prospect.  Smoak’s power could play well in the Rogers Centre, and he has every opportunity to get well into the 20’s with HR’s, but his AVG and OBP must get up to an acceptable level.

3B Josh Donaldson

[table id=41 /]

Donaldson performed right around expectations in 2014, even a little over in some areas, and I’d be happy if that’s exactly what he did this season.  The Rogers Centre should also be a huge boost to Donaldson’s power stroke, and he could get comfortably into the mid-30’s with deep flies.

LF Michael Saunders

[table id=45 /]

In terms of statistics, Saunders was trending the right way in 2014.  The only issue is his games played, especially when put on the turf in Toronto, so that will be something to keep a close eye on.  He has big shoes to fill, but possesses the ability to do so.