2015 Blue Jays Defence, better than last years?

Feb 27, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays second basemen

(13) laughs as he warms up before the start of Friday mornings workout at the Bobby Mattick Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Second Base

At second, no Jays fan is a stranger to the gaping black hole on the right side of the infield. This isn’t news. This was a well publicized problem last off-season as well.

However, the Jays were still surprisingly ranked in the middle of the pack in terms of defence but everyday consistency was far from apparent. Seven players including Ryan Goins, Maicer Izturis, Steve Tolleson, Brett Lawrie, Jonathan Diaz, Chris Getz, and Munenori Kawasaki all played took their turn at second over the course of the season.

Kawasaki led the group in innings played at 444.2 which should tell you something. He was slightly below major league average, depositing a -3 DRS.

In 2015, similar to first base, it’s a mystery what the Jays will reap from that position. The lead candidate seems to be Izturis who, in his 77 innings prior to his injury, played above average defence. If he can carry that forward this season, the position will be his until the newly acquired top prospect Devon Travis is ready to take the reigns. At that point, scouting reports indicate he will be able to provide at least league average defence from the position.

Thus, the short answer is yes; the Jays should be better defensively at second this season. Izturis, Goins and Travis should all be practical options before they turn to the fan-favourite Kawasaki in the state of an emergency.