Blue Jays: Putting Spring Training in the rear view

Mar 31, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roberto Osuna (72) enters the game in the sixth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Florida Auto Exchange Park. The Blue Jays won 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

The Bullpen

Shaun Doyle

Like most teams in most years, the bullpen for the Toronto Blue Jays will be a question mark. It appears to be much more exciting this year even though the club is having to replace the loss of Casey Janssen and Dustin McGowan. However, we have to remember that they are also replacing guys like Sergio Santos who under performed badly. One of those guys is Steve Delabar, who has been relegated to a back up bullpen arm available from AAA Buffalo should the need arise.

That need will come if the exciting young arms of  and Miguel Castro fail to live up to the big time hype that has become lofty expectations. These two have been popping eyes and dropping jaws all spring and the Blue Jays hope that that excitement and performance can continue throughout the season. These two will join lefty specialist Aaron Loup and Brett Cecil to create quite a potentially dynamic mid to late inning force. However, given that they are 20 yrs old, it could easily go the other way and the Blue Jays will be looking to fill those spots.

That is where the concern lies for the Blue Jays bullpen. If things don’t go according to plan, they will have to do some heavy thinking about how they will improve their bullpen. Right now, the idea is to bring the best arms north. What happens if they do that and they have to go to those ‘other’ options?

For right now, the bullpen looks to be in good shape. One lefty fans should look out for is Colt Hynes who has pitched his way into a firm position in this discussion. All of the arms mentioned above, along with with Todd Redmond, Marco Estrada create a solid looking ‘pen. But, for how long?