Blue Jays: Putting Spring Training in the rear view

Apr 1, 2015; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher

(71) throws during the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The start of the regular season is just around the corner. The Blue Jays have had a very entertaining spring filled with story lines. These stories may carry over to the regular season and could effect them throughout the season.

Jays management were busy ‘upgrading’ the team in the off-season, but didn’t address the team’s glaring weaknesses. Going into Spring Training the fans had the following concerns:

• The outfield
• 2nd base
• Bullpen
• Starting rotation
• 1st base
• and, offence

With all the pieces of the puzzle being put in place, John Gibbons has added clarity to the above concerns. I have gathered a crack team of Jays Journal writers to provide a synopsis of what has happen and provide some foresight on what to expect in the coming weeks and months.

Mar 27, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays outfielder

(19) stretches before the start of the spring training game against the Detroit Tigers at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

The Outfield

Keegan Matheson

The Blue Jays outfield will bring a different look in 2015, with rookie Dalton Pompey and newcomer Michael Saunders projected to see the bulk of the playing time alongside Jose Bautista. Jays fans will have their fingers crossed that Bautista continues to play at an All Star level, which he should, so the spotlight will rest on the given uncertainties.

Saunders is set to return close to opening day, but has battled injuries throughout his career. Kevin Pillar could see a generous amount of playing time this season, along with one or more of Caleb Gindl, Chris Dickerson, Dayan Viciedo (gulp) or Andy Dirks. If Saunders is healthy, however, he brings a high-ceiling bat and underrated speed to the bottom third of the Blue Jays order.

With fellow Canadian Dalton Pompey, it may be difficult to reach his loft expectations. A season of .240 with quality defense should be considered a success for him, especially if he is able to take consistent walks and impact with his speed on the bases. Pompey will have some rough stretches as all rookies do, but Toronto would be wise to stick with him as long as possible. Pompey is a wildcard whose performance in 2015 could really push this club over the top.

Mar 31, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman

(77) tries to bunt during 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

2B Situation

Craig Borden

The all out battle for 2B has resulted in one injury, a push to a backup role, and a dream come true for its participants. Ryan Goins was the early favourite because of his fine Corinthian leather and ridiculous defensive play. After showing a positive spring with the bat they have decided to push him into the super utility role and even tried him in the outfield the other day.

Macier Izturis was looking to re-establish himself as a solid player until he was derailed by a groin injury. Devon Travis has been a force to be reckoned with this spring. He had a slow start but has exploded since. He has been hitting the ball hard and playing solid defense. He has earned the job and deserves to be the Jays second basemen for opening day.

Devon Travis has emerged as a great talent and deserves to be the opening day starter at second. Look for his hot streak to continue in the hitter friendly confines of the Rogers Centre. He has my vote for the starting job.

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?

Apr 1, 2015; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Dalton Pompey (45) bunts for a single during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Offense

Justin Jay

Over the last 4-5 years, the offense has never been a question, but maybe it should have been. The Blue Jays often scored a lot of runs (’14 723 RS / 5th MLB, ’13 712 RS / 9th MLB, ’12 716 RS / 13th MLB, ’11 743 RS / 6th MLB), but it typically was feast or famine. Last season, the Blue Jays O scored double digits in runs 10 times. A pretty impressive feat, but the offense was also shut out 11 times. Of the eight teams last season that scored over 700 runs, the Blue Jays were 2nd to only the Twins (12).

That should not happen this season. In theory, based off of numbers from AAA and against AAA opponents (8.3) or better this spring, Dalton Pompey’s splits (.327/.364/.519) have been better than his minor league numbers (.276/.367/.415). This consistency should continue based off of his approach to date. This will be refreshing since former CF, Colby Rasmus, was anything but consistent.

Devon Travis will be harder to gauge with no ABs above AA. However, based off of Spring Training ABs (Opp Rating: 8.4), he’s been sensational. If the numbers translate into the season, the Blue Jays will again, receive consistently good ABs from a position that’s been inconsistent since Roberto Alomar left.

Combining the aforementioned with the addition of Josh Donaldson, Russell Martin, and Michael Saunders, to go along with Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion, this team has serious potential to put up historic franchise numbers. Pretty impressive for a team that already knew how to score runs in bunches.

Mar 28, 2015; Bradenton, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first basemen

(14) prepares to hit in the batting cage before the start of the spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

1st Base

Ryan Mueller

In years past 1st base had been occupied by such stars as Fred McGriff, John Olerud, Carlos Delgado, Adam Lind (star might be a stretch), and Edwin Encarnacion.

Adam Lind is gone.

Edwin prefers to DH.

Enter Daric Barton, Justin Smoak, and Danny Valencia to compete for a starting gig.

Edwin wasn’t health; therefore, didn’t get his reps. Justin Smoak and Daric Barton struggled and showed little power. Both players have the reputation of having a good approach at the plate which they demonstrated throughout the spring.

Barton- .341 OBP

Smoak- .350 OBP

Justin Smoak has what it takes to become an All-Star, but will need to find a way to make more consistent contact. He is the best fielding 1st baseman on the roster, he has plus power, and with consistent at-bats he could walk over 60 times. Smoak is the right choice to bring north. He doesn’t need to hit .300. He doesn’t need to hit 40 home runs. He doesn’t even need to walk 100 times. We have guys that’ll do that. All Smoak needs to do this year is not be Juan Francisco and give away at-bats.

The job may not be Smoak’s on September 1st, but he will be until a better option presents itself.

Next: 2015 Pre-Season Award Picks