Blue Jays First Half Surprises
By Shaun Doyle

The fact that Devon Travis is on this list is not because he is a good friend of the Jays’ Nest Podcast. And, it is not because I may have a bit of a crush on him. He’s here because he’s actually been a pleasant surprise for the Blue Jays. Think back to your first reaction to hearing word that the Blue Jays had traded for Devon Travis and all it took was Anthony Gose. If the Detroit Tigers were getting a player who had struggled to gain any kind of consistency at the major league level, what could the return possibly be?
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Well, it’s been the American League Rookie of the Month for April. It’s been a solution to a perennial question mark at second base. It’s been Devon Travis. The 24 year old missed some time with his shoulder injury. But, he’s played in 52 games thus far and is hitting .304/.353/.492 with 7 HR, 32 RBI and 34 runs scored. His approach at the plate has many singing his praises. In fact, it was a topic of debate whether he should be moved up in the batting order. Whether he is moved or not, just highlights the impact his bat has had in an already potent lineup.
Before the season started, we’d heard his bat would play, though. His glove was the question mark. So far, we’ve seen that it indeed does play. He’s put up a UZR/150 of 8.3 and been worth -1 DRS. He’s been a good double play partner for Jose Reyes not looking out of place at all.
Despite missing a month, Devon Travis very well could be in line for the Rookie of the Year award. And, all it cost was Anthony Gose. But, is he your surprise of 2015? Vote in our poll below!
Biggest Surprise Poll
Next: Is James Shields a Good Trade Target?