Blue Jays could pounce on wounded AL East in 2020

The Toronto Blue Jays could feast on the opposition as a couple of the perennial AL East bullies are limping into the 2020 campaign already decimated by injuries.

This season is integral in the growth and maturation process of the Blue Jays talented core, however, when I remove my homer hat and look at the upcoming season and the American League East with an open, unbiased mind, the team could surprise in 2020 considering the Yankees injury status and the uncertainty surrounding the Red Sox.

The Yankees are no stranger to injuries especially after losing  2,776 man-games to an assortment of ailments and injuries in 2019. However, their pitching staff has already been decimated with Luis Severino undergoing Tommy John surgery, James Paxton is dealing with a back injury and Domingo German is serving a suspension for violating the league’s Domestic Violence policy.

Aside from the pitchers, the oft-injured Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with a calf strain, Aaron Judge is banged up and Aaron Hicks is rehabbing from his own Tommy John surgery. The Yankees overcame last season but can they do it again in 2020, doubtful without pitching.

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It is anyone’s guess where the Red Sox will stack up in the AL East pecking order after dealing away Mookie Betts and David Price. Aside from Chris Sale, their starting rotation is nothing to write home about and they may be hard-pressed to improve on their on 84 wins from last season.

The Rays are the same old Rays from year to year. Consistent and vanilla but will be near the top of the division when it is all said and done. Tampa traded away Tommy Pham during the offseason and Blake Snell is dealing with elbow issues after a disappointing 2019 campaign. The Rays do not strike fear in their opponents but somehow just keep piling up wins.

The Orioles will once again be cellar dwellers in the division as they continue to stockpile draft picks and wait for the emergence of Adley Rutschman.

So where do the Blue Jays fall into this mess, they have a deeper, much-improved starting staff compared to last season and the offence should be firing on all cylinders if the young core continues to evolve and hone their craft.

If the brain trust smells blood in the water they could add free-agent Yasiel Puig or Scooter Gennett as a late spring roster addition. The team also has an ace in the hole if they get off to good start out of the gate.

The Jays could promote Nate Pearson early if the team finds itself unexpectedly at or near the top of the division. The start of the season will dictate how the brain trust steer the ship. One thing is for sure, these guys are not going to take losing lightly and have become accustomed to winning with confidence at every level.

Buckle up, it could be an interesting campaign if the kids get some momentum early.