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Toronto Blue Jays: Why the rotation will do, for now
They’re going to score a ton of runs
If the Blue Jays have trouble keeping their opponents from scoring runs, the best solution might be simply to out-slug them. And looking at the potential lineup in Toronto, scoring runs shouldn’t be a problem.
Aside from the likely #9 hitter in Danny Jansen, there really isn’t a break for opposing pitchers when they’ll square off against this group. The Jays could even have Alejandro Kirk join the lineup right away and make it nine deep, although I expect he’ll at least start the season in Triple-A so he can play full-time.
Here’s a look at a likely lineup from Fangraphs, including the projections for slash lines and home runs:
1- George Springer (CF)- .272/.359/.497, 31 HR
2- Marcus Semien (2B)- .256/.355/.441, 23 HR
3- Bo Bichette (SS)- .283/.334/.495, 26 HR
4- Teoscar Hernandez (LF)- .243/.311/.495, 36 HR
5- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B)- .287/.355/.510, 28 HR
6- Cavan Biggio (3B)- .232/.347/.412, 21 HR
7- Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (LF)- .271/.314/.486, 28 HR
8- Rowdy Tellez (DH)- .259/.325/.488, 22 HR
9- Danny Jansen (C)- .234/.324/.419, 15 HR
From just those nine players Fangraphs is projecting 230 home runs, and another 21 from Randal Grichuk, who figures to see plenty of playing time as well. They won’t have to rely solely on the long-ball either, as there are several well-rounded hitters throughout the lineup. And when you think about this group squaring off against a weaker pitching class from the AL East than we’ve seen in years, it’s hard not to get excited.