As a matter of fact I am offended.
...My pessimism about the Blue Jays is likely to offend many Canadians, but on the coldest possible analysis I cannot see how they might be ready to break into the division's top two. Their #1 starter has 40 starts over the last two years; the #2 starter has 55 in the last three, and starts the season on the injured list; the #3 got awfully lucky on balls in play and is the majors' most obvious target for Vörösian regression; and beyond that, you've got Josh Towers and Ted Lilly loitering around near .460. The outfield is a tangle of platoon arrangements, and they're not like the clever planned one in Boston that's designed to make maximum use of positive talents. The touted middle infielders are awfully old to be considered true prospects. Bengie Molina and Troy Glaus are time bombs. Is it just me? You really see this bunch taking down the Yankees?
Well not really. It takes a lot more than that to offend me. Besides, I think that Colby Cosh's prediction of a 4th place finish for the Blue Jays is overly pessimistic (IMHO). I mean really, you don't they are better than Baltimore? Remember the Staples barometer (actually not mine, but I am adopting it), meaningful games in September. As long as I get that I can live with another 3rd place finish. I still think 2nd is within reach though.
Comments (3)
Is Aj Burnett a liability? Yes… only a .500 pitcher when he’s healthy. Mind you, he did not have much help last year, and his status on the DL currently really is precautionary. Halladay is the best pitcher in the majors… period. And the injury last year was a freak one… not like a typical rotator cuff one. And your right our team should not be favoured to win the East. But, although the Bosox and the Yanks have good position players, although the Sox have lost some key ones… their pitching is much weaker than ours. The unit is over the hill… Schills is healthy but at 40 for how long. Wakefield is older than time itself and without Mirabelli what use is he going to be. Do you really think Al Leiter will be coming back? Im picking the Yanks to win the division with the Jays in second. However, without much better pitching than last year the Yanks wont be going far.
Posted by Fergs | April 2, 2006 5:57 PM
Posted on April 2, 2006 17:57
Halladay the best pitcher in the majors? This is a belief shared (like so many) only within a two-hour driving radius of Yonge Street. Of the 30 general managers in MLB, approximately 31 would take Johan Santana ahead of the Doctor.
You’re right about Wakefield, though. As a knuckleballer he can’t possibly have more than seven or eight years left.
Posted by Colby Cosh | April 2, 2006 11:04 PM
Posted on April 2, 2006 23:04
[Full disclosure: I’m a former Expos fan who still regards the Jays with irritation and excessive skepticism. And Burnett is actually on my fantasy team.]
Posted by Colby Cosh | April 2, 2006 11:05 PM
Posted on April 2, 2006 23:05