2006 Toronto Blue Jays Preview
2005 Overview: No one anticipated much from the Toronto Blue Jays in 2005. But surprisingly, prior to the all star break Toronto pitching managed to remain in the American League best ten whilst their battling ranked 5th overall in the AL with a collective .268 team average. Regrettably for Toronto it was all downhill from there as they slid to a final disappointing 80-82 record and fell 15 games behind the Red Sox and Yankees to finish their season in 3rd place. Toronto outfielder Vernon Wells (.269 28 97) offered most of the Blue Jays power numbers in 2005 with former Arizona Diamondback and newly acquired Shea Hillenbrand (.291 17 82) assisting by splitting time among 1st and 3rd base. The rest of the infield developed much of the teams offensive in 2005 which includes 2nd baseman Orlando Hudson (.315 ten 63) and 3rd baseman turned 1st baseman Eric Hinske (.262 15 68). Beginning pitcher Roy Halladay (12-four 2.41) was clearly the star of the beginning pitching staff before he suffered a broken bone in his left leg in early July. And closer Miguel Batista kept the Blue Jays in the race for the duration of the 1st half compiling an impressive four-2 record prior to the all star break with 15 saves. Nonetheless, Batista basically wasnt the identical pitcher in the 2nd half of the year in spite of 16 saves. After the all star break Batista only posted a 1-six record with a less then stellar five.35 ERA. Starters Josh Towers (13-12 3.71), Gustavo Chacin (13-9 three.72) and Ted Lilly (ten-11 5.56) helped to maintain the 2005 pitching efforts admirable. Off Season Moves: Considerably to the delight of Toronto fans, management made two aggressive off season moves to upgrade their pitching staff for 2006. The 1st was signing free agent and former Baltimore Oriole closer B.J. Ryan (1-four two.43 36 saves in 41 opportunities)) and the other was taking benefit of the Florida Marlins fire sale by adding starting pitcher A.J. Burnett (12-12 three.44). The Blue Jays also added offensive punch by trading pitcher Dave Bush for 1st baseman Lyle Overbay (.276 19 72) and trading away Orlando Hudson and closer Miguel Batista for slugger Troy Glaus (.258 37 97). 2006 Evaluation: The Blue Jays will jump out of the gate with a very strong pitching staff in 2006. Anticipate Roy Halladay, A.J. Burnett, Ted Lilly and Gustavo Chacin to kind an impressive starting rotation. Burnett pitched over 200 innings in Florida final season so he will prove to be a fine addition to the Blue Jays employees. The acquisition of Oriole closer B.J. Ryan more than spotty Miguel Batista will be a vast improvement in the bullpen. Troy Glaus will lastly provide some significantly needed protection for slugger Vernon Wells. One particular exciting consideration will be how the Blue Jays deal with juggling Hillenbrand, Eric Hinske and Troy Glaus at 3rd base. Hillenbrand and Hinske will most likely DH with leftfielder Reed Johnson (.269 eight 58) and rightfielder Alex Rios (.262 10 59) rounding out the rest of the Toronto lineup. If the starting pitching can hold up, and the bats can remain productive expect the Blue Jays to maintain the summer fascinating in 2006.
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