1. Rotation Order - I would be insulating if I didn't assume that the average fan didn't already know the 5 guys who will be making up the Blue Jays rotation this year, but the order that they are going to appear in is another thing. Drew Hutchison looks to get the start in NYC on the 6th. Makes sense. Good record against the Yanks, a good step forward for a young kid and I think he'll be up to the challenge. From there probably RA Dickey on day two in NYC. What I don't like here is that he has to start a night game in April, but the other option is to start him in Baltimore and he doesn't pitch well there, so I guess this is ok. Daniel Norris will probably finish out the Yankees series which makes sense as throwing a LHP against a heavy LH hitting line-up. The team then leaves for Baltimore and the Orioles home opener. Giving Buerhle the ball here works and keeps him from pitching in NYC which is pretty much a burial ground for him. That leaves Sanchez for game two against the Orioles. Not bad...I like it.
2. If there's anyone out there that doesn't think Devon Travis isn't starting the season as the 2nd baseman is fooling themselves. Gibby was on PTS today and only had good things to say, now i'm not taking this as gospel, but I would think this is a given. I guess the bigger question is what happens to Travis once Izturis is all fixed up and ready to go?
3. Who makes up the bench on opening day? Well we heard John Gibbons today say that they will not be taking 3 catchers north so that pretty much means that Thole will be in Buffalo. Steve Tolleson is out of options and Valencia can actually hit so Super Utility infielder Ryan Goins will also be in Buffalo if they indeed decide to go with a 7 man bullpen, but I think it's going to be an 8 man pen until Saunders is activated off the DL and they send one of the Bullpen guys over the peace bridge. So...Bench on April 6th. Navarro, Valencia and Tolleson. When Saunders is activated Navarro, Valencia, Tolleson and Pillar.
*Only thing I don't like here is that there's no real guy who can cover SS if needed.
4. So looks as if they Jays will indeed go with an 8 Man pen to start the season more as a way to try to sneak a player back to Buffalo when Saunders comes back. Anyway here is my Bullpen.
- Brett Cecil
- Aaron Loup
- Marco Estrada
- Miguel Castro
- Roberto Osuna
- Todd Redmond
- Colt Hynes
- Liam Hendriks
Love that there's three LHP in there! Love that the kids are there, still think it's great to throw guys know one has ever seen before in quick spurts, makes it harder for teams to get a read on them. When it's time for Saunders to come back, I think it's pretty clear that it's Hendriks that they try to sneak back to Buffalo.
5. So I was planning on using this part to talk about how Justin Smoak was going to win the battle between him and Derick Barton for the 1st base job. Well low and behold Barton was assigned to minor league camp earlier today and that means that Smoak is coming to the Big Smoke. Much has been said about Smoak's stellar defence and how it will help out the Left Side of the infield, but I really do think his bat is going to come alive in Toronto.
Love this time of the year! #cometogether #gojaysgo
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