With just under three weeks until opening night against the Tigers, the Blue Jays 25-man roster is slowly starting to take shape.
Manager Cito Gaston told the media that his starting rotation will take shape late this week so that the chosen five can start building up innings and arm strength.
Despite the fact that Vernon Wells has yet to play this spring, several players have been off with their native countries playing at the World Baseball Classic, and their roster is finally pared down to a more manageable number, there are still some question marks as the Blue Jays head into the final two weeks of training camp.
Forty per cent of the rotation is undecided
Roy Halladay and Jesse Litsch were the only locks when the team assembled in February. Since then, David Purcey has done nothing to be removed from the No. 3 spot (7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K). After that Matt Clement, Brad Mills, Scott Richmond, Casey Janssen and Ricky Romero are still in camp.
Clement, based upon his experience and the fact that he appears to be past his health issues, looks like he’ll be the No. 4. Mills, who has surprised everyone with his poise, tools and deceptive delivery, could break camp with the big club, but in the long run would probably be best served by starting the year in the minors pitching against experienced hitters every fifth day. The same holds true for Romero, their much-maligned first round pick in 2004 who has still only made seven total starts at AAA. Richmond is slightly behind the rest after rotting on the Team Canada bench during their brief WBC appearance. If he can build up innings the rest of this month, with the fifth starter not needed as much in the early weeks of the season, Richmond may be slotted as a swingman, or start the year in Las Vegas taking a regular turn. Then there is Janssen, who missed all of last season following shoulder surgery. Ideally they would like him to be the fifth starter, based on the deep bullpen. But, in my mind, his best role may be as a long reliever, especially if the starters leave games as early as might be expected. That may make Janssen very valuable as a once-through-the-order type who will shut down the opposition and allow the offence to get back into games. The same could also be said for Brian Tallet, if Janssen is going to be used in a starting capacity.
More production from the corner infielders.
Last season, injuries to third baseman Scott Rolen led to a big fall off in his effectiveness at the plate. First baseman Lyle Overbay was returning from a broken hand the year prior and never fully recovered his extra-base stroke. This led to holes in the lineup that were exposed. A return to form, meaning just an average season from the two veterans, would mean nine extra home runs and 20 doubles, exactly what this sub-standard offence needs. So far this spring, Overbay has been limited to just six games of action after off-season hernia surgeries while Rolen has made most of his appearances in B-games while he tries to rediscover his stroke. They are still question marks.
Who is the back-up catcher?
The talk heading into camp was that top prospect J.P. Arencibia had the inside track to back up Rod Barajas, while defensively superior Brian Jeroloman would also get a long look. They also brought in Raul Chavez and Michael Barrett, both with Major League experience. With the Jays not even close to contending, the decision was made earlier this week to send Arencibia and Jeroloman to the minor league camp for more seasoning. That was the correct call. Currently, it appears that Chavez has the inside track at the back-up job due better pitch-calling skills.
Is Travis Snider ready for prime time?
No doubt about it. He’s hit at every level of the minors, and his .301, two HR, 13 RBI audition in 24 September games last season proved that he can flat out hit. He’s followed it up this spring looking like he’s here to stay, leading the club with eight RBI in 12 games with a gaudy .571 average. He’ll be the everyday left fielder with Adam Lind serving as the DH.
Any surprises?
Absences due to the World Baseball Classic and injuries have allowed several players to get longer looks than normal. Two players have stood out: outfielder Jason Lane and infielder Scott Campbell. Lane has gotten many reps in centre subbing for Wells and he’s made the most of his opportunities, leading the team with four home runs in 14 games. Campbell, who’s never played above AA hasn’t looked out of place, hitting above .300 the entire spring and looking like he’s a good option should Aaron Hill have any setbacks.
Conclusions:
Save for the early injury to Wells, things have been very quiet this camp, probably a reflection of having Cito back to run the show. It’s a nice change. Hopefully it will translate into the regular season.
