Led by Colby Rasmus and Brett Lawrie, the Blue Jays suddenly possess a deep and talented offence.
While the level of competition isn’t exactly playoff-calibre, the Blue Jays final trip out west has given their burgeoning stable of youngsters a chance to show everyone just what all the fuss has been about.
Where to start?
Well, look no further than the Canadian kid, Brett Lawrie. Everyone, me included, was tired of chewing our nails, tapping our feet and rapping our knuckles waiting the former product of the Langley Blaze to finally make his way to Toronto.
Well, to say it was worth the wait would be an understatement.
The numbers don’t lie through Lawrie’s first 13 games: .378 AVG, 10 RBI, 1.151 OPS, 6 for 14 with runners in scoring position. But what doesn’t show up on the stats page is the level of energy that he brings to the lineup, and just how hard he plays from first pitch to last. And an inconsequential play on Wednesday night, when he broke up a double play to keep an inning alive, will only add to his legend as if it needs any more hype.
Next, there is Colby Rasmus, in my mind, stolen from the Cardinals for a cache of pitchers who were never in the Jays’ long-term plans. While his bat has been slow to gain momentum, his two home runs over the past two games, have given Jays’ fans a glimpse of just how high his ceiling could be. His moon-shot home run at Safeco Field was the highest that I have ever witnessed.
Then he hit a similar bomb the next night against the Athletics. What I find most encouraging is how Rasmus is starting to gain acceptance from his new teammates and relaxing in his new surroundings after having to endure the constant glares and stares from Tony LaRussa during his final days with the Cardinals.
Also impressive has been his smooth defence in centre where he effortlessly glides to balls in the gaps.
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The addition of these two youngsters, coupled with the steady growth of Eric Thames, who wasn’t even on the radar back in February, has taken some of the pressure off Jose Bautista. The Jays’ slugger supreme was going through a slump about a week ago, but with the added offensive weapons has been getting his groove back.
The same holds true for Adam Lind and Edwin Encarnacion. Suddenly, from Yunel Escobar in the leadoff spot all the way down to Lawrie in the seven-hole, the Jays have an everyday lineup that is becoming tough to wade through for the opposition.
Realizing that the team has been in the midst of a soft spot in the schedule, you have to put this in perspective. The real test for these green Jays will come over the final 32 games of the schedule, where they play 26 times against teams over .500.
They include 19 games against the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays, teams that they will have to overcome in the coming years if they are truly to be considered. As it stands right now, offensively, they are well positioned to accept that challenge.
NOW, ABOUT THE PITCHING...
Ricky Romero has been on one of those rolls that Roy Halladay routinely gets on. During his five-game win streak, he has posted some ridiculous numbers: 0.89 ERA, .107 opponent’s batting average, 0.62 WHIP. It’s the most dominant run that Ricky has been on as a professional.
Coupled with the power arm of Brandon Morrow, whose 10.12 strikeouts per nine innings in his career puts him high on a list with the likes of Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Nolan Ryan and Sandy Koufax, gives the Jays a solid 1-2, left-right combo at the top of the rotation. Bring Brett Cecil back into the equation as he regains his form and the rotation is young (all are 27 and under) and gaining experience and confidence.
Lately, they have been getting a look at Henderson Alvarez (21) and Joel Carreno (24). These are exciting times for John Farrell and his coaching staff. Where there is a bit of concern moving forward however, is in the bullpen, with likely only Casey Janssen and Luis Perez on solid ground moving forward. Gathering relievers, along with finding an answer for the second base question, will be the prime focus this off-season.
But with the wave of pitching prospects coursing their way towards the parent club, all they will need to find out is whether someone, anyone, can turn into a closer.
When that happens, things will get really interesting at 1 Blue Jays Way.
