The venerable Sporting News, which has become a better magazine
recently with its move to a more feature-oriented bi-weekly publication
schedule, has in its latest issue its annual MLB preview, including
"Offseason Grades" for each big league club. Just four major league
teams received a "D" -- the Twins, Astros, Padres and Pirates -- for
their offseason work. There were all sorts of Bs, a few C's, some A's
-- even an A+ for the Yankees.
Oh wait,. There was one "F" ... ladies and gentlemen, your Toronto Blue Jays!
Here's the entire Jays preview, brief but pointed ...
KEY ADDITIONS: C Michael Barrett, SP Matt Clement, C Raul Chavez, OF Jason Lane, DH Randy Ruiz, SS Brandon Fahey, SP Mike Maroth.
KEY LOSSES: SP A.J. Burnett, C GRegg Zaun, IF/OF Brad Wilkerson, OF Kevin Mench, RP John Parrish
WATCH OUT FOR:
Barrett's list of recent injuries was extensive before he caught a foul
ball to his face that caused multipkle fractures and ended his 2008
season in early July. He wasn't in high demand this offseason, but he
still has offensive potential.
OFFSEASON GRADE: F
NOW HEAR THIS:
"Nobody wants to lose a guy like A.J. Burnett, who's out there every
fifth day," says 1996 A.L. Cy Young Award winnfer and former Blue Jay Pat Hentgen.
"It's a big blow. But what staff is better equipped to take it than the
one with the best ERA? They have guys in the minor leagues who are
probably going to get a taste of it this year. Then you add Matt
Clement and Mike Maroth -- both have had some injuries, but also have
been big league starters."
https://www.battersbox.ca/article.php?story=20090219223743927