Decision day is fast approaching for the Blue Jays. Today the biggest question was answered, Aaron Sanchez was named the number five starter. Gavin Floyd and Jesse Chavez will be in the bullpen and Drew Hutchison has been optioned to Buffalo. For Sanchez, his hard work over the winter paid off with his selection. For Hutchison, his hard work over the winter did not pay off as he has been dispatched. The Hutchison decision shows that spring training often does not change pre-conceived ideas. Since January everyone has been talking about Hutch heading to Buffalo but he came into camp and pitched very well. Credit to him but it changed nothing. It is reassuring that there is a good sixth starter in Buffalo when the need arrives.
The stories out of Florida suggest that Gibbons wanted Sanchez in the rotation. Presumably Floyd's previous employers, Atkins and Shapiro, were on the other side of the discussion. Sanchez will not be a starter for a full 32 starts, he will have to go to the bullpen at some stage if he remains uninjured.
The fifth starter decision now brings the bullpen issue into focus. Storen, Osuna, Cecil, Floyd and Chavez are in. Two spots remain.
The fourth outfielder is the final decision. Edwin will play a minor league game today and barring a setback should make the opening day roster. Expect cuts to come regularly over the next couple of days.
The Jays have three days left in Florida. Thursday is a travel day followed by Friday and Saturday games in Montreal. Sunday at four o'clock is the start of six, or seven, months of fun.
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