Will the Blue Jays advance to the ALDS this year?
Yes | 56 (87.50%) |
No | 8 (12.50%) |
Meanwhile, we live in hope.
The wild card could be Rogers' willingness to spend at the deadline if the Jays are in contention. I expect the Jays will need to add a key piece or two, and with a depleted farm system, the organization may need to take on salary to acquire the players they need to put them over the top.
I suppose you're right to identify Romero and health risks (Johnson, Morrow) as potential problems. But on the other hand, how many other teams will have a replacement as good as Happ waiting in the wings, a short drive away, available for promotion at the first sign of trouble? This alleviates a lot of the depth concern, in my view.
Romero is a good pitcher. He will figure out how to pitch well enough with his knees. With Morrow following Dickey, it will make his pitches better. He might not need to give 110% to be very effective. Johnson is no longer the Ace of a bad Team. Where he's situated in the Rotation should make it easier to be a very effective Pitcher. He might not need to give 110% to be very effective. That being said Happ starts in AAA. On almost all Teams he's their 3rd, 4th or 5th Starter. Lincoln would be a 4th or 5th Starter on close a third of most Teams. There's a big drop after those two, but we might not need them.
We acquired veteran players (check career stats) Izturis, Reyes, Bonifacio, Cabrera, and DeRosa. They will have something to say if 5-9 repeat 2012 faults. With 4 right-hand hitters, 2 left-hand hitters and 2 switch-hitters available, facing 5-9 should no longer be easy.
Rasmus no longers hits 1-4, no longer must be a big bat upon whom everyone relies, no longer must play through injuries. As a 2nd-year Arb, he's got two years to show what he has before any big decision needs to be made. Lind hits RHP well, and LHP badly. Can he improve or does the bench get more ABs when he`s platooned? Too many Pitchers can pitch late innings before it`s a worry. Too many have said good relievers are found everywhere and cheaply.
Most midseason trades acquire salary for lesser values so I don`t see that as a problem. Just wait to see what we need.