2009 Toronto Blue Jays Predictions

Written March 24, 2009 by Jason Lowry

blue-jays-baseball Life was already tough for the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East, and with the Rays looking like they are going to be good for at least a few more years, it really makes it difficult for the Blue Jays to jump to the top of the division. Last year the Blue Jays finished 10 games above .500 at 86-76, but finished 11 games back of the Rays for the AL East title and 9 games behind the Red Sox, who won the Wild Card spot. The Blue Jays are expected to continue on with their youth movement, and while they have the talent to compete, its unlikely the kids will have what it takes to lead this team past the trio at the top of the division in 2009. The Rays took a decent sized blow to the starting rotation when A.J. Burnett backed his bags and headed to the rival Yankees in free agency. There are a lot of questions surrounding the Blue Jays this season, but remember this was a team many thought would compete for the AL East title in 2008, and even though it started slow and those expectation dwindled as the season wore on, the Blue Jays finished with a winning record for the 3rd straight season. Here is a closer look at the 2009 Toronto Blue Jays and how I see them finishing in the AL East this season. Bet Blue Jays +3500 to win AL East at Sportsbook.com

Offense: The Blue Jays might be moving to a more younger look, but there are still some veteran names like 3B Scott Rolen and CF Vernon Wells. Rolen struggled in his first season as a Blue Jay hitting just .262 with 11 home runs in 115 games. While Rolen success is important, Wells is the heart and soul of this team, and needs a monster year if the Blue Jays are going stick around and make things interesting. Besides Wells look out for a big year from RF Alex Rios, who could be ready to become a star in this league. The youth factor is taking over with 21-year-old stud LF Travis Snider, who hit .301 with 2 home runs and 13 RBIs in just 24 games. Another important bat is that of first baseman Lyle Overbay, who showed signs of returning to his rookie numbers, hitting .270 with 15 home runs in 2008. The Blue Jays are also hoping to get a healthy 2B Aaron Hill, who played in just 55 games in 2008. The team looks like they are going to let Adam Lind earn his spot at the DH this season, and Lind could put up some big numbers given the chance, as he hit .280 with 9 home runs in 88 games last year. The only question is at catcher where it looks like Rod Barajas will be the starter, but don’t be surprised to see newly acquired Michael Barret and Curtis Thigpen battle for playing time as well. The offense could go in any direction in 2009, and while I think it will be a productive unit, I don’t think it has the bats to keep up with the star studded pitching rotations of the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays. Bet Blue Jays +4000 to win AL Pennant at Sportsbook.com

Pitching: The Blue Jays might of loss a big piece of their starting rotation in Burnett, but they still have one of the top pitchers in the game in Roy Halladay, who was outstanding in 2008 winning 20 games with a solid 2.78 ERA. The rotation also took a hit with the injuries to Dustin McGowan and Shaun Marcum, as McGowan will be out early with a shoulder injury and Marcum is out for the season. That means Jesse Litsch and David Purcey will have to really step up in the No.2 and No.3 spots. The final two spots are a little shaky in Casey Janssen and Scott Richmond, as neither did much of anything in 2008. The Blue Jays are also keeping a close eye on Matt Clement, but who knows what he has left in the tank, as he hasn’t thrown a pitch in a big league game since 2006. The bullpen could be a big time strength for the Blue Jays, as they could have two quality closers at the back end of their rotation in B.J. Ryan and Jeremy Accardo. After missing most of 2007, Ryan returned to form in 2008 saving 32 of 36 games, while Accardo hopes to return to the form of 2007 where he filled in for Ryan and saved 30 games with a 2.14 ERA. The team also has talent in Jesse Carlson and Scott Downs, and if the starters can get this group with a lead, they should be able to get the job done. Bet Blue Jays +7500 to win World Series at Sportsbook.com

Prediction: 4th in AL East. I like where this team is headed, but this division is just too good for this team to jump to the top with the starting rotation it looks like it will send to the mound in 2009. I think the Blue Jays are better than the Orioles and should not finish in the bottom of this division, but I feel like they really struggle to finish above .500 when its all said and done.

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4 Comments

Comments

4 Responses to “2009 Toronto Blue Jays Predictions”

Rudy on March 24th, 2009 5:24 pm

“Kyle Overbay”
Well nothing you write about the Jays has any value!

Reply
Bret Harley on March 27th, 2009 1:25 pm

Blue Jays finish 1st in 2009! Kyle Overbay is going to lead them all the way.

Reply
Mitt Mittdron on March 30th, 2009 1:54 pm

You said Rays instead of Jays at one point. Good work! Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat.

Reply
Daniel Johnston on May 5th, 2009 6:03 pm

Who writes this stuff? Please tell me you are not paying him.

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