| Scott Miller's Take |
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Burning question is, will a club-record $93 million payroll produce yet another third-place finish? There is enough talent here to push Toronto into first or second place in the AL East. But there are enough questions here following last summer's incredible run of injuries that even second place could be more difficult to navigate than Yonge St. in an ice storm. Video Outlook
Strengths
I like the left side of Toronto's infield better this year than last. Third baseman Scott Rolen, Tony La Russa's arch-enemy, and shortstop David Eckstein both are winning, dirt-under-the-fingernails players who will add grit to a team that has been too soft at times. Roy Halladay is a perennial Cy Young candidate, and if A.J. Burnett can stay on the field, Toronto has itself a terrific 1-2 punch. And while they're under the radar, starters Shawn Marcum and Dustin McGowan are growing into their shoes. Toronto's rotation allowed the second-fewest runs of any in the AL last year, which is especially impressive given the 567 games -- or whatever -- against the Yankees and Boston. Alex Rios needs to play a full season rather than taper off significantly after the All-Star break.
Weaknesses
Closer B.J. Ryan came up with a sore arm late in spring, and that's the kind of stuff that can ruin a season. Toronto needs him, and if he can't go, yeah, maybe Jeremy Accardo can close again but it removes depth from a bullpen in need of it. Manager John Gibbons is entering the final season of his contract, and a slow start could bring on any number of distractions relating to that.
Difference Maker
Vernon Wells. Toronto thinks enough of him to have signed Wells to a seven-year, $126 million deal before the '06 season, and he promptly went out, messed up a shoulder and needed surgery last season. He wound up with a .245 average, 16 home runs and 80 RBI. The Jays need far more than that.
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| Top Prospects |
| 1. |
Travis Snider, OF |
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There's immense potential here, but they'll have to wait for it.
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| 2. |
Ryan Patterson, OF |
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Decent power, but he will have to make better contact to improve.
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| 3. |
John Tolisano, 2B |
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Teenager draftee showed well in GCL, especially with pop at 2B.
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| 4. |
Sergio Santos, SS |
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Ex-D-Back showed good pop at SS, but Eckstein's blocking him now.
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| 5. |
Robinson Diaz, C |
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Could be midseason call-up if injuries hit.
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Complete AL East prospects |
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A.J. Burnett caught his fingernail in a car door in November and it could affect his curve ball for the first few weeks of the season. (AP)
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| Team Info |
2007 record: 83-79 (3rd in AL East)
Manager: John Gibbons, 5th year (261-272)
Stadium: Rogers Centre (49,539; artificial)
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| Lineup |
| No. | Player | Comment |
| 1. | D. Eckstein, SS | The 16th SS for the club since 2001 |
| 2. | L. Overbay, 1B | Came on strong in spring after a disappointing injury-filled '07 |
| 3. | A. Rios, RF | Finished '07 with a career-high 24 homers, 85 RBI and 17 steals |
| 4. | F. Thomas, DH | Joined the 500-HR club last season |
| 5. | V. Wells, CF | Huge part of the Jays' offense if he can rebound |
| 6. | S. Rolen, 3B | Change could be good for him but production has been on the decline |
| 7. | A. Hill, 2B | Tallied a club record 47 doubles |
| 8. | S. Stewart, LF | The veteran OF will likely platoon with M. Stairs who will bat vs. RHP |
| 9. | G. Zaun, C | In the second year of a two-year deal |
| Pitching |
| Rotation | Comment |
| 1. |
R. Halladay (R) |
Led the Jays in innings pitched (225.1) and wins (16) last season |
| 2. |
A.J. Burnett (R) |
Threw 165.2 innings and finished 10-8 with a 3.75 ERA |
| 3. |
D. McGowan (R) |
Held right-handed hitters to a .198 average |
| 4. |
S. Marcum (R) |
Rebounding from a September knee injury and surgery |
| 5. |
J. Litsch (R) |
Made the jump last season from Class-AA |
| Closer |
Comment |
| J. Accardo (R) |
Will move back to setup role once B.J. Ryan returns |
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