TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Rotation
1. LHP Ricky Romero - Started off the year very strong but didn't keep it up the whole season. There's no doubt he has the tools to handle Major League hitters but his main drawback is control which will get any starter in trouble. I think 2010 was very representative of what he'll do in 2011. His main strength is K's & hanging in games to get the W.
2. RHP Brandon Morrow - I've always liked his ability, particularly the fact that he can be overpowering and a K machine. Negatives are a history of getting injured (something a fantasy player needs to stay away from at any position) and wildness. He turned it around a bit last year offering a glimpse of what is possible if staying healthy. He could offer great rewards as a starter if you're willing to gamble on his durability.
3. LHP Brett Cecil - Never thought much of his ability but apparently he says a change in his mechanics has made a difference. Did show flashes last year and I know its early and spring stats need to be taken with a grain of salt but last time I looked, he was the MLB leader in K's. This could be a surprise year for him.
4. RHP Kyle Drabek - As with all young players, he bears watching before getting on the bandwagon. Great bloodlines give him a leg up for experience and he certainly has the tools to succeed. I don't think he'll rack up monster K stats but could help a fantasy team as a free agent pick up.
5. RHP Jesse Litsch or LHP Marc Rzepczynski - Litsch does have the ability to win games and Rzepczynski also showed promise before injuries took their toll. Watch list players.
Closer
RHP Frank Francisco (Closer) - Anointed closer who had success in Texas before being replaced by rookie Feliz. Certainly has the tools to close but lack of consistency led to his downfall with the Rangers. I see him initially doing the job in Toronto but pay close attention as a gaff could easily lead to him being removed from the closer's role here. Draftable as a 2nd closer. Three other candidates are next.
RHP Jon Rauch - I think he'll be given the 1st shot to step in if Francisco falters. An imposing figure on the mound & K machine but has a tendency to get hit with regularity on occassion.
RHP Octavio Dotel - Has closed before for other teams and does retain his fastball. Probably 2nd in line after Rauch but not very consistent anymore.
RHP Jason Frasor - Has closed for this team before but apparently management found something lacking in his ability to do this. Was very inconsistent in this role and probably won't get the chance again unless in a spot closing role.
Lineup
1. CF Rajai Davis (R) - A speed merchant who started to hit last year. Should turn in some fairly solid numbers in runs scored, SB and hit for a decent average. Should be given freedom to run in Toronto. Unless you target SB early, a 3rd OF.
2. SS Yunel Escobar (R) - I admit I'm totally baffled here. Started to show great promise as a budding star in Atlanta but injuries may have been responsible for a regression. I still believe he can hit for a decent average, provide more than an average SS in HR and RBIs but probably not much in SB. A worthwhile gamble as a backup SS.
3. 3B Jose Bautista (R) - No one is expecting him to approach the HR numbers of last year but a change in his swing was responsible for this improvement. I'm not a huge fan of his ability and was completely caught off guard by his 2010 numbers. His place in this lineup will assure the power numbers will be more than respectable but a low average and plenty of K's will hurt. A starter at 3B.
4. 1B Adam Lind (L) - Another head scratcher who regressed last year. Has all the tools to produce All-Star power numbers and smack dab in the middle of a powerful lineup. I see an uptick this year. A backup 1B candidate who could produce very solid numbers this year including a better batting average.
5. 2B Aaron Hill (R) - Another example of taking a step back in 2010 from a monster year before. Injury could have been a factor. I see 2011 with power numbers slightly better than last year and a big improvement in batting average. A starter at 2B.
6. LF Travis Snider (L) - Starts 2011 as a sure starter and I think the organization is "all in" to give him more than an opportunity to succeed. I believe the Bluejays will be rewarded for this approach. Started to put it together near the end of last year and should continue by producing big power numbers and a vastly improved BA & runs scored. Surprised by getting 6 SB in 2010 as well. While not a pure base stealer, could hit double digits this year. I like him as a break out candidate and 3rd OF.
7. DH Edwin Encarnacion (R) - From Toronto to Oakland and back this off season. Certainly not a prospect anymore. Did most of his HR damage in September of last year on a wild tear. I consider him an average ball player who won't put up worthwhile fantasy numbers this year. If he gets on another hot streak this, a waiver/free agent pick up might give your team a temporary boost in the power numbers but you'll take a hit in BA.
8. RF Juan Rivera (R) - This Angel import will give you the occasional power boost like Encarnacion but will hit for a higher average as a rule. I don't think he's draftable in a 10 team league, though.
9. C J.P. Arencibia (R) - A prospect who will be given every chance to produce this year. The recent influx of catchers who can hit is a welcome infusion to a historically meager offensive position. Depending on how he does early on, he could move up to 7th in the batting order as the season progresses. His "cup of coffee" call up in 2010 didn't produce much other than 2 HR in 35 AB but with 11K. He's also off to a rocky start this spring so I'm not sure drafting him in a 10 team league makes sense unless you're really in the need for a 2nd catcher. Watch list candidate who could put it together this year as his minor league hitting credentials are solid. I just hope he's not a 4A player (great in the minors but can't hit MLB pitching).
Possibilities
RHP Zach Stewart - I think he's polished enough to be given a shot at the Toronto rotation but more than likely will not make the opening day squad. His early spring training stats sure don't merit consideration but I believe he has the tools to have good success in the pros. The 5th starter slot in the Bluejay rotation does anything but fill me with confidence so a May/June call up in certainly in the cards. Prime Watch List candidate.
2B/3B/OF Brett Lawrie (R) - I'm not sure there's a place for him in Toronto this year but may be called up if Encarnacion or Rivera falters. Part of the deal that sent Marcum to Milwaukee, he's hit everywhere in the minors and there's no reason to suspect he won't continue at the Major League level. Should be on your watch list.
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