New Manager Takes Over Toronto Blue Jays
After the retirement of Cito Gaston, John Farrell has taken over as manager of the Toronto Blue Jays. Farrell inherits a team full of good young pitchers and a lineup of hitters with explosive power. But as fans know, the American League Eastern Division is perhaps the toughest in baseball to win win because of the presence of perennial contenders New York, Boston and recently, Tampa Bay.
Gone from last years team is closer Kevin Gregg who saved 37 games and also Jeremy Accardo, both of whom left to join the division rival Baltimore Orioles. Replacing them though are a cast of pitchers who once were closers on other clubs.
John Farrell is the new manager. Farrell was pitching coach of the division rival Boston Red Sox from 2006 to 2010, so he knows the A. L. East well. After working with star pitchers like Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and Jonathan Papelbon, he will now oversee a nucleus of Blue Jays pitchers who could be on the verge of accomplishing great success.
Also added to the relief mix is former Rangers closer Frank Francisco. Francisco saved 25 games for Texas in 2009 and has averaged 66 strikeouts, a 3.43 earned run average and an impressive 1.16 WHIP. Along with the solid Shawn Camp and Jesse Carlson, the additions to the Toronto bullpen should make them deeper and even more effective.
Last season, third baseman Jose Bautista led all of baseball with 54 home runs. His former career best was 16 home runs, leading many to wonder if he can come close to his 2010 numbers. Even if he hits between 30 to 40 home runs, Bautista would provide a major force in the middle of the Toronto batting order.
Of course, one of the biggest developments in the off season for Toronto was the trade of long time fan favorite Vernon Wells. Wells was traded to the Angels in a salary saving move designed to give the Blue Jays payroll flexibility in the future. In the trade, the Jays got Mike Napoli, a power hitting catcher, and Juan Rivera, an outfielder, in return. Just days after the trade, Toronto flipped Napoli to the Texas Rangers in exchange for reliever Frank Francisco. Rivera is another power bat option capable of 25 home runs if healthy.
At just 23, outfielder Travis Snider is already entering his third major league season. Injuries plagued Snider last year, but he still hit . 255 with 14 homers and 32 RBIs, but he finished the season strong, hitting six homers in September. If he puts it all together as expected, Snider is seen as easily a 30 homer, 100 RBI hitter.
Drabek in particular could be a key to Blue Jays success this season. He could solidify an already strong Toronto rotation that gives the Blue Jays quality innings. Along with the added speed of Podsednik and Davis to blend in with the already formidable power, the team should score plenty of runs. With a veteran bullpen full of former closers, they should be able to protect leads as well. The 2011 season should be fun for Jays fans and the future looks bright.
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