How will Jays be in 08?

Question

Barring injury, this team looks like a playoff team. Won 83 games despite all the injuries this year. Can they compete for the wild card and give the Bosox somewhat of a challenge to win the division?

Answer 1

The Blue Jays are simply not good enough to contend for the AL East. The division belongs to the Red Sox and Yankees. Simple as that.

Answer 2

First off, it's ridiculous for people to just say they'll finish third, without offering any reason why that might be. If they can get some help at a couple of key spots, the Jays have a decent shot at playoff contention.

The pitching staff has been among the AL's best the last few years, and they had the second-best team ERA last season. If Burnett stays healthy and Ryan returns to what he was, there's no reason they shouldn't be better. Halladay-Burnett is an excellent one-two combo, and Dustin McGowan has quickly developed into a good mid-rotation guy. Shawn Marcum is about as good a fourth starter as you'll find anywhere, and they've got a few options for the fifth spot. Litsch did a good job there last season, and should get another shot.

My biggest concerns this year are at catcher and shortstop. They're committed to Zaun as the starter, and that's a worry given that he doesn't provide much offense from that position. Same goes for short - John McDonald is excellent defensively, but a .279 OBP is unacceptable for a starter. I'm pretty happy with the other spots, especially what could be a great outfield if Lind continues to develop.

They should definitely improve upon last season's mark. The question is, how much will the teams ahead of them improve? That will likely have a big impact on where the Jays finish next season.

Answer 3

If you look up "Third Place" in the Good Book of Words, you see a Blue Jay.

They OWN it.

Answer 4

sucky. like always.

~26>7~