What does the rest of the AL East think of the 2010 Jays?(Part 5 of 5)

February 11th, 2010 | by jays1992 |

The answes to my nine questions are vital to the Jays in 2010

Today, I have come up with my own answers to the nine questions I posed to my peers in the AL East.

1. Who will be the predominant leadoff batter for Toronto this season?

The early indications are that Jose Bautista will get the first chance to take on the role of leadoff hitter for Toronto. Manager Cito Gaston has stated that he likes Bautista’s patience and ability to work the work. He is also one of the club’s better baserunners, in the absence of a bona fide base stealer.

2 Adam Lind and Aaron Hill were both Silver Slugger winners last year. Do you see a drop in production from either of them this season?

When you look back at their niumbers, both were among the very best sets of power stats in all of baseball and might be viewed as career years for both of these talented youngsters. Can they possibly repeat these totals? I say, “yes”, but will differentiate between the two of them. I think Lind has the more natural power stroke but we are hearing that he may play first base, left field or DH. If they could narrow that role, I would really like his chances. On the other hand, Hill has no such issues. In fact a year ago, there was serious concern about what kind of comeback season he would have. This year, he begins from a high level of comfort and confidence in his ability.

So I think Hill will have the easier time in repeating his 2009 marks.

3 Should the Jays resign Carlos Delgado as their likely DH or should they look at internal options?

As much as I was a big fan of Delgado, the Jays have a host of healthy options to take on the roles at first base and in the DH slot. Lind is a candidate, as are Lyle Overbay, Randy Ruiz and Brian Dopirak, to say nothing of hot prospect, Brett Wallace.

4 Brandon Morrow has been a starter/reliever throughout his time is Seattle. Where would he be most valuable to the Jays?

He has been jerked around between the roles of starter and reliever throughout his time in Seattle and has openly stated his preference for one role. Given his live arm, his ability to keep his hits totals down, compared to innings pitched, to go along with his ability to get the big strikeout totals, he might be a project who will pan out in the 3 or 4 spot in this rotation. The fact that he is a righty and the Jays need to identify at least three right handed arms in a rotation that was skewed to the left side during much of last season.

5 Where would you bat Vernon Wells and where should he play in the field?

I think Vernon gets one more chance to start the season in centerfield and I would bat him in the sixth spot in the order. Lind and Hill should get the three and four holes. Given Wells’ huge contract he needs to play. If his work in centre falters, they could always move him to left or right.

6 What do you expect out of Edwin Encarnacion this season offensively?

He starts his first full season armed with knowledge that he is the everyday third baseman for the Jays. He’s also armed with his late-season power surge from last season, to take away any lingering concerns over a wrist injury early last year. He can also point to a 26 homer year in 2008 and a .289 batting average in 2007, when he was healthy. I would bat him fifth and see if he can have a big offensive year.

7 Who will be the Jays MVP this season?

Aaron Hill was vitally important at bat and in the field. His professional approach and durability last year really made him a “glue” guy on the roster. His quiet leadership will be a focal point for this team gong forward.

8. Who is the sleeper pick, from this roster and why?

If he sticks, in the outfield and more particularly at the top of the batting order, I like Jose Bautista as a sleeper. He could score a lot of runs ahead of the group of power hitters in the middle of this order. I just like the situation that is available to him. I felt the same way about Marco Scutaro last season and that was a great pick.

9 Let’s say, on Opening Day, the Jays lead by a run in the top of the ninth. The reliever who comes on to close will be ________.

I think the Jays would like to see a real flame-thrower with an intimidating presence, to take on that role. Jason Frasor and Scott Downs have done a decent job in short term appearances as last’s year’s closer options. However, newly acquired Kevin Gregg needs to get a shot, based on his 84 saves over the last three seasons. Put simply, the guy is a closer and assuming he’s over the injuries that cut last season short, he ought to get a chance to strut his stuff. If he falters, the other two options will again get shot at the role.