Anchored by the best pitcher in baseball, the Jays rotation won't be nearly as bad in 2009 as experts believe it will. Instead young arms and reclaimation projects will give Jays fans plenty to be encouraged and excited about this coming baseball season.
Roy Halladay went 20-11 in 2008
Reflection on the 2008 offence is simple. It was a bust. A travesty. So horrible, the offence was the sole reason why the Jays didn't qualify for the postseason. Looking ahead to 2009 the batting order remains much the same, and oh, plus a healthy Aaron Hill and that's not a bad thing. What if instead of career 'worsts' Jays hitters have career bests? Jeeez, anything North of last season's debacle will do. And if that's the case we may finally witness that explosive Jays' offence we've only been told about.
Anything is possible, but what about the pitching?
The bullpen should be money. Virtually the same as last season. And last season's unit was pretty good. The game's best, actually. Much of the concern for 2009 has rightly focussed on the Jays expected lack of depth in the rotation. Ok, Doc is in. So who's next? Jesse Litsch? Matt Clement? Canadian, Scott Richmond? A returned and healthy Casey Janssen or even trialist Mike Maroth? Its not exactly a championship calibre staff. Hey, there's talented David Purcey! He can pitch when he's not walking the bases full. Much talked about prospect Brett Cecil will be given a look in Spring Training. Some think he'll have stuff good enough for an instant shot in the bigs. Others believe he belongs back in the minors, to season. No sweat either way. As long as Cecil contributes for the Jays in the major leagues at some point in the not so distant future. Whether its a proving ground for future superstars or platform-of-pain for kids who'll cruely learn they're not good enough, the Jays rotation will no doubt include the proverbial revolving door. They'll come, they'll go and what's encouraging, it'll be nowhere near as depressing as the rotation JP Ricciardi cobbled together a few seasons back. Remember? Victor Zambrano, John Thompson and Tomo Ohka? They days weren't very long, but they were depressing. Brutal. Then again, having bums like that around turned out to be a blessing. You see, their collective failure offered up opportunities to the potential and promise of Shaun Marcum and Dustin McGowan, two guys who'll be missed so much in 2009.
The hitters are due. The starters will surprise. The pen will be continue to be strong.
In short... take'em lightly. I dare ya.
nj's opening day rotation:
Halladay - the best, uhh, the greatest
Litsch - innings eater, strike machine, smart.
Clement - last shot, injury riddled, scrap heap
Purcey - good stuff, trouble with control
Janssen - coming off injury, gamer, potential
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