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Toronto Blue Jays 2015 season preview and predictions

By Robby Sabo

Sep 7, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes (7) congratulates right fielder Jose Bautista (19) after a three run home run during the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes (7) congratulates right fielder Jose Bautista (19) after a three run home run during the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 14, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) doubles during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) doubles during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Additions

  • 3B, Josh Donaldson (Trade with Athletics)
  • C, Russell Martin (Free Agent)
  • DH, Justin Smoak (Waivers)
  • SP, Marco Estrada (Trade with Brewers)
  • OF, Michael Saunders (Trade with Mariners)
  • 2B, Devon Travis (Trade with Tigers)

While catcher Russell Martin represents the Blue Jays only major signing in the offseason, their overall activity can be described as high. Four separate trades with the Athletics, Mariners, Tigers and Brewers completely changed much of the middle part of the 25-man roster.

Since Jose Reyes was acquired from the Marlins in 2013, the Toronto front office has signaled a “go for it” attitude. R.A. Dickey was acquired for a potential franchise catcher in Travis d’Arnaud and arm in Noah Syndergaard, and every move thereafter has been much in the same, including this past offseason.

Josh Donaldson was the big fish.

After Billy Beane went mad (reportedly over a squabble), he furiously shipped his star third baseman out of town for disappointing and oft-injured Brett Lawrie and a few prospects.

The Michael Saunders acquisition from Seattle for J.A. Happ was perhaps the most praised transaction for Canada’s team this past Hot Stove.

Key Losses

  • OF, Melky Cabrera (Free Agent)
  • OF, Colby Rasmus (Free Agent)
  • OF, Anthony Gose (Trade with Tigers)
  • 1B/OF Adam Lind (Trade with Brewers)
  • 3B, Brett Lawrie (Trade with Athletics)
  • SP, J.A. Happ (Trade with Mariners)

There’s no questioning the Blue Jays upped the level of talent for the 2015 season. Still though, Melky Cabrera fleeing for the South Side of Chicago will hurt the lineup a bit.

Cabrera was the only Toronto regular from a season ago that hit above .300. There plan is to have Donaldson’s right hand bat replace Melky in the middle of that potentially explosive lineup.

Other than Cabrera, the other losses can be handled easily.

Adam Lind enjoyed a few good seasons, but 2014 saw struggles. Anthony Gose was a nice youngster, but going to Detroit in a prospect for prospect deal helped Toronto bolster its infield depth with Devon Travis coming in.

Next: Players to Watch

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