Toronto Blue Jays 2015 season preview and predictions

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 17, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes (7) works out prior to the spring training game at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes (7) works out prior to the spring training game at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

3 Keys for Success

  1. Jose Reyes must stay healthy
  2. Bullpen contributions
  3. One of two ain’t bad – Dickey or Buehrle

It’s always the most obvious key to success for any team, but for this club it reigns supreme.

Bautista, Encarnacion, Dickey, Beuhrle, Martin, and yes, Jose Reyes, are all getting older which always presents its issues with injuries. Bautista and Encarnacion have both struggled over the past couple of seasons with staying on the field at times.

Ultimately though, Reyes staying healthy is critical.

He is their leadoff hitter and table setter for the rest of the big boys in the lineup. While the hope is youngster Dalton Pompey can eventually grow into a top of the order bat, he’s nowhere near ready.

Reyes stayed relatively healthy last season with 143 games played. Although in 2013 he struggled with only 93 appearances.

The lineup and rotation look solid. The bullpen on the other hand could be a crapshoot. Luckily for the Jays, most team’s bullpens are crapshoots.

Also luckily for the Jays, converted starter Brett Cecil took to the bullpen beautifully. His 2014 ended with a solid 2.70 ERA and a filthy 76 K in 53.2 IP. He and flamethrower Steve Delabar must be the top dogs in the late innings to set the tone for a solid group.

There’s no question young studs Aaron Sanchez and Daniel Norris are coming fast. Still, for the true transition from old to young to run smoothly either R.A. Dickey or Mark Beurhle need to come through with good seasons.

At 40 and 36-years old respectively, it’s tough to expect both guys to pitch great in 2015 – knuckleball or not.

Next: Season Predictions