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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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Feb 25, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons (5) looks on during spring training at Bobby Mattick Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons (5) looks on during spring training at Bobby Mattick Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2015 Predictions

Projected Lineup:

Mar 10, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Dalton Pompey (45) doubled during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at a spring training game at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Dalton Pompey (45) doubled during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at a spring training game at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
  1. SS, Jose Reyes (S)
  2. CF, Dalton Pompey (S)
  3. RF, Jose Bautista (R)
  4. 1B, Edwin Encarnacion (R)
  5. LF, Michael Saunders (L)
  6. 3B, Josh Donaldson (R)
  7. C, Russell Martin (R)
  8. DH, Justin Smoak (L)
  9. 2B, Ryan Goins (L)

Bench:

  • INF, Devon Travis (R)
  • C, Josh Thole (L)
  • INF, Maicer Izturis (S)
  • OF, Kevin Pillar (R)

Rotation:

  1. RHP, R.A. Dickey
  2. LHP, Mark Buehrle
  3. RHP, Drew Hutchison
  4. RHP, Aaron Sanchez
  5. LHP, Daniel Norris

Bullpen:

Aug 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Brett Cecil delivers a pitch against Detroit Tigers during the Jays 5-4 loss at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Brett Cecil delivers a pitch against Detroit Tigers during the Jays 5-4 loss at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
  • LHP, Brett Cecil (Closer)
  • RHP, Steve Delabar (Setup)
  • LHP, Aaron Loup (Setup)
  • RHP, Todd Redmond (Middle)
  • RHP, Chad Jenkins (Middle)
  • RHP, Miguel Castro (Middle)
  • RHP, Marco Estrada (Long)

Top Prospects:

  • RHP, Roberto Osuna
  • C, Max Pentecost
  • RHP, Jeff Hoffman
  • SS, Richard Urena

The 2015 Toronto Blue Jays look pretty fantastic on paper. Then again, we’ve been duped before.

So, how do we approach this?

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Blue Jays appear likely to wait until after trade deadline to activate Hyun Jin Ryu
Blue Jays appear likely to wait until after trade deadline to activate Hyun Jin Ryu /

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    • Well, the common sense method is with cautious optimism.

    Yes, the lineup finished fifth in the big leagues last year offensively and looks to have gotten better. Donaldson, Bautista and Encarnacion represent a No. 3, 4 and 5 that could compete with some of the best middle of the lineups in the game.

    Toronto’s success could come down to age and injuries.

    Having to pray that Reyes stays healthy and either Dickey or Buehrle can provide efficient innings is too much to ask. 2015 might be put in the young hands of prospects such as Sanchez, Pompey, Norris and Travis surprising to a level that overcomes some of the expected DL stints to come. Even Michael Saunders could loom large in the near future.

    While in theory the Blue Jays are a better team entering 2015, I’ve been burnt one too many times before. Something will go wrong.

    Unfortunately for Canadians, Toronto will compete for the AL Wild Card but come up a bit short.

    • Record: 85-77
    • Playoffs: Will Not Qualify

    Next: Tampa Bay Rays 2015 season preview and predictions

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