Fansided

MLB: 5 sleeping giants who will be contenders soon

By Robby Sabo

May 22, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey (33) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning of a game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey (33) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning of a game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 9, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos talks with reporters during the MLB Winter Meetings at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos talks with reporters during the MLB Winter Meetings at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Blue Jays

  • Last Winning Season: 2014, 83-79
  • Last Playoff Appearance: 1993, Won World Series
  • Organizational Ranking: No. 10
  • Target Breakout: 2015

We begin this list with the team suffering through one of the longest playoff droughts in sports.

Yet again, the Toronto Blue Jays have entered a season as one of those trendy picks to win 90 plus games in 2015. They are, without a doubt, an organization who has come well short of many lofty expectations placed in front of them.

It’s fascinating actually.

Regardless of how they disappoint us every season, most are still under the belief Toronto is on solid footing and trending upwards.

The first reason is ownership.

Once Jose Reyes was acquired in 2013, the franchise signaled to rest of baseball their “go for it” attitude was firmly in place. Then, shockingly and to further this sentiment, they sent two of their better prospects in Noah Syndergaard and Travis d’Arnaud packing for then 38-year old knuckleballer R.A. Dickey.

It was a trade that confused many, thinking the return wouldn’t be worth the risk of unloading such talent.

Regardless, the Blue Jays are still loaded with special prospects.

More than phenoms, they have four guys who have all made the 25-man roster out of spring.

Jays’ Prospects Already in the Show:

  • Aaron Sanchez, SP
  • Daniel Norris, SP
  • Dalton Pompey, OF
  • Devon Travis, 2B

This positions the Jays to breakout sooner, rather than later. Couple them with the veterans already intact and an explosion this season is a very real possibility north of the border.

Perhaps no other team in the bigs possesses a collection of talent that is extremely old and very young. Free agent signing and native-Canadian, Russell Martin, will prove to be a valuable haul. His excellent handling of a pitching staff will allow Aaron Sanchez, Daniel Norris, and Opening Day starter, Drew Hutchison, to come of age very quickly.

As long as injuries don’t strike to veteran mainstays (Jose Bautista, Jose Reyes and Edwin Encarnacion), 2015 will prove to be the first season the Blue Jays break out, resulting in a future with the phrase “model of consistency” attached to it.

With solid talent coming through the farm and an ownership base willing to do whatever it takes, Toronto is in a sunny place right now.

Next: North Side Optimism

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