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5 Reasons the Toronto Blue Jays can win the World Series

By Jason Evans

Aug 8, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak (13) is congratulated by his teammates after hitting a grand slam home run in the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak (13) is congratulated by his teammates after hitting a grand slam home run in the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 6, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Dioner Navarro (30) celebrates the win with Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Bo Schultz (47) at the end of a game against the Minnesota Twins at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 9-3. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 6, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Dioner Navarro (30) celebrates the win with Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Bo Schultz (47) at the end of a game against the Minnesota Twins at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 9-3. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Bullpen

One of the big reasons that Toronto has the second best ERA in the majors since the All-Star break is because of its bullpen. The bullpen’s ERA ranks ninth in all of baseball at 3.30. Opponents are hitting just .221, which is fourth in MLB, and they are tied with Kansas City for eighth in strikeouts at 322.

Roberto Osuna has solidified the closer role for this team since being installed in late July. Osuna was a starter in the minors, but he was so impressive during Spring Training that the Blue Jays brought him up.

Mark Lowe and Latroy Hawkins were added to give some depth and leadership. The veteran Hawkins has seen everything and can help groom Osuna and Aaron Sanchez in that bullpen.

Lowe is enjoying a career season. He may be 0-2, but carries a 1.60 ERA. He has also struck out 49 in 39.1 innings and allowed just 35 hits.

Sanchez has given up just one hit in 5.2 innings since being moved into the bullpen in the second half of the season. His power arm is just another option the Jays can go to.

From the left side, former closer Brett Cecil has improved since being taken out of the role. He’s seen his ERA drop over two full runs since being moved in late June.

Next: On The Defensive

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