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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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Jul 26, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) watches a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Toronto, 6-5, in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) watches a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Toronto, 6-5, in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense

When the Blue Jays pulled off the stunning blockbuster for Troy Tulowitzki, like many, I was a bit perplexed. The team already had Jose Reyes at the position and was in need of pitching reinforcements. Why do such a deal?

Well, one way that Tulowitzki can help the pitching is by improving the defense. Tulo ranks just eighth in defensive runs saved with one. Not a big deal, right? Well, Reyes is last among the 25 shortstops, ranking at -10. The team’s defense improved by 11 runs just because of that one trade.

Josh Donaldson was acquired in another big move during the offseason. He’s saved seven runs, which ranks as fourth among third basemen. He was traded for Brett Lawrie who is 16th at -3. That’s a 10-run difference at the left side of the diamond.

Kevin Pillar is second among outfielders with 16 runs saved in the outfield. Ben Revere has saved three runs. Russell Martin leads catchers in total defense at a 9.3 rating.

The Blue Jays aren’t going to be confused with the Kansas City Royals on defense, but with Pillar catching everything in site, Martin behind the plate and an improvement on the left side, it may just be enough to get them over the hump.

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