Blue Jays sign Frank Thomas

[SD2]

Making the playoffs would be a surprise. Their bullpen is weaker, but their pitching has more depth overall. I think Burnett and Chacin will have to put in a full performance and play to ability and at least one of the new guys will have to step up and surprise. That being said I was quite happy they didn't get Meche or Lilly, I thought they were way over-payed for their level of talent. Thomson and Ohka will be pitching for their lives which might be in the Jays favour. I wouldn't be surprised to see Marcum get the fifth spot. Should be an exciting to team to watch however- lots of HR's, but finishing ahead of the YAnkees and Bosox is unlikely.

I suppose their pitching has more depth in the sense that they have more options - but overall I'd say their pitching is weaker. Ohka, and especially Thomson, are big question marks.

I agree that Meche and Lilly were really overpriced.

Hopefully the team really surprises, but it's hard to see them finishing ahead of Boston or NYC.

 

[scarberiankhatru]

"but finishing ahead of the YAnkees and Bosox is unlikely"

Exactly...even if they play their hearts out and get a few career years, either the Yankees or the Red Sox will need to falter significantly.

 

[Darkstar416]

Changing topics slightly, I found this on Torontoist...

 

[Bogtrotter]

Yeh I quite liked the old Jay logo with the maple leaf. I wouldn't mind having that coffee mug.

They might even get some good use out of Zambrano as well, although it's seems likely that it won't be until later in the season.

 

[indense]

I think it's about time for the jays to get into the retro thing.

As for this year's team, I'm always overly optimistic when spring training rolls around so take this with a grain of salt but...

I think the pitching will be better than last year. Subtract Lilly's 15-13 record but also subtract Josh Towers going 0-10 to start the season. Burnett only made 21 starts last year, Chacin only made 17. Injuries are always the unknowable but im my opinion the potential is there to be much better than last year. Add in the increase in run support and the playoffs are definitely possible.