[Sudy Nym]

The majority of my data is pulled straight from the Jays' lineups over their first six games. How accurate they will be over the course of the season (and once Werth returns from the DL), I'm not entirely sure- but I think they're fairly solid as is. Please excuse any errors, as I was rather tired when I put this together.


Typical Lineup vs. RHP

1. LF S. Stewart
2. RF F. Catalanotto
3. CF V. Wells
4. 1B C. Delgado
5. DH J. Phelps
6. 3B E. Hinske
7. 2B O. Hudson
8. SS C. Woodward (M. Bordick- 20%-35%)
9. C K. Huckaby (platoon- G. Myers guess 35%, T. Wilson guess 20%)


Typical Lineup vs. LHP

1. LF S. Stewart
2. RF D. Berg (platoon- T. Wilson guess 30%-60%)
3. CF V. Wells
4. 1B C. Delgado
5. DH J. Phelps
6. 3B E. Hinske (platoon- D. Berg guess 25%-40% Tosca has said that he will start Berg in place of Hinske "sometimes" vs. LHP)
7. 2B O. Hudson
8. SS C. Woodward (M. Bordick guess- 20%-35%)
9. C K. Huckaby (platoon- T. Wilson guess 30%-60%)

(Unfortunately, OOTP5 will only let you save the one lineup- it it were otherwise, I'd mention that when Huckaby starts at C, he bats ninth- but when Myers or Wilson start, they bat seventh, Hudson and Woodward shifting down a spot each. Additionally, Berg bats second when playing RF/3B against LHP- but when Wilson starts at RF vs. LHP in tandem, it looks like he'll bat sixth. I haven't seen a game with both Wilson at RF and Hinske at 3B, so I have no idea what would happen in that situation. Regardless, I guess it won't matter much if Wilson was stuck in the two-spot occasionally, though that doesn't make much sense.)



Following is the bench- in the parentheses, the positions they're expected to cover. Starred are their "main" back-up/platoon positions. The others it has been mentioned that they will or can play there this season- but likely only in a pinch or to give a starter the odd day of rest- not routinely as a defensive back-up or platoon. Positions that I believe they have played in the past or are capable of playing are followed by a question mark. Though I have not heard confirmation that they are expected to play there at any time this season.

T. Wilson (RF*, C*, 1B, 3B- I'd guess that he'd do some pinch-hitting for Huckaby vs. LHP) Actually left camp as the fourth outfielder, not a third catcher. Most likely can only play RF, but won't be a problem, as Wells and Stewart will likely always be in CF and LF respectively. Will play some catcher, though. Is also available to play the corners.
M. Bordick (SS*, 2B?, 3B?) Reportedly started at 2B on 04/04 to give Hudson rest. Has not started at 2B since he was with Oakland, so I'm not sure if this will be routine. But as Berg was available to play 2B and didn't, it looks like he will- at least some of the time. Also came in to play 3B on 04/05 when Hinske
was ejected, but I suspect this is only because Berg and Wilson were already in the game, so he's probably only the emergency 3B behind those two and Hinske.
D. Berg (2B*, 3B*, RF*, SS?, 1B?) Will definitely see time at 3B and RF this year. As he's been used frequently in the past at 2B, the same is expected at that position- but with Bordick getting the start on the fourth, his status as the go-to 2B may be up in the air- perhaps he'll split back-up duty with Bordick down the middle. Additionally, I expect that he can be used in a pinch at SS/1B, as he's an all-around IF. Though others will start at those positions before him.
G. Myers (C*- will pinch-hit often late in games for the weaker Huckaby vs. RHP) I doubt he'll see time anywhere other than catcher.


Also:

-Phelps is expected to make some (though not many) starts at 1B this season- I don't know whether he's rated there in this roster set, or not. Though his defense is apparently quite weak there so far, regardless. I'm betting that the idea in the front office is that he'll be the future 1B should Delgado fail to perform and be moved. It also looks as he won't spend any time at C at all (his minor league position), with three other players in front of him.

-Jayson Werth is currently on the DL- I'm not sure how long he's out for (maybe another Jays fan knows?). Once he returns, he should be on the major league roster, likely spending the majority of his time split with Catalanotto (and Wilson/Berg) at RF- though he can also play at first. Similar to Phelps, however, it looks like he gave up catching towards the end of his recent minor league tenure, making room for Kevin Cash.

-As well, reliever Bob File is also on the DL. Though in this case, I have no idea what the situation will be once he recovers. He didn't play well enough to stay with the big-league club last season, though he'll likely get quite a few looks this year.

-One report says that SP Jason Arnold is expected to see the majors at some point this year, but he's definitely not quite ready.



Starting Rotation

1. R. Halladay
2. C. Lidle
3. M. Hendrickson
4. T. Sturtze
5. ? P. Walker?

Spot: P. Walker

(The "announced" rotation ends at four, though I imagine that that's because of the two off-days coming in the first week of the schedule. I really don't know what's going to happen after, and I'm surprised that I haven't heard it discussed in the media. The early-season suspicion was that J. Miller (not to be confused with reliever Trever Miller) would be the fifth man, but as of now, he's not even on the ML roster. Walker will definitely make some starts, but due to his versatility, he's been pegged as more of a spot starter (which he'll definitely be). Though maybe management does intend to go with the four-man, giving Walker the start when needed. I really don't know- again, maybe another Jays fan can chime in- I wasn't really paying attention during spring training, so I don't know the status of J. Miller. Actually- I just took a look. Justin Miller appears to be in Dunedin (A), so it doesn't look like he'll be starting anyime soon. I'd guess that Thurman or Towers are possibilities to be promoted, but I really have no idea- so unless someone who knows the minor league system can correct me, I'd guess that Walker will be the fifth/spot starter.)

Relievers

D. Creek (I assume he's considered a lefty specialist)
K. Escobar (will duke it out for closer with Politte, but I'm guessing that he'll remain primary closer unless he's moved)
C. Politte (set-up for now, but will get some save opportunities, so I'd rank him as the secondary closer, as well)
D. Linton
A. Lopez
T. Miller
J. Tam
P. Walker (if not the fifth starter, will likely spend time between spot starter, long relief, and maybe some mop-up jobs)

(With the exception of those I've mentioned, as there are so many new faces, I'm not really sure how the bullpen will be structured. Once again, if anyone wishes/is able to add to my thoughts, please do. Barring that, I suppose I'd let the AI assign positions based upon given ratings.)


I apologize for some of my information being rather sketchy, but I've done my best to outline the team as I see it. All critiques with the intent of making the information more accurate are most welcome. I hope it helps!