Blue To Gold - 2010 Toronto Blue Jays and Beyond

canadianman29 · 01-17-2011, 09:52 AM

This dynasty will be about the Toronto Blue Jays from 2010 and onwards.

The story starts with Michael Smithson taking over the reins of the team as I construct a team that will contend for the World Series year in and year out.

canadianman29 · 01-17-2011, 09:57 AM

Who will be catching this year?
Free agent signing John Buck heads into spring training as the favourite to be our everyday starter this season. Offensively, he possesses well above average power and defensively, he is an above average catcher.
We have two capable backups in Jose Molina and Raul Chavez that should do fine as long as they don’t play for extended periods of time. Both are below average offensively, but are elite defensively-minded catchers that can benefit our young pitching staff.

Who will be playing first base this season?
Last season, Lyle Overbay’s OPS was one hundred points higher facing righties than lefties, and that’s where Randy Ruiz steps in. As a right-handed batter who has a career .321/.390/.604 line against left-handed pitchers, he seems to be the perfect platoon partner for Overbay. Both players have above average power, but it’s their eye that separates them.

Who will be at second base in 2010?
Oh, Aaron Hill. Yes, the same Aaron Hill that was an All-Star, a Silver Slugger, and the AL Comeback Player of the Year just a few months ago. Hill is a great contact hitter that also has well above average power.
Backing him up will be any one or two of Howie Clark, Jarrett Hoffpauir, or Mike McCoy.

Who will be our third baseman this year?
Edwin Encarnacion is our only true third baseman, and he’s not really great at it either. Calling him average defensively is an overstatement considering his career fielding percentage at the hot corner is .937, and knowing that his range is below average. Jose Bautista could also see significant playing time here over the course of the season.

Who will our shortstop be this season?
Alex Gonzalez will be counted upon as our everyday shortstop. Another great contact hitter, he also brings average power and an above average eye.
Backing him up will be 35-year-old veteran and fan favourite John McDonald.

Who will be in the Blue Jays’ outfield?
Barring injury and the occasional rest days, Vernon Wells will be out in center field every day this year. Coming off a bad year, I’m hoping he’ll rebound to be the above average outfielder that we know he can be.
At just 22 years old, Travis Snider still has time to improve. His contact hitting and batting eye are still below par, but he has quality power that is well above average. While he can play both corner outfield spots, it looks like he’ll get the majority of his playing time in either left field or at designated hitter.
Although Adam Lind is an average outfielder at best, he should start the year out in the field simply because he is way too young to be a full-time designated hitter. Coming off a breakout season where he won the Silver Slugger as a designated hitter, Lind has the ability to bat for both average and power, and excel at both.
Finally, our last regular is Jose Bautista. Having refined his swing near the end of last season and continuing to work at it over the course of the offseason, he comes into spring training with the potential to finally break out at the age of 29.

How will our rotation look like in 2010?
While it is yet to be determined who the rotation will consist of exactly, we do have a rough idea heading into spring training who is most likely to be one of our five starters. Shaun Marcum, Brandon Morrow, Ricky Romero, Dana Eveland and Brett Cecil in no particular order, seem to be locks.
Bullpen:
Scott Downs
Kevin Gregg
Jason Frasor
Casey Janssen
Jeremy Accardo
Shawn Camp
Jesse Carlson

BATTERS
RF Jose Bautista
2B Aaron Hill
DH Adam Lind
CF Vernon Wells
1B Lyle Overbay
C John Buck
3B Edwin Encarnacion
SS Alex Gonzalez
LF Travis Snider
Bench:
C Jose Molina
DH Randy Ruiz
2B Mike McCoy

canadianman29 · 01-17-2011, 10:11 AM

2010 MLB PREDICTIONS

AMERICAN LEAGUE
EAST
1. New York Y
2. Tampa Bay*
3. Boston
4. Toronto
5. Baltimore
CENTRAL
1. Chicago W
2. Detroit
3. Minnesota
4. Kansas City
5. Cleveland
WEST
1. Texas
2. Los Angeles A
3. Seattle
4. Oakland
*denotes wild card winner

NATIONAL LEAGUE
EAST
1. Philadelphia
2. Atlanta*
3. Florida
4. New York M
5. Washington
CENTRAL
1. St. Louis
2. Cincinnati
3. Chicago C
4. Milwaukee
5. Pittsburgh
6. Houston
WEST
1. Los Angeles D
2. San Francisco
3. Colorado
4. Arizona
5. San Diego
*denotes Wild Card winner

April Simulation Record: 10 – 14
Real Blue Jay record: 12 – 12

canadianman29 · 01-18-2011, 08:26 AM

BOB MCCOWN
April's over and this is the first edition of Primetime Sports in May. Today on the program we'll discuss the month that was in the MLB. Joining me in the studio is Stephen Brunt. Blue Jays columnist Bob Elliott will be joining us over the phone. The Blue Jays' new GM, Michael Smithson will be joining us a little later on. The Blue Jays started off the season well but they've been really streaky since then. But, before we get to their offensive woes, lets discuss how rookie GM Michael Smithson has done in his short tenure here.
BOB ELLIOTT
Well, he's only been on the job for a few months, and he hasn't really made any big moves yet, so all we really have to go on is first impressions.
STEPHEN BRUNT
In my -
MCCOWN
- before you jump in here Brunt, I've met him a few times, and I like the guy. He seems to have a good grasp on the game, and he has some common sense as well, which seems to elude most sports executive these days.
BRUNT
Well -
ELLIOTT
- sorry to interrupt you Stephen, but I've had the chance to sit down with him numerous times and just talk baseball. He has a genuine love for the game. He actually strikes me more as the manager type, but nevertheless, I think he's the right man for the job.
BRUNT
Anyways...so I can talk now?
MCCOWN
I suppose.
BRUNT
Okay. I have to agree with both of you.
MCCOWN
It seems that we agree that he's the right man for the job, but it hasn't exactly turned into success on the field. They just don't get enough runs across the plate. Their pitching has been stellar, they get on base enough, but they just can't drive anyone in.
BRUNT
I think the problem they have is the lack of power. Only the Mariners and Royals have hit less homers in the AL.
ELLIOTT
Yeah, power is definitely what's lacking for this ballclub. If this team wants to contend, they're going to need to pick up a power bat.
MCCOWN
Lets take a look at who's out there then. As far as I've heard there really aren't any power hitters available for trade, unless they're willing to give up Travis Snider, who looks like he's going to be a helluva player.
ELLIOTT
At this point, I don't see much else they can do if they want to get back into the hunt.
MCCOWN
We have to take a break now, but we'll discuss this and more as Michael Smithson joins us after the break.
*
MCCOWN
And, we're back. Joining us now is newly appointed Blue Jays' GM Michael Smithson. Thanks for coming Michael.
MICHAEL SMITHSON
Its my pleasure.
MCCOWN
Before we get to the Blue Jays, how does it feel to have that first month under your belt, more specifically your first win as a Major League General Manager.
SMITHSON
I love it. This is my dream job. I never thought I'd be in the position to get this job.
MCCOWN
We'll get into how you came about getting this job and your background another time, but lets talk about your Blue Jays. Lets start with your thought's on your team's performance so far.
SMITHSON
We're 4 games below 500, but I don't think we're as bad a team as that. I believe that these guys are a group that can contend, even in the AL East.
MCCOWN
We'll take a short break. You're listening to Primetime Sports on the Fan 590 and watching on Rogers Sportsnet.

canadianman29 · 03-23-2011, 02:55 PM

DOUBLE TROUBLE: TORONTO ROUTS OAKLAND
Toronto (CP)
For the first time during the 2010 season the Blue Jays failed to homer. To say it didn't matter would be an understatement. Toronto defeated Oakland 3 to 1.
"Home runs are nice but I think there are so many ways we can beat teams," said Overbay who had a pair of doubles.
"We can hit singles, we can steal, we can take walks. We can scratch out runs when we need to but this game we didn't need to."
Hill had another double for Toronto.
Starter Shaun Marcum was very good. He allowed just three hits in seven innings and struck out six.
The Jays leave town for a 10 game road trip through Cleveland, Chicago and Boston. The Blue Jays have so much depth and talent in pitching.
This game had something for everyone, great D, some offense and
good pitching. More games like this and warmer weather should
bring the fans out.

canadianman29 · 03-23-2011, 02:56 PM

INDIANS SHOOT DOWN BLUE JAYS
Cleveland (AP)
The Indians scored four runs in the sixth inning to bury Toronto 8-3.
Travis Hafner hit his 10th double of the season to put Cleveland ahead.
"Hafner is hitting like .375," fumed manager Smithson. "He should never have gotten a pitch to hit in that situation."

canadianman29 · 03-23-2011, 02:58 PM

ONE LITTLE INDIAN ENOUGH
Cleveland (AP)
When it was over Blue Jays manager Michael Smithson sat in the
dugout stunned.
"How could we give up 4 runs in the first inning?"
Yes Smithson sounded puzzled like the Grinch who stile Christmas only
to find the Whos of Whoville singing on Christmas morning.
Aaron Hill was ejected for arguing a play at first base apologized to the
umpire after the game. "It was clear from the replay I was out by a foot, maybe two. He was right, this time." Hill was the first Blue Jay ejected this
year.

01-17-2011, 09:52 AM	#1
canadianman29 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 204	Blue To Gold - 2010 Toronto Blue Jays and Beyond This dynasty will be about the Toronto Blue Jays from 2010 and onwards. The story starts with Michael Smithson taking over the reins of the team as I construct a team that will contend for the World Series year in and year out.

01-17-2011, 09:57 AM	#2
canadianman29 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 204	Who will be catching this year? Free agent signing John Buck heads into spring training as the favourite to be our everyday starter this season. Offensively, he possesses well above average power and defensively, he is an above average catcher. We have two capable backups in Jose Molina and Raul Chavez that should do fine as long as they don’t play for extended periods of time. Both are below average offensively, but are elite defensively-minded catchers that can benefit our young pitching staff. Who will be playing first base this season? Last season, Lyle Overbay’s OPS was one hundred points higher facing righties than lefties, and that’s where Randy Ruiz steps in. As a right-handed batter who has a career .321/.390/.604 line against left-handed pitchers, he seems to be the perfect platoon partner for Overbay. Both players have above average power, but it’s their eye that separates them. Who will be at second base in 2010? Oh, Aaron Hill. Yes, the same Aaron Hill that was an All-Star, a Silver Slugger, and the AL Comeback Player of the Year just a few months ago. Hill is a great contact hitter that also has well above average power. Backing him up will be any one or two of Howie Clark, Jarrett Hoffpauir, or Mike McCoy. Who will be our third baseman this year? Edwin Encarnacion is our only true third baseman, and he’s not really great at it either. Calling him average defensively is an overstatement considering his career fielding percentage at the hot corner is .937, and knowing that his range is below average. Jose Bautista could also see significant playing time here over the course of the season. Who will our shortstop be this season? Alex Gonzalez will be counted upon as our everyday shortstop. Another great contact hitter, he also brings average power and an above average eye. Backing him up will be 35-year-old veteran and fan favourite John McDonald. Who will be in the Blue Jays’ outfield? Barring injury and the occasional rest days, Vernon Wells will be out in center field every day this year. Coming off a bad year, I’m hoping he’ll rebound to be the above average outfielder that we know he can be. At just 22 years old, Travis Snider still has time to improve. His contact hitting and batting eye are still below par, but he has quality power that is well above average. While he can play both corner outfield spots, it looks like he’ll get the majority of his playing time in either left field or at designated hitter. Although Adam Lind is an average outfielder at best, he should start the year out in the field simply because he is way too young to be a full-time designated hitter. Coming off a breakout season where he won the Silver Slugger as a designated hitter, Lind has the ability to bat for both average and power, and excel at both. Finally, our last regular is Jose Bautista. Having refined his swing near the end of last season and continuing to work at it over the course of the offseason, he comes into spring training with the potential to finally break out at the age of 29. How will our rotation look like in 2010? While it is yet to be determined who the rotation will consist of exactly, we do have a rough idea heading into spring training who is most likely to be one of our five starters. Shaun Marcum, Brandon Morrow, Ricky Romero, Dana Eveland and Brett Cecil in no particular order, seem to be locks. Bullpen: Scott Downs Kevin Gregg Jason Frasor Casey Janssen Jeremy Accardo Shawn Camp Jesse Carlson BATTERS RF Jose Bautista 2B Aaron Hill DH Adam Lind CF Vernon Wells 1B Lyle Overbay C John Buck 3B Edwin Encarnacion SS Alex Gonzalez LF Travis Snider Bench: C Jose Molina DH Randy Ruiz 2B Mike McCoy Last edited by canadianman29; 01-17-2011 at 10:03 AM.

01-17-2011, 10:11 AM	#3
canadianman29 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 204	2010 MLB PREDICTIONS AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST 1. New York Y 2. Tampa Bay* 3. Boston 4. Toronto 5. Baltimore CENTRAL 1. Chicago W 2. Detroit 3. Minnesota 4. Kansas City 5. Cleveland WEST 1. Texas 2. Los Angeles A 3. Seattle 4. Oakland denotes wild card winner NATIONAL LEAGUE* EAST 1. Philadelphia 2. Atlanta* 3. Florida 4. New York M 5. Washington CENTRAL 1. St. Louis 2. Cincinnati 3. Chicago C 4. Milwaukee 5. Pittsburgh 6. Houston WEST 1. Los Angeles D 2. San Francisco 3. Colorado 4. Arizona 5. San Diego denotes Wild Card winner April Simulation Record: 10 – 14* Real Blue Jay record: 12 – 12

01-18-2011, 08:26 AM	#4
canadianman29 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 204	BOB MCCOWN April's over and this is the first edition of Primetime Sports in May. Today on the program we'll discuss the month that was in the MLB. Joining me in the studio is Stephen Brunt. Blue Jays columnist Bob Elliott will be joining us over the phone. The Blue Jays' new GM, Michael Smithson will be joining us a little later on. The Blue Jays started off the season well but they've been really streaky since then. But, before we get to their offensive woes, lets discuss how rookie GM Michael Smithson has done in his short tenure here. BOB ELLIOTT Well, he's only been on the job for a few months, and he hasn't really made any big moves yet, so all we really have to go on is first impressions. STEPHEN BRUNT In my - MCCOWN - before you jump in here Brunt, I've met him a few times, and I like the guy. He seems to have a good grasp on the game, and he has some common sense as well, which seems to elude most sports executive these days. BRUNT Well - ELLIOTT - sorry to interrupt you Stephen, but I've had the chance to sit down with him numerous times and just talk baseball. He has a genuine love for the game. He actually strikes me more as the manager type, but nevertheless, I think he's the right man for the job. BRUNT Anyways...so I can talk now? MCCOWN I suppose. BRUNT Okay. I have to agree with both of you. MCCOWN It seems that we agree that he's the right man for the job, but it hasn't exactly turned into success on the field. They just don't get enough runs across the plate. Their pitching has been stellar, they get on base enough, but they just can't drive anyone in. BRUNT I think the problem they have is the lack of power. Only the Mariners and Royals have hit less homers in the AL. ELLIOTT Yeah, power is definitely what's lacking for this ballclub. If this team wants to contend, they're going to need to pick up a power bat. MCCOWN Lets take a look at who's out there then. As far as I've heard there really aren't any power hitters available for trade, unless they're willing to give up Travis Snider, who looks like he's going to be a helluva player. ELLIOTT At this point, I don't see much else they can do if they want to get back into the hunt. MCCOWN We have to take a break now, but we'll discuss this and more as Michael Smithson joins us after the break. * MCCOWN And, we're back. Joining us now is newly appointed Blue Jays' GM Michael Smithson. Thanks for coming Michael. MICHAEL SMITHSON Its my pleasure. MCCOWN Before we get to the Blue Jays, how does it feel to have that first month under your belt, more specifically your first win as a Major League General Manager. SMITHSON I love it. This is my dream job. I never thought I'd be in the position to get this job. MCCOWN We'll get into how you came about getting this job and your background another time, but lets talk about your Blue Jays. Lets start with your thought's on your team's performance so far. SMITHSON We're 4 games below 500, but I don't think we're as bad a team as that. I believe that these guys are a group that can contend, even in the AL East. MCCOWN We'll take a short break. You're listening to Primetime Sports on the Fan 590 and watching on Rogers Sportsnet.

03-23-2011, 02:55 PM	#5
canadianman29 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 204	DOUBLE TROUBLE: TORONTO ROUTS OAKLAND Toronto (CP) For the first time during the 2010 season the Blue Jays failed to homer. To say it didn't matter would be an understatement. Toronto defeated Oakland 3 to 1. "Home runs are nice but I think there are so many ways we can beat teams," said Overbay who had a pair of doubles. "We can hit singles, we can steal, we can take walks. We can scratch out runs when we need to but this game we didn't need to." Hill had another double for Toronto. Starter Shaun Marcum was very good. He allowed just three hits in seven innings and struck out six. The Jays leave town for a 10 game road trip through Cleveland, Chicago and Boston. The Blue Jays have so much depth and talent in pitching. This game had something for everyone, great D, some offense and good pitching. More games like this and warmer weather should bring the fans out.

03-23-2011, 02:56 PM	#6
canadianman29 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 204	INDIANS SHOOT DOWN BLUE JAYS Cleveland (AP) The Indians scored four runs in the sixth inning to bury Toronto 8-3. Travis Hafner hit his 10th double of the season to put Cleveland ahead. "Hafner is hitting like .375," fumed manager Smithson. "He should never have gotten a pitch to hit in that situation."

03-23-2011, 02:58 PM	#7
canadianman29 Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 204	ONE LITTLE INDIAN ENOUGH Cleveland (AP) When it was over Blue Jays manager Michael Smithson sat in the dugout stunned. "How could we give up 4 runs in the first inning?" Yes Smithson sounded puzzled like the Grinch who stile Christmas only to find the Whos of Whoville singing on Christmas morning. Aaron Hill was ejected for arguing a play at first base apologized to the umpire after the game. "It was clear from the replay I was out by a foot, maybe two. He was right, this time." Hill was the first Blue Jay ejected this year.