The Toronto Blue Jays were considered an anomoly when the 2009 Major League Baseball season began.
Numerous Major League Baseball pundits had pegged the Jays as a squad that would struggle mightily this season, mainly due to injuries to their starting rotation.
But so far, these Jays have showed a certain tenacity that has not been seen in the Jays clubhouse for quite some time.
Jays' Pitching Rotation Stepping Up Thus Far
The pitching staff, although relatively young and inexperienced, have held their side of the bargain. The staff's overall E.R.A. (earned run average) sits a respectable 13th in the league (as of May 31).
What's even more impressive is the change of approach at the plate. That is largely in part because of manager Cito Gaston and hitting coach Gene Tennace.
The team leads the Majors in hits (as of May 31) and have compiled a team batting average of .283, sitting second behind only the Los Angeles Dodgers.
But despite the relatively solid numbers the Jays have produced on the mound and especially at the plate, the team has had it's struggles recently.
The team just suffered an eight game road losing streak but have since ended the skid.
So will the Jays stay afloat and find a way to contend in the tough American League East the entire season or will they fold like origami?
Time will certainly tell the story. But if this team is dedicated on competing with the likes of the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays for this year and beyond, two things need to happen.
Don't Stray Away From The Youth Movement
General Manager J.P. Ricciardi has been criticized for many moves he has made since he began his post over six years ago. But the one thing that has remained constant is the continued quality of young talent the Jays produce.
There weren't too many within league circles who felt that at this point in the season, rookie pitcher Ricky Romero would have solidified a spot in the starting rotation.
Romero, along with Scott Richmond, another rookie pitcher have both surprised thus far and have provided the Jays with a certain amount of depth.
Aaron Hill On Pace to Have Career Season
At the plate, probably the biggest surprise thus far has been second baseman Aaron Hill. After a season ending injury which sidelined him for much of last season, Hill has rebounded in a big way in '09 and has been the Jays biggest producer at the plate this season. At 27 years of age, Hill is only beginning to fulfill his potential and should be a solid contributor for years to come.
This season was supposed to be stop gap until next season when the team is fully healthy. If the team is in post season contention at the trade deadline, Ricciardi must resist the urge to bolster the team for the short term and stick with the kids. They are what got them there. The Tampa Bay Rays are perfect example of this strategy.
Will The Real Vernon Wells Please Show Up
The Jays signed the center fielder to a lucrative seven-year $126 million dollar contract extension in 2006.
Wells is considered to be a key cog in the Jays' offense. He undoubtedly has been given the 'keys to the car' as far as being the offensive catalyst and team leader.
The career .280 hitter and three time gold glove winner is a great player. But Wells sits sixth on the team in homeruns and RBI's. His .266 batting average has him sitting tenth on the team, a few points ahead of Raul Chavez, the team's back-up catcher.
If the Jays are indeed, going to stay relatively in the hunt for the division crown, Wells must pick up his play.
The Games Are Not Played On Paper, They're Played On The Field
Every season in the Major Leagues, there are surprises and disappointments. If the Jays continue to play like they have this season, the Jays may very well be atop the American League East standings when all is said and done.
Lanny Stewart - While this is my first freelance writing job, it doesn't mean I'm not prepared for it. After getting a post-secondary communications ...
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