The Toronto Blue Jays haven’t been chirping much this season, but they weren’t exactly making much noise in the offseason either. What’s going on up there? Let’s take a look.
When the sun set on the 2013 MLB season, we all went to sleep, hibernating in hopes of making the offseason fly by. That seemed to be the same scenario for the Toronto Blue Jays as well. The team is essentially mirroring last season’s roster, which comparing to a team like the Oakland Athletics, who practically have a different clubhouse each year, seems a little awkward. However, it definitely has it’s positives. Less adjustments most teams have to make year after year.
The big names of Melky Cabrera and R.A. Dickey flew around the team. Cabrera of course returned from a 50-day suspension due to a performance-enhancing drug penalty last season, so he continued to stay on the radar. The 29 year old tested positive for testosterone at the end of 2012. Of course, when he traded in his San Francisco Giants jersey for Toronto blues, there were questions on how he would perform post-PED’s. Those questions were answered.
The outfielder accumulate 96 hits, 30 RBI’s, and a .279 batting average in 2013. Of course, he was hitting at a .346 clip the season prior with San Francisco, but this season, his numbers may be asking if he should be tested again. (I promise Melky, I mean this as a compliment.)
Thus far, Cabrera is hitting with a .336 average. He has six bombs, 45 hits, and 14 RBI’s. So rest easy Toronto fans.
Walking over to the bump, R.A. Dickey was in talks as well. The former Cy Young winner and known knuckle baller has been off to a rocky start this season. The 39 year old is throwing a 5.01 ERA and has 33 strikeouts in 41.1 innings pitched. His last couple outings have been solid, but nothing Cy Young worthy yet.
But look at that knuckle ball, and tell me you don’t have to change your pants. It’s sexy.
After being a little thirsty during Twitter’s “#FaceofMLB” competition, Jose Bautista had to get back to work on the field.
We won’t get into the situation that happened on the Twitter dot com, because it will just upset certain fans. However, let’s take a look at how Bautista is performing so far this season.
The 33 year old, who’s put over a decade of work in MLB, is hitting with a .294 batting average. He has nine home runs under his belt and 32 hits. The multi-time All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner is still making an impact on the team whether it’s on or off the field, so don’t worry about that 14-17 record so far Blue Jays fans. I know, you’re rolling your eyes at me because you are fifth in the AL East, but don’t let that get you down. It’s a tough division. Hang in there.
Photo: David Richard/USA TODAY Sports