When I first heard about the Bluejays-Marlins 12 player trade last night on Twitter, I misunderstood. I thought the Jays had re-acquired pitcher Jo Jo Reyes and was not happy about it. Remember, he was the guy who almost set the record for most consecutive losses. Thank goodness it was Jose Reyes, who, when he wants to, is one of the most electrifying players in baseball. Unfortunately, he's injury prone. Same goes for starter Josh Johnson, who will more than likely spend some time on the DL this year. And, if you include Emilio Bonafacio, (best Bluejay name since Candy Maldonado) who spent two months on the DL last year, you've got a few concerns. Nevertheless, I expect all three to be key contributors in 2013, along with rubber armed Mark Buehrle and catcher John Buck.
Here is my projected starting lineup for April 2013, which allows for one more deal to get a big bat.
1. Jose Reyes (6)
2. Emilio Bonifacio (4)
3. Jose Bautista (9)
4. Josh Hamilton (8) (The Jays will sign him for three years and 85 million bucks)
5. Edwin Encarnacion (3)
6. Brett Lawrie (5)
7. JP Arencibia (2)
8. Adam Lind/Moises Sierra (DH)
9. Rajai Davis/Colby Rasmus (platoon)
That's a lineup that could, potentially, steal over 200 bases AND hit over 200 homers. And that's just from the STARTERS.
Starting five:
1. Morrow
2. Johnson
3. Buehrle
4. JA Happ
5. Ricky Romero
Bullpen:
Janssen
Delabar
Lincoln
D. Oliver
A. Loup
S. Santos
Bench: Izturis, Buck, David Cooper
Congratulations to the Toronto Raptors, who defied all odds after losing in Triple OT Monday night by defeating Indiana 74-72 despite just 5 points in the fourth quarter. Just when the Raps looked dead and buried for the entire season, they prove that hard work and a bit of luck goes a long way in the NBA.
Oh, and by the way, now that the Jays have made a blockbuster deal, perhaps Phil Jackson might be a good candidate to manage the team. He's won 11 championships (OK, so it's basketball) and that means he'll have the respect of the players. He would look funny in a baseball uniform though. And that triangle offense? He'll have to change it to a "diamond" offense. OK, I'm only kidding (sort of) I think just about anybody could manage this team now. Doesn't really matter who they get.
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