Baseball, Eh?: AC's Blue Jays Video Dynasty, Season 2

[AC]

Blue Jays Finalize Spring Training Roster, Decide Winners Of Position Battles


GM Danovitch Utilizing Options

The Toronto Blue Jays finalized their 25 man roster today. The Jays returned their World-Series winning core of 2012, for the most part, while upgrading their left field and closer positions. They decided on a back up infielder to replace Omar Vizquel, and have decided on a primary pinch hitter.

Brandon Wood (.321/.373/.491) will be the back up infielder for the Blue Jays. He had an excellent spring training and will be on the team, after being a relatively unknown pick-up. Scott Sizemore was sent down to AAA.

"I remember Brandon from my time in the Angels' system," Joe Maddon recanted. "He's an absolutely incredible kid, he's only 26. He has the tools to be a star. He can play 5 different positions, too, which is great."

Tyler Colvin (.195/.227/.341) beat out Grady Sizemore for the primary pinch hitter spot. Colvin's 15 home runs ended up the deciding factor, according to manager Joe Maddon.

"Colvin has a great bat, and he's a versatile player, plain and simple. He was excellent last post season, and I think he'll make a big impact this year."

Dustin McGowan (2-1/2.17/1.21) beat out Drew Hutchison and Scott Diamond for the 5th starter position. McGowan, an incredible comeback story, will start the season with the club for the first time in 4 years.

Aaron Loup (0-1/2.45/1.18) and Ryan Perry (2-0/3.00/1.58) won the battle for the last remaining relief spots.

The Blue Jays plan on getting Brett Lawrie some reps in left field this year.

"We think he profiles well on the left side of the field, and we're gonna try this out."

The depth chart is after the jump.

Spoiler

Toronto Blue Jays Depth Chart - 2013

• Catcher
• J.P. Arencibia
• Jeff Mathis

• First Base
• Edwin Encarnacion
• Adam Lind
• Jose Bautista
• Brett Lawrie/Brandon Wood

• Second Base
• Aaron Hill
• Yunel Escobar
• Brandon Wood

• Third Base
• Brett Lawrie
• Brandon Wood

• Shortstop
• Yunel Escobar
• Brandon Wood

• Left Field
• Dexter Fowler
• Ben Revere
• Brett Lawrie
• Tyler Colvin

• Center Field
• Colby Rasmus
• Ben Revere
• Tyler Colvin
• Dexter Fowler

• Right Field
• Jose Bautista
• Tyler Colvin
• Ben Revere
• Brett Lawrie

• Starting Pitcher
• Ricky Romero
• Brandon Webb
• Jake Peavy
• Brandon Morrow
• Dustin McGowan

• Relief Pitcher
• Aaron Loup (LRP)
• Jason Frasor (MRP)
• Ryan Perry (MRP)
• Daniel Bard (MRP)
• Brandon Lyon (SU)
• Marcus Stroman (SU)

• Closer
• Andrew Bailey

• Designated Hitter
• Adam Lind

• Disabled List
• Kyle Drabek
• Luis Perez
• Carlos Villanueva
• Jared Burton

[AC]

Blue Jays Schedule Released
Romero To Get Ball Opening Day For Third Straight Year


The Toronto Blue Jays have released their schedule. Ricky Romero gets the ball on opening day to face Luke Hochevar, when the first 15,000 fans will get a free Ricky Romero bobblehead. After the three game set, the Blue Jays will face off against the Boston Red Sox, as John Farrell makes his return to Rogers Centre.

The Blue Jays' interleague opponents will be the Marlins, the Mets, the Brewers, the Phillies, and the Nationals.

Their final homestand will be against Baltimore, from September 27-29. They finish off the season October 2nd in New York, to play the Yankees.

[JHeyBraves]

I'm really liking your off-season moves, especially bringing in Maddon. Putting together a real nice team here.

After checking out the depth chart, I gotta ask - How is Wunderkid not closing after his Playoff run? What's the kid gotta do?

Spoiler

Stroman's gotta feel like...

[JoeyKirby]

Don't see the point in possibly moving Lawrie to LF, but we'll see how she goes..

[AC]

Quote: Originally Posted by JHeyBraves

I'm really liking your off-season moves, especially bringing in Maddon. Putting together a real nice team here. After checking out the depth chart, I gotta ask - How is Wunderkid not closing after his Playoff run? What's the kid gotta do? Spoiler Stroman's gotta feel like...

God I love GIFs.

Unless your name starts with K and ends in imbrel you shouldn't be closing at 21. Stroman will hopefully be closing soon enough.

Does anyone really care where I sent this from?

[AC]

Quote: Originally Posted by JoeyKirby

Don't see the point in possibly moving Lawrie to LF, but we'll see how she goes..

I could give you a plethora of reasons including Brandon Wood's insane spring training, but I'm on mobile. Look at Ryan Braun. Exact same thing.

Does anyone really care where I sent this from?

[JoeyKirby]

Quote: Originally Posted by ACMilan99

I could give you a plethora of reasons including Brandon Wood's insane spring training, but I'm on mobile. Look at Ryan Braun. Exact same thing. Does anyone really care where I sent this from?

That's the thing though, Lawrie looks to play a plus-plus 3B defensively, and if he can do anything close to it, he is more valuable as a plus 3B than a plus LF.

[AC]

Quote: Originally Posted by JoeyKirby

That's the thing though, Lawrie looks to play a plus-plus 3B defensively, and if he can do anything close to it, he is more valuable as a plus 3B than a plus LF.

His erratic arm is what concerns me, he's like EE at third- soft hands, great (actually, best in MLB) range, but the arm is an outfielders arm.

Just an experiment, still got a plethora of OF prospects to deal with.

Does anyone really care where I sent this from?