BlueJays in the AL East?

[QHowes]

With all the big moves that the Blue Jays have made this offseason, I know it has certainly caused a big buzz around my area (2 hrs east of T.O.) Does anyone else in the Baseball World think the Blue Jays stand a chance in the AL East?

[Robert]

Well. I believe they stand a chance. But also, Orioles last season was supposidly going to 'shake up' the AL East, and they started off well, but out of nowhere, did a 360.

If the Blue Jays keep morale up, avoid injuries, I believe they can finish 88-74. I don't believe they'll win the division unless Yankees and Redsox have problems.

But with Halladay, Burnett, Lilly, Ryan - Then have Glaus, Wells, Hillenbrand. They are decent all around, but I don't believe they're dominate.

[QHowes]

I am hoping for a healthy season from Roy Halladay...he was in form for a Cy Young last year till he broke his leg getting hit with the baseball. Burnett will tkae some time to get used to the AL but hopefully he has a solid seaon. One thing I like about the Blue Jays this season is their incredible depth. They dont have superstars on the bench but they could fill in everyday if needed. Guys like Reed Johnson who are all about hustle...he's like a poor man's shannon stewart out there.

[themogulmogul]

If AJ Burnett can actually live up to his potenital Toronto could be in wild card contention. Their new bats are also good. The problem I see in Toronto is giving BJ Ryan a $52 million contract. Thats called signing for the sake of signing

[QHowes]

If AJ Burnett can actually live up to his potenital Toronto could be in wild card contention. Their new bats are also good. The problem I see in Toronto is giving BJ Ryan a $52 million contract. Thats called signing for the sake of signing

I call it...Having money at the wrong time.

[Robert]

Well, if B.J can provide a great closers role like he did last season with Orioles, maybe even better? I'm sure he'll be worth it. Espically if young bullpen pitchers or any pitchers can learn from him, it'll be a plus.

The question on wheither Burnett can get used to A.L pitching isn't even the question. He is a dominate pitcher, well, he can be. I think in a new envoirment, he will be. New changes, bring new morale and mobility. Watch out for Burnett and Halladay. That's my A.L favorite there. Kinda like my 2001-2003 Oswalt/Miller combo. They both did well and my all time favorite two to watch. Before Clemens/Oswalt/Pettite.

If they remain healthy, and do what they're suppose to do, as they are signed/built for, then they will do well.

[Mike67]

I'd still like to see a couple of the players gone.. I don't really like Catalanotto and well.. Hinske moving yet AGAIN, this time to the outfield, might be a bit of a problem.

[QHowes]

If you look at Hinke when he is playing baseball..his facial expressions make him look less than intellegent. Kinda funny actually...I dont imagine he is too bright.

[CarlosaMarlin]

Hinske is the strike out king.He's dead weight on the Jays, and they need to make room for a more talented player.The jays have a solid chance, baring injuries. I think Burnett is starting opening day when Halladay is the best pitcher on the team. Renaming Skydome has come in handy for the jays, Mr. Rogers put alot of money into the team and of course jays were able to get skilled players.

[QHowes]

barring injury its hallady on starting game 1. its still his team.

[robinhoodnik]

Lilly always seems to have our number in Boston. I like Burnett too but so far he's been average in his career. The Sox lost some offense but picked up in the defense area which should help with the ERA's. New York still hasn't really done anything about their rotation and as old (Johnson, Mussina) and injured (Johnson, Wright, Pavano) as they are it'll be a lot harder to keep on winning. Baltimore is just going to be more of the same old routine until they ban those clowns who own them from day to day operations (It's been done before, and to no less an owner than George Steinbrenner, and TWICE!). The D-Rays probably have no chance again but I like watching them play. They have a lot of very good young players but they'll probably be playing for another team once they reach their full potential. They always seem to be throwing at Boston players too. It goes back to when Hal McRae managed them Hal pulled the same cr@p (intentionally throwing at batters) when he managed K.C. too. That doesn't happen too often when the manager was a good former player.

[QHowes]

Its really something to hear everyone that lives within a few hours of toronto talk about the blue jays...as I am sure you know (montreal) Canada can be quite fickle with our baseball market..However we had over 4 million fans last time we won the world series and fans are really hyped about this season....After all the last time we got hyped about a big name player in Toronto it was re-signing Carlos Delgado