The Blue Jays Are....

[HoustonGM]

They're a VERY VERY extreme darkhorse, considering they are the clear 4th best team in their division, and their pitching is a patchwork of a patchwork.

[beerchaser]

... going to trade Roy Halladay in late July. I see either him or Erik Bedard wearing Dodger Blue by then, unless Bedard has made yet another trip to the DL.

[HoustonGM]

... going to trade Roy Halladay in late July. I see either him or Erik Bedard wearing Dodger Blue by then, unless Bedard has made yet another trip to the DL.

The Mariners are going to contend by virtue of playing in what might just be the weakest division in baseball. Barring something unforeseen (like Felix and the entire M's MLB-best defensive outfield going on the DL), I don't think Bedard will be on the block, considering they'll be in contention.

[beerchaser]

The Mariners are going to contend by virtue of playing in what might just be the weakest division in baseball. Barring something unforeseen (like Felix and the entire M's MLB-best defensive outfield going on the DL), I don't think Bedard will be on the block, considering they'll be in contention.

Perhaps, but as you like to say, small sample size. I think Reagins & Moreno will make a couple of deals to get the Angels back in the thick of it, and Scioscia is still one of the best managers in the game.

[HoustonGM]

Perhaps, but as you like to say, small sample size. I think Reagins & Moreno will make a couple of deals to get the Angels back in the thick of it, and Scioscia is still one of the best managers in the game.

It's really, really hard to overcome being without your 3 best pitchers and your best hitter for at least a third of the season...Reagins would have to work some magical deals, and Scioscia would have to be a magician of a manager as well.

I don't think that the Angels won't contend. I think each team in that division will, which is my point. I don't think the Mariners are going to fall out of contention because they are in a very weak division.

[beerchaser]

They don't have to be all THAT magical to get over the top, not in the AL West.

[HoustonGM]

They don't have to be all THAT magical to get over the top, not in the AL West.

Well, no, but in order to be good enough to knock the rest of the division from contention like they did last year...that'd take magic.

[FRENCHREDSOX]

Well, no, but in order to be good enough to knock the rest of the division from contention like they did last year...that'd take magic.

Or simply play 500 ball TILL their injured starters come back in June/July & THEN "knock the rest of the division from contention like they did last year" -

[HoustonGM]

Or simply play 500 ball TILL their injured starters come back in June/July & THEN "knock the rest of the division from contention like they did last year" -

They're a considerably worse team than last year, with or without Santana/Lackey, and even last year were not as good as their record indicated, outplaying their Pythagorean record by something like 12 games.

[200tang]

The Angels would pretty much have to sweep the Mariners or at least win their divion games against htem since they're automatically 4.5 back. Not to mention the Mariners will be getting some players back in the summer just like the Angels. Obviously their pitchers are more valuable than the Mariners' bullpen, but the trade deadline could tip the scale in any team's favor.

[TheNamelessPoet]

Ichiro for francour straight up ill eat the contract... RIGHT NOW!!!

[gosensgo101]

The Blue Jays are proud to own the best pitching staff on the disabled list in baseball:

McGowan
Marcum
Litsch
Janssen
Romero

Ryan
(Accardo and Wolfe are in AAA only because they were hurt during spring training I think, but are not officially on the DL)

[HoustonGM]

"Let's Get Real"

[defense]

I agree with all the last three choices in the poll. It is too early, they are no match for the three power house A.L. East teams, and yes, who are you kidding?

[RedsoxRockies]

"Let's Get Real"

Nice article. I HOPE Scutaro sustains, he is one of my favorites.