The Jays are 4-1.....for real!

Sports Illustrated predicted that the Blue Jays would win 79 games and finish last in the AL East. Many other major sports networks across North America forecast very similar results, while Toronto beat writer Jeff Blair explained on a radio broadcast that the Jays could lose 100 games. All of these predictions may still come true (except Blair is way off), but when expectations are so low, you can't ignore the positives that are being generated by the ball club over the first week. The Blue Jays have begun the season with an impressive record of 4-1, which is in large part due to a resurgent offense. While the pitching thus far has been solid, especially the performances of Purcey and Romero, the hitting has been absolutely unbelievable. They are cashing in runners in scoring position and hitting homeruns, which are two elements of the offense that were non-existent in 2008. Before we set up the parade down Yonge Street, we need to come to our senses and realize that the 2009 season is only 5 games old. A lot of things can still go bad for this team, but at this exact moment I’d rather look at the positives that the first five games have created. With that said, I would like to comment further on two particular people:

1) Adam Lind: With incredible power being sprayed across the field, Lind has all the tools to become a great hitter in the MLB, and 2009 may be his breakout season. If he remains 5th in the batting order behind the likes of V-Dub, Rios and Hill, Lind will have plenty of opportunities to cash in runs. Before people begin throwing out crazy stat predictions for the Jay's DH such as 40+homeruns and 100+ rbis, we need to realize that he will slow down and have his struggles throughout the season as well. A much more realistic prediction for Lind would see him bat near .280-.300, with 20-30 homeruns and 75-90 rbis, which would be a huge boost to an offense that needed it desperately last season.

2) Scott Rolen: There are so many hitters right now that deserve recognition for their hot starts, but Rolen has been the most productive. Over the first five games, the Jay's 3rd baseman has delivered clutch hit after clutch hit and is slowly beginning to show signs of his former self at the plate. Toronto knows they will always have his amazing defensive ability at the hot corner, but if Rolen can regain power back into his bat, that would create another significant boost in the middle of the Jays' batting order.

Looking Ahead:

The Jays face the Tribe in game two tomorrow at 1pm Eastern time. Roy Halladay will take the ball for his second start of the season, while his opposition on mound is the 2008 AL CY YOUNG winner Cliff Lee. Halladay may have an extra incentive to earn the "W", since Lee was the man who beat out Halladay for the award last season.

Prediction:

With a tired bullpen heading into tomorrows matchup, the Indians may be very vulnerable if the Jays can get to Lee early. Although it is hard to imagine the Indians falling to 0-5, I'm going to have to go with Halladay and company in this one. Doc will want to prove that the voters were wrong for awarding Lee with the Cy Young, and his offense will want to back him up as well.

Cheers!