Knowing the competition: Toronto Blue Jays

Jose Bautista led the AL in home runs in 2010 (54) and 2011 (43). Bautista's previous career high was 16 in 2006. (Photo courtesy of toromagazine.com)

Threat Level: 5 It was only a year ago where the Blue Jays were the talk of the AL East. Oh, what a year makes. Now, it would be a surprise to most if this team doesn’t finish in the cellar. Last year, the Jays acquired big names, but to no avail. So, they followed that up this year with . . . nothing. Maybe this year Jose Reyes stays healthy and their pitching staff isn’t a bullpen session. Jokes aside, this team does have a potent lineup and if things fall right, they could be a problem, but the playoffs may be a stretch considering their pitching staff is filled with questions.

Major Acquisition: N/A Between Esmil Rogers and Dioner Navarro, the Blue Jays really lit up the offseason . . .

Projected Lineup

1. Jose Reyes SS 2. Jose Bautista RF 3. Edwin Encarnacion 1B 4. Adam Lind DH 5. Colby Rasmus CF 6. Melky Cabrera LF 7. Brett Lawrie 3B 8. Dioner Navarro C 9. Ryan Goins 2B

Projected Starting Rotation

1. R.A. Dickey RHP 2. Drew Hutchinson RHP 3. Mark Buehrle LHP 4. Brandon Morrow RHP 5. Dustin McGowan RHP

Closer

Casey Janssen RHP

Yankee Killer: Melky Cabrera “The Melk Man” has a career .311 BA with 3 home runs and 10 RBIs in 15 games against his former team.

Jay Killer: Brian McCann New addition Brian McCann will look to continue his success against the Jays in his first season in pinstripes. McCann has a career .328 average against Toronto with 6 home runs and 12 RBIs in 17 games. McCann has the type of swing that can flourish in Yankee Stadium.

When They Play The Yankees:

IN NY: 6/17-6/19, 7/25-7/27, 9/18-9/21.

IN Tor: 4/4-4/6, 6/23-6/25, 8/29-8/31.