At Home Plate - Caution Warranted with Blue Jays

Written by At Home Plate Staff (Contact & Archive) on April 07, 2011

Toronto started its 2011 campaign on a high note by taking two of three against Minnesota at home last weekend, and they showed why many think they're going to challenge for the title in the American League East....in the next year or two. Some point to the ascent of Tampa Bay, and anything is possible, but pundits, media and experts giving MLB betting picks found at BetUs have been watching the Blue Jays with a guarded optimism.

Jose Bautista is off to a good start.

Photo by Keith Allison, used under creative commons license.

The Blue Jays hit .313 en route to their series win over the Twins, picking up where they left off with seven homers, including two each from Jose Bautista and J.P. Arencibia. There is a lot of pressure on Bautista after his mammoth 54-homer season and subsequent big-money contract, and while a lot of Toronto fans aren't expecting that again, getting off a good start is important for Bautista. It may be even more crucial for Arencibia, a young catcher who the Blue Jays think will be a cornerstone of their franchise for a long time.

If they can continue to get quality starts from Ricky Romero and Kyle Drabek, the Blue Jays should be in good shape with them leading the youngest rotation in the majors. Romero started on Opening Day and gave up a run on seven hits over 6 1/3 innings with seven strikeouts and no walks, while Drabek tossed a one-hitter in his 2011 debut over seven innings. Drabek was the one piece that Toronto insisted was included in the Roy Halladay and they have high hopes for the son of Doug Drabek, a former Cy Young winner.

Toronto played well early in the 2010 season before they eventually evened out, which is why you have to be cautious when dealing with the Blue Jays, especially with their youth. There are still some questions about their bullpen, which wasn't really tested against the Twins, and you have to wonder if they can keep belting homers at the pace they have over the last couple of years. It's good that Toronto fans have something to cheer about, but don't get overzealous until at least July.

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