Robert MacLeod
DUNEDIN, Fla. — From Saturday's Globe and Mail Published on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008 10:07PM EST Last updated on Monday, Mar. 30, 2009 3:06PM EDT
Six concerns for manager John Gibbons as his Toronto Blue Jays prepare for the 2008 season:
1. TAKING THE FIFTH
The question of who is going to become Toronto's fifth starter is the biggest question surrounding the team. General manager J.P. Ricciardi is leaning toward converting middle reliever Casey Janssen to the spot, but Gibbons is more of a Jesse Litsch guy.
2. THE RETURN OF THE RYAN EXPRESS
After undergoing Tommy John surgery in May, super closer B.J. Ryan is telling everybody he aims to be ready by the start of the regular season. Where the big lefty falls into the scheme of things will have a trickle down effect on the entire pitching staff.
3. THE YOUNG AND NOT SO FECKLESS
The job that the Jays' kiddy-core of pitchers — including Dustin McGowan, Shaun Marcum, Jeremy Accardo, Janssen and Litsch — did last season helped ease much of the pain brought on by numerous injuries. Can they continue to build on last year's success?
4. SEE THE BALL, HIT THE BALL
The offence was supposed to carry the day for the Jays last season but they experienced a severe power failure. Players like Vernon Wells need to bounce back with big numbers if the Jays are to contend.
5. NOW CUT THAT OUT
Last season it was appendicitis. The year before it was tightness in his throwing arm and the year before that it was a fractured tibia. Pitching ace Roy Halladay is due for an injury-free season, isn't he?
6. ROAD WARRIORS THEY AIN'T
The Blue Jays flat out stunk away from the Rogers Centre last year, going 34-47 on the road. That won't cut it in 2008.
Join the Discussion: