The Toronto Blue Jays went all-in during last week’s trade deadline, acquiring two of the biggest names on the market – ace pitcher David Price and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. While those moves still have some Blue Jays fans asking to be pinched to ensure it’s not all a dream, the club have instantly benefited from having the duo – plus new acquisitions Mark Lowe, LaTroy Hawkins and Ben Revere – in their lineup, as they’ve rattled off wins in seven of eight games and have maneuvered themselves into the second Wild Card spot in the AL with a 57-52 record.
The clubs surge in part is due to the continued elite level of production from the offense, and the pitching doing a complete 180 from earlier in the season, finally delivering consistent production.
The rich got richer after deadline day. The team’s swagger is it’s offense, and boy it’s fun to watch.
Troy Tulowitzki may not seem like your typical leadoff hitter, but he’s delivered at the top of the lineup since being acquired from the Colorado Rockies. In eight games, the 30-year-old has scored 10 runs, gone deep twice and is getting on base with an impressive .412 OBP clip. What follows in the Blue Jays lineup continues to be a pitcher’s nightmare.
TORONTO, CANADA – AUGUST 4: Troy Tulowitzki #2 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws out the baserunner in the third inning during MLB game action against the Minnesota Twins on August 4, 2015 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
If you can get past Tulo, you have to face AL MVP front-runner Josh Donaldson, who’s power has been on full display recently, launching five home runs in his last seven games. If you can get the first two outs, you have the original Blue Jays big bats, with two-time home run champ Jose Bautista in the three spot, and Edwin Encarnacion batting cleanup – both are lethal power hitters. At the five (or six) spot is Russell Martin, no slouch himself. Is the bottom four of the order all that impressive? No. But, with Ben Revere (lethal speed), Chris Colabello (10 home runs) and Kevin Pillar (elite fielder) rounding out the bottom of the order, you could do much worse. Offense won’t ever be an obstacle.
Pitching has been the biggest problem with the Blue Jays all season. The rotation has struggled which has kept the club from rising in the standings, but as of recently, it seems they’re finally starting to turn a corner.
The support #toronto actually better yet #Canada has shown me thus far has been insane!! You guys are making me feel like a member of U2…
— David Price (@DAVIDprice24) August 4, 2015
Over the last 30 days, Blue Jays starters have posted a 3.24 ERA, which is second best in the American League and a big improvement from their 4.22 season mark.
While David Price has finally given the club the ace they desperately need, which was showcased during his 11 strikeout, one earned run against victory against the Twins this week, it’s the back end of the rotation that’s also carried a significant load. Marco Estrada, who seemed like a disastrous fit for the Blue Jays and the spacious confines of the Rogers Centre when acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers, has been arguably been the clubs best starter all season. In 23 games (17 starts), he’s posted 9 wins, a .216 batting average against and solid 3.40 ERA. More importantly he’s only allowed 11 home runs after allowing a league high 29 last year. He’s been a pleasant surprise for the club.
TORONTO, CANADA – JULY 30: Marco Estrada #25 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning during MLB game action against the Kansas City Royals on July 30, 2015 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
R.A Dickey, the club’s supposed ace, has finally found his form, lowering his ERA by almost a full run (from 5.02 to 4.06) in his last five starts. Mark Buehrle is having one of his best seasons in ages, with 11 wins and a 3.32 ERA. Even Drew Hutchison, who’s been blown up on repeatedly throughout the season, has posted a 10-2 record, largely thanks to a league best 8.08 runs per game in support. However, his 5.42 ERA is deceptive considering he’s sporting a 4.02 FIP.
Are the Blue Jays going to be in trouble should one of their starters go down? Absolutely. Trading Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd to the Tigers cleared two MLB ready pitchers who could step in at any time. But for once, the Blue Jays rotation is formidable, dare I even say…good?
The bullpen has been just has impressive over the last month, posting an AL-best 2.49 ERA. What’s helped the club is the emergence of the 20-year-old Roberto Osuna as closer, the return of Aaron Sanchez from the rotation, and the surprising competency from Liam Hendriks and Bo Schultz. General manager Alex Anthopoulos went out and brought in LaTroy Hawkins and Mark Lowe to help things out, and that should only strengthen things for the club.
The Blue Jays aren’t runaway favorites for the World Series just yet, but steadily improving the club has made them a team other clubs should not only respect, but fear.
