Toronto Blue Jays 2009 Season Preview: Pitching
Jays Pitching Staff Faces Upheaval in 2009 Major League Season
Feb 17, 2009
Last season the Toronto Blue Jays led the Major Leagues in Earned Run Average (ERA). This season, things could most certainly be different.
Jays’ Pitching Staff Upheaval
It’s hard to imagine a pitching staff undergoing more upheaval than what the Jays have experienced in the past few years.
Although Roy Halladay has been a strong, awesome constant, no other member of the staff has been a starter as recently as 2007 Opening Day with the club.
The Jays have lost A.J. Burnett after three seasons to the New York Yankees. Burnett decided the money involved in the Yankees offer was better than staying with the Jays rebuilding project.
Dustin McGowan is out until at least May with an injury, and Shaun Marcum will miss the whole season. That leaves three spots open for potential reclamation projects and minor-leaguers.
The Contenders To Fill Out The Rotation
Projected #2 Jesse Litsch was a revelation at the end of that season and pitched very strongly through 2008. But questions remain about whether he is a legitimate top-end starter in the league.
Casey Janssen and David Purcey are expected to have a go at the three and four spots. Janssen did not pitch last season, but after surgery he is primed and ready to start the season. Purcey filled end towards the end of last year after the injuries to Marcum and McGowan and had his moments. Rookie Brett Cecil is a rookie looking to join the Major League team as well, but will likely start in AAA.
General Manager J.P. Ricciardi has attempted to patchwork the rotation with some reclamation projects, but has had very little success with these in the past.
Matt Clement is one Free Agent acquisition Ricciardi brought in, but hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2006 with the Red Sox. He missed 2007 with an injury and only made it to AAA last year. Ricciardi is hoping he will regain his form from his years with the Cubs.
Otherwise the team will turn to Mike Maroth or Canadian Scott Richmond. Maroth is notorious for setting the league record for losses in a season with 21 while with the Tigers in 2003. Maroth has solid mid-rotation potential with a good defense behind him. Richmond had a few starts with the club last year and despite a losing record, did nothing to hurt his chances at a long look from Cito Gaston.
The Bullpen
The bullpen was one of the best last year and with some health they will continue to provide the Jays with a solid chance of closing out games.
B.J. Ryan is back with his 32 saves but had problems closing out teams. His ERA 2.95 and his WHIP was far too high.
Most of the rest of the supporting cast are back, including Scott Downs and Jesse Carlson. They provided a very capable left-right tandem to close out the eighth inning. Jeremy Accardo will also provide great cover.
It’s going to be a tough season for the Jays staff, but they have surprised in the past pulling through young talent. That will be the hope, as past reclamation projects such as Tomo Okha and Victor Zambrano have not panned out so well. If not it could be a long season.
