DEPARTURES: LHP John Parrish, (free agent, signed with Orioles), OF Brad Wilkerson (free agent, signed with Red Sox), C Gregg Zaun (free agent, signed with Orioles), LHP Mike Gosling (free agent, signed with Twins), INF Hector Luna (free agent, signed with Dodgers), SS Pedro Lopez (free agent, signed with Pirates), LHP Gustavo Chacin (free agent, signed with Nationals), RHP A.J. Burnett (free agent, signed with Yankees), OF Mike Vento (free agent, signed with Nationals), OF Kevin Mench (free agent, signed with Japanese team).
PROJECTED ROTATION:
1. RHP Roy Halladay
2. RHP Jesse Litsch
3. LHP David Purcey
4. RHP Scott Richmond
5. LHP Ricky Romero or LHP Brad Mills
The Blue Jays need LHP David Purcey to solidify the third spot. Purcey, a No. 1 pick in the 2004 June draft (16th overall), was 3-6 in 12 starts last season. He needs to step it up.
The rotation should receive a boost in late May or early June when RHP Dustin McGowan, who had shoulder surgery, is expected to return.
PROJECTED BULLPEN:
LHP B.J. Ryan (closer)
RHP Brandon League
RHP Jeremy Accardo
LHP Scott Downs
LHP Jesse Carlson
RHP Jason Frasor
LHP Brian Tallet
The Blue Jays' bullpen last year had the lowest ERA in the American League and once again should be one of the team's strengths. It has excellent balance from the left and right. RHP Jeremy Accardo made only 16 appearances last season because of right forearm issues, and his return to health would be a bonus to a solid group. With the rotation in a state of flux, the relievers will have to soak up more innings.
PROJECTED LINEUP:
1. SS Marco Scutaro
2. DH Adam Lind
3. CF Vernon Wells
4. 1B Lyle Overbay
5. RF Alex Rios
6. 3B Scott Rolen
7. C Rod Barajas
8. LF Travis Snider
9. 2B Aaron Hill
The big question is whether Travis Snider, 21, can handle the left field duties on an everyday basis. He had a good September, batting .301, and showed plenty of poise despite his youth.
The Blue Jays don't have a legitimate leadoff hitter, and SS Marco Scutaro wins the spot by default. For that matter, the Blue Jays don't have a legitimate cleanup hitter, either.
Manager Cito Gaston is counting on three veterans -- 1B Lyle Overbay, 3B Scott Rolen and CF Vernon Wells -- to return to form. Gaston also expects RF Alex Rios to have a 30-plus home run season.
PROJECTED RESERVES:
C Michael Barrett
INF/OF Jose Bautista
INF John McDonald
INF/OF Joe Inglett
Because of injuries, Inglett received a lot of playing time (109 games) last season, but if 2B Aaron Hill shows he has fully recovered from post-concussion syndrome, Inglett's playing time will be greatly reduced. McDonald will spot Scutaro at short and will come in as a late inning replacement. Barrett was acquired to fill the vacancy created by the departure of Gregg Zaun.
Bautista is insurance in the event that 3B Scott Rolen and his shoulder problems continue. Bautista can also spell Lyle Overbay at first base against tough left-handers. Ditto for DH Adam Lind.
TOP ROOKIES: LF Travis Snider showed poise and ability when called up in September -- he hit .301 with two home runs and 13 RBI in 73 at-bats. Only 21, Snider zoomed through the system after opening the year at Class A Dunedin. He is tabbed to be the starting left fielder. LHP Brett Cecil, a sandwich pick (38th overall) in the 2007 June draft, was impressive in last year's spring camp and followed it up by going 6-2, 2.55 in 18 starts at Class AA New Hampshire and 2-3, 4.11 in six starts at Class AAA Syracuse. He has an outside shot at cracking the rotation out of spring training but also could be a midseason addition.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Dustin McGowan (right shoulder surgery for labrum fraying) is expected to be able to return in June.
RHP Shaun Marcum (Tommy John elbow surgery) will miss the 2009 season.
RHP Brian Wolfe received (right shoulder inflammation) was hurt while pitching March 10. He received a cortisone shot and was day-to-day.
RHP Casey Janssen (right shoulder tightness) had to leave his start March 19, and he is not likely to return to the rotation before late April.