The 2006 Blue Jays were a
formidable group led by the lights-out right arm of Roy Halladay. They received solid offensive production from the
top-to-middle of their lineup and were in contention for the division title for most
of the summer. Untimely injuries caused the team to backslide late in the season but the talented pool of Blue Jay players should once again be
considered strong challengers in a loaded AL East.
Vernon Wells
continues to build on a nice career in Toronto.
The defensive minded outfielder turned 28 in December and while entering his
prime has increased his home run stroke from 23 to 32
since 2004. Wells also eclipsed 100 RBI for the third time in his young career. Most
surprising was his propensity to find situational steals in 2006. When most players are showing a decrease in stolen bases in their late twenties, Wells stole as many bases (17) in one season as his previous two combined. The All Star outfielder signed
a significant contract extension this winter and will be expected to continue
his double digit base thefts, his .300 average and near .900 OPS over the next
handful of seasons in Toronto.
Young outfielder Alex Rios was enjoying a breakout
season until injuries cut his year short. Rios stole 15 bases and recorded 56
extra base hits in 498 2006 plate appearances. His .366 BA with runners in
scoring position was the icing on the cake and the new, short, and compact
swing of Rios, one that resembles that of teammate and fellow outfielder Wells,
served him well in 2006.
|
2006
BATTING ORDER (Most Used, 7 times)
|
|
BO
|
POS
|
PLAYER
|
BA
|
HR
|
RBI
|
|
1
|
OF
|
Reed Johnson
|
.319
|
12
|
49
|
|
2
|
OF
|
Frank Catalanotto
|
.300
|
7
|
56
|
|
3
|
OF
|
Vernon Wells
|
.303
|
32
|
106
|
|
4
|
3B
|
Troy Glaus
|
.252
|
38
|
104
|
|
5
|
1B
|
Lyle Overbay
|
.312
|
22
|
92
|
|
6
|
OF
|
Alex Rios
|
.302
|
17
|
82
|
|
7
|
C
|
Bengie Molina
|
.284
|
19
|
57
|
|
8
|
2B
|
Aaron Hill
|
.291
|
6
|
50
|
|
9
|
SS
|
John McDonald
|
.223
|
3
|
23
|
When newcomer AJ Burnett finally found his health, he proved to be dominating; this despite the Jays' defense turning only 69% of batted balls into outs last year. His BB/9 and HR/9 rates are comparable to
Halladay's -- and when healthy few pitchers in the league command more respect.
|
2006 PITCHING
ROTATION
|
|
|
RH/LH
|
PLAYER
|
WIN/LOSS
|
ERA
|
|
1
|
RH
|
Roy Halladay
|
16-5
|
3.19
|
|
2
|
LH
|
Ted Lilly
|
15-13
|
4.31
|
|
3
|
RH
|
AJ Burnett
|
10-8
|
3.98
|
|
4
|
LH
|
Gustavo Chacin
|
9-4
|
5.05
|
|
5
|
RH
|
Casey Janssen
|
6-10
|
5.07
|
The Toronto offseason saw ex-Pale Sox and
Athletic, Frank Thomas, dodge the
draft and head north for a season in the SkyDome. Joining Big Frank will be
infielder Royce Clayton, while
all-purpose Frank Catalanotto, starting
pitcher Ted Lilly, and bullpen ace Justin Speier all depart.
Prospect Adam Lind will again try to break into
a crowded outfield this spring, with Kevin
Barker also knocking on the big-league door. Both are long shots to make the
opening day roster but are potential call ups when and if injuries strike.
|
CATEGORY
|
TEAM
LEADERS
|
STATISTIC
|
|
BATTING AVERAGE
|
Reed Johnson
|
.319
|
|
HOME RUNS
|
Troy Glaus
|
38
|
|
RUNS BATTED IN
|
Vernon Wells
|
106
|
|
RUNS
|
Troy Glaus
|
105
|
|
STOLEN BASES
|
Vernon Wells
|
17
|
|
OPS
|
Alex Rios
|
.977
|
|
WINS
|
Roy Halladay
|
16
|
|
SAVES
|
B.J. Ryan
|
38
|
|
ERA
|
Roy Halladay
|
3.19
|
|
STRIKE OUTS
|
Ted Lilly
|
160
|
