Is Toronto the real competition?

by John Amato on Dec 28, 2005 1:18 PM EST in New York Yankees News

Athletic's Nation is thinking the same thing I am:

The Blue Jays appear to have landed Troy Glaus and my question is this: Are the Blue Jays now better than the Boston Red Sox with the recent developments? You know, Damon in New York and Glaus in Toronto. You've got to hand it to J.P. in remaking that team. They now have pitching and seem to have just enough hitting to challenge the Yankees for that division. Of course, Burnett could blow up his elbow and Glaus could wind up on the DL, but right now that team looks poised to do some damage in the AL.

I understand that the Red Sox haven't filled their roster spots yet, but you have to hand it to Toronto-they are a good team once again. I think Mike Lowell will have a big year at third and Beckett will be Beckett. The key is if Manny goes. With Ortiz and Manny still hitting three and four, the Red Sox will be dangerous. Nixon and Jason seem to cause us problems too, but if Manny goes-then Ortiz will not have his protection. Manny can hit thirty home runs sleepwalking and I can't see anyone coming over as fair value for Boston. It's quiet this Holiday season so I'm sure next week things will be popping in Beantown.
Their fans are restless and I can't see them waiting till spring training to make some moves. That thinking cost them Damon.

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Toronto

I'll believe it when I see it. I think people are giving them way too much credit. Who is to say Halliday won't get injured again? Will Burnett be as miserable down the stretch of a pennant race as he was with Florida? One Troy Glaus is weak compared to A-Rod, Sheffield, Matsui, Damon, Giambi, etc or Papi & Manny.

Toronto might have a decent run. They might even be in first place for awhile. But when its all over, I'll bet anything they'll have faded away. I think it was you, Jamato, who said this has last year's Orioles written all over it.

I am still much more afraid of a Damon-less Boston than I am Toronto.

by Lou Reed Is My Hero on Dec 28, 2005 1:50 PM EST reply actions

Ditto

The Jays are still short on impressive pitchers.
Roy Halladay needs to stay healthy, the rookie Chacin needs to avoid a sophomore slump, and Burnett needs to go NL to AL.
The Yankees, meanwhile, won 95 games last year without winning in April or against the Devil Rays. Both those things won't happen again.
I'll take the Yanks.

Have faith in the Yankees my son. Think of the great DiMaggio.

by jscape2000 on Dec 28, 2005 4:19 PM EST reply actions

Sox will See Blue

With the loss of Damon, Renteria, and the inconsistancy of Schilling, Foulke, Arroyo and Clement, I don't see the Sux as being in a position to challenge the Yankees, or even second place in the east.

Jscape as usual is on target ... Toronto needs healthy pitching, but all contending teams need that.

I like what Toronto has done and believe they will finish ahead of Boston--unless they pull off a steal of a deal ... Oh, that's right, the Yankees already did that with Damon.

by 22Ronster on Dec 29, 2005 1:02 PM EST reply actions

the battle for second place

Toronto will be interesting to watch next year. when Halladay went out, they were on a pace to win 85 games. assuming he stays healthy all year and if Burnett can make the transition to the AL without major issues, i can see them winning 90+ games. but as i've said here before, if the Yankees bother to show up in April and May they should be able to win 100+, in which case everyone else will be playing for second place.

by lee on Dec 29, 2005 7:57 PM EST reply actions