After 22 games the Blue Jays are 13-9 and the season has been a bit of a roller coaster to start. Of note Bichette, Vladdy and Chapman have started the season hot while Manoah has started the season. cold. He did look good in his last start however so hopefully that is a sign of good things to come. Bo's hot start is of no surprise to me since he ended last season on a tear, but Vladdy and Chapman have stepped up their games and it has been impressive.
Bo is just a good hitter and good takes pride in his craft. Vladdy from what I have seen has been more patient at the plate and is not trying to hit every ball 1000 miles per hour. Chapman has restructured his entire approach at the plate and it really shows with his line drive and opposite field stroke. Varsho has also been good, but with Moreno getting off to a good start as well only time will tell who wins out on that trade. He does provide a speed a defence element that the Jays have been sorely lacking for years in their line up.
Speaking of defence that catch Kiermaier made during the home opener was absolute NUTS. Kiermaier has been a breathe of fresh air and he has been playing out of his mind and has been the best version of himself so far to start the season. To be totally honest I was not high at all at his signing since I saw him as a washed up fourth outfielder, but he has provided a major spark at the bottom of the line up and his defence is still elite.
Another pleasant surprise has been Kikuchi. He has only had one bad start so far and it seems like he is having fun on the mound. Imagine that, grown ups being successful playing a kid's game with the right attitude? Anything can be better than what he gave us last year, so let's hope he can keep his rotation spot all year. The rest of the rotation has been up and down as well, but both Berrios and Bassit have been good the past couple of starts. The bullpen has been a bit of an issue and even though Romano is up there in saves, he blew a couple of games and the rest of the arms down there have been shaky as well. Pop has shown some encouraging signs and I look forward to see him develop. That sinker is nasty!
It's ALCS or bust for me this year. The team has had a taste of the playoffs the past two years and it is time to progress and do something with that experience. They have the line up and the pitching to get it done and the management to add if they so desire. GO JAYS GO!!
Comments