Blue Jays Say "Bye Bye Brett"!

(Photo courtesy of AP)

In a somewhat surprising move earlier today, the Jays optioned Brett Cecil down to their AA club in New Hampshire. I find this somewhat humorous after Mike Wilner had claimed there to be little difference between Cole Hamels and Cecil in terms of stuff. Sure, lets throw out the fact that Cole Hamels throws MUCH harder, has one of the best change ups in baseball and is generally a pretty awesome pitcher.

Basically, this should mean that all of Kyle Drabek, Dustin McGowan and Henderson Alvarez have secured spots in Toronto's rotation. Soon, expect angry Jennifer Cecil to voice her displeasure about her husband being sent down. He should be allowed to lob 85 MPH meatballs down the middle while the club sticks by him!

So, that's that.

Blue Jays in Beast Mode this Spring

(photo courtesy of bleacherreport.com)

The Toronto Blue Jays look primed for a breakout season with a beastly 16-4 record in Grapefruit League, good for 1st place overall. That won't necessarily translate into the season, but no sane baseball critic can see this excellent start as a negative. A level of comfort has to have set in for the Jays; there were few roster spots available heading into Grapefruit League, with most already spoken for. That comfort is now manifesting as swagger. 

(photo courtesy of theglobeandmail.com)

Bubble players like Travis Snider, Kyle Drabek, and the embattled Dustin McGowan have all stepped up, providing management with their favorite problem: too much talent. Health permitting, this is going to be a scary good team, and their depth on the field and in the bullpen should carry them through any potential rough patches. 
MLB be warned: the Blue Jays mean business.