I’d like to discuss the proposed Opening Day line-up for the Blue Jays.
If I were manager John Gibbons, my opening day starting rotation would consist of:
- R.A. Dickey
- Mark Buerhle
- Josh Johnson
- Brandon Morrow
- Ricky Romero
Casey Janssen would remain the closer, with Darren Oliver as the set-up man. Sergio Santos would have to prove himself of being capable of taking over the set-up role (and then maybe the closer position) if he can show that he can actually pitch. He never provedd this to me prior to his injury last year – blowing the first save opportunity (and first appearance) at the Rogers Centre last year in the Blue Jays home opener.
Ricky Romero struggled for most of last season (although he had a decent win-loss record early in the season) and seems to still have issues during Spring Training this year. J.A. Happ has been a starting pitcher in the past, including a complete game shutout against the Blue Jays in 2009 when he was a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. If Romero does not step up and show some ability to actually pitch before Opening Day on April 2nd, Happ should become the 5th starter and Romero should be sent to Triple-A Buffalo.
My opening day starting day line up would look like this:
- José Reyes, shortstop
- Melky Cabera, left field
- José Bautista, right field
- Edwin Encarnación, designated hitter
- Brett Lawrie, third base
- Colby Rasmus, centre field
- J.P. Arencibia, catcher
- Adam Lind, first base
- Emilio Bonifacio, second base
The bullpen would consist of Casey Janssen, Darren Oliver, Sergio Santos, J.A. Happ (or Esmil Rogers, if Ricky Romero starts the season in Triple-A), Aaron Loup, Brad Lincoln, and Steve Delabar.
The bench would be filled out with Rajai Davis, Maicer Izturis, Josh Thole, and Mark DeRosa.
This would be my Opening Day 25 man roster. Let’s see how things turn out starting Opening Day on April 2nd at the Rogers Centre. And Go Jays Go!!!
Edward Brain's Blog 