Trade Deadline Preview: Toronto Blue Jays

Jun 23, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Adam Lind (26) celebrates their victory with first baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) and pitcher R.A. Dickey (43) against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Following the the mega-blockbuster trade consummated by the Toronto Blue Jays and Miami Marlins in November 2012, the Jays became a sexy pick to contend for the AL East crown during the 2013 season.  The deal, sent Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson, Emilio Bonifacio, and John Buck north; with Yunel Escobar, Adeiny Hechevarria, Henderson Alvarez, Jeff Mathis, Justin Nicolino, Anthony Desclafani, and Jake Marisnick heading to South Beach.  The Marlins became a joke, and the Blue Jays looked to become a powerhouse.  The success for the Jays didn’t come, as their assembly of talent (Which also included Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, and disgraced outfielder Melky Cabrera) never gelled.

They lost 88 games, due in large part to a myriad of injuries and inconsistent play, good enough for dead last in the AL East.  The 2014 season though, has been a much different story.  The Blue Jays sit perched atop a mediocre division, sitting one game ahead of the Baltimore Orioles.  They were neck and neck at one point with the Oakland Athletics for the best record in the AL, but have slipped a little recently.  The mini-slide may encourage the Jays to make another impactful trade to help nail down their first postseason berth since 1993.