5 Bold Predictions for the Toronto Blue Jays in Spring Training

4. Gibbons struggles to find the two playing time

Devon Travis might have been on his way to AL Rookie of the Year in 2015 if not for a shoulder injury. A surgery has bought manager John Gibbons some time to decide what to do between him and Ryan Goins. Travis likely won’t play until May after a rehab assignment.

In his rookie year, Travis showed he’s going to be a better career hitter than Goins. However, Goins’ defensive skill set is extremely underrated and shouldn’t be. He can play shortstop with as much panache as he does second base and has logged innings in the outfield as well. Travis is no slouch either, with a 2.2 UZR to Goins’ 1.2 in 2015 at second base.

If Saunders or Pompey under-perform drastically as left fielders this season, don’t be surprised to see Goins or even Travis get bumped over there. For a player known for his glove, many hitters had far worse seasons at the plate in 2015 than Goins did. His .250/.318/.354 slash line was rather respectable.

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