MLB: Fixing Holes on Struggling Contenders
By David Hill
Toronto Blue Jays: Bullpen
The Toronto Blue Jays appeared to be a team on the rise. After reaching the ALCS last season, the Blue Jays were a trendy pick to not only win the American League East, but to be the AL representative in the World Series.
However, the Blue Jays, after their beating last night at the hands of the Rays, are sitting at 19-21, six games out of first. The biggest reason for that may be a bullpen that just has not lived up to expectations this season, particularly with the setup men.
The Blue Jays overall 3.56 ERA, the eleventh best mark in baseball, belies the problems they have had. Toronto relievers have a combined 3-13 record this season and a .259 batting average against, 23rd in the MLB.
Those struggles have been primarily from their setup men. Brett Cecil was a key part of the Blue Jays success last year, but has produced a 5.23 ERA and a 1.935 WHiP, allowing 17 hits in 10.1 innings. Even worse has been key offseason acquisition Drew Storen, who had a 8.25 ERA and a 1.833 WHiP, allowing 19 hits in 12 innings heading into last night’s action.
For the Blue Jays to salvage their season, they either need to hope that Cecil and Storen get back to being the pitchers they have been in the past, or they will need to address that aspect of the bullpen. Otherwise, the season could get away from Toronto quickly.
Next: American League Central