As we kick off a new week, we go north of the border to cover the Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays have long been one of the most talented teams on paper, but there is just one problem, the game isn’t played on paper. For all their bravado and flash, they don’t deliver on their promise. They kept it simple with the moves they made this winter as they didn’t go big in the on the free agent market after seemingly being a finalist for Shohei Ohtani. The only incoming additions to the squad are veteran infielders Justin Turner and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, as they work to add some more experience and contact to their lineup. Can the Jays finally take the step? Let’s find out.

Keys to Success

1. Gausman Gets Healthy: The Jays like every club are dealing with some injuries right now, specifically to starter Kevin Gausman. The righty has put together a strong last few seasons but is unlikely to be ready for opening day due to “shoulder fatigue.” If the Jays can’t keep Gausman on the field they may need to go shopping for help in the rotation.

2. Turner Changes the Vibe: Typically, in sports when we talk about a “clubhouse vibe” its needing to go from bad to good. In this case though it feels like the Jays need someone to come in and show them how to mature from being a fun brash team to a serious contender on a mission. Justin Turner is the right guy for the job having been a key contributor on several winning teams and picking up a ring on along the way. This is a great chance for him to provide some veteran leadership to a team in real need of it.

3. Springer Stays Healthy: Last year outfielder George Springer played 154 games. Typically, this wouldn’t be newsworthy, but number four has missed so much time the last several seasons that it was honestly breaking news. For Toronto to take another step this season, the oft-injured star needs to stay on the field this year as well.

The Lineup

1. George Springer RF

2. Bo Bichette SS

3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1B

4. Justin Turner DH

5. Daulton Varsho LF

6. Alejandro Kirk C

7. Kevin Kiermaier CF

8. Isiah Kiner-Falefa 3B

9. Cavan Biggio 2B

The Staff

1. Jose Berrios

2. Chris Bassitt

3. Yusei Kikuchi

4. Kevin Gausman (Pending return from injury)

5. Bowden Francis

Closer: Jordan Romano

The Prediction

84 Wins

I have the Jays missing the playoffs. While there is a lot to like about them on paper, I have a hard time seeing this team reach the next level as they always come up a bit short of their potential. The American League is awfully crowded and with the seemingly improved Yankees in the mix now too, it feels like Toronto will miss out this postseason.

You can find me on Twitter @YNWA9623 and subscribe to the site by hitting the follow button in the bottom right corner and entering your email address. Also, check out our new Instagram feed @thebroadwaybreakdownsports for special gameday and promotional content. We’ll be back with our final preview, as we cover the Nationals tomorrow!