Toronto Blue Jays 2003 Season Preview

The Ace - Roy Halliday

In J. P. Ricciardi, the Blue Jays have one of the brightest young G.M.s in baseball. He was well groomed in the Oakland A's system. His goal is to get the Jays back to their glory days and into the playoff picture. Last season, third baseman Erik Hinske was acquired from the A's. He batted .279, slugged 24 home runs and drove in 84 runs. This was good enough to win the American League rookie of the year award. This year Ricciardi again went to the A's and acquired pitcher Cory Lidle (8-10, 3.89 ERA). Along with staff ace Roy Halliday (19-7, 2.93 ERA) gives the Jays two good starters. Tanyon Sturtze was acquired from Tampa Bay and should be able to improve on his 4-18 record of last season. The remaining two rotation spots will sort themselves out at spring training. The Jays still have Kelvim Escobar as their closer.

The Jays listed young catchers Kevin Cash, Tom Wilson and Ken Huckaby on their roster. Whoever wins the catcher's spot will be backed up by free agent veteran Greg Myers. He will be able to tutor the young Jays catchers.

The infield has Hinske at third base and the dangerous Carlos Delgado (33 HR., 108 RBI's) at first base. Last season, shortstop Chris Woodward (.276, 13 HR., 45 RBI's) burst onto the scene and won the shortstop position. If he should falter, free agent Mike Bordick will be ready to step in. Second base will play itself out at spring training.

The outfield is solid with emerging star Vernon Wells (.275, 23 HR., 100 RBI's) in center and Shannon Stewart in left field. Jose Cruz was not tendered a contract and free agent Frank Catalanotto was added to play right field. Youngster Josh Phelps (.309. 15 HR., 58 RBI's) will be the DH and should be able to improve on those numbers.

With the Yankees and Red Sox in their division it makes moving up in the standings difficult, but not impossible. Pitching will be a determining factor.