Toronto Blue Jays 2010 Season Review

The Toronto Blue Jays came into the 2010 season with little expectations to compete and numerous questions to be answered. It was the first season without there former ace and face of the franchise Roy Halladay. A young and inexpierenced starting rotation was intact filled with prospects with promising careers ahead. While many questioned how they'd fair the rotation was one of the bright spots throughout the season. Led by sophomore ace Ricky Romero, all 5 of the starters recorded winning records and showed opposing hitters they were major league ready. Perhaps, the most impressive start by Brendan Morrow who was aquired through a deal with the Seattle Mariners. In the final month of the season, Morrow hurled a 17 strikeout one hit performance against the division rival Tampa Bay Rays. Coming within one out of a no hitter till Evan Longoria squeaked a 2 out single in the bottom of the ninth past the sprawling glove of Aaron Hill. Jays fans got a sneak peek at what the future awaits, as rookie pitchers Brett Cecil and Kyle Draebek emerged from the minor league system and dazzled hitters with some of pitches they developed. Giving life to jays fans that the future is bright. While solid pitching was established it was the Jays bats that came alive in 2010. Leading the majors with an astonishing 268 homers. Led by none other then Jose Bautista. From utility man to big time slugger there might've not been a better story in the MLB then Bautista's. The guy came out of nowhere and slugged 54 homeruns to lead the major leagues and put himself in prime posistion as an MVP candidate. In August, Bautista was fortunate enough alongside teammates John Buck and Vernon Wells to recieve invitation to the all star game. Three representitives from the jays marked the first time since 1989 that 3 players from the Jays were all selected to take part. While Bautista, Buck, Encarnacion, and Wells produced solid seasons there were a couple downfalls that were discouraging for Toronto. Both Adam Lind and Aaron Hill coming off all star seasons were mired in season long slumps both posting avergages below the .250 mark and a sufficent decrease in homers. Ultimatly, hurting the teams batting average to the bottom 5 of the American League at an average of .268. Some of the downfalls towards the Jays were battling through injuries. Travis Snider who was expected to make the big leap in his career was slowed down by injuries. Landing on the disabled list for multiple stints. Aaron Hill was not the same player following his concussion in mid season and failed to return to the All-Star status he possessed in 2009. One of the most memorable moments in 2010 belonged to rookie call up J.P. Arencibia. On August 7th, the rookie catcher was inserted in the lineup after injuries to John Buck and Raul Chavez. On his first major league pitch Arencibia blasted a two run shot off James Shields. A young and enthusiatic Arencibia trudged around the bases and was welcomed back in the dugout by his teammates. Making the moment even more special for J.P. was that his mother was in attendence as well. Arencibia didn't stop there. He went on to blast another homerun and finished the game four for four. Capping off one of the best Major League debuts of all time. The 2010 season was one to remember, while the Jays finished a mediocre 85-77 and 4th in the AL east it was names emerging as bright young prospects that is keeping fans excited. Cito Gaston was given a standing ovation in the last game of the season and will be postivly remembered as perhaps the best Jays manager of all time. Able to develop such dangerous hitters that keep opposing pitchers on there toes. The Jays have cornerstone pieces in place, now its a matter of developing strong game to game consistency. Once this is established it will only be a matter of time before the Jays are competing for the World Series