The Jays expected a big improvement in their offense this past season, but they ended up scoring about 50 runs fewer than they did the previous year. But their pitching staff went from tops in the AL East with a 4.37 ERA in '06 (10th in the majors), to a 4.00 ERA (third in the majors) in '07.

But first, let's look at the offense that rated just 17th in the majors (10th in the AL and last in the AL East). Frank Thomas came over from Oakland after a 39-homer 2006, and while he didn't disappoint (95 RBI and a .277 batting average), he wasn't exactly a world beater (26 homers). Most importantly for him, he remained relatively healthy -- posting his second highest total of at-bats (531) over the past seven seasons. He did join the 500-HR club last year, and he'll bat clean-up again this season, which makes him a solid middle-to-late round pick in mixed drafts.

David Eckstein comes over from St. Louis, only two seasons removed from his World Series MVP production, to lead off for the Jays. From a Fantasy perspective, he just doesn't do enough to warrant consideration outside of AL-only formats. He has little power and just doesn't steal enough bases.

While talking new Jays, let's discuss the arrival of Scott Rolen, who banged heads with his former manager, Tony La Russa, in St. Louis. He replaces Troy Glaus at third base, but injuries have plagued both players at the hot corner. Rolen is hoping to be fully recovered from shoulder problems by spring training. With his injury-riddled past, he's certain to be a late-round pick at best in your mixed leagues, but as a slugger with 30-homer potential, he makes for a very nice sleeper pick.

Alex Rios and Vernon Wells are the stars of this offense, but both went different directions last season. Rios had a career year, with 24 homers and 17 steals, but Wells disappointed big-time after signing a $126 million deal. A cyst and torn labrum in his left shoulder was likely the cause in the decline in stats, and he had that fixed in the offseason. Rios still has potential to improve on his output from a year ago, and Wells is a candidate for a comeback. Rios is essentially a top-10 Fantasy outfielder -- and Wells isn't too far behind in the top 25.

The pitching staff was much-improved, although the bullpen took a major hit when closer B.J. Ryan underwent Tommy John surgery in May. Once he returns in May or June, he'll be given every opportunity to take back his closer's job. Meanwhile, Jeremy Accardo is now a 30-save veteran who will hold his spot until he's ready.

The rotation has two Fantasy studs at the forefront, with Roy Halladay and A.J. Burnett. Both have 18-win potential, but both have had their problems with injuries. Burnett had some shoulder problems, but his elbow appears to be fine, as he struck out a batter-per-inning. Halladay doesn't strike out as many batters, but his ERA and WHIP should lead your Fantasy rotation.

Jesse Litsch, Shaun Marcum and Dustin McGowan are all under 27 years old, and they represent the future for Toronto's rotation. Marcum went 11-4 with a 3.94 ERA as a starter last year and McGowan is a former prospect that is finally making good to his keeper owners. Both are decent fifth starters in mixed leagues, whereas Litsch and Gustavo Chacin are AL-only candidates, depending on who wins that fifth spot.

Spring position battles

SP No. 5 -- Gustavo Chacin vs. Jesse Litsch
Shoulder surgery ended Chacin's season last year, but the Jays are hopeful that the Venezuelan will be fully recovered by spring training. Litsch should open camp as the fifth starter, with Chacin possibly starting at Triple-A Syracuse. In 2006, Chacin's season was cut short with elbow problems. He has just 22 starts in his past two seasons.

Left field -- Adam Lind vs. Reed Johnson
This is one of those battles that will likely go on all season. Johnson could start the season in left, only to eventually get replaced by Lind, who has a promising future. Johnson doesn't have great speed and he doesn't have a great OBP, but he's gritty and he sets a nice tone. The Jays have added someone similar with Eckstein in the fold, so Lind's chances to start are pretty good.

Toronto Blue Jays Outlook
Projected lineup Pos. Projected Rotation
1 David Eckstein SS 1 Roy Halladay RH
2 Lyle Overbay 1B 2 A.J. Burnett RH
3 Alex Rios RF 3 Shaun Marcum RH
4 Frank Thomas DH 4 Dustin McGowan RH
5 Vernon Wells CF 5 Jesse Litsch RH
6 Scott Rolen 3B Alt Gustavo Chacin LH
7 Aaron Hill 2B
8 Adam Lind LF Top bullpen arms
9 Gregg Zaun C CL Jeremy Accardo LH
Top bench options SU Casey Janssen RH
R Reed Johnson OF RP Scott Downs LH
R Matt Stairs INF/OF RP Jason Frasor RH
Rookies/Prospects Age Pos. 2007 high Destination
1 Travis Snider 20 OF Class A Double-A
There's immense potential here, but they'll have to wait for it.
2 Ryan Patterson 24 OF Double-A Triple-A
Decent power, but he will have to make better contact to improve.
4 John Tolisano 19 2B Class A Double-A
Teenager draftee showed well in GCL, especially with pop at 2B.
4 Sergio Santos 24 SS Triple-A Triple-A
Ex-D-Back showed good pop at SS, but Eckstein's blocking him now.
5 Robinson Diaz 24 C Triple-A Triple-A
Could be mid-season call-up if injuries hit.
Best of the rest: SP Chi-Hung Cheng, SP Joel Carreno, SS Kevin Ahrens, OF Aaron Matthews, SP David Purcey, SP Ricky Romero, SP Josh Banks, OF Yohermyn Chavez, OF Brian Pettway, 1B Chip Cannon, C Brian Jeroloman, 3B Anthony Hatch, SP Brandon Magee, SP Kyle Ginley, SP Graham Godfrey, P Ismael Ramirez, SS Justin Jackson, RP Jamie Vermilyea, RP Tracy Thorpe, RP Jordan De Jong, RP Paul Phillips, SP Chase Lirette, SP Kenny Rodriguez, RP Lee Gronkiewicz, 3B Ryan Roberts, OF Ryan Klosterman, SP Kyle Yates, SS Balbino Fuenmayor.

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