Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays (73-89) - Fourth Place American League East

It almost seems silly to write a review of the Toronto Blue Jays 2012 season in light of the mega-deal they have pulled acquiring 5 starters from the Miami Marlins, but this deal was made in light of the record and what has seemed like forever since the Blue Jays were able to break the playoff picture.  In fact, they have not made the playoffs since I was a 5 year old bawling my eyes out in 1993 when they beat my beloved White Sox to play in the World Series that of course they would win on Joe Carter's blast.  But enough about my childhood, onto the review of the 2012 Toronto Blue Jays.

Pitchers- Injuries were the big story for the Blue Jays rotation in 2012.  Starter and ace, Brandon Morrow missed significant time in 2012 only making 21 starts.  Morrow sported an astounding 2.96 ERA and struck out 108 batters in 124.2 innings.  In his limited role, Morrow led the Jays in wins with 10.  The big surprise of the year, was how badly Ricky Romero performed.  It seemed like Romero was a ghost of himself in 2012 with a 1.67 WHIP and a 5.77 ERA.  Romero was not good in 2012 and the Jays hope he can turn it around in 2013.  Youngster Kyle Drabek missed a lot of 2012 with injuries and he has not been very consistent since breaking into the big leagues.  In the bullpen, the Blue Jays made a move in the off-season to get closer Sergio Santos.  Santos got hurt early, and Francisco Cordero filled in by getting hurt, but the Jays might have found something in Casey Janssen, who converted 22 saves in 25 opportunities.  Old timer Darren Oliver was also great for the Blue Jays appearing in 62 games with a 2.06 ERA as a lefty specialist.

Infielders- Did anyone see this coming from Edwin Encarnacion in 2012?  I did not but damn was he good.  He led the Blue Jays with 42 home runs, batting average at .280 and runs batted in with 110.  He was an all around hitter in 2012 and the Blue Jays hope he can continue in 2013.  Brett Lawrie put together a great season.  Being thrown into the lead off role Lawrie performed great with a .273 average and scored 73 runs.  It is hard to judge Lawrie, because he was batting lead off much of the year and suffered from injury throughout the year.  Look for big things from Lawrie going forward as he might find himself in the middle of a great line up.  Yunel Escobar was himself in 2012 putting up average numbers.  2012 was a going out party for Omar Vizquel.  I would just like to thank Omar for his years of service as a major league baseball player and I am lucky enough to see him for the White Sox the past couple years and he is a true professional who played the game with such style, beauty and grace, but always showed class and was a true professional.  Omar Vizquel, thank you for everything you have done for the game of baseball, you truly are one of my baseball heroes.

Omar Vizquel as the Blue Jays honor him during his last game.

Outfielders- Jose Bautista was not himself in 2012, or was he?  After two tremendous seasons, Joey Bats struggled in 2012.  I personally think injuries played a big role in this, but Bats still hit 27 home runs in 97 games which would translate to 45 home runs if he played in 162 games.  His power numbers were there, but his average was not.  Bats only batted .241 in 2012.  Center fielder Rajai Davis was pretty good sporting a .257 average, but his biggest asset to the Blue Jays came on the bases.  Davis led the Blue Jays with 46 stolen bases.

Twitter Account of the Day- Jose Bautista Follow him @JoeyBats19. Also, Follow @VizquelOmar13 because he is a dude and seriously as good as a person as he is baseball player!

For an awesome 2012 Omar Vizquel highlight check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7r3ck6u_I4

Follow us on Twitter @WadeCArthur @TommyM44 and @cniermann.

Check back tonight for The Hot Stove Wrap Up and all week as we continue our 2012 season reviews.

Next up: Pittsburgh Pirates