Buffalo Boy's Blog

This week I take a look at the outfield and for probably the third year in a row this group looks like the most talented outfield in the American League East. Rios is one of the top three right fielders in the American League period, when healthy not many will argue Vernon Wells is among the best center fielders, and left fielder Adam Lind is poised for a breakout year.

The key to what I just said above is health. Vernon Wells has already had trouble with the same hamstring that had him miss time last year and though he may be ready for opening day his hamstrings are always a concern especially for him in a spacious center field on turf at Rogers Center. The Blue Jays offensively will sink and swim with the health of Wells. He stays healthy and this lineup with be right up there with the big boys int he AL. He goes down for any period of time or has to play hurt and they will struggle. A return to say 2004 form would be nice for this year, 25-30 HR, 100+ RBI and .300.  

Alex Rios had a disappointing start to last season but toward the second half his power numbers started to heat up. A full year with Cito Gaston and his coaches should wake up the power potential Rios has in that bat of his. Defensively he is in the top three amongst right fielders and on the base paths Rios is a legit 40 stolen base threat. We are still waiting for that 30+ HR, 100+ RBI, 100+ Run, .300+ season out of Rios, this would be a nice year to get it.

Adam Lind showed glimpses of whats to come last year and should have a break out campaign, he will get most of the time in left field with DH Travis Snider giving him and the other outfielders a rest throughout the year. Lind is the X factor, if he has that breakout year they could have three outfielders with 20+ home runs. Defensively, hes adequate to above average.

If Wells stays healthy this group carries the team offensively and they may surprise some teams this year. Next week I will tackle the pitching as I finish up my 2009 Blue Jays previews.