2013 Blue Jays Spring Training Thread

[Twitchy]

Blue Jays Open Spring Training Eyeing Playoffs

"I think the optimism is at an all-time high," Blue Jays No. 2 starter Brandon Morrow said. "We were, I think, hopefully optimistic last year, but this year we expect to win."

Those expectations sprouted after general manager Alex Anthopoulos made a series of bold moves during the winter to improve his previously underperforming squad. It started in November with a shocking multi-player deal that sent the core of Miami's roster north of the border.

That move was followed by a pair of free agent signings and yet another blockbuster trade -- this time with the Mets. When the dust had finally settled, Toronto found itself as the new home for the likes of R.A. Dickey, Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle and Melky Cabrera.

The hope is that the new core of players will help turn the Blue Jays around following a drought of 19 consecutive years without making the postseason. Last year's biggest weakness was in the starting rotation, but this spring it is arguably the club's biggest strength.

It seems almost fitting that on Day 1 of Spring Training one of the main topics of conversations was injuries. The Blue Jays were decimated by trips to the disabled list in 2012, and while the hope is that history won't repeat itself, multiple players will have to be monitored.

Closer Casey Janssen is coming off right shoulder surgery in the offseason, and while he is expected to be 100 percent by Opening Day, he is less than that right now. The veteran's offseason throwing program was delayed, and he will be forced to play gradual catchup during the early weeks of camp.

If Janssen is unable to go by April, the job would most likely be handed to Sergio Santos, who began the 2012 campaign in the closer's role but lasted only six games before he was shut down with a shoulder injury of his own. For now, Santos would have to be considered Plan B, as the goal remains to have Janssen on the mound and ready to go.

"Right now I'm in a little bit of the building phase, but at the same time I'm going out there and not thinking about my arm and just throwing, which is nice," Janssen said. "I'm a little bit behind but not far enough where I can't catch up.

[2009mvp]

Photos from day 1:
http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/...ring-training/

Wrong sport Anthony!

[Spiderdan22]

Photos from day 1:
http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/...ring-training/

Lawrie not get the memo on what shorts to wear?

[koreancabbage]

Photos from day 1:
http://sports.nationalpost.com/2013/...ring-training/

Wrong sport Anthony!

still okay. got him throwing a ball. Hey if he can continue to do this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or0bKa2Awn8

i'll be fine

[Korac]

still okay. got him throwing a ball. Hey if he can continue to do this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or0bKa2Awn8

i'll be fine

Man I hope he figures it out with the bat, he is an absolute stud out there on D.

[the_jon]

It's not uncommon for pitchers to throw a football as it builds arm strength and helps keep mechanics smooth. It's not hard to see how it could help Gose aswell.

[wagnall]

McGowan another set back? Man this guy is 31 and can't seem to catch a break. Pretty soon times up for him

[Korac]

McGowan another set back? Man this guy is 31 and can't seem to catch a break. Pretty soon times up for him

Sadly, that time was up a while ago. The only one who doesn't seem to realize it is him. Have to admire his guts, but there comes a time when reality has to set in.

[wagnall]

Sadly, that time was up a while ago. The only one who doesn't seem to realize it is him. Have to admire his guts, but there comes a time when reality has to set in.

[wagnall]

Sounds like Buehrle has figured out his situation, but still sounds like he's not too thrilled as I would be if in his position. But for 48m I would try to struggle thru the next 2 1/2 years and as a true pro, I expect he will do just that.

[Halladay]

The whole throwing a football thing...thats how I dislocated my shoulder which resulted in major ulnar nerve damage. The same area which requires TJ surgery. Happy days.

[koreancabbage]

The whole throwing a football thing...thats how I dislocated my shoulder which resulted in major ulnar nerve damage. The same area which requires TJ surgery. Happy days.

I would be saying you threw it wrong LOL did you just throw it once? sad to hear that.

[Halladay]

I would be saying you threw it wrong LOL did you just throw it once? sad to hear that.

I was a quarterback. It was a hail Mary pass. It happens. Every time I hear a pitcher needs TJ surgery I cringe.

[rapsjaysfan88]

Man dustin should learn to pitch lefty

[JMac4PM]

Man dustin should learn to pitch lefty

Dustin should learn accounting. thats where his career is heading....