Crooked Pitch

Josh Fleet is writing today’s guest post about the Toronto Blue Jays. Josh is a writer at John McDonald’s Cabinet, a hot new Blue Jays blog. Josh is also a writer at Downtown Sports and is on twitter and should be followed. You can find him at @JMChollywoodj.

Is there any fantasy value amongst the Toronto Blue Jays? The simple answer is… maybe. The Jays have 3 players that will certainly go in almost all leagues.

• The first lock with a great deal of fantasy value is Roy Halladay. Halladay should be a top 10 fantasy starter in all leagues. He may be the most consistent pitcher in the American League, and fantasy owners were pleasantly surprised by his strikeout totals in 2008. Halladay should be good for close to 20 wins, an ERA below 3.50, and a WHIP below 1.15. If Halladay drops out of the top 10 starters in drafts something is wrong.
• The next player with great fantasy value is Alex Rios. Rios should be a top 25 outfielder in mixed leagues. He saw a great increase in his stolen base totals last season, grabbing over 30 bags for the first time in his young career. Rios should be a 20/20 guy, and a reliable outfielder.
• The next player to watch is Vernon Wells. Wells has disappointed fantasy owners over the last couple years: due to a poor performance in 2007, and injuries in 2008. All indications are that Wells will be healthy on Opening Day, and could present great value for owners. Wells has 30 home run potential and can hit for average. If Wells is available late, he could be a great pick-up.

While, these three players present a great deal of fantasy value, there are also some decent sleepers amongst the Jays.

• Travis Snider, will be an everyday player at the ripe age of 21, and could knock out 25 home runs.
• Adam Lind, will also be an everyday player and could also hit around 25 homers.
• Also, be sure to keep your eyes on the young Blue Jays pitching, as they always seem to find reliable young starters in their minor league system (Marcum, McGowan, Litsch).

Overall, the Blue Jays present SOME fantasy value on draft day. Yet, the youngsters that can probably be found in the free agent pool may be a pleasant surprise to owners.

If you are a team blogger and are interested writing a fantasy preview, let me know.