Here are a few different predictions I have about the Blue Jays lineup for 2011. I haven't heard anyone talk about some of these possibilities at this point. A couple of these predictions are somewhat unlikely but I think there is a chance they could happen. These changes to the lineup are based on the Blue Jays having their current roster of players and working with what they have. If they make any other offseason moves it would obviously change the lineup and what lineup they go with. Also, I think the batting order will change quite a bit depending on who does well. Now onto what I think the Jays could do with their current roster for the 2011 season, beginning with the most unlikely.
1. Rajai Davis Starts In Center And Vernon Wells Moves To Right
People have mentioned other possible lineup changes but nobody has mentioned moving Wells. This would give them a better defense than Davis in LF and Snider in RF I think, and before last year there was talk about Wells' declining defense. They traded for Davis and he could just be a 4th outfielder, but if they actually traded for him you have to think they like him quite a bit. If they really want Davis in the lineup it would be gutsy to go ahead and move Wells to RF because this would give them the best defense and lineup with the players they currently have. Davis has more speed in CF than Wells but has a poor arm so can't play RF and it would mean he is at the top of the lineup every day. Snider in RF and Davis in LF of course is more likely so as not to upset Wells but I think there is a chance they could do this.
2. Carlos Villanueva Is Given A Chance To Start And Be In The Rotation
They traded Milwaukee for him in the offseason and I like the trade. Check out his good K/IP and K/BB ratio, especially for last year. Milwaukee even sent him down to AAA for a couple months last year so he hasn't been unbelievable but he has potential just like with the Jays getting Morrow last year. When they traded for Morrow last year there was not much talk at all about him being moved back to a starter but I thought right away they would probably do it. Right after the trade people just thought he might be a closer or in the bullpen. It's the same thing with Villanueva as everyone just thinks he is a decent bullpen pick up as he has never been a full time starter and was in the bullpen all of last year. But I think he could possibly be given a chance to start. Drabek would start the year at AAA to give Villanueva the chance.
3. Jose Bautista Moves To Third Base
This prediction is more likely than the others and has been discussed but I have to mention it since it is what allows my first prediction to possibly come true. They would have Bautista at 3B and Snider in left. They just signed Edwin Encarnacion but it sounds certain they don't want him playing 3B because of poor defense, but instead want him to split 1B and DH with Lind. Lind is going to try playing 1B. With the current roster, some people have thought Bautista might have to be moved to 3B if they don't get a different 3B. Another option that has been talked about is moving Aaron Hill to 3B and getting a 2B.
4. Travis Snider Hits 4th Or 5th By The Middle Of The Year
I think the Jays batting order could change often during the year because of the players they have. Depending on who hits well and what works they could move guys around. But the most obvious one that could change as the season goes on without taking into account if he has an up or down year is Travis Snider. With the other players you don't know how good of an offensive year they will have, but Snider should really just get better this year. He is one year older and as long as he is healthy should turn into a good hitter this year. Their best lineup by the end of the year would have Snider hitting cleanup I believe, though he may be only likely to make it to the 5th hole this year. I personally think an interesting lineup would be Davis, Hill, Bautista, Snider, Wells, Lind, Encarnacion, Arencibia, Escobar.
5. The Hitting Lineup
- Rajai Davis - CF
- Yunel Escobar - SS
- Joe Bautista - 3B
- Vernon Wells - RF
- Adam Lind - 1B
- Aaron Hill - 2B
- Travis Snider - LF
- Edwin Encarnacion - DH
- J.P. Arencibia - C
6. The Pitching Rotation
Starters
- Ricky Romero - SP
- Brandon Morrow - SP
- Brett Cecil - SP
- Carlos Villanueva - SP
- Mark Rzepczynski - SP
- Kyle Drabek - SP - AAA
Relievers
- Jason Frasor - RP
- Shawn Camp - RP
- Casey Janssen - RP
- David Purcey - RP
- Jesse Carlson - RP
- Jesse Litsch - RP