The first pitch hasn't even been thrown out and the Toronto Blue Jays have suffered a set-back. Considered a long shot to be a contender in the ultra competitive American League East, the Jays needed all their weapons to be healthy and ready to go in April. Now, one of their key offensive players is out for a month and will no doubt carry around a nagging injury all season. It was during the teams 3rd full workout, Vernon Wells stopped participating and manager Cito Gaston decided to come over to check on his All-Star centerfielder. What he found out couldn't have made him happy. Wells suffered a strained hamstring which will sideline him for 4 weeks. It should have him back for opening day versus the Detroit Tigers, but after not having a spring to prepare for the season, it could be mid-May before we see the Wells we know.
How does this affect the Jays? Well, it will give some of the younger players some extra at-bats and the opportunity to get playing time in positions they might not have otherwise had. The winner in all of this will Adam Lind, who will now get ample opportunity to win the 4th outfield position, behing Wells, Rios and Travis Snider. Also, seeing time in the outfield with Vernon Wells on the bench will be Jose Bautista and Joe Inglett. Normally, these two would be fighting for the remaining spots in the infield, but they will help their chances of not only making the team, but seeing the field when the Jays leave Dunedin if they can produce while filling in for Wells.
The rest of the Jays roster will try and stay healthy until they see their first live action on Wednesday vs. the Yankees.
Stay tuned for a full Jays preview and MLB predictions in the next couple of weeks.
Over-rated!
ReplyDeleteWells is an absolute waste...BIG panic move signing him to a big deal.
The only bright light is that it will give more time to the kids to play.
Go Expos!
Bones
Not sure if he is overated or more of a disappointment in the last couple of seasons. After hitting 32 HR and 106 RBI in 2006, he hasn't come close to those numbers because of injuries and lack of protection around him. He was the only Jay to hit 20 HR last season. There is no way he can handle everything. If Wells is hitting well, the Jays offense ticks. They need him in the line-up.
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