Keeping Up With Today's Sports Society: Toronto Blue Jays Loaded With Talent Going Into 2013

Jose Bautista

Mark Buehrle

Jose Reyes

Josh Johnson

Adam Lind

The Toronto Blue Jays have never really known what it feels like to be completely loaded. That is, until now. They were already looking pretty nice in 2012 with Brandon Morrow and Ricky Romero as their ace pitchers, J.P. Arencibia as their catcher, Adam Lind at first base, Yunel Escobar at shortstop, who had a great year last season, Brett Lawrie, who really came alive in 2012 with his bat at third base, Colby Rasmus in the outfield, alongside Rajai Davis and Jose Bautista, who is truly a beast, and Edwin Encarnacion, who had the year of his career. So it is certainly safe to say they looked alright to begin with. But then came the offseason, and the Jays must not have been content. After losing Yunel Escobar to the Rays, the Jays added R.A. Dickey, who went 20-6 last season with the Mets, and ended up with a 2.73 ERA, using his legendary knuckleball, that actually has speed while dancing like no other. The Jays also signed pitchers Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson, who they got from Marlins after their epic fallout in Miami. Fielding and batting wise, the Jays acquired catcher Josh Thole, third baseman Mark DeRosa, shortstop Jose Reyes, outfielder Melky Cabrera and outfielder Emilio Bonifacio. If that is not "completely loaded", then I honestly do not know what is. The addition of Jose Reyes is huge, because that man can make an impact with his speed, his bat, and his glove. Melky Cabrera failed a drug test at the end of last season, after playing some truly epic baseball and winning all-star game MVP honors. But putting trust in the Melkman after all the stuff that happened last year is risky, but you can't count him out as a great addition to the Toronto Blue Jays. Jose Bautista has always been a beast, and Edwin Encarnacion just came around last year. The truth is, the Toronto Blue Jays have all the tools and more to be successful.