It would be hard to say that the Jays took a step forward in 2012 with so many injuries. Even with the return of Jose Bautista and Brandon Morrow, there are still 13 players on the disabled list. There was a point that the players on the disabled list if healthy could have easily beated the active roster players. It was that bad.
So the team that might be on the verge of competing never really had any meaningful games. By the end of the July, John Farrell was just trying to get through another disappointing season. Alex Anthopolous has taken a second run at rebuilding the bullpen. The rebuild over the off season was a bust but the current bullpen looks much better. The starting rotation looked shaky going into the season but as starter began to go under the knife it has become obvious that the Jays need to pick up some decent arms for next season if they are to break out from the basement.
The only good thing about all the injuries is that we have had a good look at some future Jays. Some of it has been promising and some not so much. Here is how I see it.
David Cooper - Some people tell me that Cooper is another Lyle Overbay because he is a doubles hitter with little home run power. However, Overbay was an excellent fielder and Cooper is not. He does not bring enough to the table when compared to other AL first basemen. I would rather stick with what we have at first.
Adeiny Hechavarria - This kid is as smooth as silk in the field but his hitting is no where near major league calibre. He was hitting .312 in Los Vegas but just .179 in Toronto. He may be plan A for 2nd base in 2012 but I hope their is a plan B.
Anthony Gose - Not many major leaguers are faster but you can't steal bases if you don't get on. He was striking out almost one time for every 2 at bats. His strike out rate was pretty high in Vegas too. Like Hechavarria he may be in the lineup next season because of his glove but let's hope that hitting improves.
Moises Sierra - He looks to be a pretty good hitter. Certainly doesn't appear to be overwhelmed by major league pitching. Showed a fair amount of power in Vegas. He is a possibility as a spare outfielder but I see him playing another year in the minors unless Gose needs more seasoning.
Yan Gomes - His versatility could land him a job as a bench player. He can play catcher, 1st, 3rd and the outfield. At .165 his hitting needs to be better but his average in Vegas was .336.
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