Top 5 Reasons Why The Toronto Blue Jays Have Struggled In 2013

Top 5 Reasons Why The Toronto Blue Jays Have Struggled In 2013

The Toronto Blue Jays were one of the busiest organizations this past offseason making two blockbuster trades. The Jays proclaimed to their fan base they were committed to winning wagering the future for proven talent. The season is now almost two weeks old, and the Blue Jays have stumbled out of the gate losing all of their first three series.

The Jays have been outscored 58 to 34 in the first nine games losing lopsided affairs almost regularly. Their five starters have pitched at total of 40.8 innings out of a possible 81 innings with Josh Johnson throwing a combined 7.1 innings in two starts. It’s going to be tough to win games when your bullpen has logged more innings than your starters thus far.

Toronto faithful are ready to push the panic button knowing the importance of getting off to a fast start in the tough American League East. Falling too far behind the perennial power houses in the standings will doom their chances.

The Jays have plucked and designated players daily from the waiver wire which suggests they are not completely happy with the players on the field, albeit some of the moves have been for minor league depth. The team will need to re-evaluate the happenings of the last nine games and rectify the issues before their once promising season is all but lost.

So here are your Top 5 Reasons Why The Toronto Blue Jays Have Struggled in 2013.

Clayton Richer covers the Toronto Blue Jays for Rant Sports. Follow and interact with him on Twitter at @MLBHotCorner, Facebook, or Google Plus.

Starting Rotation Has Been Brutal

The Blue Jays starting rotation is much to blame for the early falter with the exception of one good start from their 5th starter J.A. Happ. Starter Josh Johnson owns an ERA of 11.05, Mark Buehrle 10.24 and National League CY Young R.A. Dickey 8.44. Hard to win ball games with numbers like those.

Jays Have Committed 8 Errors In First 9 Games

The defense behind the suspect starting pitching has been equally horrible. The Jays have committed eight errors in the first nine games. Second baseman Emilio Bonifacio has struggled with routine plays committing four errors himself.

Brett Lawrie Has Yet To Play A Game

The Blue Jays desperately miss third baseman Brett Lawrie for both his offense and defensive skills. The lingering rib cage injury has kept him out of action to this point. The Jays are hopeful of a return next week as Lawrie just saw action in an extended spring training game yesterday.

Spring Slump With The Lumber

The Jays bats have been awfully quiet, failing to capitalize in key situations with the exception of two games this season. Designated Hitter Adam Lind is batting .100 with two hits in 22 plate appearances. Slugger Edwin Encarnacion is hitting .143 and Melky Cabrera is still searching for his first home run as a Blue Jay.

Could It Be The Curse Of John Farrell?

Could former manager John Farrell have placed a curse on the Blue Jays? The manager received a warm welcome of boos in his return to Toronto prompting him to put a hex on his former team. What else could explain the sloppy start the season? The Curse of John Farrell.