Toronto Blue Jays Pass Boston Red Sox In Latest Move
By Pete Schwichtenberg
@schwick26_pete
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Red Sox‘ offseason has gotten plenty of hype. On one day they added two of the best bats on the market, and much of the baseball world wanted to talk about how they had put themselves in position to buy a championship. But, in a shocking counter-move, the Toronto Blue Jays would not only add a forceful bat to the heart of their lineup, but they were able to claim a better start to the winter than their divisional counterparts.
In the first move the Blue Jays made, they filled their biggest need by adding the best catcher on the market, Russell Martin. Martin is not only a big time upgrade at the position offensively, but he is a veteran who handles a staff as well as anyone. He will not only be a perfect leader for their current staff, but someone who can provide guidance for young hurlers Daniel Norris, Aaron Sanchez and Jeff Hoffman.
The second move of adding Josh Donaldson sets them apart from Boston. By getting the star third baseman, the Blue Jays lineup are a force to be reckoned with. Donaldson will join a lineup that includes not only Martin, but Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. This offensive group last season finished second in the American League in homers and should have even more with Donaldson’s addition. Analysts have discussed just how good Boston’s lineup will be, but the bats of Toronto could provide even more thump.
When the team had Brett Lawrie, they thought they had a game-changing player, but he could never stay on the field. In getting Donaldson, they have that game-changer. He has finished second in the league in WAR during each of the past two seasons, and is a solid defender at third base. Boston’s moves may have brought more noise, but the Blue Jays’ ones have shown that they are just as ready to compete in the American League East.
Pete Schwichtenberg is an MLB writer for Rantsports. Follow @schwick26_pete, Like him on Facebook, or Add him to your Google Network.
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