As if the Toronto Blue Jays needed extra people in their corner for the 2023 season, a former Yankees ace says the Jays are the team to beat in the AL East.
CC Sabathia, one of the best lefties of his generation, got on board The Adam Jones Podcast recently, saying, “On paper, Toronto are the team to beat this year.”
For those who want to join in, this segment starts around the 10 minute and 30 second mark in the video below.
Sabathia goes on to say that it can be difficult for young players when expectations for a season are sky-high. He points out that in 2020 there were little to no expectations for the club and they ultimately made it to the playoffs. Then, heading into 2021, there was a lot of expectation and the club ‘fell flat on their face’, finishing fourth in the East (despite 91 wins).
“This is their year. The window is open and this is their year,” he concludes.
The 19-year MLB veteran knows a thing or two about winning clubs, making 10 postseason appearances in 19 years and winning the 2009 ALCS MVP and later the 2009 World Series.
While the Rays are a talented team and the Orioles are on the rise, this season’s AL East feels like a one-on-one between the Yankees and the Blue Jays.
Comparing the off-season between the two clubs, it’s easy to see why people say the Blue Jays are the most improved club in the division this off-season.
*H/D to Melodic-Bug-9022 on Reddit for the breakdown below.
player out: Aroldis Chapman, Miguel Castro, Matt Carpenter, Jameson Taillon, Chad Green, Zack Britton, Marwin Gonzalez, Andrew Benintendi, Lucas Luetge
player in: Tommy Kahnle, Carlos Rodon
Significant injuries: Frankie Montas (likely out of season), Scott Effross (out of season), Luis Gil (possible return in June).
player out: Teoscar Hernández, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Gabriel Moreno, Jackie Bradley Jr., Bradley Zimmer, Raimel Tampia, Ross Stripling, David Phelps, Tayler Saucedo
player in: Erik Swanson, Daulton Varsho, Kevin Kiermaier, Chris Bassitt, Brandon Belt, Chad Green
Significant injuries: Hyun Jin Ryu (return in July), Chad Green (return in July)
Next. Addison Barger expands his defensive repertoire to include the outfield. dark
Source: jaysjournal.com
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