The “When’s our Halladay?” Jays Fan

Despite spending the better part of his career in Toronto, Doc Halladay still managed to see twice as many playoff appearances on his new team than he did in all those years as a Blue Jay.  Rightfully earning the holiday he deserved to receive after his tenured devotion in Toronto.  Things haven’t changed much for the Jays since the departure of Doc.  Since their W.S. win in 93’ over his Philly Phaithful, they have seen every position in the A.L. East except for 1st. 

                After one more year of mediocre play in their division, they could be looking at a 20 year playoff drought in 2013, something no baseball fan wants to spend a quarter of their life watching.  And though Toronto always seems to be a contending team in the A.L., I would venture a reasonable guess that things don’t seem to be changing in their favor anytime soon, at least in the A.L. East.  Maybe a move to the N.L. and a team back in Montreal for Canada would give Jays fans a better shot at seeing a post-season bound team.

                The Jays have shown some promise since their last 3 consecutive A.L. East title runs in the early 90s.  They have had 11 80+ win seasons since taking the W.S. back to back in 1992 and 1993.  Unfortunately for Jays fans, their team is in the league’s hardest division which usually takes 95+ wins to even be in contention for the title.

                The Jays made a few moves at the winter meetings, but nothing which really jumps out to scare the A.L. East for 2012.  Apparently the Jays are interested in bolstering their pen with some old-reliable experience because they have recently signed a familiar face in 34 year old reliever Jason “glad to be back “ Frasor and 41 year old left hander Darren Oliver.  Like I said nothing too frightening to the A.L. East, but positive moves nonetheless, as the Jays needed to focus on improving the pen this winter.  But unless they make a typical A.L. East powerhouse superstar signing (Fielder, perhaps?), Jays fans will most likely be anticipating the Maple Leafs season next October.  

                  The Jays are more than likely headed for a similar result in 2012 if they decide to stick with virtually the same team that put up 81 wins last season.  I don’t see a much different result unless the Yanks, Sox, and Rays all tank in 2012.  There’s a better chance of the Mayans’ prediction of the end of world happening in 2012 before those three teams give leeway to the Jays next season.