For now, let’s talk more about Vernon Wells. The Shreveport, Louisiana native led the Blue Jays in numerous offensive categories in addition to hits - at bats (678), runs scored (118), doubles (49), total bases (373), and batting average (.317). It has become strikingly apparent that Vernon has quickly evolved into the heir apparent Blue Jays franchise player, along with Roy Halladay, given the uncertainty regarding Delgado’s future. Fortunately for Toronto, Wells is locked up in a long-term deal and won’t be a free agent until 2007. He will certainly play a huge role in the Jays’ success, or lack thereof.
In Frank Catalanotto the Jays have one of the better utility men in baseball. The only issue is that the Blue Jays fully expect him to be an everyday player – which is why he came to play here in the first place. Last year, “Cat” had a solid season. He hit .299, drove in 59 runs and managed to knock out 13 home runs. Expect another solid, yet unspectacular, season from the Cat.
Next brings us to Reed Johnson, and one thing that you can’t fault Johnson for is a lack of effort. He plays the game the way many of us like to see it played. He always seems to get his uniform dirty, he’s never shied away from diving at a ball in the outfield or sliding into a base. He comes to play, and he comes to play hard. Johnson had some unexpected flashes of brilliance last year. He became the first Blue Jay to ever lead off a game with a home run and end it with a walk off home run, against the Chicago Cubs last July. He also put together a 20 game hitting streak. The only way Johnson can go is up, and Carlos Tosca and the rest of the Jays staff are expecting good things from the youngster.
2003’s Worst: While the Blue Jays outfield was surprisingly solid last year, Jayson Werth never really got going at the Major League level. He struggled at the plate, hitting a disappointing .208, and struck out a brutal 22 times in just 48 at bats. For him to stick with the club in Toronto, he’ll really need to find his stroke. Expect better things from Werth this year.
Opening Day Outfielders:
CF – Vernon Wells
LF – Reed Johnson
RF – Frank Catanalotto
OF – Jayson Werth
Grade: A-
Comments: This is easily the strongest part of the Jays lineup. Conceivably, all the Jays outfielders could combine for an average better than .280 this year, which is very respectable. They will be anchored offensively and defensively by Vernon Wells, and Vernon is very nicely complimented by Johnson and Catalanotto.
Stefan@JaysTalk.com