Shapiro says Blue Jays feel like team capable of winning 2016 World Series

TORONTO – Compared to the last few years, the Toronto Blue Jays have had a relatively quiet off-season.

There have been a few signings and some trade activity but the Blue Jays have so far steered clear of the free-agent frenzy and any blockbuster moves. Las Vegas still likes Toronto’s chances in 2016, with most sports books pegging them among the favourites to win the American League pennant.

New team president Mark Shapiro is also feeling bullish about the Blue Jays’ chances.

“It feels like a team capable of winning the World Series next year,” Shapiro said Thursday.

The Boston Red Sox have emerged as a slight favourite in the AL after the signing of former Blue Jays ace David Price, who inked a seven-year deal worth US$217 million. The Blue Jays are in the mix of AL contenders with the Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers.

Sports betting website Bovada has the Blue Jays as a 16-1 pick to win the World Series, behind the Red Sox (9-1) and Royals (14-1). In the National League, the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants are 6-1 picks while the New York Mets are at 14-1.

On the Bet365 website, Toronto and Boston are co-favourites among AL teams to win the Fall Classic at 10-1.

The Blue Jays are coming off a 93-69 season and their first playoff appearance in 22 years. Toronto reached the American League Championship Series before falling to the Royals in six games.

Toronto will bring back arguably the most feared offence in the major leagues in 2016, anchored by sluggers Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and AL MVP Josh Donaldson. On the pitching front, the Blue Jays lost Price to free agency but re-signed Marco Estrada, signed free agent J.A. Happ and acquired Jesse Chavez in a trade with Oakland.

New general manager Ross Atkins said the team has been engaged in trade and free agent discussions on several fronts, adding the primary focus has been on the pitching staff.

“We are going to stay open-minded and if there is a way that we can creatively just add depth to our pitching or fortify our pitching staff, we’ll do it,” Atkins said. “But it’s definitely not limited to the bullpen. I think it’s just more likely that that’s where we can add.”

The pitching situation was one of many talking points Thursday afternoon as Shapiro, Atkins and assistant GM Tony LaCava met with members of the Toronto chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America at a downtown restaurant.

It’s early days, but the 2016 starters could include Marcus Stroman, Estrada, R.A. Dickey, Happ and possibly Chavez, Drew Hutchison, Aaron Sanchez or others. Atkins said he feels confident about the current state of the rotation.

“I feel incredible about what has been accomplished from the beginning of the off-season to today,” he said. “Just the obvious additions to the 25-man roster, the work that has been done to acquire minor-league free agents. So it’s definitely an area where we can improve, it’s definitely an area where we’re going to continue to (look to) add depth.

“But the work that was done before I got here, I saw as remarkable from a distance as I was watching as another front-office executive.”

With most position players returning, the Blue Jays have taken care of some backup positions of late by re-signing first baseman Justin Smoak, infielder Darwin Barney and catcher Josh Thole. However, the bullpen has taken some hits with the departure of Liam Hendriks in the Chavez deal, LaTroy Hawkins to retirement and Mark Lowe to free agency.

Double-A pitcher Joe Biagini was claimed via the Rule 5 draft but shoring up the relief situation will continue to be a priority in the coming weeks.

Shapiro also said the team is continuing to explore options regarding the playing surface at Rogers Centre. The possibility of moving from artificial turf to natural grass or a dirt infield is being considered but there are no firm plans in place.

He added the club is considering adding a leadership position in player development and LaCava said that three minor-league free agent signings are likely to be finalized soon.

Also Thursday, the BBWAA Toronto chapter revealed its annual team award winners for the 2015 season.

Donaldson was a unanimous pick as player of the year and Estrada took the pitcher of the year honour. Outfielder Kevin Pillar was named most improved player and closer Roberto Osuna was named rookie of the year.

Former GM Alex Anthopoulos won the John Cerutti Award, given to a person associated with the team who exemplifies goodwill, co-operation and character.

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