ROTATION
The Toronto Blue Jays will need improved performances across the board from their starters if they hope to contend this season. Last year, only Ricky Romero could be counted on to consistently pitch deep into games, averaging 7.03 innings per start. In 2011, Jays starters ranked ninth in the American League at 6.0 innings per outing. Brandon Morrow will be expected to do much of the heavy lifting. His rate of 10.19 strikeouts over nine innings was easily the best in the AL, and while his 179 1/3-innings pitched marked a career-high, Toronto is counting on at least 200 innings from its No. 2 man this year.
INFIELD
This group is considered solid, provided first baseman Adam Lind can shrug off recurring back issues, second baseman Kelly Johnson can revert to the form he displayed in 2010 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Canadian Brett Lawrie, 22, can live up to the incredible buildup his first full season at third base is generating. The Blue Jays are sound at shortstop with the smooth presence of Yunel Escobar, who will bat leadoff. J.P. Arencibia will be behind the plate, looking to improve both defensively and on a .219 batting average, though he did hit 23 home runs in 2011.
THE BENCH
Edwin Encarnacion will get most of his playing time at designated hitter, but his availability to also play both corner infield positions provides Farrell with options off the bench. That versatility will allow Toronto to carry two backup outfielders (Rajai Davis and newcomer Ben Francisco). Davis can be a game changer with his speed.
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