Toronto's secret weapon
The Blue Jays are poised to field the fastest team we've seen in a while
When the Toronto Blue Jays pulled off their blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins, the focus immediately went to the two pitchers in the deal, Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle. Toronto's rotation was terrible in 2012, and their starters were one of the main reasons the team allowed 784 runs last season, more than all but five other MLB clubs. Johnson brings the ability to dominate when healthy, while Buehrle is the safest bet in MLB for 200 average or better innings. With one fell swoop, the Marlins rebuilt a battered rotation.
However, a secondary storyline is hiding under the Blue Jays' offseason. The foundation for their 2013 offensive identity was laid in that same transaction. With that move -- and a few more additions later in the offseason -- the Blue Jays have given themselves the opportunity to run more than any team has in recent years.
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Dave Cameron
FanGraphs- Managing editor of FanGraphs
- Founder of U.S.S. Mariner
- Also contributes to Wall Street Journal
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