Jagged Little Pillar

Well. What did you think was going to happen?

The Blue Jays arranged a number of established stars, with a minimal youth movement, to form a playoff squad for 2015 and 2016. The PROBLEM WITH THAT, however, was the basis on people over 30. Jose Bautista, Troy Tulowitzki, Edwin Encarnacion, Russell Martin and Josh Donaldson were all over 30 upon recruitment to this squad. Now, Joey Bats and Edwin are hitting elsewhere, Tulo and Martin haven't been worth their contracts, and Donaldson's having a down year. So, the minimal youth movement has to carry the team, along with some fledgling signings like Curtis Granderson, Yangervis Solarte and J.A. Happ.

This is a flawed team that wasn't especially trained for long-term success. So now, here they are, treading along in fourth place.

I mean, good thing Kevin Pillar's turned into a nice little player, or else they'd be farther gone. Pillar is essentially carrying the team right now, with a nice average, a nice amount of hits, and a general surge in ability since taking a backseat on the 2015 team. Yes, Solarte and Teoscar Hernandez are also aiding in terms of power, but Pillar is one of the sole sources of leadership that isn't hit/miss like Josh Donaldson.

I don't think this team is going to RULE THE DIVISION like they did in the early part of the decade...solely because Yanks-Sox is ruling the conversation this year. They don't have a ton to contribute, but they seem to have more of a drive than Baltimore right now.

Coming Tonight: They were off to a nice start until May happened and everyone got injured. They've enlisted a surprising amount of power in order to get back to the top.