Series Q&A with Jays Journal

Kansas City continues their home stand this weekend after sweeping Minnesota, against the new look Toronto Blue Jays. We decided to look up Kyle Franzoni who’s the editor at the Jays Journal and do a Q&A before the series.

is one of the former Royals who’ll be at the K when the Toronto Blue Jays come in for a weekend series. Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Kings of Kauffman – What are Blue Jays fans feeling now with the slow start given the offseason moves.

Jays Journal –Well, you can’t help but be a bit disappointed after a slow start, but a lot of that disappointment stems from 4 months worth of building expectations. It just takes a moment to realize that every team is going to slump at some point in the season, and a slow start won’t necessarily doom this team. A sustained slow start, well that may be a different story.

KOK – Of all the moves which one is the most important for the team’s success this season?

JJ – They pitching staff additions are going to dictate how far this team goes. R.A. Dickey and Josh Johnson need to adjust to pitching in the American League East, and Mark Buehrle needs to be that veteran presence in the middle of the order. Dickey becomes the de facto cog in the wheel, as this team really needs an ace that can be a stopper, something they missed badly in 2012.

KOK – Toronto hasn’t been to the playoffs since 1993 when they won the World Series, does that streak end in 2013?

JJ – You would have to think so. The AL East is wide open in 2013, and Toronto saw that and pounced. Now they need to capitalize on all of those offseason moves. If Bautista and the rotation stays healthy, then there is no excuse for this team not making the postseason.

KOK – Jose Bautista will have how many HRs this season?

JJ – I’d be comfortable in predicting 35-38 home runs on the season. He’s shown a quick bat thus far in the spring and early going, but we need to remember he is coming off of a solid wrist injury and may have soreness he hasn’t in the past. Don’t get me wrong, 35-38 home runs is still a solid number, but fans have come to expect more out of Bautista.

To see the other half of the series Q&A click here.

Pitching Match-ups and game times –

Friday: J.A. Happ (1-0, 0.00) v. Luis Mendoza (0-0, 1.50), 7:10 pm
Saturday: R.A. Dickey (0-2, 8.44) v. James Shields (1-1, 3.75), 6:10 pm
Sunday: Brandon Morrow (0-1, 5.59) v. Ervin Santana (1-1, 3.21), 1:10 pm