Kuzul

Recently I wrote an article asking a very interesting question: “Did Jose Canseco save baseball?” 

I had numerous comments and appreciate everyone who took part in the discussion. I found there were more than two sides to this complex issue. From my point of view, the chain of events that led up to that fateful day in Congress deserves to be looked at more closely. 

Canseco obviously played a big role in the steroid fiasco. He penned a tell-all book claiming that steroid use was rampant in baseball dating back to his glory years with the Oakland Athletics during the mid-to-late 1980s.  And when Canseco was subpoenaed to testify, he was one of the first to comply. 

Bash Brother No. 2 Mark McGwire was once the golden-boy of baseball along with Sammy Sosa and several other superstars that helped return baseball to the “America’s Pastime” status that it had desired for so long.  Unfortunately for baseball (and McGwire), a bottle of Andro was seen in his locker during one of his interviews.  The rest is history. 

As I stated in my previous piece, 2005 was a monumental year for Bash Brother No. 1 and a devastating year for the game in general. 

By the time the book came out, everyone was aware that something was indeed wrong with the game.  Statistics between 1998 and 2004 resembled something out of a video game and their biggest stars were under unrelenting scrutiny—Barry Bonds and BALCO and Jason Giambi’s damnation after his 2003 admission of steroid use to a federal grand jury. 

Why was Congress investigating baseball in the first place?   

According to a 2005 article from the Washington Post, “Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Calif.), ranking Democrat on the House Government Reform Committee, said the main motivation for the investigation is the rising use of steroids among the country’s children.”

Thomas M. Davis III was also quoted, claiming the game’s integrity was on the line, and here was its opportunity to clear its name:

“There’s a cloud over baseball, and perhaps a public discussion of the issues, with witnesses testifying under oath, can provide a glimpse of sunlight.” 

It was time for the game’s biggest names to set the record straight, end the rumours, and prove that Canseco, who was facing unrelenting heat for the “outrageous” claims in his book, was lying. 

The congressional hearings turned out to do the exact opposite. 

Mark McGwire did not want to speak about the past. With his historic 1998 campaign several years removed, perhaps he misremembered?  I’m not quite sure. 

The Rafael Palmeiro denial, “I have never used steroids. Period.” was obviously not the case, and Sammy Sosa, who proclaimed that he did not break any rules of the United States or the Dominican Republic, was out of the game less than two years later, becoming a shell of his former self. 

If the hearings were meant to clean up the game, they failed miserably, inflicting irrefutable damage that has yet to wear off. 

Turns out that Canseco told the truth.  The question remains: Did he save baseball? 

I think a little bit from column A and a little bit from column B would suffice.  What Canseco did while playing was inexcusable however, his book and willingness to testify did provide some resemblance of sanity during a whirlwind of confusion. 

The game had been tarnished and the congressional hearings solidified that the 1998 MLB season was “magical”, unfortunately for the game to move forward, talking about the past is something that couldn’t be pushed aside.

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The year 2005 was indeed an interesting year in the baseball world.

The Chicago White Sox won their first World Series since 1917, Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols were again having monster years and Jason Giambi and Ken Griffey Jr., again, rose to prominence.

The 2005 season was also a breakout year for the former MVP and six-time All-Star, Jose Canseco.

In 2005, Canseco rocked the baseball world by admitting to steroids, pointing the finger at many former and current players and releasing a tell-all book: Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant ‘Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball Got Big.

Whether it was to again enter the spotlight, regain the glory that was once his or simply get the guilt off his chest, he sure did drop a bombshell, not only on the game of baseball, but the sports fraternity as a whole.

There are certain unwritten rules in sports, and revealing locker-room insights or the off-field antics of your teammates are two of the most highly regarded.

Many dubbed Canseco a rat and a selfish egotistical former All-Star looking to get back at the game that no longer needed him. In fact, Canseco did break the code, in spite of this, he lit the fuse that ignited a clean-up that many deemed necessary.

Canseco’s admission started a chain reaction, a string of events that led to Congress and MLB working together to try and fix the game led off its rightful path.

Many remember that fateful day when Mark McGwire stood before Congress and almost certainly sealed his fate confirming what many believed; he was a user and abuser of steroids.  And how could you forget the finger-pointing protest of Rafael Palmeiro claiming that, “I have never used steroids. Period.”  We all know how that ended.

The Congress fiasco turned out to be a dark day for the game.  Childhood heroes were revealed as frauds and the innocence that encompasses every baseball fan was again shattered.

When looking back, in light of the circumstances, Canseco’s admission was the best thing that has happened to the game in a long time.

As witnessed in the year of the pitcher, the game is again on an even keel. Six no-hitters, including the two perfect games, pitchers enjoyed their best season since before the “Steroid Era.”   

The average runs per game for each team in 2010 was nearly a run lower than in 2000 (5.39 compared to 4.44), and an enhanced drug policy enforcing a more regulated testing system has shown the fans that game can be played clean.

Dubbed the “Godfather” of steroids, and while that may be true, enhancers have been part of the game for years, yet never been fully discussed.  That is, until Bash Brother No. 1 decided it was time to open the lines of communications for one reason or another.

Steroids have made a huge impact on the game, one that will never be forgotten, one that will be remember in infamy long after we are gone.  Future players, managers, executives and GMs will hopefully learn from the mistakes that were made.

Canseco changed the game by what he did, and again by what he did. 

With any bit of luck, this new “Pitchers Era” will bring back the excitement of the chess match that many have been longing for.

Who knew the cleansing of the game would be started by the man you least expected?

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

I previously wrote that Derek Jeter is as reliable as they come.  That is correct despite some commenting that his lack or decline of defensive skills makes him a liability.

Both statements are inherently correct. 

There is no sufficient replacement for the Captain at this point in time.  And since he is close, precisely 74 hits away from an automatic Hall of Fame induction, I give the chance of Jeter re-signing with the New York Yankees at 100 percent.

Loyalty is rare in today’s game and you can count on one hand the number of homegrown talent that has been with their original club till the end.   

I will not implement a numbers approach to this article, and will not try to convince any readers by sitting on one side of the fence or another.  My point is, for the good of the game, Jeter is a Yankee and will always be a Yankee.

Whether you like it or not. 

I can only comment on what I see as a fan. I cannot comment on knowing Jeter personally, yet as fans, enthusiasts, writers and analysts, we always assume that we are in the inner circle of this game. 

Like many others I get caught in the thrill of our favorite player shattering records, going four-for-four, winning the Cy Young and finally climbing that mountain, winning the World Series.  We let our hearts lead the way and not our mind. 

As a young fan growing up, I was torn with the fact that Jesse Barfield could ever be traded, but as a 10-year-old you do not know any better. 

Yet 22 years later I still allow myself to think that way; how could the Atlanta Braves ever breakup Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz.  Absolutely unimaginable!?

But when you compare this Jeter scenario to the one the Braves dealt with, they are on complete opposite ends of the spectrum. I understand now, that in the business that is baseball, Jeter will remain a Yankee till his career is finished.   

It sounds as if I contradict myself. Jeter is in the latter years of his career just as the Braves trio was. 

If Maddux can get traded, so can Jeter, right?  The answer is no.  This is where this new situation takes a different path, one with more strategic intentions. 

New York is a different market than most. The Mecca, you might say. And Jeter is, in all meaning of the word, advertising; Gillette, Gatorade and GQ.  Other players are more dominant, but not as marketable. 

More of a brand than a player at this late stage in his career, Jeter ultimately fits in with the club he plays for. 

The New York Yankees are the most marketable, profitable and valuable franchise in the game.  Combine that with arguably the most advertised and publicized player the game has seen since Mickey Mantle, and you have never ending recipe for success. 

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Derek Jeter provides zero risk to any club lucky enough to have his services.

In light of Jeter’s down year, fans, experts, statisticians, managers and GMs have all thrown in their two cents. 

The conensus on Jeter is that, despite all the hoopla surrounding his free agency and winning his fifth Gold Glove, his career is nearing an end. However, for someone apparently entering the “receding” stage of his career, rumor has it that a three-year deal worth between $45-60 million is on the table. 

It has also been said that Jeter could contend for the all-time hits record held by Pete Rose. After watching Jeter’s 2010 season and witnessing a severe drop-off in nearly every significant offensive category, I find it very unrealistic that Jeter can play another seven seasons (needs to average 190 hits) to match 4,256. 

Jeter would be approximately 44 years old, and should not be playing shortstop at that point either. 

Would Jeter be a DH? I would again say no. Jeter has never been a power hitter. He’s more or less a spray/gap hitter. Using the “smart baserunner” term, Jeter would not be legging out triples, or doubles for that matter. 

If he does play into his 40s, you can be certain as to what type of player you would be getting. Any manager would know that his skills would have deteriorated at the plate and in the field, yet he contributes in numerous areas that do not generate a lot of attention.   

Whatever team is graced by Jeter’s presence would have the ultimate bench player, a wise sage if you will, that could assist the younger players, acting as a coach or mentor. 

The 2010 season, as talked about earlier, was a down year for Jeter in everybody’s estimation. His batting average was 44 points below his career average of .314, his OBP saw a 45-point decrease from the norm, and his slugging percentage plummeted nearly 100 points (82, to be exact). 

Jeter is considered low risk, then and now. He will give 100 percent, will always be prepared and will produce approximately 10-15 home runs and 68-75 RBI.

Instead of worrying about what could happen, look at Jeter as a team’s investment. Look at Jeter like a GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate). 

A GIC is usually bought near retirement because it provides a low-risk fixed rate of return. Literally, there is no risk in purchasing a GIC. The principal is only at risk if the lender, the bank, defaults. 

In this case, Derek Jeter has been issued by the New York Yankees. He provides a stable return despite numbers below what you would normally expect, but the team does not have any risk suiting him up. 

The only risk the fans face is if the Yankees default. I assume you could say the Yankees would default on their Jeter investment by not providing a support staff around their eternal Captain.

With little support, his flaws are exposed and shine slowly wears off. 

Jeter does have a chance to challenge Rose, only if he is situated in an ideal situation where he cannot fail. The Yankees have to play the hand they are now dealt.   

Jeter can be lowered in the batting order or they can attempt to use him as the focal point of the offense. His club can also continue to allow him to take heat for his deteriorating play at shortstop.   

Unless presented and executed property, this investment will indeed fall short of its expected return.

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Pitcher Scott Kazmir, the once-prized prospect, has fallen upon some hard times, posting atrocious statistics in 2010. 

A nine win and 15 loss campaign was very reminiscent of Yankees starter A.J. Burnett, with his 10 wins and 15 losses.  Deep down, Burnett still has that ability, that “gunslinger” mentality, as well as an arsenal of pitches that, when on, are as good as anybody’s in the game. 

Kazmir, on the other hand, has been on a free-fall for the past two plus seasons.

Between 2005 and 2008, Kazmir could have been considered a top-five lefty in the game.  He posted nearly 10 strikeouts a game, relying on a mid-nineties fastball and a devastating slider that had batters spinning like tops. However, injuries have depleted the lefty, and exposed some major weaknesses. 

Injuries and a lack of aggressiveness have always been two flaws focused on by scouts.  Injuries will happen, but his unwillingness to be aggressive, obviously hidden by his “stuff,” is now looked upon as a deterrent and cannot be ignored.

Kazmir has always walked a lot of batters, but now the lack of velocity is accentuating his inability to throw strikes at inopportune times, resulting in some very ugly numbers. 

In the last two years, his hits per nine innings have risen to 9.48, while his WHIP has peaked at 1.58. 

This, of course, leads us to the root cause: A decline in velocity. 

A once-dominant fastball (93.7 mph) and slider (84.0 mph) have turned relatively common, now clocking in at 90.5 mph and 80.9 mph, respectively. 

This, of course, does not bode well for one with a history of shaky control. Once able to dominate with a change of speeds, Kazmir now has to creep closer to the strike zone, where all the damage is being committed. 

According to FanGraphs, Kazmir’s O-contact percentage is at its low point of 24.2 percent, meaning batters are not fooled by what he is tossing up to the plate. 

On the other hand, his Z-contact percentage has hit an all-time high of 87.9 percent (2009, 86.4).  Z-contact percentage is defined as Percentage of times a batter makes contact with the ball when swinging at pitches thrown inside the strike zone. 

In other words, batters are teeing off on all pitches, regardless of speed, location, and variety.

In spring training, it will be very interesting to see what the Los Angeles Angels plan on doing with the former first-round pick. 

Kazmir has one year left on a guaranteed contract worth $12 million for the upcoming 2011 season. 

They can’t just release him, but can they use him as trade bait? 

All signs point to no. 

Turning 27, Kazmir should be entering the prime of his career.  He really has nothing to lose at this point, except maybe a non-existent starting rotation spot. 

We have witnessed the lack of confidence that the World Champion San Francisco Giants had in Barry Zito; is that where Kazmir is now headed?  Will he be used in mop-up duty, or in meaningless mid-June games? 

I, personally, cannot wait to see what happens.  He was a first-round pick for a reason, and has performed like one for the most part.  Now it is time to prove all the writers wrong, disprove all scouting reports claiming he is washed up, and rewrite the book on his career. 

A true pitcher will learn from this and become better.  Kazmir must learn how to pitch effectively, hit his spots, get ground balls, and get the job done.

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The baseball world got their wish: the New York Yankees are not in the World Series and parity played its part.

The San Francisco Giants with their 11th ranked payroll ($96,277,833), play host to the 25th ranked Texas Rangers ($64,810,570). 

It is great to see new blood in the playoffs; however the ratings do not support that fact.  Game 1 pulled in a rating of 8.9 (approx 15 million viewers).   

Compared to the lowest-rated World Series, Philadelphia Phillies-Tampa Bay Rays, that’s a drop off of 3 percent, and a 25 percent drop from last year’s New York Yankees-Phillies series (also Game 1) 

To make matters worse, the ratings from Game 2 were not any better. 

Game 2 pulled in an 8.5 or nearly 14.5 million viewers—still a 26 percent decrease from last year’s Game 2. 

According to an article published in USA TODAY, Bud Selig still has high hopes for the remaining games:

“MLB commissioner Bud Selig told Sirius XM Radio’s Chris “Mad Dog” Russo Thursday that Giants-Rangers will draw ‘great ratings’ if it can build to a competitive five-game, six-game, or ideally, seven-game series.”

I have to sit on the fence on this one.  On one side, this is great for baseball—new players and more exposure. On the other hand, the Yanks and the Boston Red Sox are nowhere to be found and it does make it feel quite empty this October. 

Sure there are great players: Josh Hamilton, the once untouchable Cliff Lee, “The Freak” Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, and the ageless Edgar Renteria continuing to perform after 15 seasons. 

There are also great teams: The Texas Rangers, who found themselves in dire straits financially, but stuck it out through 162 games; and the San Francisco Giants, looking for their first World Series title since 1954. 

With all that said, for the viewers to be entertained and the ratings to increase, something magical needs to happen, and happen quickly.   

Games 3 and 4 have to be ones for the ages.  If Game 3 is a blowout with the Giants up 3-0 heading into Sunday night’s game, competing head-to-head against Sunday Night Football, the numbers could be very, very unflattering.

This article can also be found on The GM’s Perspective

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

As you might notice, The GM’s Perspective reports on the Independent Leagues quite often, usually more than the mainstream MLB or MiLB news. There are a number of reasons for this.

As a former Frontier League player I enjoy reporting on the journeys of the underdogs. Compared to mainstream media, hundreds of players go unnoticed, and deserve their time in the spotlight. The next feel-good story might be right under our noses (Daniel Nava, Golden Baseball League).

Indy reporting is often more entertaining and a little “off the wall.”

We do live in a small world and connections in a sports world are closer than you might think. I say this because my college and professional roots have once again appeared in the mainstream media, an outlet that sometimes lets potential stars go unnoticed. Unnoticed not by choice, odds are due to the overwhelming amount of players, data and statistical analysis that the baseball community has to sift through to find the next “chosen one.”

For the above-mentioned reasons, I have focused on a recent story published on the Frontier League website. Matty Johnson, formerly of Bellevue University, the same Bellevue University that gave me fits while attending York College, has had his contract purchased by the Boston Red Sox.

In Johnson’s two years at Bellevue, his numbers were very, very impressive: .429 career average, 83 career games, 142 hits, 18 doubles, nine triples and two home runs. These numbers are exceptional and so are his 43 stolen bases in 57 attempts.

His skills are obvious, and they seamlessly translated into success during his first professional season in Gateway. Johnson was named Grizzlies Rookie of the Year (.313 average, six doubles, three triples, 19 RBI and 24 stolen bases).

According to Gateway manager Phil Warren, the Red Sox are indeed getting an exciting player and one who, if given the opportunity, will fulfill all of his potential.

“Matty Johnson is an electric player,” stated Grizzlies manager Phil Warren. “He is exciting to watch, fun to manage, and a great teammate. We owe a lot of our 2010 late season surge to him and the way he played in the field and at the plate. Matty is young and plays the game aggressively. I am very proud of him and excited that he is getting an opportunity with the Boston Red Sox. I hope he gets ample time to develop and shine in their system. I look forward to the day that we all get to watch Matty Johnson play as a fully developed player.”

When it comes down to it, MLB clubs select players for many specific reasons and after breaking down Johnson’s numbers, he appears to be an ideal candidate for many. Yet at 5’7″ and 170 pounds his slight build is what many teams question, along with his bat.

Johnson does have the speed that makes him one of the best at his position, obviously a positive, but with these two glaring negatives (size and power) the odds are definitely stacked against him.

With that said, one of the newest members of the Red Sox, Daniel Nava, was in the exact same position Johnson was—a standout in college and a standout in the independents (Golden Baseball League). The glaring difference between the two: Nava has all the tools Johnson has, but with a better bat, and a beefed up resume that contains GBL MVP, and a career .345 batting average in three different minor league classes.

Only time will tell if the Red Sox made a good choice, but another player chosen with a small stature turned out to be pretty good (hint, he plays second base).

This article can be found on The GM’s Perspective

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The 2010 playoffs have been somewhat predictable up to a point;

• Minnesota Twins were defeated before the playoffs began (Pedro’s dad has another child)

• Good pitching will beat good hitting (Cliff Lee dominates Tampa Bay)

• Cincinnati Reds were facing, arguably, the best three-man rotation in the game (Halladay, Hamels, Oswalt)

• A miracle was needed for Bobby Cox and the Atlanta Braves to skirt past the Giants (more Eric Hinske magic)

With all that said, the ALDS and NLDS have started a little differently, the baseball gods have apparently decided to shake things up this October.

Yankee folklore, mystique, whatever you want to call it, reared its head in Game 1.  But wait.. the Texas Rangers after all but giving away a Game 1 victory decided to “cowboy up” in Game 2 and make this a series.

As mentioned, Game 2 was a different story when Phil Hughes, Mr. October, apparently thought is was mid-August.

The Philadelphia Phillies looked unstoppable, until they were confronted with a “freak” who was not really bothered by the history making of Halladay and decided to outperform a magician.

We will leave the Phillies-Giants series alone.  The Giants appear to be that team destined for something special.  The cards have been dealt, and they are using every bit of leverage to their advantage; Cody Ross has become irreplaceable, bad defense—Brooks Conrad, and Brian Wilson (the bearded one), is getting more and more intimidating, even though “his beard is weird.”

Focusing on Texas versus New York, all signs point to Lee again solidifying himself as this generations Dave Stewart.

Assuming after Game 3 the Rangers are up one game, and if the reports stay true to form, Game 4 lies in the hands of A.J. Burnett.

If Burnett, as many predict, tanks, the “Dark Side” will be in the unfamiliar position of down 3-1 in the series.

Highlight this point, Burnett will have a quality start in Game 4, thus giving the Bronx Bombers another opportunity to crush Ranger dreams. (I even gave Burnett my vote of confidence on Twitter, a few days ago)

@devonteeple Devon Teeple

Surprise of the ALDS, Burnett has a quality start and they win his game. When everyone bets one way, you bet the other….just saying!

Look at this from Burnett’s perspective, he has nothing to lose. The whole baseball community is betting against him, and subtract one bad outing against the Toronto Blue Jays (2 innings, 7 runs, 9/27/10), and Burnett has been decent in six September starts: 33 innings pitched, 15 earned runs, 31 strikeouts against 31 hits and 14 walks. 

Specifically, it gives Burnett a WHIP of 1.36 or somewhere between Brett Cecil and Gavin Floyd, an ERA hovering around 4.10 and nearly nine strikeouts per nine innings. 

We all know Burnett is having a bad year, but don’t forget he still pumps out fastballs around 93mph (slight 1mph decrease from 2009) and has the ability to be lights out when he is on.

The numbers show (courtesy of fangraphs.com) his reliance on his fastball is a great at it has every been—69.0 percent.  This leaves little to the imagination of the hitter. Burnett’s O-contact percentage is 12 percent higher than at any point is his 12-year career, even when Burnett misses his spots, hitters are teeing off with aggressive swings.

Will Jorge Posada stay Burnett’s battery-mate for Game 4? Maybe, but why not give Francisco Cervelli his chance.
 
Posada is batting .143; the Rangers are running at will, all while Posada is making some questionable decisions behind the plate (not looking the runner back to third in the first inning of Game 2).

Millions will be watching Game 4, many waiting to see an athlete implode on its biggest stage, except this is when the cream rises to the top.  Or in a case like this, a player who many had given up hope on reaffirms his place in history, restoring shattered confidence in the most unexpected pressure filled situation imaginable.

This article can also be found on The GM’s Perspective

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Now that baseball’s version of LeBron James has signed his $10 million dollar deal,  the waiting game is officially over.

Late last week, Bryce Harper: SI cover boy, made his debut in the Instructional League.

There is not much that can be said that already hasn’t.

Harper is a phenom for now, and only time will tell if this new version of the “next big thing” can live up to all the hype.  

Why all the fuss? How about the home run display that he put on at Tropicana Field, launching home runs over 500 feet—or a .448 avg, 31 big flies, and 98 RBI while attending the College of Southern Nevada this past season.

Those you that have been following Harper, or the game itself, have seen or heard these stories numerous times.  Unfortunately, sports fans love these types of scenarios.

The pressure has been on Harper since before he was a teenager and all through high school, where he hit .626 with 14 homers and 55 RBI in his sophomore year. 

With all of that said, how did Harper do in his professional debut?  Obviously, he went 4-4 with four long balls…not quite. Harper went a pedestrian 0-for-2, which is probably not the worst thing that can happen.

Harper has been accustomed to success his whole life, yet baseball is game where failure is commonplace.

If Harper can deal with the scrutiny, the press, and the unbelievable demand for perfection, this 17-year-old should be just fine!

This article can be found on The GM’s Perspective

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Early Friday morning The GM’s Perspective reported that the Vancouver Canadians were set to become the newest member of the Toronto Blue Jays family.

I mentioned to a friend in an email this new partnership between the Canadians and Jays brings together two hotbeds of baseball and situates them under one umbrella.

Those exact sentiments have been expressed in a press release on the Canadians website.

“One of the goals we set out to achieve when we purchased this club was to ensure that baseball fans locally felt like the C’s were their team. I think this pairing with the Blue Jays will bring baseball fans closer together from coast-to-coast.”

Specifically, the Jays signed a four-year player development deal with the Canadians, a member of the Northwest League (A).  The Canadians on the other hand, will remain a member of the NWL, despite ending an 11-year partnership with the Oakland Athletics.

Many fans do not get excited over deals such as this one.  In today’s game many focus on playoff races, A-Rod gunning for another 30 home run, 100 RBI season, the drama inside the St. Louis Cardinals clubhouse, or where Joe Torre will end up next season.

For those interested in the particulars and the reality of this collaboration, let’s take a moment to talk about some newsworthy Canadians info.

• Nat Bailey Stadium has housed the Canadians for nearly 60 years (2011 will mark the Big 60!)
• 154,592 fans in 2010
• Second consecutive season that they have established a new attendance mark
• Triple-A World Series Champions (1999)
• West Division Pennant (2004/2005)
• Second-Half, West Division Champion (2010)

The 2011 season will be and extremely important one for the Canadians: New ownership, new expectations, and more fans. 

Is there any doubt that this new journey will be a success? None whatsoever!

There were mumblings from critics and so-called experts that the Jays might touch 65 wins this year.  Despite a recent 10-game stretch (3-7), the Jays have exceeded all expectations, and are poised to make 2011 even better.

How does this help the Canadians? The Jays are a first-class organization that has bred champions.

A tireless off-season, dedicated employees and an excitement that one rarely finds, can only point to an upcoming 2011 that will have fans from coast-to-coast cheering till their heart’s content.

This article can also be found on The GM’s Perspective

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com