With exactly one week until pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training I thought it would be a good time to give everyone a break down of the Toronto Blue Jays pitching depth, as it is in abundance coming into the 2010 version of spring ball in Dunedin, Florida.

Over the course of this offseason new general manager Alex Anthopoulos has been on a tear in regards to adding pitching depth to the franchise, adding pitchers via every option available such as free agency, trade, rule five and waiver claims.

As most people involved in the baseball world know a team can never have enough pitching, but perhaps in the Jays case that is a possibility.

The Jays added depth will certainly make for a competitive spring from numerous individuals as only so many rotation and bullpen spots can be obtained.

I would like to start out by taking a look at the Toronto Blue Jays rotation.

Please note that I will only be analyzing players who have rotation experience and are viewed as possible rotation pieces by the Jays.

The Jays rotation lost its ace and franchise figurehead Roy Halladay this past offseason in a huge three team deal involving the Philadelphia Phillies & Seattle Mariners.

Losing a former Cy Young Award winner with a workhorse mentality, who logged a large portion of your team’s innings pitched, is hard to recover from.

The Jays will be heading into spring with the likes of Shaun Marcum, Ricky Romero, Brandon Morrow, Brett Cecil, Marc Rzepczynski, Dana Eveland, David Purcey, Robert Ray, Scott Richmond, Dustin McGowan, Brad Mills & Reidier Gonzalez as starting rotation possibilities on their 40 man roster, as well as non roster invitees Kyle Drabek, Shawn Hill, Zach Jackson, Chad Jenkins & Zach Stewart.

Jesse Litsch is also on the active roster, but will not be able to play until later in the season as he recovers from surgery.

Let me break down each pitcher and give you my opinion on where they will end up upon completion of Spring Training.

Shaun Marcum (RHP, SP) (6th year in MLB)

Drafted in 3rd round, 80th overall of 2003 Entry Draft by Toronto Blue Jays

Career MLB Statistics: 24-17, 3.95ERA, 89G, 64GS, 0CG, 0SHO, 1SV, 396.2IP, 368H, 180R, 174ER, 62HR, 17HB, 141BB, 314SO, .244AVG, 1.28WHIP

2009 MLB statistics: Did not pitch in MLB, recovering from Tommy John surgery

Shaun Marcum was converted into a starting pitcher in 2006 and after having a below average stint to finish out the season in this starter’s role Marcum has been the definition of consistency for Toronto.

Marcum did not start the 2007 season in the Blue Jays rotation pitching 38 total games, 25 of which were starts, but after having a great finish in 2007 Marcum would be notched in as the number two starter in 2008.

Marcum had a stellar season in 2007 posting a record of 12-6 with an ERA of 4.13 across 159IP.

His 2008 numbers were also impressive with a record of 9-7 with an ERA of 3.39 in 151.1IP.

Marcum features a four seam fastball that hits 89-90mph with a breaking ball and a changeup.

Marcum’s changeup is easily his best pitch as it dives to the outside corner when facing right handers, while jamming lefties on the inside half of the plate.

Marcum is control pitcher who relies heavily on location. When Marcum is on his game and has his changeup working he keeps the ball in the yard (only 17 home runs allowed in 89 games pitched).

Marcum’s most notable stat line is his low earned run average (career best 3.39 in 2008) despite pitching in the offensive heavy weight American League East.

Marcum is being touted by the Jays as the 2010 staff ace as he combines the most rotation experience with a formidable pitching selection. If Marcum recovers well from his surgery and pitches like he did in 2007 & 2008 he will certainly be the number one guy for Toronto.

Projection to begin 2010: Staff ace

Ricky Romero (LHP, SP) (2nd year in MLB)

Drafted in 1st round, 6th overall of 2006 Entry Draft by Toronto Blue Jays

Career MLB Statistics: 13-9, 4.30ERA, 29G, 29GS, 0CG, 0SHO, 178IP, 192H, 88R, 85ER, 18HR, 10HB, 79BB, 141SO, .284AVG, 1.52WHIP

2009 MLB statistics: Same as above

Ricky Romero had a terrible start to Spring Training last season as he immediately had his chances of making the Jays rotation taken away from him after a poor start to open the year.

Than pitching coach Brad Arnsberg had more faith in Romero.

Arnsberg worked with Romero throughout the spring helping revive the young rookie’s confidence.

The confidence combined with working out some mechanical flaws in his delivery turned things around for Romero as he came out of Dunedin with a spot in the Blue Jays rotation.

Aside from an early season freak injury where Romero strained his right oblique muscle with a sneeze, he remained in the Jays rotation for all of 2009.

Romero impressed many with his no fear attitude as he attacked hitters with a combination of a 90-92mph fastball, a big sweeping curve and a moving changeup (his best pitch).

Romero did have some rough outings, most notably against the division rival Boston Red Sox, but was the main man when ace Roy Halladay went down last season with a groin injury.

Romero is a soldier, he battles out on the mound, he screams into his glove in frustration after a bad inning and reeks of confidence when his stuff is working for him.

Romero was on pace for a Rookie of the Year award before he started to feel the fatigue of a full Major League season as his numbers started to increase as the season wound down.

With a full Major League season under his belt where he held his own in the tough AL East, Romero will be counted on as a young veteran in the Toronto rotation.

Projection to begin 2010: Number two starter

Brandon Morrow (RHP, SP) (4th year in MLB)

Drafted in 1st round, 5th overall by Seattle Mariners, acquired by Toronto from Seattle for Brandon League & Johermyn Chavez on December 22nd 2009.

Career MLB Statistics: 8-12, 3.96ERA, 131G, 15GS, 0CG, 0SHO, 16SV, 197.2IP, 162H, 93R, 87ER, 23HR, 1HB, 128BB, 204SO, .223AVG, 1.47WHIP

2009 MLB Statistics: 2-4, 4.39ERA, 26G, 10GS, 0CG, 0SHO, 6SV, 69.2IP, 66H, 38R, 34ER, 10HR, 0HB, 44BB, 63SO, .248AVG, 1.58WHIP

Brandon Morrow had very high expectations upon being drafted fifth overall by the Seattle Mariners.

The high expectations of Morrow led the Mariners to bring up the young pitcher to the Major Leagues far too early in his development in my opinion.

The added edition of Seattle treating Morrow like a science experiment converting him from starter to reliever and back again could not have helped his performance either.

Morrow has all the potential, talent and stuff to be a big time Major League pitcher hence the decision to acquire the former first round pick from Seattle by Alex Anthopoulos.

Morrow will be a starting pitcher for Toronto. The Jays have let the young pitcher know this is his one and only direction for them.

Morrow features a high octane fastball that can reach the mid 90’s, as well as a spike curveball which at times is compared to that of former Blue Jay AJ Burnett’s, a nasty split finger fastball pitch and a changeup which needs some work.

Morrow has had dominant performances at a young age at the Major League level, but could not remain stabile enough in one role to keep his momentum going.

If Morrow can adjust accordingly to being in the Jays rotation full time, work on his changeup, mix his pitches as well as hit his location he could be a lethal weapon for the Jays this season.

Projection to begin 2010: Number three starter

Now here is where everything gets interesting for the Jays rotation. I am almost certain the three pitchers I have listed above will come out of Spring Training with what I projected them as in the Jays rotation, pending any freak incidents or injuries.

However, that leaves two rotation spots open for nine active roster players, as well as five non roster invitees.

Now unless Kyle Drabek, Zack Stewart, Reidier Gonzalez & Chad Jenkins have monstrous springs I see them continuing their development at lower levels in the minors, so we’ll take them out of the picture.

That leaves Brett Cecil, Marc Rzepczynski, Dana Eveland, David Purcey, Robert Ray, Scott Richmond, Dustin McGowan, Brad Mills, Shawn Hill & Zach Jackson to compete for two open rotation spots.

Let me break down each of these players as they vie for the final two rotation spots.

Brett Cecil (LHP, SP) (2nd year in MLB)

Drafted in Supplemental First Round, 38th overall of 2007 Entry Draft by Toronto Blue Jays

Career MLB Statistics: 7-4, 5.30ERA, 18G, 17GS, 0CG, 0SHO, 93.1IP, 116H, 59R, 55ER, 17HR, 5HB, 38BB, 69SO, .308AVG, 1.65WHIP

2009 MLB Statistics: Same as above

After coming out of Spring Training without a spot in the Blue Jays rotation Brett Cecil was thrown into the fire much earlier than expected.

The initial intention at the beginning of 2009 was to have Cecil develop further at Triple A Las Vegas, but with a vast amount of injuries Cecil was one of the first call-ups to get a crack for the Jays.

Cecil started off well, pitching impressively against the Cleveland Indians in his Major League debut, as well as dominating the Oakland Athletics in his next start.

After defeating the Chicago White Sox it all went down hill for Cecil, as he let up five home runs in a start at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox and was demoted to Triple A shortly afterwards.

Continued injury problems for the Jays forced them to once again go to Cecil and he remained on the squad for the rest of the season.

Cecil was on an innings restriction pitching only 93.1 innings for the Jays.

Upon first glance the former Maryland closer has the right stuff to succeed in the Major Leagues. Cecil features a fastball in the 88-92mph range with a slider that is tough on left handed hitters.

Cecil needs to improve on his slider pitch to right handed hitters as it sits in the middle of the plate far too often than not.

This makes the young pitcher prone to the long ball (17HR allowed in 93.1IP).

Cecil is a big, strong kid (6’3, 220lbs) who could be an adequate part of the Jays rotation next season if he can work on his slider to right handed batters, develop a changeup, and cut down his hit and home run ratios drastically.

The Jays are not banking on Cecil making the rotation hence the additions of Dana Eveland & Shawn Hill, but the possibility is very high.

Projection to begin 2010: Cecil should be in it for the 4th or 5th starter’s spot. A strong spring should nab him one or the other, but a half decent or poor spring could mean a trip back to Las Vegas to begin the year.

Marc Rzepczynski (LHP, SP) (2nd year in MLB)

Drafted in 5th round, 175th overall of 2007 Entry Draft by Toronto Blue Jays

Career MLB Statistics: 2-4, 3.67ERA, 11G, 11GS, 0CG, 0SHO, 61.1IP, 51H, 27R, 25ER, 7HR, 1HB, 30BB, 60SO, .225AVG, 1.32WHIP

2009 MLB Statistics: Same as above

Talk about coming out of nowhere for Toronto’s rotation last season and the name Marc Rzepczynski (pronounced ZEP-CHIN-SKI) is certainly mentioned.

As already mentioned earlier in this article the Jays struggled desperately at times last season to even fill a name into the starting pitcher’s spot come game day.

Rzepczynski was not expected to make a start in the Major Leagues at all for Toronto in 2009, but due to injuries Rzepcynski got the call to start against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 7th 2009.

The 24 year old left hander pitched solidly in his Major League debut lasting six innings, allowing only two hits and one earned run while walking four and striking out seven.

Rzepczynski used that initial first performance to shake off the butterflies and stuck with the Jays the remainder of the season.

The left hander uses a herky; jerky windup accompanied by a close to side arm release point and hides the ball well from opposing hitters.

Rzepczynski features an 88-92mph sinking fastball, a sweeping slider, a plus changeup and an average curveball in his repertoire.

Rzepczynski’s ability to use deception in his delivery as well as locate a four pitch combo allows him to notch a lot of strikeouts (60 IN 61.1IP) despite having overpowering stuff.

Rzepczynski’s ability to throw strikes and get out of tough situations has put him in the good books with manager Cito Gaston who consistently praises the youngster.

If Rzepczynski can work on his durability now that the innings limitations have been pulled off of him and manage to stay composed while pitching out of jams like last season, he could easily make the rotation as a backend starter.

Projection to begin 2009: As with Cecil, if Rzepczynski can perform he should be able to attain a rotation spot. The Jays know he is still young and inexperienced so if he falters out of the spring gate expect him to start out the year in Triple A.

Dana Eveland (LHP, SP) (6th year in MLB)

Drafted in 16th round, 469th overall in the 2002 Entry Draft by Milwaukee Brewers.

Acquired by Toronto from Oakland in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later.

Career MLB Statistics: 13-17, 5.54ERA, 83G, 44GS, 1CG, 0SHO, 1SV, 276.1IP, 329H, 175R, 170ER, 20HR, 18HB, 142BB, 198SO, .300AVG, 1.70WHIP

2009 MLB Statistics: 2-4, 7.16ERA, 13G, 9GS, 0CG, 0SHO, 44IP, 70H, 39R, 35ER, 4HR, 0HB, 26BB, 22SO, .365AVG, 2.18WHIP

Eveland may best be remembered by baseball fans as being one of the six players the Oakland Athletics acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Dan Haren a few years back.

Eveland’s best year in the Majors was in 2008 for the A’s when he went 9-9 with an ERA of 4.34 in 168IP.

Aside from that season Eveland has never pitched over 100 innings in his career.

Eveland is a big body (6’1, 258lbs) that features a four seam fastball, slider, changeup & curveball.

All of his pitches are above average, but Eveland lacks control at times (142BB in 276.1IP) and gives up a ton of hits (329H in 276.1IP).

Eveland had a rough season last year for Oakland and things will not be any easier in the AL East.

Eveland is a low risk, high reward addition by Alex Anthopoulos with his experience in a starting role being his main asset.

Projection to begin 2010: Eveland will compete for the two vacant rotation positions with a mix of experienced and inexperienced competition.

If Eveland can be the guy who won 9 games and posted a 4.34ERA for the A’s in 2008 he has a shot at the rotation due to Cito Gaston’s infatuation for the experience of veteran players, but experience can only take you so far and that’s all I really think Eveland has going for him.

David Purcey (LHP, SP) (3rd MLB Season)

Drafted in 1st round, 16th overall in 2004 Entry Draft by Toronto Blue Jays

Career MLB Statistics: 4-9, 5.81ERA, 21G, 21GS, 1CG, 113IP, 121H, 76R, 73ER, 15HR, 5HB, 59BB, 97SO, .276AVG, 1.59WHIP

2009 MLB Statistics: 1-3, 6.19ERA, 9G, 9GS, 48IP, 54H, 35R, 33ER, 6HR, 1HB, 30BB, 39SO, .287AVG, 1.75WHIP

David Purcey has been one of the Blue Jays top pitching prospects for some time now. Purcey came to the Majors with high expectations from fans. Purcey flashes moments of brilliance, but overall has not lived up to his expectations.

Purcey was given the chance to begin last season in Toronto’s rotation and was a mess out of the gate.

Purcey’s lack of control (18BB in 25.2IP in his first five starts) and inability to get out of tough situations got him sent down to Triple A to work on mechanics with a hopeful return to the Majors.

Purcey continued to struggle at the Triple A level and was passed up for the likes of Cecil, Rzepczynski & even Robert Ray (lower on the depth charts) when the Jays needed starting pitching.

Purcey was called up in September and was average going 1-1 across four starts.

He did pitch well in his first three starts upon his callback, but was blasted by a weak Baltimore team for seven earned runs to end his season.

Purcey features an 88-94 mph fastball, a curveball that is plus when he can locate it and a half decent changeup.

Purcey’s biggest problem thus far has been control.

When Purcey is locating his pitches he is a tough customer who uses his fastball, curveball combo to both sides of the plate very well.

Unfortunately, Purcey does not do this consistently so when his control goes, his walk rates and hit rates skyrocket.

Projection to begin 2010: The Jays see the promise in Purcey and he will have a shot at a starting position in the number four or five spot in the Jays rotation, but unless he shapes up when it comes to his control and hit totals he’ll make the trip back down to Las Vegas to begin the year.

Robert Ray (RHP, SP) (2nd MLB Season)

Drafted in 7th round, 206th overall in 2005 Entry Draft by Toronto Blue Jays

Career MLB Statistics: 1-2, 4.44ERA, 4G, 4GS, 0CG, 0SHO, 24.1IP, 23H, 15R, 12ER, 4HR, 2HB, 6BB, 13SO, .253AVG, 1.19WHIP

2009 MLB Statistics: See above

Robert Ray is a 26 year old right handed Texan with a tall (6’5), lanky (195lbs) frame that surprised many last season in his brief stint with the Jays.

Ray was called up in May amidst the Jays desperate need for starting pitching after only logging one start above the Double A level.

Ray was backed by the Toronto farm staff as being the most Major League ready out of the low ball prospects and was given a chance to start.

Ray pitched decent for the Jays. It was his brilliant performance May 16th against the Chicago White Sox that kept Ray on the radar screen of the Jays as a potential piece of the future Jays rotation.

In that game Ray pitched eight strong innings, allowing no earned runs and just three hits against a solid offensive rival in the White Sox.

Ray seemed to be destined to stay afloat with the Jays in 2009 until a shoulder injury occurred in his throwing arm, thus ending his stint with the Jays.

Ray features a hard fastball, 92-94 with a slider and a changeup that needs work. Ray throws strikes which is always a plus, but does not have an out pitch in his arsenal.

Ray returned to play ball prior to Spring Training this year at the Arizona Fall League to test out his shoulder.

Across seven starts Ray posted a record of 2-1 with an ERA of 4.81 across 24.1IP while striking out 25,walking seven, as well as allowing 16 runs, 13 of which were earned on 34 hits.

Ray’s shoulder seems to be back to normal which could be great news for Ray as a member of the Blue Jays.

Projection to begin 2010: Ray may not be seasoned or developed enough to make this year’s rotation, but he has a shot.

If Ray can impress and out pitch the high number of pitchers ahead of him on the depth chart he may come out of spring with a rotation spot.

If Ray doesn’t succeed in gaining a rotation spot than I can see him starting out in the minors developing further and possibly coming up in September as a call-up.

Scott Richmond (RHP, SP) (3rd MLB Season)

Undrafted, signed as a minor league free agent by the Toronto Blue Jays

Career MLB Statistics: 9-14, 5.27ERA, 32G, 29GS, 2CG, 1SHO, 1 65.2IP, 179H, 102R, 97ER, 29HR, 2HB, 61BB, 137SO, .273AVG, 1.45WHIP

2009 MLB Statistics: 8-11, 5.52ERA, 27G, 24GS, 1CG, 0SHO, 138.2IP, 147H, 90R, 85ER, 27HR, 0HB, 59BB, 117SO, .268AVG, 1.49WHIP

Canadian born Scott Richmond is, like Eveland, one of the more experienced pitchers vying for a rotation spot with Toronto.

Richmond got off to an incredible start last season recording three wins in April, going 4-0 in his first five starts. The great April garnered Richmond an AL Rookie of the Month award (Richmond’s 1st MLB season was shortened so he was technically a rookie last year).

After getting off to a hot start Richmond’s year went south as his ERA began to rise while his win totals remained stagnant.

Combine that with losing time to shoulder tendonitis and Richmond’s season which looked promising didn’t turn out as he would have hoped.

It was still a half decent season for Richmond as he logged quite a number of inning sin both a starter’s role as well as in relief out of the Toronto bullpen.

Richmond features a fastball that tops out at 91 along with an above average slider & changeup and a mediocre curveball.

Richmond uses his slider effectively to both sides of the plate and locates his fastball extremely well.

Richmond is very prone to the long ball (27 in 138.2IP last season) when he hangs one of his breaking pitches or leaves a fastball up.

Richmond can be a very effective starter and has proven so numerous times throughout his short lived Major League career, he’ll be looked to as a veteran presence by the young up and coming pitchers whether he is a starter or a reliever for the squad.

Projection to begin 2010: Richmond has a very good chance of landing one of the Jays rotation spots.

He was the Jays number five starter last season proving very reliable on more than one occasion.

If his shoulder tendonitis is in check and he can prove to be durable I can foresee Richmond lasting all season in the Jays rotation.

If he doesn’t come out of spring with a rotation spot I can almost guarantee Richmond makes the Major League squad as a long reliever out of the Blue Jays bullpen that is of course if he doesn’t have an abysmal spring, which I highly doubt considering Richmond’s track record thus far.

**UPDATE** Scott Richmond will not be able to vie for a starting rotation spot as a shoulder injury has occurred sidetracking the right hander.

Dustin McGowan (RHP, SP) (6TH MLB Season)

Drafted in Supplemental First Round, 33rd overall in 2000 Entry Draft by Toronto Blue Jays

Career MLB Statistics: 20-22, 4.71ERA, 75G, 56GS, 3CG, 1SHO, 353.2IP, 345H, 201R, 185ER, 32HR, 16HB, 141BB, 285SO, .256AVG, 1.37WHIP

2009 MLB Statistics: Did not play, recovering from surgery to fix fraying labrum in his throwing shoulder. McGowan’s recovery time was also slowed knee surgery to repair articular cartilage damage.

Dustin McGowan is quite possibly the biggest enigma coming into Spring Training for the Jays.

McGowan seems to be healthy, but general manager Alex Anthopoulos wants to take it slow with McGowan. McGowan is out of club options so if he was demoted he would have to pass through waivers which means that another club could pick up the pitcher.

Letting that occur could be a very risky move as McGowan’s potential is through the roof and was once a possible ace in the making for the Jays.

McGowan features a power fastball that reaches the mid 90’s, a nasty slider, a sinking fastball to go along with his four seam, an above average changeup and a power curveball that tumbles towards the ground.

The possibility of McGowan recovering and moving into Toronto’s rotation is worth taking your time with, but due to the options scenario means that McGowan may have to start out the season on the disabled list if he doesn’t show progress throughout the spring.

Projection to begin 2010 – If he is healthy and pitches well McGowan will be in the rotation.

The only problem with that scenario is no one is sure of his current health and if the long time off will affect his performance.
I suspect McGowan will need more time recovering from his injuries, which could mean a stint on the disabled list to begin 2010 for McGowan.

Brad Mills (LHP, SP) (2nd MLB Season)

Drafted in 4th round, 145th overall in 2007 Entry Draft by Toronto Blue Jays

Career MLB Statistics: 0-1, 14.09ERA, 2G, 2GS, 0CG, 0SHO, 7.2IP, 14H, 12R, 12ER, 4HR, 0HB, 6BB, 9SO, .400AVG, 2.61WHIP

2009 MLB Statistics: See above

Brad Mills is quite possibly the biggest long shot to make the Jays rotation this season.

Mills sprung out of the gates in Spring Training of 2009 as the front runner for the backend rotation spot that eventually went to Ricky Romero.

Mills struggles towards the end of the spring were the reasoning behind his rotation spot going to Romero.

Mills would not bee seen in a Jays uniform again until his Major League debut on June
18th when he would make his Major League debut against the powerhouse offense of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Mills debut did not go very well as he lasted only three and two thirds innings pitched allowing four earned runs on six hits.

Mills would see start number two for the Jays exactly nine days later against the same Phillies team where he was roughed up even worse this time around.

Mills would allow eight earned runs on eight hits in only four innings of work. Mills did rack up seven strikeouts in the contest as a positive note.

That would be it for Mills in 2009 as he would be returned to the minors for the remainder of the season.

The 24 year old southpaw has a super high leg kick as he enters his windup. He features a mediocre fastball that maxs out at 89mps with a half decent changeup and a big sweeping curveball.

Mills best asset is his deception in hiding the ball as well as throwing hitters off with his high leg kick.

Projection to begin 2009: Mills is a long shot to make the Jays rotation even if he does put together a good spring. With the Jays added depth I foresee Mills beginning the year in the minors as he learns to develop his changeup and perhaps establish his curveball as his out pitch.

Shawn Hill (RHP, SP) (7TH MLB Season)

Drafted in 33rd round, 1012th overall in 1999 Entry Draft by San Diego Padres.

Acquired by Toronto as a minor league free agent in 2010.

Career MLB Statistics: 8-16, 4.95ERA, 40G, 40GS, 0CG, 0SHO, 218.1IP, 249H, 132R, 120ER, 18HR, 11HB, 70BB, 137SO, .287AVG, 1.46WHIP

2009 MLB Statistics: 1-1, 5.25ERA, 3G, 3GS, OCG, 0SHO, 12IP, 15H, 7R, 7ER, 1HR, 1HB, 3BB, 7SO, .306AVG, 1.50WHIP

Shawn Hill is a 28 year old Mississauga, Ontario native who has had stints in the Majors with the Montreal Expos, Washington Nationals & San Diego Padres.

The right handed veteran has always been a solid contributor no matter what team he has played for. Hill’s downfall has been injury.

Hill has had two Tommy John surgeries, one surgery on his right throwing elbow to remove bone spurs and has had numerous other problems with his throwing elbow and shoulder as well.

Hill was impressing for the Washington Nationals in 2007 before his season was cut short with injury. The pitcher has not been the same since.

Hill features a fastball that hits 89mph on the radar gun along with a very good changeup and above average slider. Hill also has a mediocre curveball in his repertoire that he does not go to often.

Hill is a low risk, high reward addition to the Jays as a non-roster invitee for the Jays.

Projection to begin 2009: If Hill comes into spring healthy and ready to compete he could use his Major League experience to surprise many.

Hill has been featured at the front of a rotation once in his career in his time with the Nationals and could easily return to form for the Jays.

Hill’s veteran presence could be a great addition to a possibly young rotation and he would obviously be a local fan favorite as he grew up in Mississauga, Ontario which neighbours Toronto.

**CORRECTION** Shawn Hill will not be ready for Spring Training according to a report from MLB.com which means he will not compete for a role as a starter out of Spring, although he could join the rotation mid-season.

Zach Jackson (LHP, SP) (5TH MLB Season)

Drafted in Supplemental First Round, 32nd overall in 2004 Entry Draft by Toronto Blue Jays.
Re-acquired by Toronto in 2010 from Cleveland Indians for a player to be named later.

Career MLB Statistics: 4-5, 5.81ERA, 22G, 17GS, 0CG, 0SHO, 105.1IP, 131H, 74R, 68ER, 15HR, 9HB, 34BB, 63SO, .303AVG, 1.57WHIP

2009 MLB Statistics: 0-0, 9.35ERA, 3G, 1GS, 0CG, 0SHO, 8.2IP, 14H, 10R, 9ER, 2HR, 2HB, 4BB, 10SO, .350AVG, 2.08WHIP

Originally drafted by the Blue Jays in 2004, Jackson never pitched a Major League game for Toronto as he was involved in the trade that brought current first baseman Lyle Overbay to Toronto from Milwaukee.

Jackson’s best Major League season came split between Milwaukee & Cleveland in 2008 where he posted a 2-3 record with an ERA of 5.55 in eleven games, nine of which were starts.

Jackson has a ¾ delivery with a deceptive delivery. His fastball has been described as sneaky fast and surprises hitters when the pitch comes inside.

Jackson also features a circle change with good downward movement as well as a tight spinning slurve (slider/curve). Both pitches are Major League worthy.

Projection to begin 2009: Jackson was acquired for next to nothing from the Indians as general manager Alex Anthopoulos looked to acquire pitching depth.

Jackson has Major League experience as both a starter and reliever, but with the large amount of depth coming to spring for the Jays, Jackson’s chances at landing a rotation spot will be a tough.

I project Jackson as a backend starter/long reliever if he does make the team out of spring.

The Jays certainly have a large amount of starting pitching depth coming into this spring which will make for a very interesting competitive time for the Jays franchise. I for one am very excited to see how it all unfolds as the Jays look to build a contender north of the US/Canada border.

Check back soon when I will analyze the major pitching depth the Jays also feature as far as the bullpen is concerned.

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