So far during Spring Training I have taken an in-depth look at the Toronto Blue Jays possible starting rotation, as well as bullpen as the team’s pitchers and catchers reported to Dunedin, Florida over the last week or so.

The Jays other players officially reported to camp last week and with the Jays official spring schedule destined to begin this Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers I thought this would be a good opportunity to take a look at some of the other members of the squad.

The Jays come into Spring Training in a building mode as the franchise looks to take a new direction towards acquiring young, controllable players to add to their future plans.

So where does that leave the Jays team for the 2010 season?

Well, it leaves the squad with question marks at numerous spots on the roster.

Let me break down all the possible players who are in camp and try to let you, the reader, see the roster possibilities that could arise when the Jays finalize their squad out of Spring Training.

The Outfield

Centre Field: Vernon Wells

Drafted in 1st round, 5th overall in 1997 Entry Draft by Toronto Blue Jays

Career MLB Statistics: 1236G, 4880 AB, 719R, 1368H, 2293TB, 295 2B, 27 3B, 192HR, 725RBI, 356BB, 18IBB, 678SO, 84SB, 25CS, .280AVG, .329OBP, .470SLG, .799OPS,

2009 MLB Statistics: 158G, 630AB, 84R, 164H, 252TB, 37 2B, 3 3B, 15HR, 66RBI, 48BB, 2IBB, 86SO, 17SB, 4CS, .260AVG, .311OBP, .400SLG, .711OPS

Vernon Wells will be Toronto’s Opening Day centre fielder unless a major injury occurs throughout spring camp.

Wells is in the third year of a seven year deal worth $126 million which has given Wells the title of “immoveable object” among many in the baseball world.

Due to his high contract and underperformance Wells is impossible to unload via trade and his expected annual salary is only going to increase as it hits $23 million in 2011.

Wells might have had the worst season of his career last season which also featured hostility towards him from the Toronto baseball faithful for his lackluster performance for a full season.

The former two-time All-Star and winner of three Gold Glove awards not only saw his season numbers at the plate drastically falter, but his defense in centre field seemed flawed at times as well.

Numerous people in the baseball world seem to think Wells has also lost a step or two in centre which would only add to his decline at the position.

Much of the blame for his poor performance over the last three seasons since inking his ludicrous contract has been put on a shoulder injury that occurred in 2007 and a nagging wrist injury he suffered in 2008 after a severe break.

Wells has stated that his wrist is in better shape this season, but still has his good days and bad days with it.

Wells has been tabbed as the clean-up hitter in manager Cito Gaston’s potential lineup for the ‘10 season, which means Wells better begin to produce at a higher level like he did earlier in his career or else the chorus of boo’s from Toronto fans will continue to pour as the 2010 season occurs.

Right Field: Jose Bautista

Drafted in 20th round, 599th overall in 2000 Entry Draft by Pittsburgh Pirates

Acquired from Pittsburgh Pirates for Robinson Diaz in 2008

Career MLB Statistics: 575G, 1754AB, 241R, 418H, 701TB, 90 2B, 8 3B, 59HR, 211RBI, 220BB, 9IBB, 434SO, 14SB, 9CS, .238AVG, .329OBP, .400SLG, .729OPS,

2009 MLB Statistics: 113G, 336AB, 54R, 79H, 137TB, 13 2B, 3 3B, 13HR, 40RBI, 56BB, 1IBB, 85SO, 4SB, 0CS, .235AVG, .349OBP, .408SLG, .757OPS

With the departure of Alex Rios to the Chicago White Sox last season a void needed to be filled in right field.

The Jays decided to go with Bautista, mainly a utility player in his Major League career rather than force budding youngster Travis Snider back into everyday play.

Bautista had a strong finish to the season offensively and played above average defense in right.

The strong finish seems to have won Bautista the opening day job in right field and possibly the lead off position as Cito Gaston has been quoted numerous times stating that Bautista is the favorite so far in his books.

Bautista features a very good arm in right field and can also play all outfield spots as well as numerous infield spots, so his tenure on the team is almost certain, most presumably in the lead off spot playing right field come Opening Day.

Left Field – Battle between Travis Snider, Joey Gathright & Jeremy Reed.

Notable exceptions include Adam Lind (most likely a DH for the season), Adam Loewen, Chris Lubanski & Jorge Padilla.

I will not list the individual statistics for every player at the position as there is not one clear choice for the spot.

The battle for the starting left fielder’s spot will begin in Spring Training with a winner most likely to be determined as camp comes to a close.

Even though Travis Snider is one of the cornerstones of the Blue Jays franchise he is not guaranteed a roster spot come the end of Spring Training.

Snider struggled in two stints in the Majors last season and the Jays do not want to rush the young outfielder if he is not ready.

As a backup measure the Jays invited speedster Joey Gathright and the defensive minded Jeremy Reed to camp along with pitcher turned outfielder Adam Loewen, former first round draft pick Chris Lubanski & unknown Jorge Padilla.

Unless Loewen, Lubanski or Padilla really impresses the Blue Jays staff the battle in left field is between Snider, Gathright & Reed for the starting position.

Adam Lind is a left fielder by trade, but is more likely to play the year out as Toronto’s starting designated hitter.

Snider is a power hitter who lacks speed, but plays above average defense in the field.

Snider is still young (22 years old) but has the potential to be an elite everyday player in the Majors.

Snider will bring a new swing and approach to the plate hoping to showcase the hitting talent the Jays know he has.

The fans saw flashes of his power stroke last season, most notably in a two home run performance against the Minnesota Twins early in the season when Snider launched both balls into the right field stands of the now abandoned Metrodome.

If Snider can prove that he can hit Major League pitching this spring than the starting job is his to lose to the speedster Gathright or the defensive minded Reed, both of whom are not guaranteed a contract come the end of camp.

Look for Gathright to get a ton of looks from the Jays, as he is the prototypical lead off man the Jays seek.

Gathright has an abundance of speed and could really be a sparkplug atop the Jays starting lineup.

Reed may surprise and win the spot, but I highly doubt it and tab him as more of a fourth outfielder than anything.

The Infield

Third Base – Edwin Encarnacion

Drafted in 9th round, 274th overall in 2000 Entry Draft by Texas Rangers

Acquired from Cincinnati Reds along with Josh Roenicke & Zach Stewart for Scott Rolen

Career MLB Statistics: 556G, 1918AB, 261R, 499H, 860TB, 114 2B, 5 3B, 79HR, 286RBI, 198BB, 10IBB, 393SO, 20SB, 5CS, .260AVG, .341OBP, .448SLG, .790OPS

2009 MLB Statistics: 85G, 293AB, 35R, 66H, 120TB, 11 2B, 2 3B, 13HR, 39RBI, 37BB, 0IBB, 67SO, 2SB, 1CS, .225AVG, .320OBP, .410SLG, .729OPS

Edwin Encarnacion is the lone third baseman on the Blue Jays roster, although the Jays have utility infielders such as John McDonald who could possible man the spot.

This means that Encarnacion is pretty much guaranteed the starting role at the hot corner come Opening Day, unless a freak accident occurs (Encarnacion is used to these, keep reading).

Encarnacion came over in the Scott Rolen deal in the middle of last season and did not start to show signs that he was recovered from a broken wrist until late in the season, flashing power (13HR) while his average began to creep up to the .225 mark after a horrendous start to the year (.127AVG with Cincinnati after May 1st).

Encarnacion is shaky at the hot corner from a throwing standpoint as he seems to rush his throws more often than not.

Jays third base coach Brian Butterfield, who is highly regarded as one of the best in the game at handling infielders should be able to help Encarnacion with his throwing problem.

Hopefully Encarnacion comes into spring camp fully recovered from a facial burn that occurred to his forehead and right side of his face. The burn was courtesy of an accident involving a firecracker which caused first and second degree burns.

If Encarnacion is recovered from the burns, as well as his wrist injury from a season ago, he should provide adequate defense at third base while adding some home run pop to the batting order.

Shortstop – Alex Gonzalez

Undrafted.

Acquired by Toronto as free agent.

Career MLB Statistics: 1229G, 4393AB, 508R, 1087H, 1737TB, 256 2B, 26 3B, 114HR, 521RBI, 236BB, 45IBB, 879SO, 26SB, 19CS, .247AVG, .294OBP, .395SLG, .689OPS

2009 MLB Statistics: 112G, 391AB, 42R, 93H, 139TB, 22 2B, 0 3B, 8HR, 41RBI, 20BB, 4IBB, 65SO, 2SB, 1CS, .238AVG, .279OBP, .355SLG, .635OPS

Alex Gonzalez is a veteran shortstop who has played for proven winners in the past such as the Florida Marlins World Series championship squad in 2003 and the Boston Red Sox squad in 2006.

Gonzalez seems to be another short term fix for the Jays at the revolving door known as shortstop until the Jays can somehow find themselves their shortstop of the future to build around.

Gonzalez is not exactly a star at the plate boasting a career batting average of .247 but he should get the job done in the number nine hole for manager Cito Gaston.

Gonzalez’s main role on the team seems to be that of a positive clubhouse influence who may aid in the growth of young players on the team as it moves in its new direction.

Gonzalez should easily attain the starting shortstop position when camp is complete.

Second Base – Aaron Hill

Drafted in 1st round, 13th overall in 2003 Entry Draft by Toronto Blue Jays

Career MLB Statistics: 633G, 2402AB, 328R, 684H, 1043TB, 151 2B, 8 3B, 64HR, 296RBI, 175BB, 7IBB, 338SO, 21SB, 10CS, .285AVG, .337OBP, .434SLG, .771OPS

2009 MLB Statistics: 158G, 682AB, 103R, 195H, 340TB, 37 2B, 0 3B, 36HR, 108RBI, 42BB, 1IBB, 98SO, 6SB, 2CS, .286AVG, .330OBP, .499SLG, .829OPS

Aaron Hill was easily one of, if not Toronto’s best player from last season.

Hill overcame a season ending concussion in 2008 to have one of the best seasons in baseball winning the Comeback Player of the Year Award, while making his first All-Star appearance and making an early season run at the league’s most valuable player award.

Hill used a hit first approach attacking first pitch fastballs with his heavier bat type (he bulked up to a 34oz bat last season) to dismantle opposing team’s pitching staffs and have one of the best offensive seasons among second baseman in all of baseball.

Hill also played stellar defense at second base hustling on every play necessary, making diving snags on more than one occasion.

The fans in Toronto love Hill as he invokes the attitude of a true professional in the game of baseball.

Hill has overcome a lot in his life (losing his mother in a car accident at 15 years of age, his 2008 concussion problems) to live his dream and he is doing just that.

The expectations to repeat last season’s performance are there for Hill and pending any injuries I do not see why he could not do such a thing.

Hill is one of the cornerstones of the Jays franchise and will be Toronto’s Opening Day starter at second base.

First Base – Lyle Overbay

Drafted in 18th round, 538th overall in 1999 Entry Draft by Arizona Diamondbacks

Acquired from Milwaukee Brewers along with Ty Taubenheim for Gabe Gross, Dave Bush & Zach Jackson

Career MLB Statistics: 984G, 3355AB, 448R, 936H, 1508TB, 250 2B, 8 3B, 102HR, 457RBI, 444BB, 44IBB, 684SO, 12SB, 6CS, .279AVG, .363OBP, .449SLG, .812OPS,

2009 MLB Statistics: 132G, 423AB, 57R, 112H, 197TB, 35 2B, 13B, 16HR, 64RBI, 74BB, 6IBB, 95SO, 0SB, 0CS, .265AVG, .372OBP, .466SLG, .838OPS

Lyle Overbay’s time in Toronto is slowly coming to an end.

Overbay was shopped in the offseason nearly being traded for Diamondbacks catcher Chris Snyder and has been linked to other trade offers.

Overbay did not get traded and comes into Jays’ camp as Toronto’s first baseman.

Overbay is in the last year of a four year contract and with prospect Brett Wallace waiting in the wings as the first baseman of the future Overbay will most likely be gone next season, perhaps even earlier.

Overbay has had some wrist issues over the last two seasons which have aided in an offensive decline as his notable gap to gap power seemed to disappear.

Overbay started to look more comfortable with the wrist as last season progressed, but was sharing first base duty with veteran Kevin Millar.

Overbay is in the final year of his contract which could mean an outburst offensively, especially if his wrist is fully healed.

Overbay does play admirable defense at first base and should contribute half decent numbers to the Blue Jays lineup.

I fully expect Overbay to walk out of spring camp with the starting first baseman’s job for the Jays, but it may be his last in a Toronto uniform.

Catcher – John Buck

Drafted in 7th round, 212th overall in 1998 Entry Draft by Houston Astros

Acquired by Toronto as a free agent

Career MLB Statistics: 584G, 1913AB, 218R, 450H, 778TB, 104 2B, 7 3B, 70HR, 259RBI, 151BB, 6IBB, 500SO, 4SB, 10CS, .235AVG, .298OBP, .407SLG, .705OPS

2009 MLB Statistics: 59G, 186AB, 16R, 46H, 90TB, 12 2B, 4 3B, 8HR, 36RBI, 13BB, 55SO, 1SB, 1CS, .247AVG, .299OBP, .484SLG, .782OPS

In the offseason the Blue Jays offered last season’s starting catcher Rod Barajas salary arbitration which he declined, leaving a void in Toronto’s lineup.

The Jays signed veteran catcher John Buck to a one year deal as they await the Major League debut of J.P Arencibia, their catcher of the future.

Buck is most noted for his experience in dealing with young pitcher staffs, as well as his defensive ability behind the plate.

Buck is the man behind the turnaround of last season’s American League Cy Young award winner Zack Greinke.

Buck is a light hitting catcher (career .235 AVG) with some pop in his bat (18HR in 2007).

Buck’s role will be to help with the development of Toronto’s very young pitching staff and hopefully provide some offense out of the bottom half of the Jays order.

Buck comes into camp with the starting job and will most likely leave with it as well, pending anything drastic occurring such as injury.

Designated Hitter: Adam Lind

Drafted in 3rd round, 83rd overall in 2004 Entry Draft by Toronto Blue Jays

Career MLB Statistics: 346G, 1263AB, 183R, 362H, 625TB, 84 2B, 4 3B, 57HR, 208RBI, 95BB, 10IBB, 246SO, 4SB, 3CS, .287AVG, .338OBP, .495SLG, .833OPS

2009 MLB Statistics: 151G, 587AB, 93R, 179H, 330TB, 46 2B, 0 3B, 35HR, 114RBI, 58BB, 7IBB, 110SO, 1SB, 1CS, .305AVG, .370OBP, .562SLG, .932OPS

Everyone in the Blue Jays organization knew Adam Lind could hit, especially manager Cito Gaston.

Before the 2009 season got underway, Gaston made it known that Lind would get every opportunity to show the world the hitter that he was.

The confidence that Gaston showed in Lind paid off as Lind had a career year providing the best offensive season by a Jay (.305AVG, 35HR, 114RBI).

Lind was solid out of the designated hitter’s spot the entire season showcasing power to both ends of the field driving numerous home runs to the opposite field.

Lind also showcased gap power recording 46 doubles through the season.

Lind, like Hill is a cornerstone of the Jays franchise and should be with the squad for years to come as well as get the Opening Day nod as the team’s starting DH.

Bench: John McDonald.

Notable possibilities: Jose Molina, Randy Ruiz, Joey Gathright, Jeremy Reed, Brian Dopirak, Jarrett Hoffpauir, Mike McCoy, Raul Chavez, David Cooper, Kyle Phillips, Travis D’Arnaud, Brian Jeroloman, Matt Liuzza, Brad Emaus, Jesus Merchan, Brett Wallace, Adam Loewen, Chris Lubanski, Jorge Padilla

Just like I did with the left fielder’s job I will not list the statistics of every player who could possibly play a role in receiving one of Toronto’s vacant bench jobs.

John McDonald will easily retain his super utility role on Toronto’s bench.

The defensive wizard is an organizational favorite, as well as a city of Toronto fan favorite, who plays exceptional defense at more than one position (most notably shortstop) and who is also improving with his bat ( .258AVG with a career high 4HR).

McDonald was also signed to a new two year deal prior to the offseason so expect him to come out of camp with a bench spot.

The backup catcher’s spot will fill up another bench role with the spring training contest between recently signed veteran Jose Molina and non roster invitees Raul Chavez, J.P Arencibia, Travis D’Arnaud, Brian Jeroloman, Matt Liuzza & Kyle Phillips.

I expect the real battle in Spring Training will be between Chavez & Molina with the other names listed being sent to the minors to develop further.

Molina may have the experience edge on Chavez, but both are capable of being a more than adequate backup as both are highly regarded defensive catchers.

I doubt the Jays would sign Molina to a one year deal unless they were certain to give the backup spot to him.

If Chavez can perform well he may get lucky and end up with the backup spot similar to last season when Michael Barrett went down early in the season with an injury, but I give the edge to Molina in this battle.

Expect the Jays to give a bench spot to either Randy Ruiz or Brian Dopirak with Ruiz being the favorite.

The Jays will need a right handed power bat off the bench who can spell Lyle Overbay at first base.

Both Ruiz and Dopirak fit that description.

Ruiz destroyed minor league pitching last season (.320AVG, 25HR, 106RBI) and even impressed in his short stint in the Majors with Toronto (.313AVG, 10HR, 17RBI in 33G).

Dopirak also had a fine season with the Jays Triple A affiliate Las Vegas 51’s hitting for an average of .317 with 27HR & 102RBI.

Both players could also spell Adam Lind as a right handed option at the designated hitter’s position as well.

The Jays could go with either a four or five man bench which means that the competition could be stiff for the final spot(s).

Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos has stated that he would like more speed on his team which could give an advantage to Gathright (80 career stolen bases in the Majors) or McCoy (172 career stolen bases in the minors).

Gathright might also have an advantage in gaining a bench role as he hits from the left side and the Jays could wind up being right handed heavy off the bench without a left handed addition.

My projected lineup for Opening Day 2010 is as follows (note that I have included the batting order as I see it unfolding as well):

1. Jose Bautista, RF
2. Aaron Hill, 2B
3. Adam Lind, DH
4. Vernon Wells, CF
5. Lyle Overbay, 1B
6. Edwin Encarnacion, 3B
7. John Buck, C
8. Travis Snider, LF
9. Alex Gonzalez, SS

Bench: John McDonald, Jose Molina, Joey Gathright, Randy Ruiz

The competition for the Toronto Blue Jays Opening Day squad begins this Wednesday as the Jays take on the Detroit Tigers.

Let us all see how Spring Training unfolds forming what could be the 2010 version of the Toronto Blue Jays.

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