My Blue Jays New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s: it’s a time to reflect on the past 365 days and wonder how the hell it flew by so quickly. It’s also a time to resolve to make changes in the hopes of bettering oneself in the new year.

Rather than hastily put together a list of resolutions which I will almost certainly have no chance of abiding by in 2011, I’d rather pertain them to something which I enjoy – the Toronto Blue Jays.

The following are my Blue Jays New Year’s Resolutions for 2011.

To be patient with Adam Lind at first base

Let’s be honest, things are going to take a bit of a defensive dive on the right side of the diamond this year. We caught a few glimpses of Lind at first base in 2010, and unfortunately David Purcey was the sacrificial lamb in the Adam Lind experiment.

If the Blue Jays really want to get the most of Adam Lind’s contract, they need to transition him into a position player. It might not be pretty at first base in 2011, but the only way for Adam to learn the intricacies of playing the position is to be out there almost every day.

To taper expectations for Jose Bautista

Make no qualms about it, Jose Bautista had one of the best seasons in Blue Jays history in 2010. After setting the bar so astronomically high, anything less than a 54 home run campaign might be seen as a disappointment in the eyes of some.

However, savvy fans understand there will undoubtedly be a drop-off for Jose Bautista in 2011, the question is just how far will that drop-off be? I’d be perfectly content seeing Jose crush 20 home runs, but in my mind, drawing plenty of walks are much more paramount.

And you know opposing teams will be studying videos of Jose Bautista’s swing like mad men in attempt to find a flaw in his game (if there even is one).

To believe in Edwin Encarnacion

One of my New Year’s resolutions from last year was to believe in Vernon Wells. Eyebleaf lead the charge, and V-Dub had a bounce back season in 2010, so I’m hoping for good things from Edwin Encarnacion in 2011.

EE seems like the kind of player who’s just on the cusp of becoming a consistent power hitter, but just can’t get over the hump. Maybe slotting him in as the full-time designated hitter and a little bit of extra batting practice will go a long way.

To see a Blue Jay throw a no-hitter

I know this one is out of my hands, but I’m convinced we will see a Blue Jays starter throw a no-hitter in 2011. Considering how close Brandon Morrow was on August 8th, I think it’s only a matter of time before somebody joins the elite company of Dave Stieb as the only Blue Jays to toss no-hitters.

To not cry when Roy Halladay comes back to Toronto

Ever since the G20 fiasco, the anticipation for Roy Halladay’s return to Toronto has continued to grow. Many fans were upset when the Philly/Toronto series was moved to the city of brotherly love, but after watching what happened in downtown Toronto, can you really blame them for moving it?

Armed with a shiny new Cy Young award, a couple of no-hitters and a trip to the playoffs, it will be great to see Doc back at the Rogers Centre once again. It’s only magnified that the Blue Jays will be playing at home on Canada Day weekend, so it will be especially emotional during that series.

Happy New Year to you all!