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.


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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.


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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.


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Happy New Year to you all!

Ian Hunter

Ian has been writing about the Toronto Blue Jays since 2007. He enjoyed the tail-end of the Roy Halladay era and vividly remembers the Alex Rodriguez "mine" incident. He'll also retell the story of Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS to his kids for the next 20 years.

6 thoughts on “My Blue Jays New Year’s Resolutions

  • December 30, 2010 at 6:31 pm
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    If we see a no hitter this season I'll happily call the season a total success regardless of anything else that happens. That and a break out season for Snider…

  • December 30, 2010 at 8:44 pm
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    Ah yes, that's another good one Mattt – Snider having a solid year. I'd be happy with 20 plus home runs … heck, I'd just be happy with a season where he doesn't get hurt or sent down to the minors!

  • December 30, 2010 at 10:43 pm
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    If he doesn't get hurt or sent down I'll be very surprised if he doesn't hit at least 20 HR's. I guess his health is all he needs to succeed in my opinion anyway.

  • December 31, 2010 at 2:01 am
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    My resolution is just this: To not expect the team's progression to be linear, and without missteps and dead ends.

    The 3 starters from last year all ought to be better with a year's experience… but it's unreasonable to expect none of them to regress.

  • December 31, 2010 at 7:21 am
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    Awesome post sir!

    and I agree with adding Snider to the resolution list. Looking forward to catching some of his bombs this year, although I'm sure he'll be blasting them way over my head.

    I'd also like to add a resolution. I will get down on my knees and pray every night that this will be the year that we will see Dustin McGowan finally make it back healthy. I was watching some of his old vids and his stuff made me cry. It's just downright nasty. How does a 2 seamer dip so low? His stuff is BETTER than Brandon Morrow's, by far!

  • December 31, 2010 at 7:15 pm
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    Robbie, there is going to be some regression here and there, but I bet there will certain players who will step up unexpectedly as Bautista and others did. Starting pitching is probably going to take a step backwards, but so long as Drabek gets the experience, that's all that matters.

    GCM, who knows … maybe we'll see Dusty again in Spring Training? I know it's only been a few years, but it seems like we haven't seen him pitch at the big league level in FOREVER.

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