Triple A, i.e. AAA, Amazing Alex Anthopoulos has transformed the Jays minor league system into one of ML's best by his savvy trading of big contracts that never brought "team" success to the Jays for young future talent. Gone are Wells, Rios, Hallady, Marcum, Gonzales and much of those big salaries and incoming are Morrow, Snider, Thames, Lawrie, Rasmus, Escobar, Arencibia and a minor league system that has jumped to 4th ranked this year from 28th last year. AAA has been a whirlwind since taking over and has moulded a fresh, young, fast team which will likely create much excitement going forward.
Jays have been tethered to .500 for most of this season, but are now positioned, after all the activity to build on their record from here. One more imminent move will be the Lawrie callup over the next week or two to complete this year's activity.
The base is in place and look for Jays to launch from the .500 plateau next year, if not over the next month in which they face relatively weal opponents. If Jays can get on a roll in August, a most distinct possibility, September could get very interesting for Jays fans with its heavy scheduling against AL East rivals.
Jays have a shot at surpassing last year's 86 wins which would likely see them leapfrog the Rays into 3rd and set the stage for a return of some serious optimism for next year.
AAA is the goods! |
