Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training: On The Infield

Continuing in our week-long look at the 2016 Toronto Blue Jays as they kick off Spring Training, we move from the mound to the infield where a pretty established and talented group should provide stability behind the pitching staff and a healthy dose of production at the plate.

Russell Martin, Catcher (2015: .240, 23 HR, 77 RBI)

In his first season in Toronto, the Canadian catcher had some ups and downs, logging 129 games played. His offensive contributions were on par with what he’s delivered in recent years, but where he really had an impact is behind the dish.

Martin had a .995 fielding percentage and caught 32 of 72 would-be base-stealers, which was one of Toronto’s weaker points prior to his arrival. In addition to his stellar defensive numbers, the veteran catcher calls a great game, fames pitches exceptionally well and knows how to work with the staff, which allows him to coax strong outings out of guys when they’re not quite right to start the game.

The key for him this season is getting a break every fifth day when R.A. Dickey takes the mound. If Josh Thole can go back to being the knuckleballer’s personal catcher, it will allow Martin to log fewer miles during the season and hopefully remain healthy and effective the whole way through.

Chris Colabello, First Base (2015: .321, 15 HR, 54 RBI)
A reclamation project after fizzling following hot stretches in back-to-back years with Minnesota, Colabello was a godsend for Toronto last season. He was miscasts as an emergency starter in left field at times, but remained consistent at the dish, leading the team in average and maintaining that into the playoffs, where he hit .282.

Colabello should get first crack at everyday reps at first this season, where his bat is vastly superior to that of Justin Smoak and his defense is strong enough for him not to get bumped in favour of the switch-hitting glove man. His ability to hold the spot also means Edwin Encarnacion can be a full-time DH, which should help him avoid some of the minor bumps and bruises that have forced him out at times over the last couple years as well.

Ryan Goins, Second Base (2015: .250, 5 HR, 45 RBI)

Another part of the reason you can sacrifice defense at first is because you have a vacuum cleaner with tremendous range and great hands playing at second.

Goins took over when Devon Travis went down and became a stalwart in the field for Toronto as the season progressed. While shortstop is his ultimate landing place and he could start their for a number of teams, Goins has accepted his place as the second baseman for the Blue Jays and does enough with the stick to bat at the bottom of the order and maintain a regular place in the lineup because his glove is so damn good.

Troy Tulowitzki, Shortstop (2015: .280, 17 HR, 70 RBI with Colorado & Toronto)

Tulo came over at the deadline and had mixed results in Toronto, at least at the dish. He hit just .239 in the American League after hovering around the .300 mark his whole career and a fractured scapula put him on the shelf for a couple weeks late in the year as well. But he also had some big hits in timely situations and played his usual brand of excellent defense, forming a strong double play combination with Goins and giving the Jays great coverage up the middle.

The key for Tulowitzki and the Jays this season is finding him a spot in the lineup where he can be a run producer because that is when he is at his best, but it’s harder than it sounds given the tremendous offensive potential in Toronto’s batting order. If he can get consistent RBI opportunities and stay healthy, the perennial All-Star could be in for a big season.

Josh Donaldson, Third Base (2015: .297, 41 HR, 123 RBI)

What more can be said about the 2015 American League MVP? In his first season in Toronto, “The Bringer of Rain” became the offensive leader of this club, posting monster numbers and providing big hits all season long. Along with his gaudy home run and RBI totals, Donaldson scored 122 runs and had a .397 on-base percentage, serving as the catalyst to this offensive juggernaut as well as its best producer.

Donaldson makes an impact on defense as well, even if that doesn’t always translate to strong defensive numbers. His hustle and energy allows him to make plays that others would give up on and with Tulowitzki beside him all season, there should be fewer tough plays to his left this year.

On the Bench

Josh Thole, Catcher: Acquired along with Dickey, Thole should get back to being the personal battery mate of the knuckleballer, even though he can’t hit a lick. It buys Russell Martin extra days off and Toronto’s offense is good enough to deal with a drop in production from one spot in the lineup once every five days.

Justin Smoak, First Base: Great with the mitt, but inconsistent with the stick; that’s Smoak’s career in a nutshell. He played 132 games last season, hitting .226 with 18 home runs and a career-high 59 RBI and stellar defense, which should keep him around as a late-inning sub and serviceable option should someone get hurt.

Devon Travis, Second Base: The rookie started hot last season, winning Rookie of the Month honours for April before struggling in May and hitting the DL. He rebounded with strong numbers in June and July, but ultimately, Travis was forced under the knife, ending his season. He won’t be ready to begin the year, but could be an interesting addition (or trade piece?) as the season progresses.

Darwin Barney, Infielder: Brought in after the non-waiver trade deadline last year when Tulowitzki went down, Barney is a former starter and Gold Glove winner wit the Chicago Cubs, so if Goins or Tulo goes down, there shouldn’t be a drop off defensively if Barney is pressed into action. That said, he’s a career .246 hitter, so giving either guy a break here and there is his best role.