2008 Toronto Blue Jays season

MLB yearly infobox
name = Toronto Blue Jays
season = 2008
misc =

current league = American League
y1 = 1977
division = Eastern Division
y2 = 1977
Uniform
ballpark = Rogers Centre
y4 = 1989
city = Toronto, Ontario
y5 = 1977
owners = Rogers Communications
managers = John Gibbons, Cito Gaston
television = Rogers Sportsnet
TSN
CBC
radio = 590 AM|

The 2008 Toronto Blue Jays season, the team's 32nd year of existence, saw the Blue Jays finish in fourth place in the American League East with a record of 86 wins and 76 losses for a .531 winning percentage, thus making this season the third consecutive winning season for the Jays, as well as being the highest win-loss record since their 2006 season.

Offseason

General Manager J.P. Ricciardi maintained through the offseason that he was content with the Blue Jays' roster as it was. Nevertheless, he made a number of moves, two of which will likely have a significant effect on the team in the upcoming season. The team's acquisition of all-star shortstop David Eckstein was met with a mixed reception from fans and critics. Eckstein's role on the team will displace two of Toronto's most popular players from their regular roles; Reed Johnson as leadoff hitter and John McDonald as starting shortstop.

Eckstein was signed to fill the leadoff spot in the order which was void of a true leadoff man for much of 2007 due to the injury to Johnson. Johnson was released by the Blue Jays on March 23 and the LF position was given to Shannon Stewart who will split time with Matt Stairs. [ [http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/postedsports/archive/2008/03/23/jays-notebook-johnson-released-stewart-wins-job.aspx MLB: Jays release Johnson, Stewart wins job – Posted Sports ] ]

The other major move by the club in the offseason was the trade of third baseman Troy Glaus to the Cardinals for David Eckstein's teammate, Scott Rolen. The move is generally seen to be a major risk to both parties, as both players have been dealing with injuries over the past several seasons. The move is also noted as being somewhat redundant, given the various similarities between the two players. Both can hit for power, though Glaus slightly moreso, both are approximately the same age, and both are prone to injury. Rolen is, however, a significantly better defender than Glaus.

The Blue Jays played their 5000th franchise regular season game on Friday July 25th against the Seattle Mariners.

Other acquisitions

The Blue Jays also signed catcher Rod Barajas, who is expected to split time with Gregg Zaun, and Marco Scutaro, who played third base for most of the games for the beginning of the season, until Scott Rolen returned from his injury in May.

Players signed to minor league deals:

* Armando Benitez
* Shannon Stewart
* John Parrish
* Shawn Camp
* Buck Coats
* Lance Carter
* Mike Gosling

On April 20, 2008 the Jays released veteran DH Frank Thomas. Although the Jays said it was due to a weak performance, Thomas stated it was probably because he only needed a little more than 300 at-bats to put his 2010 option year in effect. General Manager J.P. Ricciardi stated that this move was because the Blue Jays were falling behind early and Thomas wasn't producing. Ricciardi needed someone who could hit Home Runs and drive in RBIs from Thomas' spot in the batting order.

Expectations

The Blue Jays have been picked by many experts to contend for a playoff spot in the agonizing AL East. The Blue Jays were also expected to challenge the Yankees and Red Sox in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Though they finished 2006 in second place, 2007 was an injury riddled season for the Jays, resulting in another mediocre third place finish. The key to the Blue Jays' success in 2008 will be to stay healthy and hit well. Another repeat of 2007 will mean likely another mediocre season. Key players such as Alex Rios, Vernon Wells, Scott Rolen, David Eckstein, Roy Halladay, A.J. Burnett and B.J. Ryan need to stay virtually healthy and produce as they are capable of, if the Jays wish to seriously challenge or dethrone the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians for a playoff spot.

Regular season

eason standings

Record vs. Opponents

Detailed record

"updated to games played September 28, 2008