Developed Teams 2015: Toronto Blue Jays

Through some smart roster construction, Toronto's front office created an offensive powerhouse, but their ragtag pitching staff couldn't tame the savage beast that is the Royals offense. The developed version of this squad has a very different look, but one that could still find less traditional or exciting ways to win:

The first thing to notice on this team is the predominance of excellent defenders. Ryan Goins routinely turned in gold glove quality plays in the playoffs and his middle infield partner Adeiny Hechavarria similarly turned heads in less meaningful games in Miami. Two of the three starting outfielders have the chops to play center field (Anthony Gose for the Tigers and Kevin Pillar for these Blue Jays) and they've also got one of the game's premier outfield gloves on the bench in Jake Marisnick. Yan Gomes has a sterling defensive reputation behind the plate to go with a solid emerging bat, and since this team has the luxury of two starting caliber backstops, Gomes and Travis d'Arnaud can switch off between catcher and DH. And they've also got enough quality backups (in addition to J.P. Arencibia, they've got non-roster options like Carlos Perez and Erik Kratz) to keep everyone fresh. In fact, the only gaping defensive hole is first baseman Adam Lind, but he's the team's best hitter, which covers all manner of sins.

More than anything, this pitching staff will rely on successful returns from all types of injuries and ailments to key players. Projected ace Marcus Stroman pitched like gangbusters after missing all but a month of the 2015 season with a knee injury. Henderson Alvarez only managed four subpar starts for the Marlins, but the year before he put up 30 starts of sub-3.00 ERA ball pitching behind an electric young ace (sound familiar?). Kendall Graveman ended the year on Oakland's disabled list and Daniel Norris was recently (and tragically) diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The only starter who is injury free is also the most mediocre, as Drew Hutchison severely underperformed his top 200 ranking prior to 2015.

There are depth options, such as veterans Shaun Marcum and Dustin McGowan, youngsters such as Sean Nolin and Matt Boyd, and replacement level types like Brad Mills. But the most intriguing option is Aaron Sanchez, who was used in the rotation early in the season, but then became the postseason long reliever of choice. If he stays in that role, Sanchez would join fellow rookie Roberto Osuna in the bullpen, the 20-year-old closer who I've nicknamed Roberto Poise-una for his staunch unflappable demeanor on the mound, even during intense high pressure situations. Brett Cecil and Sam Dyson had quiet but solid seasons as setup men, but the other two bullpen spots are pure upside plays. Miguel Castro began 2015 on Toronto's active roster with Osuna despite neither of them having any major league experience, but Castro didn't stick, and was later traded to Colorado in the Jose Reyes trade. Marc Rzepczynski is mostly on this roster because of his awesome name, but he does have a long history of being a quality LOOGY - however these last two spots could just as easily have gone to Ryan Tepera (296 / 9.3) and Aaron Loup (278 / 4.6).