Blue Jays 2014 Prediction Quiz

Oh boy, last year was ugly and I recapped how pathetic our predictions proved to be for the 2013 Blue Jays quiz, check it out if you want a good laugh.  It’s that time again and here is a fresh set of ten questions pertaining to the 2014 Toronto Blue Jays season.

I want to see more participation in the comments section, copy and paste the template I placed below in the comments and join in on the fun.  It takes two seconds and we can laugh at your predictions as well as our own next year!

1) Blue Jays win total has been set by the bookies at 80.5.  Over / under?

AL Eastbound – I am going to take the under here.  I think the Blue Jays are a .500 team at best in the AL East this season given schedule and uncertainties surrounding the roster.  In fact, I see big time downside if things don’t go exactly how we need them.  Like top 5 draft pick downside.  I also think there is the possibility of big time upside if the Jays stay healthy and Brandon Morrow and Drew Hutchison both pitch to their max.  Maybe I am too negative but I stick to the Jays being a 75-80 win ball club in a tough division.

Wes Kepstro – I’m an optimist: over.  I’m also a realist: not much over.  As usual, it hinges on health.

2) Who will hit more HRs in 2014 – Jose Bautista or Edwin Encarnacion?

ALE – I think Jose Bautista actually has a bit of a bounce back season and I think he barely edges EE in the HR department this year.  Both should presumably mash however.  So, Joey Bats for me.

WK – Even:  they’ll each launch 36,

3) Who has a higher fWAR in 2014 – Brett Lawrie or Colby Rasmus?

ALE – I am going with Brett Lawrie here as in 107 games he managed a 1.3 WAR despite horrendous offensive numbers overall (.314 wOBA, 94 wRC+).  With a little health and some offensive upside I think he could have a solid bounce back year.  This is a wildcard selection as Rasmus was worth 4.8 wins last year in 118 games – pretty impressive.

WK – Lawrie, because he begins to put it together and Rasmus comes back a little.

4) Which Blue Jays position player will post the highest fWAR in 2014?

ALE – If I think Bautista is going to out-homer EE than I have to go with Jose Bautista for the highest fWAR on the 2014 Blue Jays.  If he is truly healthy I feel he has a chance at a monster season.  This might be a golden chance to get a good haul on the trade market if he does.

WK – Jose Bautista.  WAR loves him and he has something to prove.

5) Which Blue Jays pitcher will post the highest fWAR in 2014?

ALE – I can’t believe I am going to say this but like  last year I will select Brandon Morrow.  If he is on his game and healthy he racks up strikeouts and keeps the ball in the yard.  I will go with my 2013 prediction and roll with Morrow again in 2014.

WK – I’m with you: Brandon Morrow.

6) Will John Gibbons be fired by the Blue Jays during the 2014 season?

ALE – I think Gibby makes it through the season and is let go at the end of the season.  If Alex Anthopoulos is still at the helm he will ensure Gibbons is treated with as much dignity as possible on the way out.

WK – It depends on the players.  If they perform, they’ll excel meaning he’s safe.

7) Will the Blue Jays trade OF Jose Bautista during the 2014 season?

ALE – I think the safe answer is obviously no but I am going to go with yes.  If Joey Bats starts hot and shows he can stay healthy I think Alex Anthopoulos pulls the trigger on a monster trade to recoup some of the lost value of the RA Dickey, JA Happ and Jose Reyes deals.

WK – No.  He and his contract are far too valuable, even if they hit their mulligan into the pond.

8) Who will win the AL East Division in 2014?

ALE – Tampa Bay Rays.  Most will predict Boston but I think they take a step back on the mound.  Tampa will battle Boston all season and edge them out on the last day of the season.

WK – I like the Rays, too.  They’re talented, well-coached, and hungry.

9) Who posts a higher fWAR in 2014 – Drew Hutchison or Ervin Santana?

ALE – I have to go with Hutch here and I think he provides some solid value if he can maintain solid health for 150-170 IPs.  He is a key to any potential ‘upside’ to the 2014 Blue Jays season.  I think Erv. Santana has a rockier season and pitches closer to his peripherals and declining K-rate.

WK – No brainer.  A healthy Hutch out-performs a healthy Santana.

10) Who will win the World Series in 2014?

ALE – St. Louis Cardinals.  They always find a way and will have an added boost of Oscar Taveras late in the season which should help an already deep club.

WK – Somebody.  I hate to say it because I also cheer for the Giants, but I’ll pick the Dodgers.  If they don’t win it, someone else will.  There’s no repeat of 1994, and I suck at this.  

Bonus question: Who will be better the M’s, the Yankees or the Orioles?

ALE – I’ll take the Yankees.  Pineda is coming back, they added some pretty good free agent talent at key positions.

WK – Seattle.  Their weak OF and suddenly-weaker division puts themahead of the NYY age/rotation/IF, and I expect Chris Davis/Adam Jones to step back, and Ubaldo to get roughed up at OPaCY/in the ALE.