The Blue Jays Rotation

Heading into the 33rd year in franchise history, the Toronto Blue Jays will embark on a monumental challenge doing something they've never done before: Start the season with not one, but two rookie pitchers in the starting rotation...

The Frivolous Five are Roy Halladay, David Purcey, Jesse Litsch, Ricky Romero and Canadian Scott Richmond...

Seemingly, the Jays are doomed with these five men, even with the best bullpen in MLB in '08. That simply will not be the case due to one man: Pitching Coach Brad Arnsberg...

Arnsberg is such a stellar coach that he largely goes unnoticed for resurrecting careers and getting ones off the ground. Had anyone heard of 24th round pick Jesse Litsch three years ago? What about 27 year old rookie Jesse Carlson? Or even career underachiever Scott Downs until the last two campaigns? Arnsberg has worked his craft so well that he's made these men key cogs to the ball club...

So should we expect greatness from the Frivolous Five? That might be a bit much to ask, but consider this :

Two of these pitchers (David Purcey and Ricky Romero), were first round draft selections (in '04 & '05 respectively.) They now have their chance to prove why they were so highly touted. Arnsberg will be able to tap into their potential. Purcey, a towering 6' 5'' beast mixed in awful outings with brilliant ones last year (whiffing 11 World Champion Tampa Bay Rays in one such outing.) In addition to Purcey, Arsberg convinced Jays brass to keep Romero in camp instead of sending him to Triple AAA Las Vegas. Romero only rewarded him by securing a spot in the rotation...

There is, of course, no worry or doubt about Roy Halladay. He is an absolute freak. Halladay is such a prodigious talent that isn't totally appreciated in MLB due to the fact he plays on an average team. Litsch should only improve with even more seasoning...

That leaves the Canuck Scott Richmond. Here is the one really weak spot. Richmond is not overpowering, doing nothing spectacular, though there are no obvious weaknesses. He is, however, just the 5th starter. It's not as if they are counting on the late bloomer to chuck a complete game every time. (Richmond must, however, really impress to remain in the rotation for the balance of the season)

So before we assume the Jays will go up in smoke, consider how great Arnsberg is, and also give Purcey & Romero a legitimate shot at proving why they were picked so early in the draft...

Did I mention we have the best bullpen in baseball?