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Top 5 Overreactions After Toronto Blue Jays’ 2016 Opening Series

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Dan Hamilton USA TODAY Sports Images

The Toronto Blue Jays had a rather uneven start to the 2016 season. After winning the first two games of their four-game set with the Tampa Bay Rays, the Blue Jays looked the part of a team capable of returning to the ALCS. But with losses in their next two games, things didn’t look so promising. Obviously, time will tell how good the Blue Jays really are, but here are five wild overreactions to avoid regarding Toronto’s first four games of the season.

5. Not Enough Offense

Not Enough Offense Getty Images
Matching the incredible offensive numbers the Blue Jays put up last year is going to be difficult, so it's easy to jump to the conclusion that this year's team can't live up to that precedent. Things seemed fine after five runs in their first two games, but after struggling to score in the next two games, some will conclude the Blue Jays just don't have as much firepower offensively this year.

Matching the incredible offensive numbers the Blue Jays put up last year is going to be difficult, so it's easy to jump to the conclusion that this year's team can't live up to that precedent. Things seemed fine after five runs in their first two games, but after struggling to score in the next two games, some will conclude the Blue Jays just don't have as much firepower offensively this year.

4. Injuries Will Doom the Season

Injuries Will Doom the Season Gregory Fisher - USATODAY Sports
Technically, the only injury the Blue Jays have had is to Josh Donaldson. He's only day to day, but even a minor injury to a key player this early in the season can make you think it's a sign of things to come. Remember, Troy Tulowitzki is an injury waiting to happen, and many of Toronto's key offensive players aren't exactly young, so muscle strains could pop up and derail their season.

Technically, the only injury the Blue Jays have had is to Josh Donaldson. He's only day to day, but even a minor injury to a key player this early in the season can make you think it's a sign of things to come. Remember, Troy Tulowitzki is an injury waiting to happen, and many of Toronto's key offensive players aren't exactly young, so muscle strains could pop up and derail their season.

3. Russell Martin is Over the Hill

Russell Martin is Over the Hill Gregory Fisher - USATODAY Sports
It's too early in the season for a rational person to jump to this conclusion, but 0 for 12 with five strikeouts is about as bad as it can get. Martin has continued to be a productive hitter throughout his career, but one has to wonder how long a 33-year-old catcher can keep it up, especially after starting the season this poorly.

It's too early in the season for a rational person to jump to this conclusion, but 0 for 12 with five strikeouts is about as bad as it can get. Martin has continued to be a productive hitter throughout his career, but one has to wonder how long a 33-year-old catcher can keep it up, especially after starting the season this poorly.

2. Aaron Sanchez in the Rotation was the Right Move

Aaron Sanchez in the Rotation was the Right Move Getty Images
Where to put Sanchez was one of Toronto's biggest questions heading into the season, and after one start it's clear the rotation was the right decision. Sanchez struck out eight in seven innings and allowed just one run during his first start of 2016. If he can keep that up, the Blue Jays may have one of the better rotations in the AL East. Of course, it is just one start, and his innings count may force Sanchez to the bullpen at some point.

Where to put Sanchez was one of Toronto's biggest questions heading into the season, and after one start it's clear the rotation was the right decision. Sanchez struck out eight in seven innings and allowed just one run during his first start of 2016. If he can keep that up, the Blue Jays may have one of the better rotations in the AL East. Of course, it is just one start, and his innings count may force Sanchez to the bullpen at some point.

1. Marcus Stroman is the Unquestioned Ace of the Staff

Marcus Stroman is the Unquestioned Ace of the Staff Getty Images
His final line does not do a justice to how dominating Stroman was for much of his eight innings against the Rays on opening day. He was pure class for much of the outing and definitely looked the part of an ace. There were some questions about Stroman, and rightly so, after he missed so much of last season, but he'll be the ace in Toronto for a long time.

His final line does not do a justice to how dominating Stroman was for much of his eight innings against the Rays on opening day. He was pure class for much of the outing and definitely looked the part of an ace. There were some questions about Stroman, and rightly so, after he missed so much of last season, but he'll be the ace in Toronto for a long time.

Bryan Zarpentine is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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