Blue Jays Pitching In 2021: A Season Review

by Jhon Lennon 44 views

Hey baseball fans! Let's dive into the 2021 season for the Toronto Blue Jays and their pitching staff. It was a rollercoaster of a year, filled with flashes of brilliance, frustrating inconsistencies, and enough injuries to make you wince. We'll break down the key players, the highs and lows, and what it all meant for the team's playoff aspirations. So, grab your peanuts and cracker jacks, and let's get started!

The Starting Rotation: A Mixed Bag

The Blue Jays starting rotation in 2021 was a real mixed bag. When healthy, they showed the potential to be one of the best in the American League, but staying on the field proved to be a significant challenge. Injuries and inconsistent performances plagued the group, preventing them from truly dominating on a consistent basis. Let's take a closer look at some of the key figures:

  • Hyun Jin Ryu: The ace of the staff, Ryu entered the season as the clear number one. He had a solid year, but his performance dipped slightly compared to his outstanding 2020 campaign. He still ate innings, kept the team in games, and demonstrated his veteran savvy. However, nagging injuries and a decline in velocity made him less dominant than he was previously. His ability to pitch deep into games and give the bullpen a rest was crucial at times. His veteran presence and mentorship to younger pitchers also proved invaluable. Ryu's leadership and consistency were still vital for the team.
  • Robbie Ray: What a breakout season! Robbie Ray, who came in with something to prove, absolutely thrived in Toronto. He harnessed his electric fastball and slider combination and emerged as one of the best pitchers in the AL. He racked up impressive strikeout numbers, was a workhorse, and became a true ace for the team. Ray's turnaround was one of the most remarkable stories of the season, and he played a crucial role in keeping the Blue Jays in contention. Ray's performance was a huge boost to the team's playoff hopes. He demonstrated a significant improvement in his command and consistency.
  • Jose Berrios: Acquired mid-season, Berrios provided a much-needed boost to the rotation. He was a reliable innings eater with a solid arsenal of pitches. While he wasn't quite an ace, Berrios offered stability and experience to the starting staff. His ability to pitch in big games and his playoff experience made him a valuable addition. He fit in quickly with the team and quickly became a fan favorite. Berrios' presence was a significant upgrade to the rotation, especially as the team pushed for a playoff spot.
  • Steven Matz: Another new addition, Matz had an up-and-down season. There were stretches where he showed flashes of brilliance and other times where he struggled with command. His consistency was a question mark, but he provided some valuable innings throughout the season. Matz showed the potential to be a solid mid-rotation starter. He battled injuries throughout the season and had to adjust his approach because of those injuries.
  • Alek Manoah: The rookie phenom! Alek Manoah burst onto the scene with a dominant presence and a fiery attitude. He quickly became a fan favorite and a key part of the rotation. His ability to attack hitters with his fastball and his competitive spirit were a joy to watch. Manoah exceeded expectations and showed the poise of a veteran. His impact on the rotation was immediate and impressive. He gave the team a major boost and solidified the rotation's future.

In Summary:

The starting rotation had some outstanding performances from Ray and Manoah, but injuries and inconsistency, especially early in the season, held the unit back from reaching its full potential. The late-season acquisition of Berrios helped stabilize things, but the team needed more consistency from its other starters to truly contend for a championship. The ability to stay healthy and perform consistently was something the rotation struggled with. They showed flashes of brilliance, but they weren't able to put it all together consistently.

The Bullpen: A Work in Progress

The Blue Jays bullpen in 2021 was a work in progress. It had its moments of brilliance, but also its share of struggles. The constant shuffling of relievers and injuries made it difficult to establish a consistent, reliable group. Let's break down the key contributors:

  • Jordan Romano: The closer. Romano was the most reliable arm in the bullpen, securing save opportunities and providing a sense of stability at the end of games. He emerged as a high-quality closer and quickly became a fan favorite. His effectiveness and ability to handle pressure were crucial for the team. Romano was a bright spot in the bullpen. He developed into a dependable closer who could be relied upon in high-pressure situations. Romano's consistent performance helped to shore up the late innings.
  • Tim Mayza: Mayza had a solid season out of the bullpen and provided valuable left-handed relief. He pitched effectively in key situations and often pitched multiple innings. Mayza was a reliable option out of the bullpen and gave manager Charlie Montoyo flexibility with matchups. He was an important piece of the bullpen and often faced tough left-handed hitters. His ability to pitch multiple innings was also a great asset to the team.
  • Adam Cimber: Cimber, with his unique submarine delivery, was a valuable asset, especially against right-handed hitters. He was effective in middle relief and helped to keep the team in games. Cimber’s submarine style made him difficult for hitters to get comfortable against. He was often called upon to get important outs. Cimber's effectiveness out of the bullpen gave the Blue Jays more options. Cimber's ability to get quick outs often set up the team for success.
  • Trevor Richards: Richards was another valuable arm in the bullpen, providing a variety of pitches and often pitching multiple innings. He was effective in different roles and was able to give the team good innings. Richards was a versatile pitcher who could be used in various situations. He demonstrated a good mix of pitches and gave the team more options in the bullpen. Richards' contributions were consistently good. He added depth and versatility to the bullpen.
  • Other Contributors: The bullpen had a revolving door of other relievers. Some had their moments of success, while others struggled to find consistency. This lack of consistency made it difficult for the team to consistently shut down opponents late in games.

In Summary:

The bullpen, led by Romano, had its moments. However, the lack of depth and consistency often made it a liability. The constant shuffling of relievers and the inability to establish a set of reliable arms hurt the team in close games. More consistent performances from the bullpen were needed for the Blue Jays to have a successful season. The bullpen was a work in progress, which was a significant factor in the team's overall performance.

Key Stats and Trends

Let's dive into some key stats and trends that defined the Blue Jays' pitching performance in 2021:

  • Strikeouts: The Blue Jays pitching staff recorded a high number of strikeouts, thanks in large part to Ray's dominance. This was a testament to their ability to miss bats. The strikeouts often helped the team. High strikeout rates provided some excitement. Strikeouts were a positive indicator of the team's pitching abilities.
  • Walks: Control issues plagued some of the starters, which resulted in a higher number of walks. Controlling walks is vital for success. The walks led to more runners on base and increased the pressure on the pitchers. Controlling the number of walks could have changed the outcome of several games.
  • ERA and WHIP: The team's overall ERA and WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched) were decent but not elite. This indicated the need for greater consistency. An improved ERA would have made the difference. WHIP numbers reflect the ability to keep runners off base. These statistics show where the team needs to improve.
  • Injuries: Injuries significantly impacted the rotation and bullpen. The team needed to improve the ability to keep the pitching staff healthy. Injuries caused adjustments to be made to the rotation. The injuries impacted the team's overall performance.
  • Run Support: The offense provided the team with plenty of run support. The Blue Jays’ offense was very good. Good offense often leads to better pitching numbers. Adequate run support can help make the pitching staff more successful.

Areas for Improvement and Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the Blue Jays' pitching staff has areas to improve. They need to bolster the starting rotation and the bullpen. Here's what they could have done:

  • Starting Rotation Depth: Adding more starting pitching depth would have greatly benefited the team. The more quality starting pitchers available, the better. Injuries often require more pitchers to step up. Having depth helps manage the starting rotation.
  • Bullpen Consistency: Finding a more consistent, reliable bullpen was another key area. The bullpen needs to reduce walks and provide better results. Consistent closers are critical for winning. A reliable bullpen is a must for any team hoping to contend.
  • Health and Conditioning: Maintaining the health of the pitchers is a priority. Injuries really hurt the team. The team needs to put a greater emphasis on conditioning to keep the pitchers healthy.
  • Player Development: The development of young pitchers and prospects is essential for sustained success. The more young talent the team has, the better. Giving young pitchers more opportunities is important. Player development allows the team to sustain success.

Future Outlook:

Despite the challenges, the Blue Jays' pitching staff showed promise. With a healthy rotation, the emergence of young talent, and some key additions, the future looks bright. The team has the potential to become one of the top pitching staffs in the American League. Building on the core group and making the necessary improvements will be key to the team's future success. With the right adjustments, the team can become a contender. The team is positioned to make a deep playoff run. The potential for the Blue Jays is there.

Conclusion: A Season of Highs and Lows

The 2021 season was a mixed bag for the Blue Jays' pitching staff. They had some outstanding performances, especially from Ray and Manoah, but injuries and inconsistencies hurt their ability to contend for a championship. The bullpen was a work in progress, and the team needs to address its depth and consistency. With some improvements and a bit of luck, the future is bright for the Blue Jays and their pitching staff. They need to build on the positives. They have the talent to become a contender. They need to address their weaknesses to take the next step. The team has the potential to be a dominant force in the AL.

Thanks for reading, and let's go Jays! Let's hope for an even better performance from the team in the coming years. Let’s look forward to a great season and more exciting games. Let's see how the team continues to develop. Keep cheering on the Jays! Be sure to follow us for more updates and news! Go Blue Jays! We appreciate your support!