Blue Jays Pitching In 2021: A Season Review

by Jhon Lennon 44 views

Hey baseball fans! Let's dive deep into the 2021 season and examine the performance of the Toronto Blue Jays pitchers. That year was quite a ride, filled with thrilling moments, nail-biting finishes, and, of course, the ever-present drama of the baseball season. The pitching staff, as always, was a critical component of the team's success (or lack thereof). We're going to break down the key players, analyze their stats, and see what the season taught us about the Blue Jays' pitching strategy. So, grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and let's get started!

The Starting Rotation: Aces and Struggles

The Blue Jays' starting rotation in 2021 was a mixed bag of potential and inconsistency. It's the engine of any team, setting the tone for each game. The starting pitchers are tasked with eating up innings, keeping the team in the game, and giving the bullpen a chance to rest. The rotation's success (or lack thereof) can make or break a team's season. Looking back, we can see the highs and lows. The starting rotation was a crucial aspect of the team, and their performance had a direct impact on the Blue Jays' overall success. Guys, let's explore the key players and their contributions.

  • Hyun Jin Ryu: The veteran lefty was expected to be the ace of the staff. He had shown flashes of brilliance, capable of shutting down opposing offenses. Ryu's experience and command were supposed to be the anchors of the rotation. However, his performance was a bit of a rollercoaster. There were outings where he looked untouchable, showcasing his signature changeup and impeccable control. Then, there were games where he struggled with command, giving up hits, and failing to go deep into games. The inconsistency was a bit of a concern, as the Blue Jays needed him to be a reliable innings-eater.

  • Robbie Ray: What a revelation! Ray was acquired during the season and turned into a Cy Young winner. He had a fantastic season, dominating hitters with his electric fastball and wipe-out slider. Ray's ability to miss bats and generate strikeouts made him one of the most exciting pitchers to watch in the league. He became a true ace for the Blue Jays and a key reason for their late-season push. His addition transformed the rotation and provided the team with a much-needed boost. His success story is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the Blue Jays' player development program.

  • Jose Berrios: Acquired in a mid-season trade, Berrios came to Toronto with high expectations. He was known for his durability and ability to pitch deep into games. Berrios was meant to be another strong presence in the rotation, complementing Ray and Ryu. While he had his moments of excellence, Berrios, too, showed signs of inconsistency. He was capable of pitching gems, but also had games where he was hit hard. Despite the inconsistencies, he brought a sense of stability to the rotation.

  • Steven Matz: Matz was another addition to the rotation, providing a left-handed option. He had a solid season, giving the Blue Jays a reliable arm. Matz wasn't going to blow anyone away with his stuff, but he consistently gave the team a chance to win. His ability to go deep into games and keep the team in the hunt was valuable, especially with the bullpen facing its share of challenges. Matz's presence provided a much-needed balance to the rotation.

  • Other Contributors: The remaining spots in the rotation saw some turnover, with pitchers like Ross Stripling and Alek Manoah making appearances. Stripling, often a swingman, provided quality innings when needed. Manoah, a rookie, showed flashes of brilliance. Overall, the starting rotation had a mixed bag of results in 2021. There were moments of brilliance, but also periods of inconsistency. The team's ability to compete depended heavily on the performances of the starting pitchers. The addition of Ray and Berrios was essential in giving the team a chance. However, they needed more consistency from Ryu.

The Bullpen: A Relief Corps Under Pressure

The bullpen, as always, was a work in progress. It's the relief corps, coming in to save the day when the starting pitcher's run ends. The bullpen's performance is often the difference between a win and a loss. The Blue Jays' bullpen faced a lot of pressure, often being called upon to preserve leads, limit damage, or navigate tricky late-inning situations. The overall performance of the bullpen was a key factor in the team's success. Let's dig deeper into the key relievers and how they performed under the pressure of the 2021 season.

  • Jordan Romano: Romano emerged as the team's closer, taking on the role with confidence. He had a breakout season, showcasing a high-velocity fastball and a nasty slider. Romano became one of the most reliable closers in the league, converting saves and shutting down opposing offenses. He quickly became a fan favorite. His success was a bright spot for the Blue Jays, providing the team with a secure ninth inning. Romano's performance was essential in helping the team secure victories.

  • Tim Mayza: Mayza was a reliable left-handed reliever, providing a valuable option in the bullpen. He was tasked with facing left-handed hitters. He consistently got outs, keeping the team in the game. Mayza's ability to get crucial outs was a testament to his experience. He became a go-to guy in high-leverage situations.

  • Adam Cimber: Cimber, with his unique submarine delivery, became another valuable addition to the bullpen. He's known for his deceptive arm angle and ability to get ground balls. Cimber proved to be a valuable asset. He could pitch multiple innings and get out of tough jams. His presence in the bullpen provided the team with a fresh look.

  • Other Relievers: The bullpen also featured a variety of other arms, including Trent Thornton, Rafael Dolis, and Julian Merryweather. These pitchers had mixed results, with some showing flashes of brilliance. Overall, the bullpen in 2021 was a work in progress. It faced a lot of pressure throughout the season. The reliable performance of Romano and Mayza helped to stabilize the bullpen. The team needed more consistency from the other relievers to support the starting rotation. The ability to win close games depended on the bullpen's effectiveness. The Blue Jays' front office recognized the need to improve the bullpen.

Key Stats and Trends

Let's crunch some numbers and see what the stats tell us about the Blue Jays' pitching in 2021. Statistics offer valuable insights into a team's performance. By reviewing the key stats, we can understand the strengths and weaknesses of the pitching staff. Guys, here are some key statistics and trends that shed light on the Blue Jays' pitching in 2021.

  • Team ERA: The team's ERA (Earned Run Average) provides a good snapshot of the overall pitching performance. It measures how many earned runs the pitchers allow per nine innings pitched. The Blue Jays' team ERA reflected a mix of strong outings. It was impacted by the inconsistent performances of the starting rotation and the bullpen.

  • Strikeouts: The number of strikeouts is a sign of a team's ability to miss bats. The Blue Jays had pitchers, like Ray, who excelled at generating strikeouts. A high number of strikeouts can lead to fewer base runners and a lower chance of runs.

  • Walks: Walks are a critical stat because they put runners on base. They increase the opponent's chances of scoring. The number of walks issued by the Blue Jays' pitchers can influence their effectiveness. The best pitchers can limit free passes and keep the offense in check.

  • WHIP: WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched) is a valuable statistic that combines hits and walks. It reveals how often a pitcher allows runners to reach base per inning. A lower WHIP usually indicates a more effective pitcher. The Blue Jays' WHIP, taking into account the performances of both starters and relievers, gave a comprehensive view of the pitching staff's ability to prevent runs.

  • Save Percentage: A team's save percentage measures how successful the bullpen is at protecting leads. A high save percentage indicates a reliable bullpen. The Blue Jays' save percentage, especially with Romano closing games, showed the bullpen's ability to close out close games.

Areas for Improvement

Looking back at the 2021 season, the Blue Jays identified areas for improvement. This allows the team to learn from their experience, and make strategic adjustments. The team's management, coaches, and players will analyze the season and make adjustments. The front office made moves to address the team's needs. Let's break down the areas where the Blue Jays could make strides to enhance their pitching capabilities.

  • Starting Pitching Consistency: The starting rotation had flashes of brilliance, but there were also games where the starters struggled. To compete consistently, the Blue Jays needed more reliable performances from their starting pitchers. They needed to develop a core of pitchers they could count on to eat up innings and give them a chance to win.

  • Bullpen Depth: While Romano proved to be a reliable closer, the team needed more consistency from the other relievers. The Blue Jays needed to add depth to their bullpen. More reliable arms would help in high-leverage situations.

  • Preventing Walks: Limiting walks is crucial for keeping runs off the board. The team could benefit from improving the pitchers' control and command. Reducing the number of free passes can lower the opponent's chances of scoring.

  • Player Development: They needed to improve the player development program to help young pitchers reach their potential. By developing more home-grown talent, the team could create a sustainable pitching staff. This focus would ensure a continuous pipeline of pitching talent.

Conclusion: A Season of Promise and Lessons

The 2021 season was a mixed bag for the Blue Jays' pitching staff. There were moments of brilliance, with players like Ray and Romano making a significant impact. However, there were also areas where the team could improve, particularly in the consistency of the starting rotation and the depth of the bullpen. The season provided valuable lessons for the team. With the right adjustments, the Blue Jays can build a more formidable pitching staff. The 2021 season gave a glimpse of the team's potential. By addressing the areas for improvement, the Blue Jays can move forward to become a top contender in the league. The focus on pitching, through player development, acquisitions, and strategic adjustments, will be key to their success in the future. The Blue Jays and their fans can look ahead to the future. With the right mix of talent, strategy, and determination, the Blue Jays can build a pitching staff that will compete at the highest level. Thanks for reading, and let's go Jays! Let's get them wins!