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Spring training capsule: Toronto Blue Jays

 
Toronto Blue Jays' Kevin Pillar throws during baseball spring training, in Dunedin, Fla., on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016. (Frank Gunn /The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT FNG116
Toronto Blue Jays' Kevin Pillar throws during baseball spring training, in Dunedin, Fla., on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016. (Frank Gunn /The Canadian Press via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT FNG116
Published Feb. 29, 2016

Toronto Blue Jays

Key additions: RHP Jesse Chavez, RHP Gavin Floyd, LHP J.A. Happ, RHP Drew Storen

Key losses: LHP Mark Buehrle, OF Ben Revere

Spring story lines

Wanted: A leadoff man: To get Storen (from Washington) to fortify their bullpen, the Jays had to give up Revere, their leadoff guy during the playoffs. Veteran Troy Tulowitzki seems a candidate, but it seems neither he nor the club are crazy about having him in that spot. Ultimately, the job could go to CF Kevin Pillar, who had 25 stolen bases in 2015.

Will Stroman stand tall? Sidelined for most of 2015 while recovering from major knee surgery, Stroman — all 5-foot-8 of him — sparkled in September (4-0, 1.67 ERA). Now healthy and on the cusp of his prime (he's only 24), the former Duke University ace appears poised to lead a staff that will be supported by one of the game's most potent batting orders (such as AL MVP Josh Donaldson, Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion).

Watch your step: The departure of Revere leaves leftfield as the Blue Jays' only glaring vacant position, and Saunders seems a prime candidate to fill it — barring anymore freak accidents. Saunders, whose bat has provided pop in the past (19 home runs for Seattle in 2012), tore cartilage in his left knee last February when he stepped on a sprinkler head while shagging fly balls. Look for 23-year-old Ontario native Dalton Pompey to emerge as Saunders' stiffest competition for the leftfield gig.