You've got nothing to lose by watching the 2010 version of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Can you feel that excitement? It's almost as thrilling as asking a question and then answering it yourself.
Is that fulfilling? You bet.
The only promise this team can make to its fans is that they will play baseball. Satisfaction isn't guaranteed, but that's been the case in Toronto for some time.
Just like how winter is slowly melting into spring, the Blue Jays are thawing themselves from the deep winter that has enveloped the team for a decade.
And, just like the springtime, it will initially smell like hot garbage and deposits left by a neighbouring dog. The Jays will stink, but it's a stink that signals the beginning of something new.
It's also time to burn bridges.
Roy Halladay was an excellent player, but he's gone now. With him go the 20 wins a year, one Cy Young, and a perfect role model in the clubhouse. But Roy Halladay doesn't play here anymore.
Flame on.
So who has the conch?
The Halladay exodus means that there is a missing head atop the totem pole. Cito Gaston is a rental; Alex Anthopolous still has his work cut out for him; and Vernon Wells discredited himself with his play of late. Roy Halladay was the representative on this team prior, but now there is a void.
For Toronto, it all hinges on Aaron Hill.
It is up to him to take on a leadership role and to bridge the gap between the young and old(er). At 27 (28 on March 21, make sure to bring a gift) he is at a prime age to assume greater responsibilities while continuing to relate to the younger players.
If he succeeds in recreating last season's success, he legitimizes himself and builds hope for the future. A potential lineup of Hill, Adam Lind, Travis Snider, and Brett Wallace is tantalizing.
If Hill falters, the entire house of cards could collapse. Lind loses a bat that forces opposing teams to pitch to him. He has one solid season under his belt, but that was with Hill raking as well.
Snider and Wallace are still unknown major league quantities.
There is a chance that they could be better or worse than anticipated. Having an established slugger like Hill around to show them how it's done would be very beneficial. If Hill slips, so too could the prospects of Snider and Wallace.
Clearly the Jays would prefer success from all involved.
Aaron Hill is also a great asset as a middle infielder. Wallace, Snider, and Lind all figure to wind up in the corners of the either the outfield or infield. Hill solidifies at least one position on the interior.
Most importantly, the Jays need Hill to assume the figurehead role that Halladay played. Not in the sense that he does nothing, but that when fans think of Toronto they think of Hill.
The Jays need another spokesperson to baseball, someone who can represent the team amongst their peers. Another solid campaign by Hill makes this his reality.
Although these crises are both real and imagined, the ascension of Hill can finally move the team forward. People can't dote on Halladay's reign in Toronto forever. They need someone to assuage their concerns that this team is rudderless.
If no one else is up to the task, I nominate Aaron Hill.
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