HITTER TO WATCH:

Nobody. Robinzon Diaz, a high-contact, zero-patience hitter, could come up to catch if either Gregg Zaun or Rod Barajas heads to the DL.

PITCHER TO WATCH:

Unless the Jays keep Rule 5 pick Randy Wells, they're unlikely to start the year with a rookie on their roster. Their 2004 first-round pick, David Purcey, would be first to get the call; he's a tall lefty with an average fastball and an inconsistent but occasionally plus curve, and has had trouble throwing strikes.
-- Keith Law, Scouts Inc.

JUST THE FACTS

• Vernon Wells has to chill. Scouts say he swung freely last year to avoid two-strike counts, and his young teammates followed suit. The Jays hired new hitting coach Gary Denbo in part because of his reputation for fostering strike-zone recognition.
• It's McGo time. A top draft pick in 2000, Dustin McGowan has struggled to meet expectations. But after posting a 3.67 ERA in the second half, the 26-year-old flamethrower looks primed for a breakout.
• A.J. Burnett might bolt. From Tommy John surgery in 2003 to a broken fingernail this spring, he's always had trouble staying healthy. But this season he has extra motivation: Burnett can exercise the out clause in his contract and hit the market two years early.

HEARSAY

"This is the most balanced Toronto team I've seen in a long time," one NL scout says. "They need a lot to go right, but it wouldn't shock me if they caught the Red Sox and Yankees."

HOUSE CALL

"Years ago I lived near Exhibition Stadium and fell in love with the team. I think they're poised to do well this season, particularly A.J. Burnett -- if he can keep his fingernails trimmed." -- Toronto Mayor David Miller
-- Buster Olney

How many games will the Blue Jays win in 2008? Do they have the top lineup, rotation, bullpen or manager in their division? Did they do the best job improving their team in the offseason with the acquisitions of David Eckstein and Scott Rolen? Register your vote.

AL East poll page

SLEEPER

Lyle Overbay gets ignored because he's not a power first baseman, and because he broke his hand in '07. But his career on-base percentage is still .362, and he'll be an 80-RBI player who'll score 80 runs and hit .300. Get homers elsewhere, and take Overbay in the 20th round.

BUST

A.J. Burnett is a terrific fantasy starter when he's healthy. But he has pitched more than 200 innings just twice in his eight-year career, and his good numbers late in '07 were aided by a huge strand rate and a tiny batting average on balls in play. Don't make a high-round bet on Burnett's health.
-- Christopher Harris

INJURIES

Closer B.J. Ryan's speedy progress recovering from ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (Tommy John surgery) seemed too good to be true. Alas, recent reports of soreness in his biceps and forearm necessitated an adjustment in his schedule and he is no longer on track for an Opening Day appearance. Ryan's "setback," however, is a very normal occurrence for athletes returning from this type of procedure, and the team's response is 100 percent consistent with that. It now appears that his return will approach the one-year anniversary from surgery, the more typical timetable, and fans should look for him in late April or early May.
-- Stephania Bell