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Do the Blue Jays Have the Best Starting Rotation in Baseball?

One thing’s clear: the Toronto Blue Jays have made the biggest moves in baseball this offseason. Even after acquiring Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Emilio Bonifacio and other pieces from the Miami Marlins, and signing Melky Cabrera, the team made another big move, adding R.A. Dickey in a trade with the Mets.

Looking at the big picture, the Blue Jays have improved their rotation substantially, giving them a group including Dickey, Johnson, Buehrle, Brandon Morrow and Ricky Romero, last year’s Opening Day starter who projects as the team’s No. 5 guy. But, do they have the best starting pitching in baseball?

The biggest hurdle facing the Jays is the threat of injuries. Johnson and Morrow, when healthy, can dominate. But, both have faced lingering injuries in the past couple years. Will they be healthy in 2013? Only time will tell.

Also, how good will Dickey be? Dickey’s lowest era in approximately eight full seasons in the AL is 4.62. Having drastically improved his knuckleball, though, his AL numbers will most likely improve. But, it is questionable whether his numbers pitching for two years in the AL East approach his numbers as a Met.

Frankly, there’s no debating that the Washington Nationals have the best rotation in baseball. With Stephen Strasburg as the ace, and Gio Gonzalez and Jordan Zimmerman roudning out the top 3, who can compare? Gonzalez was a Cy Young candidate and Zimmerman was a reliable 3^rd starter. Ross Detwiler filled in nicely too and Dan Haren will contribute as well.

The Dodgers also boast strong rotation, with the newly signed Zack Greinke to go along with Clayton Kershaw.

Best starting pitching or not, the Blue Jays certainly have a top-five rotation, and as long as the pitchers can stay healthy, this team will be dangerous.

Tags: Clayton Kershaw, Dan Haren, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmerman, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, r.a. dickey, Ricky Romero, Ross Detwiler, Stephen Strasburg, Zack Greinke