Are the 2010 Blue Jays for real?

As we approach the quarter-way point of the season it becomes time to question whether some of the early season surprises are for real or whether they should brace themselves for impact.

Many predicted the Toronto Blue Jays would lose 90 or more games this year but they have themselves a handsome 23-16 record to this point. A collapse is expected but it may not be as big as some may think.

The Halladay-less Jays pitching staff has surprisingly been the team's strong point even without the best pitcher in the game. Led by Ricky Romero and Shaun Marcum the Jays have found ways to win tight ballgames. Brandon Morrow is coming around as a more dependable arm in the rotation.

The offense doesn't connect much with a combined .238 AVG but when they do, look out! The Jays mashers have hit an MLB leading 60 home runs, 11 more than the second place Red sox. The team's ISO is a mind boggling and unsustainable .221. While Alex Gonzalez and Jose Bautista's power surges - 10 HR each - are likely to slow; Vernon Wells' own surge is looking legitimate due to a healthy wrist and return to old form. Any regression by Gonzalez and Bautista is likely to be picked up by an improvement in play by Adam Lind and Aaron Hill. The duo have put up a combined .204 AVG, 9 HR and 30 RBI in 240 at bats just a year after teaming up to go .295 AVG, 71 HR, 232 RBI. While Hill likely won't hit as many home runs as last year he and Lind are much better hitters than they have displayed so far.

New GM Alex Anthopolous has done a nice job of building on what JP Ricciardi left behind. The trade for Fred Lewis has provided the spark the team has needed at the top of the lineup after the departure of Marco Scutaro. Free Agent closer Kevin Gregg was a nice find and is in the middle of a break-out season. Anthopolous also acquired starting pitcher Dana Eveland in a deal with Oakland. Eveland has done a nice job at the back end of the rotation.

With Travis Snider's bat heating up and a couple of prospects knocking on the door, the Jays could continue their winning ways. Sure, they aren't likely to catch the Rays or Yankees this year but they are a looking a lot more than just the punching bags many predicted them to be.