although Scoot, Rolen, and Rios (despite the occasional headscratcher) were very good baserunners that are now gone and replaced by A-Gon, EE, and Snider, which seems a significant downgrade, particularly given that Scoot and Rolen were also 2 of the Jays most likely to be on base in the first place.

One thing Vernon doesn’t get enough credit for is that he is an excellent baserunner.

Which one of our pitchers steps up? Not in the skills sense – that’s not the context of this discussion. I mean in the work ethic and example part of the game. Who will actually strive to set a good example for the other guys on the staff?

As it is, I have to think it’ll be someone out of the bullpen – those are our only true vets in terms of pitchers. Even the young “veteran” pitchers that might be returning soon (Marcum, McGowan and Litsch) who got to play with Halladay aren’t exactly likely to play that role due to injury and simple age. If I had to put money down on anyone, I would want to put my money on someone like Tallet.

If I had to pick a young starter I think might do well in that leadership role, I’d go with Richmond or Romero. Both guys understand the benefits of hard work and perseverance and seem to have really soaked up Halladay’s guidance and help. I seem to recall Romero being quoted about learning day-to-day routines and such by watching Halladay – maybe he remembers these and carries them on to more success.

Either that or the young group of starters kinda band together and get a tight cadre going with camaraderie built upon hard-work and constant improvements. Almost like what Texas saw this year with their starters working from the ground up on fitness and seeing the dividends pay off (shaving 1.00 off their season ERA totals between 08 and 09).

I dunno. I’m spitballing here at 4am while waiting for my flight home for the holidays… my ramblings are to be taken with a grain of salt :P