The 2009 edition of the Toronto Blue Jays is, how do you say, odd. With a mixture of established players, over the hill veterans, youngsters and a few legitimate stars the roster features a little bit of everything. Now will this mixture be enough to earn Toronto its first MLB playoff appearance since 1993?

Rotation

The rotation has had its fair share of injuries in the past year. Front line starters such as Shaun Marcum and McGowan will both most likely miss the entire season. Number two starter AJ Burnett was lured by over 0 million to join the New York Yankees. Even back of the rotation pitching options such as Casey Jannsen have suffered injuries. This leaves the blue jays with a mix of veterans and youth in the rotation. The number one starter will be former American League Cy Young award winner (as well as 2008 runner-up) Roy Halladay. Following him will be Jesse Litsch and David Purcey. Rounding out the rotation will be Scott Richmond and Ricky Romero. Even with the injuries this is a strong staff.

Bullpen

The bullpen is stocked. Some would say that there are too many good pitchers in the bullpen. The closers is BJ Ryan, although Brandon League and Jeremy Accardo

are both very capable of filling the closer role at the major league level. Left-handed pitcher Scott Downs is the go to pitcher out of the pen. Rounding things out are Jesse Carlson and others. The Jays can seemingly take any pitcher and turn them into a strong bullpen hand. Pitching is certainly the strength of the ballclub.

Offense

The offense is a mixture of former all-stars and youngsters. Scott Rolen, Vernon Wells and Alex Rios have all made all-star appearances in the past. Rios would probably be considered the Jays strongest batter, followed by Wells. Playing first base is lefty Lyle Overbay. At second is the returning Aaron Hill. Hill missed the majority of the 2008 season due to injury. Marco Scutaro will play short and can play virtually anywhere on the diamond. Scott Rolen is of course the third baseman. In the outfield are the youngsters that we've spoken about, Adam Lind and Travis Snider. Both are left-handed power hitters that can hit one out of the park or strike out at anytime. The Jays really have four outfielders, with Lind, Snider, Wells and Rios, so one of them will have to hit in the DH role from time to time (most likely Lind or Snider). Behind the plate is Rod Barajas, although a young prospect in the minor league system named J.P. Arencibia is quickly approaching the major leagues. The Jays run a "lay and pray" offense that is built around walks, doubles and home runs. Under manager Cito Gaston the Jays attempted the fewest stolen bases of any major league club in the second half of last season.

Will the 2009 Toronto Blue Jays be able to find success? The AL east is certainly tough but many baseball experts will tell you that pitching wins championships. With arguably the AL's best overall pitching staff the Jays have a chance to surprise experts and fans alike in 2009.

Hawaii- Big Island, Big Attractions

Author: Tim Roseland

What are the features which draw people to return to Hawaii's Big Island year after year? Is it the call of the mountain's, the rain forest, and the waterfalls? Is it the charm of the small villages, or the open spaces of the upland ranches and coffee plantations? Maybe it is just the magnificent beaches, and the world-class restaurants and hotels. Perhaps it is the magical secret garden known as the Valley of the Kings.

It could be the fascinating Kilauea Volcano, the lava flows of which are still shaping the island. The truth is that there is many reasons to return to the big Island as there are visitors who return to it.

If you are about to embark on your first visit to Hawaii's Big Island, however, you are in for the most magical vacation of your life. The Big Island is a study in contrasts where vast areas of pristine land border dynamic cities like Kona. If you are like most tourists, in fact, you will begin your stay on the island in Kona. Doing so will give you a chance to get your bearings, to soak up some sun on the Big Island's beaches, and enjoy some of Hawaii's underwater marvels by snorkeling through the coral reef in Kealakekuea Bay.  If you prefer to enjoy the water from above, rented kayak and paddle through the paths of spinner dolphins on your way to Captain Cook's monument.

You cannot leave the big Island without having visited a Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The Kilauea Volcano has been spewing lava for the past quarter century and is only one of the Big Island's five live volcanoes. The Mauna Loa volcano last erupted in 1984, but geologists expect that it will erupt again at any time.  Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has more than 140 miles of trails, and you really need to camp there if you are going to take advantage of your opportunities for exploration. Even if your time is limited, however, you should make a point of driving through the entire park.

The enormous amounts of rainfall which cascade on the city of Hilo each year have earned it the title of America's rainiest city. Do not let that prevent you from visiting, however, because this historic and charming little town will offer perfect picture taking opportunities with its 20 acre Nani Mau Gardens, and the legendary Naha and Pinao Stones. The Pinao Stone is said to them once been an entrance pillar to an ancient temple on the Wailuku River. Kamehameha the Great, the founder of Hawaii, is said to have 2 1/2 ton Naha Stone while still a teenager.

The town of Puako, just outside the Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, is known for its enormous tide pools, which shelter numerous sea creatures including live corals.  Puako, however, is not on the major tourist routes, so there are few facilities there.

If you think any scenery looks better when viewed from the back of a horse, head for King’s Trail Rides O’Kona.  Their two-hour excursion will take you to the Capain. Cook monument at Kalakekua Bay, where you can enjoy a bit of snorkeling before remounting and returning to be stable. For a full day in the saddle, driving five-hour hidden waterfall adventure offered at the Waipi’o Ridge Stables.  You will circle the rim of the Waipi’o Valley and be given time to refresh yourself with a dip in the waterfall.

A rugged trail winds through the lush green spaces of the Pololu Valley, descending to Polulo Beach and a jagged coastline complete with a number of waterfalls. If you find the trail to challenging on foot, you can hire a sure-footed mule. The valleys beyond the Pololu Valley are the source of water for the big Island's Kohala Ditch, once used to transport water to the local sugar plantations. Kayak cruises are available through the ditch, if you are interested in learning more about the history of the sugar plantations.

No matter where you go on the Big Island, you will see more than you can fully appreciate in a single visit. So why not take it for granted that your first visit to the Big Island will be only one of many, many more!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/hawaii-big-island-big-attractions-747552.html

About the Author

myroadtotravel was created in late 2007 as way for my wife and I to do what we love most...Travel. We love to share our experiences with others and have recently created our first blog (http://www.myroadtotravelblog.com) to help us do just that. Through this blog, we offer travel tips, our own personal experiences/adventures and photos from our vacations. Please stop by and give us your feedback and remember, for all your travel booking needs please visit us at http://www.myroadtotravel.com