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Toronto Blue Jays: 5 Storylines for the 2016 Season

By Paul Taylor

May 17, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) congratulates right fielder Jose Bautista (19) after Bautista hits a home run during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) congratulates right fielder Jose Bautista (19) after Bautista hits a home run during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Blue Jays
Sep 30, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays celebrate winning the A.L. East division after game two of a double header in the visiting locker room at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Toronto Blue Jays clinched the division after game one of the double header. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

5) Will the Blue Jays repeat as AL East champions?

Just three weeks ago, the Blue Jays opened as favorites to land the World Series, at least according to Frank Doyle of Sports Interaction. However, the updated odds have now moved them down to third to win it all.

In truth, you have to take all this with a pinch of salt. Last season, Toronto were nowhere in sight with the oddsmakers during spring training, and look how that turned out.

Further, consider that Las Vegas pegged the Blue Jays as favorites ahead of the 2013 campaign, after adding the likes of R.A. Dickey, Jose Reyes and Melky Cabrera, However, the season was an unmitigated disaster, as they finished bottom of the AL East with just 74 wins.

In any event, first of all Toronto has to actually make the postseason, with a repeat as AL East champions representing the best route to the World Series. In that respect, they have an excellent chance, with the Red Sox probably providing the main obstacle to their ambitions.

Next: Jose Bautista willing to lower his demands

What are you expecting from the Blue Jays this season? Can they repeat as AL East champions? Can they finish what they started last year? Let us know in the comments section below.

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