Toronto Blue Jays 2012 Schedule: Jays Must Step Up in June

Toronto certainly had an interesting month. From debuts to suspensions, they pretty much saw it all. Though it is doubtful that similar events will happen in June, you really never know with this franchise.

With a pretty tough schedule over the next 30 days, it is time for the Blue Jays to make a name for themselves.

This article will look at how Toronto did last June and preview how they will do this time around.

June 2011

Toronto played at home for 10 games last June, finishing with a 3-7 record.

They were average on the road, with a 9-8 record in 17 games.

The Blue Jays were scheduled to play only 26 games last June, but a makeup game against Detroit pushed it to 27 games.

In those games, Toronto finished with a measly 12-15 record.

The likes of Jojo Reyes and Juan Rivera have now been replaced with Drew Hutchison and David Cooper.

June 2012

Like May, the Jays have 12 games at home. This time, however, there are only four series.

Toronto has five series on the road and will play 15 games.

The team has only three days off in June–two Thursdays and one Monday.

Their only divisional matchups are six games against the Boston Red Sox.

Toronto has a nine game road trip where they start in Milwaukee, head to Florida and will finish in Boston. Their longest home stand is only six games.  

Home Games

Friday, June 1st-Sunday June, 3rd vs. Boston

Monday, June 11th-Wednesday, June 13th vs. Washington

Friday, June 15th-Sunday, June 17th vs. Philadelphia

Thursday, June 28th-Saturday, June 30th vs. LA Angels (series finishes on Canada Day)

Road Games

Tuesday, June 5th-Thursday, June 7th @ Chicago White Sox

Friday, June 8th-Sunday, June 10th @ Atlanta

Monday, June 18th-Wednesday, June 20th @ Milwaukee

Friday, June 22nd-Sunday, June 24th @ Miami

Tuesday, June 25th-Thursday, June 27th @ Boston

Predictions

Home Record: 6-6

Road Record: 8-7

Division Record: 4-2

Overall Record: 14-13

Best Hitter: Colby Rasmus

Although his numbers are not the best, Colby Rasmus finished May on a hot streak that he will carry over into June. He is one of those up and down type of players, so Toronto needs to take advantage of it while they can.

Best Pitcher: Ricky Romero

Despite a great record, Blue Jays ace Ricky Romero has struggled this season with an ERA of just less than four. He also averages close to four walks per start. In his last outing against the Baltimore Orioles, Romero gave up four runs in six innings, but he was still able to pick up his sixth win of the season. This will give him much needed confidence heading into June.