Sure it's early but it really doesn't feel that way this year when it comes to the Jays

I spent a good half hour last night on my couch going through my likes on X knowing full well I'll eventually end up reading the infamous Jon Morosi post that had Shohei Ohtani on a flight to Toronto back in December.

Oh the good ol' days. Back when there was hope for the Blue Jays. Remember that? The rumours circulating had Jays fans wondering how on earth are we actually in this Ohtani derby? And then the Morosi bomb blew up Jays Nation.

For a short while, Jays fans actually felt the weight of the baseball world - in a good way. It really felt like the Jays were about to add a true superstar and whatever holes the club had, that could wait. Because it was Ohtani mania baby. He was the true WAR hero who could help this current roster actually win a playoff game.

Fast forward to today and yes, it's early, but the Jays are what we thought they were going to be this season: a club with solid pitching but unfortunately paired with a top-heavy lineup that doesn't have the requisite depth required to be a true contender.

I mean, we all saw it. After Ohtani decided to head to Cali, there were notable names still available in free agency that were linked to the Jays that could've helped fill out this lineup. I'm sure a Cody Bellinger or Jorge Soler could do some damage at Rogers Centre. Heck, there were even fans clamouring for Matt Chapman's return.

Instead, management opted for meh utility man Isiah Kiner-Falefa and 39-year-old Justin Turner, who can still rake but is certainly past his prime.

Anything else? No. Fans were then sold a bill of goods with the 'internal growth' messaging from management. It's all about improving what's in that clubhouse ladies and gents. No more bones thrown to this dedicated fanbase. I mean, why do that? I guess being runner-up to a generational talent will do.

You can throw all the wishful suggestions at me you want. There's the 'just wait until Alejandro Kirk returns to form' or how about 'is there more to Cavan Biggio's game than meets the eye?' To me, it's all BS.

The truth is the bottom half of this lineup is mediocre at best and it's the biggest weakness that unfortunately was not addressed in the offseason.

And until that's rectified, what you see is what you'll get. A club that will tease you because of its pitching (if they remain healthy and that's a big 'if') and finish potentially with a wildcard berth but they're nowhere near a true contender in my eyes.

In the meantime, I'll work on my internal growth and hopefully I can provide some positivity at some point this season.