The 2007 Toronto Blue Jays appear ready to make some noise in the tough American League East. After making some key acquisitions and re-signings in the offseason, it is likely that they will give the Yankees and Red Sox a run for their money.

It was a pleasant offseason for Toronto, who spent their time and money acquiring free agents Frank Thomas and Royce Clayton. They also added depth to their pitching staff by signing right handed pitchers John Thomson and Pete Walker. Both look to compete at the bottom of the rotation, while the first three spots are solidified with ace Roy Halladay, A.J. Burnett and Gustavo Chacin.

The Blue Jays rolled the dice when re-signing All-star center fielder Vernon Wells to a seven-year, $126 million contract extension, choosing to pay Wells now, rather than take the risk of losing him to free agency and invest in better pitching. This move made a lot of noise in Toronto, but don’t overlook the re-signing of pitcher Jason Frasor, who figures to be the primary setup man after the loss of Justin Speier to the Los Angeles Angels.

Feisty manager John Gibbons leads a ballclub that figures to put up explosive offensive numbers. Toronto has many talented hitters capable of hitting for average and power. First baseman Lyle Overbay, who signed a four-year $24 million deal to stay in Toronto, is an excellent defender who batted .312 last season with 22 HR and 92 RBI. His productivity and stability will be key for Toronto.

Second Baseman Aaron Hill is another productive player who can do it with the glove and at the plate (.291 average in 2006). He will be accompanied by new shortstop Royce Clayton, who was brought in to provide some consistency to the team’s defense up the middle.

Troy Glaus is a somewhat reliable fielder, but gets paid for his offensive production. In 2006, his first season with the Jays, he batted only .252, but had solid power numbers (38/104).

Gregg Zaun will take over catching duties since Bengie Molina fled to San Francisco after only one year in Toronto. Zaun only played in 99 games last season and will be looking to take advantage of the opportunity to be the everyday catcher.

Frank Thomas had a remarkable season in 2006, batting .270 with 39 HR and 114 RBI at the age of 38. Oakland’s loss could be Toronto’s gain as the A’s declined to make an aggressive offer to the Big Hurt. Supposedly he is missing some of spring training because his legs are “out of shape,” which may concern the Jays. He is 13 HR shy of the 500 mark that will solidify his Hall of Fame candidacy. If Thomas can get close to his 2006 numbers, look for the Jays to be serious playoff contenders.

The Jays outfield is solid with Reed Johnson in left, Wells in center, and Alex Rios in right. Johnson has been waiting to be an everyday player in left field finally gets his chance this year; he’s solid defensively and can hit the ball to all fields. Wells continues to put up some of the best numbers in baseball, hitting .303 with 32 HR and 106 RBI last season; he also happens to be a three-time Gold Glove winner coming off another great defensive season. Rios put up great numbers in 2006 before a staph infection sidelined him for most of the 2nd half and caused him to struggle upon his return. Now healthy, Rios is a player the Toronto is counting on to have a huge impact.