Which major league rotation would you think had the lowest ERA in 2008? Perhaps the Cubs? Or maybe the Red Sox?

How about the Toronto Blue Jays? Yes, the Jays starters posted a 3.72 mark that was the lowest in the major leagues. They also worked deep into games in 2008. Toronto’s rotation led the majors in innings pitched per start (6.31).

It’s a brand new year. The Blue Jays lost A.J. Burnett to free agency and Shawn Marcum to Tommy John surgery -- and it’s uncertain when Dustin McGowan will return from shoulder surgery that could sideline him all season. Together the trio combined for 484 innings in 2008.

The 2009 rotation begins with ace Roy Halladay, and Jesse Litsch and Dave Purcey appear to have spots locked up. With two openings this spring, the Jays have a number of pitching prospects who have a chance to show they’re ready in Florida. Southpaws Brett Cecil, Ricky Romero and Brad Mills, three of the organization’s more promising prospects, are in the mix, as are fellow rookie Scott Richmond, inexperienced veterans Casey Janssen and Brian Burres, injury-rehab candidates Matt Clement and Mike Maroth, and Japanese veteran Ken Takahashi.

There’s enough promise in the group, but the trio of lefties would benefit from more development time. Clement has been impressive in camp so far, but in all, the veterans may raise more questions than they answer. It’s a long shot that the Toronto rotation will be as effective in 2009.

The Jays bullpen will have to be better, as it’s likely to see more work in 2009. Last season, no major league pen pitched fewer innings (425).