Tip of the Tower
Fansided

Toronto Blue Jays: 4 Reasons They Won’t Win the AL East

By Paul Taylor

Jun 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons (5) is ejected from the game by third base umpire Ted Barrett (65) in the ninth inning. The Chicago White Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2.at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons (5) is ejected from the game by third base umpire Ted Barrett (65) in the ninth inning. The Chicago White Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2.at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Toronto Blue Jays
Jan 5, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians newly acquired player Edwin Encarnacion puts on his new jersey during a press conference at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

2) Edwin Encarnacion

Seeing Encarnacion in another jersey just doesn’t look right. Unfortunately, a scenario which neither the player or Blue Jays’ fans wanted, has become a reality.

We can talk all day about who deserves the blame for how this turned out, (although there is some fault for all parties concerned). Regardless, it doesn’t change the reality that the Blue Jays will miss the production of the three-time All-Star.

During his last five years with the Blue Jays, the 34-year old averaged 145.6 hits, 90.2 runs, 38.6 home runs and 110 RBIs. Combined with Jose Bautista‘s injury issues over the same period, Encarnacion was the team’s best and most consistent bat.

Adding to the frustration, is the fact the 2000 ninth round draft pick is coming off his best year in the Majors. He set career-highs for runs, hits and RBIs (his 127 led the league), while tying his previous best of 42 homers.

Just to really ram the point home, consider that Encarnacion is the only player in the league to hit at least 30 homers during the past five seasons. And as a final thought, he also leads the Majors in road home runs over the same time period.

Home/Toronto Blue Jays