3rd Needs To Be His 1st Option

Last season Jose Bautista proved to be one of the best, if not the best, offensive threat in the Blue Jays line-up. He also became their most valuable defensive player, playing both 3^rd base and right field, his preferred position. This season Bautista can again play a key role in Toronto’s success, by playing third base for the Jays instead of the outfield.

            When he was traded to Toronto during the 2008 season, Bautista had played 3^rd base for the Pittsburgh Pirates in all 91 games he had appeared in that year. With the golden glove of Scott Rolen occupying the hot corner for the Jays, Bautista became a utility man for Toronto, finishing the season playing every infield position except shortstop. Then in 2009, when Rolen was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, an everyday spot opened for Bautista, and he took advantage, hitting 10 home runs over the Jays’ final 26 games. In that small frame of time Bautista had done enough to warrant a full time look from Toronto in the 2010 season.

            We all know what happened next. Bautista had a season beyond belief. Clubbing 54 home runs and driving in 124 runs, easily trumping his old career highs of 16 and 63. But what went unnoticed to some was his play with the glove. Bautista made 45 starts at 3^rd and 113 in right field. He even made a start at 1^st. However, Bautista wasn’t just out in the field to keep his bat in the line-up; he made an impact. He made only seven errors all season, moving back and forth from not just the infield and outfield, but across the diamond. His 12 outfield assists tied him for second in the league. But that’s not what Toronto needs most heading into 2011.

            The Jays have lacked a legitimate leadoff hitter for some time. Bautista himself was thrown into the role out of necessity to begin last season. But with the acquisition of Rajai Davis this winter, it would appear Toronto has found someone to fill the role. However, with Vernon Wells an immovable fixture in centerfield and still unproven prospect Travis Snider needing the full-time job, and entire season of playing time, in left, the Jays only have one outfield spot remaining, with two players available to fill it.

            It’s not as if Toronto will lose much defensively if Davis were to get the call. His arm isn’t the greatest, tossing out only 5 men in 157 games last season, but with the speed and range of a centerfielder, Davis can rely on his legs to keep doubles from turning into triples. That centerfield speed also translates to the base paths, which is where the Jays need Davis the most. He stole 50 bases last season. Toronto had 58 as a team. Not surprisingly ranking them last in the American League. With the speed of Davis and projected number two hitter Yunel Escobar’s ability to handle the bat, Bautista may not get to play the position he wants, but his at bats with runners in scoring position should climb dramatically.

            The other thing you have to look at is: if Bautista’s in right field, who’s left to play 3^rd? Edwin Encarnacion split time with Bautista at 3^rd last season, but has always been identified as a liability in the field. On the other end of the spectrum, John McDonald, fan favourite and defensive specialist, doesn’t have near the bat to warrant an everyday spot in the starting nine. There was speculation that 2^nd baseman Aaron Hill, who came up as a 3^rd baseman, could move over, but neither Adeiny Hechavarria or Brett Lawrie is ready to take over in Hill’s place. There just isn’t another Major League option on the Jays’ roster.

            Jose Bautista is an incredible right fielder, this no one can dispute. But by not filling the Jays’ biggest void, 3^rd base, Bautista is hurting his team. Toronto needs Rajai Davis’ bat at the top of their line-up this coming season. In 2010 Jose Bautista had to carry the offense. By switching positions he can assure that he’ll have some assistance in 2011.