6:25 PM Eastern
Back in Florida, Alex Anthopoulos said that whomsoever the Blue Jays were going to bring in to be their DH in 2011 was going to have to be a guy who could also be Adam Lind insurance at first base.
Who knew he was talking about someone who has made a whopping two appearances at the position over his six years in the majors?
Yes, Edwin Encarnacion is back after having hardly given us a chance to miss him, signing a one-year deal for $2.5 million with a club option for 2012 that’s worth $3.5 million. But don’t panic, true believers, he’s not coming back to ply his trade at the hot corner.
If Lind is going to spend the year basically breaking his maiden as a big-league first baseman, he simply cannot have Encarnacion at third base, firing missiles in his general direction with barely any idea where they’re going to wind up. No, Eddie is coming back to see if he can harness that tantalizing power and, free of the concerns that he may well hospitalize a patron sitting down the first-base line, become a big-time slugging DH.
There’s no question the power is there. We saw it on several occasions, most notably in Arizona back in May and then again in Minnesota at season’s end – he hit 10 of his 21 home runs this season in those two series alone. But thanks to a couple of stints on the disabled list and a trip to Las Vegas, Encarnacion hit those 21 dingers in just 96 games. And all while recovering from a wrist injury! Pro-rated over a full season, that works out to 35 bombs, and that’s what the Jays are hoping they might see from him as a full-time DH and Lind insurance at first base.
And before you dismiss the notion that Encarnacion might be able to be a decent defensive first baseman, remember this – the guy was an exceptional defender at third, he just couldn’t throw the ball. At all. At first base, he won’t have to worry about that, but for some underhanded tosses to the pitcher covering. And hopefully, Lind takes well enough to first that Encarnacion will only have to worry about hitting.
He’s certainly not the guy I expected would be DHing here next season, but it’s a very interesting gamble. Encarnacion is only 27 years old, and will be 28 by Opening Day. He carries a career .790 OPS into this season with an even 100 home runs in 2540 career plate appearances. That’s a higher OPS than Aaron Hill – even before Hill’s crappy 2010 – and more homers in fewer PA’s.
The reason most Jays fans are down on the man you can no longer call “E5″ (he’s no longer a third baseman, after all) is because of the ugly, ugly defensive issues that have plagued him his entire career. He has finally thrown in the towel on third base, much to the delight of the spectatorate and maybe against his will, but however it happened, he could well go from being a good hitter with big-time power to a really good hitter who consistently gets results from his big-time power. It’s only costing the Jays $2.5 million to find out. And hey, he had a .914 OPS against lefties this past season.
I know I’d said I was going to throw together a mailbag, you may have to wait until next week for that. Maybe I’ll put it up on the 25th to give you some xmas reading material if you’re interested, so keep those comments coming. I’ll pick some out to answer in the next post unless the Jays do something else in the interim.
And make sure you tune in to The Fan590 the week after xmas – they’re having me come in to host a few shows. I’ll be on on the 28th from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, filling in for Jeff Blair on the 29th from 9:00 am to noon and taking Greg Brady’s shift on the 30th from 1:00-3:00 pm (all times Eastern). There will be plenty of baseball talk, lots of Blue Jays guests and my big brother will come in to talk about the year in movies (and your favourite sports movies) on the 30th!
45 Responses to “Welcome Back, Eddie!”
SN 590
Get The Latest Update
Click here to subscribe to Wilner's blogGet Wilner’s blog by Email
Archives
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
I’m disappointed we haven’t done more with the bullpen to date. Downs is gone and it looks like Gregg will follow. I wonder if AA is waiting for the price of Soriano to wait. He’d be lights out for this team and maybe he has some of those extra funds ear-marked for one of the best closers in the game last season.
- Craig MAnother sign, that any free agent with talent to make a difference doesn’t want to play in T.O. No offence to EE but really this off season has been a bust.
- ChrisSame team as last year with same issues…..Tough being in the East.
Hey Mike,
- AkThe Jays quietly re-acquired Zach Jackson (I believe) past year. I think he was a fairly highly regarded prospect before he got traded. Will we ever see him in the big leagues?
If you were to rank Jays pitchers not in the majors, where does he rank?
Thanks Mike. Miss your mailbag.
You are always so positive Mike. I can’t believe it, but you’ve got me excited about EE coming back. Who knows, this 1B idea might just be a stroke of genius.
- OzRobI was really scared this off-season that Alex was going to get caught up in the hype of the 2010 season and start selling off some of those quality prospects that they have accumulated over the past few seasons to try to win now. In order to build a contender for years to come the Jays cannot afford to trade the likes of Drabek and/or Snider for a player like Grienke who they probably only will have on their roster for two seasons. Signing EE fits right into the program. A short term solution that doesn’t cost you a ton of money, and buys you time to allow some of your prospects to develop. Keep up the good work Alex – you’ve got a long leash right now and I’m happy to see that you’re remaining focused on your goals of building a strong talent pool for the future!
- Garth Cressmanhi Mike, i dont like edie, we need to change this team and i think he wont be a bautisda he will just be a guy with once a month talent he is way too incosistent!!!!
- Manny in RHDude, not baseball related, but it’s called Christmas, not xmas. We don’t go around replacing other holiday names with x’s. xkippur? xhashanah? xnukkah? xbishvat? xsach? No. Why, because it’s offensive and shows lack of respect. If you can’t respect the name of a holiday enough to say (or write) the whole name, then don’t use it at all. I love your work, but you seriously just showed a side of yourself that honestly shocked me.
MW: It’s a common abbreviation for the name of the holiday – even among many who celebrate it. No lack of respect was intended, and I apologize if you or anyone else was offended. I think, though, that you need to take a deep breath and save your inspired outrage for things that actually matter.
- Mark“Breaking his maiden as a big-league first baseman”! Mr. Wilner, you are a cut-up.
- SiguyNo offense “Chris” but why would the Jays sign big name free agents that would cost them sandwich picks…
Jays need more time to develop….
AA has a plan and it shows.
I would not expect any key free-agents for another year….
I would rather see the Jays spend the money on prospects….
MW: A team can’t lose a sandwich pick for signing a free agent.
- JeffActually like the EE sighning. Without the burden of 3rd base I think he can be very productive. Still like to see them sign O-Dog and move Hill to 3rd>
- BenI like this just fine. To anyone who doesn’t, please name a better choice for anywhere near as cheap as that. I’d probably prefer EE over Frank Thomas, and Frank cost 4 times as much.
Wah wah his average isn’t so good. A legit chance at 30 homes, if not 35, plus the ability to take 1st base now and then is a bargain for this price.
Oh and more importantly than all that, it means we’ll get a full season of Lind one way or the other. If this helps to keep the kids playing, that’s our best hope over the next few years.
- sonsAs long as he is wearing number 5 I’d say its fair to call him E5.
MW: I would, too, except that he’s never worn number 5.
- Andrew in OttawaI have been wondering for a long time why the Jays did not keep Encarnation and try exactly what they are going to do now.I should have known that AA was away ahead of us on this.Now we have him back and cheeper.Great move Alex!
- PaulI get that Lind is signed for a while longer than EE, but why not go with the best defensive option at 1B?
EE has good hands and quick feet, so would be a great help to the infield defense. We don’t know that Lind has this.
So, Mike: why didn’t the Jays move Lind to DH and EE to 1B?
- DirkMW Is’nt there a prospect in the system we could bring up for 1st base. these guys won’t see close to 200 hr next year. They should be looking for players with better obp instead of trying to hit the long ball.bring back EE shows me that the jays arn’t serious about getting any better. will listen to you over the holiday
- Krull1The more that I think about it the more I like having Edwin as insurance at first base. The first reason for liking this is because I think of him as a professional ball player with his head on right. He showed class towards Cito and AA last season when they sent him down to triple-A. And he came back to the bigs with a positive attitude. He’s good with both the glove and his bat, perhaps now that he doesn’t need to worry about the throw across the infield he can feel a bit more relaxed at the plate and produce some good numbers. Also hoping that he can safely turn the 3-4-3 double play. I do like him on the team.
- Ian@Mark
Wow. You don’t have to go 0 to 60 like that. You could just have politely expressed your offense at the ‘x’.
@MW
Thanks for staying in touch with us all. This building spirit that (many) fans are embracing is great. So much more fun than buying a winner. The wine will taste sweeter when we get there through actually building a team.
Have you gotten to know the new manager yet?
- sons@sons The speed limit isn’t 60 around these parts? :)
@MW I love your work, and I love listening to you and your Blue Jays expertise. You are a master communicator, and are very precise in what you say and how you say it. If someone pronounces Halladay wrong, you make sure it’s corrected. This is just that.
There are many who find it offensive to have the name a of Jesus removed from the Christmas season. To many, Jesus is the whole point of Christmas.
On the flip side, there are many who celebrate the holidays in one way or another, but not Christmas. To respect everyone, should we not just use the term holidays?
I think that’s what I was getting at. If you’re going to make reference to Christmas, the holiday that Christians remember the birth of Christ, then it really seems disrespectful to use a derogatory short form. The origins of the short form, Xmas, are actually quite innocuous. But not so much any more.
For example, I actually rarely see xmas anymore, because of the stigma attached to it, but when I do it is being used quite purposefully and intentionally, by those who wish to avoid mentioning the name of Jesus. I’m not suggesting this is the case with yourself, just that as a communication professional I would expect some awareness on the cultural sensitivities of this issue. My apologies for seeming angry…I was not, just surprised.
MW: Re-read your comment and you’ll see pretty clearly that you didn’t just “seem” angry, and I doubt anyone would take what you said as you being surprised. Again, I meant no disrespect, and had no idea that “xmas” was seen by some as derogatory.
- MarkPretty disappointing off season so far, pretty easy to say we have got worse. Bullpen is way worse. Plus we lost our Ace for the second straight year……
Still early but not looking good. Another year of slow ticket sales at the Rogers Center…
- CartsFor Mark and his concern about Xmas: look up Xmas on Wikipedia and you’ll learn that X is an ancient abbreviation for the word Christ in Greek.
- kateCan someone explain why we didn’t try lind at first last year and why jp didn’t play more at the end? I don’t buy the whole play the guys for a contract somewhere else. At the place I work, they would have basically said screw you this is what we are doing. And I think we should let some rookie or a combination of rookies play second base and move Hill to third.
- SCOTWith so much coverage of the Yankees, Sox, Twins and Rangers, we don’t hear much about who are the other teams that are truly ready to compete for the wildcard over the next 2-3 year and who has the rotation with the largest potential? Certainly when one of the big guys fall, the Jays won’t be the only team there to grab the spot. Reading local coverage gives you the feeling that every mgmt group gets their fans to drink the kool-aid that they have the best prospects and are only a couple years away. Thanks for your insights as always and have a great xmas.
- BDDBruce
I can’t believe anybody would be offended by the abbreviation for Christmas.I find calling someone “dude” rather than their given name much more offensive.Lighten up Dude.Merry Xmas.
- DennisHave to agree with Mark’s assessment (comment #7). Wilner clearly knew what he was doing when he replaced the ‘x’.
As for the Jays, does anyone know what happens to the draft pick they acquired from the Angels for Scott Downs if they sign Beltre?
- BobbyGlad to see Eddie the hitter back. And glad that the Drabek plus whomever for Greinke trade talk has abated, especially if that whomever includes Snider. Actually, Drabek, though unproven, has stuff as good as Greinke anyway. And Greinke has had only one exceptional year. He’s not Roy Halladay and he shouldn’t command a Roy Halladay price.
- WillThe lack of action this off season demonstrates fully the con job Beeston and AA have been delivering to fans obn behalf of Rogers. While other teams are trying to get better the Jays are cutting costs further. They are about cheap summer programming for Rogers. Given Rogers owns the Jays and the fan Wilner is constrained in his comments. What is disgusting is McCown’s “man crush” on Beeston that he takes the kool aid from Beeston and AA while attacking others in his boorish manner.
- ModestprodigyMike….I sensed some apathy in the Jays towards the non-signing of Scott Downs. This guy was invaluable and arguably the best specialty/set-up man the last 4-5 years. For how he’s used, i don’t think his age is a factor, and his past injuries have been not arm woes..I’m already prepared to hear Chilliwack’s “Whatcha Gonna Do When I’m Gone” a lot during the 7th and 8th innings this season, unless they get another stud..One of the few oversights by AA, in my opinion.
- chris m.I don’t like the idea of EE coming back.
This team does not need any more players who hit home runs, but can’t get on base.
They need smarter, more talented hitters, not just guys who swing hard and strike out a lot.
Where is the balance in the lineup?
- NorthOfSteelesAs a Christian, I must defend your use of Xmas to abbreviate Christmas. In the Greek language the name of Christ is symbolized by the letter “X”. This is where the term Xmas originates. You did nothing wrong and showed no disrespect.
As for the Jays, I’m glad the Greinke trade never came off. He was not worth a boatload of prospects just for two years of his service. Living here in Ohio, I got a daily dose of the ongoing negotiations between the Tribe and Brewers when the Sabathia trade was made. The Brewers at the time were adamant about the fact they would not trade Lawrie or Escobar as they were untouchable. In the last two weeks they traded them both. Go figure.
- Jim in OhioNothing like being knee-jerk and ill-informed, Mark. The Christian church itself began using “X’ as an abbreviation for Christ’s name back in the 15th century. People who get incensed over that don’t even know the history of their own religion.
Love the EE signing! I hope the Jays can find a good third-base option without giving up the farm.
- Rob_NS@crazy Mark
Educate yourself. The x in xmas actually represents the cross. In the early days of Christianity it was used as a short form for Christ. Where is your Christmas spirit? I think you should apologize and send MW some cookies!
@MW
- Timmy PGreat column once again! I am really excited by what AA has been doing. Toronto finally has a GM who has an idea of how to build a winner. AA seems to be able to think outside the box and this latest signing is yet another example. The Leafs and Raptors management should take note! The “Brians” have much to learn from this talented young man. Keep up the good work double-A!
Mike,
Do you think either Josh Roenicke or Zach Stewart will be on the opening day roster?
Does Stewart project as a starter or reliever?
- Leafs Key ChainsHey Mike!
- RoryI hope you are enjoying your offseason (such as it is…). I don’t mind the EE re-acquire – perhaps it shows they are going to try to use Edwin to his strengths (offence, soft hands). I suppose my question is more about Tallet then. It seems he was slightly abused last year, but his numbers show that he would be great as a situational lefty (great numbers against left-handers, if I remember correctly). Couldn’t the Jays have resigned him to use him in a more appropriate role? Or would he have demanded too high a salary coming back to the team? Did they have no interest bringing him back, or did he not have interest coming back? Or was it just a case of moving forward for both (ie non-EE situation)?
Thanks Mike!
Hi Mike,
- ChuckI hope you get the opportunity to keep posting throughout the off-season — it is much appreciated. Meanwhile, there is word that Lind will be having some 1B training with the Jays coaching staff. Any word as to whether E5 (the tag is solidly ON now – deserved or not!) will also attend? Thanks!
Hi Mike,
I think that Lind should have platooned last year with Overbay. The only reason he didn’t was because Cito was being loyal to his veteran. It was AA’s responsiblity to speak to CIto and work that out.
Did you know that the current payroll is $2 million below the 2001 payroll. Obviously, Rogers is committed to spending the money when it makes sense. NEVER
Jonathan
- JonathanI like using EE and Lind at first. I just wish they had let Lind start his development at first last year down the stretch (more than the 8 or so games he got in) so we wouldn’t have to discover if he could play first this year. We’d already somewhat know.
The EE signing is great because they are only paying 2.5MM for a guy who has potential to be worth more than that. Would the Jays really rather pay Adam LaRoche or Derrick Lee many millions more, when we already know what they are going to be? Great signing I say.
- WAMCOwake up Alex. You are doing nothing while other teams are signing players. Jesse Crain has now signed with Chicago. It sure looks like you don’t want to sign or increase the payroll,and keep saying 2012 is the year. You should be trying to improve on last year. You have made no effort to try to catch the Red Sox or the Yankees. Do something. Give the fans something. You are sarting to look like Burke, all talk and no action
- AngeloYes, yes. I am aware of the historical origins of the x in xmas. Thank you everyone for the history lesson all the same. How this term was used in the past and how it is used now, are two totally different things. That is my point. “xmas” is used in 2010 by those who primarily wish to avoid using the name of Jesus. That is a fact. The history of the term does not have any significance in this discussion. I suppose that while we are using Wikipedia for our fact gathering (oh my) you would have read the stuff about how media outlets ban it’s use in their style guides. Mike works for a media corporation and should be aware of the taboo nature of this slang word, and that as a media professional, if he’s going to reference the Christian holiday, than to use the formal, accepted name. Also, when does Mike ever use slang anyways? Ever? That’s why I picked up on it, and that’s why I called him out. He calls people out all the time, I’m not sure how this is any different. Mike has already apologized, which I thank him for. I do apologize for making this a public discussion, I really should have just sent a private message to Mr. Wilner. I’m sorry. I hope this does not dampen anyone’s Christmas spirit. Happy Haliday’s everyone! ;)
- MarkMW,
Hi there. Quick comment. I keep hearing all the time from writers and broadcasters (probably yourself included) that whenever the Jays have Type A free agents they will receive two first rounders (That team’s own, and the sandwich pick) when they sign else where.
I would just like to point out, I’m not sure of the numbers but that probably happens less than 50% of the time. Picks 1-15 are protected, and if a team signs more than one Type A their first pick goes to the team whose Type A was ranked higher.
So for instance if the Angels go sign Adrian Beltre next week. The Angels keep their protected first pick, give their second pick to the Red Sox because Beltre is ranked higher, and the Jays would get their third.
I’m sure you already knew that, but long story short, I wish people in the media would either say ” The Jays could end up with 2 first rounders for a Type A”, or attach a really big “*” beside it.
Jamie
- JamieAlso,
If you are going to answer so few comments, please answer the ones on baseball, and dont both responding twice to the ones about holliday abbreviations.
Chistmas, xmas…Who gives a S#$%?
- Jamie@mark
wooooooooo I just wrote a bunch of christmas cards saying merry xmas and no one called me or email me saying how so offensive that was.
@mike I didn’t know that about edwin Encarnacion hitting 21 home runs thanks for that info. I think it would make alot more sense him being the dh. Why not keep him if he can do that with the stick and maybe put snider in the minors in my opinion I think they brought him up way too early give him a good solid season in the minors
- steveMike,
Any thoughts on the Grill Room coming to an end?
- Stevie H.“free of the concerns that he may well hospitalize a patron sitting down the first-base line”
Haha…
Now that Eddie’s playing at first, and a grounder comes to him with runners on first and second. Should patrons sitting down the third-base line be scared?? If Eddie decides for fire it to second to try and turn a double play, Snider better get his feet ready to fetch a wild throw right over Escobar’s head. Better yet, All infielders should pull a Johnny O and start wearing helmets when Eddie’s playing at first. I would pay to see that!!
- Antony Yang@mark
not to be too picky, but where does Jesus’ name appear in the work Christmas? The term Crist means ‘the annointed/chosen one’, and was not actually part of Joshua’s name (Jesus is Joshua translated into Greek).
I think EE will produce surprisingly well at the DH spot and will give fans an exciting 2011 season.
- FabioWhat about the fact that he is considered to be, for a lack of a better word Lazy. afterall wasent he sent down to AAA for dogging it down the first base line?? AA Shouldve just got Manny!
- Mahmoud