Friday, October 14, 2016

All Time Best: Jays and Expos

I was trying to figure out what to title this.. 

This post is about the best players at each position who suited up for the Jays or Expos. I do not include the Nationals in there.

I picked three starting pitchers, one closer, and one player per position. In most cases I also included players I also considered in the process..

Starting Pitchers:


Team leader in WAR (57.4), Wins (175), Ks (1658), Starts (408), Complete Games (103) and Shutouts (30), Team's only No-Hitter

He started out as an outfielder and converted to pitcher in Dunedin. He also is a member of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.



Second in Jays history in WAR (48.5), Wins (148), Ks (1495), Shutouts (15), and third in Complete Games (49)
Lead the league in Innings Pitched four times

Halladay became dominant after being sent to the minors to completely rework his mechanics. 


First in WAR (45.3), Wins (158), Ks (1621), Starts (393), Complete Games (129), and Shutouts (37)
He also lead the Expos in losses, a result of being on some very bad teams.
He twice lead the league in losses
He improved once he had bone spurs removed from this elbow.
Elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.

Others Considered:

Pat Hentgen, Dennis Martinez, Pedro Martinez

Closer:


Leader in Saves (217) and Games Finished (386)
Elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011

The Terminator came to Toronto from Texas. I give him the edge over the other Terminator, Jeff Reardon, because of length of service (8 years vs 6) 


Catcher:


I don't think there's really any competition. Played in Montreal at the beginning and end of his career, Carter was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2003.
Elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001

First Base:


Jays leader in Doubles, Home Runs, and Runs Batted In.
Elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015

Also considered: John Olerud

Second Base:


Second in Stolen Bases
Elected to the Hall of Fame in 2011. 
Elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010.

Second Base has been somewhat of a revolving door for Both teams. No Blue Jay has 1000 games at second, while Jose Vidro has 900+ for Montreal. 

Others Considered: Vidro

Third Base:


All time Expos leader in Hits, Doubles, and RBI.
Elected to Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.

Third Base has also been somewhat of a revolving door. Wallach played 13 seasons for Montreal. In Toronto, Kelly Gruber and Ed Sprague tied with 6 seasons. 

Others Considered: Gruber, Larry Parrish

Shortstop:


Franchise leader in Hits, and Triples.
Elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008.

He spent four separate tours with the Jays. 

Shortstop has been traditionally a defensive position. Other long-term players include Alfredo Griffin, Chris Speier, and Orlando Cabrera. 

Left Field:


Franchise Leader in Runs Scored, Triples, Base on Balls, Stolen Bases, and Singles

Elected to Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013.

One of the better players in the 1980s. He's 5th all time in Stolen Bases.
Others Considered: George Bell

Centre Field:


Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010.
Elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004.

Second in Franchise Home Runs, and RBI


Others Considered: Vernon Wells, Devon White

Right Field:


I think this may be my main choice that people will have issue with.
I was seriously thinking about Vladimir Guerrero here but I think either choice works. 

Bautista made his career in Toronto, going from utility player to Home Run champion. 

Others Considered: Vladimir Guerrero, Joe Carter, Larry Walker. 

I think next one I do is the best Canadian Born Player for each position.









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