Blue Jays 1992 vs 2007 (Part 1 of 10)

There is a reason why sports teams play the games, instead of simply flying into the playoffs at the beginning of the season. You cannot predict the outcome of the season unless you play the games. No one predicted the Detroit Tigers would knock the New York Yankees out of the first round of the playoffs and make it into the World Series, let alone play .500 ball. No one outside of Boston was heavily favouring the Red Sox to break the curse in 2004. Or how about the Marlins of 2003? That is the magic of professional baseball.

Anyone can look at the Toronto Blue Jays’ off-season and say it was a disappointment. Quite possibly it looks a little more disappointing than it actually was, simply because of how active – and successful – the Jays were the previous off-season when they landed A.J. Burnett, B.J. Ryan, Lyle Overbay and Troy Glaus. But teams, aside from those in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, cannot afford to sign the cream of the free agent crop each and every year.

Admittedly, the year 1992 was a different story for fans in Toronto. The Blue Jays were at the top of the heap in the American League. They had a $49.4 million payroll, while the New York Yankees – still mired in mediocrity from the ‘80s – had a payroll of only $34.9 million. In fact, Toronto had the highest payroll in baseball, with Oakland in second place at roughly $48 million. The Jays were big spenders in the free agent market and General Manager Pat Gillick was known for moving prospects at the July trade deadline to acquire the missing pieces of the puzzle. A strong farm system, helped by the unique ability to scout top Latin talent, played a huge role in the big club’s successes. And it did not hurt that many free agents saw Toronto as a great place to play, for many of the above reasons.

It has been 15 years since the Toronto Blue Jays departed on the 1992 season, which as we all know, was the beginning of the most exciting year in the history of Canadian baseball. It culminated with the Jays knocking off the Philadelphia Phillies and bringing the World Series title north of the border for the first time in the storied history of Major League Baseball.

So, how does today’s Jays’ team compare to the historical 1992 version 15 years later? Let’s find out.

Catching
In 1992, an Ohio native by the name of Pat Borders could be found squatting behind the plate night-in-and-night-out for 138 games. Offence was not his strength. He managed a .242 batting average, an OPS of .675, 13 home runs and 53 RBI. Behind the plate, Borders, 29, had a .991 fielding percentage but allowed 11 passed balls. In the post-season, Borders went on to hit .318/.775 in the ALCS and .450/1.250 in the World Series. He was named the World Series MVP for his efforts.

The back-up catchers on the 1992 Blue Jays did not see a lot of action. Greg Myers, 26, appeared in 22 games and batted .230/.656. Randy Knorr, 23, appeared in eight games and .263/.721. Ed Sprague saw time at a variety of positions, including 15 games as a catcher. Overall, the 24-year-old utility player hit .234/.620.

In 2007, Gregg Zaun is expected to see the majority of playing time. In 2006, while platooning with Bengie Molina, Zaun hit .272/.825 in 99 games. He produced 12 homers and 40 RBI in roughly 200 at-bats less than Borders. Six years older than Borders, Zaun’s numbers could decline in 2007, although offensively he should do no worse than Borders circa 1992. Zaun also has shown a willingness to take the free pass, with 41 walks in 2006. Borders managed only 33 in his campaign. Defensively, Zaun had a fielding percentage of .994 with four passed balls. The 36-year-old catcher is also known for being a vocal leader in the clubhouse and on the field.

Veteran Jason Phillips appears set to see the majority of time backing up Zaun in 2007. Phillips, 30, has a career average of .254 in more than 1200 at-bats for Toronto, Los Angeles (NL) and New York (NL). In 25 games for Toronto in 2006, he batted .250/.650. He has power, limited speed and can play a respectable first base. He has a career fielding percentage behind the plate of .995 and .993 at first base. Prospect Curtis Thigpen and defensive specialist Erik Kratz will be waiting in the wings in Syracuse, along with recently signed veteran catcher Sal Fasano.

Edge: Zaun/Phillips (2007)

Next up: John Olerud vs Lyle Overbay (First Base)