Blue Jays 1992 vs 2007 (Part 2 of 10)

First Base
In 1992 the helmet-wearing, former third round draft pick John Olerud manned the first base bag for Toronto. Olerud, 23, who had suffered a brain aneurysm while at Washington State University, was a top two-way player in college but had a sweet batting stroke that wowed scouts. He did not play a game in the minors for the Jays and hit .375 in six games after signing with the Jays in 1989. Three years later he batted .284 AVG/.825 OPS during the Jays’ regular run. He hit only 16 homers and drove in 66 runs, both well below average numbers for a first baseman. Olerud walked 70 times in 138 games. Olerud went on to hit more than .300 in the playoffs.

Other players who spend time at first base for Toronto in 1992 included Pat Tabler (34 games), Domingo Martinez (seven games), Joe Carter (four games), Ed Sprague (four games), Jeff Kent (three games), and Mike Maksudian (one game).

In 2007, first base will be manned by another first baseman known more for his line-drive swing than his power. Lyle Overbay, 30, had a solid first year for the Blue Jays and batted .312/.880. He drove in 92 runs and hammered 22 homers. Overbay also showed a knack for hitting doubles and finished the 2006 season with 46, while Olerud hit only 28 in 1992. Both Olerud and Overbay had .994 fielding percentages during their respective seasons.

Jason Phillips, Adam Lind, John Hattig and possibly Frank Thomas could see time at first base for the Blue Jays in 2007.  None of players mentioned should see extended playing time if an injury occurs to Overbay, although Lind is the best bet for the future.

Edge: Overbay (2007)