Blue Jays 1992 vs 2007 (Part 7 of 10)

Designated Hitter:

Dave Winfield spent only one season in Toronto but he had a profound impact on the lineup, in the clubhouse and in the media, as he encouraged traditionally-sedate Jays’ fans to be more vocal in support of the team. In 1992, after coming over from the California Angels for ‘measly’ $2.3 million as a free agent, Winfield hit .290 .377 .491. He added 26 homers and 108 RBI at the age of 40, while walking 82 times and striking out only 89 times. Winfield won his first World Series – in his 19th MLB season – and appeared in the post season for the first time since 1981 with the New York Yankees (They lost to the Dodgers). In 1992, he played 130 games at designated hitter and 26 games in the outfield, where he did not commit in error while making 52 putouts. Winfield batted clean-up the majority of the time, sandwiched between Joe Carter and John Olerud. He was only the ninth highest paid player on the Jays that year, but Winfield’s impact in the clubhouse was a huge difference maker in turning a group of talent, young ballplayers into World Champions.

Frank Thomas is somewhat similar to Winfield because he is a prodigious slugger, who is nearing the end of an illustrious career. Thomas’ track record of being a good clubhouse guy has been marred by some tough years in Chicago, but by most accounts he had a very positive impact in the Oakland clubhouse in 2006. After battling injuries for a number of years, Thomas, 39, put up impressive numbers last season and hit .270 .381 .545 with 39 homers and 114 RBI. The Jays took a huge gamble by giving him a two-year, $18 million contract. He doesn’t run well at all, but Thomas walked 81 times last season, while also striking out 81 times. He has walked more than 100 times on 10 occasions in his 17 year big league career, including eight straight years from 1991-1998. Thomas will serve as insurance in the lineup for Vernon Wells, which should have a positive impact on the Jays’ highest paid player. In turn, Troy Glaus will offer Thomas excellent protection.

Edge: Dave Winfield (1992 – for his durability and clubhouse presence)