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)

Candy Maldonado was another smart acquisition by Toronto
General Manager Pay Gillick. Maldonado, 31 in 1992, was acquired midway through
the 1991 season from the Milwaukee Brewers where he was struggled offensively
while experiencing limited playing time. The Jays parted with two minor league
players (William Suero and Bob Wishnevski). Suero had 30
career MLB at-bats, while Wishnevski never made it out of the minors. However,
he holds the Arizona Fall League record for saves (12) and spent time in Japan.
Maldonado, on the other hand, revived his career and had a solid season in 1992
when he batted .272/.819. Defensively, he played 132 games in the outfield,
mostly in left field, and had a .978 field percentage. Maldonado’s 20 homers
helped to create protection for John Olerud in the lineup.

After 1993, Joe Carter’s importance
to the Blue Jays’ post-season exploits could never be questioned. But his
walk-off World Series winning home run off Phillies’ Wild Thing Mitch Willams
(you know, that homer that still gives you goose bumps) was not his only
contribution. Carter also hit .273 with two home runs in the 1992 World Series
versus Atlanta.
Originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs second overall in 1981, Joseph Chris
Carter made a name for himself as a Cleveland Indians’ slugger. But the
blockbuster trade from San Diego to Toronto (along with Roberto Alomar for fan favourites Tony Fernandez and Fred McGriff) began a journey that saw him become a household
name in Canada.
In 1992, Carter, 32, solidified the No. 3 hole in the lineup with 34 homers, drove
in 119 runs and he batted .264/.807. He also possessed some speed (he was a
former four-time 20/20 and one-time 30/30 player) and he swiped 12 bags in
1992. Carter spent the majority of his time in right field in 1992, made eight
errors and had a .971 fielding percentage.

Other players who spent time in
the outfield in 1992 included Derek Bell, Dave Winfield, Canadian Rob Ducey,
Turner Ward and Pat Tabler. Bell,
an up-and-coming rookie, received the most playing time and appeared in 56
games (24 in left, 18 in centre and 15 in right). Interestingly enough, none of
the five part-timers made an error that season.

Rios, 26, was in the midst of a
breakout season in 2006 when a staph infection effectively ruined the second
half of his season, although he was looking good again in September. In each of
his three seasons, his home run totals increased (from one to 10 to 17) and his
slugging percentage has increased from .383 to .397 to .516. Rios will need
that extra power if he is going to stay in right field… and the seven-year
contract Wells signed would seem to indicate that. With Wells in centre and
Rios in right, the Jays will have one of their best defensive outfields ever,
as Rios was an above-average center fielder in the minors. He was a surprise 19th
overall pick in the 1999 draft, but Rios has certainly proved to be more than a
“signability pick” and should continue to develop into a dangerous hitter.

Reed Johnson was a little known
prospect in with only 70 games above A-ball when he was thrust onto the Jays’
roster and never looked back. Johnson, 30, was drafted the same year as Rios.
However, the Cal State Fullarton sparkplug was taken in the 17th
round and was viewed as a long shot. Through hard work and determination
though, Johnson transformed his career into a starting left fielder on a Major
League team trying to make the playoffs. He lacks the power for a corner
outfielder, but Wells makes up for that in centre, which allows Johnson to
focus on doing what he does best: igniting the offence. Johnson may not
duplicate his line of .319 .390 .479, but you can expect him to continue
to be a thorn in the sides of opposing pitchers. He can also play all three
outfield positions.

The Jays lack some depth in the
outfield. Veteran Matt Stairs, 39, figures to be the Jays “fourth outfielder”
although he only played 18 games in the outfield the last two years. Top
prospect Adam Lind, 23, should also see some time in the majors this year,
although he must be at the top of his game to play even an average left field.
The Jays signed a couple of minor league veterans (Mike Vento and Jeff Duncan)
who could find their way to the 40-man roster, should the Jays have long-term
injury problems in the outfield.

Other players who appeared at shortstop for the 1992 Jays
included Alfredo Griffin and the ill-fated 1989 first round draft pick Eddie
Zosky.

The 2007 Blue Jays do not appear to have a man earmarked for
the short stop position and it could very well come down to whomever plays the
best in spring training. John McDonald, 32, is the incumbent, having played 90
games at short for the Jays in 2006. He is no offensive stud, but his glove and
arm are above average. Last season he made an uncharacteristically high number
of errors (14) and his field percentage was only .960. Offensively in 2006,
McDonald hit a paltry .223/.579.

Veteran Royce Clayton appears to be the man who will
threaten McDonald’s playing time. Clayton, 37, is another solid defensive
player, although age has deteriorated his skills to the point where he may be
just average. In 2006 for both Washington and Cincinnati, Clayton
allowed 16 errors and posted a .966 fielding percentage in 129 games.
Offensively, Clayton hit .258/.648, a modest upgrade from McDonald.

Rule 5 draftee Jason Smith will also have a shot at spending
significant time at shortstop for the Jays in 2007. Smith, 30, is not your
typical Rule 5 pick. He has played parts of six seasons in the majors with
Chicago (NL), Tampa Bay, Detroit and – most recently – Colorado.
Smith was originally drafted in 1996 by the Cubs in the 26^th round.
His career numbers are .230/.655 and he is best known for having above-average
power, but below-average ability to make contact. Smith, traditionally a
utility player, has a career .955 fielding percentage at shortstop. Recently
acquired (off waivers from Cincinnati)
Ray Olmedo could also see his fair share of time at short stop, if he has a
solid spring. Olmedo did not have much opportunity in the majors with the Reds
the last three years, but he has a little speed, a solid glove and reasonable
patience at the plate. He lacks power, though.

The Jays are somewhat thin when it comes to shortstop depth
in the minors. Former first round pick Sergio Santos – obtained from Arizona in the Orlando
Hudson deal – has been an offensive bust at triple-A (.214/.553 in 2006) but is
still only 23. Ryan Klosterman will man the position for double-A New Hampshire
in 2007. The 24-year-old has speed (72-for-81 in steals in his career) and
above-average pop. However, his defence is inconsistent, as is his ability to make
contact. Many scouts project him to be a solid utility player, but not a
starting shortstop.

Edge: Manuel Lee (1992)

Jeff Kent saw action at third base
for the Jays, playing in 49 games. He made 10 errors and posted a .915 fielding
percentage, which probably helped General Manager Pat Gillick decide he was not the third baseman
of the future and made him expendable. Tom Quinlan, brother of the Angels’ Robb
Quinlan, appeared in 13 games at third base. Both Ed Sprague and Pat Tabler
appeared at the position for one game.

Troy Glaus’ batting average is not
always a great deal higher than Gruber’s was in 1992, but the current Jays’
third baseman has serious power, plays hurt and is a great guy to have up when
the game is on the line (104 RBI). In 2006, Glaus hit .252/.868 with 38 homers.
As well, Glaus, 30, walked three times more than Gruber did in 1992. The
former college standout came to Toronto with a reputation for poor range and below average skills at third base, but he
erased those thoughts by mid-season. Glaus showed solid range, good reactions
and a strong throwing arm. The only real knock on Glaus is his inability to
remain healthy for an entire season. However, he stuck it out in 2006 and
managed to appear in 153 games, including a 145 at third base, where he made 14 errors
and posted a .963 fielding percentage.

Other players who appeared at
third base for the Blue Jays in 2006 included Shea Hillenbrand (17), Eric
Hinske (10), John Hattig (10) and John McDonald (2). In 2006, Hattig figures to
see some time at third base, along with McDonald, Jason Smith and possibly Rob
Cosby, although he was recently removed from the 40-man roster.

Edge: Glaus (2007)

Jeff Kent appeared in 17 games at
second base for the Jays in 1992 before he was shipped off to the New York Mets
in the David Cone deadline deal. Utility man Alfredo Griffin, 34, in his second
tour of duty with the Jays, also managed to appear at second base 16 times,
mostly as a late-game sub in blowout situations.

It is never easy replacing a
fan-favorite and doing it as a second-year player learning a new position is
all the more difficult, but Aaron Hill had a solid 2006 season, laying hope
that he will offer stability to the position that has been in a state of flux
since Alomar departed. Hill, 25, had a tough start to the year, batting
.210/.468 in March and April before he hit .375/.775, .392/.709, .415/.804,
.270/.468 and .400/.800 in the subsequent five months. Hill will never be as
flashy as Orlando Hudson, but the former shortstop and first round pick has solid range and a plus arm
for his new position. Offensively, Hill looks to be a solid No. 2 hitter with
plus makeup. Hill can likely match Alomar’€™s power numbers from 1992, but the
Jays current second baseman will never steal many bases, especially under the
current regime.

Backing up Hill will likely be a
combination of Russ Adams, John McDonald, Ray Olmedo and Rule 5 pick Jason
Smith. Triple-A second baseman Ryan Roberts could also see some time, if he has
a strong Spring Training and/or start to the season.

Edge: Alomar (1992)

Secondary Stats:
Vs Left: .341
Vs Right: .198
Bases Empty: .259
Runners On: .291
Scoring Position: .287
WHIP: 1.28
GO/AO: 2.21

Notes: MacDonald carved up hitters in the low minors despite less-than-stellar stuff. Many thought he would struggled in his first tasted of double-A, but he did not. MacDonald is probably better-suited for the pen because he needs good location to survive and his fastball is well below average. He averaged more than two ground balls per fly ball in 2006.

Secondary Stats:
Vs Left: .320
Vs Right: .300
Bases Empty: .276
Runners On: .357
Scoring Position: .406
WHIP: 1.41
GO/AO: 1.90

Notes: Litsch tries to be too fine at times. He has moved move quickly since signing as a draft-and-follow out of junior college. However, he hit a wall in double-A as he learned he cannot be in the strike zone so much against better hitters. The Rockies tried to sign Litsch as 37th round draft-and-follow in 2003 and considered redrafting him before the Jays took him. He overmatched Appalachian League hitters in his debut with four pitches and excellent control. Litsch goes straight after hitters with 88-92 mph fastball, 84-86 mph slider, which has plus potential, and a fading change. He also has a solid-average curveball. He is aggressive but tries to be too fine at times. Needs to through more on a downward plane. Litsch appears to have similarities to Syracuse pitcher Josh Banks.

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)

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)

Secondary Stats:
Vs Left: .308
Vs Right: .291
Bases Empty: .271
Runners On: .333
Scoring Position: .323
WHIP: 1.61
GO/AO: 1.45

Notes: Hill is a sinker/slider pitcher who doesn’t strike out many guys. He needs to allow fewer hits and his GO/AO was only 1.39 in 2006, which is a bad sign as he faces better opposition. Hill was a senior sign out of college and was expected to move quickly but hasn’t. He has a medium, compact, athletic frame with broad shoulders. He utilizes a three-quarter arm angle and his fastball has riding life with occasional sink. Hill is aggressive and not afraid to pitch inside. He flashes a quality three-quarter tilt slider, with tight, sharp break. Hill is a good athlete. He looked over-matched at double-A but there was some thought that he was pitching hurt.