Edwin Encarnacion’s Resurrection
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| Image courtesy of TSN.ca |
You know the old saying: if you’re indifferent about your third baseman, set him free. If he gets claimed off waivers and doesn’t come back to you, it never was. But if he comes back to you, then it was meant to be.
With that said, it looks like Edwin Encarnacion will be back as a Blue Jay after signing a one year deal to the tune of $2.5 million dollars. That’s at least $2.25 million less than the amount EE would’ve fetched in arbitration, and probably even more.
Obviously, bringing back Encarnacion wasn’t high on the priority list of the Blue Jays at the onset of the offseason, but now that the free agents and trade winds are dwindling, it looks like Alex Anthopoulos has reluctantly made a decision to give EE another shot.
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It was interesting to note the team said Encarnacion would not be playing third base, and instead will split time between first base and designated hitter. While an Adam Lind/Edwin Encarnacion platoon at first base isn’t exactly the best combination for stellar defense, at least it will allow the Blue Jays a little more flexibility in the infield.
Even if EE ends up being the full-time designated hitter, I don’t really find that a cause for concern because there’s already enough power in the heart of the Blue Jays lineup anyway. Just because Encarnacion’s slotted in as designated hitter doesn’t mean he needs to hit cleanup.
Edwin’s defense leaves something to be desired, but put him on the right side of the infield and I think the damage defensively should be minimized. And if it ends up being worse than anticipated, then John Farrell has the power to take the glove out of his hand entirely and put him at DH.
Frankly, at $2.5 million for 2011 and an option for 2012, the price is right on re-signing Edwin Encarnacion. Like I said earlier this week about Lyle Overbay, better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.
If anything, at least we get to listen to Buck Martinez pronounce EE’s last name as “ENCARNASHEEYONE” for another season.
I love his bat, I think there is another level for him if he is clear of the wrist injuries. He looks almost as quick through the zone as Bautista. For all the slamming he took for his arm (which still is correctable with footwork improvement, (the guy actually has a cannon), he showed a good glove with great reaction and range at third. And the guy isn't 28 yet.
Latino players thrive in Toronto. Many of them have expressed being more comfortable living in Toronto's varied and cosmopolitan cultural mix.
Case in point. When America damned near crucified Carlos Delgado for his respectful but unyielding stance against the Iraq war, Canadians understood where he was coming from. I would like to see the Jays bring Carlos back into the organization once he hangs them up. The man was a huge talent and a class act.
I think Toronto is the best place for Edwin. And I can see him playing his best baseball with the Jays.
I really like this signing.
Anon, no doubt EE takes a lot of flack for having bad defense. But like you said, he has pretty decent range, it's just that his arm can sporadic at times.
As far as Delgado goes, I wouldn't be surprised to see him back in the organization in some form or another in the future.