MLB 2011: Top Players from each team in American League – Part 2
The Toronto Blue Jays were expected to be a surprise package this season with the variety of players they possess in their bull-pen but none of these expectations were fulfilled and the Blue Jays are clearly out of contention for the playoffs this season.
They are placed fourth in the American League West division and are expected to end this campaign on the same position as the Baltimore Orioles, placed last in the division table, have shown no signs of improvement and the Tampa Bay Rays enjoy a comfortable
lead over the Blue Jays.
One player, however, who has not let his team’s lacklustre showing take over his personal performance, is Jose Bautista. The right-handed outfielder has been more than impressive this season and has replicated his home-run hitting form from last year into
this season.
Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Bautista emerged to the limelight suddenly last year after a pretty ordinary start to his professional career. His slugging last year earned him the Silver Slugger Award and he was voted into this year’s AL All-Star roster
with record-breaking votes in what was to be his first selection. Bautista, although failing to make an impact with the bat in the All-Star Game, impressed everyone by his famous diving catch which could have been a potential home-run.
He remains one of the best players in Toronto’s bull-pen with his domination on the plate and in the outfield. There is a possibility that teams might bid for the hard-hitting batter but Bautista found his playing style with the Blue Jays and is expected
to remain loyal to the team.
The Blue Jays can make a strong line-up around Bautista who has shown his flexibility by playing on third base, right field as well as Designated hitter.
This season has not been anything near a blessing for the Baltimore Orioles. They have probably reached the lowest point of the history in the Majors as they boast a win-loss record which is better than just the Houston Astros.
One player, however, has shined for the Orioles in this phase of darkness. Nick Markakis has been by far their best player this season and he has proved this with numerous stupendous performances on the plate and in the outfield.
The left-handed sensation has the best batting average in the entire bull-pen and has already scored more than 50 runs this season. Markakis is in touching distance of 500 career-runs and is expected to accomplish this sooner than later. He reached 1000
career-hits this season and this year is turning out to be a year of achievements for the player who is in his sixth year of professional baseball.
Although the Orioles do not have any farthest chance of making it through to the postseason this year, they do have a lot to learn from their mistakes this year. Ideally, Baltimore would want to devise a strong strategy for their next campaign with Markakis
at the core of their planning. If the team manages to do a decent job around the star player, better results can be expected from the team.
The Orioles, in a tactical move, have signed a three-year contract with J.J. Hardy. This signing assures that the shortstop would not be leaving the Orioles till at least July 31 next year, which is the midseason trade deadline. This will give Baltimore
ample time to devise a winning-startegy.
Continued in Part 3
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Tags: