The conditions are simple: The players must have had an impact regardless of how long they have played with the Blue Jays, and we must have no more than four reserves for the outfield and infield positions. Only one backup DH and catcher. The starting rotation will consist of 6 pitchers and a starter could end up being named as a long relief pitcher if he didn't make the starting rotation cut on my list. Here is the list:
Starting Catcher- Pat Borders- This was a bit of a close call over Russel Martin, but Pat Borders played more years with the Blue Jays and at a younger age compared to when Russel Martin joined the Blue Jays as veteran. Pat Borders had a good arm behind the plate to throw out potential base stealers and his crowning achievement was being on the two world Series teams and being named the 92 World Series MVP.
Backup Catcher- Russel Martin- He can be referred to as the man that helped end the longest playoff droughts in the last 25 years in Major League Baseball. He helped Pittsburgh end it's 22 year playoff drought in 2013. His batting average has dropped over the last couple years and he came to the Blue Jays late in his career and his career at this point looks to be over in the next couple years.
Staring infield-
1st Base- Carlos Delgado- The Blue Jays had no shortage of great first baseman. John Olerud and Edwin Encarnacion come to mind as great Blue Jays first basemen. But Carlos Delgado had to take this one due to his combined power and batting average as well as patience at the plate. While not as good a fielder as Olerud was, he was a solid everyday starter at first base. Is the only Blue Jay player to hit 4 home runs in a game.
2nd Baseman- Roberto Alomar- Five years, five gold gloves, five all-star appearances. Had tremendous speed, hit well for average and had possibly the best fielding range of any second baseman during his era. His best moments include a game tying home run off Dennis Eckersley in the 1992 ALCS game 4, and an amazing diving catch in Game 1 of the 93 World Series to rob Lenny Dykstra (would be MVP if the Phillies won) of a sure base hit.
3rd Basemen- Josh Donaldson- I don't think I have seen any other Blue Jays player outside of Joe Carter to help reinvigorate a franchise quite like Josh Donaldson has. His first two years as a Blue Jay resulted in winning Season MVP honours over Mike Trout and 2 straight ALCS appearances. Was the catalyst of a potent Blue Jays offense and is a 30 home run- 100 RBI threat every year he has played in Toronto. It doesn't stop there as Donaldson comes up with a clutch play to help the Blue Jays win like he did in game 3 of the ALDS against Texas.
Shortstop- Tony Fernandez- Was an excellent defender on the field and helped the Blue Jays to the 93 World series. Also had good batting average for the Blue Jays and was capable of swiping a bag or two here or there. But it will always be his defensive range that I will remember him for. Not many ground balls could escape the infield between 2nd and 3rd when Tony Fernandez was at Shortstop.
Backup Infielders- John Olerud, Orlando Hudson, Troy Tulowitzki , Kelly Gruber
John Olerud was the only Blue Jay to win a batting title in 93 and had good fielding range and won 2 World Series. Orlando Hudson was the second best Second basemen the Blue Jays had and won one Gold Glove for his defense. Troy Tulowitzki was a key upgrade over Jose Reyes at shortstop and helped the Blue Jays to the playoffs when he came in 2015. Kelly Gruber is a sentimental favourite of mine and played well for the Blue Jays for a few seasons at third.
Honorable Mention- Ryan Goins, Fred McGriff, Aaron Hill.
Starting Outfield
Right Field- Jose Bautista- This was an easier choice and the Blue Jays had some honorable mentions in the outfield to. And no, despite the fact that he played a few years in Right field, Joe Carter has been listed as a Left Fielder (more on him in a bit). Bautista was a consistent 30 home run and 100 RBI threat and had one of the best throwing arms in the outfield. His fielding was decent and his crowning moment was the home run and bat flip in the 2015 ALDS against the Texas Rangers.
Centre Fielder- Devon White- 5 Gold gloves, 2 World Series and one all star appearance as a Blue Jay. Was usually lead off hitter with good batting average and capable of hitting 15 home runs and 60 plus RBIs and scoring runs, and with his speed was a consistent base stealing threat. Usually didn't see him dive or slide for pop flies as he able to snag a pop fly on his feet with ease. His batting average in the playoffs during his stay with the Blue Jays was .336 which was better than his regular season average. Devon was key contributor in the post season.
Left Fielder- Joe Carter- He just had to be in the starting outfield. I recall him playing Right Field more often than Left, but I had to make sure he was in the starting rotation with Bautista on my list. Joe was Mr. Clutch for the Blue Jays as no other player I could think of came up with the Big plays more than Joltin Joe did. Was the first Blue Jay player to hit a home run in the World Series (and RBI) was the first to hit a home run on Canadian Soil in the World Series (and first RBI) and was involved in the final play of both of the Blue Jays world Series wins. The most notable play was the 93 World Series walk off home run.
Reserve Outfielders- George Bell, Vernon Wells, Shawn Green, Jesse Barfield
George Bell and Jesse Barfield were before my time, and they played in what was considered a very strong outfield with Lloyd Moseby during the 1980s. George Bell won the 1987 regular season MVP. Vernon Wells was a consistent pick to win a Gold Glove when he was the Blue Jays centre fielder, but may have been overpaid late in his tenure and was then traded. Shawn Green was slowly becoming a consistent 30 home run 30 stolen base threat when he left in free agency in 1999.
Honorable Mentions- Lloyd Moseby, Kevin Pillar, Raul Mondesi, Shannon Stewart
Designated Hitter- Edwin Enarnacion- Played first base, but was more well known as a DH. Was probably the best run producer the Blue Jays had in the 2010s and this is with a team that consists of Josh Donaldson and Jose Bautista. Consistently a threat for 40 home runs and 100 or more RBIs. The home run in the 2016 AL Wild Card game was arguably his greatest moment.
Reserve DH- Paul Molitor- Consistent with the bat, had a 22 home run and 22 stolen base season in 1993 with a 200 plus hit season and a .326 batting average (2nd that season to Olerud in the American League). Played even better in the post season with a World Series MVP to his credit.
Honorable Mention- Dave Winfield
Starting Pitching-
1. Roy Halladay- RIP Doc. You are the opening day starter in my opinion even over Roger Clemens due to the fact that Clemens only played two seasons to Roy's 11. Consistent threat for a Cy Young award and was usually among the leaders for Innings pitched each year. Just missed out on pitching no hitters until he was traded to Philly where he pitched a perfect game in just his second month there.
2. Roger Clemens- In two seasons in Toronto, Roger Clemens won the pitching triple crown (lead league in wins, ERA, and strike outs) both years and the AL Cy Young award for best pitcher. His two years lead to a career renaissance of sorts. But unhappy with the lack of success with the team, he asked for a trade after the second season of a 4 year deal he signed.
3. Dave Steib- Was a model of consistency for the Blue Jays pitching during the 1980s. Only one pitcher won more games than he did in the 1980s and that would be Jack Morris (also a Blue Jay in 92-93, but not on this list). Pitched the only Blue Jays no hitter, and was able to finish games he started win or lose.
4. Jimmy Key- The only left hander in this rotation. Would average 14 wins a season and would eat up more than 200 innings consistently as well. Could be relied on for a solid start when he pitched.
5. Pat Hentgen- The only Cy Young award winner outside of Halladay and Clemens. His best years in the 90s saw him consistently pitch 200 innings or more, and pitch 19 wins or more seasons at least twice. Was an innings eater, but his ERA could have been better which is why he ends up in the 5th spot.
6th (spot starts)- Marcus Stroman- The only current starting pitcher I can put on this list. I don't think anyone has the desire to compete and win like Stroman does. His size has me wondering if he can be consistent for as long as some of the other pitchers on this list were.
Honorable Mentions- Juan Guzman, Aaron Sanchez, Todd Stottlemyre, David Wells.
Relief Pitching-
Long relief- David Wells- Was more well known as a starter, but also pitched relief during the first World Series run thanks to the signing of Jack Morris and sudden emergence of Juan Guzman. Was one of the four pitchers to win 20 games for the Blue Jays in a season which is why I picked him for long relief.
Middle Relief- Brett Cecil and Paul Quantrill- I think the Blue Jays missed Cecil a little during the 2017 season as they hadn't a better left handed relief pitcher over the last few years. Paul Quantrill was consistent during his stay with the Blue Jays to eat up some of the middle relief innings. Outside of Guzman and Hentgen, the starting pitching in Toronto was horrid in 1996 and it reflected on Quantrill's numbers negatively. His numbers after were much better and he wasn't used as much as a spot starter and was transferred to the bullpen where he pitched well.
7th inning- Roberto Osuna and Mike Timlin- Maybe down the road, Osuna will be known as the best closer in Blue Jays history. But now it is too soon to tell. He is able to strike out batters consistently and when he gets on a roll, he can't be hit. However, he is streaky and sometimes can blow a few save opportunities in a row. Mike Timlin was better after he left Toronto and won two more World Series in Boston. He was a good relief pitcher in Toronto and that can't be taken away from him.
Setup man- Duane Ward- Any fan of the late 80s and early 90s Blue Jays can see where I am going with the Closer spot. Duane Ward closed out many games during that time period and was excellent strike out pitcher. He took the closing spot for good in 1993 after the following man left for Texas.
Closer- Tom Henke- The Terminator was his nickname as he was able to finish out games consistently without blowing an opportunity. However, he was known to get off to a slow start each season which is why Duane Ward was often the closer early in the season during his stay.
Honorable Mentions- Casey Janssen, Mark Eichorn.
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