With his 43rd home run of the season, a 3 run shot in the 6th inning last night against Tampa Bay Rays reliever Lance Cormier, Bautista took another step closer to the Blue Jays record books, chasing down George Bell’s 23 year old record of 47 home runs in a season set back in 1987. While most of the other Jays batting records are safe, Carlos Delgado’s .664 slugging percentage in the 2000 season could also be in jeopardy, as Bautista currently sits at .623 on the year.
In what has been an up and down year for the boys in blue, Bautista has been a consistent presence both on the field and at the plate. He’s acted as a mentor and leader for the younger guys, especially players like Yunel Escobar. Essentially, he’s doing what Vernon Wells is being paid to do.
Continuing at this pace, 50 home runs and 120 RBI is not out of the question for the 29 year old slugger. Arbitration eligible at the end of the season, he could be in for a big raise before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2012. So if you’re Alex Anthopolous, you have a major decision to make. What do you do with Jose Bautista?
On one side of the coin, he’s having an amazing year for the club, is a good locker room guy and a good face for the franchise. On the other, he has never hit this well in his career. Could we be looking at a Brady Anderson type situation? Anderson hit 50 home runs in the 1996 season, but never hit more than 24 in a season at any other point in his career.
Or, could we be looking at another Vernon Wells? Wells had a few productive seasons prior to signing his long-term contract extension that pays him in the neighborhood of $20 million per season, but has faltered and slowed down at the plate since then. His best season since the contract was his injury-shortened 2008 season that saw him hit 20 home runs and compliment that with a .300 average.
At this point it is likely that an arbitrator would award Bautista something in the area of $10 million for next season, which is probably the best-case scenario for the Jays at this juncture. Reward him for his efforts and for, quite frankly, putting asses in the seats at Rogers Centre, but don’t commit any long term money until you can truly evaluate his performance next season.
Bautista’s dream season could be a one off, or it could be the start of several productive years as he enters the prime of his career. As the rebuild looks towards 2012 and beyond, Bautista could be a great player to have and to build the offense around while guys like Lind, Arencibia and Snider develop. However, we have seen what throwing around big money can do to a club that is not prepared to handle it, as we’ve watched players like Wells and Rios get big paydays and struggle afterwards.
Ultimately we as fans do have to trust in Jays management, as both Ricciardi and Anthopolous are largely responsible for the outright thefts of players like Bautista, Escobar and Morrow from other clubs, as well as showing an increased commitment to drafting and developing prospects like Stewart, Arencibia, Cooper, McGuire and more. If they feel it’s best to walk away from what could be a major expenditure in Bautista, then we have to have faith that they are doing the right thing.
Hopefully they give him the chance to prove that this season was no fluke, as I’m sure I’m not the only one who wants to see him in the lineup on opening day next spring.
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Born and raised in Northern Ontario but currently living in Toronto, Tyler wouldn't have it any other way. Home to his two favourite sports teams, Tyler revels in the day to day sports experience that is Toronto. 
Never thought I’d see Bell’s record possibly fall, and by a guy with a journeyman. It’s been a wild year.
He sure kicks the Tigers all over the place that’s for sure. He’d look good with the white D on his cap next year.
Doubtful. I think AA will resign him, even if it does come at eight figures. While I think they realyl should cash in on his career year, having a cleanup hitter teaming up with Wells is good to watch.
Imagine how the team would turn out without Bautista delivering his career year?
The baseball “experts” picking the Jays fifth might have been right.
5th place indeed. Pfft.
This is probably one of the most surprising seasons of the year. We lose a star in Halladay and promptly get one back in Bautista.