Where the Jays Stand – Designated Hitter

Call it the Jays’ “steak or burger” position. The steak is David Ortiz, whose age, inflexibility, potential for injury and probable price tag make him a risky proposition as a free agent, but one whose boffo 2011 numbers might help convince suitors that it’s a risk worth taking. The burger is Edwin Encarnacion, a versatile, younger, inexpensive option who is already locked in for 2012 and is coming off an altogether solid (though unspectacular) 2011 campaign. Let’s have a closer look at the DH spot, shall we? The 2011 Guy(s) Starter: Edwin Encarnacion Back-Up: Adam Lind, Mark Teahen Waiting in the Wings: Moises Sierra? How Did The Jays Fare? Before the 2011 season, GM Alex Anthopoulos told Encarnacion that he would be getting 500 at-bats, with most coming as the team’s designated hitter. This was undoubtedly perplexing to Jays’ fans who had seen the Dominican slugger hit just .244 (.305 OBP) over 332 forgettable at-bats in 2010 and wondered why there was a need to reward him with 16...