The Star: Bautista is the Jays' MVP
Posted: Fri May 21, 2010 5:45 pm
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While it’s clear Vernon Wells has been the Jays’ best player thus far in 2010, it can easily be argued that with the versatility he’s shown and the ability to fill in and adjust to various positions on the field and in the lineup, the team’s most valuable player is Jose Bautista.
“It’s obviously a huge asset for this ballclub to be able to trust in him to play two positions and play both really well,” Wells said of his 29-year-old teammate. “Offensively he’s kind of picking up where he left off in September. It’s been fun to watch.”
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“Most of the time I know the night before,” Bautista said of his position changes. “Like the other day there was a late change, but that happens. I prepare myself. It doesn’t matter. I’ll still have my same approach and still try and get on base and drive guys in when they’re out there.”
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“There’s times where you need the versatility to stay in the lineup,” Bautista said. “Basically it’s just adjusting to the timing of the game. The game’s a lot quicker when you’re in the infield than the outfield where you have more time to think, more time to react. When you get back to third base you feel like the game’s right on top of you. It’s the speed that makes the difference.”
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Wells is earning the millions he’s being paid. Alex Gonzalez has been playing shortstop beyond anyone’s expectations, but without the versatility and consistent production of Bautista, the Jays’ dominoes would have fallen around the diamond, leaving them in serious trouble.