Jose Bautista appreciation thread.

[RealAccountant]

I remember watching a game in 2009, before 10 homers in September. At that time he was practically like JR. Lake was this year.

 

But not really... he worked the count and was drawing walks. I appreciated that, from a bench player. Then when he became a star he continued drawing walks and led the league in walks a couple of times. This was no Joe Carter.

 

I also recall a game in 2008 in which Bautista was a late inning replacement this was after Cito replaced Gibbons I think I think it was an extra innings game

[dineke]

probably a better chance he comes back than EE now that his value has diminished.

[Joshtowers]

Someone hold me.

 

OK fine

[Driveof85]

Love Bautista. One of the all time greats. Definite level of excellence. Love his big personality too. Game needs more stars with flair like him. Too many boring pc players these days.

[Jonn]

It goes without saying but Jose Bautista had a phenomenal Blue Jays career and run from 2010-16. He was incredibly fun to watch and his story was amazing. I loved his attitude and everything he stood for. I often disagreed with what he said but he is a passionate guy and you have to take the good with the bad.

 

He will be qualified and if accepts I would be happy to have him transition to 1B or possibly be the everyday DH. But he's not a major league Outfielder. His biggest weapon his arm is gone. I think he would make a very good transition to 1B but I don't know if he's open to it.

 

Will see what happens but I loved the guy. He is one of the best players to put on the uniform.

[Gen.Disarray]

Bautista throwing out Butler at first and then Infante the next day. Ridiculous

[Inklink]

Jays legend. Has his quirks, but that's how he fuels himself.

 

Good luck wherever you end up. Unless it's an AL East rival, in which case I hope your contract is an anchor.

[baconpancakes]

He really was the face of this team after the Halladay era. Donalson and Tulo were someones before they got here, Jose was a damn castoff. This is where he became a giant and a force to be reckoned with. The attitude he shows is that of a leader. He sucked this year, he knew it, everyone knew it, but he has earned the right to have an off year. I hope he is back.

[ChrisS]

Ill never forget seeing that 7th inning unfold live, capped off with that epic homerun, the best moment in Toronto Sports since Joe Carter.

[Praxis]

He sucked this year, he knew it, everyone knew it, but he has earned the right to have an off year. I hope he is back.

 

I'm afraid his ego (however justified) and subsequent salary demands may have scuppered any chance of his remaining here.

[EdwinsParrot]

If this is it, thanks for the memories joey bats. Will always remember the 50 hr season, the oday battles, and of course the 3 run bomb.

[intentional wok]

Level of Excellence one day? A ceremony with both he and EE going up would prob make me cry like a man.

[Key22]

I don't mind his mouth or his attitude with umps - he was usually right. And I can't blame any athlete who cares THAT much and gets frustrated - it means he cares. So if he flies off the rails from time to time - fine - I'd rather that than some chump who is only interested in padding his stats - team be damned. He is an intense guy - no problem with that. When umps are calling strikes half a foot inside - I can't blame him for getting pissed. His salary demand and age are likely too high. But the Qualifying offer - you never know. Teams may not want to give up the draft pick and offer a multi-year deal. But at this point he is a DH

[bones10]

f***, I think he pissed off a lot people this year but I don't think anyone wouldn't want him to see him back next year on a cheap contract, even if its a one year deal.

 

If not, I have his jersey and i'll always remember the seasons in which he seemingly carried this team.

[Inklink]

Bautista has Pitchtrax installed in his eyes, I must say. I get that we whine at his whining on borderline pitches, but I don't know who else takes more close pitches.

[Grant77]

Bautista has Pitchtrax installed in his eyes, I must say. I get that we whine at his whining on borderline pitches, but I don't know who else takes more close pitches.

 

He's almost always right. It's hard to blame him when he can read the strike zone better than our s***** umps.

[admin]

He's almost always right. It's hard to blame him when he can read the strike zone better than our s***** umps.

 

Series was pretty frustrating to watch at times. Not making excuses because they still sucked. But going up there and having a 1-0 count is a lot easier than having a 0-1 count and now needing to protect 3-5" outside the zone.

[Spoonovic]

My favourite player and the face of the franchise. Him and Votto have the best eyes for the strike zone since Barry Bonds.

 

A walk machine. Some of my favourite moments:

 

-Game 5 HR

-#50 vs Felix

-Him vs O'Day

-him Vs Price

-Ivan Nova .gif

-Game 6 against KC where he put the team on his back with 2 HRs

[GD]

Being there for game 5 was the best sports moment of my life, bar none.

[glory]

That 2011 season he had, despite the team being mediocre, was unbelievable.

 

Definitely an all time great Jay.

[Spanky99]

Joey "f***IN" Bats, I'm going to miss him, time to turn the page, though. If he takes the QO, he'd be worth every cent... than offer another one in 18'.

[TheGrandslamMan]

Definitely one of the best Jays in the "modern" era. Helluva player and somewhat underrated due to the team being crap when he was at his peak