There are a few reasons why I think (hope) that the Jays trade Jose:
1. They need to strengthen their Bullpen, particularly a solid LHP (or 2) if they hope to advance beyond the ALCS.
2. In order to do that, they should trade from an area of strength, power hitting, which they have an abundance of.
3. It was made clear by the Jays front office that they would realistically only be able to sign, one of either Jose Bautista or Edwin Encarnación, to long term contracts this off-season. Keeping that in mind, it only makes sense to sign one and trade the other for Bullpen help.
Why keep Edwin over Jose?
1. Chemistry: it's not hard to notice that the team looks more loose when he's not in the lineup, and they've been winning more as a result.
2. Production: Edwin is a beast! Leading the league in RBI's, Jose won't do that for the rest of his career.
3. Age/position: Edwin is younger and DH is less physically demanding a position than right field. Look at Big Papi, you can DH into your 40's!
4. Ezekiel Carrera: The team is better defensively with Carrera in right field and his speed/bunting ability makes the offence less one-dimensionable.
5. Jose is a punk: I love the Jays, but I hated watching how he responded against Texas. He gets beaned and then tries to take out their smallest player with a dirty slide... And then gets punked by said smallest player! C'mon, that's weak!!!
6. Booster juice isn't that good!
Those are my reasons for trading Jose, what are yours?
