The Level of Excellence: What Now?

One never wants to read such a thing about a childhood hero but such is life. The Toronto Blue Jays announced yesterday the removal of Roberto Alomar from the Level of Excellence in light of the sexual misconduct allegations against him. If he is guilty however, there is no option but for the franchise to dissociate from him, even if he is a club legend. But this begs the question, who will replace Alomar in the Level of Excellence? Below I submit three candidates.

Jose Bautista

If recent baseball history has a Horatio Alger tale in it, it must necessarily be that of Jose Bautista. In a year and change, he went from journeyman to superstar. He is also the author of the greatest Blue Jay playoff moment of the post-championships era. He was a six time All Star and a three time Silver Slugger and a home run king in 2010. He defined the 2010's in Toronto baseball and is second on the team's all time home run list. He is a must have for the Level of Excellence.

Edwin Encarnación

The greatest home run hitter of the last decade hit most of those as a Blue Jay. Along with Bautista, Edwin Encarnación provided a dangerous one-two punch that led to the team breaking a two decade long playoff drought. He was a three time all star and a playoff hero in the 2016 Wild Card Game against Baltimore. His 239 HR are third in the history of the franchise and he was instrumental in bringing winning baseball back to Toronto.

Pat Hentgen

I chose Pat Hentgen because he is perhaps the most overlooked franchise icon. He was the anchor of a sometimes unsteady rotation as the Jays went on to their 1993 World Series triumph. He also won the 1996 Cy Young award (8.6 WAR) and was a three time all star. He was a much needed attraction in the difficult years following that 1993 triumph. He ranks 5th in franchise history in wins and strikeouts.