OK - I posted yesterday in the Blue Jays thread that an argument could be made that Jose Bautista may be the best player in baseball right now. Well - just having watched him CRUSH two more home runs at Minny today - four in the series now - there is no argument - he IS the best player in baseball right now. And I figure that makes him worthy of his own thread here - in case some aren't interested in reading about the Jays.

Here is what I posted in the Jays thread updated to take into account his two home runs (so far) today - the game is only in the 4th inning as I type this.

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The AMAZING Jose Bautista - arguably the best player in baseball right now - is at it again in Minny this weekend. Homer 12 Friday, Saturday his league leading 13th - a game winner in extra innings and two more so far today giving him 15 on the season. Everybody assumed he would have a huge drop off after last year's 54 homer outburst but he is proving those predictions wrong as he is on pace for close to 70 now

Keep in mind he hit 10 the last month of the 2009 season, add that to last year's 54 and 15 so far this season for a total of 79 - 19 more home runs than anybody else in the majors over that period. He also leads the league in walks this season with 35 and is batting .366 and has now reached base safely at least once in 21 straight games and 31 of the 32 games he has played in this season. Yes - he has those league leading home run and walk numbers even though he has missed 8 of the Jays 40 games this year.

Add to that his excellent outfield play in right and very strong arm that prevents many runners from taking the extra base or from scoring from 3rd on what would be sacrifice flies against many other outfielders. And his great attitude, the leadership skills he shows for this young Jays roster and hands down - he's the best.
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Make it 16! His third of today - this one a towering shot to the opposite field!

Bautista's on fire!!!
Firing Up The Jays!

joey bats has been amazing. love the beard too!!!

He's had an amazing year and a quarter, but I'd wait for the fall before giving him any "best" crowns.

It was almost panic time in Jays-land as Jose had gone two straight games without a hit - but all is well again with Jose having 3 hits today including two more homers (18 on the season now) one of them a huge 3 run blast to get the Jays (and the crowd) into the game in the 6th because up until then the Jays were sleep walking and trailed 4-0. Three more runs in the 7th and a solo blast by Bautista in the 8th and the Jays had the win over Houston.

And in a post game interview the always classy and humble Bautista says Escobar - the Jays shortstop who homered to give the Jays the lead in the 7th should be considered the Jays mvp for the day.

Bautista certainly has opposing manager's attention. The other night against the Rays with the Jays trailing by 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th and a runner at first - the Rays intentionally walked Bautista to move a runner into scoring position and bring the potdential go ahead run to the plate! And that was in the 7th inning even.

I'm going to tomorrow's game and here's hoping Jose hits 2 more! OK - even one would be nice.