In no way am I discounting the fact that Edwin can bounce back to form, but in no way will he ever be as consistent as Jorge Cantu has been at the plate in driving in runs, getting clutch hits, and in versatility within the infield. I have a feeling that Cantu is just under valued by many people despite 2 VERY strong years in ’08 and ’09 and another one earlier in his 20s.

To give the best comparison, I’ll compare their 2008 seasons, Edwin’s best by far:
Edwin: 506 AB/.251 AVG/29 doubles/.340 OPB/.466 SLG/.807 OPS 26 HRs and 68 RBI and a .930 fielding %
Jorge: 628 AB/.277 AVG/41 doubles/.327 OBP/.481 SLG/.874 OPS 29 HRs and 95 RBI and a .937 fielding %

They are both very comparable, except for the fact that Jorge hits for better average, has a better slugging % and OPS overall (each season and career wise thus far). I would agree that Edwin has more power potential overall, so I give him the edge there, if he gets the right amount of ABs, that is. but here’s the kicker.

In 2008, they both hit LHP very well (Jorge = .293 AVg and 8 HRs in 167 AB, Edwin .292 AVG and 7 HRs in 144 ABS) However, Edwin becomes a major liability against RHP (Edwin = .235 AVG, .315 OBP, .450 SLG in 362 AB, Jorge = .272 AVG, .317 OBP, .472 SLG) and that was just ’08, in ’09 vs RHP (Edwin = .219 AVG, .312 OBP, .395 SLG, .707 OPS – which is getting a lot worse, versus Jorge = .278 AVG, .331 OBP, .423 SLG, .754 OPS – which is getting better over time). That’s the major reason I want Jorge over Edwin – he can hit RHP a TON better than Edwin ever will. Edwin, to me, is a platoon player. Put him in versus LHP and off the bench to pinch hit. Jorge, on the other hand, is an every day player that can hit for LHP and RHP pitching and can play 3 positions (1B, 2B, and 3B) if need be. That’s why I’d rather see Alex sign Jorge at 9 million than keep Edwin at 6-7 million.

Hope that clears it up in terms of my interpretation. It’s just an opinion though, nothing more.

im sorry to say but if Jorge Cantu is the number one priority this Jays team isnt going to have much of a future. Cantu is a filler, someone you settle on. id rather pay Encarnacion what he is going to get than spend more on Cantu.
the Jays are going to have plenty of money to spend going forward. if AA sees Lind as the DH of the future LF could be a great spot to put free agent Carl Crawford and have him become the leadoff hitter of the future. its going to cost, but whatever the price is it is going to be well worth it to have him at the top of the lineup.

2 things:

1. I know that I’m in the minority, but I think Edwin Encarnacion can bounce back next year. He’s a much better career hitter than last season showed, and that can be blamed on injuries. Also, I really noticed an improvement in his defence last season towards the end of the year. His range is good, and Butterfield can work out the kinks in his throwing.

2. I agree with you that a long term SS has to come from a trade. Since the best FAs after this year are pitchers, and we seem to have a tonne of young guys, I really think we’ll be able to fill that hole. I know we’re all really excited about Castro from the Cubs, but since he’s such a blue-chip and the Cubs likely won’t trade him, where else could be a fit? or do we draft a bunch of SS in this year’s draft and rush them through the system?