Blue Jays Longest Home Runs of 2013

Sep 17, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Colby Rasmus (28) watches his solo home run in the fourth inning against the New York Yankees at the Rogers Centre. Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Thanks to an amazing service provided by ESPN Stats & Info, the ESPN Home Run Tracker, it’s fairly easy to determine who hit the longest “true distance” home runs of 2013.

Since we’ve been a little bit overwhelmed with hot stove talk as fans, I figured because it’s Friday why not ease into our weekend with a montage of the Toronto Blue Jays longest home runs of 2013. All video is courtesy of MLB.com.

April 6, 2013 – Colby Rasmus – 468 feet

Rasmus tattoos a 2-0 Alfredo Aceves fastball that was so deep it probably would have cleared the glass at old Windows Restaurant. Only eight players hit longer home runs in 2013.

Video courtesy of MLB.com.

May 21, 2013 – Colby Rasmus – 465 feet

Rasmus is at it again this time taking advantage of what looks like a sinker that Alex Cobb misses in Colby’s wheelhouse. He gets around on the high pitch and send a laser that travels deep into the right field seats.

Video courtesy of MLB.com.

April 4, 2013 – J.P. Arencibia – 460 feet

I remember this home run happened so fast Sportsnet barely had time to get the game back on TV. Arencibia smashed the first pitch of the second inning out of the park during his lone “hot streak” of 2013, which was before opponents started to key on his over-aggressive tendencies. Brett Myers hung an opening week breaking ball that Arencibia crushed off the Budweiser sign in left.

Video courtesy of MLB.com.

April 19, 2013 – Jose Bautista – 455 feet

Bautista gets in on the action with a magnificent swat to center field off Andy Pettitte. It wasn’t a horrible pitch but probably ended up a little higher than old Andy would have liked. You don’t have to miss by much with Bautista in order for him to burn you.

Video courtesy of MLB.com.

September 18, 2013 – Colby Rasmus – 451 feet

What’s interesting about this video is that it was from his late season hot streak when he had four consecutive games with home runs. The difference in his stance is night and day. His hands are much lower now and his bat is almost perpendicular with the ground, which is a stark difference to his nearly horizontal bat position from April. It’s probably something worth looking at in a more extended fashion but it seems he’s quieted down his swing, which will hopefully lead to better zone coverage and fewer strikeouts.

Video courtesy of MLB.com.

July 13, 2013 – Edwin Encarnacion – 449 feet

I was going to cut my list off at five but it just wouldn’t be right if I didn’t include at least one parrot trot from Encarnacion. Edwin’s blast was the only dinger from our list that happened away from the cozy confines of Rogers Centre as he takes Baltimore Orioles’ starter Jason Hammels deep to left field.

Video courtesy of MLB.com.

Dingers!!! Have a great weekend everyone.