2015 MLB Esurance Awards: Blue Jays up for Several GIBBY Awards

August 22, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson  (20) comes up to hit in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Best Big Leaguer

This is a tough award to call given that it is meant to recognize the top overall star in MLB. It is quite the list. NL Cy Young candidate, Jake Arrieta and his 19-6 record are among your choices. His second half ERA is out of this world and he’s a big reason why the Cubs are hanging on. Yoenis Cespedes has been on fire since joining the New York Mets. It can be argued that he single handedly changed the NL East.

Of course, the usual names of players you would expect to see are there. Mike Trout is a nominee. Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw form the double headed dragon in Los Angeles and they’re on the list. Bryce Harper rides his amazing start to the 2015 season onto this list. That is not to take away from his whole season, but can you remember a start to the season like his? Canadian boy, Joey Votto also appears on this list. His 27 HR campaign has been sparked by a great second half. But, he might be a better choice for Best Bounceback Player after his 2014 season.

Toronto Blue Jays

But, of special interest to Blue Jays fans is the fact that not one, but two Blue Jays are nominated as the top star in baseball. Josh Donaldson and David Price represent Canada’s only team. Donaldson is having a monster year. Not only is he taking baseball by storm and carrying his team toward the post season, he is doing so after putting up a disappointing second half last season. When he was brought to Toronto, some pointed to that as reason to not be so optimistic about his contribution. Wonder where those folks are now.

Price has been worth every penny…er… prospect for the Blue Jays. He has been the dominant starter this club has been missing for years. Not since Roy Halladay have we seen a true ace around these parts. Price has been that, and more. We knew he was good, but he seems to have taken his game to another level. And, Blue Jays fans are loving it.

Is it enough for him to take home the GIBBY? The votes will tell us. Could the two Blue Jays lead the pack? They are up against some stiff competition. Perhaps, if someone on this list wins Best Pitcher or Best Everyday Player, that frees up this one. But, should it? Let’s not make this into a big debate like the All Star voting. It’s fun.

Next: And the Nominees for Best Everyday Player Are...