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) celebrates after he hits a three run home run in the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Best Everyday Player

Again, we find the name of Blue Jays third baseman, Josh Donaldson. Separating the players into “Everyday” and “Pitcher” is a good idea. It is difficult to compare the job Donaldson has done to that of, say, Arrieta. Can you compare 40 HR to 20 wins? Not easily. So, instead, the Bringer of Rain gets the nod in another category.

And, he’ll face some pretty stuff competition here as well. Nelson Cruz is having another incredible year as the Seattle Mariners’ DH. He’s collected 41 HR and is hitting .311 on a rather disappointing Seattle team. If he were getting any kind of help, the club might be in a different position. This is interesting because you have to look at what your definition of an everyday player is. Does DH count for you?

Toronto Blue Jays

Andrew McCutchen is putting another good season together. It might not be MVP worthy, but it is still solid. Anthony Rizzo of the Chicago Cubs is also nominated. Buster Posey and his .327 average make the list. His average is nice, but his power numbers (17HR) don’t really compare to the others on this list.

Donaldson will also be joined by fellow Best Big Leaguer nominees Mike Trout, Joey Votto, Bryce Harper and Yoenis Cespedes. But, also joining him on both ballots is the Diamondbacks’ All Star, Paul Goldschmidt. His batting numbers stack up well, but he also adds 21 stolen bases, which is something he has over most of the other nominees. Blue Jays fans will also notice that Orioles’ 3B, Manny Machado is nominated. Blue Jays fans would likely have strong feelings about his winning this thing.

Does Donaldson impress you enough to vote for him? Probably. But, will all voters feel the same way? The argument can be made that he is the talk of baseball. He has contributed heavily to his team winning. Many of his HR and RBI have given his team the lead or have come in tight situations. Of course, we can be blinded by the “home town” effect, too. Which is why you should get out and vote.

Next: And the Nominees for Best Pitcher Are...