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Ex-Blue Jays: Where are they now?

By Bevan Hamilton

Mar 19, 2017; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians third baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) rounds third on his way to score during the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians third baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) rounds third on his way to score during the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals pinch hitter Adam Lind (26) is congratulated by Washington Nationals catcher Matt Wieters (32) after hitting a two run home run against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals won 4 – 2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals pinch hitter Adam Lind (26) is congratulated by Washington Nationals catcher Matt Wieters (32) after hitting a two run home run against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals won 4 – 2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Adam Lind — Washington Nationals

Ah, Adam Lind, the lovable slugger. Now 33, the best years of Lind’s career are behind him — and those best years all came with the Toronto Blue Jays, who drafted him in 2004 and waited patiently as he developed. He finally broke out in 2009, and did he ever. Between him and Aaron Hill, who both won Silver Sluggers that year, the Blue Jays infield was potent. Lind finished 15th in MVP voting that year, thanks to some outstanding numbers, but he never came close to that kind of production again.

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Lind’s strengths have always been raw power and a high on-base percentage, largely due to lots of walks. The Blue Jays finally parted with him after 10 years in their system in November 2014 by trading him straight up for Marco Estrada. Although it was sad to see the longtime Jay go, it was a great deal for Toronto who have reaped the benefits with Estrada, who started Opening Day this year.

Over the last two seasons, Lind has hit 20 homers and been a good run-producer, although he struggled in most other ways with Seattle last year. The Nationals signed him for 2017, with an option for 2018. He rewarded them as a pinch-hitter in game one with a go-ahead two-run homerun and should continue to be a good power bat off the bench or platooning at first base.

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