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Blue Jays: Best trades in franchise history

ByClayton Richer|
TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 8: Troy Tulowitzki #2 of the Toronto Blue Jays and Edwin Encarnacion #10 and Jose Bautista #19 and Josh Donaldson #20 stand for the playing of the Canadian anthem during lineup introductions before the start of action against the Texas Rangers in Game One of the American League Division Series during the 2015 MLB Playoffs at Rogers Centre on October 8, 2015 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 8: Troy Tulowitzki #2 of the Toronto Blue Jays and Edwin Encarnacion #10 and Jose Bautista #19 and Josh Donaldson #20 stand for the playing of the Canadian anthem during lineup introductions before the start of action against the Texas Rangers in Game One of the American League Division Series during the 2015 MLB Playoffs at Rogers Centre on October 8, 2015 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
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TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 04: Former Major League Baseball player Roberto Alomar throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the American League Wild Card game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre on October 4, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 04: Former Major League Baseball player Roberto Alomar throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the American League Wild Card game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre on October 4, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

December 05th,1990- Blue Jays Traded Tony Fernandez and Fred McGriff To The Padres For Roberto Alomar And Joe Carter

Imagine turning on the news to find out two iconic players who have been instrumental in helping build the Blue Jays as a strong competitive team had just been traded. This is what happened on December 5, 1990.

The Blue Jays coming just two wins shy of a playoff spot in 1990 had to shake things up a little. Roberto Alomar was a young fresh face on the scene and just finished competing in 1990 All-Star game and Joe Carter who previously averaged 25 or better home runs was about to pack their bags and head North of the Border.

No one could have predicted how successful this trade was going to be for the Blue Jays, let’s face it, San Diego did not come out poorly on this. Fred McGriff was always a home run threat and Tony Fernandez was a fantastic defensive shortstop that any team would welcome.  In 1991, the Blue Jays finished 1st in the AL East standings and returning to the postseason and coming just short of their first World Series appearance. This move led the Jays to make key additions the following year including adding Dave Winfield who won a Silver Slugger and came in 5th place in the MVP standings for the Blue Jays.

Joe Carter would go on to become a national hero with the home run that was heard around the world. Carter’s dedication to the game, the city made him one of the most likeable players to ever wear a Blue Jays jersey. His consistency at the plate and hard work was always a comfort for Cito Gaston to rely on.

Roberto Alomar, well, what can be said about his time with the Blue Jays. Alomar has set the bar high for what is expected of a second baseman. Over his career he appeared in 12 all-star games, 10 Gold Gloves (five of which he achieved with the Blue Jays from 1991 – 1995) and usually in the top ten in votes for the league MVP during his time with Toronto. Alomar also achieved the 1992 ALCS MVP.

In the end, Roberto Alomar and Joe Carter were the key ingredients the Blue Jays needed to not only make the postseason but bring the Blue Jays their only World Series Championships back to back in 1992 and 1993.

Jays Journal Contributor: Marc Tremblay

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