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Blue Jays: Combining generations for an All-Time lineup

By Chris Henderson

TORONTO, CANADA - JULY 10: Former manager Cito Gaston #43 of the Toronto Blue Jays and former players Roberto Alomar #12 and George Bell #11 and Kelly Gruber #17 and Otto Velez #19 during the franchise"u2019s fortieth anniversary celebrations before the start of MLB game action against the Detroit Tigers on July 10, 2016 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - JULY 10: Former manager Cito Gaston #43 of the Toronto Blue Jays and former players Roberto Alomar #12 and George Bell #11 and Kelly Gruber #17 and Otto Velez #19 during the franchise"u2019s fortieth anniversary celebrations before the start of MLB game action against the Detroit Tigers on July 10, 2016 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, CANADA: Toronto Blue Jays’ player Roberto Alomar dives and misses a hit single by California Angels player Chili Davis in the second inning 30 April at the Toronto Skydome. The Angels defeated the Blue Jays, 5-3. AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read CARLO ALLEGRI/AFP via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA: Toronto Blue Jays’ player Roberto Alomar dives and misses a hit single by California Angels player Chili Davis in the second inning 30 April at the Toronto Skydome. The Angels defeated the Blue Jays, 5-3. AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read CARLO ALLEGRI/AFP via Getty Images) /

Top Of The Order

1- Roberto Alomar (2B)- 1993

.326/.408/.492, 17 HR, 93 RBI, 35 doubles, 55 stolen bases, 6.1 bWAR

There’s a reason that Roberto Alomar was the first Blue Jay to earn a spot in the Hall of Fame. The man was a five-tool threat, and the Blue Jays were fortunate enough to enjoy some of his peak seasons while he was in Toronto.

2- Josh Donaldson (3B)- 2015

..297/.371/.568, 41 HR, 123 RBI, 41 doubles, 7.1 bWAR, MVP Award

The “Bringer of Rain” was everything the Blue Jays had hoped for and more, and was a huge reason that they went from a good team to a legitimate playoff contender. Donaldson became one of the most feared hitters in the American League after arriving in Toronto, and ended up winning the MVP in 2015, and followed it up with a 4th place finish in 2016.

3- George Bell (LF)- 1987

.308/.352/.605, 47 HR, 134 RBI, 32 doubles, 5.0 bWAR, MVP Award

I told you I wouldn’t forget about the generation or two before I was around to see it live for myself, and there’s no better place to start than George Bell. The first MVP in franchise history had a career year in 1987, leading the AL in RBI and Total Bases, also adding a Silver Slugger award to his collection. That generation of the Blue Jays may not have tasted World Series glory, but Bell and the crew took some important steps for the franchise, setting them up for what was to come.

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