Going into the 2010 season Jays' GM Andy told the media that the rebuilding may take several years but to be patient with the team as they grew up together. Many of the Jays staple players left and in return a bounty of prospects came on board that held the future for Toronto. However, that future came to fruition even sooner than their GM could predict. Let's hand out some awards for the season and discuss the breakthrough year for Toronto that nearly culminated in a trip to the playoffs:
Offensive MVP: Nick Markakis. Nick hit .275 with 23 home runs, 13 SB, 99 runs scored, and 113 RBIs. Nick hit in all 162 games for the Jays this season in their three hole and was the consistent force for the team day in and day out.
Runner up: Brett Wallace broke out this year with 26 home runs, 86 RBIs, and a 294 batting average. Most of that damage came in the second half when he really seemed to click. The Jays expect big things from this young man for years to come.
Cy Young and Rookie of the Year: Another youngster the Jays are excited about is Kyle Drabek. The rookie went 10-7 with a 3.91 ERA in 175 innings while striking out 157. It was a strong debut in this young career and the Jays are hoping to see the prize of the Roy Halladay trade continuing to lead their pitching staff.
Comeback player of the Year: Tyler Clippard - Tyler was a throw-in to the Washington trade (Andy's first as GM) and he held down the third spot in the rotation for 186 IP this year winning 10 and losing 10 as one of Toronto's most consistent pitchers.
Rolaids Relief - Youngster Kenley Jansen was impressive in saving 39 games this year in his first full stint as the closer. Kenley had a 3.82 ERA with 73 k's in just 63 innings this year.
Going forward the Jays are looking forward to a young crop of pitching on it's way up in the form of Zach Mcallister, Mike Montgomery, Tim Melville, Jorge Bucardo, and Daniel McDaniel to fill out the rotation. There is a tremendous amount of talent on the way that should be with the Jays for years to come.
Offensively the Jays got a taste of young super prospect Josh Vitters, catcher Daniel Lehmann, shortstop Justin Jackson, and infield Matt Dominguez - all of whom could be regular contributors next to year.
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