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Toronto Blue Jays: Jose Bautista Nominated for MLB’s Hank Aaron Award

It’s been a busy week for Jose Bautista.

Another media scrum where Baustista waxed poetic about Alex Anthopoulos’ roster management.

A Twitter battle with reporter Steve Simmons:

The Kansas City Royals made no trades at the non waiver deadline. The Oakland A’s made two huge trades. Does @JoeyBats19 know about this? — steve simmons (@simmonssteve) October 1, 2014

.@simmonssteve who are you and why are you talking to me? — Jose Bautista (@JoeyBats19) October 1, 2014

Oh, and the Toronto Blue Jays’ outspoken slugger was also nominated for the Hank Aaron Award.

It’s been a busy week.

The Hank Aaron award recognizes the top offensive player in each league. Bautista has been down this road before, winning the award for the American League in both the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

Miguel Cabrera has taken home the trophy the past two seasons.

Carlos Delgado is the only other Toronto Blue Jays player to win this award, which was first doled out in 1999. If Bautista wins the honour for a third time, he would join Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds as the only three-time winners.

Nice company to keep.

The award is based partly on fan votes. Toronto Blue Jays fans can vote here or here:

Ultimately though, the decision lies with Hank Aaron himself, along with his “special panel” of handpicked former stars, including Roberto Alomar, Paul Molitor, Johnny Bench, Eddie Murray, Frank Thomas, and Robin Yount.

So, what are the chances that Jose Bautista brings home the trophy?

Sep 17, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) in the on deck circle during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Bautista’s stat line is impressive:

sixth in the MLB in HRs with 35

fifth in runs with 101

ninth in RBIs with 103

second best BB% in the league at 15.5%

ninth in ISO

seventh among all hitters in WAR at 6.3

All in all, Bautista is in a great position to secure the American League offensive player of the year award. Mike Trout and Michael Brantley do pose significant threats but Bautista has a puncher’s chance at taking home the hardware.

In the meantime, the Toronto Blue Jays management team is free to continue shuddering in their offices, just waiting for Mr. Bautista to issue his next thought on Toronto Blue Jays roster moves.

What do you think, Jays fans? Will you take the time to vote for Toronto Blue Jays OF Jose Bautista?