Part of what we got for Scott Rolen, Edwin Encarnacion for better or worse is our third baseman. We really don't have anyone in the minors ready to jump in at the position. Jose Bautista is around but Cito seems to like him better as an outfielder. At the end of last year, when Edwin missed a few games, Cito preferred to use Millar at third and leave Jose in RF. John McDonald can play there on occasional to give E5 a day off here and there. Mike McCoy and/or Jarrett Hoffpauir could also fill in if Edwin ends up on the DL for any period. And spending time on the DL seems a possibility, the most games he's played in a major league season is 146.
We took a detailed look at Edwin's 2009 season here. His defense isn't great, but he has a strong arm. If he gets his footwork down he should be ok. I think working with Brian Butterfield should help.
Last year he missed 58 games for the Reds with a wrist injury, then hit the DL for us with a sore knee and missed a few games near the end of the season with a groin injury. His off-season has been eventful as well; he had surgery on that wrist and then fired fireworks into his face at New Year's.
Edwin had a good year in 2008 hitting 26 homers with a 251/.340/.466 line. He looked to be coming into his own. Starting last season off with the wrist injury didn't make for a good year last year. He was terrible with the Reds:
He did much better with us. Likely his wrist was some better:
There are a handful of guys that could lead the Jays in homers this year. Lind of course, Hill, Snider, but Encarnacion might surprise be in the running.
Bill James has him going .259/.343/.465 with 21 homers and 64 RBI in 502 PA.
CHONE .255/.335/.428 with 17 homers and 60 RBI in 480 PA.
So let us know what you think he'll hit. PA, batting line, homers and RBI. And number of errors seems appropriate for E5.