John McDonald

Unless the Blue Jays sign Jose Bautista to an extension or trade for Michael Young there doesn't figure to be much Blue Jay related issues to discuss this week. There is also still the possibility the Jays could add another free agent on a minor league deal before spring training opens next week. Guys like Willy Aybar, Russell Branyan and Hank Blalock are still out there looking for work.

Managers always preach that the intangibles are what win games.  Simple things like running out a ground ball, hustling on a weak pop up, fielding a ground ball and stealing a base in a big spot are all things that a manager wishes everyone on his club could do.  Unfortunately, everybody can't.  That's why these players are so valuable.

I would first like to start with three players who, I feel, deserve some sort of recognition.  They failed to crack my Top 10, yet they are deserving of something. 

There is no real glory in being a backup, but somebody has to do it.

Most backups are unappreciated—typically role players, hitters or pitchers on the team, backups are designed to do one job and one job only.

Some backups are expected to fill in at certain points, maybe at one point more than another.

They are widely unappreciated and often criticized when they don’t produce in the few opportunities they get.

Are you as confused as I am?