2006 Toronto Blue Jays season
Encyclopedia
The 2006
Toronto Blue Jays
season was a season in American baseball
. It involved the Blue Jays finishing 2nd in the American League
East with a record of 87 wins and 75 losses. For the second straight season, Blue Jays hitters combined for less than 1,000 strikeouts. It was the first time since 1992 and 1993 that the Blue Jays had combined for less than 1,000 strikeouts in consecutive 162-game seasons.
, also had an invitation to spring training, was supposed to have competed with Guillermo Quiroz
for the role of the Blue Jays' backup catcher. Quiroz was later claimed on waivers by the Seattle Mariners
, and Phillips started the season with the team after Gregg Zaun was put on the disabled list.
The trades for Troy Glaus
and Lyle Overbay
in the off-season created a glut of corner infielders for the Jays, as the team now had five players (Glaus, Overbay, Eric Hinske
, Corey Koskie
, and Shea Hillenbrand
) who could play third base, first base, or designated hitter. The Jays relieved some of this pressure on January 6, by trading Koskie to the Milwaukee Brewers in the second deal between the two clubs in less than a month. The Blue Jays received minor league pitcher Brian Wolfe
in return for Koskie. The Blue Jays also moved first baseman (and former third baseman) Eric Hinske to right field as a result.
On February 6, Toronto signed former Angels catcher Bengie Molina
to a one year contract worth with an option for a second. Three days later, Toronto wrapped up its off season moves by re-signing Shea Hillenbrand and Pete Walker
, each to a one year deal.
On July 2, Troy Glaus, Vernon Wells, Roy Halladay, B.J. Ryan, and Alex Rios were picked to represent the Blue Jays at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game
. However, Rios would not compete in the game due to a serious staph
infection that occurred around June 28, possibly as the result of a foul ball
off Rios' leg during a game on June 27. Manager John Gibbons
was also picked as an assistant coach for the AL team. The five Blue Jay players selected to the AL All-Star team was the most to appear in an All-Star Game since 1993
. The only AL
team with more All-Stars than the Jays was the World Series champion the Chicago White Sox
, with six.
On July 7, Troy Glaus was picked to compete in the 2006 Home Run Derby
, though during the Derby, he hit only one home run and was eliminated after the first round.
On July 19, infielder Shea Hillenbrand was designated for assignment after an altercation with the team management. Shortly after Hillenbrand, along with reliever Vinnie Chulk
, was traded to the San Francisco Giants for reliever Jeremy Accardo
.
On August 3, rookie second baseman Ryan Roberts
started his first game in the MLB, and had his first hit, which was a home run. He is one of few Blue Jays rookies to have his first hit a home run in his first start.
On August 12, the Blue Jays got the Minnesota Twins to hit into 6 double plays, tying a Blue Jays record set on April 16, 1996. (Blue Jays vs. Detroit).
On August 16, the Blue Jays traded reliever Scott Schoeneweis
to the Cincinnati Reds
for cash considerations or a player to be named later (later announced to be INF Trevor Lawhorn).
On August 17, the Blue Jays traded first and third baseman and outfielder Eric Hinske
and cash considerations to the Boston Red Sox
for a player to be named later.
During a game against the Oakland Athletics
on August 21, 2006, while on the verge of blowing an 8-run lead, John Gibbons
walked to the mound to remove starter Ted Lilly
. An argument ensued on the mound, in front of the audience at the Rogers Centre. Lilly eventually did leave the game and then headed into the clubhouse. Gibbons subsequently followed him into the hallway, where it appeared to eyewitnesses that he and Lilly got into a fight. Numerous team members and support personnel rushed into the tunnel to break them up. After the game, both the pitcher and manager denied any altercation and said the problem had been resolved.
Despite their on-field and off-field problems, the Blue Jays managed to play well in the critical month of September, going 18–10. This, combined with the slumping of the Boston Red Sox
, enabled Toronto to snare sole possession of second place in the American League East by the end of the season. This marked the first time that the Jays had finished above third place in their division since their World Championship season of 1993, and with the most wins since the 1998 season.
On November 17, the Blue Jays announced that they had signed designated hitter Frank Thomas
to a two-year contract worth $18 million, with an option for 2009.
On November 28, the Blue Jays announced that they had re-signed catcher Gregg Zaun
to a two-year contract with an option for 2009.
On December 18, the Blue Jays announced that they had re-signed centre fielder
Vernon Wells to a seven-year contract worth $126 million, to come into effect after the 2007 season. It was the largest contract in club history.
The 2006 MLB Draft
was held on June 6–7.
All-Star Game
2006 Major League Baseball season
In , the Major League Baseball season ended with the National League's St. Louis Cardinals winning the World Series with the lowest regular season victory total in history. The American League continued its domination at the All-Star Game by winning its fourth straight game; the A.L. has won nine...
Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
season was a season in American baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
. It involved the Blue Jays finishing 2nd in the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
East with a record of 87 wins and 75 losses. For the second straight season, Blue Jays hitters combined for less than 1,000 strikeouts. It was the first time since 1992 and 1993 that the Blue Jays had combined for less than 1,000 strikeouts in consecutive 162-game seasons.
Offseason
- December 7, 2005: Lyle OverbayLyle OverbayLyle Stefan Overbay is an American professional baseball first baseman who is a free agent.-Amateur career:...
was traded by the Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee BrewersThe Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
with Ty TaubenheimTy TaubenheimTy Andrew Taubenheim is a pitcher in Major League Baseball in the Texas Rangers organization. He is 6'6", ., and throws and bats right-handed...
to the Toronto Blue Jays for David BushDavid BushDavid Thomas Bush is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws right-handed...
, Gabe GrossGabe GrossGabriel Jordan "Gabe" Gross is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.His father, Lee Gross, was center for the Auburn Tigers and in the NFL...
, and Zach JacksonZach JacksonZachary Thomas Jackson, is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers organization.-Toronto Blue Jays:Jackson was drafted first in the first-year player draft by the Toronto Blue Jays in after completing his Junior year at Texas A&M University. He pitched very well, jumping to Triple-A...
. - December 27, 2005: Orlando HudsonOrlando HudsonOrlando Thill Hudson is an American professional baseball second baseman with the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball.-Early life and high school career:...
was traded by the Toronto Blue Jays with Miguel BatistaMiguel BatistaMiguel Descartes Batista Jerez is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher. He has played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Florida Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, Kansas City Royals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Washington Nationals, St...
to the Arizona DiamondbacksArizona DiamondbacksThe Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
for Troy GlausTroy GlausTroy Edward Glaus is a Major League Baseball first baseman and third baseman who is currently a free agent. Previously, Glaus played with the Anaheim Angels , Arizona Diamondbacks , Toronto Blue Jays , St. Louis Cardinals , and the Atlanta Braves . Glaus lettered in baseball while attending UCLA...
and Sergio Santos (minors).
Summary
On January 3, J.P. Ricciardi signed free-agent catcher Jason Phillips to a minor league contract. Phillips, who hit .238 the previous season for the Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
, also had an invitation to spring training, was supposed to have competed with Guillermo Quiroz
Guillermo Quiroz
Guillermo Antonio Quiroz [gee-YARE-mo kee-ROZE] is a Major League Baseball catcher who is currently in the San Diego Padres organization.-Biography:...
for the role of the Blue Jays' backup catcher. Quiroz was later claimed on waivers by the Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
, and Phillips started the season with the team after Gregg Zaun was put on the disabled list.
The trades for Troy Glaus
Troy Glaus
Troy Edward Glaus is a Major League Baseball first baseman and third baseman who is currently a free agent. Previously, Glaus played with the Anaheim Angels , Arizona Diamondbacks , Toronto Blue Jays , St. Louis Cardinals , and the Atlanta Braves . Glaus lettered in baseball while attending UCLA...
and Lyle Overbay
Lyle Overbay
Lyle Stefan Overbay is an American professional baseball first baseman who is a free agent.-Amateur career:...
in the off-season created a glut of corner infielders for the Jays, as the team now had five players (Glaus, Overbay, Eric Hinske
Eric Hinske
Eric Scott Hinske is a Major League Baseball outfielder, first baseman, and third baseman currently an Atlanta Braves organization...
, Corey Koskie
Corey Koskie
Cordel Leonard "Corey" Koskie is a former Major League Baseball third baseman. He batted left-handed and threw right-handed.-Baseball career:...
, and Shea Hillenbrand
Shea Hillenbrand
Shea Matthew Hillenbrand is a professional baseball player who last played for the York Revolution of the independent Atlantic League....
) who could play third base, first base, or designated hitter. The Jays relieved some of this pressure on January 6, by trading Koskie to the Milwaukee Brewers in the second deal between the two clubs in less than a month. The Blue Jays received minor league pitcher Brian Wolfe
Brian Wolfe
Brian Thomas Wolfe is a pitcher for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan....
in return for Koskie. The Blue Jays also moved first baseman (and former third baseman) Eric Hinske to right field as a result.
On February 6, Toronto signed former Angels catcher Bengie Molina
Bengie Molina
Benjamin José "Bengie" Molina , nicknamed "Big Money", is a former Major League Baseball catcher.He is the older brother of major league catchers José Molina and Yadier Molina....
to a one year contract worth with an option for a second. Three days later, Toronto wrapped up its off season moves by re-signing Shea Hillenbrand and Pete Walker
Pete Walker
Peter Brian Walker is a former right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. Walker is a graduate of East Lyme High School in East Lyme, Connecticut. He completed his college degree at Charter Oak State College. He attended the University of Connecticut and was drafted by the New York Mets...
, each to a one year deal.
On July 2, Troy Glaus, Vernon Wells, Roy Halladay, B.J. Ryan, and Alex Rios were picked to represent the Blue Jays at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game
2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 77th playing of the midseason exhibition baseball game between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 11, 2006 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh,...
. However, Rios would not compete in the game due to a serious staph
Staphylococcus
Staphylococcus is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria. Under the microscope they appear round , and form in grape-like clusters....
infection that occurred around June 28, possibly as the result of a foul ball
Foul ball
In baseball, a foul ball is a batted ball that:* Settles on foul territory between home and first base or between home and third base, or* Bounds past first or third base on or over foul territory, or...
off Rios' leg during a game on June 27. Manager John Gibbons
John Gibbons
John Michael Gibbons was the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball from 2004 to 2008...
was also picked as an assistant coach for the AL team. The five Blue Jay players selected to the AL All-Star team was the most to appear in an All-Star Game since 1993
1993 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 1993 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 64th playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 13, 1993 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland,...
. The only AL
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
team with more All-Stars than the Jays was the World Series champion the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
, with six.
On July 7, Troy Glaus was picked to compete in the 2006 Home Run Derby
Home Run Derby
The Home Run Derby is an event played prior to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. It is a contest among the top home run hitters in Major League Baseball to determine who can hit the most home runs. The event is currently sponsored by State Farm Insurance...
, though during the Derby, he hit only one home run and was eliminated after the first round.
On July 19, infielder Shea Hillenbrand was designated for assignment after an altercation with the team management. Shortly after Hillenbrand, along with reliever Vinnie Chulk
Vinnie Chulk
Charles Vincent "Vinnie" Chulk is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher who currently plays in the Oakland Athletics organization. He is of Cuban heritage.-Early life:...
, was traded to the San Francisco Giants for reliever Jeremy Accardo
Jeremy Accardo
Jeremy Lee Accardo is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.-San Francisco Giants:...
.
On August 3, rookie second baseman Ryan Roberts
Ryan Roberts
Ryan Alan Roberts is a Major League Baseball infielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks. A right-handed batter, Roberts is 5' 11" tall and weighs 190 pounds. He is married to actress Kim Camille. Roberts has over 30 tattoos.-College career:After graduating from L. D...
started his first game in the MLB, and had his first hit, which was a home run. He is one of few Blue Jays rookies to have his first hit a home run in his first start.
On August 12, the Blue Jays got the Minnesota Twins to hit into 6 double plays, tying a Blue Jays record set on April 16, 1996. (Blue Jays vs. Detroit).
On August 16, the Blue Jays traded reliever Scott Schoeneweis
Scott Schoeneweis
Scott David Schoeneweis is an American Major League Baseball left-handed relief pitcher who is currently a free agent.In the five seasons from 2003–07, Schoeneweis allowed only one home run to left-handed batters...
to the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
for cash considerations or a player to be named later (later announced to be INF Trevor Lawhorn).
On August 17, the Blue Jays traded first and third baseman and outfielder Eric Hinske
Eric Hinske
Eric Scott Hinske is a Major League Baseball outfielder, first baseman, and third baseman currently an Atlanta Braves organization...
and cash considerations to the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
for a player to be named later.
During a game against the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
on August 21, 2006, while on the verge of blowing an 8-run lead, John Gibbons
John Gibbons
John Michael Gibbons was the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball from 2004 to 2008...
walked to the mound to remove starter Ted Lilly
Ted Lilly
Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Lilly III , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He bats and throws left-handed...
. An argument ensued on the mound, in front of the audience at the Rogers Centre. Lilly eventually did leave the game and then headed into the clubhouse. Gibbons subsequently followed him into the hallway, where it appeared to eyewitnesses that he and Lilly got into a fight. Numerous team members and support personnel rushed into the tunnel to break them up. After the game, both the pitcher and manager denied any altercation and said the problem had been resolved.
Despite their on-field and off-field problems, the Blue Jays managed to play well in the critical month of September, going 18–10. This, combined with the slumping of the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
, enabled Toronto to snare sole possession of second place in the American League East by the end of the season. This marked the first time that the Jays had finished above third place in their division since their World Championship season of 1993, and with the most wins since the 1998 season.
On November 17, the Blue Jays announced that they had signed designated hitter Frank Thomas
Frank Thomas (AL baseball player)
Frank Edward Thomas, Jr. , nicknamed "The Big Hurt", is a former Major League Baseball designated hitter and first baseman....
to a two-year contract worth $18 million, with an option for 2009.
On November 28, the Blue Jays announced that they had re-signed catcher Gregg Zaun
Gregg Zaun
Gregory Owen "Gregg" Zaun is a former Major League Baseball catcher. He is the nephew of former MLB catcher Rick Dempsey. Zaun was a high school teammate of Mark Loretta...
to a two-year contract with an option for 2009.
On December 18, the Blue Jays announced that they had re-signed centre fielder
Center fielder
A center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the outfielder in baseball who plays defense in center field – the baseball fielding position between left field and right field...
Vernon Wells to a seven-year contract worth $126 million, to come into effect after the 2007 season. It was the largest contract in club history.
2006 Draft picks
SourceThe 2006 MLB Draft
2006 Major League Baseball Draft
The 2006 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft, was held on June 6 and 7. It was conducted via conference call with representatives from each of the league's 30 teams.-First Round Selections:...
was held on June 6–7.
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College/School | Nationality | Signed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14 | Travis Snider Travis Snider Travis James Snider is a Major League Baseball player for the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He hits and throws left-handed. He played baseball at Henry M. Jackson High School, where he also played running back and linebacker in football... |
OF | Jackson High School Henry M. Jackson High School Henry M. Jackson High School is a public high school in Mill Creek, Washington. Construction of the school was completed in 1994 by the Everett School District, and it is named after the late U.S. Senator from Washington State Henry M... (WA) |
 |
2006–06–18 |
| 4 | 120 | Brandon Magee | RHP | Bradley Bradley University Bradley University, founded in 1897, is a private, co-educational university located in Peoria, Illinois. It is a small institution with an enrollment of approximately 6,100 undergraduate and postgraduate students and a full-time faculty of approximately 350.... |
|
2006–06–16 |
| 5 | 150 | Luke Hopkins | 1B | New Mexico State New Mexico State Aggies New Mexico State University's teams are called the Aggies, a nickname derived from the university's agricultural beginnings. Since 2005, they have competed in the Western Athletic Conference. The mascot is known as "Pistol Pete". NMSU's colors are crimson and white. The current athletics director... |
|
2006–06–11 |
| 6 | 180 | Brian Jeroloman | C | Florida Florida Gators baseball The Florida Gators baseball team represents the University of Florida in the sport of baseball. The Florida Gators compete in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletics Association , and the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference . They play their home games in Alfred A... |
|
2006–06–29 |
| 7 | 210 | Jonathan Baksh | OF | Florida Tech Florida Institute of Technology Florida Institute of Technology, also known as Florida Tech, is an independent private technical research university located in Melbourne, Florida, United States. Founded in 1958 as Brevard Engineering College, the institute has been known by its present name since 1966. Florida Tech's curriculum... |
 |
2006–06–09 |
| 8 | 240 | Daniel O'Brien | LHP | Western Michigan Western Michigan Broncos The Western Michigan Broncos are a NCAA Division I FBS team representing Western Michigan University. They compete in the Mid-American Conference in men's baseball, basketball, football, soccer and tennis; and women's basketball, cross-country, golf, gymnastics, soccer, softball, track and field,... |
|
2006–06–11 |
| 9 | 270 | Stephen Figueroa | SS | Lincoln High School Lincoln High School (Tallahassee, Florida) Lincoln High School is a public high school located in Tallahassee, Florida. It offers an accelerated Advanced Placement program that has been recognized for its excellence... (FL Florida Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it... ) |
|
Unsigned |
| 10 | 300 | Scott Campbell | 2B | Gonzaga Gonzaga Bulldogs The Gonzaga Bulldogs are the athletic teams at Gonzaga University; the term applies to any of the school's varsity teams. Gonzaga University is a member of the West Coast Conference, which participates in the NCAA Division I... |
 |
2006–06–21 |
Roster
| 2006 Toronto Blue Jays | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders |
Manager Coaches (pitching) (hitting) (third base) (first base) (bullpen) (bench) |
||||||
Game log
| 2006 Game Log | |
|---|---|
Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in| Pos | Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in| Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Other pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | W | L | SV | ERA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Award winners
- Vernon Wells, Gold Glove AwardGold Glove AwardThe Rawlings Gold Glove Award, usually referred to as the Gold Glove, is the award given annually to the Major League Baseball players judged to have exhibited superior individual fielding performances at each fielding position in both the National League and the American League , as voted by the...
All-Star Game
2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 77th playing of the midseason exhibition baseball game between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 11, 2006 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh,...
- Troy Glaus, Third Base
- Roy Halladay, Pitcher
- Alex Rios, Outfield
- B.J. Ryan, Pitcher
- Vernon Wells, Outfield