Toronto tried to trade Bautista at the deadline--Bill Madden

• "3. Jose Bautista

In this era, when a player, who has never hit more than 16 homers in a season or driven in more than 63,

• suddenly has a dramatic spike in power as Bautista has in leading the AL with 38 homers (as of 8/21) and ranking third in RBI with 92

it is greeted with jaundiced eyes. But those who know him best insist it has been nothing more than a matter of finally being able to play regularly. Ever since the Blue Jays traded Alex Rios last season, the 29-year-old Bautista has thrived as their everyday right fielder.

• That is not to say, however, he can look forward to a long future in Toronto. They tried to
• trade him at the deadline and

will likely move him over the winter with

• one year to go until he hits free agency."...

8/21, Bill Madden, "Aces and Jokers: Breaking down the biggest surprises and disappointments of 2010 MLB season," NY Daily News column

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