Retired Toronto Blue Jays star Carlos Delgado is excited about the moves his former team has made this off-season and says the 2013 edition of the Blue Jays “will be fun to watch.”
Delgado, who was just announced as the tenth member of the Blue Jays’ Level of Excellence, said the new members of the team each bring something that fans will enjoy, especially Jose Reyes who Delgado says will bring a lot of energy, electricity, a good arm and good defence.
“I think they made a great move,” Delgado said on a conference call Friday afternoon. “I had the opportunity to play with Jose Reyes. When this kid is healthy he’s amazing.”
The former all-star first baseman also added that the Blue Jays found a good one in Josh Johnson and believes the team can be exciting and fun, health permitting.
“I hated facing Josh Johson,” Delgado said. “The key will be for everybody to stay healthy. It will be fun to watch.”
The @bluejays will honour @carlosdelgado21 as the 10th member of the Level of Excellence on Sunday, July 21, 2013. twitter.com/BlueJays/statu…
— Blue Jays-Official(@BlueJays) December 7, 2012
Delgado will be honoured by the Blue Jays in an on-field pre-game ceremony on July 21 to recognize his accomplishments over 12 seasons in Toronto.
“I am very excited, very happy,” Delgado said of the honour. “Those of you know who me and worked with me over the years know how much Toronto means to me. … I’m very grateful for the opportunity that they gave me.”
Very excited that @bluejays are putting on the Level of Excellence. I’m very honored. #Toronto
— Carlos Delgado (@carlosdelgado21) December 7, 2012
Thanks to all the support from the fans n the city over years. It was a fun ride #levelofexcellence #bluejays
— Carlos Delgado (@carlosdelgado21) December 7, 2012
Although he says he doesn’t miss the everyday grind of a baseball season, the 40-year-old does miss the camaraderie of being around his teammates.
“I played with great people during my time in Toronto and it goes beyond baseball.”
The Blue Jays’ Level of Excellence award recognizes individual achievement. Delgado with join Paul Beeston, Dave Stieb, George Bell, Joe Carter, Cito Gaston, Tony Fernandez, Pat Gillick, Tom Cheek and Roberto Alomar.
Delgado became the franchise leader in home runs (336), RBIs (1,058), walks (827), slugging percentage (.556), OPS (.949), runs (889), total bases (2,786), doubles (343), extra base hits (690), times on base (2,362), hit by pitch (122), intentional walks (128) and at-bats per home run (14.9).
