Vernon Wells Is the Franchise?

Perhaps it's just me. Perhaps I don't see it. Perhaps I just don't understand why Vernon Wells is often referred to as "The Franchise." 

Sorry, but I just don't see it.

Apply this name to former Blue Jays George Bell, Dave Steib, Carlos Delgado, and current Blue Jay Roy Halladay, and I do see it. They all evoke the image of the Toronto Blue Jays. 

When you think of the heart and soul of this team, or any other, you expect to have a player who lives, breathes, and dies for the team. One who has heart, plays hurt, motivates, provides leadership, and is an example to the other players.

These days, not many players are true "Franchise" players, but of those that are, Derek Jeter might be the best example. 

Can you honestly see him playing for another team?

In terms of being a "Franchise Player", Vernon Wells is no Derek Jeter. Plain and simple. I truly believe he is called that because of an extreme lack of options. Seriously, other than Halladay, who else would you call the "Franchise Player"? 

There is no doubt that Wells is the best offensive player on the Blue Jays. Not to mention the richest.

Seven years and $126 million spent. What is the true and honest return on the investment anyway? Wells is a great player, don't get me wrong, but having a banner, yet average, for some All-Star types, year does not make me believe that it was money well spent. 

He is one of those, "If we could roll back time," type of signings for me.

Wells is a very good ball player, and I will not argue that at all.  I even think he has shown glimpses of being a great ball player, but he has not proven that he is without question a top tier player in the Major Leagues. 

When discussing today's great ballplayers, names like Ichiro, A-Rod, Jeter, Ryan Howard, and Roy Halladay quickly come to mind. Vernon Wells is not a name that I would think of very quickly.

I do have to applaud his charity work, fun loving attitude, pies-in-the-face to his teammates, and his very good ballplaying abilities. Wells is a great defensive player, no doubt, he's made plenty of highlight reels, but offensively, I get nervous when the game's on the line and he's up. 

Wells seems very aloof and far too laid back for me to pin him as the main guy. He was a great No. 2 to Carlos Delgado. This is where the Jays need to keep him. Right now, Wells is a glorified sidekick. 

His whole attitude and personality seem better fit to be the guy in the shadows, enjoying life and making people laugh, and not having the pressure of the team's success all over him.

Wells is as expendable as any other player on the team. I think I was madder when they let Reed Johnson (the best attitude-player I know) go than I would be if they traded Wells. 

Hmm, imagine combining Wells and Johnson...that would be a "Franchise Player".