The enigmatic Vernon Wells

Vernon "V-Dub" Wells has always put up good numbers. Since being selected with the 5th pick in the 1997 draft, he has been a professional ball player in the truest sense. Yet it's hard to find much sympathy for the 3 time gold glove winner. Maybe it's the 7 year, $126 million contract he signed two seasons ago, or the label that he's not a "clutch" player, not to mention his countless maladies, but Wells' fan fare is slipping with each passing year...

Last season, V-Dub put up very respectable numbers for a guy battling two injuries (broken wrist, hamstring) 20 HR, 78 RBI in just 108 games. One has to wonder that if he can complete a full campaign this year, with the addition of Adam Lind & Travis Snider in Toronto's lineup whether he could post 100+ RBI for only the 2nd time in the last 6 seasons...

It's not not to already be concerned and frustrated with Wells. He's missed a chunk of time in spring training due to problems with his hamstring & wrist (again!) Is another trip to the DL imminent? Or will Wells bash 25-30 homers and drive in 100+ runs? Fans are growing restless and impatient with the same script. In a close ball game, it's expected he'll pop out or whiff. He always "pads" his stats when the game is out of line. For a guy that brings so much to the clubhouse (leadership, offense, great defense), there is an air of mystery behind Wells. He is an all star centre fielder wrapped in an enigma...