Barfield Named Top Blue Jay Player

Right fielder Jesse Barfield, whose power hitting helped carry Toronto to the American League East pennant, has been selected Blue Jay Player of the Year by the Toronto chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Assn. of America.

Dennis Lamp, the Jays’ middle-relief specialist who posted an 11-0 record, was a double winner in the postseason awards. He was named both Pitcher of the Year and Most Improved Player.

Barfield, 26, received 15 of 21 first-place votes to easily distance left fielder George Bell, who finished second in the balloting for the second consecutive year. Last year, Bell lost a narrow decision to outfielder Dave Collins.