Emilio Bonifacio could provide the best chance to score runs. Maicer Izturis might be the best option to prevent them.
Both players are switch-hitters and both want to be Toronto's starting second baseman.
They each might get their wish.
Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said he might have to decide day by day which one is in the lineup.
"One guy might not win the job," Gibbons said. "I mean, they're both going to be on the team.
"It's probably going to come down to a feel thing. What does your gut tell you?
"And when it comes right down to it, we might not come out and say, 'Hey, this is our guy.' Maybe they'll split it and we'll just base it on matchups or what we need on a given night."
Said Izturis: "I've been in this situation in Anaheim. We both have to do our jobs and we will see where [Gibbons] puts the both of us to see what it looks like.
"We'll see what the manager likes."
'Up for grabs'
Bonifacio, primarily an outfielder last season with Miami, brings more offence. Injuries limited him to 64 games last year but he still stole 30 bases. He swiped a career-high 40 in 2011 when he batted .296.
Izturis is better defensively and can play shortstop and third base. He hit .256 for the Angels last year, but his career fielding average at second base is .990 to Bonifacio's .960.
With his speed, Bonifacio could also be used as a pinch-runner, a pinch-hitter or even a designated hitter in place of Adam Lind, who has fared poorly against left-handed pitching with a career .220 batting average to Bonifacio's .290.
Neither was with the Blue Jays last season, when Kelly Johnson played second base before signing with Tampa Bay.
"We'll see who makes us stronger there, but right now it's up for grabs," Gibbons said. "It's going to be something we want to play out."
'No guarantees'
The 32-year-old Izturis agreed in November to sign a three-year, $10 million US contract with Toronto after eight years with the Angels.
The 27-year-old Bonifacio was part of a 12-player trade with the Marlins on Nov. 19.
The key figures were pitchers Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson and shortstop Jose Reyes. Bonifacio's one-year contract is worth $2.6 million US.
Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Izturis isn't assured the starting job, despite the multiyear deal.
"We signed him to compete for second base," Anthopoulos said. "There were no guarantees beyond that.
"I'm very big on being clear [and] never over-promising anything."
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