Borders sees some Puckett in Kirk's game

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The 1992 Blue Jays were celebrated last weekend at Rogers Centre, marking the 30th anniversary of the organization’s first World Series win. Many of the club’s stars were on hand, including the man who turned it on at the right time and won World Series MVP, catcher Pat Borders.

Borders had an admirable MLB career, spanning 17 seasons with nine organizations, but his eight years with Toronto are what most remember him for. In that World Series against Atlanta, Borders went 9-for-20 (.450) with a home run and three doubles. He’s loved what he’s seen from the Blue Jays’ catching depth, too, particularly Alejandro Kirk.

“I saw him last year in Triple-A and he is a phenomenal hitter,” Borders said. “People talk about how good of a hitter he is, and he reminds me of a Kirby Puckett type of hitter. He’s very strong-bodied, a quick swing, adjusts well with an old-school swing.”

Like many others, though, Borders has been particularly interested in the strides Kirk has made behind the plate.

“What I’ve noticed from him, which maybe people overlook, is his ability to call a game,” Borders said. “I think that he has an innate ability to read certain things, which is kind of hard to do, especially at his young age. He’ll get people out on their strengths, occasionally, which pays dividends for the next series, the following series or even next year. If you get someone out in their strength, they remember that and you exploit that down the road. He’s very good at that.”