What are Jose Bautista’s Valentine’s Day plans for 2011?  Team Bautista and the Toronto Blue Jays have a date set for Monday, February 14, to have his arbitration case heard before a third party, according to sources close to FOXSports as reported by Jon Paul Morosi.

It’s possible that the sides can settle on a deal and avoid a hearing, but there’s a $2.9 million difference between them now.  Bautista is arbitration-eligible and has asked for $10.5 million while the team countered with $7.6 million.

Going to a hearing could hurt the chances of the Blue Jays signing him to a long-term deal next winter.  The team may be hesitant in investing a large sum of money to a player that may have had a fluke 2010 season where he led the Majors in home runs with 54.  Another strong season in 2011 will guarantee Bautista a tremendous payday this winter when he enters free agency for the first time in his career.