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Toronto Blue Jays Top 20 Prospects for 2010

John Sickels — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:25:29 -0000

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5 months ago: Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Brad Mills pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during first inning baseball action in Toronto on Saturday, June 27, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Darren Calabrese)

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Toronto Blue Jays Top 20 Prospects for 2010

All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change. Don't get too worried about exact rankings at this point, especially once you get beyond the Top 10. Grade C+/C guys are pretty interchangeable depending on what you want to emphasize. Complete reports on these and over 1,000 other players will be in the 2010 Baseball Prospect Book, now available for pre-order, shipping on February 2^nd!

1) Brett Wallace, 1B-3B, Grade B+: Didn't hit quite as well as expected last year but I still believe in the bat.

2) Zach Stewart, RHP, Grade B+: I like him a lot, too....could be a number two starter or closer, only role is unclear. Stuff slightly better than Drabek's I think.

3) Kyle Drabek, RHP, Grade B+: Fully recovered from surgery and looks like a fine number two/three starter to me, assuming he keeps his head on straight.

4) Travis d'Arnaud, C, Grade B: Borderline B-. Numbers aren't spectacular but he's very young and I think the bat will continue to develop.

5) Chad Jenkins, RHP, Grade B-: Borderline B, but would like to see some pro data. Could end up as a B+ next year if he puts things together quickly. A rotation of Drabek/Stewart/Jenkins could spin a lot of quality innings if everyone pans out.

6) David Cooper, 1B, Grade B-: Borderline C+. Disappointing season in Double-A but I can still see him developing into an Overbay-type regular. Be interesting to see how/if they get both Cooper and Wallace into the future lineup.

7) Josh Roenicke, RHP, Grade C+: Borderline B- but at age 27 it is hard to rate that grade. Great stuff, can close if the command is there.

8) Henderson Alvarez, RHP, Grade C+: Projectable and young with excellent command.

9) Carlos Perez, C, Grade C+: GCL catcher is a long way away, but has a good balance of offensive and defensive potential.

10) Brad Mills, LHP, Grade C+: Couldn't replicate '08 performance but '09 numbers at Vegas aren't bad considering the environment. Could be useful inning-eater control type.

11) Jake Marisnick, OF, Grade C+: Very toolsy, but need pro data to see how raw he is or is not before ranking higher.

12) Eric Thames, OF, Grade C+: I like this bat a lot, but he needs to stay healthy, apparently a big "if" for him.

13) Brad Emaus, 2B, Grade C+: I think he's better than what he showed at New Hampshire, could put up much bigger numbers in Vegas.

14) Ryan Schimpf, 2B, Grade C+: At best, a cross between Dustin Pedroia and Frank Catalanotto. At worst, a Tony Graffanino style utility player. Need data from higher levels to tell more.

15) Dan Farquhar, RHP, Grade C+: Command is an issue, but overpowering when on. Could help quickly as a relief option.

16) Robert Bell, RHP, Grade C+: Spectacular stats in the Florida State League, but need to see if stuff will hold up against better hitters. Certainly a sleeper.

17) J.P. Arencibia, C, Grade C: Baseball America likes him a lot more than this, but both personal observation and his performance in Vegas make me very skeptical at this point. Power is there, but his approach to hitting is terrible. I see him as a reserve catcher.

18) Justin Jackson, SS, Grade C: Awesome tools but right now he just doesn't do anything with the bat with no signs of growth. Injuries also an issue. But bottom line there are just guys I like better at this point.

19) Reidier Gonzalez, RHP, Grade C: Ground ball/control artist added to 40-man roster, could help as inning-eater or a bullpen asset.

20) Tim Collins, LHP, Grade C: Continues to put up outstanding statistics, pretty good stuff considering his 5-7 height. Should make a fine LOOGY. Note that other Grade C guys listed below (particularly Ahrens, Dopirak, Liebel, Magnuson, Tolisano, and Pastornicky) could easily slot in here, but I wanted to point Collins out since he's very interesting.

OTHER GRADE C players: Kevin Ahrens, 3B; Brian Dopirak, 1B; Ryan Goins, SS; Yan Gomes, C; K. C. Hobson, 1B; Andrew Liebel, RHP; Trystan Magnuson, RHP; Darin Mastroianni, OF; Tyler Pastornicky, SS; Luis Perez, LHP; Gustavo Pierre, SS; Welinton Ramirez, OF; Robert Ray, RHP; Moises Sierra, OF; Egan Smith, LHP; John Tolisano, 2B; Daniel Webb, RHP; Kenny Wilson, OF; Zech Zincola ,RHP.

The Blue Jays system was thin, and greatly benefits by the recent addition of Wallace, Drabek, and d'Arnaud this month. Stewart and Roenicke were acquired in trades this summer.

The Jays under former general manager J.P. Ricciardi took a lot of flak for focusing in polished college players in the draft. However, even when they brought in tools players, such as the high school hitters drafted in 2007 and various Latin American investments, the results were poor, leading me to wonder if the problems are as much in player development and coaching as much as in the drafting. The debacle of the 2009 draft is a huge blow: failing to sign the second, third, and fourth round picks speaks to serious problems with the Jays organization as a whole and hampers depth at the lower levels of the system for '10 and beyond.

In any event, the trades of the last six months help, and even beyond that the system is not completely barren, particularly with pitching. There are the makings of a good bullpen in the system, and if the top group of pitching comes close to meeting expectations, the future rotation looks solid. The hitting looks thin.

Just Dropped in to See What Condition My Condition is In: Who Moves Up, Who Moves Down on our Prospect List

Tom Dakers — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:48:37 -0000

As a start towards re-doing our prospect list I thought we'd take a look at the guys on our current list and see which ones improved their status with the team and which ones likely dropped back or right off the prospect list. Then we can start looking at who should be on the new list.

I'll list the players in the spots they are at on our current list, which was put together about this time last year.

1.Travis Snider. Snider got 241 major league at bats, in which he hit .241/.331/.430, not great but not bad considering he was just 21, the 6^th youngest player in the AL. He also had 175 at bats at Triple-A Las Vegas hitting a terrific .337/.431/.663 there. Clearly he wasn't one of Cito's favourites, which puts him in a class with Shawn Green and Carlos Delgado, who have roughly 800 major league home runs between them, so not exactly bad company. If you consider Travis a prospect still, he didn't do much to hurt his status as our number one prospect, but I figure we will graduate him off the prospects list and consider him a major leaguer now. It is always possibly that Cito will decide he's not ready for the majors, this spring, and give his at bats to someone like Kevin Millar. Then, he'd be a prospect and a darn good one still, considering he'd just be 22 years old. But, please Cito, play him every day next year.

2. Brett Cecil. Cecil got 17 major league starts last season, going 7-4 with a 5.30 ERA. Not great, not terrible. He was just 22 years old, so still pretty young for a lefty starter. He pitched another 49 innings in Vegas going 1-5 there with a 5.69 ERA. He was moved to the majors before we likely would have liked him to be, with all the injuries we had to the starting staff. If you consider him a prospect still, he's still a good one, just 23 next year. He'd likely be moved down a few spots on our list, but we'll likely ‘graduate' him off the prospect list.

3. J.P. Arencibia. J.P. did not have the season we hoped he'd have. Promoted to Triple-A, he hit just .236/.284/.444 with 21 homers. I guess calling him a Rod Barajas type would be fair, nice power, low average, wouldn't take a walk if his life depended on it. He'll likely move down some on our list, but he's still a decent prospect. He'll be 24 next year so he can't afford another season like this one, but several good players need two years at Triple-A to find their way.

4. David Cooper. In just his second year of pro ball he was moved up to Double-A New Hampshire. It didn't go well, .258/.340/.389. I would think they will start him at Double-A again and hope he moves up quick. He is just 22 and just 2 years removed from college ball, so there is time to right the ship, but I'd expect he'll be dropped several spots down on our next list. Can't write off a guy at his age though.

5. Justin Jackson. Justin moved up to high-A Dunedin to start this year. It didn't go well, he hit .213/.321/.239 and he missed some time with a ‘frayed labrum'. He's still young, just 20 this past year and has good speed (17 steals), can take a walk (39 in 249 at bats) and his defence looks good. He has got the tools, just has to make it all work. We got to see him a few times in spring training and he didn't look out of place. All that said, he likely to move down a few spots on our list. I'm not sure that I don't think Tyler Pastornicky is a better prospect in the long run.

6. Kevin Ahrens. Continuing our list of prospects that disappointed this year, Kevin was moved up to high-A Dunedin for this season and forgot to bring his bat, hitting just .215/.282/.302. Again just 20 and knows how to take a walk but we really would have liked better from him. He'll likely drop several spots on the prospect list. Don't totally write him off at 20 but he's going to have to pick it up next year.

7. Scott Campbell. A personal favourite, he played in Dunedin, New Hamshire and Las Vegas this year and really didn't take a step forward, .272/.368/.356. He started slow then got injured when it looked like he was turning things around. Pretty much a lost year for him. The Jays tried him at 3B some this year, which I don't understand at all, he doesn't have the power for a corner infield spot. I'd give him a mulligan because of the injuries but he was 24 last season, so it is tough to see him as a prospect unless he does something terrific in spring training. Alex Anthopoulos obviously doesn't think too much of him since he's picked up a couple of middle infield types in the past few weeks off waivers: Mike McCoy and Jarrett Hoffpauir. Much as I like Campbell, I can't see him being on the next prospects list.

8. Brad Mills. Brad made a couple of starts for us back in June when virtually every other starting pitcher in our system was hurt. They didn't go well. He made 14 starts in Triple-A Vegas going just 2-8 but with a decent (for the Pacific Coast League) ERA of 4.06. He had a good strikeout to walk rate 35 walks to 72 strikeouts. He had a good spring training with us, he was in the running for a opening day rotation spot, right up until the end. He gives up more fly balls (and therefore homers) than you would like to see. And he will be 25 next season, not old for a lefty starter but time is running out. I think he'll move a few spots down on our prospect list but with luck and work could make the rotation.

9. Ricky Romero. He's graduated off the prospect list. I think I argued that he shouldn't be so high on our list last year. Shows what I know. He is 25 next year and I'd like to have the paychecks he has in his future.

10. John Tolisano. Like fellow 20 year olds Jackson and Ahrens, John played at Dunedin last year and did not do well, hitting .232/.305/.379. Like the other two, he knows how to take a walk and is young enough to overcome it. He did show some power (12 homers) and wasn't doing too bad before just a horrible August that hurt his numbers. That said, he's got good power for a 2B and is young enough to bounce back from this year, but he'll be moved back on our prospect list.

We'll look at the guys that were 11-20 on our list in the next couple of days and 21-30 soon after that. Then we'll take a look at ones that could jump on our next list.

Ain't Gonna Work on Maggie's Farm No More: Jays' 2009 Minor League Affiliates' Season in Review, Part I

hugo — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:00:32 -0000

Hi everyone. Before we update our top prospects list, let's take a broader view at what has been going on among the Jays' minor-league affiliates this season. Part I will focus on the lower-level affiliates, Part II on the teams closer to the majors.

Gulf Coast League Blue Jays: The GCL Jays played slightly above .500 ball this season and did so with a number of 2009 draftees and other very young players. 18-year old Carlos Perez (the GCL Jays' MVP) did a great job behind the plate, batting .291/.364/.433. 17-year old shorstop Gustavo Pierre held his own at the plate with 18 extra-base hits in 48 games. Although he did make 14 errors, that's nothing unusual for a shortstop that young in his first taste of pro ball, since his defense is said to be solid overall.

On the mound, Matt Fields dominated, but he was quite old for the level so he was expected to. Ryan Shopshire, a 2009 draftee, was also old for the GCL, but pitched great in his 8 starts and was promoted straight to Lansing by season's end. Aaron Loup, the southpaw 2009 Tulane draftee (go Green Wave!), pitched only in relief for the GCL, probably to keep his innings down as he was more of a starter in college. Loup did a nice job in relief, with a 19/3 K/BB ratio in his 16 1/3 innings and a 3.86 ERA, especially finishing the season strong (he only gave up 2 runs in his last 14 innings).

Auburn Doubledays: Sean Ochinko, the 2009 draftee out of LSU (Aaron Hill and Brian Tallet's alma mater) did a tremendous job from behind the plate, batting .324/.382/.527, with 6 home runs and 20 doubles in 52 games and earning team MVP honors. Very nice. Shortstop Ryan Goins, another 2009 collegiate draftee, didn't show a lot of power but held his own at the plate, earning a promotion to Lansing by the season's end. Yan Gomes, Auburn's other primary catcher, and another 2009 draftee, also did a very fine job at the plate, batting .296/.363/.444, and left-handed hitting Ryan Schimpf, another 2009 LSU graduate (the Jays have really mined the Pelican State in their drafting made a nice debut at second base. On the less encouraging side, 2009 draftee Lance Durham struggled in his professional debut, and toolsy centrefield types Marcus Brisker and Eric Eiland showed very little and Eiland especially looks to be in big trouble as a prospect.

On the pitching side, lefties Egan Smith (a 2.56 ERA in 9 starts, 36/11 K/BB ratio over 38 innings) and Matthew Wright (73 Ks in 59 2/3 innings, with 23 walks and a 3.77 ERA in 16 appearances (12 starts)) and righty Dave Sever (3.34 ERA in 14 games (12 starts) with 57 Ks and just 15 walks over 67 innings) all had very nice seasons from Auburn's rotation. Wright pitched for Auburn (reasonably well) last season, while Smith and Sever were 2009 draftees. Smith was named a 2009 NY-Penn League all-star.

Lansing Lugnuts: Unlike some ohters, we didn't count Johermyn Chavez out after an awful 2008 campaign and he rewarded us (not to mention himself) with a fantastic season for Lansing. The 20-year old batted .283/.346/.474 with 22 doubles, 6 triples, and 21 home runs (2nd in the league) as an underaged hitter in a tough hitters' league. After a scorching start, he tapered off a bit in the late spring, but came roaring back to end the season, which was great to see. Fellow outfielder Welinton Ramirez split his season between Auburn and Lansing and played well for both. Brian Van Kirk (.278/.389/.451 for Lansing) put up solid numbers, earning promotions to Dunedin and, shortly thereafter, New Hampshire. Ty Pastornicky did a very nice job as Lansing's SS, not showing any power, but holding his own at the plate, playing excellent defense, and stealing 51 bases. He was promoted to Dunedin when Justin Jackson went down with a frayed labrum. Balbino Fuenmayor, still just 19 though in his 3rd season with the Jays' organization, had an up-and-down season for Lansing (.663 OPS), but certainly too promising to give up on considering his age. Kenneth Wilson, yet another toolsy CF type, struggled mightily, and none of Jon Talley, A.J. Jimenez, or Chris House had great seasons behind the plate for Lansing (though House was starting to look better as the season neared its end).

On the mound, Henderson Alvarez (92/19 K/BB ratio in 23 starts (124 IP), with a 9-6 record and 3.47 ERA) was very good, but many of Lansing's other starters struggled, though not Charles Huggins, who was so good in his 7 starts (1.57 ERA, 40/11 K/BB ratio in 34 1/3 innings) that he quickly pitched himself out of the league and into Dunedin (where he also excelled). Joel Carreno made good 14 starts for Lansing. Frank Gailey did a fine job out of the bullpen.

Dunedin Jays: Moses Sierra was another guy who struggled in 2008 but had a very nice season in 2009, earning MVP honors for Dunedin and hitting .286/.360/.393 before his promotion to New Hampshire (where he continued to excel, albeit in just 34 at-bats before the season ended) and showcasing fine defense and an exceptional arm in the outfield. The Jays like Sierra, as they showed when they gave him an extended look in 2009 spring training despite him being a 20-year old outfielder who had a mediocre-at-best 2008 season for Lansing. Sierra wasn't the only quality outfielder for Lansing - in fact, his fly-shagging bretheren Darrin Mastroianni and Eric Thames (.874 OPS in 216 plate appearances) also had big seasons - in Thames' case unfortunately curtailed by injury, something that's proving to be a continued thorn in the side of his development (he could've easily been in AA this season but for his injury). Centrefielder Mastroianni (.325/.426/.390) showed a real knack for getting on base at the top of the order and also earned a promotion to New Hampshire before the season let out. Catcher Jonathan Jaspe hit well but really needs to learn to take a walk (just 17 in 279 plate appearance) while fellow catcher (and yet another LSU product) Matthew Liuzza knows how to walk but was old for the level at 25. Adam Loewen was an interesting story - not unexpectedly, he started slow - no surprise for a hitter's first taste of professional ball being at high-A. But he picked up steam each month was better than the last - until August, that is, when he, somewhat unexpectedly fell off. Overall, Loewen's season (.236/.340/.355) was still pretty encouraging for his first taste of professional ball, and it wouldn't surprise me to see him take a step forward next season.

The trio of 2008 high-school draftees and infield prospects, Kevin Ahrens, Justin Jackson, and John Tolisano, continued to move up together through the system this year, but it wasn't a great season for the three overall. Tolisano (.232/.305/.379, with 12 home runs) had his moments and was looking at an encouraging season before a putrid August dragged down his numbers. Jackson got off to an awful start that injuries robbed him of the chance to overcome and eventually needed labrum surgery, while Ahrens just didn't do anything at the plate until August, when he started to snap out of it a bit. I can't imagine any of them will be moving up to start next season, which puts the Jays in a tough spot with respect to the shortstop position, where Pastornicky outplayed Jackson this season.

On the mound, Andrew Liebel's horrible 5-13 record masks the fact that he was actually pretty good (3.63 ERA, 118/42 K/BB ratio in 156 innings) He threw a lot of quality innings this season (he also made two starts for New Hampshire, in which he pitched splendidly) so he shouldn't feel bad about the record. Kenny Rodriguez also pitched quite well in his 12 starts (2.43 ERA, 63/23 K/BB ratio), and Vincent Bongiovanni wasn't bad either (4.44 ERA with solid K/BB numbers). In relief, we know all about Tim Collins (99 Ks in 64 2/3 innings, with 28 walks and a 2.37 ERA), who hit a bump when he was promoted to New Hampshire, but Robert Bell (112 Ks and just 22 walks) in 96 innings consisting of 10 starts, 32 relief appearances) also put together a very nice season (2.43 ERA). Trystan Magnuson had a decent season out of the pen as well, while Zach Dials and Danny Farquar started at Dunedin but soon moved up due to dominating performance.

Join us next time for AA and AAA, and let us know in the comments which minor league players at these levels caught your eye, good or bad, this season.

Toronto Blue Jays Top 20 PRE-SEASON Prospects in Review

John Sickels — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:00:15 -0000

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Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero (The Canadian Press,John Ross)

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Toronto Blue Jays Top 20 PRE-SEASON Prospects in Review

This list was originally published December 8, 2008. This is a REVIEW of the PRE-SEASON list for 2009, not a revision of that list. This is a REVIEW of the old list. The first grade listed is the OLD GRADE.

1) Travis Snider, OF, Grade A-: Hit .242/.292/.394 in the majors, .314/.409/.654 in Triple-A. I still believe in the bat and you should too.

2) Brett Cecil, LHP, Grade B+: 4.35 ERA with 54/28 K/BB in 70 major league innings, 81 hits allowed. Gets lots of grounders; I think he's going to be very good as long as he remains healthy.

3) David Cooper, 1B, Grade B: Hitting .255/.333/.372 for Double-A New Hampshire. Very disappointing, no power, mediocre batting average and OBP, looks like I overrated him. BB/K ratio is decent, so he still has a chance to improve but needs to make progress quickly in '10.

4) J.P. Arencibia, C, Grade B-: Hitting .224/.272/.409 for Triple-A Las Vegas. Poor strike zone judgment is holding production back. Good with the glove but has needs big adjustments with the bat.

5) Justin Jackson, SS, Grade B-: Hitting .213/.321/.289 in the Florida State League, with 17 steals. Power has completely vanished, and prone to wild performance swings (.155 in April, .367 in May, .217 in June, .150 in July). Still has tools, but extremely raw. Out with shoulder trouble.

6) Brad Mills, LHP, Grade B-: 4.06 ERA with 72/35 K/BB in 84 innings for Las Vegas. Out with bruised ribs.

7) Kevin Ahrens, 3B, Grade C+: Hitting .214/.285/.282 in the Florida State League. Another guy the Jays drafted for tools who is not improving.

8) Ricky Romero, LHP, Grade C+: 10-5, 3.66 with 90/44 K/BB in 116 major league innings. One of the best rookie pitchers in baseball, somewhat surprising after a mediocre minor league career. The talent was always there, but he lacked consistency before.

9) Mark Rzepczynski, LHP, Grade C+: 2.86 ERA with 104/40 K/BB in 88 innings between Double-A and Triple-A, 4.38 ERA with 37/19 K/BB in 37 innings in the majors. Looks good so far.

10) Scott Campbell, 2B, Grade C+: .263/.357/.360 between Las Vegas and New Hampshire. Controls the zone well, but lack of power limits production.

11) Brad Emaus, 2B, Grade C+: .255/.339/.384 at New Hampshire. Good plate discipline, has a little pop, but not repeating '08 numbers at the higher level.

12) Eric Thames, OF, Grade C+: Hitting .308/.391/.442 in the Florida State League, but limited to just 42 games by injury. A good player but appears to be fragile.

13) Luis Perez, LHP, Grade C+: 3.85 ERA with 93/52 K/BB in 131 innings in Double-A. Another ground ball-generating lefty, a type the Jays seem to like.

14) Andrew Liebel, RHP, Grade C: 4.02 ERA with 105/37 K/BB in 132 innings in the Florida State League, 133 hits. Throws strikes, will have to prove that stuff can hold up at higher levels.

15) Tyler Pastornicky, SS, Grade C: Hitting .272/.342/.341 in the Midwest League, with 51 steals. Lots of speed, decent on-base skills, good glove, but lacks power.

16) Robert Ray, RHP, Grade C: Held his own in four major league starts, but out most of the season with shoulder problems.

17) Jon Tolisano, 2B, Grade C: Hitting .240/.311/.419 in the Florida State League. Showing some pop but batting average and OBP are issues.

18) Markus Brisker, OF, Grade C: Hitting .139/.216/.165 with 19 steals in 77 games between Midwest League and NY-P. Lots of speed, can't hit. Still has a cool name.

19) Chad Beck, RHP, Grade C: 5.88 ERA with 62/19 K/BB in 83 innings in the Midwest League, 95 hits. Decent walk rate, but other numbers mediocre and disappointing considering his age (24).

20) Tim Collins, LHP, Grade C: 2.01 ERA with 96/25 K/BB in 63 innings in the Florida State League, 42 hits. Exceptional K/IP and H/IP numbers. And he's just 5-7, 155 pounds in soaking wet clothes after a huge thanksgiving meal.

This is a good news/bad news system. Several of the hitters are failing to develop, including young tools guys like Jackson and Ahrens, and college types like Cooper and Arencibia. On the other hand, Cecil, Romero, and Rzepczynski give three very impressive young lefties on the major league staff. Romero is a huge surprise considering how disappointing his minor league career was, but he was the sixth-overall pick at one point and the talent was always there. Snider will be great, he just needs more experience.

Friday Notes: Janssen, Snider, Marcum, Stewart, Jackson

hugo — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:31:31 -0000

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Casey Janssen, Shaun Marcum, and Travis Snider are all hoping to see the majors again by the end of the season. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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Hi everyone. Just a quick collection of some notes.

The Las Vegas Sun has had a trio of nice articles over the past week. First, they talked to Shaun Marcum about his rehab:

"I'm just trying to stay positive, knowing that hopefully I can get up there and pitch again this year, but if I don't, it's not the end of the world," Marcum said Saturday before the 51s' 8-7 victory over Salt Lake at Cashman Field. "I just have to take the rehab process slowly enough so that I don't have to go through this again next year."

With Marcum's recent back injury, the Jays haven't decided yet whether he'll throw again this season. The minor-league season ends in a few weeks.

The next day, the Sun talked to Travis Snider:

''I'm just getting in there and allowing things to happen,'' said Snider, who was sidelined from early June until July 2 with a lower back injury. ''Since I've come back from the injury, I've worked really hard with hitting coaches in the organization to fix some mechanical errors that I've had. Things just weren't translating based on the pressure I was putting on myself.''

Snider is positively mashing at the plate recently, hitting .447 with 3 home runs, a triple, and 9(!) doubles over his last 10 games, 8 walks, and just 7 strikeouts.

Most recently, the Sun talked to Casey Janssen about his frustrations in attempting to return from labrum surgery, one of the most difficult injuries from which a pitcher can attempt to recover. Janssen has continued to experience unpredictable stiffness and inflammation in his shoulder at times, but has slowly been progressing:

"The body's weird, and I know they always say the first year after a labrum (injury) is the toughest. I've ridden that roller coaster this year."

Casey also mentioned that he has no problem with relieving, as opposed to starting, when he returns. I've always liked him as a starter and I think he has the stuff to be a good one, but if relieving keeps him healthy than that's the way to go.

Baseball America took a look at the best prospects traded during the trade season this year and Zach Stewart, acquired by the Blue Jays, clocks in at number 2, behind just Brett Wallace, who was traded for Matt Holliday. The best of anyone involved in the Cliff Lee trade was Jason Knapp, who came in at #5.

Finally, shortstop prospect Justin Jackson hasn't played in a while, because he himself underwent labrum surgery - on his left (non-throwing) shoulder (h/t Batter's Box and their short interview with Dick Scott). Jackson is expected to be ready to return to action in December, but this is something to keep an eye on as the left shoulder is the more crucial shoulder for a right-handed hitter. I wonder whether this explains any of Jackson's struggles at the plate this season.

Bluebird Banter Trade Deadline Roundtable, Part II

hugo — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:45:47 -0000

Hi everyone. It's time for the next installment of the Annual Bluebird Banter Trade Deadline Roundtable. Part I was right here. Again, our participants are JesseF, Tom Dakers, myself, and special guest star JohnnyG. We look at this as just the beginning of the discussion, so keep it going with your own thoughts in the comments. Enjoy the off-day!

Hugo: How about Scott Rolen? He is having a tremendous season and is under contract for one more season, but of course lingering injury concerns have to remain.

Tom: The trouble with trading Rolen is that we don't have an obviously 3B prospect ready to go. A challenge trade of trading a 3B for a 3B (like we did with Glaus to get Rolen) isn't likely to happen again. If someone had a good enough 3B to trade straight up for Rolen, why would they want to trade him? So trading Rolen almost forces a second trade.

Jesse: What the Jays do with Rolen is entirely up to their plans for 2010. If they want to compete next season, they are going to have to hold onto him, unless they want to make a blockbuster deal. One thing that I don't think anyone has considered is packaging Halladay with Rolen to upgrade (or at least not significantly downgrade) at third, while also getting some prospects. That is, of course, a lot of salary for a team to take on, but if they traded back a ML veteran in addition to the prospects that could offset the salary issue somewhat. If management doesn't think the team will be competing in 2010, I think they should trade Rolen now.

JohnnyG: I love Scott the Rock Rolen, his defense... sweeeeet. His Bat... AWESOME... Ok I'm done. I have to think Rolen is trade bait, but not so much that if the Jays can't get anything for him that should dump him for the best offer. The problem being is the market is much smaller for Rolen vs. Halladay. Everyone and I mean everyone could use a Halladay because you could always use a pitcher. Does every contending team need a new 3B? Off the top of my head maybe Milwaukee, The Phillies may want an upgrade over Feliz. Packaging him with Halladay may help but as Jesse pointed out but that is a lot of salary to take on. Bottom line for me is pretty much the same as Halladay, if you don't get a decent offer for him that should include a decent prospect (preferably a decent 3B one) then just pass and let him play out the rest of his tenor next year and maybe look at next years deadline.

Hugo: My take is that If the Jays are serious about putting a competitive team on the field next season, they have to either keep Scott Rolen or acquire a third-baseman to replace him. The Jays have no one in the organization ready to step up and man third, unless you count a platoon involving Jose Bautista and either Scott Campbell or Joe Inglett. That said, if the Jays could move Rolen to a contender for a young third baseman with some power potential, that would be tremendous. Of course, as you have all pointed out, that is far easier said than done. Still, with Rolen's value high right now, it can't hurt to ask around.

Tom: Is it posible that Campbell could be a decent major league 3B next year? He doesn't have the power we'd like to see but then Rolen likely won't get more than 10 homers this year.

Hugo: Sure, it's possible. He was pretty impressive in the Spring and you have to like his ability to get on base. But AAA wasn't kind to him the first-time around and after that, he's had a number of nagging injuries. They've prevented him from developing, particularly defensively, so it's tough to say he could be capable of the job next year. I'd like to see what he does in the second half and then I could see him making the team as a utility player next year and trying to work his way into the lineup that way. Even if he can get on base like Rolen has this year, he won't field like him.

Hugo: Moving on, Marco Scutaro is a free agent after this season and could very well be a Type A free agent. Do you think the Jays would be better served to trade him now, to attempt to resign him, or to offer him arbitration at the end of the season and, assuming he declines, take the draft picks?

Tom: I'd like them to try to sign him to a 2 year contract, he's getting to the age that much beyond 2 years we might be seeing some decline but I think we need a couple of years for one of our top SS prospects Justin Jackson or Tyler Pastornicky to develop to where they can take the job. I'll admit I really like Pastornicky quite a bit, he has the sort of speed we don't have on the team at the moment.

Jesse: I would like to see them offer him a one year deal with a vesting option (contingent on him playing 130 games) for the second year. If they cannot resign him, I would prefer to offer arbitration and take the two draft picks after this season because I think most teams are going to undervalue Scutaro and would not be willing to give up any significant prospects for him. If he accepts arbitration, that is fine with me as well -- I doubt he will make more in arbitration than he would through free agency.

JohnnyG: I would like to see them offer a 2 year deal but be sensible about it. Yes Scoots is having a great year but let's not go overboard here, Scoot is making 1.1Mil this year. In comparison Johnny Mac Makes 1.9 Mil this year and has his contract expire at the end of the year as well. Offer Scott something over 2Mil a season for 2 years Maybe in the 2.5-3.0 Range perhaps with some additional bonuses if he hits certain numbers again. If he wants more let it go to arbitration and pick up the draft picks if it doesn't work out.

Hugo: I don't think those offers are going to be enough to keep Scutaro, though I agree with making the offer. I have no idea what the market for him is going to be like, but my guess is that, coming off a bit year, he will feel comfortable testing the market and taking the chance that the Jays won't fill their SS hole in the meantime, allowing him to go back to the Jays if he has to. As for our long-term SS picture, Pastornicky is having a good season and just needs to develop some power. It looks almost certain, though, that Jackson is going to need to repeat Dunedin, and that's going to hold Pastornicky back a bit.

Tom: No chance Pastornicky can skip past Jackson? They are about the same age.

Hugo: Well, there's one way I could see it happening. Pastornicky has been good but he would have to put up a monster year, and Jackson really fall off, for them to just switch places. The Jays still expect Jackson to develop at the plate. It could happen if Jackson gets injured, though, and Pastornicky has to be called up to fill the void, and excels.

Hugo: How about the Jays' bullpen arms? Jason Frasor is having a very nice season - he and Scott Downs are both free agents after 2010 - should the Jays look to trade one or both of them?

Tom: High on my wish list is keeping Downs. Frasor has had an up and down run with the Jays, I'd like to trade him quick while he's up. The other half is, I kind of doubt that he would resign with the Jays, since much of his time here he hasn't had the confidence of his manager.

Jesse: I would like them to resign Downs, his stuff is just as nasty as ever and he doesn't rely on a hard fastball so I don't see why he can't pitch well for another few seasons. As far as Frasor, is Jayson Werth available? All joking aside, outside of 2008, Frasor's had solid K/BB ratios throughout his career and while he's been lucky this season, I think he was quite unlucky in 2007. Although his stock is higher now than it probably will be next year, he is a quality major-league setup man, so if you do trade him, you want something useful in return.

JohnnyG: Resign Downs. And quickly too before he racks up too many saves and his agent can use that as leverage. As I mentioned above, Frasor is a prime trade target for someone looking to help bolster their bullpen. And from what I can find, (using Cot's) Frasor is signed only through this year so he would be a FA in this coming offseason, Downs is signed through next season. If this is actually the case I say trading Frasor if possible is the right move.

Hugo: I think Frasor was a super-2 so I think that while his contract is just for this year, he is under team control for one more season after this one. Cot's has him listed as a 2011 free agent. I like the idea of extending Downs, personally, I think he's as good a bet to hold down the closer job as anyone, but I'm not sure Downs will negotiate during the season; he is reputed to be very superstitious. The only issue with keeping him is how much it would cost. I'd trade Frasor if I could get a good return, but I wouldn't mind keeping him either if that didn't happen. He and Downs could both well end up Type A free agents when their contracts expire - while a team normally gets better value for a player by trading him rather than letting him leave for the draft picks, relievers that are Type A can be a different matter because they often don't fetch all that much in return. Justin Speier was a very effective pitcher for us but became Brett Cecil (and Eric Eiland) when he left. Glad we didn't resign him!

JohnnyG: I stand corrected on Frasor. If the Jays still retain his rights then I think I would be more inclined to keep him and hope he has an even better year next year. Then maybe you could flip him next year, Again Relievers I believe are a little easier to find so I wouldn't mind losing him if he gets better and becomes a type A, that would be great news.

Join us again next time!

2009 Trade Deadline Preview: Toronto Blue Jays

Matt Buggenhagen — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:41:55 -0000

More photos » by Darren Calabrese - AP

Roy Halladay starts for the Jays today against the Red Sox. Will this be his last start as a Blue Jay?

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Buyers or sellers?

The Blue Jays certainly haven't given any indication they are buyers, but tagging them with the term sellers might be a little too strong. We all know they have put ace Roy Halladay on the block, but unless they receive an enormous package in return there is still a high probability that Halladay will be a Blue Jay next year. However, for the sake of this discussion we'll go ahead and label them sellers.

Short-term need

First and foremost the Blue Jays have to get this Roy Halladay situation settled. Ultimately, dealing or not dealing Halladay should give us a clear indication what the Blue Jays are planning on doing in the future. Don't expect the Blue Jays to make any deals to upgrade their immediate roster, unless that involves dealing Halladay for major league ready players.

Long-term need

The Blue Jays have developed some good young players that will give them a promising future. Position players Aaron Hill, Alex Rios and Adam Lind should be the cornerstones of the Blue Jays offense for some time to come. Young pitchers Brett Cecil, Ricky Romero and Marc Rzepczynpski will be the foundation of the Jays future rotation. Roy Halladay doesn't figure to be in the Jays long-term plans regardless of whether he remains with the team past the July 31 deadline or not.

Ultimately, the Jays need to continue to develop talent in order to compete with the Yankees in the Red Sox. They clearly don't have the same deep pockets, so developing young stars will be their only chance to compete. In order for the Jays to do this they'll probably have to find a way out of some of their existing contracts, most notably center fielder Vernon Wells. Moving Halladay will net the Jays some good prospects who should help the team in the future, but finding a way to rid themselves of Wells could ultimately determine if the Jays have the financial flexibility to keep this team in tact. Wells is currently in the midst of a seven year $126 million deal that runs through 2014.

Big leaguers on the market?

Clearly you have to begin answering this question with Jays ace Roy Halladay. It's no surprise to anyone that Halladay is on the market. Halladay a lifelong Jay is all about winning now, and it doesn't appear the Jays can provide him with that situation. Halladay has spent his career watching the Yankees and Red Sox dominate the AL East, and he believes it's his time to compete for a championship. He appears to have a great relationship with GM J.P. Ricciardi, which leads me to believe Ricciardi will answer his wishes (while not screwing himself of course). Halladay has been linked to about every team under the sun, but the most notable contenders are the Phillies, Angels, Red Sox, Yankees, and Dodgers. The next group of contenders would probably be the White Sox, Rangers, and Brewers.

Others big leaguers on the market would have to start with Vernon Wells. Early reports were that the Jays were going to require any team interested in Halladay to take on Wells, but those reports appear to have disappeared. Wells is virtually untradeable, he's signed to a ridiculous contract, and frankly his production doesn't make him all that desirable. For more on his production read this great article from Sky Kalkman at Beyond The Box Score, it will blow your mind how useless Vernon Wells is. I had to steal this little quote from Sky because I find it hilarious.

Sky's Tip of the Day: If you're a major league baseball general manager and anyone from the Blue Jays front office calls you up and even mentions the name Vernon Wells, immediately hang up, unplug your phone, announce a code Dunn over the PA, and organize the entire building's retreat into the sub-basement biodome where you won't come out until after 2014. (Don't forget the Twinkies.)

Moving along. Expect the Jays to also consider dealing third baseman Scott Rolen, who's having a bit of a revival year (.322/6/35). However, Rolen may be tough to deal figuring he is 34, and is owed $11.8 million for 2009 and 2010. Rumors were the Red Sox might be interested in Rolen, but that was when the team was uncertain about the status of third baseman Mike Lowell. I'm sure that's off the table now. Also the Giants have been linked to Rolen, but I can't imagine them talking on his salary. However, if J.P. Ricciardi was willing to eat a portion of the contract maybe the Giants could be a fit.

Minor league strength

The Jays minor league system has thinned a bit, but that's mostly because a lot of their prospects are already in the major leagues. The Jays consensus top prospect is 21-year-old outfielder Travis Snieder, who currently plays for the Jays Triple-A Las Vegas. Snieder is struggling a bit batting only .246, but it's more than understandable considering his age and the level he is playing at. Minor League Ball John Sickels grades Snieder as an A- prospect, and he anticipates that Snieder may struggle in the early going, but he expects him to develop in the long run.

Some other prospects to keep an eye on for the Blue Jays are catcher J.P. Arencibia, and shortstop Justin Jackson. Arencibia also plays for Triple-A Las Vegas, is batting .240 with 9 homers and 42 RBIs. Jackson the Jays 2007 first round pick plays for Single-A Dunedin. He has struggled to say the least at the plate, but he does have 16 SB this year. He's considered a real smooth fielding shortstop, and most scouts think his bat will come around, as he gets older.

Take on short-term money to win?

No. The Jays can barely handle the money they currently have. In fact as we've stated the Jays are doing their due diligence to rid themselves of some of the over expenditures they have on the books right now. However, no need for Jays fans to feel bad, you'll probably be the center of attention for about the next 11 days.

For more coverage of the Blue Jays, check out Blue Bird Banter.

I Work These Hands to Bleed; I've Got These Mouths to Feed: Prospect Midseason Report, vol. 1

hugo — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:03:19 -0000

More photos » by Darren Calabrese - AP

Ricky Romero has leapt tall prospect lists in a single bound, jumping all the way from the Jays' 9th-best prospect to one of the AL's better starting pitchers thusfar this season. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Darren Calabrese)

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Thanks to Ryan Adams (not your inferior Canadian B-Ryan version and definitely don't call him that unless you want to be evicted from the 9:30 club) for today's title, from the beautiful sad song "In My Time of Need," off Heartbreaker, his finest record By the way, best shows I ever saw (and there have been hundreds if not thousands) was an all-acoustic show - Tegan and Sara and Ryan Adams, with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Unfortunately, Ryan Adams also put on, by far, the worst show I ever saw, so there's that). I thought it appropriate since we will be looking at the Jays' farm system and the song is about a farmer. Anyway, we'll be looking at the Jays top 10 prospects, as we defined them in this LOTR themed post. Things have obviously changed, but we won't update the rankings until later on.

1. Travis Snider. Moonraker has had a tough time of it. Travis essentially was given the starting left field job before Spring Training even starter, and he did have a fine spring. Unfortunately that only carried about two weeks into the regular season before cracks started showing themselves. Travis couldn't hit much of anything after that, and soon found himself back at AAA. Sadly, Moonraker didn't even have a chance to get his feet under him before going down to shoulder and back injuries, and he hasn't even swung a bat in weeks. He'll try to get on track now that he's been reactivated and could be a September callup (or even earlier, though I tend to doubt that) for the team. Looking behind the numbers, Snider wasn't the victim of bad luck in the majors- just bad hitting. Quite the opposite, his numbers are actually better than his 13.9% line drive rate would suggest. Travis needs to refne his eye at the plate (6.6% walk rate this season, no different than his callup last year) before he finds consistent big-league success. That said, there's no reason to think his future is any brighter than it was before the season - the most worrying thing about this year isn't the 21-year old's hiccup, but the injury (from which he was just activated). It wouldn't surprise me to see him put together a nice second half and head into next year ready to make some waves.

2. Brett Cecil - Cecil wasn't expected to pitch in the bigs this early, particularly after flaming out early on in his spring training bid, but a steady stream of injuries has caused him to make 6 starts and find his way into the Jays' rotation. His 5.09 ERA doesn't look very impressive, but in truth Cecil has been quite good, with 4 good starts and 2 ERA-inflatingly poor ones. Brett has a 24/10 K/BB ratio over his 35 innings, and is more the victim of bad luck on home runs than anything else. With his sinking fastball, Cecil has always had devastatingly good HR rates in the minors, but he ran into a patch of HRs in the majors, particularly in one start against Boston in which he yielded 4 long balls. Cecil displayed a very good fastball, albeit one over which he could have more control, a world-class slider, and a decent changeup. I think his curve needs some work; he seemed to have trouble throwing it for strikes and he hung the occasional one too. With so many Jay pitchers hurt, it looks like Cecil has some more opportunity to show what he can do, and it wouldn't surprise me to see him put together a nice second half. I would like to see the team leave him in the majors at this point unless he pitches his way down.

3. J.P. Arencibia - Arencibia essentially entered this season with two main goals - continue to work on his defense, and develop an improved approach at the plate. While his defense has continued to progress, his approach at the plate has been another story. I thought the Jays were a little aggressive in starting Arencibia at AAA, and he has had some problems there - hitting just .236/.291/.417. That said, he has improved his walk rate - he already has 16 walks this season (in 287 plate appearances) after drawing just 18 all of last season (528 PAs). It's not a drastic difference and still is just a 5.6% walk rate, but it is something. While Arencibia's hitting hasn't been fantastic, he has turned it on some recently, and while he only has 8 HRs so far after hitting 27 last season between AA and AAA, he has 23 doubles and a triple already, which is encouraging. Unfortunately, he was recently put on the DL - let's hope it's not a serious injury. Although Arencibia hasn't progressed as fast as some of us would have hoped, he is holding his own and remains one of the better catching prospects in the game. He might not start 2010 in the majors, but he could be an early callup and an impact player that season.

4. David Cooper - Cooper looked like he was on the fast track to the majors after he jumped from Auburn to Dunedin and then, just as quickly, to New Hampshire last season, but his development has hit a snag so far this season. Cooper has shown a nice eye at the plate (10.4% walk rate) but hasn't shown much power yet (19 extra-base hits, including just 4 home runs). At 22, he has plenty of time to figure out double A. That said, a big second half would go a long way toward demonstrating that his first-round selection in 2008 was a wise one. As an underpowered first baseman with subpar defense, the margin for error isn't large with Cooper.

5. Justin Jackson - Jackson entered this season possessing a strong defensive reputation but some question marks as to how he might develop offensively. That's still very much true of the 20-year old. Jackson looked pretty good in spring training but really struggled to start the season, striking out in over 1/3 of his at-bats and not hitting much of anything. He returned from injury and was good at first but, since then, has continued to struggle at the plate, hitting just .233/.354/.291 on the season and .217/.360/.275 this month. The walk rates are very nice (15.6% this season) but that won't last if he can't start hitting more. He continues to strike out at a rather alarming rate (36%) so making consistent contact will be his primary goal for now. That said, Jackson is young for Dunedin and so it's not a huge surprise to see him struggle in the first half. The key will be seeing if he develops at all this second half. In the field, he continues to draw accolades, though he has also made 16 errors thusfar.

6. Kevin Ahrens - Ahrens, another 20-year old playing at Dunedin, has had some similar problems to Jackson - namely, making contact. Ahrens is hitting just .230/.307/.305 and not showing much in the way of power. The switch-hitter has been a bit unlucky on balls in play, it looks like, and, unlike Jackson, he hasn't had much of a problem with strikouts (22%), though he also hasn't walked as much (9.5%). Bottom line, both Jackson and Ahrens are practically teenagers playing A+ ball, so that they are struggling isn't a shock.

7. Scott Campbell - a bit of a personal favourite, Campbell continues in his quest to become the first native New Zealander to play in the major leagues. Campbell impressed a lot of people this spring after a very strong AA season last year, but of course there was no room for him on the big league team so it was a foregone conclusion that he'd end up in Las Vegas. AAA wasn't kind to Campbell the first time around, and he was unlucky in that just when he started going, he got hurt and missed several weeks. He recently returned and was doing quite well in AA, working his way back up, but then got hurt again. It's quickly turning into a lost season for the Kiwi and he'll try to get healthy and get himself back into AAA and hopefully put up some better numbers.

8. Brad Mills - Mills has had an interesting season. He drew a lot of good remarks in the spring, staying in the race for a rotation spot until the bitter end, when Ricky Romero and Scott Richmond won out instead. But Mills has had an up-and-down season since then. He started off terribly in Las Vegas, walking more batters than he struck out in April, before settling down in May. He struggled in June, though, until he was somewhat surprisingly called up when Casey Janssen and Doc Halladay went on the DL. With the Jays, neither of Mills' two starts could be said to be successful, but he did show his potential striking out 9 over his 7 2/3 innings. However, he had a ton of trouble throwing strikes (7.04 BB/9) and when he did, they got pounded (4 HR and a .442 BABIP against). Mills needs to keep the ball down (his flyball rates are troubling) and get ahead in the count to be successful, and he wasn't able to do that for the Jays. Back in AAA, though, Mills got back on track immediately with a gem of a start yesterday - 8 shutout innings, 2 hits, 7 Ks, and just 1 walk. His overall minor league numbers aren't bad, especially for the PCL, so it's just a question of doing it consistently.

9. Ricky Romero - What is there to say about Romero? Tom already covered Romero's progress, and it has been most impressive. I'm not sure he will pitch in the minors again (save a rehab start here or there). Yes, Romero has been the beneficiary of good luck (87% of runners stranded isn't sustainable) and/or good defense (4.04 FIP, compared to a 2.85 ERA). But he has also made his own luck - a sub 3 BB/9 (2.97) and 7.56 K/9 is extremely impressive for a rookie lefthander, and foretells continued success, as does his ability to get ahead of hitters. Romero has a good fastball, nice breaking pitches, and a very impressive changeup that he is able to throw in any count, making it a formidable weapon. His makeup has also been very impressive - he seems to exhibit excellent poise on the mound and seems both tough and coachable. The East LA kid has gone long way, jumping from 9th best Jays' prospect (and we got some raised eyebrows for ranking him this highly) to one of the better pitchers in the AL this season. If we can keep him away from pollen, we've got ourselves a keeper, I'd venture to say.

10. John Tolisano - Despite being consistently ranked lower than his draftmates with whom he has come up the system, Kevin Ahrens and Justin Jackson (including by us, but we like him more than most), Tolisano has performed more impessively than either of them at each level. At least, at the plate (I hear mixed things about his defense at second). Tolisano is hitting a respectable .255/.319/.427 this season, with 8 home runs thusfar. He has a decent eye at the plate, makes decent contact, and is showing some power (.173 Iso-p) and is putting together a respectable season at high-A, pretty good for a 20-year old. Tolisano has been hot recently, so a big second half is a possibility.

Well, folks, that's all for now. We'll cover the next 10 at some future date.

I'm Standing on a Bridge In a Town Where I Lived As a Kid: Blue Jays System Minor League Report

hugo — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:27:03 -0000

Hi everyone. It's been a little while, I figured we should use the off-day to take a look at how the minor-league affiliates, and, more importantly, the young Jay-to-be hopefuls, are doing.

Las Vegas:

Travis Snider is still out of action with a shoulder injury and isn't set to start swinging a bat again until July. David Dellucci has been quiet for the 51s, hitting just .250/.242/.344, with three doubles over 33 plate appearances. Michael Barrett recently returned to AAA (he's only played 2 games there). J.P. Arencibia has been ice-cold recently -- after a hot May, he is hitting only .200/.235/.262 in June. He does have 19 doubles and 8 home runs on the season but things aren't going well at the moment at all. Randy Ruiz has always put up big minor-league numbers and this season is no exception - he has 41 extra base hits (including 15 home runs) already this season and a .972 OPS.

On the mound, the 51s rotation has taken a hit with Brad Mills and Brett Cecil both up at the big club. Fabio Castro has slowed down after a hot start at AAA - he's now sporting just a 30/26 K/BB ratio over 63 2/3 innings, though he still has a nice 3.11 ERA and a winning record. David Purcey has two successful starts in a row and his walk rate continues to recede to respectable levels. Bryan Bullington is putting up pretty good numbers in the bullpen, with over a strikeout per inning and a 35/6 K/BB ratio.

New Hampshire:

Scott Campbell is back from injury and working his way up the minors - In 25 plate appearances at AA, he's hitting a Campbell-esque .300/.440/.400 with as many walks (5) as strikeouts and has yet to make an error, playing 2nd and 3rd. I imagine he'll be back with Las Vegas soon. Brian Dopirak continues to rake -- he's hitting .307/.369/.580 on the season and is even better than that so far in June (1.020 OPS) with 39 extra-base hits (16 HRs) already. He could be ready to move up, but Randy Ruiz and Brett Harper are entrenched at AAA at the 1st base and DH spots. Other than those two, there's not much offense to speak of - catcher Brian Jeroloman's bat (.706 OPS) remains cold, and second baseman Brad Emaus, who looked so good for the Jays in spring training, has really fallen off, hitting just .127/.182/.197 in June.

On the mound, Marc Rzepczynski has been good all season, but has really turned it up in June, where he's 1-0 with a 0.45 ERA over his 3 starts and, still better, a 21/7 K/BB ratio over 20 innings. His season totals are similarly excellent (2.93 ERA, 88/36 K/BB ratio over 76 2/3 innings and an excellent groundball ratio) despite being extremely hit-unlucky. It's been a very successful half-season for Zep. Reidier Gonzalez and Luis Perez have also done a nice job out of New Hampshire's rotation.

Dunedin:

Dunedin's outfield has been excellent all season, and all three: centrefielder Darrin Mastroianni, leftfielder Eric Thames, and rightfielder Moises Sierra, were all named to the Florida State League North Division all star team. Mastroianni has a .325/.390/.426 line, with 32 steals, while Thames and Sierra have similar overall lines - both showing good power for young hitters and hitting well recently. The trio of early 2007 draftee infielders -- John Tolisano, Justin Jackson, and Kevin Ahrens, have done less well. That said, Tolisano is having a nice June (.311/.328/.475) with an extra-base hit every 10 at-bats so far. Jackson has also been better this month -- not as good as he was in May upon returning from his injury, but OPSing a respectable .726 in June and striking out much less (just 11 times in 56 plate appearances this month). Ahrens, though, has been just as cold (.588 OPS in June v. .576 over the season). Adam Loewen is still waiting for things to click (.584 OPS this season) and is still waiting for his first home run.

On the pitching side - 2008 draftee Andy Liebel's 2-8 record is misleading - Liebel has a very nice 65/20 K/BB ratio over his 77 1/3 innings and a steady 1.33 WHIP. He's been especially strong in June and is having a fine first full pro season. Kenny Rodriguez (5-2, 1.99 ERA, 48/21 K/BB ratio over 54 1/3 IP, 1.12 Whip) is also having a fine season in the rotation, while Trystan Magnuson, Daniel Farquar, and Tim Collins are pitching very well out of the bullpen -- Collins has a ridiculous 57 Ks in 37 1/3 innings, and isn't walking many (14) to do it. Farquar (23/11 K/BB ratio over 17 relief innings for a 0.53 ERA) and Collins joined the aforementioned trio of outfielders and infielder Raul Barron on the all-star team.

Lansing:

Outfielder Johermyn Chavez had a bit of a May dropoff after a very hot April, but has picked things up a bit in June - with 5 home runs already this month. On the season, he has 12 home runs, 11 doubles, and 5 triples, serious power for a 20-year old hitter in the tough-on-hitters Midwest League. His overall line is .266/.331/.500. He's learning how to take a walk too - he has 21 walks in 265 plate appearances this season after drawing just 25 in 427 plate appearances last season. Shortstop Ty Pastornicky hasn't figured out Midwest League pitching yet (.261/.339/.312) but he can draw a walk and he's been all over the bases (31/40 in steal attempts).

On the mound, Charles Huggins was so good (1.57 ERA) he was called up to Dunedin. Chase Lirette, who recovered from shoulder surgery about halfway through the season last year, is old for the level but off to a very good start (1.87 ERA, 24/8 K/BB ratio) so he could move up soon as well.

Auburn:

The season has only just started for the Doubledays. Some players on the team who have already seen action with whom you might be familiar are 2008 draftee Marcus Brisker (OF), 2007 draftee Eric Eiland (CF), and 2009 draftees Lance Durham (son of Leon, also a first baseman) and Jonathan Fernandez (son of Tony, also a shorstop)

Bring on the Major Leagues: Jays Minor League Update

hugo — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:13:26 -0000

Las Vegas

J.P. Arencibia has begun to pick up a bit, with 2 home runs thusfar in May, but he is still not getting on base (.245 OBP). Scott Campbell, on the other hand, is slowly getting his bat where it needs to be - but slowly. He was 1-3 with a triple and a walk yesterday, and the fact that he was walked (10) more times than struck out (7) even during a slump is a pretty good sign going forward.

Fabio Castro has been quite good after quickly pitching his way up from New Hamphsire - over his 2 starts for Las Vegas, he's got a 2.19 ERA and went 7 strong innings (no runs, 2 hits, 2 walks, 3 Ks) in his last start. He could see the majors soon. Out of the recently exiled, Brian Burres surprisingly put up the better start than David Purcey in their first go around. Purcey was tough to hit in his 6 1/3 innings but he walked 5 batters (striking out 6) so still has some more work to do. Burres went seven strong yesterday and gave up just one run, walking 6 and striking out 1. I point this out because I'm a little afraid of him pitching for the Jays again. Jonah Bayliss had his perfect start ruined with a disastrous outing (1/3 of an inning, 6 earned runs). Dirk Hayhurst seems to struggle whenever he's starting (9.49 ERA, 7/5 K/BB ratio) but do well when pitching out of the bullpen (1.59 ERA, 4/0 K/BB, .090 batting average against).

New Hampshire

Brian Dopirak continues to hit well - he's batting .297/.357/.515 with 5 home runs and 7 doubles but has slowed down very recently after a torrid end to April. A callup could be in order. Catcher Brian Jeroloman has cooled off considerably, though he has started to show his trademark plate discipline. David Cooper continues to hold his own (.345 OBP) which is very good, but he hasn't shown much in the way of power yet (.375 slg, .104 Iso-P). Brad Emaus has picked it up a bit and is now hitting .294/.360/.441/.801 with 10 extra-base hits.

Even with Castro gone, New Hampshire's pitching has continued to be stellar. Marc Rzepczynski is leading the way with 41 Ks in 32 1/3 innings over his 6 starts, for a 3.06 ERA. Reidier Gonzalez, Luis Perez, and Randy Boone have also done very nice jobs. Brandon Magee was promoted from Dunedin and will make some starts for New Hampshire now that Castro is gone.

Dunedin

Eric Thames and Moses Sierra continue to swing very hot bats. Thames is hitting .333 with 3 extra-base hits, 10 RBI, and 8 walks to just 4 Ks over his last 10 games. He's looking like a draft-day steal for the Jays. As for Sierra, the rifle-armed right-fielder is batting .305/.394/.500 and you have to love that power. Another guy who is really hitting well is John Tolisano - he has been red hot recently with 4 home runs, a .300 average, and 7 walks over his last 10 games. Over the season, he is hitting an impressive .262/.366/.541. Tolisano is outpacing his more-heralded fellow draftees - Justin Jackson and Kevin Ahrens. Both have dealt with some nagging injuries (Ahrens just returned) and are really struggling.
Adam Loewen has 12 games under his belt but hasn't done much yet.

On the pitching side, as we mentioned, Magee earned his promotion. Trystan Magnuson could be close behind - the big righty has done a nice job for Dunedin with a 2.95 ERA and 2/1 K/BB ratio over his 18 1/3 innings. Tim Collins has been even more dominant, with almost twice as many strikeouts (31) as innings pitched (16 1/3) and a miniscule .67 Whip. Andy Liebel has also pitched okay in his first full season, with a nice strikeout to walk ratio.

Lansing

Johermyn Chavez continues to hit everything in sight. The toolsy Venezuelan outfielder is now hitting .333/.371/.678/1.049 with 15 extra-base hits (half of his total hit output), including 6 home runs and 4 triples. 2008 draftee third baseman Mark Sobelewski is doing a decent job, hitting .286/.364/.388 and nice walk (about 10% of plate appearances) and strikeout numbers (less than 20% of PAs). Most of the other Lansing hitters aren't doing much yet, though shorstop Ty Pastornicky is picking it up a bit at the plate.

As for rehabbing Jays, Casey Janssen (shoulder) is scheduled to pitch for Dunedin today, with Ricky Romero (oblique) going tomorrow. B.J. Ryan is also beginning his rehab stint with Dunedin. Oh, and thanks to Pavement for today's title.