tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87020138103757409182024-02-07T16:50:14.614-05:00Blue Jays DazeChatter and analysis of Toronto Blue Jays related happening with an emphasis on their minor league players and affiliates.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-7410647153400317862010-04-06T13:25:00.000-04:002010-04-06T13:25:17.850-04:00Jays Journal and On The LevelHere are the latest and greatest posts from my jobs at Fansided: Jays Journal and On The Level<br />
<br />
Jays Journal:<br />
<ul><li> <a href="http://jaysjournal.com/2010/04/01/an-ode-to-opening-day/">An Ode to Opening Day</a></li>
<li><a href="http://jaysjournal.com/2010/04/05/game-1-notes-tor-vs-tex/">Opening Day: Game 1 Notes TOR vs TEX</a></li>
<li><a href="http://jaysjournal.com/2010/04/04/jays-journal-2010-predictions/">Jays Journal 2010 Predictions</a></li>
<li><a href="http://jaysjournal.com/2010/04/03/adam-lind-gets-extension/">Lind Gets Extension</a></li>
<li><a href="http://jaysjournal.com/2010/04/03/jays-want-to-hear-49539-people/">Jays want to hear 49,539 people</a></li>
<li><a href="http://jaysjournal.com/2010/04/02/blue-jays-2010-season-preview/">2010 Jays Season Preview</a></li>
</ul>On The Level<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://calltothepen.com/2010/04/06/on-the-level-6-apr-10/">Keuchel, Orta, Phelps, and Correa</a> (week 2)</li>
<li><a href="http://calltothepen.com/2010/03/30/on-the-level/">Perez, Ciolli, Gomez, and Lynn</a> (week 1)</li>
</ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-46602678036811626732010-01-22T07:40:00.001-05:002010-01-22T07:40:29.565-05:00Jays - Rays Draft Comparisons Reviewed the Jays and Rays draft comparison to include position for each draft. It tells quite a different story than my previous review on this site.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://jaysjournal.com/2010/01/21/will-jays-ever-draft-in-top-4-again/">http://jaysjournal.com/2010/01/21/will-jays-ever-draft-in-top-4-again/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-45016581770578061332010-01-20T06:37:00.000-05:002010-01-20T06:37:43.990-05:00Update on PostsHere are the latest and greatest posts on Jays Journal:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://jaysjournal.com/2010/01/20/hotstove-interview-and-site-overview/">1. Hotstove.com interview </a><br />
<a href="http://jaysjournal.com/2010/01/20/jays-avoid-arbitration-with-5-add-2-more/">2. Jays Avoid Arbitration with 5, Sign 2 More </a><br />
<a href="http://jaysjournal.com/2010/01/17/jays-have-money-to-spend/">3. Jays Have Money to Spend </a><br />
<br />
I'll be posting some interviews with minor league players here in the spring, so make sure to keep in touch with Blue Jays Daze!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-3447622832419673032010-01-09T14:25:00.000-05:002010-01-09T14:25:37.660-05:00Recent Jays Journal Posts<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Here's a list of my most recent posts at Jays Journal:</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
9 Jan: <span style="color: blue;">J</span><a href="http://jaysjournal.com/2010/01/09/jays-add-sp-zach-jackson/">ays add SP Zach Jackson</a>;<br />
8 Jan: <a href="http://jaysjournal.com/2010/01/08/jays-top-5-of-prospects/">Jays Top 5 OF Prospects</a>;<br />
7 Jan: <a href="http://jaysjournal.com/2010/01/07/jays-lack-international-presence/">Jays Lack International Presence;</a> and<br />
5 Jan: <a href="http://jaysjournal.com/2010/01/05/quick-jays-quirps/">Quick Jays Quips</a>.<br />
<br />
Also, check out other MLB news listed on Fansided through <a href="http://jaysjournal.com/2010/01/09/fansided-link-ups-9-jan-10/">links listed here</a>.<br />
<br />
The location at Fansided and Jays Journal are both gaining momentum and the lineup of writers is excellent. The MLB side is very new (August 09) but it does seem like we'll be a force to be reckoned with. Also, the entire site will be getting a new look sometime in the near future, so some great things are in store at Fansided.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-69682879720776230542010-01-04T07:21:00.000-05:002010-01-04T07:21:30.003-05:00The Chapman SweepstakesThe Jays are the <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/01/blue-jays-pursuing-aroldis-chapman.html">newest team to look at Aroldis Chapman</a> as an option. They have slightly under $63 million spent thus far, so a bid of $25 to 27 million would not be out of the question. The question is, does he want to play in Toronto knowing they're in full rebuilding mode? I'm pretty sure that most players coming in from other countries look at the Jays as a last alternative, so the money would have to be significantly greater than that offered by other teams. So what have other teams offered thus far? Well, the amounts rumored are simply that, rumors, and no years were disclosed in rumors, making the amounts a little more arbitrary. Still, we can look at what the total means for the Jays in terms of getting in on the bidding.<br />
<ol><li><a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/12/marlins-rumors-chapman-capps-walker.html">Florida Marlins</a>: $13 million</li>
<li><a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/12/odds-ends--6.html">Boston Red Sox</a>: $15.5 million</li>
<li><a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/01/angels-interested-in-aroldis-chapman.html">LA Angels</a>: preparing to make an offer - should be more than these amounts if they're expecting to have a chance at getting him</li>
</ol>Let's say that for argument's sake the amounts are for 5 years. I'm using this number based on what was initially rumored to be sought for in terms of a $50 million 5 year contract - which seems a little ludicrous. We're currently edging towards offers of 3-4 million per season for a pitcher who could end up in the bullpen. Scott Downs is set to make a salary within this amount in 2010 for comparison, which indicates that this value seems the most accurate if he end up there. However, there is no way that these amounts are what Aroldis and his agents will settle for. Chances are greater that once the Yankees and Angels get involved, the salary will be closer to 6-8 million per season. The total would become somewhere in the vicinity of $30 million to $40 million. The Jays do have $25 to $27 million available if they want to remain below $90 million for 2010, and could increase this to $37 million by dealing both Scott Downs and Lyle Overbay.<br />
<br />
I understand the fact that Alex would be interested in a young pitcher and that he wants to get involved in Dice K like competitive bidding. It doesn't cost the Jays a player, doesn't put the future of the franchise in jeopardy by committing an obscene $80 million plus to most #1-2 pitchers that hit the FA market, and would allow him to move a SP should he work out if signed. <br />
<br />
Did Jays scouts like what they saw? If they did, why haven't the Jays made a formal offer? After watching Alex work for the first 2 months of his tenure, we can say that he moves decidedly, so I'm guessing the reasons are these: the agents sought either too many years or too much money and the Jays want to see where the market leans and outbid based on this amount. The Jays could do well here if they land him, but I also hope that if they do sign him, it isn't money sunk on a relief pitcher that sucks up close to 10% of our budget yearly.<br />
<ol></ol>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-27595623668336096152009-12-24T11:59:00.000-05:002009-12-24T11:59:56.250-05:00Holiday Wish ListAs a happy Jays fan, looking forward to a promising new year, I have the following holiday wishes:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>Solve the SS position long term for the Jays;</li>
<li>Get a Vernon Wells trade done, with a good return that included a long term CF;</li>
<li>If Wallace is truly going to play 1B, trade Overbay and Encarnacion and get a long terms 3B.</li>
</ol><div>I don't think it's too much to ask for after having watched Alex work his magic in the last 2 months. Whether or not these wishes come true, I'll be satisfied knowing the focus going into 2010 will be on baseball, and not on Roy Halladay.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Happy Holidays everyone!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-69217355992479383922009-12-23T20:14:00.001-05:002009-12-23T20:31:44.730-05:00Two Months of Moves Under Alex "The Great" Anthopolous<span style="color: red;"><b>*List Updated as of 23 Dec 09</b></span><br />
<br />
Alex Anthopolous took over at the helm for the Jays a mere 2 months ago, and already his impact can be felt throughout the organization. A Summary of his transactions in this short period of time are as follows:<br />
<br />
Late October (pen addition)<br />
<ul><li>Claimed RP <b>Sean Henn</b> (28 yrs old) off waivers from the Orioles</li>
</ul><div>November (fixed the infield, protected the right players, and added depth + speed)<br />
</div><div><ul><li>Signed SS <b>J</b><b>ohn MacDonald</b> (35 yrs old) to a $3,000,000 2-year deal</li>
<li>Signed SS <b>Alex Gonzalez</b> (32 yrs old) to a $2,750,000 1 yr deal with option for 2011</li>
<li>Protected both 1B <b>Brian Dopirak</b> and SP <b>Reidier Gonzalez </b>by placing them on 40-man roster</li>
<li>Claimed INF <b>Mike McCoy</b> (28 yrs old) (who stole 40 bases in AAA in 09) off waivers from Colorado</li>
<li>Claimed INF <b>Jarrett Hoffpauir</b> (26 yrs old) off waivers from the Cardinals</li>
</ul><div>December<br />
</div><div><ul><li>Claimed RP <b>Zechry Zinicola</b> (24 yrs old) as rule 5 from the Washington Nationals</li>
<li>Signed C <b>John Buck</b> (29 yrs old) as a FA from the KC Royals (quickly) for $2,000,000</li>
<li>Signed C <b>Raul Chavez</b> (37 yrs old) to a minor league contract, which gives the Jays flexibility to have him in AAA and depth at C</li>
<li>Signed OF <b>Joey Gathright </b>(28 yrs old) to a minor league contract as OF depth</li>
<li>Resigned 3B/OF <b>Jose Bautista</b> to a $2,400,000 1 yr deal, avoiding arbitration</li>
<li>Signed SP/RP <b>Lance Broadway</b> (26 yrs old) as a FA</li>
<li>Traded SP <b>Roy Halladay</b> (32 yrs old) and $6,000,000 to the Phillies in return for OF <b>Michael Taylor</b> (25 yrs old), SP <b>Kyle Drabek</b> (22 yrs old), C <b>Travis d'Arnaud</b> (20 yrs old)</li>
<li>Traded OF <b>Michael Taylor</b> (25 yrs old) to OAK in return for 1B/3B <b>Brett Wallace</b> (23 yrs old)</li>
<li>Signed FA C <b>Ramon Castro</b> (33 yrs old) to split time with John Buck</li>
<li>Traded RP <b>Brandon League </b>(26 yrs old) and OF <b>Yohermyn Chavez</b> (21 yrs old) to Seattle in return for SP/RP <b>Brandon Morrow</b> (24 yrs old)</li>
</ul><div>Alex is also responsible for letting Marco Scutaro and Rod Barajas walk, instead of resigning them, which has or will net the Jays the<b> 33rd, 45th</b>, and <b>68th</b> overall picks in the 2010 draft.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>As related to 2010, when you add up the money sent to the Phillies, and the signings of Buck (2m), Gonzalez (2.75m), MacDonald (1.5m), and Bautista (2.4m), and subtract it from the salary they save from dealing Doc (9.75m), the Jays end up with $1,150,000 less in salary even with the addition of a starting SS and C.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>When Alex took over, the Jays were weakest at SS, C, and in being held up by a potential Doc deal. In 2 months, he's taken care of all of those things, has added young and projectable players that fulfill exactly what the Jays needed this offseason. He's not done yet, obviously, but as we head into the Christmas break, we can rest assured that the Jays are finally headed into a new direction. Once filled with youth, excitement, and the potential to grown into something magical in the very near future.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-40278981383250487202009-12-23T16:49:00.000-05:002009-12-23T20:33:12.260-05:00Jays Pen - Updated EditionI posted an update version of the Jays pen and my expectations with the players we currently have <a href="http://jaysjournal.com/">at Jays Journal post League trade.</a> Check it out!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-53364502764225091402009-12-23T10:33:00.001-05:002009-12-23T10:34:53.100-05:00Jays Rotation, For NowI'm not sure we can write this rotation into stone yet since <b>Alex Anthopolous</b> seems willing to deal what he has to in order to go get the pieces he wants, but I'll post what the Jays may field as a rotation to begin 2010.<br />
<br />
1 - <b>Ricky Romero</b> (25): stats for 2009, 29 GS, 178 IP, 141 Ks, 4.30 ERA, 1.522 Whip (14 IP in minors)<br />
2 - <b>Shaun Marcum</b> (28): stats for 2009, did not pitch due to injury (15 IP in minors as rehab)<br />
3 - <b>Brett Cecil </b>(22): stats for 2009, 17 GS, 93.1 IP, 69 Ks, 5.30 ERA, 1.650 Whip (49 IP in minors)<br />
4 - <b>Brandon Morrow</b> (25): stats for 2009, 10 GS, 69.2 IP, 63 Ks, 4.39 ERA, 1.579 Whip (55 IP in minors)<br />
5 - <b>Marc Rzepczynski</b> (24): stats for 2009, 11 GS, 61.1 IP, 60 Ks, 3.67 ERA, 1.321 Whip (88 IP in minors)<br />
<br />
Possible 2010 additions during the season: <b>Zach Stewart, Kyle Drabek, Scott Richmond, Jesse Litsch, Dustin McGowan, Reidier Gonzalez,</b> and <b>Luis Perez</b>.<br />
<br />
Out of the rotation listed above, only Romero has the potential to go over 200 innings this season, therefore the Jays have quite a task ahead of them in dealing with inning counting. While they do have depth and returning starters part of the way during the season, they'll have to be careful to not overuse some of their young pitchers. The total innings pitched in 2009 for those listed above are: 192 IP for Romero, 15 IP for Marcum, 142 IP for Cecil, 124 IP for Morrow, and 149 IP for Rzepczynski.<br />
<br />
The likeliest scenario is that Marcum will head to the pen once<b> Jesse Litsch</b> returns in July in order to make sure he doesn't re-injure himself. <b>Zach Stewart, Reidier Gonzalez, </b>and <b>Kyle Drabek</b> could get calls in September once <b>Morrow, Cecil,</b> and <b>Rzepczynski </b>are shut down and rosters are expanded. Still, even with all of this the Jays now have a ton of promise in their rotation and I do hope they leave it as is without adding what is called an "innings eater". In the case of the Jays, this kind of addition would be an "opportunity killer"in my opinion.<br />
<br />
I really do like what Alex is doing with the assets he is adding, and maybe it's just me, but does anyone else think he was the voice in the old GM's ear saying the Jays should grab these guys? From what I can recall, the Jays had been linked to these players over and over again in 2009, but nothing was ever worked out for them. It could be that Alex was the one who was pushing for them while the old GM liked what he had and wanted to win now while sacrificing the future. If this is in fact the case, then could other old rumours become reality? The Jays had been linked to <b>Brandon Phillips</b>, <b>Chad Billingsley</b>, and <b>Fernando Martinez </b>in the past. Could these be the next targets for Alex? I'd love for them to get all three, and it could be that Alex is able to take advantage of the fact that all three are desperate to do something to prove to their fans that they want to win. If even one of these players could be brought to Toronto, the Jays overhaul would be a work of wonders. In particular, could<b> Vernon Wells</b> and other pieces be sent to the Mets in return for <b>F</b><b>ernando Martinez</b>? I'm not sure, but if Alex's short history has taught us anything, it's that anything is possible.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-72201556587812440972009-12-22T07:51:00.000-05:002009-12-23T20:33:23.386-05:00The Jays Nab Morrow from M'sI wrote an <a href="http://jaysjournal.com/">article at Jays Journal</a> about the trade, and am certain every blogger out there will have an opinion on the trade. You have to believe it was dreamed up during the Doc dealings, where the Jays most likely voiced their preference of Morrow in a deal, and you can't blame them. He's young, cheap, under control through 2013, and has potential as a starter. While some wonder if the Jays will start Morrow or place him in relief, I think the fact that they're willing to deal both Brandon League and a prospect for him tells us he's going to get a chance to start and was priced accordingly in a deal.<br />
<br />
League, meanwhile, gives the Mariners a nice 1-2 punch in the pen and provides some insurance for Aardsma, should he falter in 2010.<br />
<br />
It was a very trade by Alex "The Great", and he's definitely living up to his name thus far. I love the deal and do hope they give Morrow a chance to start. Nothing says a change of speed in the rotation like a guy who can hit 100 MPH with his fastball!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-516975954453990142009-12-20T11:44:00.002-05:002009-12-23T20:34:00.502-05:00What the Depth Chart Tells UsThe post Doc trade and pre-Christmas offensive position depth chart is as follows:<br />
<ul><li>C: John Buck - Ramon Castro - Raul Chavez - JP Arencibia</li>
<li>1B: Lyle Overbay - Brian Dopirak - Randy Ruiz - Brett Wallace</li>
<li>2B: Aaron Hill - Jarrett Hoffpauir - Mike McCoy - Brad Emaus</li>
<li>SS: Alex Gonzalez - John MacDonald - Mike McCoy - Jarrett Hoffpauir - Jose Bautista</li>
<li>3B: Edwin Encarnacion - Brett Wallace - Jose Bautista</li>
<li>LF: Adam Lind - Jose Bautista - Mike McCoy</li>
<li>CF: Vernon Wells - Mike McCoy - Jarrett Hoffpauir</li>
<li>RF: Travis Snider - Jose Bautista - Mike McCoy</li>
<li>DH: Randy Ruiz - Adam Lind - Brian Dopirak - Jose Bautista - everyone else</li>
</ul><div>What does this depth chart tell us? Well, first it tells us just how useful Mike McCoy, Jose Bautista, and Jarrett Hoffpauir are going to be off the bench. I posted about Mike McCoy's wealth of experience at all positions <a href="http://jaysjournal.com/2009/12/20/jays-new-bench-king-infof-mike-mccoy/">at Jays Journal at FanSided.com</a>. It also tells us that the Jays are fairly well set all over the diamond, but will have to move Lyle Overbay if they're going to give Brian Dopirak or Brett Wallace a chance to earn the 1B spot in 2010. With the 3 guys behind him holding the power that the Jays desperately need, it shouldn't be long before he finds his way out of Toronto.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Although LF is fairly well set overall, and I do expect Mike McCoy to get lots of playing time there due to his speed and coverage in the OF, the Jays could definitely use a new RF in order to shift Travis Snider to LF full time. I'm not sure if the Jays will be on the lookout for a new RF on the FA market, or whether they want to acquire one through trade, but the fact that the 40-man roster is full would tell us that the trade option may be most likely.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Any ideas on who the Jays could target to fill the RF spot?<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-75942883989636708662009-12-20T07:27:00.002-05:002009-12-20T07:28:35.475-05:00Blue Jays Daze Expanding to FanSided.comI have decided to complete work on two sites for the near future. You can follow some of my work here, and some on <a href="http://jaysjournal.com/">http://jaysjournal.com/</a><br />
I'm just getting some things setup there and getting used to a new format. The side is known very well for Football and other sport blogging, and is just entering the Baseball blogging world. Check us out when you get a chance!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-75547427915739364292009-12-19T15:01:00.002-05:002009-12-23T20:34:10.477-05:00Alex Anthopolous Chat InfoI'm pretty certain every Jays blogger will be sifting through the <a href="http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091219&content_id=7831990&vkey=news_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor">chat AA held with fans a short while ago</a>. I picked up on 3 very telling points that I thought I'd share, and enjoyed getting to know exactly what direction Alex sees the team going in from here on out.<br />
<br />
Here are the 3 points that stood out in my mind:<br />
<br />
1. When asked about whether or not he'd include some top-end pitching talents like Cecil in a trade, he responded with "Our young pitching is very sought after and though we'd like to keep all of them I'm very open to moving any player if it can make us better in other areas."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div><b>Translation:</b> we have some pitching depth and would be open to dealing some in order to resolve our issues elsewhere. I would like to think that Alex would be more open to dealing Ricky Romero than Bret or Marc, but you never know. It's interesting that even after dealing Doc, he's open to moving a SP. On a similar note, later on in the chat, he added that the organization view Zach Stewart as a SP and with a ceiling as a #3 starter. I guess that would make him a #1 starter on our staff. And he later adds that the Jays need to resolve the left side of their infield, with Brett Wallace viewed as an above-average 1B defensively.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>2. When asked about his thoughts on Aroldis Chapman, Alex responded with the fact that the Jays had sent 2 scouts to watch him pitch last Tuesday. He added that "we will be on top of every amateur player that is available".<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Translation:</b> Too bad the session went so well that he'll be priced out of our range, because we would have loved to come out with a surprise offer. If he had shown mediocre stuff that needed polish, and his price had remained in the 5 - 15 million range, the Jays may have wanted to move in. But there's just no way they could be expected to fork out 30-40 million for the Chap.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>3. My favourite, he was asked about keeping quiet instead of speaking to the media and the fact that some U.S. networks seemed to be more effective in getting information about ongoing negotiations. He responded with "It's important to me that I treat everybody fairly and also extremely important that I don't lie to anybody. That being said, with the nature of these jobs it's very difficult to be completely candid. So, if I'm faced with lying or not commenting, I'll choose to not comment every single time. Also, over the years that I've been a part of trade talks, I've seen a lot of trades fall apart because of reactions to reports in the media. I certainly understand that there is interest from the fans and the media is just doing their jobs but from my perspective, it makes it easier to do my job which is to make the best trades and signings that we can."<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Translation:</b> Suck it up everyone, it's not going to change, and it makes me a better GM. I really do believe that the way the previous Doc negotiations were handled fell through the way they did simply because every time a team was rumoured to be offering players X-Y-Z, their fans and media threw fits and talked about the "rental" of a player. Dealing through the media just isn't smart. I'd say that some GMs are so uncomfortable dealing without knowing how their fans and media will react, that they actually leak the information out themselves and react accordingly. Either have the kahunas to make the deal, or don't, but either way it has nothing to do with the fans or media until the deal is done. Then it can be dissected as much as possible.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'd also like to add that at the end of his response, Alex say "it makes it easier to do my job which is to make the best trades and signings that we can." We. It's a terms that has not been used very much in Jays language in recent years. The old GM seemed to have it his way or the highway, and it was detrimental to the efforts people under him made to gather information on players, imo. Alex has a team concept in terms of finding talent and weighing options, and I do believe he;s made a ton of smart choices so far, including leaving the media and us fans to wait for news of trades and signing until they actually happen.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-22800182558336660932009-12-17T11:00:00.010-05:002009-12-18T21:15:30.383-05:00Brett Wallace Videos - ProfileHere are links to the best Brett Wallace videos I could find on YouTube and Milb. His swing is very similar to Travis Snider's.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/events/draft_report/y2008/index.jsp?mc=wallace">http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/events/draft_report/y2008/index.jsp?mc=wallace </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asmPFX-yxbc&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asmPFX-yxbc&feature=related</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Diw9wbPhKbM&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Diw9wbPhKbM&feature=related</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hIsF4cQOwc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hIsF4cQOwc</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz3grpUlLZ0&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz3grpUlLZ0&feature=related</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-29700483139703845182009-12-16T21:43:00.000-05:002009-12-17T10:50:04.197-05:00How Great is Brett Wallace?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://stltoday.mycapture.com/PHOTOS/STLT/692224/22299126E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://stltoday.mycapture.com/PHOTOS/STLT/692224/22299126E.jpg" width="278" /></a><br />
</div>When I started tgathering information about <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=wallac002bre"><b>Brett Wallace</b></a> (picture from stltoday.mycapture.com) and his minors career in hopes of learning more about the player who may help bring the Jays to a new level, I wondered about who had the same kind of background. Big guy, plays 3B in the minors, but not expected to stick there because his D isn't up to par. Someone who hit for power and average and made jumps early at each level. The closest guy I could come up with was none other than <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=braun-001rya"><b>Ryan Braun</b></a>. <br />
<br />
Ok, first and foremost, both are outstanding minor league player careers. They stand out across the board, and it's almost eery how similar their stats are at the same age. There's just 1 GIANT difference. Brett Wallace is always facing higher competition and coming out with the same results Ryan Braun did at that age. That, my friends, is extremely impressive. Here's a comparisson of what each player accomplished in the minors up to the age of 22, Wallace's current age. <br />
<br />
<b>Ryan Braun <span style="color: blue;">21</span></b> - Rookie (41 AB) and LoA (152 AB), .352 average with a total of 68 hits, 18 doubles, 10 HRs, .393 OBP, .632 SLG, and 1.025 OPS, and 11 walks to 40 strike outs. Flg %.891<br />
<b>Brett Wallace <span style="color: blue;">21</span></b> - HiA (153 AB) AA (49 AB), .337 average with a total of 68 hits, 13 doubles, 8 HRs, .427 OBP, .530 SLG, .957 OPS, and 19 walks to 39 strike outs. Flg% .952<br />
<br />
<b>Ryan Braun <span style="color: purple;">22</span></b> - HiA (226 AB) and AA (231 AB), .289 average with a total of 132 hits, 31 doubles, 22 HRs, .357 OBP, .514 SLG, and 0.871 OPS, and 44 walks to 100 strike outs. Flg %.890<br />
<br />
<b>Brett Wallace <span style="color: purple;">22</span></b> - AA (128 AB) AAA (304 AB), .293 average with a total of 156 hits, 26 doubles, 20 HRs, .367 OBP, .455 SLG, .822 OPS, and 47 walks to 116 strike outs. Flg%.954<br />
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In terms of size, Braun is listed at 6'2 and 200 lbs, while Wallace is listed at 6'1" 245 lbs. He's a hefty guy in comparison, but when you look at their fielding percentages, the last of the stats I listed each time above, Wallace is a much better defender than is let on. He's no gold glove winner, but he is adequate at 3B. Alex Anthopolous has indicated that they view him as a 1B, so that's most likely where he'll end up. The position, however, may be the only place these 2 differ (and in speed, obviously).<br />
<br />
If Wallace can continue to "outpace" the progress that Braun made when he jumped to the majors and surprised everyone, the Jays are in for a good time. If they can get 30-40 HRs with a .300 and above average from Wallace, and add the performances they believe they can get from Hill, Lind, and Snider, they've got something cooking! When you add the fact that all of them put together will cost the Jays less than 10 million a year for the next 3-4 years, it's time to start thinking about who they'll need to "go get" to make the Jays a real stronghold in the AL East. In no way am I saying Wallace is the reincarnation of Braun, since those are some big shoes to fill. What I am saying is that he <b><i>may even be better</i></b> than Braun, a bold statement, but one I believe is supported by what he's done to this point. He's a gigantic bat for the Jays to grab, and that's something us Jays fans may live to enjoy for a long time to come.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-53594695125272293592009-12-16T06:46:00.001-05:002009-12-16T10:30:29.883-05:00Lyle Overbay Destinations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.nj.com/mets/photo/lyle-overbay-7473f8d40ea4fb73_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://media.nj.com/mets/photo/lyle-overbay-7473f8d40ea4fb73_large.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
</div>I think the <b>Roy Halladay</b> Blockbuster is getting plenty of coverage at this point, so I'm going to shift gears and look at where <b>Lyle Overbay</b> (picture from <span style="display: inline;">Ezra Shaw / Getty Images</span>) could wind up now that he has the following guys threatning to take his spot: <b>Randy Ruiz, Brian Dopirak, Brett Wallace, David Cooper</b>. Overbay has $7 million remaining on his contract and becomes a FA after the 2010 season. Here are the best 3 possible destinations I could come up with:<br />
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<ol><li><b><span style="color: red;">Atlanta Braves</span> </b>- Sure, we can dream about getting a return like <b>Yunel Escobar</b> from the Braves, but we'd have to give up a whole lot more than 1 year of Overbay to make it happen. Although, you have to wonder if they'd consider it with Alex Gonzalez and a good prospect included. I seriously doubt it, but you never know. It is possible we could get 2-3 prospects in return, but if we're looking to fill either the CF or SS voids, they're not the best tango partners. They do need a guy like Overbay though, since they're looking for a good bat at 1B that can hold the spot for 1 season. Afterwards, they plan on passing the position to AA prospect <b>Freddie Freeman</b>. Possible return: <b>OF Brandon Jones, SP David Francis</b>, and <b>SP Cole Rohrbough.</b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: blue;">New York Mets</span> </b>- Although they're considering bringing back Delgado, Overbay makes a lot more sense for the Mets. He's younger, a better defender at this point, and a lot cheaper as well. He could be extended at some point should the Mets be happy with his production. Possible returns: <b>SS Reese Havens</b> and <b>SP Dillon Gee</b>.</li>
<li><b style="color: #45818e;">Seattle Mariners</b> - This team makes the most sense. They want to win this season and love to get guys who play great D. Also, having resigned <b>Jack Wilson</b> through 2011, they're pretty set at SS. The Jays could sweeten a deal with <b>Scott Downs</b> and a prospect, and land a top-prospect like <b>Carlos Triunfel</b> from the Mariners in the process. Adding Downs to the M's pen provides depth and experience they need that would cost them more on the open market, and adding Overbay gives them a much better defensive infield. </li>
</ol>Overall, the only other teams I can envision wanting to pay a price for Overbay are the Orioles and the Giants. However, I do believe the 3 teams above will be willing to pay more, and once all of the paperwork and announcements are don for the Halladay deal, I'd look for this deal to become a priority for AA and the Jays.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-68908997130658535742009-12-15T17:46:00.001-05:002009-12-15T22:48:57.944-05:00Two Other Aspects to the Doc Trade<b><span style="color: red;"> Part 1:</span></b> <b style="color: red;">Bonus and Development Savings</b><br />
<br />
There is an aspect to the "yet to be announced" deal that seems lost on many who judge the content that the Jays are getting in return.If the Jays had waited it out, not received what they wanted, or even accepted a deal from the Yankees that included only <b>Montero</b> and lots of lower level prospects, they would of been on the hook for a ton of money. The picks they would have claimed in the draft would have cost them:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>Bonus money of approximately $2,500,000 for the high level picks they were going to get if they didn't sign Doc;</li>
<li>The development costs of them going through at least 3 levels at a minimum. All of the coaching, instruction, medical costs, insurance, ect.. I have no clue how much money can be considered the average in terms of developing a player, but I can safely guess that it's well above $1,000,000. So, if they got 2 picks for Doc, then the cost to get that player to the Jays for these costs is $2,000,000 at a minimum. If he gets hurt, has Tommy John or other type surgeries that delay his progress, it could easily double. </li>
<li>So, altogether, the Jays would have to wait 3-4 years, and spend around $4,500,000 just to get the chance to see whether or not the players pan out.</li>
<li>Instead, they chose to let other teams pay those costs, and sent $6,000,000 to the Phillies in order to get players they <i><b>know</b></i> have what it takes to play in MLB. So, in reality, they sent Doc and $1,500,000 to the Phillies in return for these more assured returns and agreed to take on the costs of developing Travis D'Arnaud. </li>
</ol>I've read posts from other sites and around MLB that state how the Jays didn't get fair value in this deal. I say to them, who could have done better? And what would they have gotten in return? This would have to be credible returns that other teams were willing to give up. No made up fairy tales. I'm fairly certain there were none, including everything the Angels offered and anything the Yankees wanted to offer.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Part 2: The Cubs</span></b><br />
<br />
The Cubs want to get better. The Cubs need to get better. The Cubs have the biggest headache in all of MLB in Milton Bradley. Should, and this is a major should, but should Alex decide to ask the Cubs for Starlin Castro and be willing to take on the Milton Bradley headache (and possibly release him thereafter or trade him to a team some time in 2010), would the Cubs be willing to move Castro? The Jays do have some key pieces that they could offer the Cubs. I'm thinking of pen guys like Scott Downs, Jason Frasor, Brian Tallet, and also have the newly acquired Travis d'Arnaud as a trade chip. Could Alex even expand the deal to involve Vernon Wells and eat some salary, doing what some believed to be absolutely impossible?<br />
<br />
The Cubs are desparate to get rid of Bradley. I'm thinking of something in the lines of sending to the Cubs - Scott Downs, Brian Tallet, Travis d'Arnaud, and another high ranked prospect in return for Milton Bradley and his ridiculous salary (which the Jays can afford to pay with money saved from the Doc deal), and Starlin Castro. The Jays could eventually release Milton altogether if they don't like his attitude, but either way they'd resolve their SS problem for the very long term.<br />
<br />
The Cubs could go sign one or two FAs to replace Bradley in the OF and to help out their pitching with the money saved in a deal. They also have another 4 very highly ranked SS prospects in their system (BA ranked 5 SS in their top 10 for 2010). So, let's say they use the money (plus a little more) to sign one of Justin Duscherer, Ben Sheets, or Eric Bedard. How much better would that make the Cubs? They could add an OFer like Rick Ankiel to take over CF and provide some pop lower in the lineup, or go with Orlando Cabrera who could give them more production at SS.<br />
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Summary for the Cubs if they picked Bedard and Ankiel to sign thereafter - they give up Starlin Castro and Milton Bradley, they get Rick Ankiel to play CF and add Erik Bedard to their rotation, plus Scott Downs who can set up in their pen, Brian Tallet who can be long -relief or spot starter, Travis d'Arnaud who is a top catching prospect, and another prospect from the Jays. It's totally crazy, but it makes some sense at the same time.<br />
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It's far-fetched, but I do believe that AA will be looking to move pieces to fill the SS gap we have in the minors. Lyle Overbay or Edwin Encarnacion could be on the move very soon as well, but the Cubs are pretty well set at 1B and 3B.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-36447184686101842212009-12-15T12:23:00.004-05:002009-12-15T13:57:37.004-05:00Dawn of a New Era Redux<b><span style="color: red;">Beep Beep Beep, back that truck up!!</span></b> There are <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/12/michael-taylor-will-be-traded-for-brett-wallace.html">rumors circling that the Jays will flip Michael Taylor right away, once acquired, and pick up Brett Wallace</a>!! Well, if you read my post below, I asked how Alex would fill the 3B problems the Jays have and was assured he'd deal with it quickly based on his short track record. Well, it seems he keeps listening to my questions and answers them one by one! Adding Bret Wallace makes a ton of sense, and if you're worried about why Oakland would deal him soon after acquiring him, it's because they plan on using Adrian Cardenas at 3B and Jemile Weeks at 2B. And, unlike the Jays, they're filled up at 1B (the possible move position for Wallace who has just about average D at 3B) long term with Chris Carter coming up in 2010 and Daric Barton as a backup.<br />
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The "Redux" <span style="color: blue;">2011 lineup</span>.<br />
<br />
2B - <b>Aaron Hill</b><br />
LF - <b>Yohermyn Chavez</b><br />
CF - <b>Vernon Wells</b><br />
DH - <b>Adam Lind</b><br />
3B - <b>Brett Wallace</b><br />
LF - <b>Travis Snider</b><br />
C - <b>JP Arencibia</b><br />
1B - <b>Brian Dopirak </b><br />
SS - <b>Alex Gonzalez</b><br />
<br />
1- <b>Ricky Romero</b><br />
2- <b>Bret Cecil</b><br />
3- <b>Marc Rzcepczynski</b><br />
4- <b>Shaun Marcum / Zach Stewart</b> if Shaun not healthy<br />
5- <b>Kyle Drabek</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Assuming Chavez is ready by then, it looks like a very potent lineup. Wallace hit 20 HRs in 543 AB with a .298 average last season over AA and AAA while also dealing with getting traded halfway through the season. Neither of the deals are a certainty yet, but the Jays are active, aggressive in getting what they want, and filling the right holes. So I ask you, could Travis d'Arnaud also be traded for a SS from another club?<br />
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So far, however, if the Jays do get Brett Wallace (top 2 prospect in Oakland), Kyle Drabek (top 2 prospect in Philadelphia), and Travis d'Arnaud (4th prospect in Philadelphia), it looks like a great deal. With the alternatives being: 1) waiting to the deadline and being offered minimal stuff for 3 months of service or nothing since Roy's agent indicated he would not allow a trade at that point, or 2) getting the draft picks and waiting 3+ years for them to develop, this deal is pure genius by Alex and the Jays.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-28300003240701103252009-12-15T07:09:00.013-05:002009-12-15T20:55:14.380-05:00Dawn of a New Jays Era<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVz3SW5-B6PSoEJfStLFIAcTLdv4lDq4ZOB8ZyCgNntho7CKb6RwnsXi9fqmO7lF039ItjC6cXzhDs6LtmLHyFtXgoUm9y1y1u-XBd8NdVaJip8HHtgEfDqfZ47JscQeSiQjw9voeUmq8/s1600-h/711529618_a779d2e97a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVz3SW5-B6PSoEJfStLFIAcTLdv4lDq4ZOB8ZyCgNntho7CKb6RwnsXi9fqmO7lF039ItjC6cXzhDs6LtmLHyFtXgoUm9y1y1u-XBd8NdVaJip8HHtgEfDqfZ47JscQeSiQjw9voeUmq8/s320/711529618_a779d2e97a.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>I'd like to start off today's post with a statement: <b>Roy Halladay</b> was brought up right. His parents did an outstanding job. Here's a guy who could of gone through this trading ordeal two or three times, but he decided instead to extend with the Jays because he thought "maybe we can win". They could not, so he politely asks for a trade, extends with that team at a reduced "discount" rate - something most top 5 pitchers would never dream of doing because their greed blinds them - and allows the deal to happen. In doing so, he allows the Jays the opportunity to quicken the process of rebuilding without him, since they get players close to MLB ready instead of draft picks, and it also gives him a chance to win sooner. Thank you Doc, and thanks to your parents for raising you the right way. Thanks for the 11 years of professional, dedicated, and outstanding work. You'll be missed by all Jays fans and players to be sure, and hopefully will be recognized some day with the retiring of your number. You have my vote.<br />
<br />
Now, I certainly hope all of the Jays young guns were taking notes during this entire ordeal, and I mean all of them. How he went about things, dealt with the media, prepared each day, his training regimen, I hope it all sticks in their minds so that they get a chance to become great as well. As of this moment, the rumored added pieces of <b>Kyle Drabek, Michael Talor, </b>and <b>Travis d'Arnaud</b> (ranked 2,3,4 as Phillies prospects this off season by BA) add depth to the Jays and should allow for one hell of a pitching staff in the not too distant future.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">I have one question for you all:</span> </span></b>How in the world did Alex Anthopolous have the time, never mind the inclination, to go out and sign <b>C Ramon Castro</b> while all of this 3-way dealing was going on? Couldn't it have waited? It now looks like since he's been signed to a major league contract and <b>Raul Chavez</b> got a minors deal, that Raul will be headed to AAA in support of <b>JP Arencibia</b>. Nice move which provides depth at a very cheap rate and allows for the growth of a young player who could become great!<br />
<br />
Here's our 2011 lineup without all of the other expected trades Alex is likely to make. It looks well balanced to me, although it lacks speed and a lead off hitter.<br />
<br />
2B - <b>Aaron Hill</b> <br />
RF - <b>Michael Taylor</b><br />
LF - <b>Travis Snider</b><br />
DH - <b>Adam Lind</b><br />
C - <b>JP Arencibia</b><br />
CF - <b>Vernon Wells</b><br />
3B - <b>Edwin Encarnacion </b><br />
1B - <b>Brian Dopirak </b><br />
SS - <b>Alex Gonzalez</b><br />
<br />
When you consider the fact that all of the guys 1 through 8 can hit 20+ HRs per season, it looks pretty good! But....What I don't get, is that with the pieces available from Seattle, why take <b>d'Arnaud</b> instead of a guy like <b>SS Carlos Triunfel</b>? Or even their <b>3B Alex Liddi</b> who tore up HiA this past season (although in High Desert, which always boosts stats). We have nobody that is close to ready to take up those positions, although judging from how quickly and effectively Alex has operated, that should be addressed when necessary. What I like about adding Taylor is that he allows Snider to shift to LF, a much better spot for him. What I don't like, it leaves <b>Wells</b> in CF so long as we gulp up his contract. <b>Michael Taylor</b> will produce like a <b>Mike Cameron</b> in terms of power and speed (25/25) but will do so while hitting for average, which makes him a future star. I'd like to see him develop into a <b>Torii Hunter</b> or <b>Jayson Werth</b> caibre player, who do everything well defensively and offensively.<br />
<br />
The 2011 Rotation:<br />
<br />
1- <b>Ricky Romero</b><br />
2- <b>Bret Cecil</b><br />
3- <b>Marc Rzcepczynski</b><br />
4- <b>Shaun Marcum / Zach Stewart</b> if Shaun not healthy<br />
5- <b>Kyle Drabek</b><br />
<br />
Others: <b>Jesse Litsch, Scott Richmond, Dustin McGowan</b> (may head to the pen), <b>David Purcey, Brad Mills, Reidier Gonzalez, Zach Stewart, Luis Perez</b><br />
<br />
I love the potential of that rotation. When you add the fact that by then <b>Henderson Alvarez </b>and <b>Chad Jenkins</b> should be knocking on the door, it makes me smile like a kid in a candy store!<br />
<br />
So, what does that leave Alex with to fill our 3B and SS deficiencies? He has the extra starters from the list above, as well as pending FA relievers (after this season) of <b>Jason Frasor, Scott Downs, Brian Tallet, Jeremy Accardo</b>, <b>Shawn Camp</b>, as well as <b>Lyle Overbay</b>. These names provide us with a ton to speculate about and the rest of the off-season to wonder who will be traded where, if traded at all. Alex may decide to keep Frasor and Camp, but the remainder, along with some starters, may be on the move very soon.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Alex also has the following picks to work with in 2010 draft:</span> <b>11th</b>, <b>33rd</b> (for losing Scutaro), <b>38th</b> (failure to sign James Paxton), <b>50th</b>, <b>67th</b> (will be official when Lackey signs, we get this pick instead of <b>29th</b> from Boston), <b>69th</b> (failure to sign Jake Eliopolous), <b>82nd</b>, and <b>102nd</b> (for failure to sign Jake Barrett). They'll get one more pick in there (30-40 range) when Rod Barajas signs elsewhere. That gives Alex a total of 5 top 50 picks, and 9 top 100 picks. Remember, there are 30 teams in MLB, so if things were split evenly, the Jays would get 3 picks in the top 90 instead of the 9 they'll have in 2010. That's a ton of talent to add to any team's minors system and one that Alex Athopolous is making sure he'll be ready for by spending a lot on scouting and development.<br />
<br />
Alex's accomplishments in such a short period are outstanding and I tip my hat to him. Within 2 years he will be responsible for a very competitive and exciting team. The Toronto Blue Jays finally have direction and thankfully it comes from the top. It's the dawn of a new era, and one I'm very thankful to be able to witness. <br />
Thank you Alex "The Great" Anthopolous.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-38559434085074172842009-12-14T15:28:00.014-05:002009-12-14T23:08:20.955-05:00Doc Taking Physical in Philadelphia with Agent in Tow<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/sports/photos/2008/05/14/392halladay_roy080514ap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/sports/photos/2008/05/14/392halladay_roy080514ap.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="color: red;"><b> 11:00 Update: </b><span style="color: black;">Kyle Drabek is the chosen pitcher coming to Toronto, if you believe the word on the street. That in itself is a massive upgrade from anything the Jays had been offered before. I understand Micheal Taylor as the second piece in the deal since Drabek is included.....but why add another catcher? Wouldn't Aumont or Triunfel, or even one of Saunders or Gillies (both Canadian) make more sense since they're weak spots for the Jays? I don't know, but the newest "stories" have all prospects going from Seattle to Philly, which is "to me" obviously the one portion of the deal. I'm still holding out hope that one more piece from Seattle will be included to the Jays package, but it's looking like Drabek-Taylor-one more is going to be the deal.</span><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b> 9:50 Update: </b><span style="color: black;">Some things seem to be sorting themselves out, but I'll believe the true pieces when I see them. Latest update is as follows: Phillies get both <b>Doc </b>and <b>Phillipe Aumont</b>, Seattle get <b>Cliff Lee</b> and <b>Joe Blanton</b> from Phillies, and the Jays get <b>Kyle Drabek, Micheal Taylor, Travis D'Arnaud</b>, and <b>Carlos Triunfel</b>. There is also some money flying around, but that's pretty much it. Don't worry, it will change - just updating the latest!</span><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>8:15 Update: </b><span style="color: black;">Oh the Chaos! Now there are <a href="http://twitter.com/JonathanMayoB3/status/6679569130">reports of</a> SP <b>Kyle Drabek</b> (from a Philly source, which should be more credible) going to the Jays, and <b>Carlos Triunfel</b> being included from the Mariners. Normally I'd say I was hoping for them to tell us who is in and who is out, but it's way too much fun watching grown up professionals throwing names to the wall in the hopes that some will stick. Crazy. Well, <i>at least</i> they get paid for it!!! This is how bad it is at this point. Jonathan Mayo actually put this out on Twitter "</span></span>No true confirmations on prospects heading to Jays yet. It could be Aumont and maybe Saunders or Triunfel from M's; Brown plus 1 from Phils<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">." Now, I'm no rocket scientist, but it sounds like he just made that up and threw it out there to get some names in the flow. Maybe he's right, maybe he isn't, but it sure makes me laugh.</span><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b> 8:00 Update: </b><span style="color: black;">Ok, now things are getting out of hand. <a href="http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BBO_PHILLIES_BLUE_JAYS_HALLADAY?SITE=SCFLO&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT">We now have news</a> from the American Press that <b>Domonic Brown</b>, <b>J.A. Happ</b>, and <b>Joe Blanton</b> all took physicals today, presumably because they're being considered in deals. I say deals, because this doesn't mean that they're going to the Jays or Seattle. How these would fit into all of the names we've heard is beyond me, but obviously if the Phillies asked Brown to take a physical, they'd be willing to part with him. It could be possible that the teams involved are not even sure yet how things will work exactly. It's not uncommon for teams to put a deal in place and decide on pieces along the way. That's how the "player to be named later" came to be. That won't be the case this time around, but you have to believe that the conversation are fiesty and the name calling is out of control! Let's hope for a clearer picture by tomorrow.</span><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b> 6:20 Update: </b><span style="color: black;">Catcher <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/12/roy-halladay-rumors-monday-1.html">Travis D'Arnaud is reportedly included in the deal</a>. He was recently ranked as 4th on BA's rankings of the Phillies prospects and played 2009 in LoA. They noted his power and the fact that he had the most doubles in the SAL league. He would be a nice depth addition to a very deep position for the Jays with Carlos Perez, JP Arencibia, and Sean Ochinko all representing very skilled backstops. There's still a ton of debate about the pieces included. Some are saying Micheal Saunders is in, but Brandon Morrow is out. If the Jays are only adding Phillipe Aumont, a reliever, as picthing components of the deal....is it surprising and a little disappointing? After hearing names like Joe Saunders, Clay Buchholz, and Kyle Drabek rumored as pieces in the past...it sure is. But, if it's in favor of making the Jays potent and cheap offensively, I like it.</span><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>5:45 Update:</b> <span style="color: black;">I have no idea whether the next two players are going to the Jays or the Phillies, but the deal only makes sense if they go to the Jays. The players so-called "in play" by the sources are SP Brandon Morrow and OF Michael Saunders, who is also Canadian. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">This would break down what we know so far as follows: </span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Phillies get Roy Halladay and cash from the Jays</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Mariners get Cliff Lee from the Phillies</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Jays get Micheal Taylor from the Phillies, and Micheal Saunders, Phillipe Aumont, and Brendon Morrow from the Mariners.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Wow, talk about blockbuster. There may be more, but you have to think these guys were inspired by the blockbuster worked out at the winter meetings by the Yankees-DBacks-Tigers. All of this has yet to be confirmed, but I like the way it's shaping up. The Jays would receive real value that would put its mark on the franchise for a long time at a very affordable rate. All components are top 5 players in their respective team rankings of prospects and all have very high ceilings. I may have to send Alex Anthopolous a gist basket for this one. Alex "The Great" has possibly now earned him name. </span><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;"> 5:20 Update:</span> </b>Two of the pieces coming back to the Jays may already be confirmed, with <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/12/roy-halladay-rumors-monday-1.html">sources saying </a><b>Of Michael Taylor</b> and <b>SP/RP Phillipe Aumont</b> are part of the deal.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=518418">Phillipe Aumont</a></b> is a big boy at 6'7" 200lbs and hails for Hull Quebec, adding some Canadian content to the Jays. I can already see the Jerseys coming off the rack in Quebec. He was drafted as a SP and was made into a RP by Seattle thereafter, so it's unclear whether he could or would want to return to starting, but he's potent either way. He had 18 Ks in 12 IP in the AFL this offseason and 59 in 51 IP during the season in HiA and AA and maintained a decent 3.88 ERA. He could be part of the bull pen by mid-season and I'll have to do some considering on order to assert where he sists in the Jays top prospects. Rest assured, it will most likely be a top 10.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=OF&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=446345">Micheal Taylor</a>,</b> also a big boy at 6'6" and 230lbs, is a 5 tool outfielder who has grown in the shadow of the more heralded Dominic Brown as part of a lethal duo of prospect OF. Between AA and AAA last season, Taylor had a .320 average over 428 AB, 20 HR and 21 SB, and a .395 OBP/.549 SLG/.944 OPS line that looks very promising. He immediately becomes the best Jays OF prospect and will look very good in the lineup sometime soon alongside Aaron Hill, Adam Lind, and Travis Snider. The fact that the Jays have control over him for a very long time at a very affordable rate makes him a gem in the deal. <br />
<br />
Although it pains me to say that the Doc saga will come to and end fairly soon, since it goves people something to write about, it seems that Doc is just about to become a Philadelphia Philly. <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/12/roy-halladay-rumors-monday-1.html">The word is that Lee actually could be involved in the deal</a>.....say what? Yep. Not only that, but Ken Rosenthal and John Morosi and talking like the deal is done!! <a href="http://the%20trade%20is%20highly%20complex,%20sources%20say,%20with%20the%20phillies%20receiving%20money%20from%20the%20jays%20to%20help%20pay%20halladay%27s%20salary%20next%20season./">"The trade is highly complex, sources say, with the Phillies receiving money from the Jays to help pay Halladay's salary next season." </a>The Phillies would be making the deal with Lee on their own, then completing the deal with the Jays. Wow. And now that I've heard to ideas behind it, it doesn't sound too crazy. Here's why:<br />
<ul><li>Philadelphia has been trying to get talks going with Cliff Lee in regards to an extension. He wants nothing to do with it, while Doc is more than willing to walk in front of that team once every five starts. Smart man.</li>
<li>Seattle, on the other hand, are looking to add pitching and would be more than happy to take the picks that they'd get for losing Lee at the end of 2010 if it means getting an ace for their staff (and possibly more). With guys like Michael Saunders, Carlos Triunfel, and Phillipe Aumont in their minors, the Jays could be interested in many of their prospects.<br />
</li>
<li>The Angels could also provide some prospects if they're the third team, but for right now it sounds more and more like they're going to be left out in the cold. They are talking to Matsui right now and don't seem too heavily involved. Still, they could swoop in at last minute, as could the Yankees.</li>
<li>If all the Phillies have to do in order to get Doc committed for 4-5 years is deal Lee and perhaps one bench player or prospect, it makes sense. </li>
</ul> It sounds very close to getting done, and I can't wait to analyze this deal thoroughly.<br />
<br />
If you are the Yankees, watching this happen around you, with Lackey just signed in Boston and the possibility of Adrian Gonzalez going to Boston in return for Buchholz and Casey Kelly (Boston is also leading the Chapman sweepstakes - rumored), what do you do? Sign Matt Holliday, that's what.<br />
<br />
This is getting to get a MAJOR week in the positioning of teams going into 2010.<br />
<br />
<b>In other news, our "inherited" 29th overall pick from Boston is just one medical away from becoming a 69th.</b> You have to love this system (insert major sarcasm).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-40455156991528871042009-12-13T14:01:00.000-05:002009-12-14T15:43:48.954-05:00Alex adds the 1st Real Impact Piece: John Buck, C (29)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/Reuters_Photo/2008/03/31/1207004613_2039/539w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://cache.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/Reuters_Photo/2008/03/31/1207004613_2039/539w.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
</div>I'll let you guys read through his stats <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buckjo01.shtml?redir">here, </a>but in layman's terms - he's as good if not better than Barajas offensively. I say possibly better because he's reaching that peak performance age for catchers. With the addition of Raul Chavez through a minors deal (perhaps to teach JP some things in AAA) our catching position is getting much stronger. The contract is only 1 year, which gives John incentive to play well and allows for JP to take over in 2011, and for a decent $2 million. With Jason Kendall getting 6 million, Ivan Rodriguez getting 6 million, both over 2 years, this makes Alex Anthopolous look like a genius. Not only that, but he did it extremely quickly - before any other teams could grab him. Word had the Rangers and at least 6 other teams looking to pick him up. I'm liking the start to the post tendering a lot more than the winter meetings.<br />
<br />
<b>Acquisition Grade:</b> Grade: <span style="color: red;">A+</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-41429105632865213412009-12-13T06:35:00.000-05:002009-12-14T15:43:41.331-05:00Non-Tendered Adds for the Jays?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.cleveland.com/tribe_impact/2009/03/medium_adam-miller-2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.cleveland.com/tribe_impact/2009/03/medium_adam-miller-2009.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>There are some really intriguing names on the list of non-tenders this season. The Jays tendered all of their players except Raul Chavez. Now that they don't have 1 catcher on the 40-man roster, they'll definitely be signing a FA including the possibility of grabbing one who was non-tendered. Here is the list of guys the Jays could grab at the right price in order of the ones I'd most like to see in a Jasy uniform for 2010. For a complete list of non-tendered guys, <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/12/nontendered-players.html">MLBTR is your source at this link</a>.<br />
<br />
<ul><li><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=miller001ada">Adam Miller:</a> </b>One finger. That's all that stands in the way of this guy becoming a #2 or even a #1 pitcher. If the doctors look at him and see he could stay healthy, sure, give him a whirl. Otherwise it's just a sad story for a great guy. In 2006, at 21, he pitched AA/AAA at a line of 158 IP, 161 Ks, only 46 BB and a 2.84 ERA. He threw 6 games in 2008 and still held a 1.88 ERA, but had to shut it down and has had 2 surgeries on the finger since. He could be the best option in terms of ceiling / upside if a "cure" can be found for his ailment. Anyone know a stem cell guy who can grow him a new finger? lol.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/churcry01.shtml">Ryan Church:</a> </b>Not sure he'd want to play in Toronto, but his defense is way better than Lind's and he's more of a full time player than Bautista. If the Jays play him enough for him to increase his value, he may accept. He's not flashy, but then again the Jays don't need flashy, just steady, and Church gives you that with a .275 to .280 average and potential for 10-15 HRs. His OBP is nice and he'd help fill a hole in our OF until help comes along in the form of Yohermyn Chavez or Darrin Mastroianni. <br />
</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/olsensc01.shtml">Scott Olsen:</a> </b>Sure, he's been caught for DUI and went downhill in WAS, but wouldn't you? He has some talent, and is only one season removed from throwing 201 innings with 113 Ks and a 4.20 ERA / 1.309 whip. The upside here is real, but the ceiling may be low in the AL East. <br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cappsma01.shtml"><b>Matt Capps:</b></a> Since the Jays are already going to deal Accardo, and are rumored to want to deal Downs due to his impending FA status after 2010 and high salary, Capps would be the right kind of reclamation project to get into the pen at a decent rate. I'm not sure if he'd be content with a relief role, but it's worth a try.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wangch01.shtml"><b>Chien-Ming Wang:</b></a> Everyone is saying he'll end up with the LAD, but if the Jays give him an opportunity to get back at the Yankees for letting him go, maybe they get him at a discount. He'd need to prove he's effective again, but he knows how to pitch and could easily become a #2 again if healthy.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/buckjo01.shtml">John Buck</a> and <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/anderjo03.shtml">Josh Anderson</a>: </b>Someone should really go into KC and fire their GM for the poor owner who has to live through all of these non-sense moves. Kendall at 2 years and 6 million instead of Buck? Buck's younger and has more pop. As for Anderson, he has lots of speed and makes the perfect replacement for Joe Inglett. He's only going to be 27 next season and is an excellent defensive player. Buck must have more interest for the Jays though. He can pop one out steadily (about 15-18 per season), but he only threw out 16% of basestealers. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/worrema01.shtml"><b>Mark Worrell:</b></a> Great RP, 80 Ks in 58 IP in 2008, but sat out 2009 with injury. Would need to sign 2 years and rehab in the minors a little, but he'd be a great addition to any pen.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/amezaal01.shtml">Alfredo Amezaga:</a> </b>Great bench player, can play anywhere and has some speed with ok OBP.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/carradj01.shtml">DJ Carrasco:</a> </b>The Jays can't afford him and chances are he wants to contend, but he's a decent 32 year old pen guy.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/custja01.shtml"><b>Jack Cust:</b></a> I don't see him as a Jay since we have Lind as 70% DH, but his pop can't be ignored. He'll land in CHW or another AL team, but doubtful it's TO.</li>
</ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-58806408909379368672009-12-12T12:22:00.002-05:002009-12-12T12:24:29.871-05:00Finally, Credible Offers are Making the Rounds<b style="color: red;">Dec. 12th UPDATE:</b> <b>It looks like I was onto something about Trevor Reckling being more appealing than Joe Saunders. Here's the <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/12/roy-halladay-rumors-saturday.html">MLBTR link</a>. Thank goodness. The Tao of Stieb has <a href="http://taoofstieb.blogspot.com/2009/12/anywhere-but-angels.html">a great article</a> about why Saunders is not worth a deal at all, although I disagree about Doc not going there. It's the best place for him so long as we get different pitchers in return. Whether it's Jered Weaver and prospects, or Trevor Reckling and a couple of others, it needs to be higher end pitching than Joe "please say no" Saunders.</b><br />
<br />
Here's what I had posted on the 9th of December:<br />
<br />
When the Winter Meetings started, who would have thought that the LAA, TB, and PHI would become front runners and that NYY and BOS interest would be nil? Not many. But that's exactly what's happened and the Jays "supposedly" have some real credible offers on the table.<br />
<br />
<b>Option #1, from LAA: Joe Saunders, Erick Aybar, Peter Bourjos.</b><br />
<br />
Analysis: I am NOT a fan of this offer at all and don't want Alex to take it. While I am a huge fan of Aybar's, both he and Saunders are arbitration eligible and only under control for a few years. Saunders hasn't exactly shined, and if he played for KC instead of the LAA last season, he would of had half the wins he ended up with. His 4.60 ERA and 1.430 Whip don't impress me at all, and he only had 101 Ks in 186 IP, not exactly front line stuff. There's a reason the LAA would be willing to move him. I'd rather the Jays land Trevor Reckling in the deal, which may be the case since nobody knows what the true offer if yet. As for Bourjos, I do think he's a very nice piece in the deal. If the deal had Reckling and another young SP in the deal, I'd like Alex to snap it up.<br />
<br />
<b>Option #2, from PHI: J.A. Happ, and one of Dominic Brown or Michael Taylor.</b><br />
<br />
Analysis: Another rumor has it being Hamels instead of Happ. If Brown is actually in the offer, the Jays would have taken it already, so I seriousle doubt they've made him available. Hamels and Brown as a return would be plenty, even if I'm not a fan of the attitude Hamels displayed during the playoffs of 09. I do like Taylor, but if he's in the package, I do expect Alex to ask for 1 or 2 more pieces to be added because his ceiling is lower than Brown's. The one weak point of this offer is that it doesn't fulfil the need for a SS or C, forcing the Jays to look elsewhere to fill those holes.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #990000;">***New info: <a href="http://twitter.com/ScottLauber/status/6532664161">apparently</a> the Phils GM doesn't see any deal for Doc taking place for the Phils, so scratch them off the list of suitors.<br />
</div><br />
<b>Option #3, from TB: Wade Davis, BJ Upton, Reid Brignac.</b><br />
<br />
Analysis: This offer wouldfill the SS gap long term, and would allow the Jays to flip Upton for other pieces, supposedly to the Mets in return for <b>Fernando Martinez</b>. So, the return becomes Davis, Martinez, and Brignac. Sold. I'd take this offer over all others simply because the ceiling, contracts, and control over the players are all higher and longer, making the Jays much better for the long term.<br />
<br />
In any case, we are pretty aware that the market for Doc is heating up and it does seem like Alex has some credible options to consider. Who knows how many of these rumors are credible, but if they are, Alex has a lot of work on his hands and his heart rate must be through the roof right now.....gotta love that rush!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-8589175066873039302009-12-12T11:09:00.002-05:002009-12-12T12:15:59.723-05:00Rosenthal Falls Off His Rocker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://tonybruno.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/kevin-rosenthal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://tonybruno.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/kevin-rosenthal.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
</div>Ok, I'm not one to criticize people who draw up trade scenarios since I am one of the biggest cullprits. If I must say so, it's one of the most fun aspects of baseball other than watching a game or watching prospects grow into stars. But, Ken Rosenthal just fell off his rocker and must have drank a little too much beer last night. <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10513552/Cy-Young-winners-Halladay,-Lee-could-fit-into-one-deal">He suggests that the Phillies could trade Cliff Lee in order to get Roy Halladay</a>......what's the point? So they liked Roy a little more than Cliff at the deadline last year, it doesn't mean they'd jump through what would be flaming hoops to get Doc. <br />
<br />
His scenario had Cliff going to various teams in return for prospects. The Phils keep some, trade the others to TO. I believe this scenario will work, but that it will NOT involve Cliff Lee. The Phils want to go into 2010 with 4 guys that can be considered #1 or #2 calibre. They want to win the World Series, plain and simple. Subtracting Lee for Halladay does very little to get them closer.<br />
<br />
The one thing I give credit for in his piece is that Rosenthal keys in on the 2 right teams. If the Phillies can trade Joe Blanton and the 7 million plus he'll get in salary to the Dodgers or Mariners and get either Carlos Triunfel or Ivan Dejesus as part of the return, they may be able to flip either player to the Jays, which would satisfy the Jays need for a top-notch SS prospect.<br />
<br />
Buster Olney think Doc will be traded very soon, and I agree. Everyone wants to have it resolved. The Angels do, the Phillies do, the Yankees and Red Sox do, and I know Doc and the Jays do. Now that the Phillies are trying to gather the right pieces, they may get it done. But I still have a feeling the Angels will be open to doing the same with one of their SP and getting a deal that tops the Phillies. If the Lee deal is an indication of what the Phils think an ace is worth, I hope I'm right.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702013810375740918.post-91738593630688318072009-12-12T07:59:00.006-05:002009-12-12T08:49:49.021-05:00Jays Minors - Top 4 Third Basemen<div> The Jays have not had much strength at third base in the minors since they took Kelly Gruber in the 80s. For some reason, the club has scouted players the wrong way at the hot corner. I'm not sure who makes the suggestions for which 3rd basemen to draft in the organization - or whether that person was usually over ridden, but the Jays finally noticed this trend and did something about it in recent years. They spent some high picks and lots of International money on acquiring top-end third base prospects. So, has it worked? Well, here are the top 4. <br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>1.<a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=550012">Gustavo Pierre:</a> will be 18 in Dec 2009 <br />
Gustavo was one of the youngest GCL Blue Jays on the squad in 2009, but even at his young age he carries a lot of strength due to his size - 6'2" 185 lbs. He was one of the few big splashes the Jays have made in International signings and will hopefully prove himself a little more in 2010, but his 2009 season showed some promise nonetheless. He played 48 games in the GCL, has 18 extra base hits in 174 AB, stole 8 bases and maintained a low but okay average for his age of .259. Part of the problem with Pierre is his inability to hit left handed pitching, maintaining a lowly .195 average and only 2 extra base hits against them, compared to a .278 average against righties with 16 extra base hits. As with many young players, he needs to cut down on strike outs and to build his pitch recognition skills as proven by his 45 strike outs to only 3 walks, but this is something he will learn and be taught over time. He made 14 errors in 100 attempts while flipping from SS to 3B. Gustavo was taken as a SS, but his arm plays very well at third and his growth will make it unlikely that he can stick at SS. As he matures and progresses in the minors in 2010, Gustavo should improve and has the highest ceiling of all third basemen in the system. Expect to see him repeat the GCL and jump to Auburn or Lansing at some point in the season.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>2. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1260619493270">Balbino Fuenmayor</a><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=3B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=515768">:</a> just turned 20 in November 2009<br />
</div><div>Balbino at 20 is the exact size that Gustavo is expected to be when he turns 20 - 6'3" and 235 lbs of strength and power. To put Pierre's stats above in perspective, Balbino had only 4 home runs over 2 full years in the GCL at the very same age that Pierre was in 2009 and will be in 2010 (17 and 18). So, if Pierre improves slightly in 2010, he will have outpaced the growth Balbino had at that age by a healthy margin. After struggling through 2 years in the GCL, with some growth in the second shown in average (.307) and extra base hits (19), he finally showed some true potential as a 19 year old at Lansing in 2009. While is average dipped to .263 and his OBP was unsatisfactory at .279, he showed some power with 32 extra base hits, 8 HRs, and 54 RBI in 435 AB. He fought for playing time at 1B and 3B much of the year with 1B Michael McDade and 3B Mark Sobolewski, but should get a full year under his belt at 3B in 2010. Interestingly, he made 12 errors at 3B and none at 1B, despite playing more time at 1B. However, intentions are to keep him at 3B and develop his defense. He may get a jump to Dunedin at some point, but he needs to work on his strike outs and OBP before he can be viewed as a potential regular. <br />
</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />
</div><div></div><div>3. <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=3B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=574629">Bryson Namba</a>: will be 19 in January 2010<br />
</div><div>Bryson was drafted in the 12th round of the 2009 draft and didn't get many ABs in 2009, only 77. However, he proved that he can use his size (6'2" and 210 lbs) by hitting 4 HRs in that short span. He'll be splitting time between 1B and 3B with Gustavo Pierre unless one of the two makes the jump to Lansing in 2010. Bryson hails from Hawaii and played some C and most of the infield in high school, but he will be used as a 1B or 3B by the Jays. Obviously, making the switch from C to 3B isn't easy, and explains why Bryson made 9 errors in 38 attempts in 2009. But, with some practice and experience, his D should improve as he is agile enough to play the position and even has a little speed (for now). He should continue to grow a little and will add muscle to his frame, both of which bode well for his power numbers. He did walk 6 times in 77 AB in 2009, so he may have a little more patience at this point than either Balbino or Gustavo do. Bryson will be tested with a full year at 3B in 2010, and should remain in Lansing for the majority of the season.<br />
<br />
</div><div>4. <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=3B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=518394">Kevin Ahrens: </a>will be 21 in April 2010<br />
Selected 16th overall in the first round of the 2007 draft, he ties David Purcey as some of the most disappointing Jays minors in recent times. Since he's still young at only 21 years old in 2010, and playing at a high enough level for his age, I kept him on this list. But Kevin really needs to show the Jays he can hit, or he'll be passed very quickly by Balbino and Gustavo. In 377 AB he had a .215 average, only 23 extra base hits, 4 HR, a .282 OBP, and had 18 errors in 175 attempts at 3B. He's smaller than most Jays 3B prospects at 6'1" and 190 lbs, and may never develop the power expected at the position. When he was drafted in 2007, announcers and scouts were making comparisons of Kevin to Chipper Jones. It definitely doesn't look like that will ever come near fruition, but, Kevin could develop if he adds strength into a Lyle Overbay type 1B. That's about his ceiling in my humblest opinion. He'll most likely begin 2010 by repeating in HiA Dunedin until he can display the skills needed to make a jump to AA in 2011 or beyond.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Next up will be the top 12 outfielders.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10997423481647281784noreply@blogger.com0