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Another spring profiile from the always-reliable Spencer Fordin at mlb.com focuses on Russ Adams, first-round pick last June out of UNC and middle-infielder for a Blue Jays team of the near future. Adams has received steadier playing time than he expected, thanks to Chris Woodward's ailments, and like other Jays prospects, he's really impressed those in the big-league camp. He comes across as the prototypical good rookie: earnest, eager to learn, willing to pay his dues.

It's been a feel-good spring in Dunedin, no doubt about it, judging from the media reports; even the curmudgeonly Richard Griffin actually went four columns with nary a discouraging word. Partly it's the sunshine, the grass and the fact baseball is back that puts everyone in an upbeat frame of mind. But I'm also getting the impression that this is a good camp: the veterans are enthusiastic and looking forward to April, giving of their time to the rookies and minor-leaguers, and the youngsters are picking that up and running with it. This can be directly attributed to JP assembling the right individuals for this squad, and Tosca and his coaches setting up an excellent Florida program. If there's a better place to be than a happy spring training camp, I'd like to know what it is.
One Big Happy (Adams) Family | 7 comments | Create New Account
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_Spicol - Friday, March 07 2003 @ 10:20 AM EST (#21918) #
I'm exceedingly thrilled that many of the Jays top prospects have impressed so far this spring, with the possible exception of Jason Arnold. It's not the usual rhetoric either...the kids are looking good, impressing with work ethic and poise and putting up the numbers too. True, I haven't been to Florida to witness with my own eyes and I could be falling victim to propaganda but it's not just management saying positive things, it's the players as well. It's rare for players to compliment the prospects that might one day replace them.

I realize that it's only been 6 games, but after a long winter of suggesting the kids are solid, these players are giving us more concrete proof that 2004 and 2005 should really be amazing years for Jays fans.

BTW, I'm cheering for Doug Linton to get battered around some more and don't feel the least bit guilty about it. Players shouldn't generally earn or lose roster spots based on the spring but for 37 year old players on the bubble like Linton, spring performances need to be factored in. Go Tattoo Boy!
_R Billie - Friday, March 07 2003 @ 10:46 AM EST (#21919) #
Well let's be fair...Arnold got all of two innings. I don't think he's ready yet but by late this season he probably will be.
_The Cynic - Friday, March 07 2003 @ 12:41 PM EST (#21920) #
I am waiting for the first story about a player who is not keen. Or the player who is not out early for BP. When will I hear a rookie talk about the veterans who are not helpful?

Where is Richard Griffin when you need him?
_Raul Mondesi - Friday, March 07 2003 @ 12:52 PM EST (#21921) #
Mr. Cynic, try the Yankees camp. I'm always late, usually hung over, and I have guys in my posse who intimidate the #^*! out of rookies for me.
_Spicol - Friday, March 07 2003 @ 01:07 PM EST (#21922) #
Arnold did only pitch 1 inning but my comment stems more from an interview with Tosca shown on the Score and less from stats. He raved about many players while his comments on Arnold were the equivalent of a shrug. I'd say he did what was expected, which was to come and experience camp and nothing more while guys like Rios, Adams, Griffin and others seemed to perform above expectation.
Coach - Friday, March 07 2003 @ 01:09 PM EST (#21923) #
Mike Ganter of the Sun has his own Adams profile today, but as usual, Fordin's is better.

The best development of the spring so far has been Adams getting more of a look than anyone expected. A lot of scouts projected him as a 2B, but Russ has been just fine at SS, and is hitting over .350 so far. Power isn't a part of the package, but he has a great eye, speed and savvy. I don't think he'll be in A ball for long; when (not if) he handles the inevitable jump to New Haven in stride, we can start speculating about when (not if) he'll make the big club.
_R Billie - Friday, March 07 2003 @ 05:45 PM EST (#21924) #
Ah ok...I missed that interview with Tosca.
One Big Happy (Adams) Family | 7 comments | Create New Account
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