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All eyes are currently on the big league camp where the races for the No. 4 and 5 positions in the starting rotation, as well as the battle for the back-up catcher's role, appear to be going down to the wire. On the other fields in Dunedin, though, the baby Jays are hard at work fighting for assignments to the four full-season clubs, which begin play in April.


The baby Jays have played five spring training games so far. Each prospect is assigned to either the Lansing (Low-A ), Dunedin (High-A), New Hampshire (Double-A) or Las Vegas (Triple-A... I initially wrote Syracuse, oops) squad. The players' current assignments do not necessarily dictate which club they will open the regular season with... and many of the players will bounce around from one day to the next, appearing for Lansing on Monday, and then New Hampshire on Tuesday, for example.

I have been receiving box scores from all the minor-league games in Florida, and I will highlight statistics for some of the prospects in the system. If you have a specific player that you want to know about and they don't appear below, just ask nicely in the comments section and I'll be happy to reply. As mentioned, these are the results through five games for each of the four clubs (up to date through Tuesday). I have grouped the players on the teams that they have appeared for most often this spring.

Hitters (H-for-AB, SBs)
Pitchers (IP-R, BB-K)

Lansing
Markus Brisker, 0-for-10, 3 SBs
Tyler Pastornicky, 5-for-11, 4 SBs
Brian Van Kirk, 7-for-14
Adam Amar, 1-for-9
Balbino Fuenmayor, 6-for-14, 1 SB
Jonathan Del Campo, 4-for-14, 1 SB
Kenny Wilson, 1-for-8, 2 SB
Kyle Gilligan, 1-for-10, 1 SB
Kevin Denis-Fortier, 1-for-8
Michael Crouse, 3-for-10, 1 SB
Antonio Jimenez, 2-for-8
Welinton Ramirez, 3-for-12

Chuck Huggins, 4.2-3, 2-6
John Anderson, 5-0, 0-7
Robert (Bobby) Bell, 2-1, 0-4
Josh Wells, 3.2-3, 2-3
Matt Wright, 3.1-0, 1-4
Henderson Alvarez, 3-1, 0-4  

Dunedin
Luis Fernandez, 5-for-11
Mark Sobolewski, 1-for-4
Michael McDade, 4-for-12
Moises Sierra, 3-for-8
Eric Eiland, 0-for-8, 1 SB
Johermyn Chavez, 3-for-15, 1 SB
Jon Talley, 4-for-9
Bryan Kervin, 6-for-17
Jonathan McClanahan, 6-for-14, 1 SB
Jonathan Baksh, 7-for-14
Eric Thames, 4-for-6, 1 SB
Chris Emanuele, 2-for-10, 1 SB
Chris House, 1-for-3
Joel Collins, 1-for-8
Jonathan Jaspe, 6-for-11, 1 SB

Tim Collins, 5-1, 1-7
Cody Crowell, 2-0, 4-2
Chad Beck, 3-4, 0-2
Dan Farquhar, 2-0, 0-3
Chase Lirette, 3.2-5, 5-1
Alan Farina, 4-0, 1-6
Trystan Magnuson, 2-2, 0-2

New Hampshire
Justin Jackson, 2-for-12, 1 SB
David Cooper, 1-for-11
Brian Dopirak, 5-for-15
Kevin Ahrens, 2-for-6
Sean Shoffit, 2-for-8, 1 SB
John Tolisano, 4-for-10
Adam Loewen, 1-for-1

Randy Boone, 3.2-3, 3-2
Andrew Liebel, 5-2, 5-2
Marc Rzepczynski, 5.1-3, 2-6
Kyle Ginley, 5.2-0, 3-6
AJ Wideman, 4-5, 4-4
Luis Perez, 2-0, 1-2
Leon Boyd, 2-0, 0-2

Las Vegas
Buck Coats, 7-for-14, 3 SB
JP Arencibia, 4-for-18
Ryan Patterson, 4-for-14
Chip Cannon, 1-for-5
Brian Jeroloman, 3-for-9

Brett Cecil, 2.2-1, 1-3
Wade Miller, 5.2-0, 1-3
Adrian Martin, 3.1-1, 0-2
Davis Romero, 2-2, 0-0
Mike Maroth, 3-0, 1-2


Minor League Spring Training Update | 36 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
ramone - Wednesday, March 25 2009 @ 01:36 PM EDT (#197466) #
Thanks for the info Marc, good to see Tyler Pastornicky getting off to a good start.  Really looking foreward to seeing Brisker, Thames and Wilson this year.  Do you know what position Fuenmayor is playing in camp, 1st or 3rd?
Mylegacy - Wednesday, March 25 2009 @ 02:00 PM EDT (#197467) #
Now YOU'RE talking! Spring REALLY is here!

On Lansing - In the winter I said Brian Van Kirk would be a "dark horse" - so far he's hitting 7 for 14! (OK I know it's a tad early to get toooo excited). Markus Brisker is a BIG, FAST, very young guy who I predict - wait for it - will be better than Rios! Tyler Pastornicky - 5 for 11, 4 SB's is - to me - an Aaron Hill type hitter. This is a guy that's gonna hit above his "projections." Kenny Wilson, Adam Amar, Welinton Ramirez and Antonio Jimenez are other guys I'm watching closely. The MIGHTY BALBINO 6 for 14 with 1 SB is the closest to a sure thing of any of these guys. PITCHING WISE - Huggins and Bell had great stats in their first part year in 2008 and should be fun to watch this season in their first full season. Henderson Alvarez 2 innings pitched 1 hit, 0 BB and 4 SO's has the most talent of this group. Electric stuff but young and a bit of a "wild thing."

On Dunedin - TONS OF TALENT - very exciting group! Eric Thames who now has 4 hits in 6 AB's and 1 SB is the KEY prospect to watch. He injured a wrist last year and didn't play - this will be his frist year with us. Young, and strong like Mongo(ish) he could turn out to be a terrific power hitter - or not. The next seven in order as I see thm as prospects are: Jon Talley (a catcher as big as a house), Joel Collins (a catcher as big as a Canadian), Moises Sierra (Jessie Barfields arm), Mark Sobolewski (his first full season - highly regarded - lots to prove), Michael McDade (BIG - like Fielder sized BIG - so so last year BUT th Jays are still high on him - so watch closely - he'll be hard to miss), Jonathan Jaspe (this guy has been with us FOREVER - still a fringe prospect), Eric Eiland (more speed than God - but better show something else soon). Pitching - FOUR serious REAL prospects. In order as I see them - Alan Farina (GREAT fastball - closer stuff?), Dan Farquhar, Cody Crowell and Trystan Magnuson (Try's last chance - but he is intriguing). AND Da Da - my favorite Little People - Tiny Tim Collins who so far this year in 5 innings has given up 1 hit , walked  1, and struck out 7 - WHEN is someone gonna give this guy any credit? - WHEN - he can do that at AA and AAA ball.

New Hampshire - SERIOUSLY - THERE COULD BE FIVE REGULARS HERE - Justin Jackson (our SS of the sooner-than-most-think future). David Cooper (the bionic bat with no real position). Kevin Ahrens (very solid 3rd baseman - former 1st rounder). John Tolisan (2nd baseman -culd be a Jeff Kent type guy if all goes right). Adam Loewen (Josh Hamilton anyone?). Pitching - in the order I see them - Marc Rzepczynski (the walking alphabet  - this lefty is just a PINCH below Mills and Cecil - could catch them this year). Kyle Ginley (at worse a solid middle reliever type). Luis Perex (slow developer - could be the new smell of a healthy Chacin). and Andrew Liebel ( a senior sign fromthe 3rd round last year - he's compared to Ian Kennedy).

Las Vegas - VERY INTERESTING - JP Arencibia ( see Barajas only with quite a bit more power) and Brian Jeoloman ( see Pat Borders) are our pitchers of the future - untill Jon Talley arrives (DISCLAIMER - I'm higher on Talley than anyone except his Father and Mother - but I've got a man-crush on that guy - they day confession is good for the soul). Pitching wise Cecil IS the future and I'm high on both Adrian Martin and Davis Romero. Wade Miller could be a rehab sleeper.

ARE YOU SURE it's not April 6th yet?


92-93 - Wednesday, March 25 2009 @ 02:20 PM EDT (#197468) #
I was wondering what the heck happened with Davis Romero. Nice starts to spring for Zip, Ginley, and the golden boy, Collins. I find myself more interested in the development of the team's pitchers, I guess considering the fact that there aren't many position jobs on the big league club for the taking (because of Wells-Rios-Hill-Lind-Snider), and if there are, we know who the primary suitors are.
slitheringslider - Wednesday, March 25 2009 @ 03:09 PM EDT (#197470) #
Justin Jackson, Kevin Ahrens, and John Tolisano are all skipping a level to play in New Hampshire? I think that's a little aggressive on the jays part considering they didn't really dominate Lansing.
John Northey - Wednesday, March 25 2009 @ 03:37 PM EDT (#197471) #
That would be gutsy on the Jays part, to put Jackson/Ahrens/Tolisano in AA.  If they do that then they are planning on getting one or more in the majors during 2010, hoping for them to be regulars in 2011 so they can replace guys like Rolen who are leaving then, and so they can be comfortable in the majors by 2013/2014 when Rios/Wells/Hill reach the end of their contracts.  A lot of logic there, and if they can handle it then a big woohoo, but if they can't ...
Jdog - Wednesday, March 25 2009 @ 04:00 PM EDT (#197473) #
Im no expert on minor league spring training but i think its pretty safe to assume that, all those players will most likely start in Dunedin this year, i wouldn't read to much into where they are playing there spring games.
Pistol - Wednesday, March 25 2009 @ 04:54 PM EDT (#197476) #
I agree.... I don't think the 07 HS draft class is going to NH without going through Dunedin for an extended period first.
ayjackson - Wednesday, March 25 2009 @ 05:36 PM EDT (#197477) #
Lansing's "team" has to incorporate the short season players too, which bumps players up through the ranks.
ayjackson - Wednesday, March 25 2009 @ 05:40 PM EDT (#197478) #
It seems a bit odd that Cecil has only pitched 2.2 innings.
Marc Hulet - Wednesday, March 25 2009 @ 06:17 PM EDT (#197479) #
Worry not, the trio of Ahrens, Jackson and Tolisano will be in Dunedin, not New Hampshire. As I stated in the top of the post, their current groups are not indicative of their starting point when the season begins.

Cecil has only pitched that much because he was in the MLB camp for so long.

ayjackson - Wednesday, March 25 2009 @ 06:21 PM EDT (#197480) #

Cecil has only pitched that much because he was in the MLB camp for so long.

I understand that, but I would have thought that he'd be up to more than 2.2 innings per start. 

wacker - Wednesday, March 25 2009 @ 08:14 PM EDT (#197485) #
thanks for the info marc, that stuff is hard to come by this time of year. Question: have there been any notable names being released yet? thanks
Marc Hulet - Wednesday, March 25 2009 @ 09:45 PM EDT (#197487) #
Wacker, I haven't heard of any major releases as of late, but the club does not really publicize them very much for obvious reasons. I know Billy Carnline was released recently, which was disappointing as he was a personal favorite of mine... But he just did not make it all the way back after shoulder surgery.
wacker - Thursday, March 26 2009 @ 01:03 AM EDT (#197491) #
thanks marc, and mylegacy i already have dibs on talley, i seen him first.......haha!!
TamRa - Thursday, March 26 2009 @ 02:27 AM EDT (#197493) #
Justin Jackson, Kevin Ahrens, and John Tolisano are all skipping a level to play in New Hampshire? I think that's a little aggressive on the jays part considering they didn't really dominate Lansing.

As the OP notes, Sring assignments do not reflect in-season assignments.

They WILL be at Dunedin, as will Cooper, on opening day.

I'd LOVE to be able to see the D-Jays play several games - check this potential lineup for at least part of the season:

C - Talley (prob not opening day but could move up, but will Big Jon stay behind the plate?))
1B - Cooper (will he still be here when Tally arrives?)
2B - Tolisino
3B - Aherns
SS - Jackson (said to be a candidate for quick promotion)
LF - Thames - I'll bet if he hits well he'll see NH before August)
CF - Eiland (but looking like he won't start here - needs to catch fire)
RF - Loewen (for at least half the year)
DH - Amar? (Needs to be challanged given his age)

SP - Rzepzinski, Ginley, Perez, Collins
CP - Matt Bush? Leo Boyd?

THAT m'boys, is a Jays' fan's delight!

------------------------------
Guys I didn't see listed that I'm curious about:-

Bryan Bullington
Kenny Rodriguez
Robert Ray (if he's gotten any work in over there)
Dirk Hayhurst (ditto)
Nathan Starner
Kyle Phillips (mainly because he got to go to the major league camp initially)


Finally....

Wade Miller? Almost 6 scoreless innings? File that under "the pitchers are ahead of the hitters" or "Vet taking advantage of kids"?

Interesting in any case.


brent - Thursday, March 26 2009 @ 05:31 AM EDT (#197496) #

Help out Tom Tango by doing his community playing time forecasts for the Jays http://tangotiger.net/survey/

 

Lucky - Thursday, March 26 2009 @ 10:14 AM EDT (#197500) #
Every year they have the players a level up from where they will eventually be assigned.  It appears some of the players are still playing with the big club and when they are finally sent back down (in probably a few days), it will create a domino effect on the rest of the teams, and most players will move down a notch.  Final roster spots are usually announced by the middle of next week, and that gives the players a few days to play with their true teams.  Good luck to all!!! 
Mike Green - Thursday, March 26 2009 @ 10:54 AM EDT (#197501) #
Further to Brent's link above, after you have completed Tango's survey, check out the results for the Jays.  So far, we have 6 votes on playing time and a high degree of consensus.  I suspect that Tango will find the results very useful.
John Northey - Thursday, March 26 2009 @ 11:39 AM EDT (#197503) #
The Jays results are interesting.  Halladay, Litsch and Purcey are listed as getting 162 or more IP this year then it drops to 110 for Richmond, and sub 100 for everyone else.  Someone put Marcum down for 100-149 - I suspect they didn't know Marcum is out for the year.  Only Richmond listed by anyone as 150+ outside of the big 3.  I love that 8 out of 9 say McDonald will play in 30-89 games (the other thinks 90-129). 

It should be an interesting year.

ramone - Thursday, March 26 2009 @ 02:39 PM EDT (#197515) #
Marc do you have much info on Sean shofitt, watching the game today on MLB.tv, he has wicked speed in center, and I've heard JP mention earlier this year that he's remade his swing somewhat, and they are expecting some good things from him this year.
Mylegacy - Thursday, March 26 2009 @ 03:46 PM EDT (#197521) #
On the Jays prospects here are two youngsters - below full season ball - that I think might be STARS - Gustavo Pierre a 16 or 17 year old SS who will play in the Gulf Coast League this year and Carlos Perez an 18 year old catcher - who may play in the DSL or the GCL - not sure.

Three other guys "below the full season" level that I'm VERY HIGH on are Jose Vargas an 18 year old lefty, Ryan Page a big lefty - who is old for his level - but looks good, and Dustin Antolin a 20 year old righty that I know very little about - except that the Jays seems to be high on him.

Are you SURE it isn't April 6th yet?

Gerry - Thursday, March 26 2009 @ 08:50 PM EDT (#197530) #

Here is my scouting report on Shoffit from last season...

Sean Shoffit is hitting lead-off and playing centre-field.  Shoffit is tall and thin, listed at 6'2", hits from the left side, and is fast.  Shoffit is a patient hitter and probably fouled off more pitches than any other hitter.  Shoffit looked to be slightly off balance in his approach leading to his just missing several hittable pitches.  Shoffit also has an uppercut to his swing.

As I noted Shoffit's swing didn't look good to me, if he has reworked it he should be a better hitter and he could use his speed to get some more hits.  But be careful, many spring training changes don't survive contact with the enemy!

Marc Hulet - Thursday, March 26 2009 @ 10:09 PM EDT (#197535) #
If I am not mistaken, Gustavo Pierre, the Jays' big Latin signing this past year, had Tommy John surgery (He's a shortstop) and is currently rehabbing from that...

Jose Vargas will still be in the Dominican this season.

OF/1B Jacob Butler has been released.

I've been a Shoffit fan since he signed out of junior college... nice speed. Poor defence when he was a middle infielder, and he was also miscast as a first baseman for a bit. Really good defensive outfielder from reports.


ayjackson - Sunday, March 29 2009 @ 10:06 AM EDT (#197579) #
This is the problem with throwing big money at teenagers - they immediately go out and blow it all on medical procedures and the like.
ayjackson - Sunday, March 29 2009 @ 10:37 AM EDT (#197580) #

Marc/Gerry,

Any word on how Magee is doing this year?  Any signs that he'll be converted to relief work?

wacker - Tuesday, March 31 2009 @ 08:17 PM EDT (#197663) #
anyone know if there is any truth to the rumor that joel collins has been released? if so, any speculation as to why?
Gerry - Wednesday, April 01 2009 @ 03:32 PM EDT (#197725) #

Copying ramone's post to this thread....

A fair amount of jays minor league players were released this week according to baseball america:

Toronto Blue Jays
Signed:
LHP Bill Murphy
Released: RHP Rick Bauer, RHP Mike MacDonald, RHP Dan Miller, RHP Jay Monti, RHP Seth Overbey, RHP Edward Rodriguez, RHP Orlando Roman, LHP Daryl Harang, LHP Brian Letko, LHP Mike Maroth, LHP Ken Takahashi, LHP A.J. Wideman, C Joel Collins, 1B Adam Amar, 1B Chip Cannon, SS Marcos Cabral, OF Jacob Butler, OF Chris Demons, OF Wayne Lydon, OF Cory Patton
Traded: C Curtis Thigpen to Athletics for a player to be named or cash considerations
Voluntarily retired: RHP Justin Cryer
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Brian Wolfe

A 10th-round pick from South Alabama in ’07, Collins batted .283/.381/.517 in 240 at-bats with the organization. Even though Cannon finished with the organization on a sour note, batting .231/.343/.343 for Triple-A Syracuse last year, he’ll always have 2005. That year he clubbed 32 home runs as part of a .289/.359/.582 campaign and march to Double-A New Hampshire. Cannon blasted 27 home runs for the Fisher Cats in ’06, but saw his totals dip to 17 and then to five last season. Toronto drafted him from The Citadel in the ’04 draft’s eighth round.

Gerry - Wednesday, April 01 2009 @ 03:46 PM EDT (#197726) #
I can't say I am surprised with most of the names on the list, these are players who have topped out at their level and the Jays have too many players in minor league camp. Remember every year the Jays bring in 40-50 new players so 40-50 have to go.  This gets the Jays to a workable number of players.  The couple of names that are surprising are Wayne Lydon and Adam Amar.  Lydon was signed as a free agent and usually teams don't cut those guys.  Amar had a great rookie season in Auburn but he faded as the year went on and he was undrafted.  The Jays have younger guys they can use in that spot.
Pistol - Wednesday, April 01 2009 @ 04:48 PM EDT (#197732) #
I don't think any of the releases were too shocking, but you'd have to think that most of these players are at the end of the line now which is sad for them.  The odds of making the big leagues are pretty low.
ayjackson - Wednesday, April 01 2009 @ 09:22 PM EDT (#197738) #
Hey Pistol, are you doing any draft primers this year?
CChugg - Thursday, April 02 2009 @ 09:38 AM EDT (#197753) #

Hi Marc

Thanks so much for providing this info.

Do you have an up date on the stats for Chuck Huggins?

Thanks

ROSEBABY84 - Thursday, April 02 2009 @ 10:37 AM EDT (#197758) #

I, too, am very interested in the development of the team's pitchers and noted an earlier post by Gerry re Organization View - Relievers prediction re RHP 2008 Draft Pick RYAN KOCH. 

As a personal favorite of mine, any update on Ryan in minor league camp and a coveted postion assignment in Lansing?

TIA

 

 

Marc Hulet - Thursday, April 02 2009 @ 09:49 PM EDT (#197774) #
Huggins had a great start the other day and allowed just one run over five innings with three hits and two walks. He struck out six... Looks like he could win a spot in the Lansing rotation, although his stuff is probably better suited to the bullpen in the long term.

Koch has been up and down in spring so he's probably on the cusp on making the bullpen in Lansing. He did go four innings in his last appearance, though, with just two earned runs allowed.

mamboon - Thursday, April 02 2009 @ 11:52 PM EDT (#197775) #
Just was wondering... Where does shortstop/infielder Jonathan Diaz come out after spring training? What was his record?  I have been a fan of his and didn't notice his name in your listing.  Thanks.
mendocino - Saturday, April 04 2009 @ 01:30 AM EDT (#197833) #

Lansing roster

 

 Catchers
Chris House
Antonio Jimenez
Jon Talley

Infielders
Jon Del Campo
Balbino Fuenmayor
Bryan Kervin
Justin McClanahan
Mike McDade
Tyler Pastornicky
Mark Sobolewski

Outfielders
Markus Brisker
Yohermyn Chavez
Brian Van Kirk
Kenny Wilson

Pitchers
Henderson Alvarez
John Anderson
Michael Barbara
Jonas Cuotto
Matt Daly
Frank Gailey
Chuck Huggins
Ryan Koch
Yorman Mayora
Hunter Moody
Jared Potts
Josh Wells

Minor League Spring Training Update | 36 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.