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Welcome to the creme de la creme, the number one through ten prospects.  In case you missed it number 11 through 20 are here, and number 21 to 30 are here.

We hope you enjoyed this top 30 and the hope it brings to the future of the Blue Jays organization. 



10. Dawel Lugo | SS

Year Age Level AB 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG
2012
17
Rk
170
2
5
2
7
25
5
1
.224
.275
.329
2013
18
Rk
192
11
2
6
5
28
1
0
.297
.317
.469
2013
18
A-
69
4
0
1
1
13
0
0
.246
.257
.348


Signed for $1.3 million in 2011, Dawel Lugo skipped the Dominican Summer League and came straight to the United States. In 2012, his first year in the United States and in professional baseball, Lugo hit .224 with 7 walks and 25 strikeouts in 170 at-bats. However, Lugo’s stats were basically irrelevant, given all the adjustments that the 17-year-old was making.

Lugo played primarily with Bluefield in 2013 before finishing the season with 16 games in Vancouver. With Bluefield, Lugo began to demonstrate the offensive potential that led the Jays to spent seven figures on him. He hit .297 with a .469 slugging percentage and only 28 strikeouts in 192 at-bats. Lugo finished with the eighth-highest slugging percentage in the Appalachian League, while also being the tenth-youngest player in the league.

Lugo was signed as a shortstop, but when he signed it was expected that he would end up at third before too long. However, that expectation has been revisited since Lugo has arrived in the US. While he still may end up at third base because of a lack of lateral quickness, it’s no longer viewed as the certainty it was at the time of his signing by many.

Lugo has very good hand-eye coordination and quick bat speed, but he needs to learn better patience at the plate, as his low walk totals demonstrate. His low walk may be as much as a result of his offensive talents as anything else, as opposed to a simple inability to recognize that the pitch isn’t going to be a strike. Lugo swings at pitches that aren’t strikes when he knows he can hit them. He will need to improve his plate discipline as he progresses through the minors, but he’s quite young and there is a lot of time for him to develop this. Lugo is still several years away, even in a best-case scenario, but he has a potential impact bat if everything breaks right.

 


9. Kevin Pillar | OF

Year Age Level AB 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG
2011 22
Rk+
236
17
3
7
10
36
8
4
.347
.377
.534
2012
23
A
335
20
4
5
35
53
35
6
.322
.390
.451
2012
23
A+
164
8
2
1
5
17
16
3
.323
.339
.415
2013
24
AA
304
20
2
5
19
31
15
8
.312
.361
.441
2013
24
AAA
201
19
4
4
12
39
8
5
.299
.341
.493
2013
24
MLB
102
4
0
3
4
29
0
1
.206
.250
.333

From the 32nd round of the 2011 amateur draft to the majors in two years, Kevin Pillar beat the odds in 2013. The holder of a NCAA Division II record 54-game hitting streak at California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2010, Pillar received only a $1,000 signing bonus from the Jays. The 6-foot, 200 pound right-handed hitter overcame that slight by winning the Appalachian League batting title in 2011. He was called up to Vancouver for the playoffs and batted .391 to help the Canadians win the first of three straight Northwest League titles. Pillar also became the first Vancouver Canadian to reach Toronto since the two sides began their affiliation in 2011.

The West Hills, California native won the Midwest League’s Most Valuable Player with the Lansing Lugnuts in 2012 and was rated that league’s best hitting prospect by Baseball America. After finishing 2012 in Dunedin, Pillar began 2013 with New Hampshire and was promoted to Buffalo after posting an Eastern League leading 95 hits at the time of his call-up. His time with the Herd resulted in a 76 point spike in his isolated slugging percentage from his stint with the Fisher Cats with a .194 mark thanks to 27 extra-base hits.

Pillar was called up to Toronto August 14 after Colby Rasmus suffered a strained oblique. Pillar endured a 0-for-17 skid to begin his big league career before getting a single against Phil Hughes at Yankee Stadium August 20. His first homer came in Houston off Brad Peacock four days later but he needed help from instant replay to complete his journey around the bases after his hit was originally ruled a double. However, Pillar had trouble making contact as he struck out over a quarter of the time in the bigs, nearly double the rate in Buffalo and triple the rate in New Hampshire. He was not as proficient in stealing bases, going 23-for-36 in 2013 and getting caught in his only attempt in Toronto.

Praised for his work ethic and his ability to play all three outfield positions, Pillar has put himself in the outfield mix for Toronto in 2014. He will turn 25 years old on January 4th.

 

8. DJ Davis | OF

Year Age Level AB 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG
2012
17
Rk
163
7
2
4
18
54
18
7
.233
.339
.374
2012
17
Rk
47
3
1
1
4
10
6
2
.340
.415
.511
2012
17
A-
18
0
0
0
5
6
1
1
.167
.348
.167
2013
18
RK
225
8
7
6
8
26
13
8
.240
.323
.418

 

When the Jays drafted DJ Davis 17th overall in the 2012 draft, they knew that he was a young-gifted athlete that would take a few years to fine-tune.  DJ signed shortly after the 2012 draft for an under-slot bonus of 1.75 million, which allowed him to get 228 AB’s across three Blue Jays minor-league affiliates.  

Despite finishing 2012 in Vancouver, the Jays choose to start DJ in Bluefield again in 2013.  In his second go-around in Bluefield, he had a respectable line of 240/323/418.  While his strikeout rate remained high at 29.5%, DJ maintained a respectable walk rate of 10.1%.  Surprisingly DJ had only 13 stolen bases in 2013, which was much lower to the 25 he had in 2012.  Perhaps the Jays told DJ to not worry about stealing bases, and concentrate more on his hitting.

 


7. Mitch Nay | 3B

Year Age Level AB 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG
2013
19
Rk
230
11
0
6
25
35
0
1
.300
.364
.426

 

Highlighted in Batter’s Box’s “Prospects to Watch” feature last year, Mitch Nay has perhaps made the biggest gain of any player in the club’s prospect rankings list. Drafted in the supplemental first round of the 2012 draft at 58th overall, the Jays were able to dissuade the product of Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona out of his commitment to Arizona State.

Going into the draft, Nay was ranked 42nd overall by EPSN despite a rather thin resume for a pick in the first couple of rounds. Nay was unable to participate in the national showcase tour due to a broken left hamate bone and a strained lower back, but had strong junior and senior seasons at his high school.

While he didn’t play in 2012, Nay spent 2013 in Bluefield where he hit an even .300 with 11 doubles and 6 home runs. He posted a .364 on-base percentage and a .426 slugging percentage. For players with over 100 plate appearances, Nay’s .790 OPS was second on the club.

He is said to possess strong power to all fields with quick wrists and good bat speed. Going into the draft it was reported that Nay generated real power when he opened up his swing early, but that this left him particularly vulnerable to breaking pitches away, so that is something fans will have to watch to see how it develops. Baseball America described him as having a “70 bat” and ranked him as the fourth best prospect in the Appalachian League mainly on the strength of his offensive potential.

Defensively, Nay is still a work in progress at third. He was able to compensate for his rudimentary fielding in high school with his strong arm, but he won’t be able to do that to the same degree as a professional. Some people speculated going into the draft that his future was in right field, due to his awkward footwork and strong arm, but the Jays have been working on his fielding and it’s not clear yet will have to move. In fact, Baseball America reported at the end of the season that he should be able to stay at third base.

 


6. Franklin Barreto | SS

Year Age Level AB 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG
2013
17
Rk-
174
16
6
4
13
42
10
4
.299
.368
.529
2013
17
Rk+
54
5
1
0
2
14
0 2 .204
.259
.333

 

Considered to be the top international free agent of 2012 after signing for $1.45-million out of Venezuela, Franklin Barreto lived up to the hype in his first season in the U.S. The 5-foot-9 right-handed hitting shortstop led the Gulf Coast League in slugging percentage at .529 and in extra-base hits with 26. His isolated slugging average was an impressive .230. He struggled with the stick in a late-season promotion to Bluefield, striking out nearly 25 percent of the time and his walk rate was almost chopped in half in the Appalachian League. His BABIP also fell 100 points from .375 to .275. Barreto has drawn praise for his quick hands and compact, line-drive stroke. Baseball America believes he could develop 15-20 homer power in time.

It’s been suggested that Barreto will not stick at shortstop and will have to eventually move to center field to take advantage of his speed. His performance with the glove did nothing to dispel that notion as he committed 28 errors , 19 of them in the GCL. The winner of the R. Howard Webster Award for the GCL Blue Jays and Baseball America’s number five prospect for that league, Barreto may be back with Bluefield to start 2014 and may see time with Vancouver before the year is out.  He will celebrate his 18th birthday on February 26.

 


5. Daniel Norris | LHP

 

Year Age Level G GS IP H/9 HR/9 BB/9 K/9 ERA
2012
19
Rk
11
10
35.0
11.3
1.0
3.3
9.8
7.97
2012
19
A-
2
2
7.2
16.4
0.0
5.9
5.9
10.57
2013
20
A
23
22
85.2
8.8
0.6
4.6
10.4
4.20
2013
20
A+
21
1
5.0
1.8
0.0
3.6
1.8
0.00

 

What a difference a few months make. At the end of April, Norris had a high ERA coming after a 2012 that was below expectations. But then something clicked, by all reports it was a conversation between Norris and Vince Horsman, the Lansing pitching coach. From May to the end of the season Norris put up excellent numbers. Here are two pitchers numbers in Lansing:

A 8.8 H/9; 4.6 BB/9; 10.4 K/9

B 6.4 H/9; 5.1 BB/9; 9.7 K/9

Pitcher A has a better K rate and a lower walk rate. However, pitcher A gave up more hits. If I tell you that pitcher A had a H/9 of 6.9 from June through the end of the season you might recognize that pitcher A is Daniel Norris. Pitcher B is Aaron Sanchez. Many prospect watchers consider Aaron Sanchez to be the Jays number one or two prospect whereas Norris seems to be much less highly regarded.

Norris is a lefty who can throw 94-95. Norris has four pitches including a good change-up and a curveball and slider, both of which need some work. Look for Norris in Dunedin next season as he continues his development.

 


4. Sean Nolin | LHP

Year Age Level G GS IP H/9 HR/9 BB/9 K/9 ERA
2010
20
Rk
1 1 2
4.5
0.0
4.5
18.0
0.00
2010
20
A-
6 6 19.1
11.6
0.0
4.2
10.2
6.05
2011
21
A
25
21
108.1
8.5
0.8
2.6
9.4
3.49
2012
22
A+
17
15
86.1
7.5
0.7
2.2
9.4
2.19
2012
22
AA
3
3
15.0
5.4
0.0
3.6
10.8
1.20
2013
23
AA
17
17
92.2
8.6
0.6
2.4
10.0
3.01
2013
23
AAA
3
3
17.2
6.6
0.5
5.1
6.6
1.53
2013
23
Maj
1
1
1.1
47.3
6.8
6.8
0.0
40.5

 

Sean Nolin gets no respect. Yes we have him as a #4 prospect but many dismiss him as a #5 pitcher in a rotation. Many dismissed Shaun Marcum for similar reasons. Nolin has demonstrated an ability to manage the strike zone. His K rate is excellent and he walks very few. Nolin features a fastball that sits 89-92 mph with a plus change-up, and two breaking balls.  Many pitching prospects get measured on "stuff".  On stuff, Nolin is average.  Less often pitching prospects get measured on ability to hit their spots.  There is always the worry that the ability to hit spots will fail at the major league level.  To date Nolin's strikeout rate suggests he can hit his spots.

Nolin was roughed up in his one major league start and he was just OK in three AAA starts. But Nolin is still just 23 and should pitch in Buffalo next season as a 24 year old, on track for a routine arrival in the big leagues.  Nolin is currently pitching in winter ball and will likely head to Buffalo when the season starts.  There Nolin will look to refine his command to show he can hit his spots and that he deserves another shot at the major leagues.

 



3. Roberto Osuna | RHP

Year Age Level G GS IP H/9 HR/9 BB/9 K/9 ERA
2012
17
Rk
7
4
24.0
6.6
0.4
2.2
9.0
1.50
2012
17
A-
5
5
19.2
6.8
0.5
4.1
11.4
3.20
2013
18
A
10
10
42.1
8.3
1.4
2.3
10.8
5.53

 

At the tender age of 18, Roberto was assigned to Lansing after a strong 2012 in which he dominated with Bluefield and Vancouver.  Roberto started the season on fire; he pitched 22.1 innings with an era of 3.63 with 4 walks and 31 strikeouts before elbow issues caused Roberto to take roughly 6 weeks off to rest his elbow. 

Upon returning in early June, Roberto had adjusted his pitching delivery to relieve the stress in his elbow.  The results were not pretty as Roberto had an era of 7.65 over 5 starts and 20 innings pitched.  Roberto went on the DL again in early May, before eventually undergoing Tommy-John surgery in late July.

Despite the recent surgery, Roberto has a bright future, and will be among the Jays top prospects for years to come.

 


2. Aaron Sanchez | RHP

 

Year Age Level G GS IP H/9 HR/9 BB/9 K/9 ERA
2010
18
RK
8 8 19.0 9.0 0.5 5.7 13.3
1.42
2010 18 RK
2 2 6.0 6.0 0.0 7.5 13.5 4.50
2011 19 RK 11 6 42.2 9.6 0.9 3.8 9.1 5.48
2011 19 A- 3 3 11.2 6.2 0.0 6.2 10.0 4.63
2012
20 A
25
18 90.1
6.4 0.3 5.1 9.7 2.49
2013
21 A+
22
20 86.1
6.6 0.4 4.2 7.8 3.34

 

There is a lot weighing on the shoulders of Aaron Sanchez and a lot of the weight comes from the front office.  A year ago the Jays had three hot pitching prospects in Lansing, over the winter the three became one and Sanchez became the untouchable, the guy the front office wouldn't deal.  The hopes of three prospects now blended into one.  Sanchez has the pitches to carry the load, a fastball that can hit 100 while sitting 94-96.  A change-up that is major league ready and a breaking ball, or balls, that Sanchez is still trying to refine.  Just based on his arsenal Sanchez is one of the top pitching prospects in the majors.

But there are a couple of issues that as of today are holding Sanchez back.  The first is control, Sanchez walks too many hitters.  His walk rate was 4.2 this year in Dunedin, better than the 5.1 he put up in 2012 in Lansing, but he still needs to shave another digit off it.  Keith Law has raised questions about Sanchez's delivery, wondering if it is contributing to his poor command.  Sanchez's command drops with runners on base, an issue he has to fix in the minor leagues.  Secondly, Sanchez seems content on the mound, he has the pitches to get him out of most of the trouble he causes, he rarely gets beaten up, his ERA is low.  The only issue sanchez faces from his control issues is not pitching deep into games.  Sanchez is currently pitching in the AFL facing mostly AA hitters and he will see many of them next year in AA.  At some point Sanchez will face adversity and then he needs to develop that toughness, the recognition that talent alone will not make him a star.  If he finds that toughness, that extra gear, it will help him fix his command, not give in, and become the #1 pitcher that he is capable of being. 


1. Marcus Stroman | RHP

Year Age Level G GS IP H/9 HR/9 BB/9 K/9 ERA
2012
21
A-
7
0
11.1
6.4
0.0
2.4
11.9
3.18
2012 21
AA
8
0
8.0
9.0
1.1
6.8
9.0
3.38
2013 22
AA 20
20
111.2
8.0
1.1
2.2
10.4
3.30

Marcus Stroman didn’t let a 50 game suspension for using a performance enhancing substance (methylhexaneamine) get in the way of a productive 2013 campaign. The 5-foot-9 hurler, who signed for a $1.8-million bonus after being drafted 22nd overall in the 2012 draft, spent the entire year in New Hampshire after his first stint there was cut short by his suspension last year. After beginning his pro career as a reliever with Vancouver and New Hampshire in 2012, Stroman made the transition to starting with the Fisher Cats. He had four starts of 10-plus strikeouts, reaching 13 twice. The Duke University product put behind a rough August behind him (4.88 earned run average) by pitching eight shutout innings, striking out 11 and walking no one against Binghamton September 2. Stroman expressed his displeasure about not being called up to Toronto after that performance through Twitter. Making it doubly frustrating for the diminutive hurler was that he was in line to get to Baseball North last year before his untimely suspension. Some observers had him pegged to be the first player to reach the majors from the 2012 draft.

Stroman is said to have two plus offerings with a fastball in the 92-96 mile per hour range and a slider around 80-87. Baseball America rated his slider as the best in the Jays system and is considered one of the best in the minors. He is working on an 82-85 MPH changeup, a high 80’s cutter and a curveball to enhance his repertoire as a starter. Stroman, who also played second base in college, is said to have a smooth, compact delivery and follow through which allows him to field his position. His Achilles heel has been the long ball, as he has trouble staying on top of his fastball and keeping it down in the zone.

Barring injury, Stroman should get to Toronto in 2014. The question remains whether he’ll start or relieve. His projected ceiling is a mid-rotation starter or set-up man. He will turn 23 May 1st.

Blue Jays 2013 Top Prospects: 10-1 | 73 comments | Create New Account
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John Northey - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 08:52 AM EDT (#280039) #
Top 10 by year going 1-10
2012: Click Here: d'Arnaud, Sanchez, Syndergaard, Marisnick, Nicolino, Hechavarria, Osuna, DJ Davis, Norris, Stroman
2011: Click Here: d'Arnaud, Marisnick, Hutchison, Gose, Syndergaard, Nestor Molina, Nicolino, Norris, Hechavarria, McGuire
2010: Click Here:Drabek, JPA, Zack Stewart, Hechavarria, Carlos Perez, McGuire, Alvarez, AJ Jimenez, d'Arnaud, Thames
2009: Click Here: Zach Stewart, Moises Sierra, Henderson Alvarez, Chad Jenkins, JPA, Cooper, Tyler Pastornicky, Carlos Perez, Daniel Farquhar, Tim Collins
2008: Click Here: Snider, Cecil, JPA, Cooper, Ahrens, Brad Mills, Justin Jackson, Scott Campbell, Ricky Romero, Rzepczynski
2007: Click Here: Snider, Cecil, Ahrens, Robinzon Diaz, Yohermyn Chavez, John Tolisano, Ricky Romero, David Purcey, Kyle Ginley, Rzepczynski
Lugnut Fan - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 08:55 AM EDT (#280040) #

The picture you have of Sanchez I think illustrates some of the concerns that Keith Law raised around him Gerry.  Bravo.  He seems to be more upright than he was in Lansing and that coud definitely be part of the command issues, especially if he is missing up.  That was the one thing I noticed about Sanchez in Lansing was that when he missed, he seemingly missed up in the zone more so that anywhere else that I noticed.

It will be interesting to watch his development next season.  I've posted this in a couple of places, but I have full faith in Tom Signore in New Hampshire.  I have not doubt that if Aaron works with him, he can iron the mechanical issues out.  With his aresenal, Sanchez doesn't necessarily have to have pin point command and can get away with a few mistakes here and there, but I definitely want to see the K/BB ratio increase.

Parker - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 09:17 AM EDT (#280041) #
Thanks for putting these lists together again, guys. I appreciate the links to previous prospect lists too.
john boccabella - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 09:51 AM EDT (#280043) #
nice work.  even with the major assets traded in last 18 months, some intriguing names off the Top-30: Emilio Guerrero, Miguel Castro,  LB Dantzler, Jacob Brentz, Patrick Murphy,  Matt Dermody,  Christian Lopes (still not sure why he is Top 20 on mlb.com). and off course the remaining question mark of Alford
john boccabella - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 10:07 AM EDT (#280044) #
stroman's ceiling: Callis still talks of him as a closer when looking at the relief option, so wouldn't that be his ceiling?
Beyonder - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 10:39 AM EDT (#280045) #
Love and truly appreciate the lists, but two things strike me as odd.

First: the huge gap between the rankings of Mitch Nay and Matt Dean. Only 9 months separating the two in age (His age is incorrect on the list -- he is currently 20 years old, the same age as Nay). Roughly the exact same height and weight, but Dean with a significantly superior OPS (Dean's 909 to Nay's 790). As far as tools go, Dean also looks like he might be able to steal a base or two. Now maybe you knock Dean down a bit because he was repeating the level, but that seems to put a lot of emphasis on a measly 167 at bats.

Second, Miguel Castro is nowhere to be seen. This was his first full season, but at age 18, over 70 innings, strikeout ratio of 11/9 innings, walk rate of under 2 per 9 innings, ERA of 1.54, hits per 9 at 6.7 -- it's just crazy that he is not on our list. To me, although Castro doesn't have the same name-brand recognition, there is every bit as much reason to be excited about him as there is about Roberto Osuna. Certainly at this point Cardona doesn't belong in the same conversation as Castro.
tercet - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 10:56 AM EDT (#280046) #
Nay had much better perhiperals(bb%k), and was not repeating Bluefield.  As well the Jays seem to think higher of Nay as well, as he was promoted to Vancouver for the playoff run, and not Dean.
john boccabella - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 11:04 AM EDT (#280047) #
Dean's results are heavily BABIP supported.  .436, is the Top BABIP in appalachian
Nay also did fine in A ball playoffs

also Nay plays decent 3B, Dean is already relegated to 1B, so less chance to make major

i think a spread is fair.  I would question some of the choices ahead of Dean maybe

85bluejay - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 11:39 AM EDT (#280049) #
Stroman had a very good year but because of his size & HR tendency, he will always be a show me kinda guy for me, most talent evaluators seem to still see him as a BP guy eventually, hopefully for the Jays he proves them wrong - My wish (likely futile) is for the Jays to avoid moving any of their higher ceiling prospects this offseason especially the lower level talent which hasn't developed much value yet . I'm expecting big things from Daniel Norris next season - of course, that was my expectations for Sanchez this past season. 
Mike Green - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 11:44 AM EDT (#280051) #
What tercet said.  To elaborate the differences between Dean and Nay are pretty clear to me:

Dean  12/22/92, 1st baseman in Appy League, 210 at-bats, 6 homers, 14 walks and 57 strikeouts
Nay     9/20/93, 3rd baseman in Appy League, 230 at-bats, 6 homers, 25 walks and 35 strikeouts.

Dean put up a much better slash line courtesy of a ridiculous BABIP.  Nay was not only promoted to Vancouver for the playoffs, but was also the MVP of the Northwest League playoffs. My only real question about Nay at this point is whether he will stay at third base. I think that he's going to hit enough to be a first baseman, and there may be more of an opening 2-3 years from now at first base.

For next year, it would be helpful to have the prospect age to one decimal in the heading (as Jordan did all those years ago).  It matters quite a bit when almost all the top prospects are 21 or less.

Generally speaking, the BB team seems to have rated the club's pitching prospects as much stronger than the batting prospects.  It is, of course, a matter of opinion, but I don't quite see it that way.  I don't see any pitching prospect who has a good chance to be excellent, but any number do have some chance. I see the club's pitching prospects and batting prospects as fairly comparable in overall talent. 

In the errata department, there is a significant error in DJ Davis' stat line.  He walked 26 times and struck out 76 times in 225 at-bats (his high K rate is referred to in the text).  I would surely rank Lugo ahead of Davis by reason of the difference in their contact abilities (notwithstanding Davis' higher walk rate).  The combination of power and contact ability are the first things I look for in a very young hitter.  In fact, I would probably have Lugo and Nay ahead of Osuna because of the uncertainties associated with TJ surgery.  I know that many young pitchers have thrived after TJ, but it may slow development time during which other things can happen...

Gerry - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 11:49 AM EDT (#280052) #
Dean vs. Nay

All relevant points have been made:

9 months is significant age difference

A 3B is more valuable than a 1B

Peripherals


Having said that Dean's season had two parts. In the first half he struggled, in the second half he was lights out. Dean's OPS in June was 641, in August it was 1040. What was the difference? He says he doesn't know, Mike Barnett told me he cut out a stride to get him started earlier. In any event if Dean can continue to produce at his second half level he will improve his ranking.

Baseball people always look at the long term for a player, that's why they rarely get excited about a month of good play. Dean essentially had six weeks of good play. There is a "show me" aspect to his prospect status. Mitch Nay was more consistent from the start of the year to the end.

Finally, BA put Mitch Nay in their top 10 Appy League prospects, Dean didn't make it. Here is an answer re: Dean from their chat:

Matt Dean was a very tough call. It was not simply the fact that he was repeating the league but that he had had the highest BABIP in the league (.436), which is unsustainable, and still struck out a fair amount (24.5 percent). He was in the next five players and had a very strong argument for being in the top 20. As a corner infielder repeating the league, evaluators wanted to see Dean have a stronger approach (6 percent walk rate) and more secondary skills.
Gerry - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 11:52 AM EDT (#280053) #
I think Castro is a victim of small sample size. His ranking in the top 30 would have to be based off scouting because he pitched so little in North America. With those few innings no-one really got a good look at him.
China fan - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 11:54 AM EDT (#280054) #
I thought Christian Lopes was the top 2B prospect in the Jays system. What happened to him? Precipitous decline for some reason?
Gerry - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 12:11 PM EDT (#280055) #
Lopes batting average in Lansing by month:

.315
.299
.228
.172
.216
.167

Lopes had a very hot start in Lansing but didn't hit after May. Lopes is a good defender but needs to find his early season hitting magic.

I think Jon Berti would be a better prospect than Lopes at 2B at this point.
Gerry - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 12:14 PM EDT (#280056) #

Baseball Prospectus has posted a great video from Aaron Sanchez' start October 17th in the AFL. This was the start where Sanchez went just two innings.

The video shows the good and bad of Sanchez. You can see what a great fastball Sanchez has, the movement is excellent. But you can also see the command problems.

This is the link.

China fan - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 01:40 PM EDT (#280060) #
Thanks, Gerry. Some sources were rating Lopes as high as 12th or 13th among all Jays prospects in the early part of this year, so it's disappointing that his stock has fallen so far.
short - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 04:15 PM EDT (#280073) #
Great work everyone! Will you have a just missed list as well?
Paul D - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 04:21 PM EDT (#280074) #
I agree with the kudos - I love seeing these lists every year.
Mike Green - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 04:25 PM EDT (#280075) #
That BP video is great.  Sanchez' curve and change look like they need some work too. 
greenfrog - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 10:22 PM EDT (#280077) #
Keith Law talked a bit more about Sanchez in Klawchat today, saying that with his current delivery he's no longer getting swing-and-misses with his FB. He also said he sees Syndergaard as an above-average ML starter (3-4 WAR per year). Lastly, he said he's "all in" re JP Crawford as a prospect, and that the Jays should have taken him over Bickford at #10 last year, on pure talent alone.
ayjackson - Thursday, October 24 2013 @ 11:23 PM EDT (#280078) #
Great job guys. The only "gap" I can see is not the one between Nay and Dean, but the one between Labourt and DeJong/Tirado.

Also a bit surprised on the velocity report on DeJong. Could have sworn hearing better reports during the year than that.
John Northey - Friday, October 25 2013 @ 12:23 AM EDT (#280079) #
My only concern is how few of the top 10 will be ready for the majors in April.  Stroman, Nolin, Pillar.  Norris & Sanchez might be by mid-season if they get hot early but unlikely.  One likes to see a few more in the top 10 being ready for prime time.  Plus the top 5 all being pitchers concerns one although pitchers are harder to get than hitters as a general rule.
Mike Green - Friday, October 25 2013 @ 08:57 AM EDT (#280080) #
Regarding J.P. Crawford, I saw scouting video of him before the draft and then video of him 2 weeks or so after the draft.  He did not look like the same hitter.  I don't know if he had made an adjustment prior to the draft or the Phillies helped him and he took to it like water.  I do know that once I saw the video of him 2 weeks or so after the draft, I wished that the Jays had drafted him.  I wouldn't go so far as to say that the club made a mistake on "pure talent"; it might be simply that the Phillies made a judgment that Crawford's swing could be changed and that he would adapt to it well.  This is the kind of thing that teams routinely have different opinions about. 
Mike Green - Friday, October 25 2013 @ 09:44 AM EDT (#280081) #
Great job guys. The only "gap" I can see is not the one between Nay and Dean, but the one between Labourt and DeJong/Tirado.

Also a bit surprised on the velocity report on DeJong. Could have sworn hearing better reports during the year than that.

I am not sure what you think about the gap between Labourt and DeJong/Tirado.  Do you think that the latter two are much better prospects? If so, why?  I confess that I usually don't have strong opinions about pitching prospects in summer ball.
Lugnut Fan - Friday, October 25 2013 @ 01:19 PM EDT (#280089) #

Wow, I just had a chance to view the video link on Sanchez and I had a few observations

1) He is more upright than he was last year, that correlates to what Keith Law stated.  It seems like he bent his back more last season and wasn't so stiff.  The ball still comes free and easy out of  his hand though.

2) The arm side run I saw on his fastball in that video amazed me.  I knew that he had good movement last year, but I don't remember that much.  It looks like he was having a hard time commanding the movement.

3) I agree with Mike and others on here, the change up needs work.  A change up at 88 to 89 isn't enough differential from 96 in my opinion.  Would like to see that number drop a few ticks.

 

Mike Green - Friday, October 25 2013 @ 02:16 PM EDT (#280091) #
Sanchez is an interesting case study in development patterns for pitchers.  He obviously has a chance to be an ace starter, and that has been true pretty much from the outset.  He needs to work on command of his fastball and developing separation with his change, as well as increasing his durability.  As an ace reliever, he really only needs to work on command of his fastball to be effective.  Obviously an ace starter has much more value than an ace reliever but it remains an open question to me whether it is worth the effort to go for it. I guess the AFL stint is good for testing the proposition, in part because it will result in some increase to his seasonal inning load. 
greenfrog - Friday, October 25 2013 @ 07:22 PM EDT (#280093) #
Another interesting Klaw note. He currently ranks Beede as the 18th-best prospect in the 2014 draft, which is about where he was drafted a couple of years ago. He's apparently throwing harder but his command is a notch below where it was.
TimberLee - Friday, October 25 2013 @ 09:27 PM EDT (#280094) #
I just want to add my thanks for the work you folks do to present these rankings every year. I enjoy them greatly, even though I am currently less than thrilled with my hopes for the "Top Ten".
Richard S.S. - Saturday, October 26 2013 @ 03:23 PM EDT (#280096) #
Considering Offseason trades that A.A. will indulge in, some of these guys will be traded. Who are the 5-7 just-missed that will be promoted?
ayjackson - Saturday, October 26 2013 @ 03:42 PM EDT (#280097) #
MG, I was referring to the gap in the rankings. I agree there's not much to choose between DeJong, Tirado, and Labourt.
Gerry - Saturday, October 26 2013 @ 06:01 PM EDT (#280098) #
We are looking at a ones to watch thread for mid next week sometime.
Mike Green - Saturday, October 26 2013 @ 09:29 PM EDT (#280099) #
Thanks, ayj. 

The presence of strong teams in Bluefield and Vancouver, along with fast rising IFAs means that there are some very interesting decisions for Lansing next year.

Richard S.S. - Sunday, October 27 2013 @ 12:39 AM EDT (#280100) #
Kevin Pillar, Sean Nolin and Marcus Stroman join A.J. Jiminez, John Stilson, Ryan Goins and Deck McGuire as MLB-ready assets.

They join Kyle Drabek, Drew Hutchison, Chad Jenkins, Anthony Gose and Moises Sierra as MLB-ready assets.

These players are the most likely to make the Team at some time next season, or be traded in the offseason.

Looking at this group is not impressive, as it means a major piece (Bautista, Encarnacion) will get moved this offseason.
JB21 - Sunday, October 27 2013 @ 04:24 PM EDT (#280101) #
No it does not.
metafour - Sunday, October 27 2013 @ 05:18 PM EDT (#280102) #
I wouldn't go so far as to say that the club made a mistake on "pure talent"; it might be simply that the Phillies made a judgment that Crawford's swing could be changed and that he would adapt to it well.  This is the kind of thing that teams routinely have different opinions about. 

The Jays liked Crawford a lot.  I dont think there are any scouting high-fives that need to be given to the Phillies; they drafted him 16th overall...at that point in the draft he was very likely the BPA and a no-brainer pick for them.  Crawford was good enough to go ~10th overall, the Phillies were likely elated that he was even available to them at 16.
bpoz - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 10:31 AM EDT (#280108) #
Please clarify what you mean Richard SS.

The Jays record of 74 wins this year was bad. So anyone not expecting about 93 wins in 2014 is valid IMO. Expecting 93 wins next year is also valid based on someone pointing to the personnel on this team. After all the media experts held that opinion.

Maybe a major piece will be moved but for what. If for example that piece is traded to LAD for an Ace SP then the FO are still thinking of contending in 2014. If the return is for quality prospects instead then IMO the FO is less serious about contending in 2014.

It is fun to speculate. I think this team cannot rise to 93 wins. However I have been wrong many times. I was wrong last year in thinking that they would win about 93 games. Beeston made a positive prediction before 2013 started.
Mike Green - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 10:42 AM EDT (#280110) #
The Jays liked Crawford a lot.  I dont think there are any scouting high-fives that need to be given to the Phillies; they drafted him 16th overall...at that point in the draft he was very likely the BPA and a no-brainer pick for them.  Crawford was good enough to go ~10th overall, the Phillies were likely elated that he was even available to them at 16.

At the draft, the Phillies had the jersey waiting for him.  It looked to me like they knew that he was going to be available at 16.

Anyways, it seemed to me that there was a significant change in Crawford's swing between the draft and immediately thereafter.  If it was noticeable prior to the draft, I have to agree that Crawford would have been a significantly better choice than Bickford.  But then, I usually prefer the hitter...
Richard S.S. - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 01:05 PM EDT (#280121) #
I discussed 12 players as MLB-ready assets who might make the Team sometime in 2014, or they will traded in the offseason. I remarked that those 12 don't look that impressive, some are, most aren't.

Unless you've been living and working in a void, you've heard the Jays went "all-in" in 2013. Everything I've read or heard the last 12 months indicates a three-year window of contention, meaning they are still "all-in".

The Starting Rotation needs assistance, at least two Starters better than what we have. Unless you're happy with losing another 12 top prospects, something has to give.

As far as I can tell from what I've read Reyes, Dickey and Buehrle won't be moved, but everyone could be. Encarnacion and Bautista have the most value. Trades will be made. Figure it out.

Thomas - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 01:21 PM EDT (#280122) #
Richard, I think for some people are less convinced than you are that the Jays are a better team with Moises Sierra in right field and Doug Fister on the mound than they would be with Drew Hutchison or Sean Nolin on the mound and Jose Bautista in right field.
bpoz - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 01:41 PM EDT (#280123) #
Richard SS thanks for replying.

My feelings are that I do not want to give up any more top prospects.

I felt the high expectations after the Marlins & Mets trades. The 74 win 2013 total has strongly convinced me that that 93 wins in 2014 is unlikely. However I may change my mind when Magpie does his annual pythagorean analysis. My spelling is wrong, but it is the Greek guy. Maybe we should have won 10-15 more games which would justify saying that we are all in.

Speeches and great marketing about how good we are is fine but will it produce the desired results in the won/lost column.
I love the pre & post game discussions and also the pre & post season discussions by the experts in the media. I also value their effect on the games & seasons outcome. The most credit I can give these talks is about 40% to the actual results. More likely 15% as I am currently pessimistic. So it still comes down to the players performing as expected or over/under performing. Injuries also play a role.

I cannot figure out why the 2010 team won 85 games and the 2011,12 & 13 teams could not come close to that mark.
John Northey - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 04:38 PM EDT (#280129) #
Hate to remind people, but Cito was running the show in 2010 and despite the 'players rebellion' he knew what he was doing and knew how to get a lot out of guys.  2009 was a mess but 2010, after the rebellion, sure wasn't despite losing Halladay.  I wonder if it would be worthwhile to call him back in to go behind the bench if the team gets off to a horrible start again.
Gerry - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 05:02 PM EDT (#280130) #

Aaron Sanchez pitched today in the AFL, he went 4.1 scoreless innings allowing just one hit.

On the negative side Sanchez walked three.  He faced 17 hitters, he threw a first pitch ball to 12 of them, three hitters swung at the first pitch and two took strike one.  Ironically one of the hitters who took strike one had the only hit off Sanchez.  Sanchez threw 32 strikes and 29 balls.

On the positive side hitters are not getting a good look at Sanchez' pitches and don't hit him hard. 

 

Richard S.S. - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 06:32 PM EDT (#280131) #
Despite inconsistent hitting and poor defense, despite poor health for a good portion of the season, despite not figuring out how to pitch in Rogers Center/Skydome until late in the season, R.A. Dickey won 14 games. Any one who doubts Dickey will be better in 2014 should put a paper bag on their heads until those thoughts go away, Mark Buehrle faced the same inconsistent hitting and poor defense and won 12. He should be as good or better next year.

I spoke of adding two Starters who were better than anyone we now have. Doug Fister is not better than Dickey and might be as good as Buehrle, if lucky. He will never be good enough to pitch here. Anyone who thinks he's better than Dickey should become a Tigers' fan.

Richard S.S. - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 07:17 PM EDT (#280132) #
Too many people equate the trade of Jose Bautista as the end of the Team, and not the beginning. To acquire the quality of talent A.A. must involves major asset being moved or major monies bring spent.

Two Starters are needed to join Dickey and Buehrle and someone named Who to join the Staff. A starting Catcher is needed as well as a trade of Arencibia. Other moves will be made when, and if they can. Wait until something happens before complaining about "what if".
Thomas - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 07:41 PM EDT (#280133) #
The point wasn't necessarily about whether Fister is better than Dickey or Buehrle. The point was about who the Jays may be likely to get in a trade for Bautista. And I submit that Doug Fister, a pitcher who has made 90 starts in the last three years with an ERA under 3.50 and who is three years away from free agency, wouldn't be an unreasonable guess at a return. I'm not sure who you think Bautista will fetch, but a corner outfielder who puts up a 130 OPS, is average defensively and has missed at least a month in two straight seasons isn't going to get you Justin Verlander.
Thomas - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 07:43 PM EDT (#280134) #
Sorry, Fister is two years away from free agency. But he's also going to make about half of what Bautista will next year.
Thomas - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 07:47 PM EDT (#280135) #
And Doug Fister has been comfortably better than Buehrle each of the last three seasons, for what it's worth.
greenfrog - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 08:03 PM EDT (#280136) #
I wonder if the Jays will make a run at Ervin Santana. I think I would rather see the Jays keep Bautista and sign Santana, in lieu of trading Bats for someone like Fister (whom I like quite a bit).

I think Santana is going to get paid, though. Maybe somewhere between E-Jax and Sanchez money, when it's all said and done.
JB21 - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 09:42 PM EDT (#280137) #
I'm not so sure Santana and the Rogers centre would be a good fit, Sanana gives up way too many home runs as it is, and I think he will be expensive for a guy who has put up multiple seasons recently with an ERA over five.
Richard S.S. - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 09:51 PM EDT (#280138) #
Doug Fister was 3-4. 4.13 ERA with Seattle by age 25
Mark Buehrle was 69-45, 3.76 ERA with Chicago (AL) by age 25.

Doug Fister (29) is with Detroit now and is 35-32, 3.29 in his last 3 years.
Mark Buehrle (34) is 38-32, 3.83 ERA in his last 3 years with Chicago, Miami and Toronto, all lesser offenses.

I don't think Fister will ever be a better pitcher than Buehrle, he just has better offense. And comparing a 29 year-old Pitchers with 34 year-old Pitchers is a fools game.
greenfrog - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 09:54 PM EDT (#280139) #
Good point about the RC and Santana, although a GB pitcher might not fare that well either. Depends who's playing SS and 2B, and whether Lawrie can stay healthy.

The subpar seasons could work in the signing team's favour, in that they might bring the price tag down. On the other hand, pitching is scarce and teams are rich. Santana is going to get paid.

More important, is anyone else watching the WS? This has been a great series so far.
Thomas - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 11:20 PM EDT (#280140) #
And comparing a 29 year-old Pitchers with 34 year-old Pitchers is a fools game.

Can you explain why "it's a fool's game" to compare one pitcher as he has performed in the last three years to another pitcher as he has performed in the last three years?

John Northey - Monday, October 28 2013 @ 11:29 PM EDT (#280141) #
It might be necessary to trade Bautista but one hopes not. The Jays have holes, big ones, at 2B, CA, and starting pitcher with a potential hole in LF depending on how Cabrera comes back and how the kids do as backups.  I rank 2B as the top priority as it was a total sink hole last year.  The defense was poor, the offense was horrid, and for 2014 we are looking at Izturis (disaster), Goins (poor offense likely), and Kawasaki (mediocre at best, likely very poor with bat).  JPA has shown hope in the past of being an average offense catcher at least, but I see no hope at 2B of getting average production or even slightly below average without someone new in the mix.

A month from now we'll probably have a good idea of what 2014 will be like. Lets hope it is bright.

Mike Green - Tuesday, October 29 2013 @ 11:37 AM EDT (#280142) #
If the Jays enter 2014 with Goins/Kawasaki/Izturis as the second base/backup middle infield options, I will be all right with that (although it is obviously far from optimal).  If the club enters 2014 with Arencibia/Thole as the catching options, it will be a sign that management has learned nothing. The fact that Arencibia was a near average offensive catcher in 2011-12 would be interesting if he was a near average defensive catcher; he is not and never has been.

As a platoon second baseman, Kawasaki gives you average (or maybe a little above) defence and average (or maybe a little below) offence.  You don't want him to bat against LHP more than twice a season. Goins gives you above average D and way below average O.  Izturis might be OK as the RH part of a platoon. 
Mike Green - Tuesday, October 29 2013 @ 11:52 AM EDT (#280143) #
I was thinking about David Ortiz' career path, and wondered if there was anyone like him.  Out of curiosity, I checked BBRef's age 26 comparables for him (he broke out at age 27).  The list of players included  mostly sluggers who flamed out early and Chris Davis 2012.  You'd have to say that the odds are against Davis being a power hitting DH with very good plate discipline in his mid to late 30s, but I guess the possibility is there.
Paul D - Tuesday, October 29 2013 @ 12:31 PM EDT (#280144) #
I hesitate to link to other blogs from here, but this summary of an interview with Mark DeRosa is worth reading:

http://blogs.thescore.com/djf/2013/10/29/derosa-speaks-bad-turf-early-exits-and-more/
greenfrog - Tuesday, October 29 2013 @ 01:04 PM EDT (#280145) #
Possible poll question, with the WS drawing to a close: Will the Blue Jays make Josh Johnson a qualifying offer?

For much of the season, my prediction was "no." And I still think that's the likely outcome. Is there still a chance a QO could be extended, perhaps in light of inflation? (Consider the contract Lincecum just signed, and the money starters like Santana are likely to receive this off-season.)
whiterasta80 - Tuesday, October 29 2013 @ 01:20 PM EDT (#280146) #
I'd still like to take a shot on Johan Santana. Just pull him before 130 pitches if he's throwing a no-no.
Chuck - Tuesday, October 29 2013 @ 03:02 PM EDT (#280147) #
I hesitate to link to other blogs from here, but this summary of an interview with Mark DeRosa is worth reading

There always seems to be lots of adulation for DeRosa. I understand the instinct as he seems like a good guy. However, his "fresh of breath air" candor consisted of:
* griping about the lousy turf; seemingly arguing paradoxically that it was more detrimental to the Jays, who actually had a chance to get used to it, than to visiting players
* speaking well of the clubhouse morale (which he presumably played a large part in sustaining) as if that matters to fans when a team loses 88 games
* not calling guys out yet somehow specifically naming players whom he wasn't calling out
* illustrating that he doesn't really know what the word misnomer means

Ryan Day - Tuesday, October 29 2013 @ 03:17 PM EDT (#280148) #
DeRosa changes direction pretty quickly on the subject of injuries:
Would I have liked to have seen some guys grind some stuff out? Yeah, of course. But then again I’m not inside their bodies. ... So I tread lightly when I talk about stuff like that.
And yet:
Brandon Morrow’s dealt with the injury issue for a while now in his career, and it’s something that he’s going to have to find a way to grind through if he’s going to take that next step
I can accept that DeRosa's got a lot of experience, and has probably dealt with a wide variety of injuries. But is he in any way qualified to say what kind of injuries a pitcher should be "grinding" through?

Maybe Morrow needs to pitch through a bit of pain. Or maybe he'd tear something in the process and need to take a year and a half off for surgery.
Mike Green - Tuesday, October 29 2013 @ 03:58 PM EDT (#280149) #
I'll buy some of the griping about the turf.  It certainly would be harder on the body (from a pain level perspective at a minimum) playing on it 81 games a year instead of 10 or fewer.  Some managers rest vulnerable players when they come to Toronto (as Ron Washington did for Beltre).
Oceanbound - Tuesday, October 29 2013 @ 04:13 PM EDT (#280150) #
DeRosa's point (stated in a more diplomatic way) was that you can't really just "get used" to playing on the turf, because the turf is inherently detrimental to defence, due to the faster speeds and seams. If you're a visiting team then you can just suck it up for a few games, if not then you just have to find a way to deal with it the best you can.

Of course he then suggests that the Jays could play spring training games on turf to get familiar with it before the season, but I'm sure he's just trying to not say outright "this turf is pure concentrated evil".
China fan - Tuesday, October 29 2013 @ 06:25 PM EDT (#280151) #
I agree that there wasn't much very interesting in the DeRosa interview. However, I was slightly intrigued by his suggestion about the turf issue. He's saying that the Jays should play on turf for a month during spring training because this would give them an advantage over the opposition when the regular season begins. The Jays would be accustomed to turf, how it plays, how to defend on turf etc, and the opposition would not be accustomed to it. Hmmm. Does this make sense? Maybe a little bit. But if it would provide such a significant advantage to the Jays, one would have thought they would have done it in the past. And I suppose there's a logistical problem too: is there a similar kind of turf in Florida that the Jays could use? Or is he suggesting that they do their spring training under the dome in Toronto? Or maybe the last couple weeks of spring training? Anyway, kind of interesting, perhaps.
TimberLee - Tuesday, October 29 2013 @ 07:26 PM EDT (#280152) #
Perhaps the timing is coincidence, but the Jays will finish up their pre-season games next March with two in Montreal on the turf of "The Big Owe".
Chuck - Tuesday, October 29 2013 @ 07:28 PM EDT (#280153) #
I'll buy some of the griping about the turf.

I don't doubt that the turf is physically demanding to play on and overly challenging because of the speed and seams, etc. DeRosa's not really saying anything that we don't already know. I just find his assertion that the turf is more detrimental to the Jays to be questionable. If the Jays are playing on it for 81 games, shouldn't their acumen on it, such as it is, give them an advantage over their visitors?

Chuck - Tuesday, October 29 2013 @ 07:31 PM EDT (#280154) #
Perhaps the timing is coincidence, but the Jays will finish up their pre-season games next March with two in Montreal on the turf of "The Big Owe".

Now there is some really bad turf. Maybe it's a psychological ploy to get the players to gripe less about Toronto's turf.

Mike Green - Tuesday, October 29 2013 @ 09:22 PM EDT (#280155) #
I just find his assertion that the turf is more detrimental to the Jays to be questionable

It definitely is.  He does sound  like a colour-commentator-in-training.
Parker - Wednesday, October 30 2013 @ 09:49 AM EDT (#280159) #
Maybe it's the mental side of playing on turf that DeRosa was lamenting. A visiting player who boots a grounder because of a bad bounce or tweaks his ankle a little when his cleats get caught in the turf has the advantage of being able to tell himself that it sucks having to play at SkyDome, but it's not a big deal because he'll be back to playing in actual baseball stadia in three or four days. Blue Jays players, on the other hand, are forced to resign themselves to playing on the horrible turf and I could see how that despair could affect other areas of play. In my industry it has been proven that workers are affected negatively by forcing them to use inferior or broken tools, and that effect certainly does cause issues in areas of work not directly related to the use of those tools.
Ryan Day - Wednesday, October 30 2013 @ 10:27 AM EDT (#280160) #
If the turf was really so disadvantageous to the team, you'd expect the Jays to consistently be among the worst defensive teams in the league. That hasn't been the case.

I know players don't like the turf, and I'm sure it has an impact, but many seem to ascribe magical powers to it: it psychologically damages your ability to play defence, and will put you on the DL if you play two games in a row on it.

The Jays simply didn't have a good defensive team this year. Lawrie and Reyes got hurt, Izturis fell apart, Bonifacio has never been a good infielder, and Derosa is well past his defensive prime.
Richard S.S. - Wednesday, October 30 2013 @ 01:28 PM EDT (#280162) #
Shortstops who played on turf loved it. Skipping ackward throws off the turf to the First Baseman, nailing runners by a nose were legend. All the good SS did it.
Beyonder - Monday, November 18 2013 @ 12:20 PM EST (#280684) #
As I read Baseball America's Top Ten list for Pittsburg's "stacked" (BA's description) minor league system, I found myself thinking back to last year when we were among the ranks of the top farm systems. Then AA made the Marlins and Mets trades, and the system plummeted to the point where it now seems to be ranked among the bottom third in baseball.

This got me wondering: If we could undo those trades (giving us back Syndergaard, Nicolino, Marisnick, Desclafani, and Beccera), what would it do to our top 30? How would it affect the overall ranking of our farm system? (Assuming that D'Arnaud and Hech would have graduated regardless)

My own conjecture is that even with a re-do, we would still not be among the top ten farm systems.
Thomas - Monday, November 18 2013 @ 03:02 PM EST (#280694) #

I disagree.

Syndergaard is one of the top 20-25 prospects in the game. Alone that would be a pretty significant addition to the system. I agree that the Jays may not be a consensus Top Five system in the game even with those prospects in the fold, as the team was at the end of 2012. However, I think the team would fit comfortably at the back end of the Top 10. I'm basing this off the top of my head, so I reserve the right to revise my opinion if I took a detailed look at the other 29 systems.

Beyonder - Monday, November 18 2013 @ 03:18 PM EST (#280697) #
That's totally defensible Thomas, I just think it would be close. In fairness, BA conducted a quick and dirty ranking of all the systems based on their top 20 prospect rankings for each league, and ranked the Jays' farms system 11th overall. They said that the ranking was based more on volume at the short-season level than on star power though.
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