2011 Toronto Blue Jays Redux - Page 4

ryan008 · 01-17-2012, 11:36 AM

2013 Blue Jays Offseson Report - GM Ryan Stewart Very Busy, Likes Team Heading Forward

March 1st, 2014

The Toronto Blue Jays were one of the most active teams this offseason as they attempt to fill their teams most pressing needs heading into the 2014 season. After the Jays failed to make the playoffs in 2013, GM Ryan Stewart announced that the team was looking for starting pitching help, a permanent solution at second base, help in the outfield as well as plugging a few holes in the bullpen left by departing free agents. The Jays look like they have accomplised all of those goals and have done it without giving up their drastically improved farm system to accomplish it.

GM Ryan Stewart "This was a very eventful offseason for us, we managed to aquire players through pretty much every medium possible. We used the Rule V draft, trades, free agent siginings as well as the waiver wire. I think we are heading into the 2014 season with a 25 man roster that has very few question marks in comparison to the one that we started with last season. Our goal remains the same here in Toronto and that is to win championships and I think we are going to be one of the teams competing for the World Series this year"

Rule V Draft

The Blue Jays didn't lose anyone in the 2013 Rule V draft but they did make a selection with their first round pick. Toronto selected MR Philipe Aumont a 25 yearold righty from the St. Louis Cardinals. Aumont features a 95-97 MPH fastball as well as sinker and curve, he spent the 2013 season in AAA Memphis where he was 1-2 with a 6.55 ERA with 18 BB and 36 K's. A one time top prospect his stock has fallen in recent years and he was forced out of the rotation and into the bullpen. The Jays will give him an oppertunity to make the bullpen out of Spring Training. If he doesn't make the club he will be returned to St. Louis.

Waiver Wire

The Jays added another arm via the waiver wire claiming 23 yearold MR Anthony Zych off waivers from the Cincinatti Reds. Zych was originally a 26th round pick of the Reds 775th overall in 2011 out of the West Highlands Prep Highschool in the USHSBA. He spent the entire 2013 season in AA Carolina where he was 4-5 with 32 Saves posting a 3.86 ERA with 21 BB and 62 K's. He features a 95-97 MPH fastball as well as a slider and circle change. He will get an invitation to Spring Training but is likely to start the season in AAA Las Vegas.

Free Agent Signings

GM Ryan Stewart added a pair of players as free agents this offseason. The first was an import from Japan in MR Yasukaza Nakayama. Nakayama is a 25 yearold righty whit a 96-98 MPH fastball and a very good slider. He inked a 3 year $9,600,000 contract with the Jays after spending his entire career in Japan. He will like start the season in one of the Jays open bullpen slots.

The Jays also inked free agent C Chris Stewart to a 1 year $900,000 contract. The 33 year old veteran backstop was demoted to AAA Fresno by the San Francisco Giants last season and he hit .199 with 1 HR and drove in 23 RBI. He is still one of the best defensive catchers in the game and the Jays inked him to give C J.P. Arencibia a rest every so often.

Trades

The Jays were very busy on the trade market this offseason mainly because of a realitively weak free agent class. GM Ryan Stewart's first move was aimed at addressing the teams need for an everyday second baseman. After 2B Kelly Johnson left as a free agent before the 2013 season the Jays have not had a long term solution availiable. They tried 2B Adieny Hechavarria out there but he has not been able to contribute offensively. This forced the Jays to look outside the organization and they were able to swing a deal with the Chicago White Sox who had made 2B Gordan Beckham availiable. The Jays agreed to send SP Brandon Workman and prospect SP Aaron Sanchez to the Sox in exchange for Beckham.

Players to Chicago

SP Brandon Workman is a 25 yearold righty who was aquired by the Jays in 2012 from the Red Sox in the deal that sent SP Dustin McGowan to Boston. He spent most of the season in AAA Las Vegas where he was 10-10 with a 4.77 ERA with 83 BB and 107 strikeouts. He made a brief appearance with the Jays at the end of the season starting 6 games and posting a 2-3 record with a 7.06 ERA.

SP Aaron Sanchez was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in the Supplemental 1st round 34th overall in the 2010 First Year Player Draft. The 21 yearold righty features a 92-94 MPH fastball as well as a slider and changeup. He was 6-2 with a 3.27 ERA with 30 BB and 50 strikeouts for the Dunedin Blue Jays in the Florida State League and was named to the FSL Allstar Team. He would suffer a shoulder strain that caused him to miss 3 months of the season but is back to 100% health now. He was ranked as the Jays #6th best prospect and the 56th best prospect in the Majors according to Baseball America.

Players to Toronto

2B Gordan Beckham is a 27 yearold former top prospect who has not really lived up to expectations in Chicago. He hit just .254 with 13 HR and drove in 55 RBI in 2013 for the White Sox. He is due to make $6,050,000 this season and is arbitration eligiable. The Jays are hoping that a change of scenery will do him good and he can live up to the potential that drove the Sox to select him in the first round of the draft.
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The Jays second deal was a block buster trade with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim that saw the team address a pair of needs, but it would cost the Jays a group of top prospects and one of their longest serving members. The Jays agreed to a deal that sent SP Ricky Romero along with minor leagers SP Antonio Vasquez, SP Bill Webber and C Masamichi Abe to the Angels in exchange for LF Rick Harris, SP Andy Beatty and minor league SP Matsuyo Okuda. GM Ryan Stewart "This was a hard deal to make, we know that Romero is a very popular player here in Toronto and we like what he can bring to the table, we just felt that this was the right deal to make to help us fill two big needs. LF Rick Harris has the potential to be an Allstar in the outfield and SP Andy Beatty's ceiling is that of a #2 starter, it was just a deal that we felt we had to make"

Players to Los Angeles

SP Ricky Romero is a 29 yearold lefty who was 13-15 with a 4.08 ERA with 72 BB and 186 strikeouts for the Jays last season. He features a variety of pitches but his best is a 90-92 MPH fastball. He is slated to earn $3,800,000 this season and has one more year of arbitration eligibility left.

SP Bill Webber is a 21 yearold righty who was selected by the Jays in the Supplemental 1st round 81st overall in the 2012 First Year Player Draft out of Columbia Highschool in the USHSBA. He was 7-3 with a 3.31 ERA with 13 BB and 68 strikeouts for the Vancouver Canadiens of the Short Season A Northern League. Prior to the 2013 season he was ranked as the Jays #8 prospect and at #30 in all of Major League Baseball by Baseball America. He scouts as a top of the rotation arm but had a number of arms ranked higher then him in the Jays system.

SP Antonio Vasquez is a hard throwing 22 yearold lefty who was originally drafted by the Jays in the 6th round 235th overall in the 2013 first year player draft out of Bucknell University in the NCAA. He spent the entire 2013 season with the Vancouver Canadiens where he was 1-1 with 1 Save and had a 2.40 ERA with 13 BB and 42 strikeouts. He features a 98-100 MPH fastball and a very good slider but his lack of a 3rd pitch may force him to the bullpen as he moves up the minor league ladder. He was ranked as the Jays #18th best prospect.

C Masamichi Abe was an international free agent siging by the Jays out of Japam in 2012 and he quickly made a name for himself as one of the best catchers in the minor leagues. He hit .314 with 4 HR and drove in 21 runs in Bluefield in his first taste of professional baseball. The 20 yearold right handed batter is very good offensively but is also responsibel defensively with a very strong accurate arm. He was the Jays #2 ranked position prospect (behind only SS Gary Cunningham) and was ranked as the #13th best prospect in all of baseball by Baseball America.

Players to Toronto

LF Rick Harris is a 25 yearold righty who was selected by the Angeles in the 2nd round 42nd overall in 2011 out of the University of Memphis in the NCAA. He hit .264 with 4 HR and drove in 17 RBI for the Angels in just 56 games this season but hit .306 with 4 HR and drove in 46 RBI in AAA Salt Lake City. He is a 4 tool player with great speed and range in the outfield and has a strong accurate arm. Offensively he hits for average and has a great eye at the plate. He hits the ball in the gaps well but really isn't much of a power threat. He will be the Jays opening day left fielder and should be the teams leadoff hitter as well.

SP Andy Beatty is a 24 yearold righty who was selected by the Angels in the 1st Round 5th overall in 2012 out of Pepperdine University in the NCAA. The 6'1" 215 lb righty features a 93-95 MPH fastball as well as a slider, curve and changeup. He was 16-5 with a 2.65 ERA with 70 BB and 113 strikeouts in AAA Salt Lake City and was named the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year. Beatty is a player that the Jays have been trying to pry out of Los Angeles for a couple of seasons now and they are happy to finally have their hands on him. He will likely break camp as the Jays #2 starter behind Ace SP Felix Hernandez.

is a 17 yearold lefty who was signed by the Angels as an International Free Angent out of Japan in 2013. He is a big body at 6'4" 210 lbs but doesn't throw all that hard right now with a fastball at 87-89 MPH. He was 6-8 with a 5.34 ERA with 28 BB and 19 strikeouts in Orem the Angels Rookie League Affiliate. He was an arm that really intregued GM Ryan Stewart as he should add some velocity as he fills out his frame. He probably isn't going to be a top of the rotation arm but the Jays are looking forward to watching him develop.
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The Jays final trade of the offseason was initiated by Baltimore Orioles GM Andy MacPhail who contacted the Jays about the availiability of the 2013 Pacific Coast League MVP 3B Balbino Fuenmayor. Toronto had seen a bunch of interest in the young slugger and once they made him availiable the Orioles seemed to want him the most. The Jays and Orioles agreed to a deal that sent 3B Balbino Fuenmayor, RF Joshua Richmond and SP Miguel Pena to the Orioles for a trio of minor leaguers in C Jim Sellers, 2B Alastair Perry and RF Ayres Alo.

GM Ryan Stewart on the deal "Fuenmayor has really propelled himself to legitimate prospect status but unfortunately is blocked by 3B Brett Lawrie, we felt that he needed the oppertunity to be in the Major Leagues and that wasn't going to happen here in Toronto. We were able to add a grop of proxpects to our minor leagues that will certainly help us down the road, C Jim Sellers will be an everyday catcher in the Major League he just needs time to develop"

Players to Baltimore

3B Balbino Fuenmayor was signed by the Jays as an International Free Agent out of Venezuela in 2009. The 24 yearold had a breakout season in AAA Las Vegas in 2013 hitting .278with 25 HR and driving in 84 runs en route to capturing the Pacific Coast League MVP award and a gold glove at third base.

RF Joshua Richmond is a 24 yearold right handed batter who was aquired by the Jays in 2011 from the Texas Rangers in the deal that sent LF Jayson Nix to Texas. He hit .298 with 27 HR and drove in 87 RBI for the Dunedin Blue Jays in the Florida State League in 2013 and was selected to the FSL Allstar Team and named the FSL MVP.

SP Miguel Pena is a hard throwing righty with a 98-100 MPH fastball. He was signed as an International Free Agent by the Jays in 2013 out of Venezuela and went 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA with 3 BB and 11 strikeouts for the Bluefield Blue Jays.

Players to Toronto

C Jim Sellers is the centerpiece of the deal for the Jays. The 20 yearold was a 1st round pick 20th overall by the Orioles in 2012 out of Ridgetop Highschool in the USHSBA. He hit .250 with 1 HR and drove in 18 runs in his rookie league debut in the Gulf Coast League in 2013. Sellers compares a lot to another Orioles catcher in Matt Wieters. he is very good offensively with power to all fields and a very discerning eye at the plate. Defensively he could challenge for a gold glove at the MLB level. He is still a few years off a shot at the Major League roster but should be an excitig prospect for Jays fans to follow.

2B Alastair Perry is a 19 yearold switch hitting second baseman who was signed as an International Free Agent out of Canada by the Orioles in 2011. He hit .226 with 3 HR and 25 RBI in short season A ball this season as a 19 yearold. He may have been a bit over matched and the Jays will start him in extended spring training and then have him make his Jays debut in the Guld Coast League. He has the potential to be an everyday infielder but will need to work hard to get there. At 19 years old he is at least 3-4 years away from cracking a MLB lineup.

LF Ayres Alo is a 19 yearold right handed batter who was another International Free Agent signing out of Venezuela by the Orioles in 2013. He hit .328 with 7 HR and drove in 35 RBI for the GCL Orioles in a fantastic North American Debut. He has starting outfielder written all over him and has an advanced approach for a player with just 1 season of rookie ball under his belt. The Jays will have him start in extended spring training and will then have him make his Jays debut in Vancover when the short season A schedule gets underway.
Contract Extension

GM Ryan Stewart also announced that the team had come to terms on a long term contract with CF Colby Rasmus. Rasmus agreed to a 5 year deal and will earn $65,800,000 (5ht year is a team option). The 2012 American League Gold Glove Winner hit .303 with 34 HR and drove in 94 RBIs for the Jays last season.

2013 Major League Free Agent Signings

1B Albert Pujols - 2 years $36,000,000 (Baltimore Orioles)
C Miguel Montero - 4 years $62,400,000 (Cincinatti Reds)
SP John Danks - 6 years $84,000,000 (St. Louis Cardinals)
1B Adam Lind - $2 years $9,000,000 (New York Yankees)*
SS Yunel Escobar - 3 years $35,200,000 (New York Yankees)**
RF Shin Soo Choo - 3 years $35,700,000 (Cleveland Indians)
CF Curtis Granderson - 2 years $26,000,000 (Chicago White Sox)
SP Brandon Morrow - 5 years $79,800,000 (St. Louis Cardinals)
CL Rafael Soriano - 3 years $30,300,000 (Chicago White Sox)
CL Chad Qualls - 3 years $24,600,000 (St. Louis Cardinals)
SS Asdrubal Cabrerra - 5 years $78,000,000 (Oakland Athletics)
CL Jonathan Broxton - 1 year $15,600,000 (Texas Rangers)
CF Jayson Werth - 2 years $28,600,000 (Cincinatti Reds)
MR Joe Nathan - 2 years $10,800,000 (Philedelphia Phillies)
CL Joel Hanrahan - 3 years $27,900,000 (Philedelphia Phillies)
1B Billy Butler - 4 years $55,000,000 (New York Mets)
1B Kevin Youklis - 2 years $37,000,000 (Boston Red Sox)
CL Matt Capps - 1 year $5,300,000 (Houston Astros)
2B Brian Roberts - 3 years $17,600,000 (Boston Red Sox)
MR Hong-chih Kuo - 3 years $22,100,000 (Baltimore Orioles)

*Toronto will receive a Supplemental 1st Round Pick as Compensation
**Toronto will receive New Yorks 1st Round Pick and a Supplemental 1st Round Selection as Compensation

Up Next: Spring Training 2014

ryan008 · 01-27-2012, 10:11 AM

Blue Jays Optomistic as Spring Training About to Get Underway

February 27th, 2014

GM Ryan Stewart and the Toronto Blue Jays just wrapped up another eventful offseason as the Jays attempt to fill some glaring holes and make it back to the post season after being left out of October baseball in 2013. Heading into the offseason the Jays percieved weaknesses were in the outfield and at second base and GM Ryan Stewart addressed both with a pair of trades aquiring LF Rick Harris from the Angels and 2B Gordan Beckham from the Chicago White Sox. Toronto also added some help in the bullpen with the sigining of 25 yearold MR Yasukazu Nakayama, an International free agent signing out of Japan and solidifiong the back up catchers position with the signing of C Chris Stewart to a 1 year free agent contract.

The Blue Jays will also have a group of talented, homegrown young pitchers in camp this season who will be competing for one of the remaining spots in the Jays starting rotation. This group is headlined by SP Bruce Ratzlaf a 2012 Supplemental 1st Round Selection who flew through the minors and looks to be ready to make his debut with the big club. The Jays also have former 1st round pick SP Deck McGuire, as well as SP Rich Barrett (3rd Round, 2011) and SP Rodney Jordan (4th Round, 2011) who are poised to try and capture the 5th spot in the Jays starting rotation.

In all the Blue Jays will have 40 players in camp competing for just 25 spots on the teams opening day roster. And when the dust settles GM Ryan Stewart will ahve to decide which 25 give the team the best chance to win as they open the season with a big three game series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in early April.

2014 Spring Training Invitees

Starting Pitchers

SP Andy Beatty - 16-5 2.65 ERA (AAA Salt Lake City)
SP Felix Hernandez - 20-8 2.67 ERA (Toronto)
SP Ricky Nolasco - 10-14 3.76 ERA (Toronto)
SP Bruce Ratzlaff - 12-1 1.55 ERA (AA New Hampshire)
SP Chris Sale - 12-12 4.51 ERA (Toronto)
SP Rich Barrett - 10-9 3.70 ERA (AA New Hampshire)
SP Rodney Jordan - 10-9 4.05 ERA (AA New Hampshire)
SP Deck McGuire - 10-12 4.71 ERA (AAA Las Vegas)
SP Zach Stewart - 9-14 5.38 ERA (AAA Las Vegas)
SP Asher Wojciechowski - 2-8 6.08 ERA (AAA Las Vegas)

Bullpen

MR Phillipe Aumont - 1-2 6.55 ERA (St. Louis Cardinals)
MR Daniel Bard - 3-1 5 SV 2.32 ERA (Toronto)
MR Antonio Bastardo - 0-0 1 SV 4.34 ERA (Toronto)
MR Yasuka Nakayama - No Record
MR Sergio Santos - 4-0 4 SV 3.38 ERA (Toronto)
MR Vincente Urbina - 4-3 2 SV 4.10 ERA (Toronto)
CL Donnie Elliott - 1-0 5.56 ERA (Toronto)
CL Louis Manuel Gonzalez - 0-1 2 SV 6.43 ERA (AAA Las Vegas)
CL Kenley Jansen - 0-0 4.05 ERA (Toronto)
CL Eduardo Sanchez - 2-4 27 SV 2.59 ERA (Toronto)
CL Jason Stoffel - 1-2 7 SV 5.00 ERA (AAA Las Vegas)
CL Anthony Zych - 4-5 32 SV 3.86 ERA (AA Carolina)

Position Players

C J.P. Arencibia - .221 36 HR 93 RBI (Toronto)
C Sean Ochinko - .287 3 HR 24 RBI (AAA Las Vegas)
C Chris Stewart - .199 1 HR 23 RBI (AAA Fresno)

1B David Cooper - .248 27 HR 87 RBI (Toronto)

2B Gordan Beckham - .251 13 HR 54 RBI (Chicago White Sox)
2B Adeiny Hechevarria - .227 8 HR 53 RBI (Toronto)

3B Nieuman Romero - .330 4 HR 10 RBI (Toronto)
3B Brett Lawrie - .332 34 HR 99 RBI (Toronto)

SS Gary Cunningham - .324 16 HR 78 RBI (AA New Hampshire)

LF Rick Harris - .264 4 HR 17 RBI (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim)
LF Eric Thames - .233 11 HR 28 RBI (Toronto)
CF Colby Rasmus - .333 25 HR 74 RBI (Toronto)
RF Moises Sierra - .242 1 HR 6 RBI (Toronto)
RF Adam Loewen - .279 9 HR 46 RBI (AAA Las Vegas)
RF Markus Brisker - .268 7 HR 38 RBI (AAA Las Vegas)
RF Jose Bautista - .246 35 HR 101 RBI (Toronto)
RF Travis Snider - .277 25 HR 76 RBI (Toronto)

ryan008 · 01-27-2012, 11:01 AM

Spring Training is Over - Baseball is Back in Toronto

April 2nd, 2014

The 2014 season is about to get underway as the Blue Jays have wrapped up their Spring Training activities and have begun to pack up their gear for a 3 game series to open the season with the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston. The Jays had a relatively uneventful Spring Training as they finished tied with the Baltimore Orioles for most wins with 18. They also had a few key spots decided and finally have their 25 man roster set for the opening of the 2014 regular season.

The Jays also made a single trade during the Spring agreeing to a deal with the Los Angeles Angels that sends CL Kenley Jansen to Los Angeles for minor league CF Scott Clement. The Jays have too many bullpen arms and too few spots and Jansen simply became the odd man out in the numbers game. He was out of minor league options and rather than risk losing him for nothing by trying to send him through waivers GM Ryan Stewart delt the 26 yearold righty to the Angels.

Players to Los Angeles

CL Kenley Jansen is a 26 yearold righty who features a 95-97 MPH fastball as well as a good slider. He was 0-0 with a 4.15 ERA with 2 BB and 10 strikeouts for the Jays in 2013. Jansen missed significant time in 2013 due to a torn flexor tendon in his elbow but did manage to return healthy for the conclusion of the 2013 season. He earned a 1 year contract worth $2,940,000 through arbitration in the offseason and will still be eligiable for arbitration at the conclusion of the 2014 season.

Players to Toronto

CF Scott Clement is a 24 yearold left handed batter who was originally a 3rd round pick 72nd overall in 2011 out of Fresno State University in the NCAA by the Angels. He spent the 2013 season in AA Arkansas where he hit .286 with 2 HR and drove in 23 RBI. He isn't a big power threat but gets on base and plays very good defence. The Jays don't necessarily see him as an everyday outfielder but he could be a valuable defensive replacement and left handed pinch hitter off the bench. He will start the 2014 season in AAA Las Vegas.

2014 Toronto Blue Jays 25 Man Roster

Starting Pitchers

The Blue Jays starting rotation has to be considered one of the best in the majors. Its headlined by SP Felix Hernandez who is one of the best pitchers in baseball right now. Following Hernandez will be 26 yearold lefty SP Chris Sale, sale is staring to round into form and is the only lefty in the Jays starting 5. The #3 spot in the rotation will be manned by SP Ricky Nolasco who finally had a full healthy season with the Jays in 2013. The 31 yearold started 32 games for the Jays in 2013 after appearing in just 16 for the Marlins in 2012. The 4th and 5th spots in the rotation will go to a pair of rookies. SP Bruce Ratzlaff a 25 yearold University of Arizona product won the competiton for the last spot in the Jays rotation and will make his big league debut, he earned the spot in the spring by going 4-0 with a 2.36 ERA in 5 starts. Finally SP Andy Beatty the 2013 Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year for AAA Salt Lake City, who was aquired from the Angels in the offseason will be the Jays #5 starter.

The Bullpen

The Jays had a lot of competition for the 7 spots in their opening day bullpen and when the spring was over GM Ryan Stewart was very happy with the way it shaped up. The Jays will have MR Phillipe Aumont, who was a Rule V Pick from the St. Louis Cardinals, MR Yasuka Nakayama an International Free Agent Signing out of Japan, MR Antonio Bastardo the only lefty in the pen and who is finally back to 100% health after missing most of the 2013 season and MR Donnie Elliott will make up the core of the middle innings relievers. At the back end of the pen CL Eduardo Sanchez will return as the teams closer after saving 27 games in 2013. The set up men will be MR Sergio Santos who was aquired off waivers from the White Sox in 2013 and who just inked a 5 year extension with the Jays in the offseason and MR Vincent Urbina a hard throwing righty who was signed as an International Free Agent out of Puerto Rico in 2013.

Position Players

Catchers

The Jays will have C J.P. Arencibia as their opening day catcher this year. Arencibia has a penchent for hitting homeruns belting 36 in 2013, but that is about it. He hit just .221 last season. He is decent defenisvely and his offence is enough to balance out his offensive short comings. The Jays signed veteran back up C Chris Stewart who spent the entire 2013 season in AAA Fresno to spell Arencibia here and there and to provide a very good defensive option in the later innings.

First Base

With the loss of 1B Adam Lind to the Yankees as a free agent the Jays will hand the fulltime reigns to 1B David Cooper. Cooper hit 27 HR and drove in 87 RBI last season and is a capable defender at first. He was the teams primary DH last season a spot which will now be filled by comittee.

Second Base

2B Adeiny Hechevarria took over as the teams everyday second baseman last season after the departure of 2B Aaron Hill. He struggled to the tune of a .227 batting average and that forced the Jays to look elsewhere for a second base option. One of the Jays two big offseason aquisitions was 2B Gordan Beckham from the Chicago White Sox. Beckham has struggled in Chicago and not lived up to the hype that surrounded him when he was drafted. The Jays are hoping that a change of scenery will do him good and he will be able to solidify the second base position for the Jays.

Short Stop

The Jays also had a glaring hole at short after their starting SS Yunel Escobar signed with the Yankees as a free agent. This hole the Jays have filled from with in however, as they plan to have their top pick from the 2011 First Year Player Draft SS Gary Cunningham take over as the teams everyday shortstop. Cunningham was originally drafted as a thridbaseman with the 18th pick in the 2011 draft out of long beach state but moved to short in the low minors. He has excelled and put up big numbers at every level. The Jays believe he has middle of the order potential and are excited to see what he can do at the MLB Level.

Third Base

The hot corner is solidified for Toronto as they are able to pencil in the reigning 2013 American League MVP's name everday. 3B Brett Lawrie had a monster season in 2013 emerging as one of the premier threats in the American League. It was a bit of a suprise to have him take home AL MVP honours in 2013 but the Jays were delighted when it was announced.

Outfield

The Jays outfield will have a bit of a different look this year with the addition of LF Rick Harris who was aquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels. He joins an outfield that will consist of CF Colby Rasmus who had another great season for Toronto in 2013 and RF Travis Snider/RF Jose Bautista. The Jays in effect have 4 players for three spots, Harris and Rasmus are very good defenders and will be out there every day for the Jays and Snider and Bautista will also both play everyday but they will also split duties as the designated hitter. All in all the Jays have a very sound all around outfield and that could help out some of the Jays young pitchers this season.

The Bench

The Jays will carry 5 players on their bench this year. C Chris Stewart will be the back up catcher, 2B Adeiny Hechavarria can play all of the infield positions and very well and will be able to give the Jays infielders much needed rest through out the year. The Jays will also have 3B Nieuman Romero on the bench. Romero is a valuable switch hitting utility infielder who can also play multiple positions. Rounding out the bench will be LF Eric Thames who could be an everyday outfielder on some teams but is relegated to the bench with the Jays deep outfield and RF Moises Sierra who is very strong defensively with a cannon for an arm from the outfield.

Up Next: the 2014 Regular Season Gets Underway!

ryan008 · 01-27-2012, 02:06 PM

Jays in 4th Place in East After Struggling in April

May 1st, 2014

April was a bit of a struggle for the Jays as they could not find any sort of consistancey. The Jays began the month dropping two of three to the Boston Red Sox and then pretty much played .500 ball the rest of the month finishing with a record of 11-13. Their record puts them in 4th place in the East trailing the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays who are 14-10 and have a 3 game lead over the Jays. Some of the Jays young players may have been a little shell shocked in their first taste of Major League life, SP Bruce Ratzlaff and LF Richard Harris both had tough months but were starting to show signs of life just as the calender flipped over to May. One player who made the most of his debut was SS Gary Cunningham who hit .309 with 2 HR and 17 RBI.

April American League East Standings

Baltimore Orioles - 14-10
Tampa Bay Rays - 14-10
New York Yankees - 12-12 (2 GB)
Toronto Blue Jays - 11-13 (3 GB)
Boston Red Sox - 11-14 (3 1/2 GB)

April American League Wild Card Standings

Los Angeles Angels - 15-10
Baltimore Orioles - 14-10 (1/2 GB)
Seattle Mariners - 13-13 (2 GB)
New York Yankees - 12-12 (2 1/2 GB)
Toronto Blue Jays - 11-13 (3 1/2 GB)

April's Hot Players

SP Felix Hernandez - 2-1 3.13 ERA
SP Ricky Nolasco - 3-1 2.20 ERA
MR Vincente Urbina - 0-1 1.17 ERA
MR Phillipe Aumont - 0-0 0.00 ERA (6 Games)
C J.P. Arencibia - .367 3 HR 7 RBI
3B Brett Lawrie - .333 3 HR 17 RBI
1B David Cooper - .329 5 HR 17 RBI
SS Gary Cunningham - .309 2 HR 17 RBI

April's Cold Players

SP Bruce Ratzlaff - 1-4 4.38 ERA
SP Chris Sale - 1-3 4.08 ERA
MR Sergio Santos - 2-0 6.86 ERA
MR Daniel Bard - 0-0 8.10 ERA
RF Travis Snider - .222 3 HR 7 RBI
CF Colby Rasmus - .228 6 HR 14 RBI
LF Rick Harris - .230 2 HR 13 RBI

April News & Transactions

Injuries

The Jays lost a single player to an injury that would require a stay on the disabled list during April. C Chris Stewart who was signed as a free agent in the offseason suffered an oblique strain and is expected to miss the next three weeks. He was hitting .273 with 0 HR and 2 RBI and was placed on the 15 day disabled list. The Jays recalled C Sean Ochinko from AAA Las Vegas to take over as the backup.

Awards

The Blue Jays had a pair of players in their organization rewarded for their performances in April. In AA New Hampshire 1B Robert Weber (2nd Round Pick 108th Overall in 2012, Penn State University, NCAA) was named the Eastern League Batter of the Month after hitting .330 with 7 HR and driving in 21 RBI.

In the Florida State League C Warner Ames (4th Round Pick 171st Overall in 2012, University of Louisville, NCAA) was named the Batter of the Month after hitting .468 with 4 HR and driving in 25 runs for the Dunedin Blue Jays.

Around the Majors

1B Miguel Cabrerra of the Detroit Tigers got his 2000th career base hit, a double in a game against the Cleveland Indians.

ryan008 · 01-27-2012, 02:55 PM

Blue Jays Hitting their Stride in May, Back Above .500

June 1st, 2014

The Blue Jays bounced back from a dissapointing start to the season with a record of 16-13 in May and have managed to get above .500 at 27-26 for the first time in 2014. They also gained one spot in the American League East Standings leap frogging the New York Yankees into 3rd in the East. They still trail the division leading Rays by 3 games and are 2 back of the second place Baltimore Orioles. In the American League Wild Card race the Texas Rangers have a 6 game lead on the 5th place Jays. Heading into the Summer months the Jays have significant groubd to make up on both fronts.

May American League East Standings

Tampa Bay Rays - 30-23
Baltimore Orioles - 28-24 (1 GB)
Toronto Blue Jays - 27-26 (3 GB)
Boston Red Sox - 27-26 (3 GB)
New York Yankees - 27-27 (3 1/2 GB)

May American League Wild Card Standings

Texas Rangers - 33-20
Los Angeles Angels - 33-20
Baltimore Orioles - 29-24 (4 GB)
Cleveland Indians - 28-24 (4 1/2 GB)
Toronto Blue Jays - 27-26 (6 GB)

May's Hot Players

SP Felix Hernandez - 3-1 2.76 ERA
SP Andy Beatty - 3-2 2.63 ERA
SP Ricky Nolasco - 3-2 4.17 ERA
SP Bruce Ratzlaff - 3-2 1.12 ERA
MR Donnie Elliott - 0-0 1 SV 2.08 ERA
MR Phillipe Aumont - 0-0 2.45 ERA
CL Eduardo Sanchez - 0-1 7 SV 2.31 ERA
SS Gary Cunningham - .364 3 HR 13 RBI
3B Brett Lawrie - .360 6 HR 28 RBI
RF Jose Bautista - .348 7 HR 23 RBI
LF Rick Harris - .303 1 HR 7 RBI
1B David Cooper - .270 4 HR 10 RBI

May's Cold Players

SP Chris Sale - 2-3 4.63 ERA
MR Vincente Urbina - 0-0 9.00 ERA
MR Sergio Santos - 0-2 7.50 ERA
C J.P. Arencibia - .148 4 HR 10 RBI
LF Eric Thames - .217 3 HR 13 RBI

May News & Transactions

Injuries

May was not as kind to the Jays on the injury front as they were forced to place both CF Colby Rasmus and MR Antonio Bastardo on the injured reserve list. CF Colby Rasmus will miss the next 5 weeks after straining his PCL. He was hitting .252 with 7 HR and had driven in 16 runs. He was placed on the 15 day disabled list and the Jays recalled RF Moises Sierra who was hitting .330 with 4 HR and driven in 18 runs from AAA Las Vegas.

This marks the second time in two years that the Jays will be forced to place MR Antonio Bastardo on the 60 day disabled list. The veteran lefty is suffering from shoulder inflammation and will miss the next 4-5 months. He was 1-0 with a 5.65 ERA this season. The Jays recalled MR Donnie Elliott who is 1-0 with 13 saves and has a sparkling 1.13 ERA in AAA Las Vegas. The 28 yearold has been a complete bust for the Jays since being aquired from the Phillies in 2012 and with his injury leaves the bullpen without a left handed option.

Free Agent Signing

The Jays signed 29 yearold SP Yovani Gallardo to a 1 year $9,000,000 contract. Gallardo is currently out for another month after having Tommy John surgery to repare a torn UCL. He last pitched for the Brewers in 2013 going 10-5 with a 3.74 ERA walking 27 and striking out 106. GM Ryan Stewart on the signing "We saw an oppertunity to add a veteran arm at little cost to us besides a monetary commitment. We've seen some of our young arms in the rotation struggle a bit and Gallardo has a big league track record. He could be a good addition down the stretch as a veteran, stable presence in the rotation" He will still be at least two months away as he will start a rehab program after he is fully healed from his operation in about a month.

Around the Majors

Former Blue Jays SP Roy Halladay of the Philedelphia Phillies earned his 200th career victory in a 5-1 7 inning performance against the New York Mets.

ryan008 · 01-27-2012, 03:37 PM

2014 MLB Draft Preview

June 14th, 2014

The 2014 First Year Player Draft will go tomorrow and the Pittsburgh Pirates hold the #1 selection. They will be followed by the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox and the Philedelphia Phillies will round out the first 5 picks. The Blue Jays will make their first pick at # 28th overall. This years draft class is particularly deep in starting pitching and there is a good chance the Pirates will go for pitching when they announce their first selection tomorrow.

Baseball America has announced their annual pre draft top 10 rankings and 19 yearold SP Bill Adams, a righty out of Midway Highschool in the USHSBA is their #1 ranked prospect. Adams does not fit the typical power pitcher physique standing just 5'7" tall and weighing in at 190 lbs but he is armed with a big fastball that sits at 97-99 MPH. He also throws a curve, slider and changeup making up a very good arsenal of pitches already. Some scouts may be scared off by his size but he will definately hear his name called early on draft day. He also has the leverage to get his reported $6,070,000 bonus demand as he has a number of NCAA offers to pitch in College next season.

Baseball America's Top 10 Players

#1 SP Bill Adams - 19, RHP (Midway Highschool, USHSBA)

Has the arsenal and command to be a #1 starter at the big league level. Might drop in the draft due to his size. Should still be a top pick this year.

#2 SP John Haynes - 22, RHP (UC Davies, NCAA)

The complete opposite of Adams, he stands 6'7" tall and commands a modest 92-94 MPH fastball. He also has a slider, change and is developing a forkball. He lacks the high ceiling of some of the prep pitchers in the draft but has the potential to be a #2 or 3 in a big league rotation.

#3 1B Pedro Rios - 19, LHB (Belle Rose Highschool, USHSBA)

Easily the best bat in the draft. He has the skills to hit for average and power and a lot of it. He has an advanced age for a highschooler and has a very good eye allowing him to get on base easily. Could easily be the first player taken tomorrow.

#4 RF Rod Silver - 22, RHB (UC Santa Barbra, NCAA)

Extremely polished hitter. Can hit for average and power to all fields. He tends to strikeout a little too much but his bat makes up for that. Defensively he is well above average in all 3 outfield positions. He is well developed coming out of the NCAA and should move through the minors quickly.

#5 SP Tony Hinton - 22, RHP (East Carolina University, NCAA)

Another 6'7" bohemoth on the mound. He is the closest to MLB ready arm availiable in the draft anc could fly through the system. He has pin point command of 4 very good pitches including his 99-100 MPH sinking fastball. He should easily be a #1 starter in the MLB very soon.

#6 SP Pedro Sanchez - 22, RHP (UC Irvine, NCAA)

5'11" righty with a plus fastball, cutter and slider. He consistantly sits in the 94-96 MPH range and has a lot of movement on his pitches. He probably isn't going to be an ace but scouts as a very good #2 or 3 starter.

#7 SP Mike Hatcher - 19, RHP (Miami Springs Highschool, USHSBA)

Has a 5 pitch arsenal including a 95-97 MPH sinking fasball. He struggles a bit with command and needs to work on his stamina at the pro level as he may not have enough in the tank to last deep into games. He could see a move to the bullpen down the line but given his assortment of pitches he should start as a starter in the low minors.

#8 SP Juan Rodriguez - 19, RHP (Whitesboro Highschool, USHSBA)

A definate wild card. He has the stuff to be a #1 starter but struggles with command and control. He features a 96-98 MPH fastball and has a slider and changeup. He could be be chosed very early on tomorrow.

#9 RF Ken McGuire - 22, LHB (Holy Cross University, NCAA)

Has tons of raw talent with the bat and defensively. He struggles with chasing bad pitches and tends to strikeout a lot. He could be an Allstar some day with gold glove calibre defence. A lot of his ceiling will ride on his ability to not chase bad pitches.

#10 SP Walt Smith - 22, LHP (University of Kentucky, NCAA)

The best left handed starter availiable in the draft. He is well rounded with a 92-94 MPH fastball as well as a slider, change and forkball. He has #1 starter stuff and should be picked early on tomorrow.

Blue Jays Draft Preview

The Blue Jays will make their first selection at #28th overall and then Jays fans will not have to wait long for their second pick as they obtained the #32nd overall pick, as well as a supplemental 1st round pick (#51st overall) as compensation for SS Yunel Escobar signing with the New York Yankees. The Jays also received the #66th overall pick as compensation for 1B Adam Lind signing a free agent deal with the Yankees.

GM Ryan Stewart "We are starting to see the fruits of our scouting and player development efforts pay dividens at the major leage level with graduates SS Gary Cunningham and SP Bruce Ratzlaff. It is key that we can continue to identify and develop talent through the draft and thats why we put so much time and effort into it. Our scouting staff does an excellent job at evaluating talent and thats why we have been as successful as we have"

Blue Jays Previous 1st Round Picks

2011 - 18th Overall - SS Gary Cunningham (Long Beach State, NCAA) The 25 yearold Cunningham made his debut with the Jays this year as the teams starting shortstop and has been impressive hitting .331 with 5 HR and driving in 21 runs.

2012 - No Pick - Forfitted to the Seattle Mariners when the Jays signed free agent SP Felix Hernandez.

2013 - 30th Overall - SP Raul Vasquez (University of Ohio, NCAA)
Vasquez spent the 2013 season with Short Season A Vancouver after signing and went 4-5 with a 3.91 ERA walking 18 and striking out 63. The Jays promoted him to Low A Lansing in the Midwestern League for the 2014 season and in his first taste of full season pro ball he is 5-3 with a 4.18 ERA walking 11 and striking out 57.

Up Next: 2014 First Year Player Draft

ryan008 · 02-01-2012, 11:34 AM

Pirates Select Highschool SP Mike Stephens With First Overall Pick

June 15th, 2014

The Pittsburgh Pirates made the first overall selection in the 2014 First Year player draft taking 19 yearold SP Mike Stephens out of Paulding Highschool in the United States Highschool Baseball Association. The selection of Stephens suprised a lot of people as he was not ranked in the pre-draft top 10 according to Baseball America. Pittsburgh really liked the 6'0" 225lb righty who features a 95-97 MPH fastball and 3 other very good offerings, a curveball, slider and changeup. He was 5-2 with a 2.91 ERA with just 4 BB ad 67 strikeouts this season. Stephens has the potential to be a #1 starter in the league but is going to cost the Pirates to sign him away from an NCAA scholarship. His bonus demands have been reported to be i the $7,000,000 range.

GM Ryan Stewart and the Jays scouting staff will have 3 extra selections this year. They received a compensation 1st round selection (#32nd overall) from the Yankees as a Supplemental 1st Round selection #51st overall when free agent SS Yunel Escobar signed with New York this offseason. The Jays also received a supplemental first round pick (#66 overall) when 1B Adam Lind signed with the Yankees. Toronto could have had an additional supplemental first yound selection for Type B free agent CL Matt Lindstrom but he has still yet to sign with a club and remains a free agent.

Blue Jays Draft Picks

1st Round 28st overall

The Blue Jays used their own 1st round pick at #28 overall to select 19 yearold SP Juan Ortega, a right handed pitcher out of Gloucester Highschool in the USHSBA. The 6'3" 210 lb righty features a 90-92 MPH fastball as well as a sinker, slider and curveball. He was 3-4 with a 3.10 ERA with just 7 walks against 78 strikeouts. He was a 2013 USHSBA Allstar. The Blue Jays scouting staff believe he has the ability to add a little more velocity as he grows and matures and with his pin point control could be a front line starting pitcher. He is still very raw and going to take a while to develop, and with the depth of the Jays system there is no reason to rush him. He is looking for a slot signing bonus of $1,340,000.

1st Round 32nd overall (From New York for SS Yunel Escobar)

The Blue Jays used the pick that they received for the loss of SS Yunel Escobar to select 19 yearold 3B Alfredo Lugo out of Dillion Highschool in the USHSBA. Lugo stands just 5'9" and weighs in at 195 lbs. He appeared in just 1 game in 2014 going 1-5 before missing the remainder of the season with a shoulder issue. He is a 2 time USHSBA Allstar (2013 & 2011) and when healthy has the potential to be an impact player both offensively and defensively at the hot corner. He won't hit a ton of homeruns but still has enough power to be considered a threat. He has a very discerning eye at the plate and is not affraid to take a walk. He is a bit of a risk health wise for the Jays but could be a steal if he can remain healthy. He is looking for a slot signing bonus of $1,270,000.

Supplemental 1st Round 51st overall (For 1B Adam Lind)

With the first of two supplemental first round selections the Jays selected SP Horace Toy, a 22 yearold hard throwing lefty out of UAB in the NCAA. GM Ryan Stewart was very pleased to have Toy availiable at 51 as he was a player the Jays were considering taking with the 32nd overall selection. Toy is a big, strong, durable arm standing 6'5" and 255 lbs. He throws a hard 95-97 MPH sinking fastball as well as a curve and slider. In 2014 he went 4-2 with a 1.05 ERA with 12 BB and 114 strikeouts for the Blazers and was an NCAA Allstar. Scouts seem to be split on his potential with many believeing he is a back end of the rotation arm. The Jays see him as a future #2 or 3 and possibly higher. He is also looking for a slot bonus of $1,060,000 and should be an easy sign for Toronto.

Supplemental 1st Round 66th overall (for SS Yunel Escobar)

With their 2nd supplemental

Supplemental 1st Round 78th overall

GM Ryan Stewart used the second of two supplemental first round picks to take SS Oscar Vogel a 19 yearold out of Whetstone Highschool in the USHSBA. Vogel had a huge year in 2014 hitting .428 with 6 homeruns and driving in 40 runs and was named a 2014 USHSBA Allstar. He has a well rounded all around game and has the potentail to be an everyday player at the MPB level. He also is looking for a slot signing bonus of $900,000 and should be an easy player for the Jays to sign.

2nd Round 104th Overall

In the second round the Jays took another young pitcher in 19 yearold SP Andrew Anderson. Anderson, a 6'0" 205 lb righty throws five pitches. His best is a 93-95 MPH sinking fastball that he compliments with a slider, curve, splitfinger and forkball. He was 4-3 with a 2.74 ERA with 10 walks and 37 strikeouts for Park Hills Highschool in the USHSBA. He has mid rotation potential but needs to sharpen his control in the professional ranks. The Jays scouts believe he has the potential to grow and add a few more mph to his fastball and that could push him to a possible #2 starter at the MLB level. Like most higschool pitchers though he is a long way away. He is looking for a $430,000 signing bonus and is a more difficult sign as he has a few NCAA offers on the table.

3rd Round 128th Overall

In the 3rd round the Jays selected speedy, defensive minded CF Alfredo Chavez out of Miami Springs Highschool in the USHSBA. Chavez is easily one of the better defensive outfielders in the draft possessing plus-plus range, speed and arm. On the basepaths he has tremendous stealing ability and rarely gets caught. Getting onbase has been the issue for him though. His bat at the moment is below average. Hitting just .259 with 4 HR and 12 RBI in his senior season he fell down draft boards and the Jays were able to land him in the 3rd round. The Jays scouting department had him ranked much higher and were happy to take a chance on him with a 3rd round pick. If he can work on his hitting in Bluefield he has the potential to be an Allstar Calibre leadoff mad in the majors, if not he grades out at the defensive replacement/bench level. He is asking for $270,000 (Slot) and is anxious to get his pro career going.

4th Round 166th Overall

With their 4th round selection the Jays took 19 yearold SP Kevin Little a righty out of Georgetown Highschool in the USHSBA. Little has the body of a power pitcher standing 6'3" and weighing in at 190 lbs but he only throws in the 90-92 MPH range at the moment with his fastball. He also has a curveball, changeup, slider and forkball. He has a good assortment of pitches but none of them are above average at the moment. At just 190 lbs though he is a very lanky kid whom the Jays can definately see adding velocity as he matures. In 2014 he was 1-3 with a 3.76 ERA with 10 BB and 42 strikeouts. The Jays scouting staff see him as a back end of the rotation arm who is durable and can give the team 200 innings a season. He is looking for a slot signing bonus of $190,000 and should be an easy sign for the Jays.

5th Round 201st Overall

With thier 5th round pick the Jays went with a player whose bonus demands likely dropped him out of the first few rounds in 2B Pedro Acosta a 19 yearold right handed batter out of Fairview Highschool in the USHSBA. Acosta has end of the first round talent but was still availiablein the 5th round most likely due to signing bonus issues and a strong commitment to play NCAA baseball next year. He hit .438 with 9 HR and drove in 26 runs in his senior season and was a USHSBA Allstar for the second time. His claim to fame is definately his bat, with good power to all fields and a very good eye. Defensively he is about average but that is easily overlooked by his prominance with the bat. He is rumured to be looking for a $1,680,000 (slot is $150,000) signing bonus that is well above slot for a 5th round pick.

Rounds 6-30 Picks

6 - SP Ed Lillie (22, RHP) - Boston College, NCAA
7 - 3B Robert McKay (19, RHB) - New Preston Highschool, USHSBA
8 - CL Dan Gibbons (19, RHP) - Friendship Highschool, USHSBA
9 - CL Edgar Massey (22, LHP) - Cal State Fullerton, NCAA
10 - SP John Baker (19, LHP) - Hollywood Park Highschool, USHSBA
11 - C Oscar Peerson (19, S) - West Branch Highschool, USHSBA
12 - SS Stanley Hanson (22, S) - University of California, NCAA
13 - SP Jose Wuinones (19, LHP) - Hattiesburgh Highschool, USHSBA
14 - SP Mike Randall (22, LHP) - University of Maryland, NCAA
15 - SP Nick Kennedy (19, LHP) - Dillon Highschool, USHSBA
16 - CL Bill O'Neal (22, RHP) - St. John's University, NCAA
17 - CL Doyle Boyd (22, RHP) - Stanford University, NCAA
18 - CL Brian Corbin (19, LHP) - Incline Village-Crystal Bay Highschool, USHSBA
19 - RF Gorzaio Villareal (19, LHB) - Levittown Highschool, USHSBA
20 - LF Geoffrey Quinney (19, LHB) - Castledale Highschool, USHSBA
21 - RF Bob McIntyre (22, LHB) - Dartmouth University, NCAA
22 - 3B Bradley Wagner (22, S) - University of Houston, NCAA
23 - C Raul Gonzalez (19, RHB) - Cheste Highschool, USHSBA
24 - SS Don Gustafson (22, S) - Long Beach State, NCAA
25 - CF Joseph Williams (22, RHB) - UC Davies, NCAA
26 - SP Brett Holloway (22, LHP) - University of Oregon, NCAA
27 - MR Javier Camacho (22, LHP) - Louisiana Tech University, NCAA
28 - CL Matt Dugan (22, LHP) - Cornell University, NCAA
29 - SP William Shaw (19, RHP) - Country Club Estates Highschool, USHSBA
30 - SP Henry Elstad (19, RHP) - Poseyville Highschool, USHSBA

Up Next: June 2014 Update

ryan008 · 02-01-2012, 02:06 PM

Blue Jays Surge into First Place in American League East - 4 1/2 Game Lead on Tampa

July 1st, 2014

The Toronto Blue Jays are tops in the American League East after putting together a very strong month of baseball in June. They would go 20-5 in June and that would vault them into top spot in the AL East 4 1/2 games up on the second place Tampa Bay Rays. The Jays improved their overall record to 47-31 and find themselves 16 games over .500 for the first time in years and if they can maintain this pace will make it back to the post season after missing out on October baseball in 2013.

This month was all about pitching for the Jays and their starters were a key component of their 20-5 record. SP Bruce Ratzlaff, SP Felix Hernandez, SP Ricky Nolasco and SP Chris Sale combined to go 13-2 over the month of June and pitched an average of 7.2 innings per game. The fact that the Jays starters have been able to pitch deep into games has allowed a bullpen that was taxed early in the season to get rested and they have responded by lowering their team ERA to 3.27 which is third in the league behind Colorado (3.15) and Los Angeles Angels (3.22).

June American League East Standings

Toronto Blue Jays - 47-31
Tampa Bay Rays - 43-36 (4 1/2 GB)
Baltimore Orioles - 42-37 (5 GB)
Boston Red Sox - 38-42 (10 GB)
New York Yankees - 36-43 (11 1'2 GB)

June's Hot Players

SP Bruce Ratzlaff - 4-1 2.35 ERA
SP Felix Hernandez - 3-1 3.41 ERA
SP Ricky Nolasco - 3-0 4.19 ERA
SP Chris Sale - 3-0 4.05 ERA
MR Phillipe Aumont - 0-0 1.69 ERA
MR Sergio Santos - 1-0 2 SV 1.17 ERA
CL Eduardo Sanchez - 2-0 6 SV 2.61 ERA
3B Brett Lawrie - .390 11 HR 31 RBI
SS Gary Cunningham - .329 5 HR 18 RBI
2B Gordon Beckham - .333 6 HR 20 RBI
LF Rick Harris - .299 3 HR 8 RBI
DH Jose Bautista - .290 10 HR 28 RBI

June's Cold Players

SP Andy Beatty - 1-2 5.65 ERA
MR Vincente Urbina - 0-1 16.88 ERA
MR Yatsuka Nakayama - 3-0 7.94 ERA
C J.P. Arencibia - .215 5 HR 16 RBI
1B David Cooper - .247 3 HR 13 RBI

June News & Transactions

Draft Signings

After the 2014 First Year Player Draft the real work began for GM Ryan Stewart as they had to get a number of signing bonuses worked out before the players they selected could be assigned to teams. The Jays would end up spending a total of $9,410,000 for their draft class and they were able to get everyone they drafted signed. They would end up going over slot on a number of players including 66th overall pick SS Oscar Vogel who signed for $1,040,000 (slot was $900,000), 2nd round Pick SP Andrew Anderson signed for $570,000 (slot was $430,000) and CF Alfredo Chavez signed for $430,000 which was significantly more than the $270,000 slot figure. The Jays two biggest overslot deals came in the 5th and 8th round as they signed 2B Pedro Acosta (5th Round pick 201st overall) for $1,680,000 which is 10x more than the slot figure of $150,000 for the 201st overall pick. In the 8th round the Jays signed CL Dan Gibbons for a signing bonus of $1,800,000.

The Jays complete list of draft signings was:

1st Round 28th Overall - SP Juan Ortega (Gloucester Highschool) - $1,340,000
1st Round 32nd Overall - 3B Alfredo Lopez (Dillon Highschool) - $1,270,000
Supp. 1st Round 51st Overall - SP Horace Toy (UAB, NCAA) - $1,040,000
Supp. 1st Round 66th Overall - SS Oscar Vogel (Whetstone Highschool) - $1,040,000
2nd Round Pick 104th Overall - SP Andrew Anderson (Park Hills Highschool) - $570,000
3rd Round Pick 138th Overall - CF Alfredo Chavez (Miami Springs Highschool) - $430,000
4th Roound Pick 166th Overall - SP Kevin Little (Georgetown Highschool) - $240,000
5th Round Pick 201st Overall - 2B Pedro Acosta (Fairview Highschool) - $1,680,000
8th Round Pick 291st Oveall - CL Dan Gibbons (Friendship Highschool) - $1,800,000

Awards

Despite the pitchers getting most of the attention for the Jays during the month of June two of the Jays batters had tremendous months and they were rewarded by being named the American League Batter and Rookie of the Month for June. 3B Brett Lawrie belted his way to a .390 average with 11 HR and drove in 31 runs in June and was well deserving of the AL Player of the Month Award. Not to be outdone the Jays rookie SS Gary Cunningham who is having a great rookie season hit .329 with 5 HR and drove in 18 runs and took home the AL Rookie of the Month Award.

ryan008 · 02-02-2012, 02:54 PM

Blue Jays Top 20 Prospects

With the 2014 MLB draft now in the books, Baseball America Has released its rankings of each of the 30 MLB teams farm systems. The Blue Jays are currently ranked 3rd in the Majors behind the Seattle Mariners and the Chicago Cubs. The fact that the Jays system has moved up so far in the rankings is a testiment to the teams increased efforts in scouting both domestically and Internationally and the teams ability to make good decisions in the First Year Player Draft. The following is a overview of the Jays top 20 ranked players according to Baseball America.

#1 - SP Yo****sune Matsumoto
Age: 20 Throws: RHP Velocity: 98-100 MPH Height: 6'6" Weight: 240 lbs
BA Rank: #2
Aquired: Signed as an International Free Agent (Japan) in 2011 by Arizona. Traded by the Diamondbacks to Toronto in 2011.
2014 Stats: 4-0 1.76 ERA 11 BB 52 K (S.A. Vancouver)
Comments: Matsumoto is a big durable righty who has so far dominated in the low minors since being traded to Toronto from the Diamondbacks. He took home the Applachian League Pitcher of the Year Award in 2013 for Bluefield and is ontract to be an Allstar with Vancouver this season. He has the potential to be a #1 starter at the MLB level and despite being 20 could move quickly through the minors once he reaches full season ball in 2015.

#2 - RF Ayres Alo
Age: 19 Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6'0" Weight: 200 lbs
BA Rank: #19
Aquired: Signed as an International Free Agent (Venezuela) in 2013 by Baltimore. Traded by the Orioles to Toronto in 2013.
2014 Stats: .262 5 HR 18 RBI (RL Bluefield)
Comments: Alo was aquired this offseason from the Orioles and immediately became one of the Jays best prospects. He is pretty much all bat with the ability to hit for a high average and power to all fields. He has a little troube with discipline and tends to swing at some bad pitches but these are all things he will work on as he works his way up the Jays minor league ladder. Defensively he has below average range but a very strong throwing arm. He may end up moving to right or even DH. His bat will definately get him to the Majors but it could be a while as he is very raw and just 19.

#3 - LF Jose Delgado
Age: 20 Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6'0" Weight: 150 lbs
BA Rank: #44
Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the Supplemental 1st Round 39th Overall in 2013 out of Kahoka Highschool USHSBA. Signed for $4,530,000.
2014 Stats: .248 2 HR 10 RBI (RL Bluefield)
Comments: The Blue Jays took Delgado in the Supplemental First Round in 2013 and then gave him a signing bonus equivalent to a top 10 pick. He was signed away from an NCAA commitment and is now one of the Jays top prospects. Delgado is a lot like the Jays #2 prospect RF Ayres Alo just much better defensively and a little less pop in his bat. At just 150 lbs the Jays are hoping he will bulk up and his power potential will mature. He definately has the potential to be an everyday outfielder at the MLB level, but is a long way from making it to the Majors.

#4 - SP Rodney Jordan
Age: 25 Throws: LHP Velocity: 99-101 MPH Height: 6'4" Weight: 205 lbs
BA Rank: #83
Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 4th Round 108th Overall in 2011 out of the University of Texas, NCAA. Signed for $290,000.
2014 Stats: 8-8 2.97 ERA 69 BB 164 K's (AAA Las Vegas)
Comments: A hard throwing lefty who is opne step away from breaking into the Jays starting rotation. He features a 99-101 MPH fastball and a slider and splitter. At 6'4" he creates a nice downward plane on his pitches and has drastically improved his control over the past few seasons. The Jays believe he has middle of the rotation potential and should see time in Toronto as a September callup this season.

#5 - 3B Kellen Sweeney
Age: 22 Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6'0" Weight: 180 lbs
BA Rank: #84
Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in 2010.
2014 Stats: .319 23 HR 79 RBI (Low A Lansing)
Comments: Sweeney has quietly emerged as one of the Jays better prospects and his skills have been on full display with the Lugnuts in the Midwestern League this season. He leads the team in just about every offensive category and was a Mid Western Leage Allstar. He doesn't really jump off the page at you but he gets the job done offensively and defensively. At 22 he may be a little old for A ball and the Jays will be keeping an eye on him to see if he can translate his numbers to the more difficult AA loop. He could see time in Toronto very soon if he can continue to develop on this track.

#6 - C Jim Sellers
Age: 21 Bats: L Throws: R Height: 5'11" Weight: 195 lbs
BA Rank: #93
Aquired: Drafted by Baltimore in the 1st Round 20th Overall in 2012 out of Ridgetop Highschool USHSBA. Signed for $1,700,000. Traded to Toronto in 2013.
2014 Stats: .283 7 HR 48 RBI (Low A Lansing)
Comments: Sellers was the centerpiece of an offseason deal with the Orioles that send 3B Balbino Fuenmayor to Baltimore. He is an offensive catcher much like C Matt Wieters in Baltimore. He possesses a well rounded game both offensively and behind the plate and the Jays believe he is their catcher of the future and a potential Allstar. At 21 he is likely at least a year or two from pusing for the big league starting catchers job.

#7 - SP Luis Ovies
Age: 20 Throws: RHP Velocity: 97-99 MPH Height: 6'4" Weight: 240 lbs
BA Rank: #97
Aquired: Signed as an International Free Agent (Columbia) by Toronto in 2013 to a Minor League Contract.
2014 Stats: 1-1 5.54 ERA 16 BB 35 K's (S.A. Vancouver)
Comments: Ovies signed late in 2013 and didn't pitch for any of the Jays affiliates. They decided to challenge the hard throwing 20 yearold by starting him with Vancouver in the Northwestern League. He has pitched pretty well to date but has had his struggles with command. He throws 4 pitches and is another big durable arm for the Jays. He has top of the rotation potential but is also a long way from reaching it.

#8 - RF Manuel Ramirez
Age: 20 Bats: L Throws: L Height: 6'0" Weight: 214 lbs
BA Rank: Not Ranked
Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 1st Round 21st Overall in 2013 out of Cardiz Highschool USHSBA. Signed for $1,700,000.
2014 Stats: .259 2 HR 18 RBI (RL Bluefield)
Comments: Another very talented young outfielder in the Jays system. He is a fringe 5 tool prospect (his power is just slightly above average). Defensively there should be no issues with him playing in a major league outfield and offensively he has a very patient approach at the plate. With his fellow outfielders Alo and Delgado in Bluefield the Jays could have a packed outfield situation in the next few years.

#9 - MR Ivan Alvarez
Age: 19 Throws: RHP Velocity: 99-101 MPH Height: 6'6" Weight: 220 lbs
BA Rank: Not Ranked
Aquired: Signed as an International Free Agent (Costa Rica) by Toronto in 2013 to a Minor League Contract.
2014 Stats: 4-2 1 SV 2.48 ERA 6 BB 32 K's (RL Dunedin)
Comments: The 19 yearold Alvarez has simply overmatched his opponents at Dunedin this year and has emerged as the Jays top relief prospect. He has very good velocity already and a big pitchers frame. He has been used in a set up role so far but the Jays feel he has closers stuff and as he moves forward they will likely push him to the back of the bullpen to see what he can do with the game on the line.

#10 - 1B Robert Weber
Age: 24 Bats: L Throws: L Height: 6'7" Weight: 214 lbs
BA Rank: Not Ranked
Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 2nd Round 109th Overall in 2012 out of Penn State University, NCAA. Signed for $440,000.
2014 Stats: .306 26 HR 80 RNI (AA New Hampshire)
Comments: Weber easily has the most power potential of anyone in the Jays system that he generates out of his massive 6'7" frame. He has been one of the best players for the Fishercats this season and got the nod as an Eastern League Allstar. He is not far from making his debut with the Jays and could even be considered for a September callup this season. He has a very well rounded game and should be an everyday firstbaseman at the MLB level.

#11 - RF Mitch Craft
Age: 24 Bats: L Throws: R Height: 6'1" Weight: 190 lbs
BA Rank: Not Ranked
Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 5th Round 201st Overall in 2012 out of North Western University, NCAA. Signed for $150,000.
2014 Stats: .310 18 HR 58 RBI (Low A Lansing)
Comments: Craft kind of gets burried with the number of highly touted outfielders in the Jays system. He doesn't have the ceiling as some of his younger counterparts but is a legitimate prospect none the less. He has tremendous power and a very good approach at the plate. Defensively he is above average and has a good arm. He suffered some injuries that delayed his ascention through the minors and being a 24 yearold in A Ball is not where the Jays would like him to be. He should move up soon and the Jays feel he should at least be a decent bat off the bench for them.

#12 - LF Teddy Reed
Age: 23 Bats: S Throws: R Height: 6'1" Weight: 160 lbs
BA Rank: Not Ranked
Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 2nd Round 114th Overall in 2013 out of The University of San Francisco, NCAA. Signed for $380,000.
2014 Stats: .281 11 HR 53 RBI (Low A Lansing)
Comments: Reed is yet another talented young outfielder who is finally coming into his own in A Ball after struggling in rookie ball last season. He has the potential to be an everyday outfielder and can play all 3 outfield positions very well. He has taken a big step forward this season and the Jays see him moving very quickly over hte next year or two.

#13 - CL Paul Copeland
Age: 23 Throws: LHP Velocity: 94-96 MPH Height: 5'11" Weight: 205 lbs
BA Rank: Not Ranked
Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 8th Round 295th Overall in 2013 out of Florida State, NCAA.
2014 Stats: 1-4 21 SV 2.61 ERA 10 BB 32 K's (Low A Lansing)
Comments: Copeland is having a very good season in Lansing and was a Mid Western league Allstar. He is very close to being moved to AA New Hampshire and could be considered for the Jays bullpen as early as 2015. He has the arsenal and control to be a closer and has been touted by many as the Jays closer of the future.

#14 - 3B Art Water
Age: 20 Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6'1" Weight: 160 lbs
BA Rank: Not Ranked
Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the Supplemental 1st Round 54th Overall in 2013 out of Mineville-Witherbee Highschool, USHSBA. Signed for $1,030,000
2014 Stats: .319 9 HR 57 RBI (Low A Lansing)
Comments: Another prospect from a stacked lansing team. Water has really emerged this season and has begun to find his power stroke with 9 homeruns already. He has all the tools to stick at the hot corner and could be an Allstar with his skill set. Look for him to move up this list quickly over the next few seasons.

#15 - SP Richard Barrett
Age: 25 Throws: LHP Velocity: 96-98 MPH Height: 6'4" Weight: 220 lbs
BA Rank: Not Ranked
Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 3rd Round 78th Overall in 2011 out of the Army Acadamy, NCAA. Signed for $480,000.
2014 Stats: 4-2 2.80 ERA 34 BB 88 K's (AAA Las Vegas)
Comments: Barrett would likely rank much higher on this list if it wasn't for the rash of injuries he has suffered over the last few seasons. He is currently on the shelf for the next 5 months with a shoulder injury. Once thought to be one of the Jays top pitching prospects his stock has dropped quite a bit. He still has potential but is going to need to get healthy and stay healthy for a significant period to really be a consideration for the Jays.

#16 - RF Rajko Perisic
Age: 20 Bats: L Throws: R Height: 6'5" Weight: 185 lbs
BA Rank: Not Ranked
Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 1st Round 32nd Overall in 2013 out of Jefferson Highschool, USHSBA. Signed for $1,910,000.
2014 Stats: .285 2 HR 21 RBI (S.A. Vancouver)
Comments: Yet another talented young outfielder, he has Allstar written all over him. He is a 5 tool talent and if he can fill in his 6'5" frame could be a middle of the order bat. He is still going to be a few years away and could become part of a significant log jam of outfield prospects in the Jays system, which honestly is not a bad problem to have.

#17 - RF Manny Camacho
Age: 20 Bats: S Throws: R Height: 5'9" Weight: 180 lbs
BA Rank: Not Ranked
Aquired: Signed as an International Free Agent (Mexico) by Toronto in 2012 to a Minor League Contract.
2014 Stats: .265 0 HR 2 RBI (Dunedin)
Comments: Camacho was a recent International Free Agent signing out of Mexico and is by far the most raw of the Jays outfielders on this list. He does posess all of the tools to be an everyday outfielder but many of the Jays Player Development Staff have questioned his work ethic. Its hard to make a judgement on him so far as he has only had 34 professional atbats. He is a player that the Jays will be watching closely over the next few years.

#18 - C Warner Ames
Age: 24 Bats: L Throws: R Height: 5'10" Weight: 180 lbs
BA Rank: Not Ranked
Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 4th Round 171st Overall in 2012 out of the University of Louisville, NCAA. Signed for $210,000.
2014 Stats: .324 11 HR 58 RBI (Dunedin)
Comments: Ames does everythig just above average for a catcher. He is a player who isn't flashy and really doesn't stand out much. He was a 4th round pick out of Louisville and has managed to move to the Florida State League with the Jays already. He probably isn't going to have the bat to be an everyday catcher but the Jays believe he will at least be a solid backup. Look for him to be considered for a roster spot as early as 2015.

#19 - MR Jose Garcia
Age: 19 Throws: RHP Velocity: 98-100 MPH Height: 6'2" Weight: 235 lbs
BA Rank: Not Ranked
Aquired: Signed as an International Free Agent (Venezuela) by Toronto in 2012 to a Minor League Contract.
2014 Stats: 0-1 3.38 ERA 4 BB 11 K's (GCL Blue Jays)
Comments: Garcia has closer potential but only has 8 innings of pro ball under his belt. Another International Free Agent signing he is very raw at 19 and is a long way from the Majors, but is another intreguing arm to keep an eye on.

#20 - MR Antonio Marroquin
Age: 20 Throws: RHP Velocity: 99-101 MPH Height: 6'2" Weight: 220 lbs
BA Rank: Not Ranked
Aquired: Signed as an International Free Agent (Venezuela) by Toronto in 2012 to a Minor League Contract.
2014 Stats: 4-0 0.35 ERA 8 BB 35 K (S.A. Vancouver)
Comments: Based on his early performance Marroquin may move up this list quickly. He has lights out stuff and very good command of his hard sinking fastball. He is still young at 20 and will likely get a promotion to full season ball in Lansing before the conclusion of the 2014 season.

ryan008 · 02-03-2012, 11:14 AM

Blue Jays Widen AL East Lead to 6 1/2 Over the Orioles

August 1st, 2014

July was not as good a month for the Jays as the impressive run they went on in June but despite only posting a record of 15-11 they managed to put another two games between themselves and the second place Baltimore Orioles in the American League East. Toronto's overall record improved to 62-42 which is second best in Baseball to only the Colorado Rockies who are 67-38. Toronto moves into the last two months of the season with a comfortable lead in the AL East, but GM Ryan Stewart does not want his team to become too complacient. "We have gone been close to the end of the season before with a lead in the East or Wild Card standings and have missed the playoffs, its not a good feeling and we are doing all we can to keep this group focused. This is easily the best team that we have put on the field since I took over in 2011 and we think it has a very good chance of not only making the playoffs but competing for a World Series Title"

July American League East Standings

Toronto Blue Jays - 62-42
Baltimore Orioles - 59-49 (6 1/2 GB)
Tampa Bay Rays - 56-50 (7 GB)
New York Yankees - 54-51 (8 1/2 GB)
Boston Red Sox - 50-56 (13 GB)

July's Hot Players

SP Ricky Nolasco - 3-0 3.75 ERA
SP Bruce Ratzlaff - 3-1 2.34 ERA
SP Felix Hernandez - 3-2 2.29 ERA
MR Vincente Urbina - 0-0 0.00 ERA (12 Innings)
MR Donnie Elliott - 0-0 0.00 ERA (9 Innings)
CL Eduardo Sanchez - 1-1 8 SV 2.45 ERA
3B Brett Lawrie - .382 10 HR 33 RBI
SS Gary Cunningham - .373 3 HR 10 RBI
CF Colby Rasmus - .320 4 HR 11 RBI
1B David Cooper - .303 6 HR 15 RBI
LF Rick Harris - .301 3 HR 16 RBI

July's Cold Players

SP Andy Beatty - 2-3 6.23 ERA
MR Daniel Bard - 0-0 12.46 ERA
MR Sergio Santos - 1-1 10.80 ERA
2B Gordan Beckham - .177 2 HR 14 RBI
C J.P. Arencibia - .183 0 HR 9 RBI
LF Travis Snider - .225 2 HR 11 RBI

July News & Transactions

Injuries

The Jays will head into Sugust without their starting right fielder. RF Travis Snider suffered a forearm strain while making a defensive play in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Snider was hitting .251 with 13 HR and has driven in 44 so far this season. He was placed on the 15 day disabled list and the Jays recalled RF Moises Sierra who is hitting .317 with 7 HR and 37 RBI for AAA Las Vegas.

Awards

July was a good month for a number of Jays minor leaguers as four Jays prospects took home hardware as players of the month for their respective leagues. In AAA Las Vegas C Jack Murphy hit .320 with 6 HR and drove in 28 runs and was named the Pacific Coast League Batter of the Month. Also in the PCL CL Luis Gonzalez went 3-2 with a 1.68 ERA with 7 Saves 5 walks and 18 strikeouts to be named the PCL Pitcher of the Month.

In Advanced A Dunedin 3B Caleb Cowart was named the Florida State League Batter of the Month after hitting .333 with 7 HR and 22 runs batted in.

Finally, in the Northwestern League CL Bill O'Neal (16th Round pick, 526th Overall in 2014) went 2-1 with 10 saves and had a 2.71 ERA and was named the NWL Pitcher of the Month.

International Free Agents

The Jays signed a pair of International Free Agents during the month of July. The first was 18 yearold righty CL Francisco Santos, a hard throwing closer out of Mexico. They also signed Dutch SP Paddy Zegwaard, a 17 yearold lefty. Both players will report to the Jays rookie ball team in Bluefield.

Around the Majors

1B Joey Votto of the Cincinatti Reds agreed to a 5 year $80,000,000 contract extension with the Reds. The 30 yearold is hitting .304 with 20 HR and 68 RBI this season.

2014 MLB Trade Deadline

The Jays made a pair of deadline deals this season but neither were amied at improving the clubs immediate performance. Toronto had a pair of pitchers who were eligiable to return from the disabled list in SP Kyle Drabek and SP Yovani Gallardo whom the Jays signed to a 1 year $9,000,000 contract in May. GM Ryan Stewart "We really like the way our current rotation is pitching right now and didn't want to disrupt it. We also couldn't send either Drabek or Gallardo down to AAA as they would have to clear waivers and we could risk losing them for nothing. The only real solution was to make them availiable on the trade block and see if we could get anything in return"

GM Ryan Stewart was able to work out a pair of trades. The first was a swap with the Los Angeles Dodgers who currently trail the Colorado Rockies by 7 games in the National League West. The Jays agreed to send SP Yovani Gallardo to Los Angeles in exchange for a pair of prospects in C Clay MacNeil and CL Nick Nance.

Players to Los Angeles

SP Yovani Gallardo is a 29 yearold righty whom the Jays signed to a 1 year deal earlier this season. He had suffered an arm injury which caused him to miss most of the 2013 season as well as half of the 2014 regular season. He had just gotten healthy in June and was out on a rehab assignment in AAA Las Vegas where he was 3-2 with a 4.39 ERA with 11 BB and 39 strikeouts in 6 starts with the 51's. He seems to be at full health and should help the Dodgers with their attempt to catch the Rockies.

Players to Toronto

C Clay MacNeil is a 23 yearold right handed batter who was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the 1st round 18th overall in the 2013 First Year Player Draft out of Clemson University in the NCAA. He has had a very good season in AA Chatanooga where he is hitting .314 with 12 HR and driven in 47 runs. He is very close to being MLB ready and could puch for the Jays starting job as early as next season.

CL Nick Nance is a 23 yearold lefty who was a 12th round pick 399th overall in 2013 out of North Western University in the NCAA. He is 2-7 with 20 saves and a 5.44 ERA in AA Chatanooga. The Jays don't really see him as a closer at the MLB level but they believe he should be able to fill a need for them as a lefty out of the pen, something they have been lacking since MR Antonio Bastardo went down for the second time in 2 years. He is also close to MLB ready and should compete for a bullpen spot in 2015.

The Jays second deal was with the Detroit Tigers. Toronto agreed to a 1 for 1 deal with Detroit that sent SP Kyle Drabek to the motor city in exchange for minor league SP Roy Shelton.

Players to Detroit

SP Kyle Drabek is a 26 yearold righty who was 9-12 with a 5.38 ERA 59 BB and 93 strikeouts with the Jays in 2013 before requiring Tommy John Surgery that caused him to miss the remainder of 2013 and most of 2014. He is back to 100% health and looks like he hasn't lost anything off of his 95-97 MPH fastball. Drabek still has the potential to be a top of the rotation arm, he just has fallen down the depth chard in the Jays organization and was going to have to clear waivers which was unlikely.

Players to Totonto

SP Roy Shelton is a 23 yearold righty who was a 1st round pick 15th overall in 2013 out of the University of Oklahoma in the NCAA. He is a big body at 6'5" and 235 lbs and is a prototypical power arm with a 96-98 MPH fastball as well as a cutter, changeup and forkball. He was 7-12 with a 3.84 ERA with 57 BB and 83 strikeouts for AA Erie this season. Since being drafted in the 1st round he has struggled with his command and has not been able to put up the kind of numbers you would expect from a player coming out of the NCAA ranks with his stuff. When he was drafted he was considered a top of the rotation arm but with his development path the way it is now he is looking more like a #4 or 5 starter. The Jays are hoping he can turn it around with some work with their minor league development people.

Springbokus · 02-05-2012, 05:15 PM

This is absolutely awesome mate, keep up the good work!

Must be nice to see a draft pick (Cunningham) work out so well, so quickly.

ryan008 · 02-06-2012, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Springbokus

This is absolutely awesome mate, keep up the good work!

Must be nice to see a draft pick (Cunningham) work out so well, so quickly.

Thanks for reading Spring,

I am a little suprised to see how well Cunningham has progressed this year. He has pretty much hit at every level in the minors for me and when I drafted him I was sure he could be an every day SS, but hitting for the average and prodction he is putting up as a rookie I did not expect. He should be right up there for the American League Rookie of the Year this season!

ryan008 · 02-06-2012, 03:08 PM

September is Here, Jays Cruising with 12 Game AL East Lead

September 1st, 2014

The Toronto Blue Jays were on fire during the month of August as they would put up a spectacular record of 22-7 which would help them increase their lead in the American League East to a total of 12 games over the second place Baltimore Orioles. The Jays two biggest performers over the month were SP Felix Hernandez who was unbeatable to the tune of a 6-0 record and a minescupe 1.06 ERA and rookie sensation SS Gary Cunningham who hit .295 with 6 Homeruns and drove in 13 runs. With their 22-7 run the Blue Jays have inproved their overall record to 84-49 which is second only to the Colorado Rockies who are 86-47. The Jays have also alloted themselves a nice cushion in the AL East but GM Ryan Stewart does not want the team to get caught looking past the last month of the season and into the playoffs "We've all seen it happen before teams lose focus and lose large leads, this team right now is fully healthy and firing on all cylinders and we need to carry that momentum into these last 30 or so games"

August American League East Standings

Toronto Blue Jays - 84-49
Baltimore Orioles - 72-61 (12 GB)
New York Yankees - 70-64 (14 1/2 GB)
Tampa Bay Rays - 68-67 (17 GB)
Boston Red Sox - 60-74 (24 1/2 GB)

August's Hot Players

SP Felix Hernandez - 6-0 1.09 ERA
SP Andy Beatty - 4-0 3.69 ERA
SP Bruce Ratzlaff - 4-1 4.55 ERA
SP Chris Sale - 3-1 5.72 ERA
MR Daniel Bard - 0-1 2.35 ERA
SS Gary Cunningham - .395 6 HR 13 RBI
RF Jose Bautista - .330 7 HR 26 RBI
1B David Cooper - .322 6 HR 19 RBI
3B Brett Lawrie - .306 7 HR 21 RBI

August's Cold Players

MR Yatsuka Nakayama - 0-0 2 SV 5.94 ERA
C J.P. Arencibia - .164 5 HR 18 BRI
LF Rick Harris - .240 5 HR 13 BRI

August News & Transactions

Injuries

The Jays will be without SP Chris Sale for the majority of September, the youngster who is 11-9 with a 4.27 ERA this year is suffering from back spasms and is expected to miss the next 3 weeks. The Jays placed him on the 15 Day Disabled list and recalled SP Deck McGuire who is 5-14 with a 4.06 ERA for AAA Las Vegas.

Awards

The Jays were not suprised to learn that both SP Felix Hernandez and SS Gary Cunningham would take home monthly awards after the months they put together. Hernandez was named the American League Pitcher of the Month after going 6-0 with a 1.09 ERA and Cunningham was awarded the American League Rookie of the Month award after hitting .395 with 6 HR and driving in 13.

September Callups

With a 12 game cushion in the American League East the Jays decided to add a number of playoffs to get some exposure to the big league team in September. Its a good chance to give the regulars an extra day off here and there and to make sure everyone is 100% healthy and rested for the Playoffs. The following players were recalled from AAA Las Vegas:

SP Rodney Jordan - 11-9 3.31 ERA
SP Deck McGuire - 5-14 4.06 ERA
CL Jason Stoffel - 8-4 3 SV 3.41 ERA
CL Anthony Zych - 5-2 2.29 ERA
CF Scott Clement - .297 0 HR 13 RBI

Around The Majors

1B Justin Morneau of the Chicago White Sox launched his 300th career homerun in a 5-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers.

MR David Robertson of the New York Yankees agreed to a 3 year $19,500,000 contract extension. The 29 yearold is 9-0 with 1 SV and a 1.94 ERA this season.

3B Chase Headley of the San Diego Padres signed a 4 year $56,000,000 contrac extension. The 30 yearold is hitting .276 with 15 HR and driven in 51 runs this season.

BabyLemonade · 02-08-2012, 07:03 AM

This must be the year for your Blue Jays..Seems all your work during the drafts &trades is paying now..

Good luck with playoffs..(World Series in sight--if your core players stay healthy..)

Enjoying your dynasty a lot..Minimal writing with all interesting information included, focus on draft each year etc..Really good work..Hope you keep it up.

Austsaint · 02-09-2012, 12:23 AM

Great work as always, I enjoyed your earlier report. I had Chris Sale, and he can dominate, he was perhaps my best starter with the Rays. Felix was robbed, he should have got the Cy Young, though you must have lucked out for him to be a free agent, and to get him.

Layton is my Homeboy · 02-11-2012, 05:07 PM

Been reading the entire thread over the last few days. Great stuff! Let's hope this is the Jays' year!

ryan008 · 02-13-2012, 11:01 AM

Thanks for the encouragement everyone, I'm glad your enjoying my little story. I've got more updates coming today. If there is anything you would like to see just elt me know and I can incorporate it into my story.

Ryan

ryan008 · 02-13-2012, 11:14 AM

Blue Jays Finish Season with 103 Wins - Second Most in All of Baseball

October 2nd, 2014

The Toronto Blue Jays are headed back to the post season. The Jays capped off an impressive season with an 11-1 pounding of the Boston Red Sox and with the victory finished with a record of 103-59. They easily took home the American League East title by a total of 19 games over the second place Baltimore Orioles. Their 103 victories was second only to the Colorado Rockies who put up 105 victories in capturing the National League West division. The New York Mets finished at the bottom of the league with a record of 61-101 and will make the first overall selection in the 2015 First Year Player Draft.

Final 2014 American League East Standings

Toronto - 103-59
Baltimore - 84-78 (19 GB)
Tampa Bay - 83-79 (20 GB)
New York Yankees - 80-82 (23 GB)
Boston Red Sox - 75-87 (28 GB)

2014 American League Division Series

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (88-74)* vs Toronto Blue Jays (103-59)
Texas Rangers (89-73) vs Minnesota Twins (93-69)

2014 National League Division Series

Pittsburgh Pirates (88-74) vs Colorado Rockies (105-57)
Arizona Diamondbacks (93-69)* vs Atlanta Braves (99-63)

*Denotes league wild card winners.

ryan008 · 02-13-2012, 01:29 PM

Blue Jays Bounced in 4 Games by the Angels

October 9th, 2014

The Toronto Blue Jays were left shaking their heads in disbelief as the best team in the American League was knocked off by the Los Angeles Angels in 4 games in the American League Division Series. The Angels came into the playoffs as the Wild Card winner in the AL with just 88 victories a full 15 less than the Blue Jays. GM Ryan Stewart "I can't lie we came into the post season on a high note and we had hig expectations. We have to give the Angels credit though they simply out played us this series and frankly they deserved to win. There is a silver lining though, we still have a very young team and this will be a valuable learning experience for them. Hopefully they don't forget this feeling and we can build on it for next season"

ALDS Game Recaps

ALDS Game #1 - Los Angeles Angels @ Toronto Blue Jays

SP Jon Lester (17-9 2.34 ERA) vs
SP Ricky Nolasco (20-6 3.81 ERA)

W: SP Jon Lester (1-0) 5.2 IP 5 ER 1 BB 7 K
L: SP Ricky Nolasco (0-1) 5.2 IP 7 ER 4 BB 5 K
S: CL Kenley Jansen (1)

Summary: The Jays started SP Rickey Nolasco to give their #1 SP Felix Hernandez an extra day to rest a stiff back. Both starters weren't sharp as they would not get out of the 6th inning. CF Coco Crisp got the Angels on the board in the erd inning with a 2 run double making it 2-0 LA. In the 4th SS Gary Cunningham laced an RBI single into left field cutting the deficit to 1. In the 6th inning the Angels got 5 runs on a 3 run homerun from 3B Martin Prado as well as a 2 run triple from CF Mike Trout chasing SP Ricky Nolasco and giving the Angels a 7-1 lead. The Jays responded in the bottom of the 6th as 1B David Cooper, LF Rick Harris and C J.P. Arencibia all had RBI singles cutting the Angels lead to 7-4. In the 7th inning the Angels reestablished a 5 run lead as C Hank Conger belted his first homerun of the post season, a 2 run shot making it 9-4 Angels. The Jays would make it interesting as 3B Brett Lawrie had a 2 run homerun in the 7th and then in the 9th 2B Gordon Beckham brought the Jays to within 1 with another 2 run homerun but former Jay CL Kenley Jansen struckout 1B David Cooper to end the game and give the Angels a 1-0 series lead.

ALDS Game #2 - Los Angeles Angels @ Toronto Blue Jays

SP Brett Anderson (14-9 4.59 ERA) vs
SP Felix Hernandez (19-7 2.95 ERA)

W: SP Felix Hernandez (1-0) 7.2 IP 2 ER 5 H 3 BB 3 K
L: SP Brett Anderson (0-1) 5.2 IP 5 ER 9 H 3 BB 3 K

Summary: The Jays brought out the bats in game #2 as they pounded out 23 hits and scored 19 runs in a pounding of the Angels. 3B Brett Lawrie was 4-5 with 2 HR and drove in 8 runs, 2B Gordon Beckham was 2-5 with his second homerun of the series and had 4 RBI's. Every player in the Jays lineup had at least 2 hits except C J.P. Arencibia who was 1-5 with a homerun. The Angels only runs came off the bats of SS Jed Lowrie who had a 2 run homerun and CF Coco Crisp and 3B Martin Prado both had RBI singles. With the vicotry the Jays even the series at 1's heading into Los Angeles for games 3 and 4.

ALDS Game #3 - Toronto Blue Jays @Los Angeles Angels

SP Bruce Ratzlaff (18-9 2.80 ERA) vs
SP Trevor Bauer (13-11 3.13 ERA)

W: SP Trevor Bauer (1-0) 8.0 IP 1 ER 3 H 0 BB 0 K
L: SP Bruce Ratzlaff (0-1) 8.0 IP 2 ER 6 H 2 BB 5 K
S: CL Kenley Jansen (2)

Summary: Game #3 was a battle of young arms as a pair of very talented rookies squared off. SP Trevor Bauer and SP Brice Ratzlaff would match each other pitch for pitch but in the end Ratzlaff would make 1 more mistake than Bauer and it cost the Jays the game. The Jays got on the board first as 1B David Cooper took Bauer deep into the stands in right in the top of the second inning making it 1-0 Jays. The Angels responded in the home half of the second as 1B Kendry Morales had a 2 our RBI double knotting the game at 1. The Angels would take the lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning as Ratzlaff hung a 2-2 curveball to CF Mike Trout and he deposited it into the leftfield seats for the game winning run. CL Kenly Jansen would strikeout the side in the 9th as the Angels take game #2 and now have a 2-1 series lead.

ALDS Game #4 - Toronto Blue Jays @Los Angeles Angels

SP Felix Hernandez (1-0 2.95 ERA) vs
SP Jon Lester (1-0 6.35 ERA)

W: SP jon Lester (2-0) 8.0 IP 2 ER 7 H 1 BB 3 K
L: SP Felix Hernandez (1-1) 5.2 IP 3 ER 7 H 0 BB 5 K

Summary: The Blue Jays turned to their Ace SP Felix Hernandez on short rest to attempt and force a 5th game in the ALDS but Hernandez and the Jays would come up short as the Angels cruised to a 7-2 victory behind SP Jon Lester. The Angels got to Hernandez early with 3B Martin Prado doubling in a pair in the bottom of the 1st to make it 2-0 LA. CF Mike Trout added anotehr run in the bottom of the 3rd with his second homerun of the series and RF Denard Span, LF Coco Crisp, C Hank Conger and 1B Kendry Morales added RBI's to cap off the Angels scoring. The only offence the Jays could manage was a 2 run single in the 9th by 1B David Cooper that stopped SP Jon Lester's bid for the shutout.

ryan008 · 02-13-2012, 02:30 PM

The Pittsburgh Pirates are World Champions of Baseball in 2014

October 30th, 2014

The World Series wrapped up today and perhaps the most unlikelyiest of teams has been crowned the winners. Pittsburgh came into the playoffs as an underdog with a regular season record of 88-74 and would have to face the Colorado Rockies who were the best in baseball in the first round. Pittsburgh easily knocked off the Rockies taking the NLDS in 4 games. They then went on to take down the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Championship Series in a 4 game sweep to earn a berth in the World Series against the Los Angeles Angels. In the World Series the Pirates were just too strong for the Angels taking the series in 6 games.

The Pirates are a fairly young team who could develop into a powerhouse in the National League East for years to come. Their rotation is loaded with young talent in SP James Taillon, SP Juan Jose Venezuela (Supp. 1st Round Pick in 2013), SP Brad Lincoln, SP Aaron Crow and the veteran of the staff is SP Cole Hammels. The Pirates also have a very good bullpen with MR Barry Zito, MR Marc Rzepczynski, MR Justin Wilson and CL Mark Lowe. Offensively they have a number of young stars as well in C Derek Norris, 1B Yonder Alonso, 2B Neil Walker, CF Kentrali Davis, CF Andrew McCutcheon and RF Oswaldo Aricia. The Pirates are a young up and coming team to watch and could find themselves back in the World Series as soon as 2015.

01-27-2012, 03:37 PM	#66 (permalink)
ryan008 All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 1,906 Thanks: 9 Thanked 27x in 18 posts	2014 MLB Draft Preview June 14th, 2014 The 2014 First Year Player Draft will go tomorrow and the Pittsburgh Pirates hold the #1 selection. They will be followed by the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox and the Philedelphia Phillies will round out the first 5 picks. The Blue Jays will make their first pick at # 28th overall. This years draft class is particularly deep in starting pitching and there is a good chance the Pirates will go for pitching when they announce their first selection tomorrow. Baseball America has announced their annual pre draft top 10 rankings and 19 yearold SP Bill Adams, a righty out of Midway Highschool in the USHSBA is their #1 ranked prospect. Adams does not fit the typical power pitcher physique standing just 5'7" tall and weighing in at 190 lbs but he is armed with a big fastball that sits at 97-99 MPH. He also throws a curve, slider and changeup making up a very good arsenal of pitches already. Some scouts may be scared off by his size but he will definately hear his name called early on draft day. He also has the leverage to get his reported $6,070,000 bonus demand as he has a number of NCAA offers to pitch in College next season. Baseball America's Top 10 Players #1 SP Bill Adams - 19, RHP (Midway Highschool, USHSBA) Has the arsenal and command to be a #1 starter at the big league level. Might drop in the draft due to his size. Should still be a top pick this year. #2 SP John Haynes - 22, RHP (UC Davies, NCAA) The complete opposite of Adams, he stands 6'7" tall and commands a modest 92-94 MPH fastball. He also has a slider, change and is developing a forkball. He lacks the high ceiling of some of the prep pitchers in the draft but has the potential to be a #2 or 3 in a big league rotation. #3 1B Pedro Rios - 19, LHB (Belle Rose Highschool, USHSBA) Easily the best bat in the draft. He has the skills to hit for average and power and a lot of it. He has an advanced age for a highschooler and has a very good eye allowing him to get on base easily. Could easily be the first player taken tomorrow. #4 RF Rod Silver - 22, RHB (UC Santa Barbra, NCAA) Extremely polished hitter. Can hit for average and power to all fields. He tends to strikeout a little too much but his bat makes up for that. Defensively he is well above average in all 3 outfield positions. He is well developed coming out of the NCAA and should move through the minors quickly. #5 SP Tony Hinton - 22, RHP (East Carolina University, NCAA) Another 6'7" bohemoth on the mound. He is the closest to MLB ready arm availiable in the draft anc could fly through the system. He has pin point command of 4 very good pitches including his 99-100 MPH sinking fastball. He should easily be a #1 starter in the MLB very soon. #6 SP Pedro Sanchez - 22, RHP (UC Irvine, NCAA) 5'11" righty with a plus fastball, cutter and slider. He consistantly sits in the 94-96 MPH range and has a lot of movement on his pitches. He probably isn't going to be an ace but scouts as a very good #2 or 3 starter. #7 SP Mike Hatcher - 19, RHP (Miami Springs Highschool, USHSBA) Has a 5 pitch arsenal including a 95-97 MPH sinking fasball. He struggles a bit with command and needs to work on his stamina at the pro level as he may not have enough in the tank to last deep into games. He could see a move to the bullpen down the line but given his assortment of pitches he should start as a starter in the low minors. #8 SP Juan Rodriguez - 19, RHP (Whitesboro Highschool, USHSBA) A definate wild card. He has the stuff to be a #1 starter but struggles with command and control. He features a 96-98 MPH fastball and has a slider and changeup. He could be be chosed very early on tomorrow. #9 RF Ken McGuire - 22, LHB (Holy Cross University, NCAA) Has tons of raw talent with the bat and defensively. He struggles with chasing bad pitches and tends to strikeout a lot. He could be an Allstar some day with gold glove calibre defence. A lot of his ceiling will ride on his ability to not chase bad pitches. #10 SP Walt Smith - 22, LHP (University of Kentucky, NCAA) The best left handed starter availiable in the draft. He is well rounded with a 92-94 MPH fastball as well as a slider, change and forkball. He has #1 starter stuff and should be picked early on tomorrow. Blue Jays Draft Preview The Blue Jays will make their first selection at #28th overall and then Jays fans will not have to wait long for their second pick as they obtained the #32nd overall pick, as well as a supplemental 1st round pick (#51st overall) as compensation for SS Yunel Escobar signing with the New York Yankees. The Jays also received the #66th overall pick as compensation for 1B Adam Lind signing a free agent deal with the Yankees. GM Ryan Stewart "We are starting to see the fruits of our scouting and player development efforts pay dividens at the major leage level with graduates SS Gary Cunningham and SP Bruce Ratzlaff. It is key that we can continue to identify and develop talent through the draft and thats why we put so much time and effort into it. Our scouting staff does an excellent job at evaluating talent and thats why we have been as successful as we have" Blue Jays Previous 1st Round Picks 2011 - 18th Overall - SS Gary Cunningham (Long Beach State, NCAA) The 25 yearold Cunningham made his debut with the Jays this year as the teams starting shortstop and has been impressive hitting .331 with 5 HR and driving in 21 runs. 2012 - No Pick - Forfitted to the Seattle Mariners when the Jays signed free agent SP Felix Hernandez. 2013 - 30th Overall - SP Raul Vasquez (University of Ohio, NCAA) Vasquez spent the 2013 season with Short Season A Vancouver after signing and went 4-5 with a 3.91 ERA walking 18 and striking out 63. The Jays promoted him to Low A Lansing in the Midwestern League for the 2014 season and in his first taste of full season pro ball he is 5-3 with a 4.18 ERA walking 11 and striking out 57. Up Next: 2014 First Year Player Draft

02-11-2012, 05:07 PM	#76 (permalink)
Layton is my Homeboy Major Leagues Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Winnipeg, Mb Posts: 424 Thanks: 126 Thanked 238x in 76 posts	Been reading the entire thread over the last few days. Great stuff! Let's hope this is the Jays' year! __________________

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01-17-2012, 11:36 AM	#61 (permalink)
ryan008 All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 1,906 Thanks: 9 Thanked 27x in 18 posts	2013 Blue Jays Offseson Report - GM Ryan Stewart Very Busy, Likes Team Heading Forward March 1st, 2014 The Toronto Blue Jays were one of the most active teams this offseason as they attempt to fill their teams most pressing needs heading into the 2014 season. After the Jays failed to make the playoffs in 2013, GM Ryan Stewart announced that the team was looking for starting pitching help, a permanent solution at second base, help in the outfield as well as plugging a few holes in the bullpen left by departing free agents. The Jays look like they have accomplised all of those goals and have done it without giving up their drastically improved farm system to accomplish it. GM Ryan Stewart "This was a very eventful offseason for us, we managed to aquire players through pretty much every medium possible. We used the Rule V draft, trades, free agent siginings as well as the waiver wire. I think we are heading into the 2014 season with a 25 man roster that has very few question marks in comparison to the one that we started with last season. Our goal remains the same here in Toronto and that is to win championships and I think we are going to be one of the teams competing for the World Series this year" Rule V Draft The Blue Jays didn't lose anyone in the 2013 Rule V draft but they did make a selection with their first round pick. Toronto selected MR Philipe Aumont a 25 yearold righty from the St. Louis Cardinals. Aumont features a 95-97 MPH fastball as well as sinker and curve, he spent the 2013 season in AAA Memphis where he was 1-2 with a 6.55 ERA with 18 BB and 36 K's. A one time top prospect his stock has fallen in recent years and he was forced out of the rotation and into the bullpen. The Jays will give him an oppertunity to make the bullpen out of Spring Training. If he doesn't make the club he will be returned to St. Louis. Waiver Wire The Jays added another arm via the waiver wire claiming 23 yearold MR Anthony Zych off waivers from the Cincinatti Reds. Zych was originally a 26th round pick of the Reds 775th overall in 2011 out of the West Highlands Prep Highschool in the USHSBA. He spent the entire 2013 season in AA Carolina where he was 4-5 with 32 Saves posting a 3.86 ERA with 21 BB and 62 K's. He features a 95-97 MPH fastball as well as a slider and circle change. He will get an invitation to Spring Training but is likely to start the season in AAA Las Vegas. Free Agent Signings GM Ryan Stewart added a pair of players as free agents this offseason. The first was an import from Japan in MR Yasukaza Nakayama. Nakayama is a 25 yearold righty whit a 96-98 MPH fastball and a very good slider. He inked a 3 year $9,600,000 contract with the Jays after spending his entire career in Japan. He will like start the season in one of the Jays open bullpen slots. The Jays also inked free agent C Chris Stewart to a 1 year $900,000 contract. The 33 year old veteran backstop was demoted to AAA Fresno by the San Francisco Giants last season and he hit .199 with 1 HR and drove in 23 RBI. He is still one of the best defensive catchers in the game and the Jays inked him to give C J.P. Arencibia a rest every so often. Trades The Jays were very busy on the trade market this offseason mainly because of a realitively weak free agent class. GM Ryan Stewart's first move was aimed at addressing the teams need for an everyday second baseman. After 2B Kelly Johnson left as a free agent before the 2013 season the Jays have not had a long term solution availiable. They tried 2B Adieny Hechavarria out there but he has not been able to contribute offensively. This forced the Jays to look outside the organization and they were able to swing a deal with the Chicago White Sox who had made 2B Gordan Beckham availiable. The Jays agreed to send SP Brandon Workman and prospect SP Aaron Sanchez to the Sox in exchange for Beckham. Players to Chicago SP Brandon Workman is a 25 yearold righty who was aquired by the Jays in 2012 from the Red Sox in the deal that sent SP Dustin McGowan to Boston. He spent most of the season in AAA Las Vegas where he was 10-10 with a 4.77 ERA with 83 BB and 107 strikeouts. He made a brief appearance with the Jays at the end of the season starting 6 games and posting a 2-3 record with a 7.06 ERA. SP Aaron Sanchez was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in the Supplemental 1st round 34th overall in the 2010 First Year Player Draft. The 21 yearold righty features a 92-94 MPH fastball as well as a slider and changeup. He was 6-2 with a 3.27 ERA with 30 BB and 50 strikeouts for the Dunedin Blue Jays in the Florida State League and was named to the FSL Allstar Team. He would suffer a shoulder strain that caused him to miss 3 months of the season but is back to 100% health now. He was ranked as the Jays #6th best prospect and the 56th best prospect in the Majors according to Baseball America. Players to Toronto 2B Gordan Beckham is a 27 yearold former top prospect who has not really lived up to expectations in Chicago. He hit just .254 with 13 HR and drove in 55 RBI in 2013 for the White Sox. He is due to make $6,050,000 this season and is arbitration eligiable. The Jays are hoping that a change of scenery will do him good and he can live up to the potential that drove the Sox to select him in the first round of the draft. __________________________________________________ ____________ The Jays second deal was a block buster trade with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim that saw the team address a pair of needs, but it would cost the Jays a group of top prospects and one of their longest serving members. The Jays agreed to a deal that sent SP Ricky Romero along with minor leagers SP Antonio Vasquez, SP Bill Webber and C Masamichi Abe to the Angels in exchange for LF Rick Harris, SP Andy Beatty and minor league SP Matsuyo Okuda. GM Ryan Stewart "This was a hard deal to make, we know that Romero is a very popular player here in Toronto and we like what he can bring to the table, we just felt that this was the right deal to make to help us fill two big needs. LF Rick Harris has the potential to be an Allstar in the outfield and SP Andy Beatty's ceiling is that of a #2 starter, it was just a deal that we felt we had to make" Players to Los Angeles SP Ricky Romero is a 29 yearold lefty who was 13-15 with a 4.08 ERA with 72 BB and 186 strikeouts for the Jays last season. He features a variety of pitches but his best is a 90-92 MPH fastball. He is slated to earn $3,800,000 this season and has one more year of arbitration eligibility left. SP Bill Webber is a 21 yearold righty who was selected by the Jays in the Supplemental 1st round 81st overall in the 2012 First Year Player Draft out of Columbia Highschool in the USHSBA. He was 7-3 with a 3.31 ERA with 13 BB and 68 strikeouts for the Vancouver Canadiens of the Short Season A Northern League. Prior to the 2013 season he was ranked as the Jays #8 prospect and at #30 in all of Major League Baseball by Baseball America. He scouts as a top of the rotation arm but had a number of arms ranked higher then him in the Jays system. SP Antonio Vasquez is a hard throwing 22 yearold lefty who was originally drafted by the Jays in the 6th round 235th overall in the 2013 first year player draft out of Bucknell University in the NCAA. He spent the entire 2013 season with the Vancouver Canadiens where he was 1-1 with 1 Save and had a 2.40 ERA with 13 BB and 42 strikeouts. He features a 98-100 MPH fastball and a very good slider but his lack of a 3rd pitch may force him to the bullpen as he moves up the minor league ladder. He was ranked as the Jays #18th best prospect. C Masamichi Abe was an international free agent siging by the Jays out of Japam in 2012 and he quickly made a name for himself as one of the best catchers in the minor leagues. He hit .314 with 4 HR and drove in 21 runs in Bluefield in his first taste of professional baseball. The 20 yearold right handed batter is very good offensively but is also responsibel defensively with a very strong accurate arm. He was the Jays #2 ranked position prospect (behind only SS Gary Cunningham) and was ranked as the #13th best prospect in all of baseball by Baseball America. Players to Toronto LF Rick Harris is a 25 yearold righty who was selected by the Angeles in the 2nd round 42nd overall in 2011 out of the University of Memphis in the NCAA. He hit .264 with 4 HR and drove in 17 RBI for the Angels in just 56 games this season but hit .306 with 4 HR and drove in 46 RBI in AAA Salt Lake City. He is a 4 tool player with great speed and range in the outfield and has a strong accurate arm. Offensively he hits for average and has a great eye at the plate. He hits the ball in the gaps well but really isn't much of a power threat. He will be the Jays opening day left fielder and should be the teams leadoff hitter as well. SP Andy Beatty is a 24 yearold righty who was selected by the Angels in the 1st Round 5th overall in 2012 out of Pepperdine University in the NCAA. The 6'1" 215 lb righty features a 93-95 MPH fastball as well as a slider, curve and changeup. He was 16-5 with a 2.65 ERA with 70 BB and 113 strikeouts in AAA Salt Lake City and was named the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year. Beatty is a player that the Jays have been trying to pry out of Los Angeles for a couple of seasons now and they are happy to finally have their hands on him. He will likely break camp as the Jays #2 starter behind Ace SP Felix Hernandez. is a 17 yearold lefty who was signed by the Angels as an International Free Angent out of Japan in 2013. He is a big body at 6'4" 210 lbs but doesn't throw all that hard right now with a fastball at 87-89 MPH. He was 6-8 with a 5.34 ERA with 28 BB and 19 strikeouts in Orem the Angels Rookie League Affiliate. He was an arm that really intregued GM Ryan Stewart as he should add some velocity as he fills out his frame. He probably isn't going to be a top of the rotation arm but the Jays are looking forward to watching him develop. __________________________________________________ ____________ The Jays final trade of the offseason was initiated by Baltimore Orioles GM Andy MacPhail who contacted the Jays about the availiability of the 2013 Pacific Coast League MVP 3B Balbino Fuenmayor. Toronto had seen a bunch of interest in the young slugger and once they made him availiable the Orioles seemed to want him the most. The Jays and Orioles agreed to a deal that sent 3B Balbino Fuenmayor, RF Joshua Richmond and SP Miguel Pena to the Orioles for a trio of minor leaguers in C Jim Sellers, 2B Alastair Perry and RF Ayres Alo. GM Ryan Stewart on the deal "Fuenmayor has really propelled himself to legitimate prospect status but unfortunately is blocked by 3B Brett Lawrie, we felt that he needed the oppertunity to be in the Major Leagues and that wasn't going to happen here in Toronto. We were able to add a grop of proxpects to our minor leagues that will certainly help us down the road, C Jim Sellers will be an everyday catcher in the Major League he just needs time to develop" Players to Baltimore 3B Balbino Fuenmayor was signed by the Jays as an International Free Agent out of Venezuela in 2009. The 24 yearold had a breakout season in AAA Las Vegas in 2013 hitting .278with 25 HR and driving in 84 runs en route to capturing the Pacific Coast League MVP award and a gold glove at third base. RF Joshua Richmond is a 24 yearold right handed batter who was aquired by the Jays in 2011 from the Texas Rangers in the deal that sent LF Jayson Nix to Texas. He hit .298 with 27 HR and drove in 87 RBI for the Dunedin Blue Jays in the Florida State League in 2013 and was selected to the FSL Allstar Team and named the FSL MVP. SP Miguel Pena is a hard throwing righty with a 98-100 MPH fastball. He was signed as an International Free Agent by the Jays in 2013 out of Venezuela and went 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA with 3 BB and 11 strikeouts for the Bluefield Blue Jays. Players to Toronto C Jim Sellers is the centerpiece of the deal for the Jays. The 20 yearold was a 1st round pick 20th overall by the Orioles in 2012 out of Ridgetop Highschool in the USHSBA. He hit .250 with 1 HR and drove in 18 runs in his rookie league debut in the Gulf Coast League in 2013. Sellers compares a lot to another Orioles catcher in Matt Wieters. he is very good offensively with power to all fields and a very discerning eye at the plate. Defensively he could challenge for a gold glove at the MLB level. He is still a few years off a shot at the Major League roster but should be an excitig prospect for Jays fans to follow. 2B Alastair Perry is a 19 yearold switch hitting second baseman who was signed as an International Free Agent out of Canada by the Orioles in 2011. He hit .226 with 3 HR and 25 RBI in short season A ball this season as a 19 yearold. He may have been a bit over matched and the Jays will start him in extended spring training and then have him make his Jays debut in the Guld Coast League. He has the potential to be an everyday infielder but will need to work hard to get there. At 19 years old he is at least 3-4 years away from cracking a MLB lineup. LF Ayres Alo is a 19 yearold right handed batter who was another International Free Agent signing out of Venezuela by the Orioles in 2013. He hit .328 with 7 HR and drove in 35 RBI for the GCL Orioles in a fantastic North American Debut. He has starting outfielder written all over him and has an advanced approach for a player with just 1 season of rookie ball under his belt. The Jays will have him start in extended spring training and will then have him make his Jays debut in Vancover when the short season A schedule gets underway. Contract Extension GM Ryan Stewart also announced that the team had come to terms on a long term contract with CF Colby Rasmus. Rasmus agreed to a 5 year deal and will earn $65,800,000 (5ht year is a team option). The 2012 American League Gold Glove Winner hit .303 with 34 HR and drove in 94 RBIs for the Jays last season. 2013 Major League Free Agent Signings 1B Albert Pujols - 2 years $36,000,000 (Baltimore Orioles) C Miguel Montero - 4 years $62,400,000 (Cincinatti Reds) SP John Danks - 6 years $84,000,000 (St. Louis Cardinals) 1B Adam Lind - $2 years $9,000,000 (New York Yankees)* SS Yunel Escobar - 3 years $35,200,000 (New York Yankees)** RF Shin Soo Choo - 3 years $35,700,000 (Cleveland Indians) CF Curtis Granderson - 2 years $26,000,000 (Chicago White Sox) SP Brandon Morrow - 5 years $79,800,000 (St. Louis Cardinals) CL Rafael Soriano - 3 years $30,300,000 (Chicago White Sox) CL Chad Qualls - 3 years $24,600,000 (St. Louis Cardinals) SS Asdrubal Cabrerra - 5 years $78,000,000 (Oakland Athletics) CL Jonathan Broxton - 1 year $15,600,000 (Texas Rangers) CF Jayson Werth - 2 years $28,600,000 (Cincinatti Reds) MR Joe Nathan - 2 years $10,800,000 (Philedelphia Phillies) CL Joel Hanrahan - 3 years $27,900,000 (Philedelphia Phillies) 1B Billy Butler - 4 years $55,000,000 (New York Mets) 1B Kevin Youklis - 2 years $37,000,000 (Boston Red Sox) CL Matt Capps - 1 year $5,300,000 (Houston Astros) 2B Brian Roberts - 3 years $17,600,000 (Boston Red Sox) MR Hong-chih Kuo - 3 years $22,100,000 (Baltimore Orioles) Toronto will receive a Supplemental 1st Round Pick as Compensation Toronto will receive New Yorks 1st Round Pick and a Supplemental 1st Round Selection as Compensation Up Next:* Spring Training 2014

01-27-2012, 10:11 AM	#62 (permalink)
ryan008 All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 1,906 Thanks: 9 Thanked 27x in 18 posts	Blue Jays Optomistic as Spring Training About to Get Underway February 27th, 2014 GM Ryan Stewart and the Toronto Blue Jays just wrapped up another eventful offseason as the Jays attempt to fill some glaring holes and make it back to the post season after being left out of October baseball in 2013. Heading into the offseason the Jays percieved weaknesses were in the outfield and at second base and GM Ryan Stewart addressed both with a pair of trades aquiring LF Rick Harris from the Angels and 2B Gordan Beckham from the Chicago White Sox. Toronto also added some help in the bullpen with the sigining of 25 yearold MR Yasukazu Nakayama, an International free agent signing out of Japan and solidifiong the back up catchers position with the signing of C Chris Stewart to a 1 year free agent contract. The Blue Jays will also have a group of talented, homegrown young pitchers in camp this season who will be competing for one of the remaining spots in the Jays starting rotation. This group is headlined by SP Bruce Ratzlaf a 2012 Supplemental 1st Round Selection who flew through the minors and looks to be ready to make his debut with the big club. The Jays also have former 1st round pick SP Deck McGuire, as well as SP Rich Barrett (3rd Round, 2011) and SP Rodney Jordan (4th Round, 2011) who are poised to try and capture the 5th spot in the Jays starting rotation. In all the Blue Jays will have 40 players in camp competing for just 25 spots on the teams opening day roster. And when the dust settles GM Ryan Stewart will ahve to decide which 25 give the team the best chance to win as they open the season with a big three game series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in early April. 2014 Spring Training Invitees Starting Pitchers SP Andy Beatty - 16-5 2.65 ERA (AAA Salt Lake City) SP Felix Hernandez - 20-8 2.67 ERA (Toronto) SP Ricky Nolasco - 10-14 3.76 ERA (Toronto) SP Bruce Ratzlaff - 12-1 1.55 ERA (AA New Hampshire) SP Chris Sale - 12-12 4.51 ERA (Toronto) SP Rich Barrett - 10-9 3.70 ERA (AA New Hampshire) SP Rodney Jordan - 10-9 4.05 ERA (AA New Hampshire) SP Deck McGuire - 10-12 4.71 ERA (AAA Las Vegas) SP Zach Stewart - 9-14 5.38 ERA (AAA Las Vegas) SP Asher Wojciechowski - 2-8 6.08 ERA (AAA Las Vegas) Bullpen MR Phillipe Aumont - 1-2 6.55 ERA (St. Louis Cardinals) MR Daniel Bard - 3-1 5 SV 2.32 ERA (Toronto) MR Antonio Bastardo - 0-0 1 SV 4.34 ERA (Toronto) MR Yasuka Nakayama - No Record MR Sergio Santos - 4-0 4 SV 3.38 ERA (Toronto) MR Vincente Urbina - 4-3 2 SV 4.10 ERA (Toronto) CL Donnie Elliott - 1-0 5.56 ERA (Toronto) CL Louis Manuel Gonzalez - 0-1 2 SV 6.43 ERA (AAA Las Vegas) CL Kenley Jansen - 0-0 4.05 ERA (Toronto) CL Eduardo Sanchez - 2-4 27 SV 2.59 ERA (Toronto) CL Jason Stoffel - 1-2 7 SV 5.00 ERA (AAA Las Vegas) CL Anthony Zych - 4-5 32 SV 3.86 ERA (AA Carolina) Position Players C J.P. Arencibia - .221 36 HR 93 RBI (Toronto) C Sean Ochinko - .287 3 HR 24 RBI (AAA Las Vegas) C Chris Stewart - .199 1 HR 23 RBI (AAA Fresno) 1B David Cooper - .248 27 HR 87 RBI (Toronto) 2B Gordan Beckham - .251 13 HR 54 RBI (Chicago White Sox) 2B Adeiny Hechevarria - .227 8 HR 53 RBI (Toronto) 3B Nieuman Romero - .330 4 HR 10 RBI (Toronto) 3B Brett Lawrie - .332 34 HR 99 RBI (Toronto) SS Gary Cunningham - .324 16 HR 78 RBI (AA New Hampshire) LF Rick Harris - .264 4 HR 17 RBI (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) LF Eric Thames - .233 11 HR 28 RBI (Toronto) CF Colby Rasmus - .333 25 HR 74 RBI (Toronto) RF Moises Sierra - .242 1 HR 6 RBI (Toronto) RF Adam Loewen - .279 9 HR 46 RBI (AAA Las Vegas) RF Markus Brisker - .268 7 HR 38 RBI (AAA Las Vegas) RF Jose Bautista - .246 35 HR 101 RBI (Toronto) RF Travis Snider - .277 25 HR 76 RBI (Toronto)

01-27-2012, 11:01 AM	#63 (permalink)
ryan008 All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 1,906 Thanks: 9 Thanked 27x in 18 posts	Spring Training is Over - Baseball is Back in Toronto April 2nd, 2014 The 2014 season is about to get underway as the Blue Jays have wrapped up their Spring Training activities and have begun to pack up their gear for a 3 game series to open the season with the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston. The Jays had a relatively uneventful Spring Training as they finished tied with the Baltimore Orioles for most wins with 18. They also had a few key spots decided and finally have their 25 man roster set for the opening of the 2014 regular season. The Jays also made a single trade during the Spring agreeing to a deal with the Los Angeles Angels that sends CL Kenley Jansen to Los Angeles for minor league CF Scott Clement. The Jays have too many bullpen arms and too few spots and Jansen simply became the odd man out in the numbers game. He was out of minor league options and rather than risk losing him for nothing by trying to send him through waivers GM Ryan Stewart delt the 26 yearold righty to the Angels. Players to Los Angeles CL Kenley Jansen is a 26 yearold righty who features a 95-97 MPH fastball as well as a good slider. He was 0-0 with a 4.15 ERA with 2 BB and 10 strikeouts for the Jays in 2013. Jansen missed significant time in 2013 due to a torn flexor tendon in his elbow but did manage to return healthy for the conclusion of the 2013 season. He earned a 1 year contract worth $2,940,000 through arbitration in the offseason and will still be eligiable for arbitration at the conclusion of the 2014 season. Players to Toronto CF Scott Clement is a 24 yearold left handed batter who was originally a 3rd round pick 72nd overall in 2011 out of Fresno State University in the NCAA by the Angels. He spent the 2013 season in AA Arkansas where he hit .286 with 2 HR and drove in 23 RBI. He isn't a big power threat but gets on base and plays very good defence. The Jays don't necessarily see him as an everyday outfielder but he could be a valuable defensive replacement and left handed pinch hitter off the bench. He will start the 2014 season in AAA Las Vegas. 2014 Toronto Blue Jays 25 Man Roster Starting Pitchers The Blue Jays starting rotation has to be considered one of the best in the majors. Its headlined by SP Felix Hernandez who is one of the best pitchers in baseball right now. Following Hernandez will be 26 yearold lefty SP Chris Sale, sale is staring to round into form and is the only lefty in the Jays starting 5. The #3 spot in the rotation will be manned by SP Ricky Nolasco who finally had a full healthy season with the Jays in 2013. The 31 yearold started 32 games for the Jays in 2013 after appearing in just 16 for the Marlins in 2012. The 4th and 5th spots in the rotation will go to a pair of rookies. SP Bruce Ratzlaff a 25 yearold University of Arizona product won the competiton for the last spot in the Jays rotation and will make his big league debut, he earned the spot in the spring by going 4-0 with a 2.36 ERA in 5 starts. Finally SP Andy Beatty the 2013 Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year for AAA Salt Lake City, who was aquired from the Angels in the offseason will be the Jays #5 starter. The Bullpen The Jays had a lot of competition for the 7 spots in their opening day bullpen and when the spring was over GM Ryan Stewart was very happy with the way it shaped up. The Jays will have MR Phillipe Aumont, who was a Rule V Pick from the St. Louis Cardinals, MR Yasuka Nakayama an International Free Agent Signing out of Japan, MR Antonio Bastardo the only lefty in the pen and who is finally back to 100% health after missing most of the 2013 season and MR Donnie Elliott will make up the core of the middle innings relievers. At the back end of the pen CL Eduardo Sanchez will return as the teams closer after saving 27 games in 2013. The set up men will be MR Sergio Santos who was aquired off waivers from the White Sox in 2013 and who just inked a 5 year extension with the Jays in the offseason and MR Vincent Urbina a hard throwing righty who was signed as an International Free Agent out of Puerto Rico in 2013. Position Players Catchers The Jays will have C J.P. Arencibia as their opening day catcher this year. Arencibia has a penchent for hitting homeruns belting 36 in 2013, but that is about it. He hit just .221 last season. He is decent defenisvely and his offence is enough to balance out his offensive short comings. The Jays signed veteran back up C Chris Stewart who spent the entire 2013 season in AAA Fresno to spell Arencibia here and there and to provide a very good defensive option in the later innings. First Base With the loss of 1B Adam Lind to the Yankees as a free agent the Jays will hand the fulltime reigns to 1B David Cooper. Cooper hit 27 HR and drove in 87 RBI last season and is a capable defender at first. He was the teams primary DH last season a spot which will now be filled by comittee. Second Base 2B Adeiny Hechevarria took over as the teams everyday second baseman last season after the departure of 2B Aaron Hill. He struggled to the tune of a .227 batting average and that forced the Jays to look elsewhere for a second base option. One of the Jays two big offseason aquisitions was 2B Gordan Beckham from the Chicago White Sox. Beckham has struggled in Chicago and not lived up to the hype that surrounded him when he was drafted. The Jays are hoping that a change of scenery will do him good and he will be able to solidify the second base position for the Jays. Short Stop The Jays also had a glaring hole at short after their starting SS Yunel Escobar signed with the Yankees as a free agent. This hole the Jays have filled from with in however, as they plan to have their top pick from the 2011 First Year Player Draft SS Gary Cunningham take over as the teams everyday shortstop. Cunningham was originally drafted as a thridbaseman with the 18th pick in the 2011 draft out of long beach state but moved to short in the low minors. He has excelled and put up big numbers at every level. The Jays believe he has middle of the order potential and are excited to see what he can do at the MLB Level. Third Base The hot corner is solidified for Toronto as they are able to pencil in the reigning 2013 American League MVP's name everday. 3B Brett Lawrie had a monster season in 2013 emerging as one of the premier threats in the American League. It was a bit of a suprise to have him take home AL MVP honours in 2013 but the Jays were delighted when it was announced. Outfield The Jays outfield will have a bit of a different look this year with the addition of LF Rick Harris who was aquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels. He joins an outfield that will consist of CF Colby Rasmus who had another great season for Toronto in 2013 and RF Travis Snider/RF Jose Bautista. The Jays in effect have 4 players for three spots, Harris and Rasmus are very good defenders and will be out there every day for the Jays and Snider and Bautista will also both play everyday but they will also split duties as the designated hitter. All in all the Jays have a very sound all around outfield and that could help out some of the Jays young pitchers this season. The Bench The Jays will carry 5 players on their bench this year. C Chris Stewart will be the back up catcher, 2B Adeiny Hechavarria can play all of the infield positions and very well and will be able to give the Jays infielders much needed rest through out the year. The Jays will also have 3B Nieuman Romero on the bench. Romero is a valuable switch hitting utility infielder who can also play multiple positions. Rounding out the bench will be LF Eric Thames who could be an everyday outfielder on some teams but is relegated to the bench with the Jays deep outfield and RF Moises Sierra who is very strong defensively with a cannon for an arm from the outfield. Up Next: the 2014 Regular Season Gets Underway!

01-27-2012, 02:06 PM	#64 (permalink)
ryan008 All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 1,906 Thanks: 9 Thanked 27x in 18 posts	Jays in 4th Place in East After Struggling in April May 1st, 2014 April was a bit of a struggle for the Jays as they could not find any sort of consistancey. The Jays began the month dropping two of three to the Boston Red Sox and then pretty much played .500 ball the rest of the month finishing with a record of 11-13. Their record puts them in 4th place in the East trailing the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays who are 14-10 and have a 3 game lead over the Jays. Some of the Jays young players may have been a little shell shocked in their first taste of Major League life, SP Bruce Ratzlaff and LF Richard Harris both had tough months but were starting to show signs of life just as the calender flipped over to May. One player who made the most of his debut was SS Gary Cunningham who hit .309 with 2 HR and 17 RBI. April American League East Standings Baltimore Orioles - 14-10 Tampa Bay Rays - 14-10 New York Yankees - 12-12 (2 GB) Toronto Blue Jays - 11-13 (3 GB) Boston Red Sox - 11-14 (3 1/2 GB) April American League Wild Card Standings Los Angeles Angels - 15-10 Baltimore Orioles - 14-10 (1/2 GB) Seattle Mariners - 13-13 (2 GB) New York Yankees - 12-12 (2 1/2 GB) Toronto Blue Jays - 11-13 (3 1/2 GB) April's Hot Players SP Felix Hernandez - 2-1 3.13 ERA SP Ricky Nolasco - 3-1 2.20 ERA MR Vincente Urbina - 0-1 1.17 ERA MR Phillipe Aumont - 0-0 0.00 ERA (6 Games) C J.P. Arencibia - .367 3 HR 7 RBI 3B Brett Lawrie - .333 3 HR 17 RBI 1B David Cooper - .329 5 HR 17 RBI SS Gary Cunningham - .309 2 HR 17 RBI April's Cold Players SP Bruce Ratzlaff - 1-4 4.38 ERA SP Chris Sale - 1-3 4.08 ERA MR Sergio Santos - 2-0 6.86 ERA MR Daniel Bard - 0-0 8.10 ERA RF Travis Snider - .222 3 HR 7 RBI CF Colby Rasmus - .228 6 HR 14 RBI LF Rick Harris - .230 2 HR 13 RBI April News & Transactions Injuries The Jays lost a single player to an injury that would require a stay on the disabled list during April. C Chris Stewart who was signed as a free agent in the offseason suffered an oblique strain and is expected to miss the next three weeks. He was hitting .273 with 0 HR and 2 RBI and was placed on the 15 day disabled list. The Jays recalled C Sean Ochinko from AAA Las Vegas to take over as the backup. Awards The Blue Jays had a pair of players in their organization rewarded for their performances in April. In AA New Hampshire 1B Robert Weber (2nd Round Pick 108th Overall in 2012, Penn State University, NCAA) was named the Eastern League Batter of the Month after hitting .330 with 7 HR and driving in 21 RBI. In the Florida State League C Warner Ames (4th Round Pick 171st Overall in 2012, University of Louisville, NCAA) was named the Batter of the Month after hitting .468 with 4 HR and driving in 25 runs for the Dunedin Blue Jays. Around the Majors 1B Miguel Cabrerra of the Detroit Tigers got his 2000th career base hit, a double in a game against the Cleveland Indians.

01-27-2012, 02:55 PM	#65 (permalink)
ryan008 All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 1,906 Thanks: 9 Thanked 27x in 18 posts	Blue Jays Hitting their Stride in May, Back Above .500 June 1st, 2014 The Blue Jays bounced back from a dissapointing start to the season with a record of 16-13 in May and have managed to get above .500 at 27-26 for the first time in 2014. They also gained one spot in the American League East Standings leap frogging the New York Yankees into 3rd in the East. They still trail the division leading Rays by 3 games and are 2 back of the second place Baltimore Orioles. In the American League Wild Card race the Texas Rangers have a 6 game lead on the 5th place Jays. Heading into the Summer months the Jays have significant groubd to make up on both fronts. May American League East Standings Tampa Bay Rays - 30-23 Baltimore Orioles - 28-24 (1 GB) Toronto Blue Jays - 27-26 (3 GB) Boston Red Sox - 27-26 (3 GB) New York Yankees - 27-27 (3 1/2 GB) May American League Wild Card Standings Texas Rangers - 33-20 Los Angeles Angels - 33-20 Baltimore Orioles - 29-24 (4 GB) Cleveland Indians - 28-24 (4 1/2 GB) Toronto Blue Jays - 27-26 (6 GB) May's Hot Players SP Felix Hernandez - 3-1 2.76 ERA SP Andy Beatty - 3-2 2.63 ERA SP Ricky Nolasco - 3-2 4.17 ERA SP Bruce Ratzlaff - 3-2 1.12 ERA MR Donnie Elliott - 0-0 1 SV 2.08 ERA MR Phillipe Aumont - 0-0 2.45 ERA CL Eduardo Sanchez - 0-1 7 SV 2.31 ERA SS Gary Cunningham - .364 3 HR 13 RBI 3B Brett Lawrie - .360 6 HR 28 RBI RF Jose Bautista - .348 7 HR 23 RBI LF Rick Harris - .303 1 HR 7 RBI 1B David Cooper - .270 4 HR 10 RBI May's Cold Players SP Chris Sale - 2-3 4.63 ERA MR Vincente Urbina - 0-0 9.00 ERA MR Sergio Santos - 0-2 7.50 ERA C J.P. Arencibia - .148 4 HR 10 RBI LF Eric Thames - .217 3 HR 13 RBI May News & Transactions Injuries May was not as kind to the Jays on the injury front as they were forced to place both CF Colby Rasmus and MR Antonio Bastardo on the injured reserve list. CF Colby Rasmus will miss the next 5 weeks after straining his PCL. He was hitting .252 with 7 HR and had driven in 16 runs. He was placed on the 15 day disabled list and the Jays recalled RF Moises Sierra who was hitting .330 with 4 HR and driven in 18 runs from AAA Las Vegas. This marks the second time in two years that the Jays will be forced to place MR Antonio Bastardo on the 60 day disabled list. The veteran lefty is suffering from shoulder inflammation and will miss the next 4-5 months. He was 1-0 with a 5.65 ERA this season. The Jays recalled MR Donnie Elliott who is 1-0 with 13 saves and has a sparkling 1.13 ERA in AAA Las Vegas. The 28 yearold has been a complete bust for the Jays since being aquired from the Phillies in 2012 and with his injury leaves the bullpen without a left handed option. Free Agent Signing The Jays signed 29 yearold SP Yovani Gallardo to a 1 year $9,000,000 contract. Gallardo is currently out for another month after having Tommy John surgery to repare a torn UCL. He last pitched for the Brewers in 2013 going 10-5 with a 3.74 ERA walking 27 and striking out 106. GM Ryan Stewart on the signing "We saw an oppertunity to add a veteran arm at little cost to us besides a monetary commitment. We've seen some of our young arms in the rotation struggle a bit and Gallardo has a big league track record. He could be a good addition down the stretch as a veteran, stable presence in the rotation" He will still be at least two months away as he will start a rehab program after he is fully healed from his operation in about a month. Around the Majors Former Blue Jays SP Roy Halladay of the Philedelphia Phillies earned his 200th career victory in a 5-1 7 inning performance against the New York Mets.

02-01-2012, 11:34 AM	#67 (permalink)
ryan008 All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 1,906 Thanks: 9 Thanked 27x in 18 posts	Pirates Select Highschool SP Mike Stephens With First Overall Pick June 15th, 2014 The Pittsburgh Pirates made the first overall selection in the 2014 First Year player draft taking 19 yearold SP Mike Stephens out of Paulding Highschool in the United States Highschool Baseball Association. The selection of Stephens suprised a lot of people as he was not ranked in the pre-draft top 10 according to Baseball America. Pittsburgh really liked the 6'0" 225lb righty who features a 95-97 MPH fastball and 3 other very good offerings, a curveball, slider and changeup. He was 5-2 with a 2.91 ERA with just 4 BB ad 67 strikeouts this season. Stephens has the potential to be a #1 starter in the league but is going to cost the Pirates to sign him away from an NCAA scholarship. His bonus demands have been reported to be i the $7,000,000 range. GM Ryan Stewart and the Jays scouting staff will have 3 extra selections this year. They received a compensation 1st round selection (#32nd overall) from the Yankees as a Supplemental 1st Round selection #51st overall when free agent SS Yunel Escobar signed with New York this offseason. The Jays also received a supplemental first round pick (#66 overall) when 1B Adam Lind signed with the Yankees. Toronto could have had an additional supplemental first yound selection for Type B free agent CL Matt Lindstrom but he has still yet to sign with a club and remains a free agent. Blue Jays Draft Picks 1st Round 28st overall The Blue Jays used their own 1st round pick at #28 overall to select 19 yearold SP Juan Ortega, a right handed pitcher out of Gloucester Highschool in the USHSBA. The 6'3" 210 lb righty features a 90-92 MPH fastball as well as a sinker, slider and curveball. He was 3-4 with a 3.10 ERA with just 7 walks against 78 strikeouts. He was a 2013 USHSBA Allstar. The Blue Jays scouting staff believe he has the ability to add a little more velocity as he grows and matures and with his pin point control could be a front line starting pitcher. He is still very raw and going to take a while to develop, and with the depth of the Jays system there is no reason to rush him. He is looking for a slot signing bonus of $1,340,000. 1st Round 32nd overall (From New York for SS Yunel Escobar) The Blue Jays used the pick that they received for the loss of SS Yunel Escobar to select 19 yearold 3B Alfredo Lugo out of Dillion Highschool in the USHSBA. Lugo stands just 5'9" and weighs in at 195 lbs. He appeared in just 1 game in 2014 going 1-5 before missing the remainder of the season with a shoulder issue. He is a 2 time USHSBA Allstar (2013 & 2011) and when healthy has the potential to be an impact player both offensively and defensively at the hot corner. He won't hit a ton of homeruns but still has enough power to be considered a threat. He has a very discerning eye at the plate and is not affraid to take a walk. He is a bit of a risk health wise for the Jays but could be a steal if he can remain healthy. He is looking for a slot signing bonus of $1,270,000. Supplemental 1st Round 51st overall (For 1B Adam Lind) With the first of two supplemental first round selections the Jays selected SP Horace Toy, a 22 yearold hard throwing lefty out of UAB in the NCAA. GM Ryan Stewart was very pleased to have Toy availiable at 51 as he was a player the Jays were considering taking with the 32nd overall selection. Toy is a big, strong, durable arm standing 6'5" and 255 lbs. He throws a hard 95-97 MPH sinking fastball as well as a curve and slider. In 2014 he went 4-2 with a 1.05 ERA with 12 BB and 114 strikeouts for the Blazers and was an NCAA Allstar. Scouts seem to be split on his potential with many believeing he is a back end of the rotation arm. The Jays see him as a future #2 or 3 and possibly higher. He is also looking for a slot bonus of $1,060,000 and should be an easy sign for Toronto. Supplemental 1st Round 66th overall (for SS Yunel Escobar) With their 2nd supplemental Supplemental 1st Round 78th overall GM Ryan Stewart used the second of two supplemental first round picks to take SS Oscar Vogel a 19 yearold out of Whetstone Highschool in the USHSBA. Vogel had a huge year in 2014 hitting .428 with 6 homeruns and driving in 40 runs and was named a 2014 USHSBA Allstar. He has a well rounded all around game and has the potentail to be an everyday player at the MPB level. He also is looking for a slot signing bonus of $900,000 and should be an easy player for the Jays to sign. 2nd Round 104th Overall In the second round the Jays took another young pitcher in 19 yearold SP Andrew Anderson. Anderson, a 6'0" 205 lb righty throws five pitches. His best is a 93-95 MPH sinking fastball that he compliments with a slider, curve, splitfinger and forkball. He was 4-3 with a 2.74 ERA with 10 walks and 37 strikeouts for Park Hills Highschool in the USHSBA. He has mid rotation potential but needs to sharpen his control in the professional ranks. The Jays scouts believe he has the potential to grow and add a few more mph to his fastball and that could push him to a possible #2 starter at the MLB level. Like most higschool pitchers though he is a long way away. He is looking for a $430,000 signing bonus and is a more difficult sign as he has a few NCAA offers on the table. 3rd Round 128th Overall In the 3rd round the Jays selected speedy, defensive minded CF Alfredo Chavez out of Miami Springs Highschool in the USHSBA. Chavez is easily one of the better defensive outfielders in the draft possessing plus-plus range, speed and arm. On the basepaths he has tremendous stealing ability and rarely gets caught. Getting onbase has been the issue for him though. His bat at the moment is below average. Hitting just .259 with 4 HR and 12 RBI in his senior season he fell down draft boards and the Jays were able to land him in the 3rd round. The Jays scouting department had him ranked much higher and were happy to take a chance on him with a 3rd round pick. If he can work on his hitting in Bluefield he has the potential to be an Allstar Calibre leadoff mad in the majors, if not he grades out at the defensive replacement/bench level. He is asking for $270,000 (Slot) and is anxious to get his pro career going. 4th Round 166th Overall With their 4th round selection the Jays took 19 yearold SP Kevin Little a righty out of Georgetown Highschool in the USHSBA. Little has the body of a power pitcher standing 6'3" and weighing in at 190 lbs but he only throws in the 90-92 MPH range at the moment with his fastball. He also has a curveball, changeup, slider and forkball. He has a good assortment of pitches but none of them are above average at the moment. At just 190 lbs though he is a very lanky kid whom the Jays can definately see adding velocity as he matures. In 2014 he was 1-3 with a 3.76 ERA with 10 BB and 42 strikeouts. The Jays scouting staff see him as a back end of the rotation arm who is durable and can give the team 200 innings a season. He is looking for a slot signing bonus of $190,000 and should be an easy sign for the Jays. 5th Round 201st Overall With thier 5th round pick the Jays went with a player whose bonus demands likely dropped him out of the first few rounds in 2B Pedro Acosta a 19 yearold right handed batter out of Fairview Highschool in the USHSBA. Acosta has end of the first round talent but was still availiablein the 5th round most likely due to signing bonus issues and a strong commitment to play NCAA baseball next year. He hit .438 with 9 HR and drove in 26 runs in his senior season and was a USHSBA Allstar for the second time. His claim to fame is definately his bat, with good power to all fields and a very good eye. Defensively he is about average but that is easily overlooked by his prominance with the bat. He is rumured to be looking for a $1,680,000 (slot is $150,000) signing bonus that is well above slot for a 5th round pick. Rounds 6-30 Picks 6 - SP Ed Lillie (22, RHP) - Boston College, NCAA 7 - 3B Robert McKay (19, RHB) - New Preston Highschool, USHSBA 8 - CL Dan Gibbons (19, RHP) - Friendship Highschool, USHSBA 9 - CL Edgar Massey (22, LHP) - Cal State Fullerton, NCAA 10 - SP John Baker (19, LHP) - Hollywood Park Highschool, USHSBA 11 - C Oscar Peerson (19, S) - West Branch Highschool, USHSBA 12 - SS Stanley Hanson (22, S) - University of California, NCAA 13 - SP Jose Wuinones (19, LHP) - Hattiesburgh Highschool, USHSBA 14 - SP Mike Randall (22, LHP) - University of Maryland, NCAA 15 - SP Nick Kennedy (19, LHP) - Dillon Highschool, USHSBA 16 - CL Bill O'Neal (22, RHP) - St. John's University, NCAA 17 - CL Doyle Boyd (22, RHP) - Stanford University, NCAA 18 - CL Brian Corbin (19, LHP) - Incline Village-Crystal Bay Highschool, USHSBA 19 - RF Gorzaio Villareal (19, LHB) - Levittown Highschool, USHSBA 20 - LF Geoffrey Quinney (19, LHB) - Castledale Highschool, USHSBA 21 - RF Bob McIntyre (22, LHB) - Dartmouth University, NCAA 22 - 3B Bradley Wagner (22, S) - University of Houston, NCAA 23 - C Raul Gonzalez (19, RHB) - Cheste Highschool, USHSBA 24 - SS Don Gustafson (22, S) - Long Beach State, NCAA 25 - CF Joseph Williams (22, RHB) - UC Davies, NCAA 26 - SP Brett Holloway (22, LHP) - University of Oregon, NCAA 27 - MR Javier Camacho (22, LHP) - Louisiana Tech University, NCAA 28 - CL Matt Dugan (22, LHP) - Cornell University, NCAA 29 - SP William Shaw (19, RHP) - Country Club Estates Highschool, USHSBA 30 - SP Henry Elstad (19, RHP) - Poseyville Highschool, USHSBA Up Next: June 2014 Update

02-01-2012, 02:06 PM	#68 (permalink)
ryan008 All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 1,906 Thanks: 9 Thanked 27x in 18 posts	Blue Jays Surge into First Place in American League East - 4 1/2 Game Lead on Tampa July 1st, 2014 The Toronto Blue Jays are tops in the American League East after putting together a very strong month of baseball in June. They would go 20-5 in June and that would vault them into top spot in the AL East 4 1/2 games up on the second place Tampa Bay Rays. The Jays improved their overall record to 47-31 and find themselves 16 games over .500 for the first time in years and if they can maintain this pace will make it back to the post season after missing out on October baseball in 2013. This month was all about pitching for the Jays and their starters were a key component of their 20-5 record. SP Bruce Ratzlaff, SP Felix Hernandez, SP Ricky Nolasco and SP Chris Sale combined to go 13-2 over the month of June and pitched an average of 7.2 innings per game. The fact that the Jays starters have been able to pitch deep into games has allowed a bullpen that was taxed early in the season to get rested and they have responded by lowering their team ERA to 3.27 which is third in the league behind Colorado (3.15) and Los Angeles Angels (3.22). June American League East Standings Toronto Blue Jays - 47-31 Tampa Bay Rays - 43-36 (4 1/2 GB) Baltimore Orioles - 42-37 (5 GB) Boston Red Sox - 38-42 (10 GB) New York Yankees - 36-43 (11 1'2 GB) June's Hot Players SP Bruce Ratzlaff - 4-1 2.35 ERA SP Felix Hernandez - 3-1 3.41 ERA SP Ricky Nolasco - 3-0 4.19 ERA SP Chris Sale - 3-0 4.05 ERA MR Phillipe Aumont - 0-0 1.69 ERA MR Sergio Santos - 1-0 2 SV 1.17 ERA CL Eduardo Sanchez - 2-0 6 SV 2.61 ERA 3B Brett Lawrie - .390 11 HR 31 RBI SS Gary Cunningham - .329 5 HR 18 RBI 2B Gordon Beckham - .333 6 HR 20 RBI LF Rick Harris - .299 3 HR 8 RBI DH Jose Bautista - .290 10 HR 28 RBI June's Cold Players SP Andy Beatty - 1-2 5.65 ERA MR Vincente Urbina - 0-1 16.88 ERA MR Yatsuka Nakayama - 3-0 7.94 ERA C J.P. Arencibia - .215 5 HR 16 RBI 1B David Cooper - .247 3 HR 13 RBI June News & Transactions Draft Signings After the 2014 First Year Player Draft the real work began for GM Ryan Stewart as they had to get a number of signing bonuses worked out before the players they selected could be assigned to teams. The Jays would end up spending a total of $9,410,000 for their draft class and they were able to get everyone they drafted signed. They would end up going over slot on a number of players including 66th overall pick SS Oscar Vogel who signed for $1,040,000 (slot was $900,000), 2nd round Pick SP Andrew Anderson signed for $570,000 (slot was $430,000) and CF Alfredo Chavez signed for $430,000 which was significantly more than the $270,000 slot figure. The Jays two biggest overslot deals came in the 5th and 8th round as they signed 2B Pedro Acosta (5th Round pick 201st overall) for $1,680,000 which is 10x more than the slot figure of $150,000 for the 201st overall pick. In the 8th round the Jays signed CL Dan Gibbons for a signing bonus of $1,800,000. The Jays complete list of draft signings was: 1st Round 28th Overall - SP Juan Ortega (Gloucester Highschool) - $1,340,000 1st Round 32nd Overall - 3B Alfredo Lopez (Dillon Highschool) - $1,270,000 Supp. 1st Round 51st Overall - SP Horace Toy (UAB, NCAA) - $1,040,000 Supp. 1st Round 66th Overall - SS Oscar Vogel (Whetstone Highschool) - $1,040,000 2nd Round Pick 104th Overall - SP Andrew Anderson (Park Hills Highschool) - $570,000 3rd Round Pick 138th Overall - CF Alfredo Chavez (Miami Springs Highschool) - $430,000 4th Roound Pick 166th Overall - SP Kevin Little (Georgetown Highschool) - $240,000 5th Round Pick 201st Overall - 2B Pedro Acosta (Fairview Highschool) - $1,680,000 8th Round Pick 291st Oveall - CL Dan Gibbons (Friendship Highschool) - $1,800,000 Awards Despite the pitchers getting most of the attention for the Jays during the month of June two of the Jays batters had tremendous months and they were rewarded by being named the American League Batter and Rookie of the Month for June. 3B Brett Lawrie belted his way to a .390 average with 11 HR and drove in 31 runs in June and was well deserving of the AL Player of the Month Award. Not to be outdone the Jays rookie SS Gary Cunningham who is having a great rookie season hit .329 with 5 HR and drove in 18 runs and took home the AL Rookie of the Month Award.

02-02-2012, 02:54 PM	#69 (permalink)
ryan008 All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 1,906 Thanks: 9 Thanked 27x in 18 posts	Blue Jays Top 20 Prospects With the 2014 MLB draft now in the books, Baseball America Has released its rankings of each of the 30 MLB teams farm systems. The Blue Jays are currently ranked 3rd in the Majors behind the Seattle Mariners and the Chicago Cubs. The fact that the Jays system has moved up so far in the rankings is a testiment to the teams increased efforts in scouting both domestically and Internationally and the teams ability to make good decisions in the First Year Player Draft. The following is a overview of the Jays top 20 ranked players according to Baseball America. #1 - SP Yosune Matsumoto Age: 20 Throws: RHP Velocity: 98-100 MPH Height: 6'6" Weight: 240 lbs BA Rank: #2 Aquired: Signed as an International Free Agent (Japan) in 2011 by Arizona. Traded by the Diamondbacks to Toronto in 2011. 2014 Stats: 4-0 1.76 ERA 11 BB 52 K (S.A. Vancouver) Comments: Matsumoto is a big durable righty who has so far dominated in the low minors since being traded to Toronto from the Diamondbacks. He took home the Applachian League Pitcher of the Year Award in 2013 for Bluefield and is ontract to be an Allstar with Vancouver this season. He has the potential to be a #1 starter at the MLB level and despite being 20 could move quickly through the minors once he reaches full season ball in 2015. #2 - RF Ayres Alo Age: 19 Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6'0" Weight: 200 lbs BA Rank: #19 Aquired: Signed as an International Free Agent (Venezuela) in 2013 by Baltimore. Traded by the Orioles to Toronto in 2013. 2014 Stats: .262 5 HR 18 RBI (RL Bluefield) Comments: Alo was aquired this offseason from the Orioles and immediately became one of the Jays best prospects. He is pretty much all bat with the ability to hit for a high average and power to all fields. He has a little troube with discipline and tends to swing at some bad pitches but these are all things he will work on as he works his way up the Jays minor league ladder. Defensively he has below average range but a very strong throwing arm. He may end up moving to right or even DH. His bat will definately get him to the Majors but it could be a while as he is very raw and just 19. #3 - LF Jose Delgado Age: 20 Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6'0" Weight: 150 lbs BA Rank: #44 Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the Supplemental 1st Round 39th Overall in 2013 out of Kahoka Highschool USHSBA. Signed for $4,530,000. 2014 Stats: .248 2 HR 10 RBI (RL Bluefield) Comments: The Blue Jays took Delgado in the Supplemental First Round in 2013 and then gave him a signing bonus equivalent to a top 10 pick. He was signed away from an NCAA commitment and is now one of the Jays top prospects. Delgado is a lot like the Jays #2 prospect RF Ayres Alo just much better defensively and a little less pop in his bat. At just 150 lbs the Jays are hoping he will bulk up and his power potential will mature. He definately has the potential to be an everyday outfielder at the MLB level, but is a long way from making it to the Majors. #4 - SP Rodney Jordan Age: 25 Throws: LHP Velocity: 99-101 MPH Height: 6'4" Weight: 205 lbs BA Rank: #83 Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 4th Round 108th Overall in 2011 out of the University of Texas, NCAA. Signed for $290,000. 2014 Stats: 8-8 2.97 ERA 69 BB 164 K's (AAA Las Vegas) Comments: A hard throwing lefty who is opne step away from breaking into the Jays starting rotation. He features a 99-101 MPH fastball and a slider and splitter. At 6'4" he creates a nice downward plane on his pitches and has drastically improved his control over the past few seasons. The Jays believe he has middle of the rotation potential and should see time in Toronto as a September callup this season. #5 - 3B Kellen Sweeney Age: 22 Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6'0" Weight: 180 lbs BA Rank: #84 Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in 2010. 2014 Stats: .319 23 HR 79 RBI (Low A Lansing) Comments: Sweeney has quietly emerged as one of the Jays better prospects and his skills have been on full display with the Lugnuts in the Midwestern League this season. He leads the team in just about every offensive category and was a Mid Western Leage Allstar. He doesn't really jump off the page at you but he gets the job done offensively and defensively. At 22 he may be a little old for A ball and the Jays will be keeping an eye on him to see if he can translate his numbers to the more difficult AA loop. He could see time in Toronto very soon if he can continue to develop on this track. #6 - C Jim Sellers Age: 21 Bats: L Throws: R Height: 5'11" Weight: 195 lbs BA Rank: #93 Aquired: Drafted by Baltimore in the 1st Round 20th Overall in 2012 out of Ridgetop Highschool USHSBA. Signed for $1,700,000. Traded to Toronto in 2013. 2014 Stats: .283 7 HR 48 RBI (Low A Lansing) Comments: Sellers was the centerpiece of an offseason deal with the Orioles that send 3B Balbino Fuenmayor to Baltimore. He is an offensive catcher much like C Matt Wieters in Baltimore. He possesses a well rounded game both offensively and behind the plate and the Jays believe he is their catcher of the future and a potential Allstar. At 21 he is likely at least a year or two from pusing for the big league starting catchers job. #7 - SP Luis Ovies Age: 20 Throws: RHP Velocity: 97-99 MPH Height: 6'4" Weight: 240 lbs BA Rank: #97 Aquired: Signed as an International Free Agent (Columbia) by Toronto in 2013 to a Minor League Contract. 2014 Stats: 1-1 5.54 ERA 16 BB 35 K's (S.A. Vancouver) Comments: Ovies signed late in 2013 and didn't pitch for any of the Jays affiliates. They decided to challenge the hard throwing 20 yearold by starting him with Vancouver in the Northwestern League. He has pitched pretty well to date but has had his struggles with command. He throws 4 pitches and is another big durable arm for the Jays. He has top of the rotation potential but is also a long way from reaching it. #8 - RF Manuel Ramirez Age: 20 Bats: L Throws: L Height: 6'0" Weight: 214 lbs BA Rank: Not Ranked Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 1st Round 21st Overall in 2013 out of Cardiz Highschool USHSBA. Signed for $1,700,000. 2014 Stats: .259 2 HR 18 RBI (RL Bluefield) Comments: Another very talented young outfielder in the Jays system. He is a fringe 5 tool prospect (his power is just slightly above average). Defensively there should be no issues with him playing in a major league outfield and offensively he has a very patient approach at the plate. With his fellow outfielders Alo and Delgado in Bluefield the Jays could have a packed outfield situation in the next few years. #9 - MR Ivan Alvarez Age: 19 Throws: RHP Velocity: 99-101 MPH Height: 6'6" Weight: 220 lbs BA Rank: Not Ranked Aquired: Signed as an International Free Agent (Costa Rica) by Toronto in 2013 to a Minor League Contract. 2014 Stats: 4-2 1 SV 2.48 ERA 6 BB 32 K's (RL Dunedin) Comments: The 19 yearold Alvarez has simply overmatched his opponents at Dunedin this year and has emerged as the Jays top relief prospect. He has very good velocity already and a big pitchers frame. He has been used in a set up role so far but the Jays feel he has closers stuff and as he moves forward they will likely push him to the back of the bullpen to see what he can do with the game on the line. #10 - 1B Robert Weber Age: 24 Bats: L Throws: L Height: 6'7" Weight: 214 lbs BA Rank: Not Ranked Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 2nd Round 109th Overall in 2012 out of Penn State University, NCAA. Signed for $440,000. 2014 Stats: .306 26 HR 80 RNI (AA New Hampshire) Comments: Weber easily has the most power potential of anyone in the Jays system that he generates out of his massive 6'7" frame. He has been one of the best players for the Fishercats this season and got the nod as an Eastern League Allstar. He is not far from making his debut with the Jays and could even be considered for a September callup this season. He has a very well rounded game and should be an everyday firstbaseman at the MLB level. #11 - RF Mitch Craft Age: 24 Bats: L Throws: R Height: 6'1" Weight: 190 lbs BA Rank: Not Ranked Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 5th Round 201st Overall in 2012 out of North Western University, NCAA. Signed for $150,000. 2014 Stats: .310 18 HR 58 RBI (Low A Lansing) Comments: Craft kind of gets burried with the number of highly touted outfielders in the Jays system. He doesn't have the ceiling as some of his younger counterparts but is a legitimate prospect none the less. He has tremendous power and a very good approach at the plate. Defensively he is above average and has a good arm. He suffered some injuries that delayed his ascention through the minors and being a 24 yearold in A Ball is not where the Jays would like him to be. He should move up soon and the Jays feel he should at least be a decent bat off the bench for them. #12 - LF Teddy Reed Age: 23 Bats: S Throws: R Height: 6'1" Weight: 160 lbs BA Rank: Not Ranked Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 2nd Round 114th Overall in 2013 out of The University of San Francisco, NCAA. Signed for $380,000. 2014 Stats: .281 11 HR 53 RBI (Low A Lansing) Comments: Reed is yet another talented young outfielder who is finally coming into his own in A Ball after struggling in rookie ball last season. He has the potential to be an everyday outfielder and can play all 3 outfield positions very well. He has taken a big step forward this season and the Jays see him moving very quickly over hte next year or two. #13 - CL Paul Copeland Age: 23 Throws: LHP Velocity: 94-96 MPH Height: 5'11" Weight: 205 lbs BA Rank: Not Ranked Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 8th Round 295th Overall in 2013 out of Florida State, NCAA. 2014 Stats: 1-4 21 SV 2.61 ERA 10 BB 32 K's (Low A Lansing) Comments: Copeland is having a very good season in Lansing and was a Mid Western league Allstar. He is very close to being moved to AA New Hampshire and could be considered for the Jays bullpen as early as 2015. He has the arsenal and control to be a closer and has been touted by many as the Jays closer of the future. #14 - 3B Art Water Age: 20 Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6'1" Weight: 160 lbs BA Rank: Not Ranked Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the Supplemental 1st Round 54th Overall in 2013 out of Mineville-Witherbee Highschool, USHSBA. Signed for $1,030,000 2014 Stats: .319 9 HR 57 RBI (Low A Lansing) Comments: Another prospect from a stacked lansing team. Water has really emerged this season and has begun to find his power stroke with 9 homeruns already. He has all the tools to stick at the hot corner and could be an Allstar with his skill set. Look for him to move up this list quickly over the next few seasons. #15 - SP Richard Barrett Age: 25 Throws: LHP Velocity: 96-98 MPH Height: 6'4" Weight: 220 lbs BA Rank: Not Ranked Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 3rd Round 78th Overall in 2011 out of the Army Acadamy, NCAA. Signed for $480,000. 2014 Stats: 4-2 2.80 ERA 34 BB 88 K's (AAA Las Vegas) Comments: Barrett would likely rank much higher on this list if it wasn't for the rash of injuries he has suffered over the last few seasons. He is currently on the shelf for the next 5 months with a shoulder injury. Once thought to be one of the Jays top pitching prospects his stock has dropped quite a bit. He still has potential but is going to need to get healthy and stay healthy for a significant period to really be a consideration for the Jays. #16 - RF Rajko Perisic Age: 20 Bats: L Throws: R Height: 6'5" Weight: 185 lbs BA Rank: Not Ranked Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 1st Round 32nd Overall in 2013 out of Jefferson Highschool, USHSBA. Signed for $1,910,000. 2014 Stats: .285 2 HR 21 RBI (S.A. Vancouver) Comments: Yet another talented young outfielder, he has Allstar written all over him. He is a 5 tool talent and if he can fill in his 6'5" frame could be a middle of the order bat. He is still going to be a few years away and could become part of a significant log jam of outfield prospects in the Jays system, which honestly is not a bad problem to have. #17 - RF Manny Camacho Age: 20 Bats: S Throws: R Height: 5'9" Weight: 180 lbs BA Rank: Not Ranked Aquired: Signed as an International Free Agent (Mexico) by Toronto in 2012 to a Minor League Contract. 2014 Stats: .265 0 HR 2 RBI (Dunedin) Comments: Camacho was a recent International Free Agent signing out of Mexico and is by far the most raw of the Jays outfielders on this list. He does posess all of the tools to be an everyday outfielder but many of the Jays Player Development Staff have questioned his work ethic. Its hard to make a judgement on him so far as he has only had 34 professional atbats. He is a player that the Jays will be watching closely over the next few years. #18 - C Warner Ames Age: 24 Bats: L Throws: R Height: 5'10" Weight: 180 lbs BA Rank: Not Ranked Aquired: Drafted by Toronto in the 4th Round 171st Overall in 2012 out of the University of Louisville, NCAA. Signed for $210,000. 2014 Stats: .324 11 HR 58 RBI (Dunedin) Comments: Ames does everythig just above average for a catcher. He is a player who isn't flashy and really doesn't stand out much. He was a 4th round pick out of Louisville and has managed to move to the Florida State League with the Jays already. He probably isn't going to have the bat to be an everyday catcher but the Jays believe he will at least be a solid backup. Look for him to be considered for a roster spot as early as 2015. #19 - MR Jose Garcia Age: 19 Throws: RHP Velocity: 98-100 MPH Height: 6'2" Weight: 235 lbs BA Rank: Not Ranked Aquired: Signed as an International Free Agent (Venezuela) by Toronto in 2012 to a Minor League Contract. 2014 Stats: 0-1 3.38 ERA 4 BB 11 K's (GCL Blue Jays) Comments: Garcia has closer potential but only has 8 innings of pro ball under his belt. Another International Free Agent signing he is very raw at 19 and is a long way from the Majors, but is another intreguing arm to keep an eye on. #20 - MR Antonio Marroquin Age: 20 Throws: RHP Velocity: 99-101 MPH Height: 6'2" Weight: 220 lbs BA Rank: Not Ranked Aquired: Signed as an International Free Agent (Venezuela) by Toronto in 2012 to a Minor League Contract. 2014 Stats: 4-0 0.35 ERA 8 BB 35 K (S.A. Vancouver) Comments: Based on his early performance Marroquin may move up this list quickly. He has lights out stuff and very good command of his hard sinking fastball. He is still young at 20 and will likely get a promotion to full season ball in Lansing before the conclusion of the 2014 season.

02-03-2012, 11:14 AM	#70 (permalink)
ryan008 All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 1,906 Thanks: 9 Thanked 27x in 18 posts	Blue Jays Widen AL East Lead to 6 1/2 Over the Orioles August 1st, 2014 July was not as good a month for the Jays as the impressive run they went on in June but despite only posting a record of 15-11 they managed to put another two games between themselves and the second place Baltimore Orioles in the American League East. Toronto's overall record improved to 62-42 which is second best in Baseball to only the Colorado Rockies who are 67-38. Toronto moves into the last two months of the season with a comfortable lead in the AL East, but GM Ryan Stewart does not want his team to become too complacient. "We have gone been close to the end of the season before with a lead in the East or Wild Card standings and have missed the playoffs, its not a good feeling and we are doing all we can to keep this group focused. This is easily the best team that we have put on the field since I took over in 2011 and we think it has a very good chance of not only making the playoffs but competing for a World Series Title" July American League East Standings Toronto Blue Jays - 62-42 Baltimore Orioles - 59-49 (6 1/2 GB) Tampa Bay Rays - 56-50 (7 GB) New York Yankees - 54-51 (8 1/2 GB) Boston Red Sox - 50-56 (13 GB) July's Hot Players SP Ricky Nolasco - 3-0 3.75 ERA SP Bruce Ratzlaff - 3-1 2.34 ERA SP Felix Hernandez - 3-2 2.29 ERA MR Vincente Urbina - 0-0 0.00 ERA (12 Innings) MR Donnie Elliott - 0-0 0.00 ERA (9 Innings) CL Eduardo Sanchez - 1-1 8 SV 2.45 ERA 3B Brett Lawrie - .382 10 HR 33 RBI SS Gary Cunningham - .373 3 HR 10 RBI CF Colby Rasmus - .320 4 HR 11 RBI 1B David Cooper - .303 6 HR 15 RBI LF Rick Harris - .301 3 HR 16 RBI July's Cold Players SP Andy Beatty - 2-3 6.23 ERA MR Daniel Bard - 0-0 12.46 ERA MR Sergio Santos - 1-1 10.80 ERA 2B Gordan Beckham - .177 2 HR 14 RBI C J.P. Arencibia - .183 0 HR 9 RBI LF Travis Snider - .225 2 HR 11 RBI July News & Transactions Injuries The Jays will head into Sugust without their starting right fielder. RF Travis Snider suffered a forearm strain while making a defensive play in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Snider was hitting .251 with 13 HR and has driven in 44 so far this season. He was placed on the 15 day disabled list and the Jays recalled RF Moises Sierra who is hitting .317 with 7 HR and 37 RBI for AAA Las Vegas. Awards July was a good month for a number of Jays minor leaguers as four Jays prospects took home hardware as players of the month for their respective leagues. In AAA Las Vegas C Jack Murphy hit .320 with 6 HR and drove in 28 runs and was named the Pacific Coast League Batter of the Month. Also in the PCL CL Luis Gonzalez went 3-2 with a 1.68 ERA with 7 Saves 5 walks and 18 strikeouts to be named the PCL Pitcher of the Month. In Advanced A Dunedin 3B Caleb Cowart was named the Florida State League Batter of the Month after hitting .333 with 7 HR and 22 runs batted in. Finally, in the Northwestern League CL Bill O'Neal (16th Round pick, 526th Overall in 2014) went 2-1 with 10 saves and had a 2.71 ERA and was named the NWL Pitcher of the Month. International Free Agents The Jays signed a pair of International Free Agents during the month of July. The first was 18 yearold righty CL Francisco Santos, a hard throwing closer out of Mexico. They also signed Dutch SP Paddy Zegwaard, a 17 yearold lefty. Both players will report to the Jays rookie ball team in Bluefield. Around the Majors 1B Joey Votto of the Cincinatti Reds agreed to a 5 year $80,000,000 contract extension with the Reds. The 30 yearold is hitting .304 with 20 HR and 68 RBI this season. 2014 MLB Trade Deadline The Jays made a pair of deadline deals this season but neither were amied at improving the clubs immediate performance. Toronto had a pair of pitchers who were eligiable to return from the disabled list in SP Kyle Drabek and SP Yovani Gallardo whom the Jays signed to a 1 year $9,000,000 contract in May. GM Ryan Stewart "We really like the way our current rotation is pitching right now and didn't want to disrupt it. We also couldn't send either Drabek or Gallardo down to AAA as they would have to clear waivers and we could risk losing them for nothing. The only real solution was to make them availiable on the trade block and see if we could get anything in return" GM Ryan Stewart was able to work out a pair of trades. The first was a swap with the Los Angeles Dodgers who currently trail the Colorado Rockies by 7 games in the National League West. The Jays agreed to send SP Yovani Gallardo to Los Angeles in exchange for a pair of prospects in C Clay MacNeil and CL Nick Nance. Players to Los Angeles SP Yovani Gallardo is a 29 yearold righty whom the Jays signed to a 1 year deal earlier this season. He had suffered an arm injury which caused him to miss most of the 2013 season as well as half of the 2014 regular season. He had just gotten healthy in June and was out on a rehab assignment in AAA Las Vegas where he was 3-2 with a 4.39 ERA with 11 BB and 39 strikeouts in 6 starts with the 51's. He seems to be at full health and should help the Dodgers with their attempt to catch the Rockies. Players to Toronto C Clay MacNeil is a 23 yearold right handed batter who was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the 1st round 18th overall in the 2013 First Year Player Draft out of Clemson University in the NCAA. He has had a very good season in AA Chatanooga where he is hitting .314 with 12 HR and driven in 47 runs. He is very close to being MLB ready and could puch for the Jays starting job as early as next season. CL Nick Nance is a 23 yearold lefty who was a 12th round pick 399th overall in 2013 out of North Western University in the NCAA. He is 2-7 with 20 saves and a 5.44 ERA in AA Chatanooga. The Jays don't really see him as a closer at the MLB level but they believe he should be able to fill a need for them as a lefty out of the pen, something they have been lacking since MR Antonio Bastardo went down for the second time in 2 years. He is also close to MLB ready and should compete for a bullpen spot in 2015. The Jays second deal was with the Detroit Tigers. Toronto agreed to a 1 for 1 deal with Detroit that sent SP Kyle Drabek to the motor city in exchange for minor league SP Roy Shelton. Players to Detroit SP Kyle Drabek is a 26 yearold righty who was 9-12 with a 5.38 ERA 59 BB and 93 strikeouts with the Jays in 2013 before requiring Tommy John Surgery that caused him to miss the remainder of 2013 and most of 2014. He is back to 100% health and looks like he hasn't lost anything off of his 95-97 MPH fastball. Drabek still has the potential to be a top of the rotation arm, he just has fallen down the depth chard in the Jays organization and was going to have to clear waivers which was unlikely. Players to Totonto SP Roy Shelton is a 23 yearold righty who was a 1st round pick 15th overall in 2013 out of the University of Oklahoma in the NCAA. He is a big body at 6'5" and 235 lbs and is a prototypical power arm with a 96-98 MPH fastball as well as a cutter, changeup and forkball. He was 7-12 with a 3.84 ERA with 57 BB and 83 strikeouts for AA Erie this season. Since being drafted in the 1st round he has struggled with his command and has not been able to put up the kind of numbers you would expect from a player coming out of the NCAA ranks with his stuff. When he was drafted he was considered a top of the rotation arm but with his development path the way it is now he is looking more like a #4 or 5 starter. The Jays are hoping he can turn it around with some work with their minor league development people.

02-05-2012, 05:15 PM	#71 (permalink)
Springbokus Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 32 Thanks: 0 Thanked 17x in 17 posts	This is absolutely awesome mate, keep up the good work! Must be nice to see a draft pick (Cunningham) work out so well, so quickly.

02-06-2012, 03:08 PM	#73 (permalink)
ryan008 All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 1,906 Thanks: 9 Thanked 27x in 18 posts	September is Here, Jays Cruising with 12 Game AL East Lead September 1st, 2014 The Toronto Blue Jays were on fire during the month of August as they would put up a spectacular record of 22-7 which would help them increase their lead in the American League East to a total of 12 games over the second place Baltimore Orioles. The Jays two biggest performers over the month were SP Felix Hernandez who was unbeatable to the tune of a 6-0 record and a minescupe 1.06 ERA and rookie sensation SS Gary Cunningham who hit .295 with 6 Homeruns and drove in 13 runs. With their 22-7 run the Blue Jays have inproved their overall record to 84-49 which is second only to the Colorado Rockies who are 86-47. The Jays have also alloted themselves a nice cushion in the AL East but GM Ryan Stewart does not want the team to get caught looking past the last month of the season and into the playoffs "We've all seen it happen before teams lose focus and lose large leads, this team right now is fully healthy and firing on all cylinders and we need to carry that momentum into these last 30 or so games" August American League East Standings Toronto Blue Jays - 84-49 Baltimore Orioles - 72-61 (12 GB) New York Yankees - 70-64 (14 1/2 GB) Tampa Bay Rays - 68-67 (17 GB) Boston Red Sox - 60-74 (24 1/2 GB) August's Hot Players SP Felix Hernandez - 6-0 1.09 ERA SP Andy Beatty - 4-0 3.69 ERA SP Bruce Ratzlaff - 4-1 4.55 ERA SP Chris Sale - 3-1 5.72 ERA MR Daniel Bard - 0-1 2.35 ERA SS Gary Cunningham - .395 6 HR 13 RBI RF Jose Bautista - .330 7 HR 26 RBI 1B David Cooper - .322 6 HR 19 RBI 3B Brett Lawrie - .306 7 HR 21 RBI August's Cold Players MR Yatsuka Nakayama - 0-0 2 SV 5.94 ERA C J.P. Arencibia - .164 5 HR 18 BRI LF Rick Harris - .240 5 HR 13 BRI August News & Transactions Injuries The Jays will be without SP Chris Sale for the majority of September, the youngster who is 11-9 with a 4.27 ERA this year is suffering from back spasms and is expected to miss the next 3 weeks. The Jays placed him on the 15 Day Disabled list and recalled SP Deck McGuire who is 5-14 with a 4.06 ERA for AAA Las Vegas. Awards The Jays were not suprised to learn that both SP Felix Hernandez and SS Gary Cunningham would take home monthly awards after the months they put together. Hernandez was named the American League Pitcher of the Month after going 6-0 with a 1.09 ERA and Cunningham was awarded the American League Rookie of the Month award after hitting .395 with 6 HR and driving in 13. September Callups With a 12 game cushion in the American League East the Jays decided to add a number of playoffs to get some exposure to the big league team in September. Its a good chance to give the regulars an extra day off here and there and to make sure everyone is 100% healthy and rested for the Playoffs. The following players were recalled from AAA Las Vegas: SP Rodney Jordan - 11-9 3.31 ERA SP Deck McGuire - 5-14 4.06 ERA CL Jason Stoffel - 8-4 3 SV 3.41 ERA CL Anthony Zych - 5-2 2.29 ERA CF Scott Clement - .297 0 HR 13 RBI Around The Majors 1B Justin Morneau of the Chicago White Sox launched his 300th career homerun in a 5-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers. MR David Robertson of the New York Yankees agreed to a 3 year $19,500,000 contract extension. The 29 yearold is 9-0 with 1 SV and a 1.94 ERA this season. 3B Chase Headley of the San Diego Padres signed a 4 year $56,000,000 contrac extension. The 30 yearold is hitting .276 with 15 HR and driven in 51 runs this season.

02-08-2012, 07:03 AM	#74 (permalink)
BabyLemonade Minors (Single A) Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: At the gates of dawn/Greece Posts: 77 Thanks: 252 Thanked 13x in 12 posts	This must be the year for your Blue Jays..Seems all your work during the drafts &trades is paying now.. Good luck with playoffs..(World Series in sight--if your core players stay healthy..) Enjoying your dynasty a lot..Minimal writing with all interesting information included, focus on draft each year etc..Really good work..Hope you keep it up.

02-09-2012, 12:23 AM	#75 (permalink)
Austsaint Minors (Single A) Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ansan, South Korea Posts: 83 Thanks: 19 Thanked 9x in 6 posts	Great work as always, I enjoyed your earlier report. I had Chris Sale, and he can dominate, he was perhaps my best starter with the Rays. Felix was robbed, he should have got the Cy Young, though you must have lucked out for him to be a free agent, and to get him.

02-13-2012, 11:01 AM	#77 (permalink)
ryan008 All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 1,906 Thanks: 9 Thanked 27x in 18 posts	Thanks for the encouragement everyone, I'm glad your enjoying my little story. I've got more updates coming today. If there is anything you would like to see just elt me know and I can incorporate it into my story. Ryan

02-13-2012, 11:14 AM	#78 (permalink)
ryan008 All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 1,906 Thanks: 9 Thanked 27x in 18 posts	Blue Jays Finish Season with 103 Wins - Second Most in All of Baseball October 2nd, 2014 The Toronto Blue Jays are headed back to the post season. The Jays capped off an impressive season with an 11-1 pounding of the Boston Red Sox and with the victory finished with a record of 103-59. They easily took home the American League East title by a total of 19 games over the second place Baltimore Orioles. Their 103 victories was second only to the Colorado Rockies who put up 105 victories in capturing the National League West division. The New York Mets finished at the bottom of the league with a record of 61-101 and will make the first overall selection in the 2015 First Year Player Draft. Final 2014 American League East Standings Toronto - 103-59 Baltimore - 84-78 (19 GB) Tampa Bay - 83-79 (20 GB) New York Yankees - 80-82 (23 GB) Boston Red Sox - 75-87 (28 GB) 2014 American League Division Series Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (88-74)* vs Toronto Blue Jays (103-59) Texas Rangers (89-73) vs Minnesota Twins (93-69) 2014 National League Division Series Pittsburgh Pirates (88-74) vs Colorado Rockies (105-57) Arizona Diamondbacks (93-69)* vs Atlanta Braves (99-63) *Denotes league wild card winners.

02-13-2012, 01:29 PM	#79 (permalink)
ryan008 All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 1,906 Thanks: 9 Thanked 27x in 18 posts	Blue Jays Bounced in 4 Games by the Angels October 9th, 2014 The Toronto Blue Jays were left shaking their heads in disbelief as the best team in the American League was knocked off by the Los Angeles Angels in 4 games in the American League Division Series. The Angels came into the playoffs as the Wild Card winner in the AL with just 88 victories a full 15 less than the Blue Jays. GM Ryan Stewart "I can't lie we came into the post season on a high note and we had hig expectations. We have to give the Angels credit though they simply out played us this series and frankly they deserved to win. There is a silver lining though, we still have a very young team and this will be a valuable learning experience for them. Hopefully they don't forget this feeling and we can build on it for next season" ALDS Game Recaps ALDS Game #1 - Los Angeles Angels @ Toronto Blue Jays SP Jon Lester (17-9 2.34 ERA) vs SP Ricky Nolasco (20-6 3.81 ERA) W: SP Jon Lester (1-0) 5.2 IP 5 ER 1 BB 7 K L: SP Ricky Nolasco (0-1) 5.2 IP 7 ER 4 BB 5 K S: CL Kenley Jansen (1) Summary: The Jays started SP Rickey Nolasco to give their #1 SP Felix Hernandez an extra day to rest a stiff back. Both starters weren't sharp as they would not get out of the 6th inning. CF Coco Crisp got the Angels on the board in the erd inning with a 2 run double making it 2-0 LA. In the 4th SS Gary Cunningham laced an RBI single into left field cutting the deficit to 1. In the 6th inning the Angels got 5 runs on a 3 run homerun from 3B Martin Prado as well as a 2 run triple from CF Mike Trout chasing SP Ricky Nolasco and giving the Angels a 7-1 lead. The Jays responded in the bottom of the 6th as 1B David Cooper, LF Rick Harris and C J.P. Arencibia all had RBI singles cutting the Angels lead to 7-4. In the 7th inning the Angels reestablished a 5 run lead as C Hank Conger belted his first homerun of the post season, a 2 run shot making it 9-4 Angels. The Jays would make it interesting as 3B Brett Lawrie had a 2 run homerun in the 7th and then in the 9th 2B Gordon Beckham brought the Jays to within 1 with another 2 run homerun but former Jay CL Kenley Jansen struckout 1B David Cooper to end the game and give the Angels a 1-0 series lead. ALDS Game #2 - Los Angeles Angels @ Toronto Blue Jays SP Brett Anderson (14-9 4.59 ERA) vs SP Felix Hernandez (19-7 2.95 ERA) W: SP Felix Hernandez (1-0) 7.2 IP 2 ER 5 H 3 BB 3 K L: SP Brett Anderson (0-1) 5.2 IP 5 ER 9 H 3 BB 3 K Summary: The Jays brought out the bats in game #2 as they pounded out 23 hits and scored 19 runs in a pounding of the Angels. 3B Brett Lawrie was 4-5 with 2 HR and drove in 8 runs, 2B Gordon Beckham was 2-5 with his second homerun of the series and had 4 RBI's. Every player in the Jays lineup had at least 2 hits except C J.P. Arencibia who was 1-5 with a homerun. The Angels only runs came off the bats of SS Jed Lowrie who had a 2 run homerun and CF Coco Crisp and 3B Martin Prado both had RBI singles. With the vicotry the Jays even the series at 1's heading into Los Angeles for games 3 and 4. ALDS Game #3 - Toronto Blue Jays @Los Angeles Angels SP Bruce Ratzlaff (18-9 2.80 ERA) vs SP Trevor Bauer (13-11 3.13 ERA) W: SP Trevor Bauer (1-0) 8.0 IP 1 ER 3 H 0 BB 0 K L: SP Bruce Ratzlaff (0-1) 8.0 IP 2 ER 6 H 2 BB 5 K S: CL Kenley Jansen (2) Summary: Game #3 was a battle of young arms as a pair of very talented rookies squared off. SP Trevor Bauer and SP Brice Ratzlaff would match each other pitch for pitch but in the end Ratzlaff would make 1 more mistake than Bauer and it cost the Jays the game. The Jays got on the board first as 1B David Cooper took Bauer deep into the stands in right in the top of the second inning making it 1-0 Jays. The Angels responded in the home half of the second as 1B Kendry Morales had a 2 our RBI double knotting the game at 1. The Angels would take the lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning as Ratzlaff hung a 2-2 curveball to CF Mike Trout and he deposited it into the leftfield seats for the game winning run. CL Kenly Jansen would strikeout the side in the 9th as the Angels take game #2 and now have a 2-1 series lead. ALDS Game #4 - Toronto Blue Jays @Los Angeles Angels SP Felix Hernandez (1-0 2.95 ERA) vs SP Jon Lester (1-0 6.35 ERA) W: SP jon Lester (2-0) 8.0 IP 2 ER 7 H 1 BB 3 K L: SP Felix Hernandez (1-1) 5.2 IP 3 ER 7 H 0 BB 5 K Summary: The Blue Jays turned to their Ace SP Felix Hernandez on short rest to attempt and force a 5th game in the ALDS but Hernandez and the Jays would come up short as the Angels cruised to a 7-2 victory behind SP Jon Lester. The Angels got to Hernandez early with 3B Martin Prado doubling in a pair in the bottom of the 1st to make it 2-0 LA. CF Mike Trout added anotehr run in the bottom of the 3rd with his second homerun of the series and RF Denard Span, LF Coco Crisp, C Hank Conger and 1B Kendry Morales added RBI's to cap off the Angels scoring. The only offence the Jays could manage was a 2 run single in the 9th by 1B David Cooper that stopped SP Jon Lester's bid for the shutout.

02-13-2012, 02:30 PM	#80 (permalink)
ryan008 All Star Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: St. Catharines, Ontario Posts: 1,906 Thanks: 9 Thanked 27x in 18 posts	The Pittsburgh Pirates are World Champions of Baseball in 2014 October 30th, 2014 The World Series wrapped up today and perhaps the most unlikelyiest of teams has been crowned the winners. Pittsburgh came into the playoffs as an underdog with a regular season record of 88-74 and would have to face the Colorado Rockies who were the best in baseball in the first round. Pittsburgh easily knocked off the Rockies taking the NLDS in 4 games. They then went on to take down the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Championship Series in a 4 game sweep to earn a berth in the World Series against the Los Angeles Angels. In the World Series the Pirates were just too strong for the Angels taking the series in 6 games. The Pirates are a fairly young team who could develop into a powerhouse in the National League East for years to come. Their rotation is loaded with young talent in SP James Taillon, SP Juan Jose Venezuela (Supp. 1st Round Pick in 2013), SP Brad Lincoln, SP Aaron Crow and the veteran of the staff is SP Cole Hammels. The Pirates also have a very good bullpen with MR Barry Zito, MR Marc Rzepczynski, MR Justin Wilson and CL Mark Lowe. Offensively they have a number of young stars as well in C Derek Norris, 1B Yonder Alonso, 2B Neil Walker, CF Kentrali Davis, CF Andrew McCutcheon and RF Oswaldo Aricia. The Pirates are a young up and coming team to watch and could find themselves back in the World Series as soon as 2015.