We checked in a few weeks into the pandemic to see what players and staff in the Blue Jays system have been up to. Time for an update. Ryan Sloniger The Punxsutawney, PA native saw his stock slip in his draft year in 2019, but the Blue Jays were pleased to scoop him up on … Continue reading What Are Players and Staff in the Blue Jays System Up To?
A “Why Not?” Early Look at the 2021 MLB Draft
Yes, the last thing many of you are probably thinking about is next June's draft. For Blue Jays fans, there was considerable excitement at Vanderbilt's Austin Martin landing in Toronto's lap with the 5th overall pick, but many are hopeful that it will be some time before the team selects in such a lofty position … Continue reading A “Why Not?” Early Look at the 2021 MLB Draft
Is It Time for Big Nate?
A guy (namely, me) sat in the press box at Vancouver's venerable Nat Bailey stadium one late August afternoon, settling in to watch Nate Pearson work during the C's final home game of the 2017 season before the Northwest League Playoffs (which Vancouver would ultimately win, their four in seven seasons as a Blue Jays … Continue reading Is It Time for Big Nate?
In Praise of Canadian Born (and Raised) MLBers
Sit down Russ Ford. You too, Kirk McCaskill. George Selkirk, you and your twinkle-toes can grab some bench as well. With no disrespect to these fine Canadian-born former major leaguers, they received their baseball training south of the border, their families having moved to the U.S. when they were young. As a youngster, I was … Continue reading In Praise of Canadian Born (and Raised) MLBers
Winners/Also-Rans in Blue Jays Roster Scenario
The Blue Jays released their version of the 60*-man roster yesterday, and word came that an airlift of Toronto players and staff from Florida is planned for Wednesday, leaving us all with far more questions than answers in this pandemic-induced season that may or may not get off the ground. The clear winners in this … Continue reading Winners/Also-Rans in Blue Jays Roster Scenario
Blue Jays Add 3 NDFA’s
The signing window opened at 9 am on Sunday morning for amateur players not selected in last week's abbreviated MLB draft. The Blue Jays, after a slow start, were active, signing a total of 3 players to deals, the maximum of which in terms of bonus was $20 000. Vanderbilt 2B Harrison Ray, first round … Continue reading Blue Jays Add 3 NDFA’s
Farrell, Blue Jays Make the Most of MLB Draft
Imagine, for a moment, how good Blue Jays amateur scouting director Shane Farrell feels. In the last six months, Farrell has ascended to a premium position in one of the more progressive front offices in the game, been handed a career-defining opportunity in the form of a pandemic-shortened draft, and had a player who many … Continue reading Farrell, Blue Jays Make the Most of MLB Draft
Blue Jays Take Vandy’s Martin With 5th Pick
With their first pick in the initial instalment of this year's truncated MLB draft, the Toronto Blue Jays picked the best available player from their draft board. Thanks to the Orioles going off the board with the second overall selection, it maybe wasn't the player most experts had predicted. Vanderbilt's Austin Martin was widely … Continue reading Blue Jays Take Vandy’s Martin With 5th Pick
MLB Draft: What Should the Blue Jays Do?
https://youtu.be/URZMWsucifo The talking is almost all but over. With the MLB draft just hours away, soon everyone will be opining about players they've never seen before. While this draft will be historic because of Covid-19 implications, it may also turn out to be one of the best crops of amateur talent in some time. With … Continue reading MLB Draft: What Should the Blue Jays Do?
The Meteoric Rise of Dave Stieb
"We didn't like him as a hitter, but he sure as hell opened our eyes when he started pitching" -Jays VP Bobby Mattick, after scouting Dave Stieb in college It's not unusual for a light-hitting infielder or outfielder (or even a catcher) to be converted to pitching. Baseball history is full of players with … Continue reading The Meteoric Rise of Dave Stieb