Now we’re talkin’…..
The Blue Jays have a strong contingent of pitchers in the upper minors, and it will probably begin to manifest itself with AA New Hampshire’s rotation.
Alex Manoah RHP.
The 2019 1st rounder impressed in his cameo at the alt site late last summer, and should pick up where he left off this spring at New Hampshire. There are no questions about the top two pitches in Manoah’s repertoire – his mid 90s fastball and slider. It will be the development of a third pitch this season which should give us an indication of his future role in the organization.
Josh Winckowski RHP
Winckowski was not completely healthy in 2019, but he’s now fully healed from a finger strain, sitting mid-90s with command of all four of his pitches.
Maximo Castillo RHP
This bull terrier of a pitcher was one of the youngest starters in the Florida State League, and despite not pitching last year may be one of the youngest in the Eastern League. Castillo does not blow the ball by hitters, but uses a bowling ball of a sinker to induce a lot of weak contact.
Zach Logue LHP
With the depth ahead of him, it’s likely Logue repeats AA. A finesse pitcher, Logue was left unprotected in advance of the Rule 5.
Nick Allgeyer LHP
Only Castillo started more games than Allgeyer for High A Dunedin in 2019. He profiles as a back of the rotation starter, but should eat up a lot of innings for New Hampshire.
Justin Maese RHP
Now there’s a blast from the past. Shoulder issues have limited Mases to five GCL innings (in 2019) since being shut down in August of 2017. Fully healthy now, Maese is a contact pitcher in the Castillo mold. He may begin the season at Dunedin, but should be in AA at some point.
