Future Blue Jays

  Based on the events of the first six months of 2020 alone, Blue Jays amateur scouting director Shane Farrell could probably write a book.  A fairly thick one, at that. Farrell joined the organization from the Cubs in January, after his predecessor Steve Sanders decided to reunite with his mentor Ben Cherington in helping … Continue reading FBJ Interview: Shane Farrell →

Markham, ON native Jordan Romano has long been one of my favourite prospects. We struck up a correspondence when he was recovering from Tommy John surgery, patiently answering questions about his rehab. This is a post from 2016, when he looked very promising as a starter. Milb.com photo You could call Toronto Blue Jays right-handed … Continue reading From the Vault – a Look at Jordan Romano →

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? →

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 →

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? →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

  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 →