Toronto Blue Jays 2011 Minor League Review
Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America:
2012 (5) | 2011 (4) | 2010 (19) | 2009 (19) | 2008 (25) | 2007 (26)
2011 Affiliate Records
MLB: [81-81] AL East
AAA: [71-73] Pacific Coast League – Las Vegas
AA: [77-65] Eastern League – New Hampshire
A+: [79-61] Florida State League – Dundin
A: [77-60] Midwest League – Lansing
A(ss): [39-37] Northwest League – Vancouver
The Run Down
The Toronto system is talented and deep and surely among the best in baseball. Most of the fantasy payoff is a year or more away from materializing, though. Huge upside guys like Travis D’Arnaud and Anthony Gose seem primed to arrive in 2013, while Jake Marisnick and a slew of nice arms follow. Clearly there’s reason for excitement here, but nothing immediate, so avoid these guys outside of deep keepers or dynasty leagues. Do, however, be jealous of Blue Jays fans, as their prospects are likely much better than yours. And this is after graduating guys like Lawrie, Drabek and Arencibia. Jeez.
Arizona Fall League Players – Phoenix Desert Dogs
Evan Crawford (LHP); Aaron Loup (LHP); Yan Gomes (C); Adeiny Hechavarria (SS); Anthony Gose (OF)
Graduated Prospects
Kyle Drabek (RHP); Brett Lawrie (3B); J.P. Arencibia (C); Eric Thames (OF); Henderson Alvarez (RHP)
Players of Interest
Hitters
Travis D’Arnaud | C:
A year from now, D’Arnaud will carry similar hype to that which Jesus Montero or Devin Mesoraco currently holds. I ranked him as the #5 fantasy prospect for 2013 and you can ready why, here.
Adeiny Hechavarria | SS:
Hechavarria is a defense-first shortstop, but after a strong finish to 2012, Toronto is hopeful that his bat will improve. Surely, a late season promotion to hitter-friendly Las Vegas helped his line, but the Triple-A stint was encouraging, regardless. He’ll return to Vegas to begin 2012 and could be up with Toronto this year if quality hitting continues. Hechavarria’s defense would certainly be an asset in the bigs. Not to your fantasy team, though.
David Cooper | 1B:
Cooper has a great bat, but the home run power is lacking, and that’s holding him back as a first baseman. In that regard, he reminds me a little of Billy Butler, although I doubt he’ll ever reach that level. Still, Cooper’s a guy to monitor in case of injury to Adam Lind. He’s capable of putting up a decent AVG and OBP if he ever gets an opportunity.
Pitchers
Drew Hutchison | RHP – SP:
Hutchison played at three levels in 2011, posting a 2.53 ERA along with 171 Ks in 149 IP. With a fastball in the high-80’s, he’s not blowing anyone away. He uses it well, though, and mixes things up a change and a slider. This polished approach should allow him to move quickly. Hutchison profiles as an innings-eating #3 and he seems to be in line for a late-season arrival.
Deck McGuire | RHP – SP:
Like Hutchison, Mcguire is a polished pitcher with mid-rotation stuff. His numbers don’t stand out quite so much as Hutchison’s, but at 6-6, 220, he seems better suited to take on that innings-eater role. It’ll be interesting to see which prospect will be called upon should the Blue Jays need help.
Honorable Mention
Hitters
Anthony Gose | OF:
I recently ranked Gose #24 in my Top 25 Prospects for 2013 & Beyond post. His speed will make him a valuable fantasy piece in any format, and I’m encouraged by his power development. Still probably a year away at this point.
Jake Marsinick | OF:
Like Gose, Marisnick has above average tools across the board. After slashing .320/.392/.496 over a full season at Lansing last year, he’s bound for High-A in 2012, perhaps more if the production continues. A 2014 arrival seems most likely here, but fantasy players should take note now. This Toronto outfield has a bright future, indeed.
Pitchers
Noah Syndergaard | RHP – SP:
At 19 years old, Syndergaard is a long ways away, but he’s primed to climb the ladder quickly if his secondary pitches progress. His combination of size and athleticism has scouts giddy. A fastball that touches 100 is also quite intriguing. He’ll start 2012 at Low-A, but a breakout year seems imminent.
