Alex Anthopoulos: Drew Hutchison could 'be a factor' in 2012

[polo007]

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/T ... story.html

Drew Hutchison is 20 years younger than Darren Oliver, but the youngster could join the greybeard on the Toronto Blue Jays roster before the season ends.

During a conference call Monday to announce the signing of Oliver, a free-agent reliever, general manager Alex Anthopoulos wound up raving about Hutchison, 21, as he discussed the team's pitching prospects.

"I expect he's going to be a factor for us in 2012. He's going to come quick because he's got great command and he's got very good stuff and composure."

Hutchison took off last summer as he moved through three levels, reaching Double-A and posting a 145 record and 2.53 ERA in 28 starts.

In two minor-league seasons, he has struck out 234 in 218 innings while walking only 54.

He will likely open the season in Double-A but could "come quick," Anthopoulos said. "I'm probably as excited [about Hutchison] as I am about any of the young arms that we have."

Hutchison was Toronto's 15th-round draft pick in 2009.

[number15]

Jays have alot of starting pitchers at or near being MLB ready...... at some point AA will need to start selling or risk wasting them.

..... if these guys win roles, others like Drabek and Cecil are out.

[BobbyBoy]

I think he meant hutchinson could get called up in September. He's going have to be really solid.

[Nickleman4]

Hopefully this kid can have a long successful career and help the Jays compete in the coming years. As for Drabek and Cecil, I personally think Cecil is going to have a bounce back season. Drabek needs to learn how to throw strikes. Would be nice if those two contributed this year.

[dballislife]

the only proven starter we have is romero so a lot of chances for everyone this year

[flatjacket1]

I think this is a great thing and considering we got Alvarez from A ball I think Hutch can easily make it if he pitches right.

Its a really exciting time to be a Jays fan with all of this youth coming up through the system.

[Lateral Quicks]

Personally I'd like to see AA start flipping some of our pitching prospects for positional prospects. I don't like the 3:1/4:1/5:1 prospects for established player trades, as you're giving up on a lot of potential for a single player that could bomb, get injured, etc.

As a start, we could parlay a Deck + Jenkins into a really good 1B prospect. For example.

[flatjacket1]

Personally I'd like to see AA start flipping some of our pitching prospects for positional prospects. I don't like the 3:1/4:1/5:1 prospects for established player trades, as you're giving up on a lot of potential for a single player that could bomb, get injured, etc.

As a start, we could parlay a Deck + Jenkins into a really good 1B prospect. For example.

The main reason you see such a crazy ratio of pitching prospects to position prospects is because pitchers flame out at a much higher rate. I understand why you would say that but we have some very good position prospects who we can trade for position prospects, the current ratio of good pitching prospects to good position prospects is nothing worrying. Our top 25 list from Sickels is 12 position prospects and 13 pitching prospects. Top 10 is 4 position players and 6 pitchers.

I don't like the huge prospect for established player trades either though.

[Avenger]

He's a lock for a September callup, if he dominates AA to the point where he's not learning anything he might even be called up as early as July

[SharoneWright]

Pure gold to dig up a guy like this in the 15th round! Almost like adding a "free" free agent.