Jonathan Mayo of MLBPipeline files from the Jays MILB camp
https://www.mlb.com/news/blue-jays-prospects-at-spring-trainingCamp standouts
Nate Pearson was the Blue Jays’ second first-round pick in 2017, and everyone was excited to see what the 6-foot-6 flamethrower would bring to the table in his first full season. The Junior College of Central Florida product barely got to toe the rubber, however, when a line drive fractured his arm in the second inning of his first start of 2018. He did return to get some innings in the Arizona Fall League and reminded people why he was a first-round pick by hitting 104 mph in the Fall Stars Game. Wiping the slate clean, Pearson is chomping at the bit to start his Blue Jays career in earnest.
“Since the day he got here, what’s been evident is his commitment to his work routine, his attention to detail and his proactiveness at getting better,” Kim said. “He takes advantage of every resource we have. He’s healthy right now. We’ve seen an improvement in his fastball control thus far in camp and he’s continuing to work on developing the slider as his primary out pitch as well. Coming off that AFL stint, we know he’s excited to get to work this season.”
So is 2018 first-rounder Jordan Groshans. The No. 12 pick in last June’s Draft had a fantastic pro debut, hitting his way out of the Gulf Coast League (.331/.390/.500) and up to the Appalachian League. As impressed by his bat, his power potential and his advanced approach at the plate given his age as Toronto's staff is, what’s really stood out is how much he’s willing to work on becoming an all-around player.
“He’s been impressive and has acclimated pretty well so far,” Kim said. “He’s really committed to being the best defender he can be. He’s working on his footwork and his base and body positioning right now and he’s been making good strides in camp. Last year, he played both shortstop and third base, and while we plan to develop him as a shortstop, we also know he’ll get opportunities at third as well.”
