Top Prospects
Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2011 5:48 pm
Catchers:
6. J.P. Arencibia, Blue Jays: If first impressions are indeed the most important, then Blue Jays fans must love Arencibia. In his first Major League game, he banged out four hits -- a double and two homers -- against the Rays. His power is his best tool -- he's got a .507 career slugging percentage in the Minors, .626 last season. While he's definitely an offensive-minded catcher, he does have some defensive tools to work with. He should get every chance to show what he can do as Toronto's starting catcher during the 2011 season.
9. Travis d'Arnaud, Blue Jays: Catching depth is something every organization strives for, and the Blue Jays have some. Arencibia might be the guy for now, but d'Arnaud could eventually supplant him as the everyday catcher in Toronto. In his first season with the organization after coming over in the Roy Halladay deal, he missed a chunk of time with a back issue, but it's not expected to be a long-term problem. He's got a great arm and is very agile behind the plate. While his offensive numbers haven't consistently stood out to date, he's got good bat speed and a solid approach that should lead to good results. It might take him a couple of years, but he profiles to be a better all-around backstop than Arencibia in the future.
Shortstop:
7. Adeiny Hechavarria, Blue Jays: Anyone who was in the Arizona Fall League at the right time saw Hechavarria and Jose Iglesias take infield practice together in Peoria in what basically was a "Can you top this?" defensive exhibition. Hechavarria, 21, was signed to a big deal last April and while his debut was just so-so, he's got a tremendous glove and the feeling is he'll hit just fine as he develops.
Second Base:
2. Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays: Toronto got the top Canadian prospect from the Brewers in the Shaun Marcum deal and he's another one still learning the position after being drafted No. 16 overall in 2008. Lawrie can flat-out hit and should have power and speed at the big league level. He may never win a Gold Glove, but a Jeff Kent-like evolution isn't out of the question.
Outfield:
Coming Soon
Pitchers:
Coming Soon
6. J.P. Arencibia, Blue Jays: If first impressions are indeed the most important, then Blue Jays fans must love Arencibia. In his first Major League game, he banged out four hits -- a double and two homers -- against the Rays. His power is his best tool -- he's got a .507 career slugging percentage in the Minors, .626 last season. While he's definitely an offensive-minded catcher, he does have some defensive tools to work with. He should get every chance to show what he can do as Toronto's starting catcher during the 2011 season.
9. Travis d'Arnaud, Blue Jays: Catching depth is something every organization strives for, and the Blue Jays have some. Arencibia might be the guy for now, but d'Arnaud could eventually supplant him as the everyday catcher in Toronto. In his first season with the organization after coming over in the Roy Halladay deal, he missed a chunk of time with a back issue, but it's not expected to be a long-term problem. He's got a great arm and is very agile behind the plate. While his offensive numbers haven't consistently stood out to date, he's got good bat speed and a solid approach that should lead to good results. It might take him a couple of years, but he profiles to be a better all-around backstop than Arencibia in the future.
Shortstop:
7. Adeiny Hechavarria, Blue Jays: Anyone who was in the Arizona Fall League at the right time saw Hechavarria and Jose Iglesias take infield practice together in Peoria in what basically was a "Can you top this?" defensive exhibition. Hechavarria, 21, was signed to a big deal last April and while his debut was just so-so, he's got a tremendous glove and the feeling is he'll hit just fine as he develops.
Second Base:
2. Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays: Toronto got the top Canadian prospect from the Brewers in the Shaun Marcum deal and he's another one still learning the position after being drafted No. 16 overall in 2008. Lawrie can flat-out hit and should have power and speed at the big league level. He may never win a Gold Glove, but a Jeff Kent-like evolution isn't out of the question.
Outfield:
Coming Soon
Pitchers:
Coming Soon