Jesse Litsch Called Up: Will Take Doc's Start

[-MetA4-]

This hasn't been picked up by any big-name sports sources (Sportsnet etc.) but its coming from a pretty reliable source. Marc Hulet (minor league expert at BlueJayWay.ca) is reporting that 22 year old Jesse Litsch will be called up from AA to start Tuesday's game. Its a pretty surprising move considering that Litsch would be called up ahead of several other minor league pitchers (Josh Banks, Ty Taubenheim) and would have to be placed on the 40-man roster.

[NeverGoingToWin]

What is the background on him?

[SmallTownJournalist303]

...why?
This organization has become so incompetent it's scary.

[Michael Bradley]

I'll believe it when I see official confirmation. It's very uncharacteristic of Ricciardi to fast track a player, especially a pitcher, through the minors. I believe the last time he did that (promoting from AA to MLB) with a pitcher was Adam Peterson, and I don't recall him ever doing that again after Peterson bombed.

I don't see the point in putting Litsch on the 40-man roster and starting his option clock already just to make one start that someone like Towers could make. Calling up Banks or Taubenheim would make more sense.

With that said, I like Litsch. Not a future ace by any stretch, but good starter potential.

[OldNo7]

I am guessing he doesnt want to use another option on Ty because of what happened with Rosario and Gaudin.

[-MetA4-]

I'll believe it when I see official confirmation. It's very uncharacteristic of Ricciardi to fast track a player, especially a pitcher, through the minors. I believe the last time he did that (promoting from AA to MLB) with a pitcher was Adam Peterson, and I don't recall him ever doing that again after Peterson bombed.

The move is surprising in a lot of aspects but I guess we'll see what the reasoning is in the short future. Gibbons recently said that "whoever" gets called up will only be making one start, it makes absolutely no sense to put Litsch on the 40-man roster, call him up and begin his option eligibility, just to make ONE start. I dont know what to believ at this point.

BTW: Jesse Litsch's dad posts on the BlueJayWay forums. He has confirmed this and says that Jesse is already up in Toronto. His dad will be in Toronto (he's a Florida native) to see his start.

[-MetA4-]

Here is Marc Hulet's report on Litsch, although this was compiled after last year's season in AA:

Jesse Litsch RHP
Height: 6

[dennistokyo]

I hope that this kid is the first bit of good news we see this year.

[asif9t9]

So, it's Monday evening. Is this news official yet?

[rdua]

I heard the news during today's broadcast...I don't see the logic in bringing him up if he's only going to be making one start.

[whiterasta80]

I heard the news during today's broadcast...I don't see the logic in bringing him up if he's only going to be making one start.

Personally I like the idea of rewarding someone with such good performance, and also sending the message to our guys in Triple A that this isn't going to cut it (Geremi Gonzalez aside). Besides, its not set in stone that he makes one start. If he comes up and throws a two hitter he ain't gonna be the one to go back down.

Vermilyea still has options, Fraser is looking like he needs his yearly punishment trip to Triple A, and there's always the possibility that JP has a trade pending as well (personally I'd start thinking about building my farm system and calling this year a wash).

[jalenrose#5]

Litsch sounds alot like Casey Janssen IMO. Got a great arsenal of pitches, but tries to be too fine with it. I hope he comes in and gives the Jays a good 5-6 innings 3 ER and the Jays actually support a starter with 7-10 runs lol.

BTW....Mora and Payton came to blows at the end of last night's game. Payton said that Mora running to third distracted him and forced the count to go to 1-2.....what a douchebag.

[asif9t9]

I'm not sure what to think about this move. Is it desperation from the organization? Or have we given up the season and we're just giving some kids some experience? I'd rather know this guy was tearing up AAA. Hopefully it all works out. We need to string together some wins.

[dennistokyo]

Litsch has eight groundouts in three innings after getting over his first inning jitters. Good sign.

[asif9t9]

Seems to have a decent throwing motion. To me, that's a good sign. But then I used to think that meant Dave Bush would be good.

[NeverGoingToWin]

Seems to have a decent throwing motion. To me, that's a good sign. But then I used to think that meant Dave Bush would be good.

He has only allowed 1 run thorugh 5.

I still think Bush is going to be a good pitcher and wish we still had him.

[Holmes]

Daniel Cabrera has elite stuff. Damn.

[NeverGoingToWin]

Daniel Cabrera has elite stuff. Damn.

I have thought he had the potential to be a great pitcher for a few years now.

[Holmes]

-= original quote snipped =-



I have thought he had the potential to be a great pitcher for a few years now.

I think everybody knew the kind of potential this guy has. It's just baffling to see him in action and compare that to his mediocre numbers.

He's made strides with his control this year. I'm pulling for this guy to keep improving.

[NeverGoingToWin]

1 run through 8 innings. The best part about the Jays calling this kid up is it gave me a reason to watch the Jays again. I love groundball pitchers as well because of Halladay.