Jacob Anderson was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays in the first round (35th overall) in this year’s MLB Draft.

When the Toronto Blue Jays signed Jacob Anderson upon being drafted in the 1st round of this year’s MLB draft, fans were told he was 6’4”, that he was from Chino, California, that he had versatility in the field, and that he was known for his powerful bat and good speed. Having only gotten the opportunity to play in nine games with the Blue Jays’ organization this year, fans are now eager to find out more about the prospect. Granting this opportunity, Anderson sat down with JaysProspects to share more about his journey to the Toronto Blue Jays organization.

Drafted in the first round, 35th overall, Anderson says was a moment he will always remember. “I was watching the draft live on TV with my family when my name was called.” Anderson reminisces. “I didn’t expect it and when I heard my name – I leaped up and we all started hugging each other.  Within a few minutes I had a house full of friends and we all celebrated together.  I was honored to be drafted by the Blue Jays and happy that I could share the most exciting day of my life with my friends and family!”

 By choosing to sign, and thus, not attend Pepperdine University, was a choice Anderson admits was tough as education had always been important to him and his family. With that said, with this choice came a $990,000 signing bonus. “The first thing I bought was a Mac Book Pro so I could keep in touch with family and friends while I am playing baseball.” Anderson discussed on the incentive, “Before that, I had to borrow my sister’s laptop from the dinosaur age!”

While he grew up with an old computer, Anderson states he also grew up idolizing Matt Kemp. “I like Kemp because he uses all five tools and that is what I strive to do.” Anderson announced, “I also admire Josh Hamilton because of the way he turned his life around and plays for God.”

While Anderson was signed as an outfielder he was an infielder for the majority of his previous professional baseball experience.

While Hamilton was drafted in the first round as an outfielder, so was Anderson. Interestingly, however, the Toronto Blue Jays prospect also has strong skills on the infield, certainly at first base. Discussing this aspect, the 18-year old Californian stated, “Even though I played the majority of my baseball career in the infield, the Blue Jays had confidence in my outfield abilities, and I enjoy playing the outfield, diving for balls and trying to throw guys out.” He also further announced, “With that said, while I would love to play in the outfield, I am more than happy to play anywhere to help the club!

Helping the club, however, is something he has already accomplished. While only playing in nine games in the Gulf Coast League, Anderson has already proved to the Blue Jays’ organization that he has the skill and motivation to succeed. In a mere 37 at-bats, he had 15 hits, hit two doubles, two homeruns, and seven RBI, for an overall batting average of .405! “It was a phenomenal experience for me” the power hitter told JaysProspects, “I think that we have the best coaches, whether it’s throwing batting practice or talking about the mental side of the game.  They helped me to get off to a good start.”

Interestingly enough, Anderson admits that it was actually a present Blue Jays’ coach that helped him in high school too. “In high school, I listened to Steve Springer’s “Quality at Bats” and I think that helped me out at the plate.  As it turns out, he is now one of my hitting coaches on the Blue Jays and I highly respect him.”

As a senior at Chino High School, Anderson hit .485 with 31 RBIs, 11 doubles, nine triples, seven home runs and 25 stolen bases.

Springer’s advice, however, definitely paid off because as a senior at Chino High School, the recently-signed prospect batted .485 with 31 RBIs, 11 doubles, nine triples, seven home runs and 25 stolen bases.  When asked to highlight what enables him to have such success at the plate, he responded, “My best skill is probably the fact that I am very relaxed at the plate. I wait for the pitch I want to hit and I make solid contact.”

During the offseason, however, Anderson plans to continue to increase his skills and get ready for the 2012 season. “I will be training at a facility where I will work on improving my quickness, speed, and agility.  I will also work out at the gym, lifting and getting stronger.  I will be hitting, throwing, and working on my outfield skills.  For me, the off season is a time to get better and improve on all my tools and I plan to work really hard.”

While Anderson also admits that his off-season will consist of eating as many home-cooked meals as possible and spending time with family and friends, there is one other thing he may be doing, that quite frankly, you probably did not expect – - rapping.

“I actually love to rap!” Anderson told JaysProspects, “In high school, I was in a rap group called, “No Mas Money.”  It started out as a joke, but we ended up performing at rallies and events.  I can’t say that I was good at rapping, but I sure had fun trying!”

JaysProspects wishes Jacob Anderson the best of luck in his future. We firmly believe he will find success with the Blue Jays organization, but at the very least, we hope that he ‘sure has fun trying!’ We kindly thank him for his time.