After an amazing 2011 campaign that saw the Fisher Cats claim the Eastern League title for the first time since 2004, we have a lot to look forward to in 2012.

In the pitching department, the talent pipeline was flowing freely over the course of 2011 as the Fisher Cats saw promotions to Deck McGuire, Drew Hutchison, Nestor Molina, Wes Etheridge, and Chad Jenkins. All had a major impact in the stretch run.

As far as positional players, the Fisher Cats were fortunate enough to have solid talent around the diamond, and relied on the late veteran additions of ELCS MVP Kevin Howard, Danny Perales and the rehabbing Colby Rasmus.

The core group of talent of the 2011 team is expected to be playing for Las Vegas during the upcoming season. It is rumored that manager Sal Fasano will be moving up to AAA with his protégé, Travis d’Arnaud for the upcoming year and possibly moving up to Toronto with him in 2013 as a bench coach. Sluggers Mike McDade and Moises Sierra should be roaming the spacious PCL outfields during the 2012 season, and speedster Anthony Gose looks to take his circus speed show to Vegas with him.

But despite all of the talent that is leaving, New Hampshire has no reason to be worried as the depth of the Toronto system is ready to replace these blue chips with a fresh set of names and faces fighting on the road to the show.

Could Lansing's outfield of Markus Brisker, Jake Marisnick, Michael Crouse and Marcus Knecht be heading to New Hampshire in 2012? (Photo Credit: Amy Armstrong)

The 2011 Lansing Lugnuts’ outfield features the ‘killer M’s’ and are as talented as an outfield as you may find combining multiple levels of other organizations farm teams.  The corner stone is 20-year-old, Jake Marisnick, who plays center field and draws comparisons to Mike Trout as a five tool prospect with nothing but upsides. Marisnick hit .320 with 14 homeruns and 77 RBIs for Lansing, and also managed to steal 37 bases in 2011.

Along with corner outfielders Michael Crouse and Markus Knecht, this tandem is destined to roam the outfield at Delta Dental in the near future. Crouse is another five tool player with great speed and hit 14 round trippers to go along with 55 RBIs and 38 stolen bases. Marcus Knecht is a talented outfielder who is a very intelligent hitter, drawing 67 walks to go along with his 16 Home Runs and 86 RBIs.  I would be surprised to see this group start the year anywhere but Dunedin, but it is just a matter of time until they make their way to Manchester.

Dunedin has a few players that are very likely to be seen starting the year for the Cats. Catcher, A.J Jimenez, is the next in line to replace Eastern League MVP Travis d’Arnaud behind home plate. 21-year-old Jimenez hit .303 in 2011 and may not display prolific power numbers but is said to be a great contact hitter, with a cannon for a arm. A.J threw out 44% of his runners in 2011, and was at a brilliant 51% in 2010.

Sean Ochinko is another name to get used to for 2012. This LSU alumni was an 11th round pick in 2009 and has impressed many scouts in his first three years in the Toronto organization. He can play catcher and both corners of the infield and is a high energy player that fans love to root for.

Jon Talley will have big shoes to fill as the first base heir to Mike McDade.  Talley was a 13th round pick in the 2007 draft and struggled in 2009 and 2010 after a promising short season in rookie ball.  This big lefty had a breakout 2011 with 20 homeruns for Dunedin and had some big hits in the clutch during the playoff run.

Does Kevin Ahrens, a 2007 1st round pick, have what it takes to make the New Hampshire squad?

In 2007, third baseman, Kevin Ahrens, was the 16th overall pick in the first round of the draft. The first few years of his career we far from what was expected. Ahrens was struggling in the field as well as at the plate, and at times looked overmatched. Ahrens put it together, however, producing the best year of his baseball career in 2011. He has become a much more disciplined hitter as he led Dunedin in walks with 56, and added 13 homeruns and 54 RBIs (all career highs).

Shortstop Ryan Goins, outfielder, Brad Glenn, and utility-man, Justin Jackson, should also have a great chance to earn a spot on the AA roster.

As far as pitching goes expect to see McGuire, Hutchinson and Jenkins all start the year in Double A. As the year progresses and with promotions immanent, there are four great replacements waiting in the wings.

From Dunedin we have 2010 first-round selection, Asher Wojciechowski. Wojciechowski is a 22-year-old gunslinger who was another fan favorite in Dunedin. His numbers in 2011 were not as sharp as his scouting reports; however expect a huge 2012 campaign in his second full season with the Jays.  

Ryan Terpera is another candidate to start the year with New Hampshire. He can start as well as work from the pen and has shown promise in his 3 years since being a 19th round selection in the 2009 draft.

Lansing’s 2011 playoff run had a huge push from future Fisher Cats, including, Casey Lawrence, Sean Nolin, and Justin Nicolino. Lawrence went 11-8 with a 3.08 ERA, and had 97 strikeouts in over 125 innings pitched. At 23, Lawrence would be the most likely candidate of the three to crack the opening day roster.

21-year-old, Sean Nolin, had a fantastic season and managed to whiff 113 batters in 108 IP.  2010 second-round pick, Justin Nicolino, was promoted to Lansing for his final 3 starts of his year and has blue chip written all over his sharp left handed arm.

Overall, there is no denying that it is a great time to be a Blue Jays fan. With the turmoil in the AL East, and a genius like AA at the helm, the possibilities are limitless.

I will remind everyone that in just four short months we will be talking about spring training and in six months, we will be talking about opening day.  I cannot wait.