Archive for December, 2011
Interview with Randall Thompson: Blue Jays’ pitching prospect celebrates his first professional season with success
44 months ago
In 2011, Randall Thompson signed with the Toronto Blue Jays as an undrafted free agent
Randall Thompson has already become a common name discussed when talking about talented prospects within the Blue Jays’ organization. While he was originally a middle infielder in high school, Thompson has most recently found success as a right-handed pitcher for the GCL Blue Jays. Thompson sat down with JaysProspects to discuss his success and his path to professional baseball.
Thompson’s journey in professional baseball began in 2011 when he signed as an undrafted free agent by the Blue Jays. Thompson admits to being hopeful on draft day, but knew that there was no guarantee he would be drafted. “I thought I had a chance to be selected, but I knew it was not a sure thing,” said Thompson.
“I was not surprised after I was not selected; rather I was eager to find a way to get signed. Therefore, I stayed in contact with coach B (Greg Berkemeier) and coach Merc (Matt Mercurio) during the latter part of the draft to discuss options if I went unselected. They both assured me that they would do everything in their power to help me out and that eased my eagerness and apprehension. Sure enough it worked out, and with the help from Florida Tech’s coaching staff, I signed a free agent contract with the Blue Jays.” (more…)
Interview with Chris Roman: Blue Jays’ pitching prospect discusses his first professional season
44 months ago
Chris Roman was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011s
Converted from an outfielder to a pitcher in high school, Chris Roman has found success on the mound at every step of his professional journey in baseball. In fact, he most recently found success with the GCL Blue Jays in 2011 after signing as an undrafted free agent with the Toronto Blue Jays.
“To be honest, I was surprised I wasn’t drafted,” said Roman. “Watching the last round and not hearing my name was painful but shortly after my coach at Nova Southeastern, Greg Brown, called me to let me know a number of teams were interested in signing me as a free agent. After that call, the wait for a team to contact me was worse than not hearing my name in the draft because I still could not be 100 percent sure I would get the opportunity.”
He concluded: “There is no denying that I felt incredibly relieved and excited after signing the contract. I am so thankful for the opportunity to play professional baseball with the Toronto Blue Jays.”
This year, in his first year in the organization, Roman joined the GCL Blue Jays where he posted a 4-2 record with a 6.12 ERA in 17 games played, recording 22 strikeouts while walking only eight. (more…)
Interview with Daniel Norris: Blue Jays Prospect and Top Left-Handed Pitcher in the 2011 Draft
24 months ago
by Ryan Kinsey
in Interviews
Daniel Norris, drafted 74 overall in 2011 received $2M signing bonus
Daniel Norris, a left-handed pitcher from Johnson City, Tennesssee, was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the second round (74th overall) in the 2011 MLB first-year player draft. Daniel Norris was lights out playing for his Science Hill high-school baseball team. In 2010, he recorded an 8-2 record with an ERA of 2.24, recording 123 strikeouts in just over 68 innings pitched. Norris also showed versatility, as when he was not on the mound, he was playing center field and batted .402 with nine home runs, 45 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. Despite his strong offensive statistics, his pitching skills were incomparable, as Norris was so highly touted, he was named the best left-handed high-school pitcher in the draft by Baseball America. He was ranked the 15th best prospect by MLB.com’s Jonathon Mayo before the draft but slipped down the board because of his commitment to Clemson. Norris’ talent is evident and can be shown through the many awards he has accumulated, including, the Jackie Robinson Award, Baseball America high-school pitcher of the year, Gatorade state player of the year award, 2010 AFLAC All-American, and many more.
Norris sat down with JaysProspects to share some highlights of his journey to professional baseball: (more…)
Thoughts on Kyle Drabek…
44 months ago
by JordanAGlass
in News and Notes
All acquired in one form or another from the Roy Halladay trade, many wonder if Drabek is still the prized possession or if Gose or d'Arnaud will have a higher ceiling
Thought to be the prize of the Roy Halladay deal that sent former Blue Jays’ ace to Philadelphia; Kyle Drabek has quickly found himself in the unexpected situation of potential bust.
This was the player the Blue Jays fought for. The Phillies did not want to give him up, but Blue Jays general manager, Alex Anthopoulos, fought tooth and nail.
Also acquired in the trade were Travis d’Arnaud and Michael Taylor. Taylor, however, was immediately flipped to Oakland for Brett Wallace, who was then later traded for Anthony Gose.
And to add pressure to Drabek – both are coming off much better minor league seasons.
In fact, in 137 games in New Hampshire, Gose posted a .253 batting average with 20 doubles, seven triples, 16 homeruns, 59 RBIs and 70 stolen bases. Comparatively, his teammate, Travis d’Arnaud, posted a career best, .311 hitting 33 doubles, 21 HRs, and 78 RBIs. His dominance both at the plate and behind the plate named him MVP of the Eastern League this year. (more…)
All I want for Christmas is Yu: Rangers win bidding rights to Yu Darvish
25 months ago
by April Whitzman
in News and Notes
Blue Jays found Yu Darvish wrapped up.... just not under their tree!
With each chocolate Blue Jays fans opened from their advent calendars, it came closer and closer to the special day.
Excited, it is all they could think about; they couldn’t sleep, imagining just how wonderful it would be if their wishes come true.
They were all on our best behaviour, hoping baseball Santa was watching.
They weren’t greedy – - All they wanted was one gift – - Yu Darvish.
Well, Santa decided not to come this year. Tuesday morning in Japan, wrapped pretty in a red bow was the bidding rights to Yu Darvish, which were given to the Texas Rangers after the posted a bid of $51.7 million.
And with that, all visions of a sugar-plumed Darvish disappeared, as Blue Jays fans went from being joyful little elves, to grumpy Grinch’s who just had their holidays ruined.
But before losing all spirit, let’s break down why this situation makes both of Santa’s naughty and nice list.
The Naughty
Yu Darvish is a Japanese prospect that many scouts profile as a potential ace in the majors. He has baffled NPB league hitters for seven years with an assorted arsenal of pitches. He throws mid 90′s heat that he can sink and cut, as well as a nasty splitfinger, change up, curve ball and slider. He commands both sides of the plate well with all of his pitches. (more…)
Interview with Garrett Maines: Catching up with the Young Catcher
15 months ago
Garrett Maines joined the Blue Jays organization in 2010
Garrett Maines joined the Blue Jays in 2010 after spending a year with the Midwest Sliders of the Frontier League in 2009. Since this time, he has caught numerous games for the GCL Blue Jays and the Vancouver Canadians.
The Blue Jays were fortunate to be able to sign Maines as he had previously been drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 19th round of the 2009 draft.
“In June 2009, while at my parent’s house, in front of over 20 people, I chose to say no to the Pirates because the benefits of staying in school and keeping my eligibility outweighed the benefits of signing a professional contract at that point in time,” Maines said. “Going into that draft I had a certain amount of expectations that had to be met in order for me to leave college just a few credits short of a double-major. I elected to pursue my degree but in the midst of it I had a change of mind and decided it was time to turn pro.”
Re-pursuing his career in baseball, Maines joined the Midwest Sliders of the Frontier League where he played in 22 games as the team’s catcher. After a successful stint in Independent ball, he signed with the Chicago Cubs early in 2010 but was sent to the Blue Jays GCL instructional team as a non-drafted free agent following spring training. (more…)
Interview with Scott Gracey: Former shortstop proving himself as a pitcher in the Blue Jays’ organization
05 months ago
Scott Gracey was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 15th round of the 2008 MLB Draft
When Blue Jays fans hear the name, ‘Scott Gracey,’ they picture 25-year-old right-handed pitcher and 15th round pick for the Blue Jays in the 2008 MLB Draft. But do fans know he used to be shortstop? That he admires the game play of New York Yankees’ Derek Jeter or that he absolutely loves music? Fortunately, Gracey sat down with JaysProspects to share all of this and more as he discussed his path to professional baseball.
“Being drafted by the Blue Jays was one of the best days of my life.” Gracey said. “It was one of those things where you’ve worked hard for your whole life and so to have this opportunity and see your name pop up on the screen, realizing you have received an opportunity to play professional baseball, is truly a dream come true.”
Growing up in New Mexico, Gracey admits that he was raised a New York Yankees fan and always admired the game play of Derek Jeter. “My father is a huge Yankees fan and loved Mickey Mantle, so with his influence and being a shortstop I always loved the way Jeter played the game. He always seemed to be in the right place in the big moment. I’ve always admired how he handles himself off the field and how well spoken he is. A true professional.” (more…)