Yan Gomes will become the first Brazillian born player in MLB history

What is that?

It’s Jays’ Nation taking a collective sigh of both relief and frustration at the same time. The 2012 Adam Lind experience has come to an end for now.

The Blue Jays have announced that Lind has been assigned to AAA Las Vegas while the Brazilian Catcher/Infielder Yan Gomes has been called up to Toronto from the 51’s.

Lind, who has been a well established member of the Jays infield since 2006, has seen his 2012 campaign begin with a devastating 6 week slump – a slump that boasts a .186 BA, 3 HR and 11 RBI in 34 games.
Gomes, on the other hand, has looked in fine form while in Vegas. The 24 year-old has been hitting a very impressive .359 with 5 HR and 22 RBI in 33 games so far this season.

While Lind has clearly struggled at the plate, his slump is representative of the struggles the entire team has experienced offensively in 2012. At an average of .239, Toronto ranks 24th in team batting average, the lowest in the AL East. Of course, having a player who is supposed to be your clean-up hitter posting a sub .200 average with a slugging of just .314 is not going to help your team statistics (or performance) one bit.

Lind, who’s best season came in 2009 (.305 BA, 35 HR, 114 RBI), has seen his position in the batting order slip right along with his average – hitting 8th last night against the Yankees (Only above the 45 year-old Omar

Amid a disappointing start to 2012, Adam Lind has been demoted to AAA Las Vegas

Vizquel) Lind went 1-4.

In my opinion, the promotion of Gomes is a no-brainer with the situation the Jays are facing right now. He can hit for average, something that the Blue Jays desperately need in their lineup, and immediately fills a hole at first base where Lind was struggling so mightily. In addition, he has also spent time at third, an asset that may prove to come in handy during the absence of Brett Lawrie. Lawrie, who was handed a four game suspension from the Commissioner’s Office originally intended to appeal, but with the promotion of Gomes, Anthopoulos announced Thursday afternoon that Lawrie will serve the suspension starting Thursday night.

Look for Gomes to make an immediate impact in the Jays lineup.

Cashman Field is home of the Las Vegas 51s

Las Vegas – A city that is built upon the foundation of hope and big dreams. A city where people – young and old – come in the hope of realizing ultimate success, and sometimes as a final cling to fading glory.

While this description matches the scene inside the hundreds of casinos in Sin City, this same imagery can applied to the clubhouse in many AAA ballparks – including that of Cashman Field– where the Blue Jays AAA affiliate the Las Vegas 51s plays host to a roster filled with future and former major leaguers.

In a league where a blossoming major league ready pitching prospect can be neighbours in the locker room with a thirty-something utility player who has only spent stints in the show long enough to grab a cup of coffee, the uniqueness and mystique that surrounds the bridge between AAA and the MLB is more interesting than ever – and no other city can offer better parallels than the city of Las Vegas.

As the trend of young, dynamic prospects sailing through the minors in a year and a half and making an impact at the big league level before they’re 25 continues to become more and more common place in baseball, the concept of AAA has become more and more like a waiting room instead of a place to develop.

On any given night at Cashman Field, we can see 23 year-old phenom Adeiny Hechavarria mixing it up with 35 (soon to be 36) year-old utility player Chris Woodward – Both of whom are part of the starting infield in Vegas. Depending on the night and situation, this infield could be backing up 25 year-old reliever Evan Crawford -who recently made his impressive major league debut – or starter Tim Redding – a 35 year-old journeyman whose best success came with the Nationals in 2008. This gives a sense of both the differences in age, but also the difference in direction that can cause for an interesting ride.

Breaking down the roster and statistics, we see a much deeper situation.

Let’s take for instance, Travis Snider.

Starting in 2006, Snider was able to blaze his trail through the farm in a way that few players are able to do before him. Putting forth solid seasons in his first two years in the system enabled him to make his MLB debut in just his third year of professional ball in 2008. Snider, while showing growing pains that are to be expected with a 20 year-old, impressed during his time with Jays in the ’08 season and showed the ability/potential to become an everyday contributor in the outfield.

Outfielder, Travis Snider, presently has a 370 BA with 4 HR and 24 RBI. When will he make it back to the Majors?

We all know how the story goes from here – Some tough seasons are met with some injuries, and four years later Travis Snider is still plagued by the hardest thing he’s had to do in his career – bridge the gap between AAA and the MLB. In a unique transition that has caused many ball players trouble, bridging that gap between AAA performance and MLB performance is something that can cause a player with major league talent to spend a career in the minors. It’s a situation that Travis Snider constantly works at ensuring never becomes a reality.

Before injuring his wrist in late April, Snider showed what he can do at the dish. Through the first three weeks of the 2012 season, Snider posted a .370 BA with 4 HR and 24 RBI. He also became much more disciplined at the plate, striking out only 13 times over the course of 81 at-bats (16%) a total that has plummeted compared to his performance with the Blue Jays in 2011 (187 AB, 56 SO, 30%).

So what is it that can make a guy like Travis Snider put up the numbers like he has in the early part of 2012? And how can he carry these kinds of stats over to the Majors? While the answers to these questions will remain to be seen until Snider regains his health and continues where he left off, there are different things that can factor into Snider being equally as effective in T-dot as he is in Vegas.

The first being plate discipline.

As mentioned before, Snider has vastly improved his ability to lay off bad pitches and run up the count. In addition to his diminished strike out totals, his walks have sky rocketed – earning 12 free passes this season over the course of his 81 AB’s (15%) – in comparison to the 11 he tallied over his 187 AB’s with the Blue Jays in 2011 (6%). Snider has learned to take outside pitches on those 2-1, 2-2 counts rather than chasing – something that hindered him throughout his early stints in the show. Laying off bad pitches and make pitcher’s accomodate him is an incredibly valuable asset to add to Snider’s game, and may be the key factor in transitioning.

The second factor to consider is the mental toughness.

I’m not a psychiatrist, and I’m not going to try to be one with this post, but as sports fans we have the ability to feel, recognize and identify pressure situations (and clutch players that thrive off of them). While nobody expected Travis Snider to emerge in 2008 and hit .400 with 65 round-trippers, there is a sense of “first impression” that comes with a rookie making his debut. That sense of impression is both with the fans (what can the rookie do) and with the player (I’m gonna show them what I’m capable of). This sense of added pressure to a young ballplayer can be enough to break focus and confidence, amounting to lackluster performances. Like I said, I cannot vouch for Travis Snider and say this is what he went through over the past three years, but I can say, as a fan, I have seen countless situations where a player continues to dig themselves into a deeper hole by thinking they need to make up for their last at-bat with the next one, and so forth and so forth. The ability to treat every at-bat as a separate event and to have a short-memory on the diamond Is another crucial element that can help Snider bridge the gap.

In addition to Snider’s production, the 51’s have experienced a successful season at the plate, with a team BA of .306 (1st in PCL), 202 Runs (5th in PCL) and 193 RBI (Tied for 1st in PCL). This can be attributed to the stockpile of big hitters that Vegas has at their disposal. Some of the big performers so far this season include 24 year-old catcher Yan Gomes (.371 BA, 3 HR, 20 RBI), 25 year-old first baseman David Cooper (.325 BA, 4 HR, 28 RBI) and 23 year-old centerfielder Moises Sierra (.297 BA, 6 HR, 18 RBI). Save for Sierra, these are the names of guys who essentially have their role established – a player who is a strong contributor and will post impressive numbers at the AAA level, but will never be more than roster-fill in the bigs.

For guys like Adeiny Hechavarria, Travis d’Arnaud and Anthony Gose, the situation is a little different (and a little more optimistic).

At 23, the shortstop Hechavarria has been heralded as the next best Blue Jays middle infielder and seemingly has nothing but a bright future ahead of him. After getting an invite to pro camp this spring, Hechavarria had two weeks of less-than-stellar plate appearances before he was cut. However, the Cuban prospect has shown early in the season that he can get it done at the dish, in addition to impeccable defense. After being promoted to Vegas towards the end of the 2011 season, Hech posted very solid numbers which include a .389 BA, 2 HR and 11 RBI over 25 games. In 2012, he has continued to produce, currently batting .307 with 2 HR and 23 RBI. As he continues to refine his hitting skills, Hechavarria is in position to make a run at the big league club, and with his reputation of being the best defensive prospect in the system, he could possibly inherit the short stop position from Yunel Escobar as early as 2014 (Escobar is signed through 2013 with club options for 2014 and 2015).

Travis d'Arnaud is mainting a .277 BA, and 754 OPS with two homeruns and 12 RBI, when will this strong make his MLB debut?

The phrase “get in line” is earning more and more truth with regards to Blue Jays catching prospects as the talent begind the plate continues to pile up in the farm. While Travis d’Arnaud can definitely hold his own behind the dish, being ranked the #1 prospect in the Jays system (according to Baseball America), looking up and seeing the 26 year-old J.P. Arencibia can be somewhat of a demoralizer with regards to the amount of playing time a 23 year-old up-and-comer would like to have. d’Arnaud’s ability to get on base and move runners in AAA this season have been impressive (.277 BA, .754 OPS) but his power numbers haven’t been strong (2 HR, 12 RBI). This is unfortunate for d’Arnaud, because if he were to edge out the defensively-sound Arencibia for any playing time in the future, it would be via strong power production – something that Arencibia also lacks. Nevertheless, d’Arnaud’s reputation of being a cat behind the plate will continue to attract attention from the major league level, whether it’s the Blue Jays concerned with the promotion or other club’s interested in a trade.

Being a 21 year-old in Vegas poses its very own, completely different set of challenges and temptations, but for a guy like Anthony Gose it’s just a stop on the way to a greater destination – which is an everyday role in the Major Leagues. As Gose has progressed through the minors, he has typically combined solid power numbers, good run production and a low batting average with stellar defense – and this year is no exception. In 2012, Gose is hitting .232 with 2 HR and 19 RBI with the 51’s. While his strongest season at the dish came in 2011 with New Hampshire, (.253 BA, 16 HR 59 RBI) Gose has maintained a strong sense of awareness and natural ability while providing top caliber defense play. While still very young and requiring work on his swing, Gose is the kind of versatile athlete who can contribute in nearly any setting. Look for this to be a factor with regards to his future assignments.

The Las Vegas 51’s are a team compiled of players who share one thing in common – they are all on the brink of cracking a major league lineup. Whether their assets lie in previous experience or potential for greatness, each member of the 51’s has something valuable to provide to the Blue Jays. The question is, whether or not they will get a chance to provide what they have to offer. This element of the development process is especially interesting when looking at pitching talent in Vegas. It is well known that pitchers do not develop in AAA. For the most part, AAA pitchers are either making a temporary stop on the road to the bigs, or are continuing with an aging career in hopes of being called up for another chance at glory. This sentiment holds true with the 51’s, as we see pitchers like Evan Crawford (who made his debut last month) waiting for another call from Toronto, sitting in the same bullpen as Jim Hoey, a middle reliever who’s career ERA in the majors exceeds seven. While much of the exciting pitching talent rests in AA, High A and A with names like Wojciechowski, Nicolino, Sanchez, Syndergaard and Nolin, the 51’s pitching staff is highlighted by Crawford and 26 year-old closer Chad Beck – who’s 1.23 ERA is the lowest on the staff.

There is an atmosphere around a AAA ballclub – much like an atmosphere around a casino – of hope and aspirations, some fading while some very much alive. While the irony lies in the fact that this ball club calls Vegas home, there is a sense of grittiness and determination that can be found in the core of the Las Vegas 51’s. While player development takes precedent over a win-loss record for minor league clubs, I can imagine that the final few chances to taste victory on the baseball field must be valuable to aging veterans on the Vegas roster. This competition is something to admire and may spell the end of acareer for some, the competitive atmosphere can be just the thing to prepare those who are going “all in”, and on their way to a career in the majors.

Nicolino and Sanchez have each pitched 15 innings, both recording a 0.00 ERA in 2012 with the Lansing Lugnuts

Piggyback rotations are a great way for minor league teams to juggle a large rotation of starting pitchers. Piggybacking is a term used to describe when two pitchers sharing a start; one pitcher starts the game and the second pitcher comes in the middle.

The Blue Jays organization has two of the best in Lansing with Justin Nicolino and Aaron Sanchez. The duo has played five games together this season. Sanchez is 3-0 and Nicolino is 0-0, and incredibly, both have a 0.00 ERA!

Justin Nicolino was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 2^nd round of the 2010 MLB draft out of University High School in Orlando Florida. Nicolino has a good fastball in the low 90’s which he can control on either side of the plate. He also has a good curveball and changeup which he uses as well. Last season, Nicolino split time with Vancouver and Lansing collecting a 6-2 record and a 1.33 ERA to go with 73 strikeouts and only 13 walks. Thus far this season, the young prospect has recorded 17 strikeouts and has only walked two.

Aaron Sanchez a 0-0 record with a 0.00 ERA in 15 innings thus far with the Lansing Lugnuts

Aaron Sanchez was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 1^st round of the 2010 MLB draft out of Barstow High School in Barstow, California. Aaron has a strong arm which can throw fastballs in the high 90’s, but has the control to throw as low as the low 50’s to throw batters off. Sanchez throws a yellow hammer as well which is a divesting curve ball most famously done by Satchel Page.

Sanchez has a career record of 6-6 with a 3.63 ERA with 113 strikeouts and 51 walks sense going pro in 2010. This season the young Californian has 20 strikeouts and has walked eight.

Overall, there is no denying tha Sanchez and Nicolino are just two of the many strong arms in the Lansing Lugnuts rotation. Let’s hope that their perfect season continues.

Don’t look now but down in Dunedin Sean Nolin has made consistent, dominating performances look routine.

The left-hander continued his winning ways on Thursday night at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium as the Dunedin Blue Jays defeated the Lakeland Flying Tigers by a score of 5-3. Nolin, in what proved to be an “off-night” for the 22 year-old, earned the win to improve his record to 4-0 on the season after going 5.0 Innings with 9 hits, 3 runs (2 earned) while striking out 4 and walking 1.

After proving his ability with Lansing in 2011, Sean Nolin has dominated the first month of 2012 with Dunedin

While Nolin has been on the radars of fans and Blue Jays personnel over the course of his two seasons in the system (where he spent time in the GCL (2010),Auburn (2010) and Lansing (2011) ) to say 2012 is poised to be a breakout year for the pitcher would be an understatement. As he remained undefeated Thursday, Nolin has put up whopping numbers across the board.

Entering Thursday’s matchup, Nolin held a 2.60 ERA with 28 SO over 27.2 IP this season. While these numbers speak for themselves, they are not the only reason for excitement. Nolin has been able to contribute at every level. His ability to adjust and glide through different levels of talent and competition speak volumes to his character, something that comes out when the 6’5 starter gets into hot water on the hill. For example, after giving up a single run in each of the first three innings of tonight’s ballgame, Sean Nolin not only minimized the impact of giving up a large number of hits by escaping with little damage, but he managed to settle in over the next two innings and maintain his composure. I know, I know – I speak about a pitcher’s ability to maintain his composure a lot – but the ability for a young mind to have a short memory and continue to pitch aggressively despite getting into trouble is something that is extremely valuable when playing at a high level, and is an intangible that is extremely difficult to be taught.

It’s early – but it is not out of the question to see Sean Nolin get a promotion sooner rather than later. He’s proved himself at every level he has played in (While his numbers in 2010/11 are not as phenomenal as they are this season, 4-4 with a 3.49 ERA last season in Lansing is nothing to sneeze at for a 21 year-old) and is the perfect type of prospect to throw in the deep end and see if he can swim. After being originally drafted by the Brewers in the 2008 draft and the Mariners in the 2009 draft (he opted to remain in JuCo, where he posted a 12-0 record with a 1.98 ERA in his senior season) the highly-touted Nolin was selected in 2010 by Toronto and has found a home as a Blue Jay – it’s now an appropriate time to see just how far he can fly.

Derrick Loveless was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 27th round of the 2011 MLB Draft

Derrick Loveless was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 27^th round of last year’s MLB draft. By signing with the Blue Jays, the young Iowa-native, declined a scholarship from the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Discussing this experience, Loveless told JaysProspects that when he initially found out he was chosen by the Blue Jays organization, he was in shock and at first didn’t know what to think. “Honestly, I didn’t even think that anybody was that interested in me, I mean I had been meeting with my scout a couple times so I knew they were somewhat interested, but I really didn’t expect it. I was very excited when I sat down and realized that someone thinks I’m good enough to play with their team,” he said.

“The decision of not choosing college or pro ball was hard because education is very important to my family and I, so I really had to think about what would be best for me. Eventually I came to the conclusion that I wanted to go with my heart and play pro ball.”

Following his heart, Loveless embarked in his first year with the Blue Jays’ organization, joining the GCL Blue Jays for five games, where he scored two runs, got one RBI and walked three times, an experience Loveless could only describe as amazing. “Being able to play with very good baseball players and working with coaches who know the game so well would be the moment that stood out for me,” he said. “The biggest game difference has to be the change of pace; the game has such a quick tempo that it’s hard to get used to. The pitching is much faster, breaking balls are much better and everyone on the team has the ability to hit. It doesn’t matter where they are in the lineup – - they all can make solid contact.”

With Solon High School, Loveless hit .554 with 14 doubles, six triples, 11 home runs, and 64 RBIs and helped his team win the Class 3A state championship

Like his teammates, however, Loveless can also hit and make solid contact. In fact, in 2011, with his Solon High School, he hit .554 with 14 doubles, six triples, 11 home runs, 64 RBIs and 28 stolen bases, and helped his team win the Class 3A state baseball championship.

“Since I’m an outfielder speed is important because I need to make good jumps on balls in the field,” Loveless stated about the impact his speed has had in his professional career. “But when you are on the base path and you have speed, you can really get in the pitchers’ head and get his focus on you not the batter, and hopefully then he makes a mistake and you and your team can capitalize.”

Baseball, however, was not Loveless’ only talent in high school, as the talented prospect excelled not only at football but also at soccer, where was he was the goalie on the Solon soccer team that played for a state championship. “Baseball has always been a game that I’ve loved to play,” Loveless stated in regards to his decision to pursue baseball over his other interests and talents. “The other sports I played were fun but I’ve always had the dream of playing for a MLB team.”

In addition to his passion and future aspirations, Loveless also admitted that the reason he has been able to pursue his baseball goals is because of his family. “My parents have always wanted me to be successful and they both know that I love this sport so they have supported me throughout the whole process,” he said, adding. “My grandpa Wally, who pitched in the minor leagues for some years and my grandpa Wayne, have also been great supporters. They both really wanted me to play baseball.”

His family has been supporting him through each of his games, seeing each high and each low. Discussing such experiences, Loveless mentioned that while he can’t remember his best day in baseball he has also felt that he has never truly had a bad day. “Whenever I struggle, it’s a learning experience for me, so while it’s never a good thing to struggle, I feel it makes me better and stronger.”

Loveless told JaysProspects that he considers his speed to be his greatest strength. He stole 28 bases with Solon High School in 2011.

Through each learning experience, Loveless has been able to gain strong skills that have developed him into the player he is today. “My best skill at the plate would most likely be my patience and my ability to know what spots of the zone is a weakness or strength,” he said. “On the field, my best skill would be my speed. I can react to the balls pretty well.”

Now into his first full season with the Blue Jays, Loveless told JaysProspects that his goal is to continue to work hard and get better every day. One way that he will do be able to each his goals is to stay determined and focused, a state of mind that Loveless says he is able to find through music.  “One thing that people don’t really know about me is that music is the one thing that keeps me motivated to do anything,” Loveless said. “Whenever I’m doing something, music has the ability to keep me in a calm relaxed state. I play music in my head to keep me in calm while I’m playing.”

JaysProspects wishes Derrick Loveless nothing but the best of harmonies, melodies, and rhythms, and the best of luck in his future. We also kindly thank him for his time.

Schaeffer is entering his second season with the Blue Jays organization

Chris Schaeffer is entering his second season with the Toronto Blue Jays organization. A fellow resident of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Schaeffer now finds himself in Dunedin undergoing extended Spring Training. Schaeffer sat down with JaysProspects to talk about his journey to the Blue Jays organization and his experience thus far in professional baseball.

Discussing his experience signing as an undrafted free agent with the Blue Jays, Schaeffer explained that he had heard teams were interested and was just waiting to hear something that would allow him begin his professional career: “The whole experience is hard to explain, I knew teams were interested, but I also knew that I had an off year my senior year. But before it could even sink in, my phone rang.

“It’s funny looking back at it; I recognized the phone number being from Greensboro, NC as I have family that lives there. I actually thought it was one of my family members calling me so I was a little confused when I didn’t recognize the caller. The voice on the phone said, “Rough couple days, huh?” I just laughed a little and said, “Yeah, but things are good, everything happens for a reason.” Then the voice introduced himself as John Hendricks, the area scout for the Toronto Blue Jays, and asked, “What do you think about signing as a Free Agent with the Toronto Blue Jays?” Without hesitation, I answered, “Sounds like a good deal.”  I hung up the phone and called, John, my younger brother.”

While he is now a strong catcher with the Blue Jays’ organization, Schaeffer admitted that growing up, he always enjoyed the game play of another catcher, Ivan Rodriguez. “I remember watching ESPN highlights of him throwing runners out and picking off guys on any base, just admiring his arm strength and quickness behind the plate.” He added, “My first set of gear I got when I was starting to catch was the same model of Wilson gear that “Pudge” had when he was with Texas. I think the real reason I admired him as much as I did was that he isn’t the biggest guy and I remember saying to myself that if he can get to the big leagues at 5’10, so can I!”

He concluded, “I still highly respect “Pudge” today, but I would have to say that the player I admire most today is Yadier Molina. His skills behind the plate are unbelievable.”

In 2011, Schaeffer had a .992 fielder percentage. Photo credit: Vancouver Canadians

Schaeffer’s skills, however, are equally impressive. After spending 10 games with the Bluefield Blue Jays, where he batted .378 with four doubles, a homerun, and seven RBIs, Schaeffer joined the Vancouver Canadians. With the C’s, the 24-year-old batted .210 with three doubles and 8 RBIs.

Discussing his experience living in Vancouver, Canada, Schaeffer said, “I love Vancouver! The weather there is similar to where I live in Florida during the fall. The scenery, however, was the biggest difference. I’m used to extremely flat terrain back home and being able to go to the beach and look out and see mountains was amazing.”

What Schaeffer also found amazing in Vancouver was being with the Canadians when they won the NWL Championships.

“It’s an experience that’s really hard to put into words” Schaeffer said. “I’ve been on championship teams growing up playing travel ball, but this one was pretty special. It felt like a dream! It was unbelievable, I never thought that my first season as a professional baseball player I would be given the opportunity to win a championship.  It’s definitely going to be a memory that will last a lifetime”

Specifically, Schaeffer mentioned that his favourite moment came in his first at-bat during game two of the NWL Championship Series. “I led off the bottom of the third with a home run to left that put us up 1-0!” he said. “It was an unbelievable feeling making contact with the ball, watching it start to fly out to left and hearing a packed Nat Bailey stadium erupt. The fans out there are awesome!”

Schaeffer endured a concussion in the ACC Championship with North Carolina State

Making headlines during a championship game, however, is not unusual for Schaeffer, as Schaeffer got discussed quite heavily when his team, North Carolina State, played Florida State in the ACC Championship Game … But  he made headlines for other reasons as in the 9^th inning, James Ramsey collided with Schaeffer, knocking him unconscious and giving him a concussion.

Knowing the impact concussions presently play in sports, JaysProspects was quick to ask how his head was feeling now.  “I was expecting this question,” Schaeffer said, laughing. “The head is doing well, it actually didn’t take me long to get back on the field, I think it was something like three weeks before I started playing again. I wasn’t scared getting back behind the plate at all. It’s just one of those situations that come with the position.”

Since this time, Schaeffer has continued to impress at his position. In 2011, with the Canadians and Bluefield, Schaeffer had a .992 fielder percentage and caught 24% of base stealers stealing against him (16/66). Despite these strong defensive skills, Schaeffer stated that his best skill behind the plate is his ability to work with his pitching staff. “Building a relationship with each guy and knowing their strengths and weaknesses helps me help them with keeping the tempo up and it develops a trust factor between us,” Schaeffer said.

Over the off season, Schaeffer worked out and did some training at The Performance Academy, a brand new training facility in Apex, North Carolina where he also been worked as a Hitting and Catching Instructor. “My plans for the offseason were pretty simple,” he said, “To work on the areas of my game that need to be improved and doing everything I can to be in the best shape I can!”

JaysProspects concluded the interview asking Schaeffer how he felt his life has changed since becoming a professional baseball player. Schaeffer modestly replied, “I don’t feel like I’ve really changed. I’m still the same guy I’ve always been.”

And to gain more insight into who he is, Schaeffer also admitted something unique about himself: “I’m a big fan of the TV show NCIS – I haven’t missed an episode!”

JaysProspects wishes Chris Schaeffer the best of luck in his upcoming season and we thank him kindly for his time.

Hutchison made his MLB debut on Saturday against the Kansas City Royals (Photo Credit: Zimbio.com)

While it wasn’t exactly the type of “pressure-cooker” situation that a kid dreams about in his backyard, Drew Hutchison managed to get his career started on the right foot Saturday after pitching his way to a win in his first MLB start.

An extremely admirable feat and a reason to get excited, even if it was against the Kansas City Royals.

After being called up two days ago from New Hampshire, the right-hander further proved to Jays Nation that the up-and-coming pitching talent of the Blue Jays minor league system is not to be taken lightly, by admirably battling his way through 5.1 innings on route to a 9-5 victory.

Hutchison, who surrendered 5 earned runs over those 5.1 IP to go along with four strikeouts and three walks, had his ups and downs in his first taste of major league action at Kauffman Stadium. After giving up a first inning solo-shot to Alex Gordon, Hutchison settled in, managing to limit the Royals offense by throwing a strong mix of pitches which included the use of his two-seamer and offspeed options.

With the support of the Blue Jays bats – which posted four runs in the fourth, Hutchison kept his composure on the mound despite a rocky fifth inning. Hutchison surrendered three consecutive hits (double, triple, single) and a walk to begin the 5th, which would prove to be the 21 year-old’s biggest challenge of the night. After inducing a double play, Hutchison then gave up a 2-run homer to Royals first-baseman Eric Hosner that put the Royals up 5-4.

In a move that was somewhat surprising, John Farrell stuck with his rookie starter into the 6th inning. Hutchison responded by starting the frame with routine ground-out, but followed up with a walk and a base hit to right. He was then pulled in favour of Darren Oliver.

While Drew Hutchison’s first start in the Major League’s was by no means glamorous, it was an impressive display of the rookie’s ability to get himself out of jams and maintain a sense of focus despite getting into occasional trouble. Throughout the night, Hutchison battled hitters in a gritty and effective manner, managing to get past the lowly offense of Kansas City and keep the Blue Jays on the winning track after a couple of difficult series against Tampa and Baltimore.

An area in which Hutchison struggled Saturday was getting ahead in the count. Seeming to be pitching from behind for most of the night, Hutchison threw first-pitch strikes against only 9 of the 26 hitters he faced. While earning first-pitch strikes is a statistic that is of course outweighed by the W, Hutchison’s ability to get ahead in the count early will help him avoid innings like he had in the 5th.

On a Saturday that was jam-packed with baseball excitement, including a perfect game from a relative-unknown in Chicago and an epic comeback at Fenway, the “blue-collar” debut put forth by Drew Hutchison is not something that will make many headlines outside of T.O. But this subtle success may prove to be an asset for the club and the development of their talent. Being the second young arm to make his Major League debut for the Blue Jays this week, Drew Hutchison’s performance on Saturday is indicative of the quality of pitching talent the organization has to offer.