Posts tagged Canadians
Interview with Taylor Cole: Right-Hander Now on a Different ‘Mission’
53 months ago
Taylor Cole was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 29th round of the 2011 draft (photo credit: Vancouver Canadians)
While Taylor Cole was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2007 and the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2008, he joined the Blue Jays’ organization in 2011 after being selected in the 29th round.
Cole admitted that he did not sign in 2007 as he felt he would greatly benefit from playing college ball. In 2008, he also mentioned that he decided to bypass the draft and serve on a mission, which, interestingly enough, was in Toronto, Ontario.
In fact, Cole’s two-year mission was initiated thanks to advice from Baltimore Orioles’ Jeremy Guthrie. Cole told JaysProspects: “After my first year in college, at the age of 19, I served a two-year mission for my church in, of all places, Toronto Canada. I have grown to love Canada from both serving my mission in Toronto and playing my first year of pro ball in Vancouver. Serving the mission was a very difficult time, but I know that it was the right thing to do for me at that time in my life.”
After his mission, Cole returned back to the game, attending Brigham Young University, a school that combines both the importance of church and athletics. There, as a softmore, he posted a 5-5 record with a 2.99 ERA. “BYU was a great school in which I spent the first year back from my mission,” Cole stated. “It was a good transition because they were able to help me get back in baseball shape because they deal with return missionaries coming home each year. I am grateful for the time spent there and the lifelong friends that I made.” (more…)
Interview with Canadians’ second-baseman, Jon Berti
28 months ago
Berti presently leads the Canadians, with a .302 batting average
Guest post by Gideon Tirk
Jon Berti is the present second baseman for the Jays Low-Aaffiliate, the Vancouver Canadians. He has had a spectacular year, being a bright spot in the Canadians’ line-up, leading the team with a .302 and an OBP of .396. He also has utilized his speed well, making great plays in the field, and stealing 21 bases, only getting caught five times. Recently, Berti sat down with JaysProspects.com and highlighted some aspects about the young 21-year-old that many fans did not know.
Jays Prospects: What was your reaction when you were drafted this season, in the 18th round, by the Toronto Blue Jays?
Jon Berti: Being drafted by the Blue Jays was amazing. Without a doubt, it was a day that I never will forget. I am so happy that I was able to spend it with my family and closest friends.
Jays Prospects: While everyone at JaysProspects is glad that things worked the way they did, what was the biggest reason you didn’t sign after being drafted by the Oakland Athletics’ in the thirty sixth round in the 2008 draft?
Jon Berti: I did not sign after 2008 because I knew I was not ready to play professional baseball. My family and I decided that it would be best to go to college for at least 3 years, work on my degree, and work on becoming a better baseball player.
While he plays second base for the Canadians, Berti was originally a shortstop.
Jays Prospects: What position(s) other than second base do you play?
Jon Berti: I grew up always playing shortstop actually. This is really my first year that I am playing second base. I also have been working on playing a little bit of third base to make myself a little more versatile.
Jays Prospects: Which Major League player did you admire most when you were growing up, and why?
Jon Berti: I had a few players who I admired growing up. The first was Chipper Jones. I really like how hard he played the game. I also admired David Eckstein. He was a smaller player who played the game hard and was successful through hard work.
Jays Prospects: Is there any former or current player you can compare your game to?
Jon Berti: The player I would compare myself to is probably Dustin Pedroia. He is a smaller guy who out works most players around the league.
Jays Prospects: Since starting to play for the Vancouver Canadians, what has been your favourite moment?
Berti states that his best skill on the field is his competitiveness
Jon Berti: I have had a couple favourite moments. The first one was Nick Baligod’s walk off grand slam. That was a fun game to play in. The second moment would have to be last Saturday night, August 27th. The crowd was electric, my parents were in the stands, the grounds crew did the dance to Party Rock Anthem and the night was finished with fireworks. A night I’ll never forget.
Jays Prospects: In your mind what is your best and worst skill when it comes to playing baseball?
Jon Berti: My best skill in baseball has to be my competitiveness. I may not always be the most talented on the field but my ability to work hard and compete everyday goes a long way. My worst skill would have to be my power. I am not the biggest guy, so I won’t be hitting too many home runs in my career.
Jays Prospects: You’ve been hit by 11 pitches this season, which one hurt the most?
Jon Berti: I didn’t realize I had been hit that much! I got one in my left shoulder last week, and it got me pretty good so I would have to say that one.
Jays Prospects: What is the reason that you have been able to be so successful so far in your young career?
Jon Berti: I credit a lot of my success to my teammates and coaches. I have been lucky to play with some older guys like Bryan Kervin who really took me under their wings and have helped me figure out how to be a professional baseball player. The coaches here have also been helpful because they are always willing to work with us players any time of the day. I also credit much of it to my parents, family, and friends. They have all been very supportive up me and when things are going well on the field, I can always turn to them for support.
Jays Prospects: JaysProspects.com would like to thank you for putting in the time to do this interview, and wishes you good luck for the rest of your season in Vancouver.
Jon Berti: Thanks, it’s been fun!
Interview with Jonathan Jones: Behind the scenes on the Canadians’ outfielder
010 months ago
Who is outfielder Jonathan Jones? To answer this question, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to interview the prospect and find out more about the young star on the Vancouver Canadians.
Jonathan Jones was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 29th round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft out of Long Beach State University. Since this time, he has been an integral member of the GCL Blue Jays, the Auburn Doubledays, the Lansing Lugnuts, and presently finds himself situated with the Vancouver Canadians.
Due to the constant traveling, I asked Jones what his favourite location has been thus far. He replied: “My favorite place has to be Vancouver. It’s a beautiful city! Being from California, it is a lot different living in places like Auburn and Lansing. I’ve never really played in the cold like I did in Lansing. Something I hope that I don’t have to go through again! But, they are all unique places and I’m glad I get to experience places like I have.”
Without a doubt, the 21-year old has proven himself well. So far, in 24 games with the Canadians, he is hitting .314 with 12 of his 32 hits for extra bases. He has also used his speed to his advantage, making fantastic running grabs in the outfield (making only one error) and successful stealing eight bases without getting caught once.Jones also admits that his speed is useful for this game, stating, “My best skill on the field is my speed. That is what my game is based on. There is nothing better than running down balls in the gaps!”
Jones’ teammates will admit that he one of the first players to put a smile on each other’s faces. This aspect of communication and teamwork is something that is integral in his life. His focus on communication can also be enforced upon investigating Jones’ usage of Twitter. Using his handle of, @JonJones707, Jones communicates not only with his teammates, but also the fans. Discussing the social networking tool, Jones admits:
“I believe Twitter is great. It gives fans access to follow their favorite player and see what he/she is doing, and to find out some of their likes and dislikes. Not only that, but it also allows fans to feel like they have a personal relationship with the athletes, yet at the same time, allows the athletes to feel the fans’ love and support. It goes a long way for us.”
That being said, be sure to follow Jonathan Jones, @JonJones707, on Twitter and let him know that just like everyone here at JaysProspects.com, you are also cheering him on and wishing him the best in the future.
Prospect Profile: Garrett Maines On That First Big Hit and His Journey to Vancouver
110 months ago
Garrett Maines- C
NDFA 2010
Previous Club: GCL Blue Jays
There is something remarkable about seeing that first home run of your team’s still young season leave the ballpark. Apparently it feels even better when you have just watched it sail from the barrel of your own bat, over the brightly lit Scotiabank Field wall and into the Vancouver night.
At least that is how Canadians’ catcher Garrett Maines felt when he belted his first professional home run and fist pumped his way over home plate on Sunday at The Nat. “It felt very good” Maines said, beaming at the recollection. “I didn’t even really realize it went out until I was rounding second and I saw the crowd on its feet cheering. It just really felt good to be able to contribute to my team in a positive way like that.”
Maines, a native of Brandon, Florida and former University of Tampa Spartan, had a few twists in his road to becoming a Jays prospect. Declining a draft offering by Pittsburgh in his first year of junior eligibility, Maines elected to finish school and left college to play 2009 with the Midwest Sliders of the Frontier League. After his 22 game 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 NDFA following spring training.
Asked about his experience in the Gulf league he chuckled “Well it’s hot, long and there are no fans so it’s hard to get energy out of a game. More than anything it’s a real test, more mental than physical.” Responding on how he liked the Vancouver scene so far Maines lauded the great atmosphere. “I love the fans. It’s everything it was built up to be down in Florida.”
The fans certainly love the C’s second catcher for his offensive contribution on Sunday and his willingness to spend time post-game with the younger fans. His goal for his time in Vancouver: In a word “Consistency. It’s funny, I’m actually really good friends with Pierce Rankin (Vancouver’s everyday backstopper). He knows I’m after his job and I know that he’s out to keep his job now. I just want to contribute any way I can and hopefully move up one step every year.” He also said that he had been taking advantage of Manager John Schneider’s wealth of baseball knowledge. “He’s a former catcher and I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can from him.” Though Sunday was his first start, C’s fans have gotten a glance at all three of the team’s catchers so far this week and will be sure to see more of Maines as the Northwest season rolls on.
For updates on Garrett Maines and other Jays prospects in Vancouver stay tuned to jaysprospects.com and be sure to check out canadiansbaseball.com for live gameday audio, news releases and more.
UPDATE: Maines tore through Everett’s Memorial Stadium in two starts during the Canadians’ first road trip of the season. Thursday night saw him go 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs in the DH slot in a 9-3 win over the Aquasox. Backstopping for Justin Nicolino on Friday night, Maines followed up with a 2 for 4 effort notching his first triple and second round-tripper of the season providing all of the runs the Canadians would need in a 2-0 win while bringing his average to a fear-inducing .417 over 3 starts. The C’s are 2 for 2 in series wins and move on to Salem-Keizer to face the 1-7 Volcanoes .
In other news, Justin Nicolino put in another solid 5 innings of work to pick up his first win of the season. He has held opponents off the scoreboard in his first two starts of the campaign.