Posts tagged jays
Adam Lind demoted to AAA Las Vegas – Yan Gomes to make MLB debut
01 day ago
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.
Piggybacking in Lansing: Aaron Sanchez and Justin Nicolino
02 weeks ago
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 2nd 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 1st 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.
Interview with Speedy Outfielder, Derrick Loveless
13 weeks ago
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 27th 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.
Interview with Catcher, Chris Schaeffer
03 weeks ago
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.” (more…)
Recap: Drew Hutchison Earns Win in MLB Debut vs. Kansas City
13 weeks ago
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. (more…)
Fisher Cats get swept by the Rock Cats in first Home Series
01 month ago
The Fisher Cats got swept to the Rock Cats in their first home series at Safe Auto Stadium (Photo credit: Josh Bisson / JaysProspects.com)
The Fisher Cats battled New Britain in the first four of 28 games of their 2012 campaign. Unfortunately, the Rock Cats fought hard, sweeping the home town heroes for the first time since being swept by Harrisburg in August 2011.
The home opener saw a dominating performance by Jason Marquis, but the Rock Cats kept the momentum in their favor for the entire series. On Friday night, New Britain stormed out to a three-run lead in the first inning, which was all they needed to secure the win as New Hampshire was held to only one run on three hits.
Saturday saw the Cats quiet through seven, before an electric finish narrowly overcoming a six-run ninth inningdeficit to take the loss 7-6.
Sunday’s finale saw the Fisher Cats quieted again by another pitcher with Major League experience. This time it was New Britain’s Luke French keeping the bats on ice. Sunday was also the second-three-hit effort in this series for the Fisher Cats. Coincidentally, New Hampshire was swept at home last April 11-13th against Reading. That team rebounded and ended up winning the EL title, so it just may be a thing for Sal’s Sons.
“They’re definitely one of the better teams that we’re seen here in New Hampshire,” said manager, Sal Fasano, shortly after Sundays Loss.
Despite the losses, the atmosphere was far from glum in the club house after Sunday’s game. When asked about the recent skid, Brad Glenn confidently stated, “We need to have a short memory, keep working hard, and go and get them tomorrow.”
While Glenn opened many eyes in Lansing, he has certainly impressed in 2012 with the Fisher Cats
New to New Hampshire, Brad Glenn, may even remind some of Brett Lawrie. Glenn, a California native and the 23rd round pick for the Blue Jays in 2009, is as feisty as any Fisher Cat who has ever played the right field position in Manchester.
Meeting Glenn off the field is in no way a reflection of his tenacious demeanor in and around the baseball diamond.” He plays each game as if it was his last,” states Fasano on his right-fielder.
Glenn, who said he had had no idea he even had a seven game hitting streak broken, credits hitting coach, Jon Nuttally for his early success at the plate. His plate presence is amazing, and he looks ready to pounce on opposing pitching. Needless to say pitchers will need to take notice on #44.
Another big improvement that has been recognized early in the season is from center fielder Justin Jackson. The former 1st-round pick appears to be coming into his own in 2012, having entered Sunday’s game with an impressive .429 batting average. Jackson gained ten pounds over the off-season and has been working hard in improving on multiple facets of his game. He also credits hitting coach Jon Nuttally for his assistance and direction starting in Spring Training.
Howard spoke to JaysProspects after Saturday's game (Photo credit: Josh Bisson)
Sal Fasano pointed out that Nuttally was also a former accomplished outfielder, and has been able to help Jackson (a natural shortstop) to his new role in center field. On his transition, he further confidently stated, “Justin has an incredible arm.”
To listen to JaysProspects interview with Justin Jackson, click here: Justin Jackson
The best hit of the series was, without a doubt, the three run bomb hit by Kevin Howard in the ninth in Saturday’s matinee. I had a bird eyes view of a picture perfect swing, as Howard drove off his back foot exploding on contact and driving that baseball over the service road onto the gravel between the train tracks.
JaysProspects was fortunate to speak with Howard after the hit, and to hear what the veteran had to say, click here: Kevin Howard
The best inning pitched was the first inning of Sunday’s game where Drew Hutchison retired the side striking out the final two batters in the frame. (And for those wondering, Hutchison did not seem to have any knowledge of a call-up to Toronto when asked by the Union Leader’s Kevin Gray.)
Matt Wright made his Fisher Cat debut on Friday after getting the call after Evan Crawford was called up to the Big League club. He retired the first six batters he faced before giving up a hit in his third frame. He looked poised on the mound and has a very smooth delivery.
Former Fisher Cat, Ricky Romero,had tweeted a picture of a newspaper article (http://twitpic.com/99cngh) featuring the three Fisher Cat aces Deck McGuire, Chad Jenkins, and Drew Hutchinson. “Toronto really up in arms,” is the headline. Our other JaysProspects affiliate reporters will be quick to excite Blue Jays fans with a reminder that the lower levels are just as stacked in talent as NH. We look forward for names like Norris, Syndergaard, Nicolino, Sanchez and Wojciechowski as they travel through New Hampshire on the road to the show.
The Fisher Cats are back at it again tomorrow when Binghamton comes into town for three games to complete this seven-game opening home stand. New Hampshire will start righty Ryan Tepera against south paw Mark Cohoon of the B-Mets.
Five Bold Predictions and my AL East preview
11 month ago
by Doug Plourd
in News and Notes
Thursday is Milb and MLB Opening Day
It is in the air…can you see it? The sun shining brightly helps create shadows in the infield, as nine men play on a diamond. Can you smell it? Freshly cut grass mixes with the aroma of roasted peanuts and hot dogs. Can you hear it? The loud roar of the crowd after the distinctive crack of the bat. It is in the air…optimism, confidence, hope. It’s that time of year again, where everyone starts with the identical record, all with the one goal, of raising a trophy in late October !(ok, the Orioles theoretically are already 15 games out of first place).
So, not only does the season begin for the players, it’s also the start of six months of ups and downs for us, the fans. Opening day (or in the case of 2012, opening day part TROIS) should be a holiday. (as should the Monday after the SuperBowl…and March 18th…and May 6th…but I digress). The days leading up to our favorite team taking the field for the first real games of the year, are as long as the week leading up to Christmas when you are 8 years old. But alas, the clock finally turns, the ump yells play ball, and the first pitch is thrown.
The week leading up to the first pitch, is also a time for predictions. Everyone does them, and we all are just guessing, but in the end, it is fun and if you hit on just ONE against-the-grain pick, you hold it over your friends forever. So below are five predictions for the upcoming season regarding current and past JaysProspects. I didn’t want to go TOO overly aggressive (Kevin Comer pitches game 1 of the World Series in Toronto) but didn’t want to lay in the conservative camp either. (Brett Lawrie will hit at LEAST .175 this year) (more…)