Posts tagged jays
Interview with Trystan Magnuson: Right-handed pitcher happy to re-join the Blue Jays organization
01 month ago
by April Whitzman
in Interviews
Magnuson was selected 56th overall by the Blue Jays in the 2007 MLB Draft (photo credit: Eddie Michels)
Trystan Magnuson was drafted in the 1st round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. An experience, the former 56th overall pick, could only describe as being incredible.
“I was in my college locker room watching the draft. There was quite a bit of anticipation about who was going to draft me,” he said. “I knew that there were several teams that were interested in having me, but I didn’t know who was the most interested or where in the draft they had me slotted. Then the news came that I was picked by the Blue Jays! There was a wave of excitement and also a bit of doubt about whether this was actually real. Did I just get drafted with the 56th pick? Did I just get drafted by the team that I watched win the ’92 and ’93 World Series as a kid on TV in Winnipeg? And then just flat out excitement as I thought about how much I was going to enjoy the next years playing for the Jays.”
In his first year with the Jays’ organization, Magnuson joined the Lansing Lugnuts in 2008, where he went 0-9 with a 5.40 ERA in 24 starts, striking out 49 and walking 35 in 81 2/3 innings.
“That year was tough,” said Magnuson of his first taste of minor league ball. “There was a lot of excitement and anticipation going into my first season. And a lot of expectations about my pro career from myself. After having a season in college where I was the closer on the University of Louisville team that went to Omaha, and having only given up 1 run the entire regular season, I put a lot of expectations and pressure on myself. It was an amazing learning experience, not only with my baseball skill, but more so mentally and spiritually. (more…)
Five years of first-rounders: What the Blue Jays have done with their first-round picks over the last five years
11 month ago
Drafting players is an interesting element of baseball. While it is an extremely important event that shapes the future of an organization, an overwhelming majority of these prospects do not even touch the big leagues. With the ever-growing attention and raised awareness regarding the draft, it is more important than ever for front offices to use their picks wisely – especially when that pick is in the first round. Drafting first round talent poses a big challenge, and there are both great successes and dismal failures among the 18 first-rounders selected by the Blue Jays in the past 5 years.
Let’s take a look at where they are, what they’ve done, and what they’ll be doing in 2012.
Snider was selected in the 1st round (14th overall) of the 2006 MLB Draft
Travis Snider 2006 (14th overall)
Snider was drafted in ‘06 as an 18 year-old who was built to hit home runs. Fast forward to 2012 and we have a 23-year-old who has yet to fulfill his full potential and is most-definitely looking towards the 2012 season to prove he can compete at the major league level . Snider whizzed his way through the Blue Jays farm system like few have done before him, posting stats such as a .313 BA with 16 HR and 93 RBI in 118 games with Lansing in ‘07. In ‘08 Snider earned three promotions and ended his season in Toronto as the youngest position player in all of Major League Baseball at the age of 20.
As we all know, Snider has shown flashes of brilliance during his stints in the bigs and few question his ability to generate offense or get on base. It is simply consistency and an ability to keep providing solid at-bats that will be vital to Snider’s progression and return in the upcoming season.
Kevin Ahrens 2007 (16th overall)
Kevin Ahrens was drafted to eventually become a staple in Toronto’s middle-infield. While the Texan, who turns 23 in April, has since shifted to the hot corner, he also has been stuck in a revolving door between Lansing and Dunedin since 2008. Ahrens has hit .240 during his five years in the minors and will also look to improve upon his lackluster numbers in the field.
Ahrens is figured to begin his season in Dunedin and will hopefully progress and make his climb up the system. While he still has time to improve, Ahrens is unfortunately, not yet looking like a strong investment at 16th overall as we enter the 2012 season. (more…)
Interview with Michael Crouse: Young Canadian Outfielder Looks to Join ‘Canada’s Team’ in the Near Future
01 month ago
Michael Crouse sporting the new Blue Jays uniforms at Spring Training this past Spring
Canadian outfielder, Michael Crouse, has had a busy year. From winning a gold medal with Team Canada, having a stellar season with the Lansing Lugnuts, to presently joining the Toronto Blue Jays for Spring Training at Big League camp, the young 21-year-old has a lot to be proud about. Crouse recently sat down with JaysProspects to speak about these successes and his future goals.
Born in Port Moody, British Columbia, Crouse admits that he was raised watching players he felt resembled his game. While he mentioned present New York Yankees’ shortstop, Alex Rodriguez, as one of his favourite players, he further admitted that it was amazing to be drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 16th round of the 2008 MLB Draft. “It was incredible knowing that I could come up and make my starting debut with the only Canadian Major League Team,” Crouse told JaysProspects.
Crouse further showed his Canadian pride last October, playing with Team Canada and helping his team defeat Team USA and win their first gold medal at the Pan Am Games. “It was one of the best feelings I have ever experienced. Not only did we make history but we’ve helped put Canada back on the map for the game of baseball,” Crouse stated. “Standing on the podium accepting my gold medal will be one of my most memorable moments in my life. It made me imagine what it would be like if it were the World Series and we had just won for the Blue Jays. It still gives me chills when I think about it.” (more…)
Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training: Some Prospect Updates
92 months ago
by April Whitzman
in News and Notes
I know, I know, you have waited far too long for Spring Training updates on some Toronto Blue Jays prospects. Fortunately, the wait is over.
I took in six major league games during my stay in Dunedin. Some prospect news to note from these Major League games:
Adeiny Hechavarria signs for fans at Spring Training
Adeiny Hechavarria: Unfortunately, I was only able to witness a few games seeing the star at shortstop before he was cut. I was kind of surprised by this move, as I felt that a major injury to Escobar could mean a promotion for the young Cuban star. Hechavarria makes difficult plays look routine and has really quick hands. I’m excited to see how well he bats in AAA Las Vegas this season. Before getting cut, the 22-year-old prospect hit .353 with a homerun and three RBIs.
Anthony Gose: People are talking about Anthony Gose’s speed for a reason. His range at centerfield and his speed on the base paths is incredible. I witnessed two of his spectacular (and I mean spectacular) catches live, and I cannot wait to see him completing these plays at Rogers Centre. I’m surprised he has yet to steal a base this Spring, considering he stole nine last spring and 70 in all of last season, but there is no denying that his current average of .318, so, all is forgiven! (more…)
Top 10 Blue Jays Prospects under 20 to Watch In 2012
42 months ago
With spring training in full-swing and the countdown to Opening Day being well underway, it is time to look at the young guns who hope to make an impact in the Jays minor league system this summer and solidify their presence as a legitimate prospect. With the mental and physical development of young players being so important, we’re going to analyze 10 guys to watch in 2012, all of whom are under the age of 20. The growth of this group is obviously still a work-in-progress, but these are players who have high hopes from both the organization and fans alike.
Thus, here are the top 10 Blue Jays prospects, under 20, to watch in 2012 (in no particular order!):
Noah Syndergaard does drills in Dunedin, preparing for the 2012 season
Noah Syndergaard (RHP) 19 years old
After his impressive display last season, Noah Syndergaard has had Blue Jays fans giddy with excitement and will definitely be the one to watch in 2012. After dominating his competition in Bluefield (4-0, 1.41 ERA, 37 SO, 32.0 IP) last season, the 6’5 right hander from Texas quickly found himself making a stop in Vancouver before ending his season with the Lansing Lugnuts. The key for Syndergaard will be the continued development of his off-speed pitches (12-6 curve, circle-change) along with the amount of innings the organization will allow him to pitch in 2012. (more…)
Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training: Day #1 & #2
32 months ago
by April Whitzman
in News and Notes
Toronto Blue Jays prospects line up for a drill on Friday, March 9th
Let me begin by saying one thing – after what I have seen thus far in Spring Training – Blue Jays fans have a lot to be excited about – both this year, and for many years in the future.
Having finally arrived in Dunedin after having my luggage lost, the hotel overbooked, and a wide variety of other possible things go wrong, all was forgotten as soon as I arrived at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium on Thursday.
In yesterday’s 6-1 win against the Yankees, both Major League and Minor League players impressed. Travis Snider and J.P Arencibia hit monstrous homeruns while Brett Cecil, despite a lower velocity, still managed to have an impressive two innings of work, surrendering only one hit and one walk.
Antonio Jimenez was all smiles after his stong performance in the Blue Jays 6-1 win against the Yankees
Prospect-wise, however, there are also some great highlights to mention from the game. For one, Antonio Jimenez looks great behind the plate. While, looks-wise, Jimenez reminds me of a younger Alex Rios, personality-wise, Jimenez cannot compare. He is passionate to the fans and truly loves the game. In a quick conversation with the young 22-year old prospect, Jimenez admitted to me that he is “truly excited to be in Dunedin, and cannot wait for the upcoming season.” (more…)
Interview with Toronto Blue Jays’ Catcher, Jack Murphy
32 months ago
Jack Murphy was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 31st round of the 2009 MLB Draft.
With Spring Training now officially underway, JaysProspects realized it was time again to catch up with some prospects! Our newest culprit? Toronto Blue Jays catcher, Jack Murphy!
Jack Murphy was signed by the Blue Jays in the 31st round of the 2009 MLB Draft, an experience Murphy described as being amazing. “There are a lot of horror stories out there about the draft, but I felt really thankful that the Blue Jays gave me an opportunity to play.”
Murphy’s first year with the organization came in 2009 with the GCL Blue Jays and the Auburn Doubledays, where he recorded a .268 batting average with 11 doubles, three homeruns and 22 RBIs.
“That whole year was kind of a whirlwind experience,” said the 23-year-old prospect. “I remember playing in Auburn one night and then within 12 hours I was walking in to the complex down in Dunedin thinking, “How did I get here?” That year was a real learning experience about all the things that go into playing this game.”
While Murphy would then spend the majority of the 2010 season in Auburn, he earned his promotion to the Lansing Lugnuts this past season where he posted a .222 average with 11 doubles, three homeruns and 24 RBIs. (more…)