Many are called but few are chosen. The Jays have approximately two hundred and fifty players under contract at the end of a season when the newly drafted players mix with the no longer rookies. Out of that number only thirty can be chosen to be on the Batters Box Top 30 list. There are many other worthy candidates who just didn't play enough to be recognized or who haven't really matured yet and as a result haven't shown their true potential.
Last year Justin Nicolino didn't make our top 30, he was too new to the system. Luis Perez looked to have topped out as a AAA reliever. Both of those were able to shake-off the disappointment of not making the Batters Box top 30 to shine in 2011. Who will surprise with a break-out in 2012? Most likely it will be one of the players listed below. If you doubt that, consider that two of the prospects included in last year's feature were Adonis Cardona and Michael Crouse. Following a list of the prospects to watch, this article will conclude with a brief blurb on every player to receive a vote on any of the eight Top 30 lists.
Danny Barnes | RHP
| Year | Age | Level | G | GS | IP | H/9 | HR/9 | BB/9 | K/9 | ERA |
| 2010 |
20 |
RK |
14 |
0 |
27.0 |
5.7 |
0.3 |
1.7 |
12.3 |
0.67 |
| 2010 |
20 |
A |
8 |
0 |
10.2 |
14.3 |
0.0 |
6.8 |
13.5 |
5.91 |
| 2011 |
21 |
A |
44 |
2 |
66.0 |
6.0 |
0.4 |
2.7 |
13.5 |
2.32 |
A Princeton product who was Toronto’s 35th-round pick in 2010, Danny Barnes showed some potential as a reliever in 2010 and then put together a very solid 2011. Thinking positively, his draft position may not quite reflect his talent, as Barnes missed most of 2009 due to injuries and then got off to a slow start at Princeton in 2010, although he pitched better towards the end of the season. Barnes admitted he was selected later than he thought, but stated it wasn’t a hard decision to sign and he signed quickly, which allowed him to pitch in the GCL.
The Jays converted him immediately to relief, despite the fact Barnes served mainly as a starter for Princeont. Barnes was promoted aggressively last year, graduating from the GCL, bypassing Auburn and finishing with Lansing. He spent all of 2011 with the Lugnuts, to dominating effect. Barnes struck out 99 batters in 66 innings and held opponents to a batting average of .184. He was victimized by a trio of long balls, but only gave up three unearned runs all season, as well. When he was drafted, it was reported that Barnes had difficulties against lefties and his splits from his 2010 time with the Lugnuts suggested he may be vulnerable to lefties. However, this year Barnes was particularly effective, striking out 47 of them in 28.2 innings and holding them to a batting average of .150. One further difference is that he registered a 1.79 groundball-to-flyball ratio against right-handed batters this year, but an 0.48 against lefties. This may be a small sample size or it may indicate that it is much easier for left-handed batters to elevate his pitches, whereas righties can only hit them into the ground.
Strikeouts are one of the more important idicators of success for a minor league pitcher and Barnes passes that test with flying colours. His strikeout-to-walk ratio takes a hit because of a bit of wildness, but I’d rather that than who has a much lower rate on both numbers. Barnes was very consistent all year, not posting an ERA above 3.00 until September, when he pitched all of two innings. Barnes finished third in the Midwest League in K/9 and seventh in the league in WHIP. As a low-round minor league reliever, Barnes will have to prove himself at every level and won’t get many breaks, but 2011 showed he is ready for his next test.
Yan Gomes | C
| Year | Age | Level | AB | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | SB | CS | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| 2009 |
21 |
RK |
14 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
.357 |
.471 |
.357 |
| 2009 |
21 |
A- |
223 |
23 |
2 |
2 |
22 |
37 |
0 |
2 |
.296 |
.363 |
.444 |
| 2010 |
22 |
A |
26 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
.231 |
.290 |
.308 |
| 2010 |
22 |
A+ |
233 |
21 |
1 |
9 |
9 |
64 |
0 |
0 |
.275 |
.312 |
.489 |
| 2011 |
23 |
AA |
276 |
18 |
1 |
13 |
25 |
75 |
0 |
0 |
.250 |
.317 |
.464 |
| 2011 |
23 |
AAA |
14 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
.214 |
.267 |
.286 |
Yan Gomes is easily forgotten in a system that has three highly-regarding catching prospects in Travis d’Arnaud, AJ Jimenez and Carlos Perez – speaking of which, does any club have as good a trio of catching prospects as that – and he would also probably rank below Santiago Nessy on a prospect list done strictly on talent and potential. Originally drafted by the Red Sox in 2008, the Jays took Gomes in the 10th round in 2009. The Brazilian wasn’t expecting to be drafted by Toronto, but was pleasantly surprised, as he grew up a Jays fan.
It’s not common for a good defensive catcher to also get noticeable reps at 1B and DH, but that’s happened for Gomes the past two years, as he’s spent each season backing up d’Arnaud. Gomes reportedly has a quick 1.85-second release time. He threw out 33% of attempted runners this year, 6% more than d’Arnaud. He also equips himself well behind the plate, allowing only four passed ball against d’Arnaud’s 13 in just under half the playing time. In one interview, Gomes mentioned he modified his catching style noticeably during the year under the tutelage of Sal Fasano.
Aside from strong defence, Gomes also brings some power to the plate, although not a strong batting eye. This year his .781 OPS ranked third among New Hampshire regulars, although well behind d’Arnaud’s pace-setting mark. Gomes also finished second on the Fisher Cats in slugging percentage. The previous year, Gomes led Dunedin in OPS with an .801 mark, ahead of Gose, McDade and d’Arnaud. He also led the team in slugging percentage. Toronto decided to assign Gomes to the Arizona Fall League this year, which caught some by surprise. While this caught some by surprise and may have had as much to do with roster construction or other AFL considerations as anything else, but it may have also been a way of having Gomes both receive more playing time this year and evaluating his performance against some strong competition. Gomes will likely spend 2012 primarily serving as d’Arnaud’s backup at Las Vegas and hopefully continuing to work on his plate discipline, while the Jays try to determine how to deal with what may become a multitude of major league-calibre catchers.
Griffin Murphy | LHP
| Year | Age | Level | G | GS | IP | H/9 | HR/9 | BB/9 | K/9 | ERA |
| 2011 |
20 |
Rk |
11 |
11 |
41.0 |
10.5 |
1.3 |
3.5 |
8.6 |
4.39 |
Let's not forget about Griffin Murphy, the Jays 61st overall pick in 2010, and the number 27 prospect on this list a year ago. Murphy had a tough 2011, particularly with his fastball command. While his fellow draftees were headed to Bluefield and Vancouver, Murphy stayed in the GCL and his July stunk. His ERA was over 8, his WHIP was over 2 and he walked 7 hitters in 17 innings. But August was better, although not perfect. His ERA came way down to 0.60 in 4 starts, his WHIP was a more respectible 1.27 and he had 14 strikeouts in 15 innings. His blemish was the 7 walks in 15 innings but overall he showed improvement.
If Murphy can build on that he should have a better 2012 and start living up to that high draft position.
Shane Opitz | SS
| Year | Age | Level | AB | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | SB | CS | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| 2011 |
19 |
A- |
239 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
19 |
34 |
8 |
2 |
.259 |
.312 |
.285 |
The Jays have adopted a go-slow approach to prospect promotions, particularly in the their first full season. Most 2010 drafted players went to Bluefield or the GCL. The other option, Vancouver in the Northwest League, is a college age league where players are older than the other levels. So it was surprising when Shane Opitz was assigned to Vancouver and a sign of the Jays confidence in the rookie. Opitz was an 11th round pick in 2010 and was only 19 years-old, plus Opitz is a shortstop, a tough position for a rookie. But Opitz played very well, he hit .259 and showed a good eye at the plate with 19 walks and 34 K's. Those 34 K's in 239 at-bats gave Opitz a K rate of 14%, very good for a kid in a college league.
Opitz didn't show much power but that is OK for a young player. Opitz probably doesn't have superstar potential but he could make it as your typical scrappy infielder.
Roberto Osuna | RHP
Roberto Osuna was the Blue Jays top signing this season in the international market. The 16 year old pitcher is very advanced and was pitching in the mens Mexican League. The Jays had to do a deal with his Mexican team to sign Osuna.
Osuna is big for a 16 year-old, 6'3" and 230 pounds. The one concern about him is that he will have to watch his conditioning to make sure he doesn't get too big. At this stage Osuna's calling card is his command and feel for pitching. Osuna grew up around ballparks, his uncle (reliever Antonio Osuna) was a major leaguer and his father played as well. Osuna has a 90-94 mph fastball that he commands well, a good curve and a developing change-up.
Osuna will likely be in extended spring training and the GCL next season.
Kellen Sweeney | 3B
| Year | Age | Level | AB | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | SB | CS | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| 2010 |
18 |
RK |
45 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
15 |
12 |
0 |
1 |
.267 |
.450 |
.444 |
| 2011 |
19 |
RK+ |
35 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
17 |
1 |
20 |
.114 |
.295 |
.143 |
Things did not go well for Kellen Sweeney in 2011. Toronto’s 2nd round pick in the 2010 draft and the brother of Oakland outfielder Ryan Sweeney, Kellen suffered from injuries in 2011 and did not make it onto the field very often. When he did, he was ineffective at best. Despite his down year, Sweeney is a very patient hitter, as he demonstrated both of the past seasons, who will wait for a pitch he wants to hit and doesn’t seem to let batting slumps affect his approach. He is balanced at the plate and could hit for a high average. He has shown the ability to hit the ball to all fields. With quick wrists, he can wait on pitches. Prior to the draft, he did display more power than Ryan did at the same age, although there are questions about how much power he’ll eventually develop.
He was drafted as shortstop, but some scouts questioned whether he would stick at the position and suggested he’d wind up at 2B and 3B. The Jays had him playing exclusively third in 2011. He moves well defensively, with good footwork and an overhand throw, which may have factored into his position switch. He is smooth in the field and has soft hands.
Sweeney may qualify for a mulligan for 2011, as he suffered an injury at the base of his bone near his thumb when he fell during a rundown. The injury went undiagnosed for a couple of weeks before the fracture was revealed, but it impacted his wrist and his swing. As Lyle Overbay demonstrated a couple of years ago, a wrist injury can be a difficult one to overcome for a batter. Sweeney’s spent much of the past three years injured, as he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2009. If he’s healthy in 2012, he could have a strong year and, if he doesn’t, he might begin to slip of the prospect radar
The other players who received at least one vote were:
Santigo Nessy is a big bodied 18 year-old catcher who played in the GCL this year. Nessy has received some negative comments because he looks heavy and his defense has also been described as needing work. But what if he works on his conditioning this winter and he shows up, Sean Nolin style, lighter next spring? That could help his D and his bat seems like it is promising after Nessy hit over .300 in this years GCL season. Nessy could surprise in 2012 but as a 19 year-old he is likely to stay in Florida and then head for Bluefield.
Jeremy Gabryszwki is a typical big right handed pitcher from Texas who the Jays selected in the second round in June. The major concern on him, pre-draft, was inconsistent velocity. Jeremy piched in 3 regular season games for the GCL Jays before getting a late promotion to Bluefield where he pitched in one game and in the playoffs. "Gaby" pitches with a screw in his elbow, placed there in 2008. Gabryszwki will start 2012 in extended spring training and from there should expect to return to Bluefield.
John Stilson was drafted this season and is another big RHP from Texas. Stilson has all the tools to be a #2 starter, big fastball, good change-up, breaking ball, competitor. But Stilson injured his shoulder in May and that dropped his draft status. Originally his injury was thought to be a torn labrum requiring surgery but a second diagnosis suggested the injury could be treated through rehab, and that is the path he has taken. 2012 will be a test of that rehab.
Dwight Smith Jr. was a first round supplementary choice, picked at number 53 overall. Smith didn't play in 2011 but his bat is reportedly his ticket to fame. He will likely play in left field and start 2012 in extended spring training.
Sam Dyson was drafted in 2010 but almost immediately had Tommy John surgery and missed all of 2011. He should be back pitching to start 2012 and the question for the Jays is should he start or relieve, and where will he play? He might get to skip the cold weather in Lansing to start the season, and he could pitch in relief for Dunedin or start in extended for a while.
Chad Beck is a hard throwing right handed pitcher who spent some time in Toronto to end the season. Beck was a starting pitcher in the minors but appears headed for a relief role if he was to make it in the major leagues. Beck has the velocity and pitches to be a major leaguer, he needs the command. Beck is headed to the AFL and his performance there could impact his future with the Jays.
Jorge Vega-Rosado was a 28th round pick who played well in the GCL and was named the Webster Award winner for that team. Vega-Rosado is a short shortstop who showed a good eye, speed and some power. As a 28th round pick Vega-Rosado will have to prove himself each year. Jorge did go to community college for a year and played as a 19 year old in the GCL. His 850 OPS was a standout in the hitting depressed rookie league.
Matt Dean profiles as a power hitting third baseman. Dean was a high school pick in 2011 and because of his college commitment he fell to the 13th round, but the Jays got him signed. Dean should start 2012 in Florida and work to make the Bluefield roster in June.
Not receiving votes but worthy of watching are Myles Jaye, KC Hobson, Danny Farquhar, Darin Mastroianni, Dalton Pompey, Kevin Pillar, Tom Robson, Jairo Labourt, Dawel Lugo, and Wuilmer Bucerra.