That story on Casey Lawrence is a nice (and quick) read.  I hadn't realized that he was a) 29 and b) sitting four MPH faster on his fastball after in-season adjustments last year.  That might explain a bit why the org wasn't rushing to sign more starters for AAA..    

Hope indeed springs eternal - I hope the guy gets a cup of coffee at least.  Enjoy your first big league spring training, number 59!

When the Jays signed Lawrence as an undrafted college guy, I read a report on him that said he had excellent control, and could have a chance as a guy who got overlooked, and was better than people thought. I've followed him with interest since then, and thought he had hit his ceiling in AA, where he seemed to be just too hittable. He reached AA in 2012, and was still there last year, and still struggling, with an ERA in the 5's to high 4's, and I had pretty much written him off as even an outside prospect. Something happened in his last 3 starts at that level, as he pitched 19 innings and surrendered only 2 earned runs and had 20 K's vs 5 BB's, getting him a call up to Buffalo. Amazingly, he continued to pitch very well, with an ERA just under 2.00 in his 1st 6 Buffalo starts, although a couple of late clunkers brought his AAA ERA up to 3.83. I mentioned his sudden improvement on the minor league update here a couple of times, but had no idea what caused it. Interesting to hear he changed his delivery and added a few mph to his fastball, something you'd think should be repeatable. Sometimes pitchers blossom late. At 29, he's not too old to have a shot - would be a great story to see him make it.

I recall you mentioning Lawrence's nice run at the end of the season Dan Gordon, but I totally missed the changes he made or the increase in MPH. He was really struggling in AA to start the year and has yet to consistently pitch well in AAA, but hope springs eternal in the Spring.

For sure it would be a great story if he gets a shot.

Every year someone surprises. Would be nice if it was Lawrence this time. I thought he switched to coaching but I guess not. Love to cheer on the guys who've been around in the minors forever.

I agree John N. Someone always surprises every year. I actually expect that, as do many here.
I was hoping to prove that it was approx 2 per year. Unfortunately there were not 2 each year.

2012:- Loup and Alvarez.
2013:- Nobody.
2014:- Hutch, Stroman and Sanchez.
2015:- Osuna and Tepera.
2016:- Biagini

I forgot the position players. I will look at them later. Probably only Pillar.

The National Post has a story on Matt Dermody and another on prospects such as Lourdes Gourriel Jr.

Thanks #2, both good reads, although I continue to be puzzled by DJ Davis appearing on these top 30 prospect lists.  His tools are still pretty loud I guess.

For anyone interested in a philosophical take on the game we all love, Mark Kingwell, U of T philosophy prof and ball fan, has an interesting read up at the Walrus.

https://thewalrus.ca/philosopher-up-to-bat/

Casey Lawrence will be the starter on Saturday.
Biagini will start Sunday and Latos on Monday.

Can't wait.

Oberholtzer will start the SS game with Yankees on Sunday.

I forgot the position players. I will look at them later. Probably only Pillar.

If a Jays minor leaguer signed with another team and broke out in an MLB setting, does he count? I think so
2015:- 1B Matt Hague, if he was promoted sooner to Toronto
2016:- 2B Ryan Schrimpf

As a side note, Hague has returned to the MLB mix in signing a contract with the Twins.

In my opinion, Jake Elmore seems to be the leadoff second baseman backup to Devon Travis.

Elmore is below average offensively and defensively. Pearce should be able to play some second base. Barney is the backup at second and Goins becomes the backup if Tulo or Travis goes down.

Congratulations to Mike Reeves, who's been added to Canada's roster for the World Baseball Classic.