Batter's Box Interactive Magazine

The top three affiliates each had a walk off win. The walk-offs came in rapid succession on Wednesday, all three happened in about 20 minutes. Teoscar Hernandez and Rowdy Tellez won it for Buffalo, a walk-off strikeout let Andrew Guillotte race home for New Hampshire and DJ Davis doubled in Edward Olivares for Dunedin. Vancouver were on the road, and so unable to walk off, but won anyway. Lansing and the GCL Jays lost. Reggie Pruitt, Teoscar Hernandez and Conor Fisk are your three stars.

Buffalo

Brett Oberholzer had a good start, two runs in 7.2 innings but Chris Smith blew the save in the ninth. Teoscar Hernandez delivered the wining hit scoring Jon Berti. Berti was running for Rowdy Tellez who had singled to start the tenth.

Teoscar Hernandez and Michael Saunders led the offense with three hits. Hernandez got off to a slow start for the Bisons but is picking up the pace. Saunders has been hitting well since the all-start break. Saunders' second half average is over.300 although he is not walking much or hitting for power. Will Saunders be called up before September, in September or not at all? If the Jays want to have a look at Hernandez and Alford then Saunders might be superfluous. Danny Jansen had two doubles and is hitting .480 in AAA.

New Hampshire

The Fisher Cats trailed 5-3 in the eighth. They scored one in the eighth, Gunnar Heidt homered to tie the game in the ninth and then Andrew Guillotte scored the winning run on a walk-off strikeout/wild pitch.

New Hampshire had nine hits, Jonathon Davis and Heidt had two hits each. Reece McGuire hit a solo home run, Anthony Alford was 1-2 with a walk, a hit by pitch and a steal. Jon Harris had a bad start, five runs in five innings.

Dunedin

Dunedin's walk-off came in the eleventh, Edward Olivares singled and DJ Davis doubled him in. The Jays had only six hits, Cavan Biggio hit a two run home run in the first inning.

Conor Fisk had a very good start, he went seven innings with just one run conceded. Keep an eye on Kirby Snead, another in a line of lefty relievers. Snead has a WHIP of just over one in 27 innings for Dunedin. His K rate is a little low with just 19 in his 27 innings.

Lansing

Lansing scored three runs in the top of the first but Yennsy Diaz had a bad start, he gave up five over his two innings. The Lugnuts used four pitchers, three of them gave up multiple runs, the only one who didn't was the pitcher with the 7.49 ERA, Andrew Deramo.

Lansing had just five hits, Nash Knight hit a three run home run in the first inning. Josh Palacios hit a two run home run.

Vancouver

Reggie Pruitt was 4-5 including his second home run. He stole two bases, giving him 25 for the season, and was caught once, his seventh CS of the season. Samad Taylor went 3-4, he has been hitting well since getting to Vancouver. His average is .389 in the NWL. Logan Warmoth and Brock Lundquist each had two hits.

The C's used four pitchers. Grayson Huffman pitched three innings, nine up, nine down. Zach Logue started and went three innings.

Bluefield

Scheduled day off

GCL Blue Jays

The Jays have been in first place for most of the season but a losing record in August left the Jays tied with the Phillies on Wednesday morning. They played the Phillies on Wednesday and lost leaving them in second place with two weeks to go. The Jays play the Phils again on Thursday and four more times before the end of the season. Felipe Castaneda, who is only 17, took the loss by conceding five runs in the first two innings. Castaneda has had a rough season, with a WHIP around 2, but again he is just 17 and one of the few players born in 2000 in the Jays system.

Hagen Danner led the hitters with two hits. Danner is just hitting .175 and has a 30% strike out rate. Generally the Jays leave new draft picks alone for their first half season and leave major changes to instructional league. Dominic Abbadessa who had a sizzling July, hitting over .400, is scuffling in August hitting just .214. Davis Schneider leads the team in OPS. Schneider walks almost as much as he strikes out and has some pop. That supplements his .250 batting average.

Three Stars

Third Star - Conor Fisk

Second Star - Teoscar Hernandez

First Star - Reggie Pruitt

Boxes

Posted by Gerry on Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 08:39 AM EDT.

Walk-Off-A-Ram-A | 75 comments | Create New Account

The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.

Mike Green - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 10:02 AM EDT (#347211) #

The Bisons face a red-hot Tyler Glasnow this afternoon. I hope that Hernandez, Tellez and Jansen are in the lineup to get the exposure to tough pitching.

uglyone - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 10:27 AM EDT (#347212) #

Danny Jansen, man, what a year.

I keep wanting to compare it to Pompey's breakout year at 6 months younger, but really Danny's year is much more impressive given the elite swing/miss rates (which were always pompey's biggest flaw).

Gerry - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 10:40 AM EDT (#347213) #

Keith Law was asked about Jansen yesterday, he described him as an offense first catcher.

PeterG - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 10:52 AM EDT (#347215) #

He's probably never seen him play as prior to this year he would have been described as just the opposite.

hypobole - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 10:53 AM EDT (#347216) #

I tried to find a similar line to Jansen's this year at the MLB level - the best I could come up with was:

Dustin Pedroia-388 PA, 10.6 BB%, 9.5 K%, 6 HR, .303/.378/.406

Danny Jansen-378 PA, 9.8% BB%, 9.0 K%, 7 HR, .334/.412/.482

The power difference comes from Jansen's 25 doubles vs Pedroia's 17.

uglyone - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 10:57 AM EDT (#347218) #

the guy I've always comped Jansen to in my head is someone like Varitek.

hypobole - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 11:04 AM EDT (#347219) #

"He's probably never seen him play as prior to this year he would have been described as just the opposite."

I know Law saw him play at the AFL. You know who hasn't seen Jansen play? Almost every one of us.

I've posted this before, but FG's Dan Farnsworth last year:

"He has improved his catching enough to project as a potential average defender, giving him some backup upside."

PeterG - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 11:14 AM EDT (#347220) #

I also saw Jansen play in the AFL. The announcers described him at that time as a strong defensive catcher with good leadership skills.

Mike Green - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 11:24 AM EDT (#347221) #

Pedroia was the player I thought of. He had the same plate control in the minors, at a slightly younger age than Jansen. At the time, scouts didn't think much of Pedroia saying his upside was Jody Reed. Wrong.

Pedroia, by the way, turns 34 today. He's had a great career.

uglyone - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 11:30 AM EDT (#347222) #

we have and have had plenty of catchers in the system who have issues defensively that have them getting taken off the position, but Jansen has never been one of them.

but I agree, Hypabole, both Keith and us have seen Jansen play approximately the same amount.

but what was everyone saying before this breakout offensive year?

1) http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-prospect-report-quick-promotions-unlikely-teenagers/

...Coaches and player development staff loved the way he receives and how he carries himself behind the plate, and often mentioned him as a player to watch.

"Danny is an old throwback guy who just takes a beating," catching co-ordinator Ken Huckaby, Jansen�s manager at single-A Dunedin last year, said earlier this spring. "And you never hear a peep out of him."

While his defence has largely earned him notice over his first four pro seasons....

2) https://www.baseballessential.com/news/2015/05/02/prospect-danny-jansen-working-hard-blue-jays-catcher-future/

�Danny does a nice job working with our pitchers,� stated Ware. �Danny understands he�s the captain out there. He gets everybody rallied behind him. He�s vocal and it�s not easy being a catcher because he needs to hit and manage the pitching staff. I think so far he has done really well. He works hard and is eager to learn so he can get better at his position.�

3) https://clutchlings.blogspot.ca/2017/05/danny-jansen-blue-jays-catcher-of-future.html

And lest you think Jansen is a bat-first player, it's his skills behind the plate that have won him accolades at every stop in his career. The 6'3"/225 Jansen presents a big target for pitchers, but he covers the lower half of the strike zone extremely well, which is important for hurlers who rely on the two-seamer that he has caught like Sean Reid-Foley, Conner Greene, and TJ Zeuch. Jansen is a superior blocker of balls in the dirt, and he has long been an excellent framer of pitches. His ability to work with pitchers and his leadership skills have also been lauded for some time now. Jansen has a strong, accurate arm - his infielders have to be on their toes when a runner attempts to steal, because Jansen's throw will arrive in a hurry and on the spot.

4) http://www.postcrescent.com/story/sports/2016/07/12/danny-jansen-hopes-put-injuries-behind/87014564/

�I was watching him play for the GRB Rays and I was like, �OK, here�s a kid that is big, strong, physical and looks like he can catch,� � Penick said.

As Jansen entered the spring playing for Appleton West, his talent defensively became undeniable when Penick made several six-hour treks from his home in Iowa to visit the Fox Valley to watch him play.

Inclement weather postponed his first opportunity to see Jansen. But David Gassner, the Appleton West coach at the time and a former major league pitcher, put Jansen through batting practice and catcher�s drills in an attempt to showcase his skills for the group of scouts on hand, including Penick.

Penick came away impressed and made another visit to watch Jansen play. It was a bit of deja vu for Penick, with the game again mired in inclement weather. Still, Jansen�s defensive prowess shined.

�I was more impressed with his ability to receive and block balls. Especially for a kid in the upper Midwest and a high school kid, you don�t see that often,� Penick said.

hypobole - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 11:33 AM EDT (#347223) #

I found Law's comment from the AFL

"Toronto catcher Dan Jansen can hit, making hard contact all week, but he struggled receiving and showed only a fringe-average arm."

If he were as good a defender as the AFL announcers said, he'd be all over Top 100 lists the way he's hit this year, but he's not.

hypobole - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 11:38 AM EDT (#347225) #

Whether one likes Law (and I know he is hated here) or Farnsworth, I trust them more than Jays blogs or people who really aren't going to be brutally honest.

If you listen to our announcers, Ryan Goins is on par with Andrelton Simmons.

hypobole - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 11:48 AM EDT (#347226) #

BTW, I think I remember Jansen admitting he struggled receiving, which was one of the reasons he started wearing glasses this year.

uglyone - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 11:55 AM EDT (#347228) #

I think the aggressive promotion of jansen this year shows the org is happy with his defense.

Alex Obal - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 12:03 PM EDT (#347229) #

So I know nothing about Jansen. Is he fast enough to be a good defensive OF? and/or is his bat so promising that you'd consider moving him off C simply to keep his knees and brain healthy? It wouldn't necessarily be a demotion, and it's not a secret that this team needs outfielders. Although hardly anything is more valuable than a true two-way catcher...

hypobole - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 12:04 PM EDT (#347230) #

I agree the org is happy, and I'm sure his receiving is better this year than it was when he couldn't see properly. As long as he hits, being an average defender isn't going to stop him from being a successful MLB player.

Mike Green - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 12:10 PM EDT (#347231) #

From what little I have read, Alex, he'd more likely be a candidate for the Foxx-Delgado-Napoli move to first base. Which doesn't seem too likely.

Speaking of which, Joe Mauer had a similar offensive profile to Jansen in the minor leagues but did it when he was 2 years younger.

PeterG - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 12:35 PM EDT (#347233) #

BA, after the AFL, was more positive on Jansen defensively as am I. I have listened to several of his minor league games across 3 levels and he has always been praised for his leadership skills and receiving ability. I don't know why he is not ranked higher but there are many subjective and quite frankly inaccurate rankings out there as well as a great deal of piggybacking. See Edward Olivares as another example of this.

Anyway, BA said that he is adept at blocking balls and is a fine receiver. He has a quick transfer with average arm strength.

Nigel - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 12:56 PM EDT (#347234) #

I think it's pretty easy to understand why Jansen isn't ranked higher. He's been injured for most of the past two years and when he's played, he's played poorly. Jansen is a hard guy to rank right now.

uglyone - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 12:58 PM EDT (#347235) #

yeah true. 2015 actually wasn't bad aside from some unlucky babip but 2016 was a legit awful year for him.

jerjapan - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 01:15 PM EDT (#347236) #

The coaches Ugly cited are indeed less likely to be as harsh as commentators outside of the org, but I think when they ALL seem to be saying the same generally positive things, that carries some weight. I don't know if anyone on the Box hates Keith Law, but over the years, it's been a fair question if he may have a bit of an issue with the Jays - whether its a philosophical issue, sour grapes or just a misperception. Regardless, I think he's a legit commentator, but not one of the best.

If industry guys are going to miss on prospects, they are missing on guys like Jansen (or Olivares) - finally healthy, relatively unheralded, breakout season - I imagine by the end of the year his profile will be way up, and we'll start to get a more objective consensus on his D. I certainly don't think his lack of industry status is evidence that he's an adequate-at-best defender. He's easily in our top ten prospect-wise IMO, and the fact that he's not showing up in industry lists I think reflects his low profile.

Gerry mentioned sidearmer Kirby Snead as a lefty to watch, and I have to agree - he could be next years Tim Mayza, although minus the velociy - he may profile as more of a LOOGY. People might remember him for getting arrested climbing a crane with A's super prospect AJ Puk. He should be in AA next year, his third. If you draft relievers with the right skill set, they can progress pretty quickly through the system.

Mike Green - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 01:25 PM EDT (#347237) #

Joe Biagini is making the start for Buffalo today. Hopefully it is his last before his return to the Show.

Mike Green - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 02:34 PM EDT (#347240) #

Biagini out after 4 shutout innings and 73 pitches. Carlos Ramirez in to replace him. Fun times in Buffalo.

ISLAND BOY - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 03:15 PM EDT (#347241) #

I don't think Kevin Pillar was ever on any top prospect list when he was in the minors and I'm sure there are others who made the major leagues who were overlooked. I noticed that Josh DeGraaf has good numbers at Dunedin but I haven't seen him mentioned often. He seems to have both started and relieved so I was wondering what he profiles as in the future.

hypobole - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 03:39 PM EDT (#347242) #

Josh Donaldson never was a Top 100 prospect. Travis Snider was a Top 10 prospect 2 years running.

Mike Green - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 03:52 PM EDT (#347243) #

Albert Pujols was a 13th round draft pick in 1999, played one year in the Midwest League and then hit .329/.403/.610 in the major leagues in 2001. There have been some prodigious misses, but the scouting community does have something positive to offer.

85bluejay - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 03:54 PM EDT (#347244) #

Another 2 innings of scoreless pitching by Carlos Ramirez.

Mike Green - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 04:38 PM EDT (#347245) #

Luke Maile is DHing for Dunedin tonight on rehab.

Gerry - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 04:39 PM EDT (#347246) #

Still no Bichette in the Dunedin lineup today. However Luke Maile is in the lineup. He is on track for a September 1 return to the Jays once rosters expand.

aarne13 - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 05:02 PM EDT (#347247) #

Come Sept 1 I figure all our catchers could be on the roster.
Russ, Lopez, Maile, Montero, Jansen, Ohlman. If Russ is still down does Maile become our #1?

jerjapan - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 05:40 PM EDT (#347249) #

I might be in the minority, but I hope we don't see Maille again - he can't hit, at all. Lopez and Ohlman are org soldiers. I get the sense management will run with veteran catchers as long as we are in the race though, so I could see Maille taking the reins. He's more deserving than Montero, for whatever that's worth, but I'd like to see McGuire / Jansen personally.

Very interested in seeing Ramirez though, he's on quite a run.

greenfrog - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 07:26 PM EDT (#347254) #

Law has been wrong about some players (such as Devon Travis, who supposedly had a "bad swing" if I recall correctly).

He has also been right about some other polarizing players (Smoak, for instance, and maybe Tellez -- time will tell).

uglyone - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 07:30 PM EDT (#347256) #

eh,saying prospects suck is always a much better bet than saying they're good, as most prospects fail. i care more about whether their bold calls on prospects they think are good come true. though come to think of it Law is pretty damn bad even at calling busts.

greenfrog - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 07:47 PM EDT (#347257) #

Conversely, being high on a large number of prospects guarantees that you'll get some hits, but it diminishes your credibility overall if many or most of them bust. Everyone is wrong some of the time, but the best scouts/observers are wrong less often than the rest. The problem is that there is no objective measure to gauge who has the best track record (as opposed to who is the most vocal about their favourites).

whiterasta80 - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 07:53 PM EDT (#347259) #

Agree with uglyone. Law's wheelhouse is criticizing prospects and then bragging when he's right.

I don't see alot of merit in that. Anyone can look smart if they always bet on the high percentages.

If he consistently was the "down guy" on the Brandon Woods of the world while pumping longshots before their breakout (I e. Jansen) then maybe there's value but I just don't see that happening with law save a few cherry picked examples.

scottt - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 08:01 PM EDT (#347261) #

It's difficult to bring a catcher that's not familiar with the pitchers with just 6 weeks to go.
The team just went 7-3, not the time to make a change.
It's a totally different story in April when the catchers will have started working with the pitchers in February.

Gerry - Thursday, August 17 2017 @ 09:49 PM EDT (#347266) #

Jake Thomas and Ryan Hissey pitched for Dunedin tonight. They each pitched an inning.

hypobole - Friday, August 18 2017 @ 11:39 AM EDT (#347279) #

Kind of lost in Dunedin's pitching debacle last night was Vlad's 2nd High A HR. He's now had 147 PA's there, 159 wRC+ vs 151 at Lansing.

Any word on Bo?

hypobole - Friday, August 18 2017 @ 12:46 PM EDT (#347285) #

From Carson Cistulli's Fringe Five this morning.

"Nevertheless, there remain very real concerns about Jansen�s defensive capacities. The reports from lead prospect analyst Eric Longenhagen are not optimistic. The numbers support these observations: according to the methodology used by Baseball Prospectus, Jansen has recorded roughly -7 runs as a catcher already this year."

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-fringe-five-baseballs-most-compelling-fringe-prospects-99/

bpoz - Friday, August 18 2017 @ 12:54 PM EDT (#347286) #

The FO may have to subscribe to some of these publications.

hypobole - Friday, August 18 2017 @ 12:59 PM EDT (#347287) #

The FO keeps hoping someone gives them a subscription for Christmas, but they always get socks. :)

Mike Green - Friday, August 18 2017 @ 01:27 PM EDT (#347288) #

Some defensive statistics on Jansen. In New Hampshire, he threw out 31% of baserunners- that is the highest percentage of any catcher who has been there, including McGuire and Lopez. He threw out only 19% of baserunners in Dunedin and most other catchers including Pentecost did quite a bit better. He has had relatively few passed balls charged against him at all levels.

I guess we'll find out when he arrives.

Nigel - Friday, August 18 2017 @ 01:41 PM EDT (#347290) #

After Montero he's going to look like the reincarnation of Johnny Bench. A very cunning plan by the front office:)

Gerry - Friday, August 18 2017 @ 01:49 PM EDT (#347292) #

Bo Bichette is your Midwest League MVP.

Gerry - Friday, August 18 2017 @ 01:53 PM EDT (#347293) #

Taylor Cole re-signed to a minor league deal.

jerjapan - Friday, August 18 2017 @ 05:25 PM EDT (#347300) #

How do they calculate defensive numbers for a catcher? I don't really understand the specifics of the position.

As far as I can tell, it's Longenhagen who has the problem with Jansen's D, not Cistulli, who is just citing his colleague? We know Longenhagen has problems with his D, and while he's a strong source, has anyone else officially come out against his D? Seems premature to be conclusive.

scottt - Friday, August 18 2017 @ 05:38 PM EDT (#347302) #

They obviously like Cole and just needed the spot on the roster.
Unfortunately, he returns to the back of the queue, but he could be back up next summer.

Gerry - Friday, August 18 2017 @ 07:42 PM EDT (#347303) #

No Bichette again for Dunedin but he has not been placed on the DL.

TJ House was due to start for Buffalo tonight but was a late scratch. The Jays could do with some help but House is not on the 40 man roster.

hypobole - Friday, August 18 2017 @ 08:02 PM EDT (#347304) #

Another HR for Vlad tonight.

aarne13 - Friday, August 18 2017 @ 08:47 PM EDT (#347305) #

Jansen 2-3, HR(1) so far. En fuego.

bpoz - Friday, August 18 2017 @ 08:50 PM EDT (#347306) #

We have good prospects.

PeterG - Friday, August 18 2017 @ 09:02 PM EDT (#347307) #

There are 2 open spots on the 40 man roster.

uglyone - Saturday, August 19 2017 @ 07:10 AM EDT (#347308) #

Pearson is awesome.

bpoz - Saturday, August 19 2017 @ 08:56 AM EDT (#347309) #

Pearson will climb our prospect list fast. A lot depends on what he does next year.

Jansen is still hitting great. Also more bb than Ks.

PeterG - Saturday, August 19 2017 @ 09:48 AM EDT (#347310) #

I have noticed that Tellez has had a hot August so far. If it continues for the final 2 weeks, he could enter the 40 man conversation. Still going to be a crunch, however. He or a similar prospect could be involved in a trade.

hypobole - Saturday, August 19 2017 @ 10:11 AM EDT (#347311) #

I'd hold onto Tellez. His trade value has taken a hit, so any return will be a lowball offer. With Smoak entrenched (even if the FO can dump Morales), there's no clear path so no need to rush him. And there may not be as much of a crunch as it seems.

greenfrog - Saturday, August 19 2017 @ 10:57 AM EDT (#347312) #

uglyone - Saturday, August 19 2017 @ 12:18 PM EDT (#347316) #

"Pearson will climb our prospect list fast. A lot depends on what he does next year."

he's already climbed mine. top-5 prospect for us for sure.

bpoz - Saturday, August 19 2017 @ 12:30 PM EDT (#347317) #

I am waiting until next year to see how the 2017 draft picks do in full season ball.

Palacios and Woodman have had their struggles in Lansing. Injuries maybe.
But many 2016 picks beside Bichette are doing quite well. D Abbadessa and C Young for example.

jerjapan - Saturday, August 19 2017 @ 01:55 PM EDT (#347320) #

The pro careers of Warmoth and Pearson are off to a stellar start, and some other 2017 draftees are also performing well. Not everyone liked the Jays draft this year, but so far it looks very promising.

Agreed about the top guys Greenfrog, although I worry about the guys picked in the back half of the first ten rounds - Large, Lundquist, Clemmens - I don't see the upside in picks like this, or that later rounds for that matter - only DJ Neal, Davis Schneider and Patrick Morris have the projectability factor. Hopefully this was something of a transitional draft - we certainly do need better pitching in our lower minors.

Who were you referring to when you said not everyone liked the draft? The industry comments I read were positive to very positive, although I know some Bauxites had issues with the philosophy.

Nigel, did you see Riley Adams catch in Vancouver? He's certainly off to a strong start with the bat.

CeeBee - Saturday, August 19 2017 @ 07:35 PM EDT (#347335) #

Another home run for Guerrero tonight. I think he's catching on to High A ball.

greenfrog - Saturday, August 19 2017 @ 08:29 PM EDT (#347337) #

The team's best prospects have been looking great: Guerrero Jr., Bichette, Alford, Warmoth, Pearson. The Jays have also had some nice surprises on the farm with players like Jansen, Rowley, Borucki, and DJ Davis, to name a few.

Mike Green - Saturday, August 19 2017 @ 08:52 PM EDT (#347339) #

Speaking of which, Reese McGuire hit another homer tonight and has reached base in all 4 plate trips.

aarne13 - Saturday, August 19 2017 @ 08:52 PM EDT (#347340) #

Milb Gameday appears to be broken in the NH-Altoona game. Apparently Dusty Issacs is pitching for Altoona in the 6th after pitching the bottom of the 5th for NH. ??

greenfrog - Saturday, August 19 2017 @ 10:02 PM EDT (#347342) #

Yes, McGuire is having something of a breakthrough season, albeit in only 132 PA. He's still only 22 and a half. It would be interesting to know what, if anything, has changed in his approach this year. If if turns out that he can catch *and* hit competently, he'll be a real asset for the Jays.

hypobole - Sunday, August 20 2017 @ 12:02 PM EDT (#347348) #

MiLB story on last night's Dunedin game, featuring Vlad. Apparently his HR was rather impressive - a shot to centre field with the wind blowing in. Hitting coach Hart with a few quotes,including Vlad's better balance at the plate

https://www.milb.com/milb/news/toronto-blue-jays-vladimir-guerrero-jr-homers-in-third-straight-game/c-249471516/t-185364810

Mike Green - Sunday, August 20 2017 @ 12:49 PM EDT (#347349) #

Samad Taylor homered and also was part of four double plays last night.

I wonder if he and Warmoth will make the same step next year.

greenfrog - Sunday, August 20 2017 @ 03:02 PM EDT (#347351) #

Lots of standout performances in today's games. Guerrero Jr., Davis 4/4 (so far), McGuire (now hitting over .300) and others.

uglyone - Sunday, August 20 2017 @ 04:36 PM EDT (#347353) #

Jansen and McGuire pushing for starting duty in 2019, martin's last contract year, would be pretty much perfect.

ayjackson - Sunday, August 20 2017 @ 10:27 PM EDT (#347380) #

Vlad is up to .948 at Dunedin and 1.177 in 18 August games. Give him 2 wks in NH.

uglyone - Sunday, August 20 2017 @ 11:13 PM EDT (#347381) #

i'll double check tommorrow but i'm pretty sure this isnthe best A+ hitting performance not just for 18yr olds, but for any teenager as far as fangraphs milb stats go back.

85bluejay - Monday, August 21 2017 @ 08:41 AM EDT (#347386) #

Was just checking the 2014 July 2 IFA list (MLB list) - most of the top 10 are scuffling (most signed by Yankees) - top blue Jay signee Juan Meza (#11) has been a dud so far - nowhere on the top 30 list is Ronald Acuna, the Braves 5 tool super prospect - It just goes to show what a crapshoot signing 16 Y.O is & the hilarity of us fans getting all excited about which top guys our team signs.

SK in NJ - Monday, August 21 2017 @ 09:31 AM EDT (#347387) #

If McGuire's offensive improvement is for real, then he becomes a pretty intriguing two way prospect. Going to need more sample size than 100 plate appearances, but he is looking like a completely different hitter.

uglyone - Monday, August 21 2017 @ 09:43 AM EDT (#347390) #

the thing to remember with McGuire is that this is the first time he's actually been age appropriate for his level, and not young for it.

And the biggest difference this year is the power, which is usually the last thing to develop.

Before this year his milb career looked like this:

1418pa, 7.2b%/9.6k%, .293babip/.267avg, .062iso, 90wrc+

So no power whatsoever, but solid control of the strikezone and solid contact hitting - and again while young for each level, and as a good defensive catcher.

This year the profile looks a bit different - he's increased both his walks and his strikeouts - but still maintains his good bb/k ratio (12.2/15.3). The contact is up a bit (.313babip/.305avg) too. But it's the massive power surge (.256iso) that is the big difference.

I'm pretty sure .256iso is a blip and that he's not that kind of hitter, but even if he ups his iso up near .150 once it settles, even that dramatically upgrades his profile as a hitter going forward.

jerjapan - Monday, August 21 2017 @ 04:48 PM EDT (#347418) #

It just goes to show what a crapshoot signing 16 Y.O is & the hilarity of us fans getting all excited about which top guys our team signs.

85, are you suggesting it is pure luck (which is what's implied by crapshoot) or just that we fans haven't got enough info to know very much? (which I generally agree with)

Because if it's option A, you are using a false dichotomy. You posted this in a discussion of the amazing Vlad Jr. Sign enough talented kids and you have a better chance of a good prospect (maybe not Vlad Jr., but still). Did you just shrug your shoulders when we signed Vlad? AA traded Chase DeJong and Tim Locastro (decent-solid prospects) for slot money and went into the bonus penalty just to sign the guy. Was that pure luck?

I strongly disagree with the drafting / IFA signings are a 'crapshoot' meme.

Walk-Off-A-Ram-A | 75 comments | Create New Account

The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.