With the MLB draft now a week and a half away, several things about the oddest lottery in baseball history are becoming clear. The draft will be college heavy, primarily because no "pop up" high school players have had a chance to race up draft boards thanks to their play this spring. And even though … Continue reading Draft Day Edges Closer; Still No Consensus Blue Jays Pick
Month: May 2020
Welcome to the Blue Jays 2023 Pitching Staff hi
Let's fast forward the calendar a couple of years.....it's the end of May, 2023, and the Blue Jays, flush off taking two of three against the Orioles and 2022 MVP Adley Rutschman, have an off day before heading to Detroit to take on the vastly improved AL Central-leading Tigers, and reigning Cy Young winner Casey … Continue reading Welcome to the Blue Jays 2023 Pitching Staff hi
Candidates Beyond the Obvious for the Blue Jays 1st Round Pick
As we inch towards baseball's pandemic-shortened draft next month, some interesting names have emerged in connection with the Blue Jays first round pick, fifth overall. Georgia RHP Emerson Hancock has been something of an industry consensus for that selection, and while he does check a number of boxes for the Blue Jays, there are … Continue reading Candidates Beyond the Obvious for the Blue Jays 1st Round Pick
Blue Jays Late-Round Draft Successes
MLB's decision to limit the upcoming draft to 5 rounds in a cost-cutting measure which will have ripple effects throughout the industry. Many high school players just outside of the top tier of prospects will likely opt to go to a college or juco; current college juniors not selected in the draft may decide … Continue reading Blue Jays Late-Round Draft Successes
Southpaw Garvin Befuddled Hitters and Base Stealers Alike for Two Months
Just as Otto Velez was a one-month force for the expansion 1977 Blue Jays, so was LHP Jerry Garvin. Unlike Velez, Garvin was not a minor league veteran who couldn't crack an MLB roster; plucked from the Twins in the expansion draft, Garvin was still six months away from his 22nd birthday when he … Continue reading Southpaw Garvin Befuddled Hitters and Base Stealers Alike for Two Months
Otto Velez: One Month Wonder
The 1977 Toronto Blue Jays were a dismal outfit on the field, finishing dead last in the American League East, 45.5 games back of the Yankees, with a 54-107 record. But Toronto fans, excited by the arrival of the expansion team, drew 1.7 million fans to makeshift Exhibition Stadium, good enough for 4th in the … Continue reading Otto Velez: One Month Wonder
MLB Draft Set for Five Rounds; What Will the Jays Do?
The 2020 MLB draft will be an unusual one, if nothing else. Reports today suggest that after some difficult negotiations between owners and the MLBPA, the 2020 draft will be shortened to five rounds. Teams will be able to sign non-drafted free agents for a maximum of $20K. Reportedly, the Blue Jays were one of … Continue reading MLB Draft Set for Five Rounds; What Will the Jays Do?
Blue Jays Finding Talent Around the Globe
When the Blue Jays announced their top July 2nd signing last year - Dominican SS Rikelvin de Castro - they continued an industry trend which sees most of the heralded signings come from the island nation. But the Blue Jays, like many other organizations, have been active around the globe to acquire talent. While … Continue reading Blue Jays Finding Talent Around the Globe