It’s time for the Toronto Blue Jays to restock their minor league system.
Amateur scouting director Shane Farrell spoke with media on Wednesday forward of this weekend’s Major League Baseball draft and mentioned the Blue Jays’ minor league system, particularly on the double and triple-A ranges, wants to be refreshed with new prospects.
“I think that’s been a byproduct of some of the moves that we’ve made to make our major league team as competitive as possible and to make playoff runs,” mentioned Farrell, utilizing the commerce that despatched pitching prospects Adam Kloffenstein and Sem Robberse to the St. Louis Cardinals for Major League reliever Jordan Hicks for example.
“There’s obviously a need and a desire to keep backfilling with internal prospects. I think this draft allows us to do so and we’re looking forward to that opportunity.”
Injuries and the choice to designate a few veterans for task has led to a handful of Toronto’s triple-A prospects to be referred to as up to the Blue Jays’ main league roster, together with infielders Ernie Clement, Spencer Horwitz and Leo Jimenez.
Outfielder Steward Berroa additionally began the 12 months within the minors and second baseman/left-fielder Davis Schneider was a shock when he began the season within the bigs and never with the minor league Buffalo Bisons. Outfielder Addison Barger additionally spent 20 video games with Toronto however was despatched again to Buffalo when veteran designated hitter Justin Turner returned from the paternity record on Saturday.
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“We do need to make sure that once the players are getting close to the big leagues, that they’re able to stick in the big leagues,” mentioned Farrell in a video convention name. “I think that’s the organization’s responsibility to make sure that those players are both ready physically, fundamentally and mentally to not only appear in the major leagues, but to stick and have a have a long career.”
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Left-handed pitcher Ricky Tiedemann, the highest participant on Toronto’s depth chart, began for the Bisons in opposition to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Wednesday. The 21-year-old has been recovering from ulnar nerve irritation that pressured him onto the injured record in mid-April after three begins with Buffalo.
Although Tiedemann’s No. 1 within the Blue Jays’ system, he’s No. 45 total in accordance to MLB’s prospect rankings.
Second baseman Orelvis Martinez, No. 2 on the Blue Jays’ prospect depth chart, was suspended by MLB for 80 video games after testing optimistic for a performance-enhancing drug.
Shortstop Arjun Nimmala and left-handed pitcher Brandon Barriera, Nos. 3 and 4 within the minors, are each on the single-A stage.
Jimenez and Barger are the fifth and sixth highest ranked prospects within the Blue Jays’ system in accordance to MLB.
“We’re constantly thinking about how to get better each day,” Farrell mentioned. “We’re constantly following throughout organized professional baseball, whether they’re Blue Jays or on any other teams.
“We’re always reflecting on our individual process as scouts and then, broadening that, we’re continuously reflecting on the department.”
Toronto has the twentieth total decide on this 12 months’s draft that begins Sunday in Fort Worth, Texas.
Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana, Georgia outfielder/third baseman Charlie Condon, and Florida first baseman/left-handed pitcher Jac Caglianone are the highest three prospects out there to be picked.
The Blue Jays’ approximate vary of picks consists of Oklahoma State outfielder Carson Benge, who’s the No. 18-ranked prospect, highschool right-handed pitcher Ryan Sloan (No.19), Louisiana State third baseman Tommy White (No. 20) and Iowa right-handed pitcher Brody Brecht (No. 21).
“I think we’re seeing a lot of strength at the top of the draft, specifically with the college position players,” mentioned Farrell. “I think we’re seeing a little less length relative to last year on maybe the high school position player group, and even some of the high school pitching potentially that could sneak into the first round.
“All in all, another strong class and in our eyes, and I think we’re excited about our, our potential options at pick 20.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed July 10, 2024.
© 2024 The Canadian Press
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