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	<title>Toronto &#187; MLB Draft</title>
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	<description>Comprehensive coverage of the Toronto Blue Jays</description>
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		<title>MLB Draft: Rounds 3-5 Recap</title>
		<link>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2018/06/05/mlb-draft-rounds-3-5-recap/</link>
		<comments>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2018/06/05/mlb-draft-rounds-3-5-recap/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jun 2018 19:16:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mike Passador]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adam Kloffenstein]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB Draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sean Wymer]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/?p=16052</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Blue Jays entered the second day of the 2018 MLB draft after taking a hard-hitting third baseman and the son of a former big-leaguer on Monday night. The early portions of Tuesday saw the team focused on pitching before pivoting to a catching prospect that has flown under the radar. The team has already gone [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Blue Jays entered the second day of the 2018 MLB draft after taking a hard-hitting third baseman and the son of a former big-leaguer on Monday night. The early portions of Tuesday saw the team focused on pitching before pivoting to a catching prospect that has flown under the radar. The team has already gone over slot to ensure that one of their picks, a highly rated but potentially difficult-to-sign player, will be a member of the organization.<br />
&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Round 3, Pick No. 88 &#8211; Adam Kloffenstein, RHP, Magnolia (TX) HS</h2>
<p><strong>MLB Pipeline Scouting Grades</strong></p>
<p>Fastball: 60 | Slider: 55 | Curveball: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50</p>
<p><strong>Reports</strong></p>
<p>Measuring 6&#8217;5&#8243; and weighing 220 lbs, Kloffenstein is the current teammate of Blue Jays first-rounder Jordan Groshans and is committed to Texas Christian University. He&#8217;s one of the younger players in the draft class at 17 years old, and the commitment to TCU appeared to be the only real &#8220;knock&#8221; in his scouting reports &#8212; both FanGraphs and MLB Pipeline made note of the fact that he might be very tough to sign. There was some speculation that he might get taken in the first round in the run-up to yesterday, but that obviously wasn&#8217;t the case.</p>
<p>This looks like a nice pick for Toronto at 88. <a href="http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2018/?list=draft" target="_blank">MLB Pipeline had him ranked at 43</a>, with praise for his &#8220;advanced feel for a breaking ball, showing the ability to morph his sharp slider into a bigger-breaking curveball or a harder cutter.&#8221; Kloffenstein also features a four-seam fastball that can touch 96 and a hard-sinking two-seamer that settles in the low 90s. <a href="https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/98686/adam-kloffenstein/" target="_blank">Baseball America was even more bullish</a> on Kloffenstein, putting him at 35th and saying, &#8220;[t]his past year, Kloffenstien has shown a lot of progression, as he was always a big, physical presence but has now taken steps mentally and physically. He has cleaned up his body and holds his velocity deeper into starts, while also flashing a changeup in the mid-80s that induced several swings and misses over the summer.&#8221;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/updated-2018-mlb-draft-rankings/" target="_blank">FanGraphs ranked Kloffenstein 50th</a> while <a href="http://www.espn.com/mlb/insider/story/_/id/23583441/updated-top-100-draft-prospects" target="_blank">Keith Law&#8217;s ranking was the lowest at 61</a>, though the young righty was one of Law&#8217;s <a href="https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/1004053472264663040" target="_blank">top-10 players on the board heading into today</a>. While his fastball and variety of breaking balls are the main attractions, most of the reports also mention the strength of his changeup. Described as a prototypical Texas Prep arm, from the looks of it Kloffenstein projects well as a starter thanks to his durable frame.</p>
<p>Shortly after the pick was announced, <a href="http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/college/big-12/texas-christian-university/article212580294.html#storylink=rss" target="_blank">the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported</a> that the Blue Jays would indeed sign Kloffenstein, and go well over the usual bonus slot to do so. Toronto is reportedly offering up a bonus around $2.5 million, while the slotted amount for the No. 88 is about $650,000.</p>
<p><strong>Scouting Videos</strong></p>
<p><em>Via MLB Pipeline:</em></p>
<iframe src="https://www.mlb.com/video/share/2018-draft-kloffenstein-rhp/c-1974572683?tid=262722544" width="540" height="304" scrolling="no" ></iframe>
<p><em>Via Baseball America:</em></p>
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H-xUbx70EwA" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" ></iframe>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Round 4, Pick 116 &#8211; Sean Wymer, RHP, TCU</h2>
<p><strong>MLB Pipeline Scouting Grades</strong></p>
<p>Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 55 | Overall: 45</p>
<p><strong>Reports</strong></p>
<p>The Jays keep their Texas connections going in round four with the selection of the versatile Wymer. At 6&#8217;1&#8243; and 190 lbs, Wymer has filled a number of roles in his time with the Horned Frogs. The 21-year-old has been starting this year in his junior season but seemed to be most effective as an ace reliever for TCU, coming in and performing masterfully in a multi-inning relief role. He was limited by back injuries earlier this season but has drawn excellent reviews for his command.</p>
<p>Wymer features a four-pitch arsenal, with MLB Pipeline, <a href="http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2018/?list=draft" target="_blank">who ranked him 85th</a>, saying that, &#8220;He&#8217;ll flash a well-above-average curveball at times, though there are other times when his hard slider is his superior breaking ball. He doesn&#8217;t worry about radar guns, working at 89-92 mph with a quality sinker, though he can reach back for 95-96-mph heat when he needs to.&#8221; <a href="https://www.baseballamerica.com/rankings/2018-top-500-mlb-draft-prospects/" target="_blank">Baseball America has him ranked 89th</a>, with nods to his &#8220;above-average control of his big breaking ball and an above-average fastball&#8221; as the things that will make him an effective pitcher at the next level. Neither FanGraphs nor Law had Wymer ranked, but overall he&#8217;s shown a great ability to command the strike zone and work in all four of his pitches effectively.</p>
<p>The consensus seems to be that Wymer will be a bullpen arm at the next level, as his stuff has played up in a relief role to this point in his college career. In 2017, his sophomore season, Wymer made 30 appearances out of the bullpen and worked to a 2.10 ERA with 66 strikeouts in 55 2/3 innings pitched. He really turned it up for TCU&#8217;s postseason run, retiring 35 of the 39 batters he faced. That season he was also named a member of the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team and First-Team Academic All-Big 12. As a junior, he&#8217;s started in 10 of his 15 appearances and is working with a 3.64 ERA in 74 innings. Impressively, Wymer has 69 strikeouts and just 14 walks.</p>
<p><strong>Scouting Videos</strong></p>
<p>Via MLB Pipeline:</p>
<iframe src="https://www.mlb.com/video/share/2018-draft-sean-wymer-rhp/c-1869110183?tid=262722544" width="540" height="304" scrolling="no" ></iframe>
<p>Via FanGraphs:</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jNNjJFDJ0y0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" ></iframe><br />
&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Round 5, Pick 146 &#8211; Christopher Bec, C, Maine</h2>
<p>Bec&#8217;s selection comes out of nowhere, as he wasn&#8217;t a member of Baseball America&#8217;s top 500. After attending Miami Dade Community College, Bec headed north to Orono, where he&#8217;s settled in as the Black Bears&#8217; starting catcher and occasional DH. He&#8217;s started all 99 games of his Maine career, slashing .340/.426/.465 with 30 walks and just 17 strikeouts in 200 at-bats as a junior, and is following that up with .315/.379/.539 with eight home runs, 18 walks and 26 strikeouts through 45 games and 178 at bats in 2018.</p>
<p>In his first season with Maine, he led the team in batting average, OBP, slugging, doubles (20), walks (30) and steals (21). He again led the Black Bears in steals this season with 16, and the jump in home runs from just one as a junior to eight as a senior is notable. Bec was placed on the Johnny Bench Award Watch List prior to the season and ended up earning a spot on the America East First Team as well as the America East All-Tournament Team.</p>
<p>While the four-year senior didn&#8217;t earn a mention from any of the main scouting sources, he&#8217;s showcased some excellent work with the bat and joins the Jays&#8217; catching pipeline.</p>
<div class="modal-image-setImageMetadata">
<p class="ng-binding"><em>Lead Photo &#8211; © Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</em></p>
</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Artificial Turf Wars Ep. 61: There&#8217;s a Draft in Here!</title>
		<link>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2017/06/14/artificial-turf-wars-ep-61-theres-a-draft-in-here/</link>
		<comments>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2017/06/14/artificial-turf-wars-ep-61-theres-a-draft-in-here/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jun 2017 07:45:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Artifical Turf Wars]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB Draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Podcast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Artificial Turf Wars]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/?p=11778</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Episode 61 Burke Granger of 2080 Baseball stops by to discuss the 2017 draft. He gives reports on the first few players taken by the Jays in the draft, then discusses some surprised from day 1, the process for amateur scouts, and how they compile their rankings at 2080 baseball. Greg and Josh then discuss [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/turfpod"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-9098" src="http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2017/02/patreon_logo-300x94.png" alt="patreon_logo" width="252" height="79" /></a><br />
<strong><br />
Episode 61</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/burkegranger" target="_blank">Burke Granger</a> of <a href="https://2080baseball.com/" target="_blank">2080 Baseball</a> stops by to discuss the 2017 draft. He gives reports on the first few players taken by the Jays in the draft, then discusses some surprised from day 1, the process for amateur scouts, and how they compile their rankings at 2080 baseball. Greg and Josh then discuss the last week in Jays land, with a look at the failure to reach .500, the dominance of Roberto Osuna and Justin Smoak, the struggles of Marco Estrada, and the return to health and form of J.A. Happ. Finally, they answer listener question and give out a Do-Over to the Los Angeles Angels.</p>
<p><strong>Podcast</strong>: <a class="powerpress_link_pinw" title="Play in New Window" href="http://d1at8ppinvdju8.cloudfront.net/1/008/show_10081217_2017_06_14_04_00_24.mp3" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Play in new window</a> | <a class="powerpress_link_d" title="Download" href="http://d1at8ppinvdju8.cloudfront.net/1/008/show_10081217_2017_06_14_04_00_24.mp3" rel="nofollow">Download</a></p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/blue-jays-plus-podcast/id705699884?mt=2"><img class="alignnone wp-image-63" src="http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/03/itunes1.png" alt="itunes" width="168" height="62" /></a><a href="https://soundcloud.com/turfpod"><img class=" wp-image-9054 alignleft" src="http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2017/02/soundcloud.jpg" alt="soundcloud" width="123" height="60" /></a></p>
<p>Follow the guys on twitter: <a title="@coolhead2010" href="https://twitter.com/coolhead2010" target="_blank">@coolhead2010</a> and <a title="@JoshuaHowsam" href="https://twitter.com/JoshuaHowsam" target="_blank">@JoshuaHowsam</a>.</p>
<p>Intro music is Slow Burn (<a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kevin_MacLeod/" rel="cc:attributionURL">Kevin MacLeod</a>) under <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/" rel="license">CC BY 3.0</a>.</p>
<div><strong>Podcast Email</strong>-<a href="mailto:artificialturfwars@baseballprospectus.com" target="_blank">artificialturfwars@baseballprospectus.com</a> Please drop us a line if there is a guest you&#8217;d particularly like us to interview, to submit a question to <strong>Stump the Josh</strong>, or to simply give us feedback on the podcast. We&#8217;d love to hear from you!</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>MLB Draft: Blue Jays Select RHP Nate Pearson with the 28th Pick</title>
		<link>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2017/06/12/mlb-draft-blue-jays-select-nate-pearson-with-28th-pick/</link>
		<comments>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2017/06/12/mlb-draft-blue-jays-select-nate-pearson-with-28th-pick/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jun 2017 02:14:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Elie Waitzer]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB Draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toronto Blue Jays]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/?p=11600</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[After making polished college shortstop Logan Warmoth their first selection in the 2017 MLB draft, the Blue Jays picked six-foot six, 240 pound righty Nate Pearson two slots later out of Junior College of Central Florida. Pearson was ranked 13th by Baseball America, 28th by Keith Law, and 35th by MLB Pipeline. Some of that volatility [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>After making polished college shortstop Logan Warmoth their first selection in the 2017 MLB draft, the Blue Jays picked six-foot six, 240 pound righty Nate Pearson two slots later out of Junior College of Central Florida.</p>
<p>Pearson was ranked 13th by <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft-preview/">Baseball America</a>, 28th by <a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/keith-law/insider/post?id=7154" target="_blank">Keith Law</a>, and 35th by MLB Pipeline. Some of that volatility has to do with the fact that he got a screw put in his elbow in high school, but he&#8217;s been healthy throughout college.</p>
<p>So why does BA love him? That&#8217;d be the 100 MPH+ fastball that made his pre-draft bullpen sessions legendary. Pearson has the most explosive heater in the draft class and can locate it well. They also feel that he has a changeup that &#8220;projects as a plus pitch.&#8221;</p>
<p>Here are his scouting grades per <a href="http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2017?list=draft">MLB Pipeline</a>:</p>
<p>Fastball: 70 | Slider: 50 | Curveball: 45 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 45 | Overall: 50</p>
<p>That&#8217;s right, that&#8217;s a 70 grade fastball on a 20-year-old.</p>
<p>The knock on Pearson is that his secondary stuff is virtually nonexistent. He tinkers with a curve, slider and change, but none are special. Per <a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/keith-law/insider/post?id=7154">Keith Law</a>:</p>
<p><em>&#8220;Pearson hit 101 mph in a workout for scouts on Memorial Day, but the breaking ball and changeup are still inconsistent, and he has a little ways to go to prove he’s a starter.&#8221;</em></p>
<p>He projects as a power relief arm, and if he can develop a slider he could crack the Jays&#8217; bullpen quickly. If the Jays try to bring him up as a starter, scouts have compared him to Carl Pavano due to his size and the fastball/changeup combo. If they go the relief route, he could be a multi-inning impact arm like Raisel Iglesias.</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s video of the heater that will be keeping you warm tonight:</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lfI1UBfJOUA?ecver=1" width="500" height="280" frameborder="0" ></iframe></p>
<p><em>Lead Photo: </em><i>Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports</i></p>
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		<title>Josh Donaldson: The Draft Versus Development</title>
		<link>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2016/06/20/josh-donaldson-the-draft-versus-development/</link>
		<comments>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2016/06/20/josh-donaldson-the-draft-versus-development/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2016 11:20:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kyle Matte]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Josh Donaldson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB Draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Player Development]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/?p=3878</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Josh Donaldson was a first round draft pick, and given that he was named the American League’s Most Valuable Player just eight short months ago, this probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise. With the draft, and prospects, and international signings transitioning from niche interest to national news over the last decade, these young [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Josh Donaldson was a first round draft pick, and given that he was named the American League’s Most Valuable Player just eight short months ago, this probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise. With the draft, and prospects, and international signings transitioning from niche interest to national news over the last decade, these young players who were once safely sheltered from the spotlight until their trajectories had them on the precipice of The Show have become lightning rods for controversial opinion the moment their name is called. “That 18 year old shortstop they took from Arkansas? Not great value. Not a big fan of his swing; too much hitch in his load. I’d have taken the 20 year old pitcher from Cal State there,&#8221; the talking heads on your television will say.</p>
<p>Josh Donaldson was a first round draft pick, but that hardly tells his story. Throughout the entirety of his MVP campaign he was battling Bryce Harper and Mike Trout for the “best player in baseball” crown, and while all three share the same pedigree as first round talents, the trio couldn’t have followed less similar paths to get where they are. Harper was viewed as a generational talent long before the Nationals selected him first overall as a <em>17 year old in Junior College</em>, and the outfielder played a grand total of 164 minor league games before making his Washington debut as a 19-year old in 2012. Trout was selected as a high school senior out of New Jersey in 2009, and was considered a late first round talent at the time simply because of the climate in which he played and the limited opportunities for exposure. But in Harper-like fashion, he would play just 291 minor league games – over which he hit .338 – before debuting in Los Angeles as a 19 year old in late 2011. From 2010 through 2012, Trout ranked 53rd, 2nd, and 3rd on the Baseball Prospectus&#8217; Top 101 prospect rankings. Harper ranked only twice (because he was eligible only twice), placing 1st and 2nd in 2011 and 2012, respectively.</p>
<p>After going undrafted out of high school as a shortstop/pitcher, Donaldson began his college career with the University of Auburn as a third baseman. He shifted to catcher full-time during his sophomore season, and by his junior, draft-eligible year, he was easily the best player on the Tigers. Donaldson hit .349/.444/.591 with 30 extra base hits, 38 walks, and 17 stolen bases (all of which easily represented career bests) in 55 games, was drafted by the Cubs in the first round (48th overall), and received a sizable bonus of $652,600 USD.</p>
<p>Not once did he appear among the Top 101 prospects at Baseball Prospectus. The highest he would finish on an individual team list was fifth (with the Cubs in 2008), where he was considered a three-star prospect while ranking behind the likes of Geovany Soto, Josh Vitters, Donald Veal, and Jose Ceda – only one of whom has had a professional career worth noting. Then still a catcher, Donaldson was described as “offensive-oriented” with “solid hitting skills and average to slightly-above power”, while noting he was “well below-average” defensively and that “much of [his] future projection relies on his ability to stay behind the plate”.</p>
<p>Donaldson struggled with his transition to a full season league, with <a href="http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/9/26/4762500/how-did-josh-donaldson-get-so-good-oakland-athletics-mvp-prospect">John Sickels of Minor League Ball</a> describing him as looking “confused at the plate”, and further noting that “it looked like he was trying to hit a grand slam on every pitch and was excessively power conscious”. His production cratered, and in July of that year, Donaldson was shipped west to Oakland as the <em>fourth</em> named piece in a package for right hander Rich Harden. He swung the bat well in the two months immediately following the trade (.330/.391/.564), but in the subsequent season it looked as though the Oakland developmental staff had gone full <em>Moneyball</em> with him.</p>
<p>Reaching Double-A for the first time, Donaldson’s power had vanished as he hit just nine home runs, but he made up for it by walking an impressive 80 times over 124 games. Sickels had another chance to observe Donaldson as he played for Midland that season, describing a, “swing that looks different than when I saw him before; quick but flat, and most of his power is to the gaps not over the fences.” Sickels further noted that he was working the count well, and while that <em>does </em>sound like the Donaldson we know today, the level swing portion most certainly does not. The aggressiveness was gone, and he would fail to rank on the Athletics’ Top 15 list at Baseball Prospectus in either season.</p>
<p>He would spend much of the next two and a half years in prospect wilderness. Donaldson received his first of three shots at Triple-A in 2010, but as he ascended, the questions about whether he’d be able to hit enough to be a useful regular became increasingly pressing. Donaldson experienced his first major league action in April/May 2010, filling in at catcher for 14 games while Kurt Suzuki was on the disabled list. The production was poor – he slashed just .156/.206/.281 with 12 strikeouts in 34 plate appearances – and Donaldson was swiftly sent back down to Sacramento following Suzuki’s return. Around that 14 game stint he did hit 18 home runs over 86 games (disclaimer: in the Pacific Coast League), but his batting average plummeted to .238 and he struck out in nearly 23 percent of his plate appearances. A former college draft pick, then 23 years old and in his fourth minor league season, Josh Donaldson was rapidly approaching the &#8216;first round bust&#8217; label.</p>
<p>The entirety of his 2011 campaign was spent in Triple-A, which almost certainly was a bitter pill to swallow for a player who got his first taste of the major leagues the year prior. He had evidently done enough at the minor league level in 2010 to warrant a 14th place ranking in the Athletics system leading up to season, and with another 503 modestly productive plate appearances in Triple-A under his belt, he improved his stock to 13th in the system when the 2012 prospect rankings were unveiled. Looking back, it was that 2012 season – his sixth year in affiliated ball – that would prove to be the most pivotal in Josh Donaldson’s baseball career.</p>
<p>Making the shift back to his original college position of third base, he began the season on the Athletics’ bench. Nevertheless, between Opening Day and June 13th, he found his way into the lineup just 28 times for 100 plate appearances, as he was up-and-down to Sacramento a couple of times as Oakland’s 25th man. During his limited stint in The Show there was little to see: a hollow .153 batting average to go along with one home run and one walk. What was there, however, was an opportunity, one he had never before been afforded. Not for playing time, but for a self-assessment. <a href="http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/69662122/oakland-as-josh-donaldson-explains-breakout-season#!T5Dhz">As he would later describe to Sports on Earth</a>, it was really the first time he was able to look at his swing on video, and the dire need for adjustments became abundantly evident. It was in this moment that Josh Donaldson became who he is today; not on the baseball field – not immediately, but on the mental side of the game. The cerebral thinker; the apex predator of the plate’s inner-half.</p>
<p>Donaldson began his final journey through the minor leagues on June 23rd, 2012. He would hit .302/.370/.531 over 38 games on this assignment, before Brandon Inge suffered a shoulder injury that necessitated the Bringer of Rain’s climactic return. Donaldson would start 52 of Oakland’s remaining 53 games (including all five contests against Detroit in the ALDS), hit .290/.356/.489, and firmly cemented himself as the Athletics’ starting third baseman <em>sixty-two months</em> after being a first round draft pick out of a major college program. Over the next three full seasons Donaldson would place in the top ten of MVP voting all three times (including his 2015 win), and is showing no sign of ending that trend through the first half of 2016.</p>
<p>The John Farrell escapade was one of the most infuriating aspects of Alex Anthopoulos’ tenure, and when the former Blue Jays manager <a href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/farrell-jays-approach-one-dimensional/">compared the “scouting” versus “player development” philosophies</a> of Toronto and Boston at a Sabermetrics conference in August 2013, it got much of the fan base riled up, but they were in a lather for all of the wrong reasons. Farrell was rightly quoted as saying <em>“… in the player-development vein, you&#8217;re going to look at things in three dimensions: mentally, physically, fundamentally to address and develop people, or develop an organization. I think as a scouting base, you go out and you evaluate the physical tools. And that&#8217;s kind of where it ends, or that&#8217;s the look at that time. That was my experience, that was my opinion.&#8221;</em></p>
<p>This player development emphasis is something that Mark Shapiro brought with him from Cleveland, and has been further expanded with the implementation of his High Performance Department. As Arden Zwelling <a href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-high-performance-department-hopes-change-game/">wrote for Sportsnet in March</a>, the goal of this program is to <em>“integrate all aspects of a player’s performance under one umbrella — from strength and conditioning, to nutrition, to mental health — and to tailor a specific plan for each and every player in the organization in order to establish their goals and give them every resource possible to achieve them.”</em> Sounds a lot like what Farrell preached. Zwelling elaborates further in his outstanding detailing of the program:</p>
<p><em>“The overarching framework of Mugford’s division is simple: Prepare, work, recover. Where it gets complicated is how those three factors filter into everything a player does, on the field and off. Every Blue Jay has his own unique set of needs, both physical and mental, and, with the help of data gathered over time, Mugford’s department will aim to tailor its development approach to those specifics. Not every pitcher will ramp up their arm at the same rate. Not every hitter will get the same number of at-bats during spring training. Not every athlete will work out the same way in the weight room or eat the same way in the dining hall. And certainly not every ballplayer will be expected to react uniformly to the psychological stresses of baseball.”</em></p>
<p>Josh Donaldson was a first round draft pick, but that’s little more than a meaningless factoid in comparison to the years and years of player development put in by the organizations he’s played for, his personal off-season training team, and most importantly, Donaldson himself. Between being selected in the first round and winning the American League’s Most Valuable Player award, he changed positions, was traded twice, completely overhauled his swing twice, never placed on a Top 100 list, and was more or less a bust as a prospect.</p>
<p>At this time of year, baseball’s public sector seems to turn its attention exclusively to scouting; what are his tools, how hard does he throw, what’s his ceiling, etc. – but pays no mind to the processes required to actually translate that potential into reality, or the fact that in the non-Bryce Harper division, the finished product seldom looks like what was originally forecast. Donaldson is obviously a rare exception, but the non-traditional path his career took serves to show the importance of patience, why scouting reports are little more than snapshots into a continuous evolution, and why placing judgments and grades on something as complex and convoluted as the MLB draft after such a short period of time is an exercise in futility. If you don’t like the draft class that Brian Parker produced this year, that&#8217;s fine; but pretending to have a legitimate idea of what the players will actually look like three, four, or five years down the line is disingenuous. Shapiro and his team of Ross Atkins, Gil Kim (Director of Player Development), and Angus Mugford (Director of High Performance) have established an unparalleled system within the professional baseball structure that is designed to maximize the chances of turning these raw and unrefined draft selections into real, tangible contributors at the major league level. Acquiring talent through the draft is important, but it&#8217;s merely the first step.</p>
<p>It’s just one player, but behind the scenes, the baseball world appears to have taken notice. The Blue Jays selected high school shortstop Bo Bichette in the second round, and he was quoted in the <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseballpreps/lakewoods-bo-bichette-drafted-65th-overall-by-blue-jays/2281094">Tampa Bay Times as saying</a> “The Blue Jays were the top team that I wanted to go to … they were the best as far as player development.” The dynamics around how Bichette worked his way into the Blue Jays lap will likely (purposefully) remain forever shrouded in mystery, but Toronto being lauded as a premier player development organization by outside parties is not something that would have happened even twelve months ago.</p>
<p>Josh Donaldson was a first round draft pick, but it was the quality of his development that made him the player he is today. Unfortunately, for the time being, no one hands out grades for the latter.</p>
<p><em>Lead Photo: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports</em></p>
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		<title>The 9 Greatest First Round Draft Picks in Blue Jays History</title>
		<link>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2016/06/16/the-9-greatest-first-round-draft-picks-in-blue-jays-history/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2016 15:18:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Arnold]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The 9]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB Draft]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[This month, the Toronto Blue Jays selected 41 players in the amateur draft. Statistically, only about five or six of these players will ever get a chance to play in the major leagues. About 17 percent of drafted players make it for at least a cup of coffee. T.J. Zeuch, the Blue Jays first round [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This month, the Toronto Blue Jays selected 41 players in the amateur draft. Statistically, only about five or six of these players will ever get a chance to play in the major leagues. About 17 percent of drafted players make it for at least a cup of coffee. T.J. Zeuch, the Blue Jays first round pick, has a much higher chance, as about 73 percent of first rounders make it. For this month’s issue of “The Nine”, let’s take a look at the best players the Jays have ever managed to draft in the first round. Over the years, as with any team, there have been some duds (Tom Goffeina, Garry Harris, Eddie Zosky, Kevin Ahrens, etc.) as well as some great players. Here are the 9 best major league baseball players that Toronto Blue Jays have ever drafted in the first round.</p>
<h3>9. Ricky Romero &#8211; 6th Overall Pick in 2005</h3>
<p>Yep. Romero makes this list. One of the most maligned first round draft picks in recent Blue Jays memory, many fans remember him being drafted ahead of Troy Tulowitzki. They also remember him taking longer to develop than originally thought, and they remember his fall from grace. They remember Tulo becoming a star, and Russ Adams, the player the Jays believed in enough to draft a pitcher instead, not becoming one. In between all of this though, was a player who had three solid seasons as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays rotation. That included an all-star appearance in 2011, a year in which he also finished in the top ten in Cy Young votes.</p>
<p>Romero was drafted out of college in 2005. The first, and still the best, pitcher drafted in the early rounds of that draft: he spent a couple seasons in the minors hurt, and struggled with control during his healthy seasons. He seemed to have figured it out by 2009, and spent the three seasons atop the Jays rotation, before inexplicably losing control over the strike-zone again by age 27. Still, anytime a draft pick can make the majors, have a successful run, and make an all-star team, he’s achieved an obvious element of success.</p>
<p><strong>Fun 2005 Draft Fact:</strong> This draft is well-regarded (deservedly so) as one of the best drafts of all time. Eight of the first twelve picks have made all-star teams, including Romero, first overall pick Justin Upton, Alex Gordon (2), Ryan Zimmerman (4), Ryan Braun (5) , Troy Tulowitzki (7) Andrew McCutchen (11) and Jay Bruce (12). That’s an incredible streak of success.</p>
<h3>8. Shannon Stewart &#8211; 19th Overall Pick in 1992</h3>
<p>A mid-first round draft pick out of high school in 1992, Stewart played in 14 seasons, 10 of which he was a member of a the Toronto Blue Jays. The only player on this list to not make an all-star team, Stewart nevertheless carved out a really nice career for himself, with eight seasons in a row in which the lowest OPS he had was .782. He even managed to finish 4th in AL MVP voting in 2003; a season in which he spent half his season in Toronto and half in Minnesota.</p>
<p>Stewart played a decent left field despite having a horrible arm. He was a high average, good on-base guy who possessed some pop  and speed (51 SB in 1998). Stewart solidified the top of the batting order in Toronto, setting the table for the late-90s/early 2000s power line-ups the Jays possessed. Stewart is, by all accounts, a successful draft pick of the Toronto Blue Jays.</p>
<p><strong>Fun 1992 Draft Fact: </strong>This was the first draft in which smaller market teams were intentionally and obviously forgoing certain high ranked prospects in favor of prospects who weren’t going to demand as much as much money in signing bonuses. In what is now the norm, Scott Boras clients Michael Tucker and Charles Johnson fell in the draft. Intead of paying a lot of money for one of the two two top prospects, Houston instead drafted Phil Nevin, who wasn’t nearly as highly touted at the time. One of the top two, Jeffrey Hammonds, fell to fourth. The other fell to sixth. His name was Derek Jeter.</p>
<h3>7. Ed Sprague Jr. &#8211; 25th Overall Pick in 1988</h3>
<p>The son of a former major league pitcher, Sprague was drafted as a third baseman out of college by the Jays, despite the fact that they already had Rance Mulliniks and Kelly Gruber in the fold. After hitting well throughout his minor league career, he came up for a cup of coffee in 1991, and then again in 1992. Despite being drafted as a third baseman and playing almost exclusively third base throughout his minor league career, Sprague was added to the 1992 postseason roster as the back-up catcher after starting only eight games for the team at that position during the season. Gruber was traded after the season and Sprague was moved back to his normal position for the 1993 season.</p>
<p>Sprague spent over a decade in the major leagues, most of them with the Jays, as a serviceable third baseman. He did manage to hit 36 home runs for them in 1996 and make an all-star team for Pittsburgh in 1999. His most famous Jays moment came in 1992, where his pinch hit home-run in the ninth inning of game two of the world series off Jeff Reardon served as the game-winning home-run. He also has the distinction of being the only Blue Jays&#8217; first round pick to ever play in a World Series as a member of the team.</p>
<p><strong>Fun 1988 Draft Fact:</strong> The early rounds of the 1998 draft managed to produce a few all-stars, including guys like Steve Avery, Tino Martinez and Robin Ventura, but this draft was notable in that all the future superstars came later in the draft. Luis Gonzalez was drafted in the 4th round, Jim Edmonds in the 7th, and Kenny Loften in the 17th. Most amazingly, the best player from this draft was picked in the 62nd round of that draft, and only as a favor to his father, who was close friends with then-Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda. Mike Piazza was drafted as the Dodgers final pick this year, moved to catcher, and went on to become the greatest offensive catcher of all time before making the hall of fame.</p>
<h3>6. Alex Rios &#8211; 19th Overall Pick in 1999</h3>
<p>Alex Rios was a very, very good player for both the Blue Jays and White Sox for a very long time. This author ranked him as the most underappreciated Blue Jay of all time in an earlier edition of the “nine” after he left the Blue Jays under bad terms. Rios, after being drafted out of high school in the first round in 1999, would go on to dominate the minor leagues and was named the 6th best prospect in all of baseball before making his debut in 2004. He would go on to play very well for 6 and a half seasons as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, making 2 all-star teams in the process. Known by many Jays fans for not living up to the large contract he signed in 2007, he was claimed on waivers (in a salary dump) by the White Sox in 2009 and would go on to several more successful seasons, even garnering some MVP votes in 2012. In the end, Alex Rios ended up being an excellent first round draft pick for the Toronto Blue Jays.</p>
<p><strong>Fun 1999 Draft Fact:</strong> The top pick in this draft was high school prospect Josh Hamilton, one of the rare “can’t miss” prospects, he was highly regarded as one of the best draft prospects the league has ever seen. You likely know his story by now, he hit a ton in his early minor league years, but struggled with substance abuse and ended up being out of baseball for 3 years, then getting his life back on track and winning an MVP award in 2010, before his career has been mostly derailed by injury and relapse since. The player who ended up having the best career, by far, of this draft was drafted 402nd because no one could confirm his age or figure out what position he should play. That player, Albert Pujols, has gone on to be one of the best first baseman to ever play the game.</p>
<h3>5. Lloyd Moseby – 2nd Overall Pick in 1978</h3>
<p>The Blue Jays have never chosen 1st overall in any draft, so Moseby stands with Garry Harris (1980) and Augie Schmidt (1982) as the highest draft picks the Blue Jays have made. He’s obviously the best of the three names mentioned since neither of the other guys ever made it the majors. Moseby, however, is a draft success story, as he ended up in the middle of a three-headed outfield monster with George Bell and Jesse Barfield for most of the 1980s making the Jays became perennial contenders. Probably the least heralded of those three, Moseby was very probably the best center fielder in the American league for a three year period from 1983-1985 (WAR would certainly agree that he was), although he made his only all-star appearance in 1986 (this is particularly odd, since it the was year that both Ricky Henderson and Robin Young became center fielders). Still, Moseby managed to play at least 100 games every single season for the Toronto Blue Jays in every year of the 1980s before moving to the Tigers in 1990. A 12 year career, an all-star appearance, MVP votes, good defense, and a perennial 15 HR/30 SB guy in an era where that mattered a lot earns him a spot on this list.</p>
<p><strong>Fun 1978 Draft Fact:</strong> An incredible 4 players were called up the majors immediately after the draft without playing even a game in the minors. It wasn’t super common then, and it has only happened 8 times in the over 35 years since. These players included first rounders Bob Horner, Tim Conroy and Mike Morgan. Incredibly, it also included the Toronto Blue Jays 7th round draft pick Brian Milner, the only catcher ever to do this. Even more incredible is that Milner made two starts for the Blue Jays as an 18 year old, was sent back down to the minors, and never again made it to the majors.</p>
<h3>4. Shawn Green &#8211; 16th Overall Pick in 1991</h3>
<p>Shawn Green is the first player to make an entrance on this list who had as much or more success outside of the Blue Jays organization as he did as a member of the Blue Jays. Drafted in 1991 out of Stanford University, he made his debut in 1993 (and even ended up with a World Series ring) but didn’t become a regular until 1995. Green played very well his first three seasons, mostly as part of a platoon. With a new manager in 1998, Green was finally allowed to play every day, and broke out, winning a silver slugger award, gold glove award, and making an all-star appearance. Traded to the LA Dodgers after that season because the Jays weren’t going to be able to afford to sign both him and Carlos Delgado, Green continued to perform, hitting 49 home-runs in 2000 and spending many more years as a reliable bat. One of the most high profile first round draft picks the Blue Jays have ever made, Shawn Green turned out to be quite the player.</p>
<p><strong> Fun 1991 Draft Fact:</strong> Shawn’s 1991 draft signing bonus was actually the second highest of the draft, despite being picked mid-way through the first round, at $750,000. It paled in comparison, however, to the $1.55 million that first overall draft pick Brien Taylor received from the Yankees, smashing records and causing teams to draft with signing bonuses more at the forefront of their in minds in subsequent drafts. Taylor never even managed to make the majors, missing two minor league seasons due to injuries sustained in a bar fight, and never regaining his form. The 1991 draft as a whole was a pretty poor one in the end, with only Green, Manny Ramirez, and Nomar Garciaparra having multiple all star appearances.</p>
<h3>3. Vernon Wells – 5th Overall Pick in 1997</h3>
<p>The first high school player drafted in 1997, Wells would go on to a storied career as a member of the Blue Jays, and is very likely the best center fielder ever to play for the team. He started in the middle of the Toronto outfield for nine seasons, made three all star teams, won three gold gloves, and a silver slugger award. Over the 10 years he was a major league regular, including one as a member of the Angels, no American League center fielder hit more home runs. After spending three consecutive Septembers with the team, Wells became a regular for good in 2002, the same year Eric Hinske won the rookie of the year award (Wells had too many prior plate appearances to be in contention). Signed to what is still the largest contract ever by a member of the Toronto Blue Jays in 2006, Wells had two good years and two mediocre ones before having his backloaded contract unloaded in a trade with the Angels. He would play three fairly unsuccessful years with the Angels and Yankees before retiring in 2013. When all was said and done, Wells finished his Jays career second all-time in Blue Jay plate appearances, home-runs (Bautista has passed him), RBIs, hits, and doubles. That’s a pretty good career by every standard.</p>
<p><strong>Fun 1997 Draft Fact: </strong>Not known for being a particularly strong first round, Vernon Wells is probably the second best player from the first round of that draft after Lance Berkman. The first overall pick was Matt Anderson, which was the first and only time that a projected relief pitcher was taken first overall in the major league draft. Anderson would go on to have a non-descript 7 year major league career.</p>
<h3>2. Chris Carpenter &#8211; 15th Overall Pick in 1993</h3>
<p>An undoubtedly great pitcher, and high up on the list of players the Blue Jays likely regretted letting leave, Carpenter was drafted in the first round by the Blue Jays but never reached his potential with the team. Plagued by injuries and a general lack of effectiveness, he turned down an incentive laden, minor league deal while he was injured in 2002 and moved on to St. Louis. He finished his Blue Jays career with a WHIP of 1.51 and and ERA of 4.83 in 870 innings, so it’s not unreasonable to understand the Jays unwillingness to give him a major league deal following shoulder surgery. Why he’s on this list, however, is for the way his career took off as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. After missing the entirety of the 2003 season, Carpenter figured it out in 2004, and by 2005 was the dominant force we all remember, winning the National League Cy Young Award. He would finish in the top three in Cy voting another two times in his career, and go on to win two World Series championship with St. Louis. He was never able to remain fully healthy, however, pitching in fewer than five games in 2003, 2007, 2008, 2012 and 2013, before finally calling it a career. When he <em>was</em> healthy though, he was one of the very best pitchers in all of baseball.</p>
<p><strong>Fun 1993 Draft Fact:</strong> The 1993 draft is well known as the Alex Rodriguez draft. Easily the highest touted player heading into the draft, he was drafted first overall and would go on to have a career we remember. Also of note in this draft is that future Heisman winner Charlie Ward was drafted in the 59th round. Ward was drafted in both the 1993 and 1994 major league drafts as a pitcher despite never playing baseball at the college level. He was also drafted in 1994 by the NBA’s New York Knicks, and would go on to a decent basketball career. Surprisingly, he was never drafted by an NFL team.</p>
<h3>1. Roy Halladay – 17th Overall Pick in 1995</h3>
<p>A fairly no-brainer number one on this, Mr. Halladay will undoubtedly be placed on the level of excellence, and may one day go into the Hall of Fame. His resume speaks for itself; he won a Cy Young Award in both leagues, pitched a perfect game, a postseason no-hitter, was an eight time all-star, and finished in the top five in Cy Young voting seven times. It’s not unreasonable to argue that he was the best starting pitcher of his time, league-wide (his fWAR from 2001-2011 is 62.7, over 10 wins more than any other pitcher). Halladay was drafted out of high school, ranked highly, and made the big leagues with lots of hype, coming within one out of a no-hitter in his second major league start. After a mediocre first full season, Halladay went off the rails in 2000, posting a 10.64 ERA that still stands as the major league high record for a pitcher with 50 innings. Sent all the way back to single-A, he rebuild his mechanics (with the help of Mel Queen), and returned as a bonafide starter in 2001. He would stay that way for over a decade. The Jays certainly don’t regret this pick; with apologies to Todd Helton and Carlos Beltran, Roy Halladay is actually the very best player taken in that draft. One of the top two Blue Jays pitchers ever, Halladay tops this list of best Blue Jay first round draft choices of all-time.</p>
<p><strong> Fun 1995 Draft (Jays!) Fact: </strong>Roy Halladay is not the highest drafted player, or even the first to play for the Blue Jays, from this draft. That honor belongs to Jose Cruz Jr, who was drafted third overall by the Mariners. He was eventually traded to Toronto in 1997 (for Paul Spoljaric and Mike Timlin), where he played for the big league club a year earlier than Halladay. Cruz would have a pretty decent career as well, but since he wasn’t drafted by the Blue Jays, he is ineligible for this list.</p>
<p>There you have it: The nine greatest first round draft choices in Blue Jays history. I hope you enjoyed that trip down memory lane, and I certainly hope that in a few years names like Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Stroman, or Jon Harris and TJ Zuech, can be added to this list.</p>
<p><em>Lead Photo: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports</em></p>
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		<title>MLB Draft: Reports on Blue Jays Draftees in Rounds 26 Through 40</title>
		<link>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2016/06/11/mlb-draft-reports-on-blue-jays-draftees-in-rounds-26-through-40/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2016 22:54:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Matt Gwin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB Draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blue jays]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/?p=3711</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For analysis and scouting reports on the Blue Jays earlier picks &#8211; click here. Round 26 &#8211; Pick #792 RHP &#8211; Ben Anderson &#8211; Shenendehowa HS Ben is the twin brother of 2016 3rd overall pick Ian Anderson, who went to the Braves. Ben doesn’t quite have the same velocity as his twin, but Baseball America’s Hudson [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>For analysis and scouting reports on the Blue Jays earlier picks &#8211; click <a href="http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/tag/mlb-draft/" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><strong>Round 26 &#8211; Pick #792</strong></p>
<p>RHP &#8211; Ben Anderson &#8211; Shenendehowa HS</p>
<p>Ben is the twin brother of 2016 3rd overall pick Ian Anderson, who went to the Braves. Ben doesn’t quite have the same velocity as his twin, but <a href="http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2016/jun/11/ians-twin-ben-anderson-drafted-blue-jays/" target="_blank">Baseball America’s Hudson Belinsky</a> describes the 6 foot 4, 175 pound pitcher as having a, “mid to upper 80s fastball, and a projectable build.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>Round 27 &#8211; Pick #822</strong></p>
<p>C &#8211; Ryan Gold &#8211; Carolina Forest HS</p>
<p><strong>Round 28 &#8211; Pick #852</strong></p>
<p>OF &#8211; Blake Ebo &#8211; Trenton Catholic Academy</p>
<p><strong>Round 29 &#8211; Pick #882</strong></p>
<p>RHP &#8211; Andrew Deramo &#8211; University of Central Florida</p>
<p><strong>Round 30 &#8211; Pick #912</strong></p>
<p>LHP &#8211; Josh Fishman &#8211; Union College</p>
<p><strong>Round 31 &#8211; Pick #942</strong></p>
<p>CF &#8211; Marcus Still &#8211; Scottsdale Community College</p>
<p><strong>Round 32 &#8211; Pick #972</strong></p>
<p>1B &#8211; David Jacob &#8211; Quincy University</p>
<p><strong>Round 33 &#8211; Pick #1002</strong></p>
<p>RHP &#8211; Brayden Bouchey &#8211; University of Louisiana Monroe</p>
<p><strong>Round 34 &#8211; Pick #1032</strong></p>
<p>C &#8211; Shea Langeliers &#8211; Keller HS</p>
<p><strong>Round 35 &#8211; Pick #1062</strong></p>
<p>RHP &#8211; Jared Carkuff &#8211; Austin Peay State University</p>
<p>Jared is the second Blue Jays draftee from Austin Peay; Ridge Smith was the first such draftee with pick 372 in the 12th round.</p>
<p><strong>Round 36 &#8211; Pick #1092</strong></p>
<p>C &#8211; Dustin Skelton &#8211; Magnolia Heights HS</p>
<p><strong>Round 37 &#8211; Pick #1222</strong></p>
<p>LHP &#8211; Luke Gillingham &#8211; Navy</p>
<p>At Navy, Gillingham was named the Patriot League Pitcher of the Year in back to back seasons.</p>
<p><strong>Round 38 &#8211; Pick #1252</strong></p>
<p>LHP &#8211; Alex Segal &#8211; Chaparral HS</p>
<p><strong>Round 39 &#8211; Pick #1282</strong></p>
<p>CF &#8211; Chavez Young &#8211; Faith Baptist Christian Academy</p>
<p><strong>Round 40 &#8211; Pick #1212</strong></p>
<p>RHP &#8211; Carter Loewen &#8211; Yale Secondary School</p>
<p>Despite not being related to Canadian former first round pick Adam Loewen, Carter is a good Canadian baseball prospect hailing from Abbotsford, BC. Here’s what Perfect Game had to say about him, <a href="http://www.canadianbaseballnetwork.com/canadian-baseball-network-articles/2015/6/21/carter-loewen-impresses-at-pg-san-diego" target="_blank">via Bob Elliot at the Canadian Baseball Network</a>:</p>
<p>“Loewen has an outstanding 6-4/205 build with lots of projection. He topped out at 85 mph on the mound and there is plenty more in his arm. He also showed big gap to gap power from the right side at the plate.”</p>
<p>“Loewen was impressive over a quick 2 inning outing, getting a pair of strikeouts and flashing high-end projection and ability. He worked 82-85 with his fastball, coming downhill with it hard and spotting it to both sides. Showed advanced feel for a two-plane slider at 68-71 as well. Highly projectable arm. He also contributed offensively with a pair of hard singles, showing quality bat to ball skills and a smooth stroke.&#8221;</p>
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		<title>MLB Draft: Reports on Blue Jays Draftees in Rounds 6 Through 10</title>
		<link>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2016/06/10/mlb-draft-reports-on-blue-jays-draftees-in-rounds-six-through-ten/</link>
		<comments>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2016/06/10/mlb-draft-reports-on-blue-jays-draftees-in-rounds-six-through-ten/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2016 22:52:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gideon Turk]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB Draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Andy Ravel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[D.J. Daniels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kirby Snead]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kyle Weatherly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nick Hartman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toronto Blue Jays]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/?p=3655</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For analysis and scouting reports on the Blue Jays earlier picks, click here.  Round 6, Pick #192 OF &#8211; David Daniels &#8211; Ralph L Fike High School 6&#8217;3&#8243; 210lbs DOB: 12/17/97 Daniels, who goes by the name D.J., is a three sport athlete committed to James Madison University to play football and baseball for them. He hit .422/.479/.626 over three [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>For analysis and scouting reports on the Blue Jays earlier picks, click <a href="http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/tag/mlb-draft/" target="_blank">here</a>. </em></p>
<p><strong>Round 6, Pick #192</strong><br />
OF &#8211; David Daniels &#8211; Ralph L Fike High School<br />
6&#8217;3&#8243; 210lbs DOB: 12/17/97</p>
<p>Daniels, who goes by the name D.J., is a three sport athlete committed to James Madison University to play football and baseball for them. He hit .422/.479/.626 over three seasons of High School baseball in 190 plate appearances. Michael Lananna of Baseball America provided the following scouting report:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Talked with a scout on Jays 6th rounder DJ Daniels. 3-sport guy. Dual-threat QB and corner OF with strength, power potential. Average runner</p>
<p>&mdash; Michael Lananna (@mlananna) <a href="https://twitter.com/mlananna/status/741375327344021505">June 10, 2016</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><strong>Round 7, Pick #222</strong><br />
RHP &#8211; Andy Ravel &#8211; Kent State<br />
6&#8217;1&#8243; 165lbs DOB: 10/12/94</p>
<p>Ravel was previously drafted by the Diamondbacks in the 21st round of 2013 MLB Draft but did not sign. He has been a starter with Kent State for most of his college career, having not pitched out of relief since his freshman season in 2o14. In 2016, he pitched 91 innings while posting a 3.36 ERA, striking out 77 batters and walking 20, for a K/BB ratio of 3.85. Baseball America ranked him as their 416th top prospect for this draft. Here is some scouting information from Brian Sakowski of Perfect Game:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blue Jays take Andy Ravel, the 2nd Kent State arm taken (Lauer). Ravel works 88-91, slider/changeup combo, skinny dude, reliever prob.</p>
<p>&mdash; Brian Sakowski (@B_Sakowski_PG) <a href="https://twitter.com/B_Sakowski_PG/status/741372104491171840">June 10, 2016</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lQUTG9IBYQg" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" ></iframe></div>
<p><strong>Round 8, Pick #252</strong><br />
RHP &#8211; Kyle Weatherly &#8211; Grayson County College<br />
6&#8217;4&#8243; 200lbs DOB: 10/03/94</p>
<p>Weatherly received the following grades from <a href="http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2016?list=draft" target="_blank">MLB Pipeline:</a></p>
<p><em> Fastball: 55 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 50 | Overall: 45</em></p>
<p>MLB Pipeline wrote this about the right hander:</p>
<p><em>&#8220;As a 150-pounder with a low-80s fastball and a straight-overhand delivery when he arrived at Grayson (Texas) CC in the fall of 2013, Weatherly was so raw that he redshirted in his first year of junior college. He has put on 35 pounds and developed better mechanics since, blossoming into one of the top juco pitching prospects in the 2016 Draft. </em></p>
<p><em>Moving from the bullpen in 2015 to the rotation this spring, Weatherly ranged from 88-95 mph with his fastball. He relies more heavily on a four-seamer with running life because he has trouble commanding a two-seamer with sink. His best secondary pitch is a slider that flashes plus but flattens out into a slurve too often, and he&#8217;s making progress with a changeup now that he&#8217;s using it more as a starter.</em></p>
<p><em>Weatherly&#8217;s 6-foot-3 frame should create angle and plane on his pitches, but he mitigates his height with a drop-and-drive delivery. He&#8217;ll get the opportunity to start in pro ball but some scouts believe he&#8217;ll be better off as a reliever concentrating on his four-seamer and slider. He&#8217;ll attend Louisiana State next year if he doesn&#8217;t sign this summer.&#8221;</em></p>
<p>Here&#8217;s video from MLB Pipeline:</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><iframe src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=763370083&amp;topic_id=67565098&amp;width=400&amp;height=224&amp;property=mlb" width="400" height="224" ></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Round 9, Pick #282</strong><br />
RHP &#8211; Nick Hartman &#8211; Old Dominion<br />
6&#8217;1&#8243; 185lbs DOB: 10/24/94</p>
<p>Hartman is primarily <a href="https://baseballdraftreport.com/tag/nick-hartman/" target="_blank">a reliever with</a> a fastball that touches 96 mph and a &#8220;good&#8221; curve that sits in the 76 &#8211; 78 mph range. In his two years at Old Dominion, he pitched to a 5.00 ERA in 104.1 innings pitched with 93 strikeouts to 44 walks, for a K/BB ration of 2.11.</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s a video from three years ago when he was graduating High School.</p>
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EU9MPYgc3wo" width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" ></iframe>
<p><strong>Round 10, Pick #312</strong><br />
LHP &#8211; Kirby Snead &#8211; University of Florida<br />
6&#8217;0&#8243; 200lbs DOB: 10/07/94</p>
<p>Snead is a junior who has been a dominant reliever throughout his college career, pitching to a 2.54 ERA over the course of three seasons and 110 innings pitched. He has struck out 88 batters to just 22 walks, or a 4.00 K/BB ratio. In 2015, Snead was arrested and charged, along with his teammate and fellow 2016 draftee A.J. Puk, for criminal trespassing after allegedly climbing inside a crane on a campus construction site.</p>
<p>The Blue Jays are done picking for the day. They will make their 11th through 40th round picks tomorrow. We will have one post covering all of those players at the conclusion of the draft.</p>
<p><em>Lead Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports</em></p>
</div>
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		<title>MLB Draft: Blue Jays Select 2B Cavan Biggio With 162nd Pick</title>
		<link>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2016/06/10/mlb-draft-blue-jays-select-2b-cavan-biggio-with-162nd-pick/</link>
		<comments>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2016/06/10/mlb-draft-blue-jays-select-2b-cavan-biggio-with-162nd-pick/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2016 19:28:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gideon Turk]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB Draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cavan Biggio]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toronto Blue Jays]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/?p=3643</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For analysis and scouting reports on the Blue Jays earlier picks, click here.  The Blue Jays have made their fifth round selection of the 2016 MLB draft, picking 2B Cavan Biggio out of Notre Dame. Biggio is the son of former Astros great Craig Biggio, and stands at 6&#8217;1&#8242; and weighs 203 lbs. He bats left handed. Blue [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>For analysis and scouting reports on the Blue </em><i>Jays earlier picks, click <a href="http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/tag/mlb-draft/" target="_blank">here</a>. </i></p>
<p>The Blue Jays have made their fifth round selection of the 2016 MLB draft, picking 2B Cavan Biggio out of Notre Dame. Biggio is the son of former Astros great Craig Biggio, and stands at 6&#8217;1&#8242; and weighs 203 lbs. He bats left handed.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blue Jays&#39; pick Craig Biggio&#39;s son Cavan. Walk-first approach meant huge OBPs at Notre Dame. Scouts want to see more pop/defense.</p>
<p>&mdash; JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) <a href="https://twitter.com/jjcoop36/status/741349577794551808">June 10, 2016</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><strong>From Chris Crawford&#8217;s MLB Draft book is the following report:</strong></p>
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<p><em>&#8220;Biggio was on fire for the first month of the season but really struggled to end the year, and saw his draft stock drop in the process. The calling card is his approach at the plate, as he’s willing to work counts and will draw a ton of walks. That approach can sometimes get passive, however, and he doesn’t have the bat speed or swing path to spoil pitches, leading to lots of strikeouts. He won’t remind anyone of Jeff Kent, but he does have a natural loft, and solid-average power is within reach. He’s an above-average runner who gets great jumps on the bases, and he’s a solid defender at second base, though some believe he’d profile best in a corner outfield spot. The upside is everyday second baseman, the floor is utility infielder who can help everywhere but shortstop and catcher.&#8221;</em></p>
<p><strong>This is what <a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2016/6/1/11822646/2016-mlb-draft-profile-cavan-biggio-2b-3b-notre-dame" target="_blank">Prospect Junkies</a> had to say about Biggio:</strong></p>
<p><em>&#8220;HITTING:  While I tend not to care about what a player does before he starts his swing, it’s hard to ignore Biggio’s exaggerated bat wiggle.  He does, however, lower his hands to a load position in plenty of time and he’s short and quick to the ball without a hitch in his swing.  Biggio shows great strike zone recognition and a propensity for taking walks.</em></p>
<p><em>POWER:  Biggio has some natural loft to his swing and uses a strong lower half to generate gap to gap power.  Biggio does a good job of barreling the ball and has the potential to develop average power.</em></p>
<p><em>SPEED: An above average runner, I had Biggio at 4.1 to 1st base on two occasions.  This type of speed will make him the an occasional threat on the base baths and will be easily playable at whatever defensive position he calls home.</em></p>
<p><em>ARM:  From the infield, the arm is playable at 2nd, but it could also profile in left field.</em></p>
<p><em>DEFENSE:  Biggio displays soft hands and sound footwork around the bag making all the plays he’s supposed to make.</em></p>
<p><em>FUTURE:  Biggio has the pedigree, track record and talent to garner attention.  Biggio doesn’t do anything poorly but he doesn’t have a stand out tool either.  I view him as a 3th-5th round talent with a chance to become an MLB regular.&#8221;</em></p>
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<p><strong>Here&#8217;s MLB Pipeline&#8217;s scouting video featuring Biggio:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><iframe src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=762774683&amp;topic_id=40395496&amp;width=400&amp;height=224&amp;property=mlb" width="400" height="224" ></iframe></p>
<p>The Blue Jays have five more picks today. We’ll have coverage of those picks after today&#8217;s portion of the draft is finished.</p>
<p><em>Lead Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports</em></p>
<p><em>Chris Crawford&#8217;s MLB Draft Book <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/baseball-prospectus-mlb-draft/id1090576351?mt=11" target="_blank">can be purchased</a> on iBooks for just $4.99. It&#8217;s a must buy for anybody looking to learn more about all the top players in the 2016 draft class. </em></p>
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		<title>MLB Draft: Blue Jays Select CF Joshua Palacois With the 132nd Overall Pick</title>
		<link>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2016/06/10/blue-jays-select-cf-joshua-palacois-with-the-132nd-overall-pick/</link>
		<comments>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2016/06/10/blue-jays-select-cf-joshua-palacois-with-the-132nd-overall-pick/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2016 18:53:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jenn Smith]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB Draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joshua Palacois]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toronto Blue Jays]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/?p=3634</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For analysis and scouting reports on the Blue Jays earlier picks, click here.  With their fourth-round pick, the Toronto Blue Jays have selected centre fielder Joshua Palacois from Auburn 132nd overall in the 2016 MLB draft. Palacois was previously drafted by the Reds in the 31st round of the 2014 MLB Draft. 4 (132): @BlueJays select Auburn CF [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>For analysis and scouting reports on the Blue </em><i>Jays earlier picks, click <a href="http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/tag/mlb-draft/" target="_blank">here</a>. </i></p>
<p>With their fourth-round pick, the Toronto Blue Jays have selected centre fielder Joshua Palacois from Auburn 132nd overall in the 2016 MLB draft. Palacois was previously drafted by the Reds in the 31st round of the 2014 MLB Draft.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">4 (132): <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays">@BlueJays</a> select Auburn CF Joshua Palacios. <a href="https://t.co/26j7u8CvIH">https://t.co/26j7u8CvIH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLBDraft?src=hash">#MLBDraft</a></p>
<p>&mdash; MLB Draft Tracker (@MLBDraftTracker) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBDraftTracker/status/741338769916362752">June 10, 2016</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>The left-handed hitting Palacois was ranked as the 169th top prospect by <a href="http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2016?list=draft" target="_blank">MLB Pipeline </a>.</p>
<p><strong>Palacois received the following grades on his offensive and defensive skills from MLB Pipeline:</strong></p>
<p><em>Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 60 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45</em></p>
<p><strong>MLB Pipeline had the following to say:</strong></p>
<p><em>&#8220;The nephew of former big league catcher Rey Palacios, Joshua couldn&#8217;t make Xavieran High&#8217;s (Brooklyn) team as a sophomore but emerged as the 2013 New York City player of the year as a senior at the crosstown High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology. He spent the fall of his freshman college season at Stony Brook before transferring to San Jacinto (Texas) JC and turning down the Reds as a 31st-round pick in 2014. After moving on to Auburn this spring, he was hitting .408 and challenging for the Southeastern Conference batting title before injuring his right wrist diving for a ball in early April.&#8221;</em></p>
<p><em>&#8220;Palacios went just 2-for-13 during the Tigers&#8217; final 26 games but showed enough early to sell scouts on his hitting ability. A switch-hitter in high school who has hit exclusively left-handed in college, he has a quick swing and makes consistent hard contact. He manages the strike zone well and focuses on producing line drives, though he shows occasional power to his pull side.&#8221;</em></p>
<p><em>&#8220;Most scouts grade Palacios as a plus runner, though some rate him closer to average, and he can steal a few bases. He tried catching at San Jacinto before settling in the outfield, and he played left field this spring because Auburn had the quicker Anfernee Grier in center. Whoever drafts Palacios likely will try him in center field, but his instincts are suspect and will land him back in left. His arm is average.&#8221;</em></p>
<p><strong>Here’s MLB Pipeline’s scouting video featuring Palacois:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><iframe src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=763370383&amp;topic_id=40395496&amp;width=400&amp;height=224&amp;property=mlb" width="400" height="224" ></iframe></p>
<p><em>Lead Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports </em></p>
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		<title>MLB Draft: Blue Jays Select RHP Zach Jackson With 102nd Pick</title>
		<link>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2016/06/10/mlb-draft-blue-jays-select-zach-jackson-with-102nd-pick/</link>
		<comments>http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2016/06/10/mlb-draft-blue-jays-select-zach-jackson-with-102nd-pick/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2016 18:05:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Gideon Turk]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLB Draft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toronto Blue Jays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zach Jackson]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/?p=3624</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For analysis and scouting reports on the Blue Jays earlier picks, click here.  The Blue Jays have made their first selection of the second day of the 2016 MLB draft, picking RHP Zach Jackson out of Arkansas in the third round. The 21-year-old righty stands at 6&#8217;3&#8243; and weighs 195 lbs. MLB Network said he could be one of [&#8230;]]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>For analysis and scouting reports on the Blue </em><i>Jays earlier picks, click <a href="http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/tag/mlb-draft/" target="_blank">here</a>. </i></p>
<p>The Blue Jays have made their first selection of the second day of the 2016 MLB draft, picking RHP Zach Jackson out of Arkansas in the third round. The 21-year-old righty stands at 6&#8217;3&#8243; and weighs 195 lbs. MLB Network said he could be one of the fastest movers in the draft if the Blue Jays put him in the bullpen.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blue Jays take high upside, high risk Arkansas RHP Zach Jackson. 2 of best pitches in draft with horrendous control.</p>
<p>&mdash; JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) <a href="https://twitter.com/jjcoop36/status/741328346932346880">June 10, 2016</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Jackson was ranked as the 58th best prospect available in this draft class by <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=29462" target="_blank">Baseball Prospectus</a>&#8216; Chris Crawford, and 66th by <a href="http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2016?list=draft" target="_blank">MLB Pipeline</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Jackson received the following grades from MLB Pipeline:</strong></p>
<p><em>Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 65 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 45 | Overall: 45</em></p>
<p><strong>From Chris Crawford&#8217;s MLB Draft book is the following report:</strong></p>
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<p><em>&#8220;Jackson is the Razorbacks closer, but this could be a Tyler Jay-type situation where someone gives him a chance to pitch in a rotation. There are two plus pitches, starting with a fastball that can get to 97 mph and sits 93-95. He will make hitters look foolish with a hammer curve that isn’t usually a strike, but the deception from his spin and arm speed makes it an easy 60-grade offering. He doesn’t have to use his change out of the bullpen, though he has shown a competent one that flashes average. There’s a substantial amount of effort in his delivery, so that likely keeps him from starting, as it’s doubtful he’ll have the command or stamina to handle the workload. Someone might be tempted to give him a chance, however, and there’s a chance he’s a third starter if it works.&#8221;</em></p>
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<p><strong>MLB Pipeline had the following to say:</strong></p>
<p><em>&#8220;Jackson contributed immediately in Arkansas&#8217; bullpen as a freshman, then took over as closer in 2015 and pitched the Razorbacks to the College World Series. Despite an inconsistent junior season that has included some time in Arkansas&#8217; rotation, he figures to be one of the first relievers drafted in June.</em></p>
<p><em>Jackson&#8217;s best pitch is a hammer three-quarters breaking ball with curveball break and slider velocity in the low 90s. He usually operates at 93-95 mph with his fastball and can hit 97, though it can get straight at times. Jackson doesn&#8217;t need a changeup much as a reliever, but he has shown some aptitude for throwing one.</em></p>
<p><em>While Jackson has the size and athleticism to make it as a starter, scouts question whether he has the mechanics to pull off the transition. There&#8217;s a lot going on with his delivery, which features a long arm path and a deep shoulder tilt, and it hampers his control and command. If Jackson can&#8217;t cut it in the rotation, at least he can fall back on having the upside of a closer.&#8221;</em></p>
<p><strong>Here&#8217;s MLB Pipeline&#8217;s scouting video featuring Jackson.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><iframe src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=532382183&amp;topic_id=40395496&amp;width=400&amp;height=224&amp;property=mlb" width="400" height="224" ></iframe></p>
<p>The Blue Jays have seven more picks today. We’ll have coverage on the picks in the next two rounds moments after they happen, and rounds six through ten at the end of the day.</p>
<p><em>Lead Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports</em></p>
<p><em>Chris Crawford&#8217;s MLB Draft Book <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/baseball-prospectus-mlb-draft/id1090576351?mt=11" target="_blank">can be purchased</a> on iBooks for just $4.99. It&#8217;s a must buy for anybody looking to learn more about all the top players in the 2016 draft class. </em></p>
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