2015 Blue Jays Draft | Signings, Bonuses and Rumors Thread

[King]

Todd Brommelkamp ‏@ToddBrommelkamp 2h2 hours ago

Just spoke with Iowa Baseball coach Rick Heller. He's optimistic Blue Jays 13th Rd pick Daniel Perry will make it to campus. #Hawkeyes

[King]

Found why Ryan Johnson went undrafted, Ace. Figured as much.

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/two-way-prospect-baker-tells-teams-intends-uphold-college-commitment/

 

Oak Ridge (Texas) High righthander/first baseman Luken Baker sent an email to all major league teams this week, telling them he intends to uphold his commitment to play at Texas Christian. Baker ranks No. 58 on the Top 200 Draft Prospects list and is considered one of the top two-way talents in the class.

Baker’s letter, obtained by Baseball America, thanks scouts for taking the time to evaluate him. But he wrote that after consultation with his family, he believes it is in his best interest to go to TCU, where he will be able to continue to play two positions, as well as continue his education.

Baker has some of the most power in the draft, both on the mound and at the plate. He rose to prominence last summer when he won the MLB Junior Select Home Run Derby during all-star weekend at Target Field. He followed up that performance by winning the home run derby at the Under Armour All-American Classic, a performance that included him hitting several balls out of Wrigley Field. On the mound, he can throw his fastball up to 95 mph and mixes in a breaking ball that flashes above-average potential.

Unlike fellow Texas prep star Kyler Murray, Baker did not completely withdraw from the draft. He is still eligible to be selected, like righthander JB Bukauskas was last year after sending a similar letter.

Bukauskas was drafted by the Diamondbacks in the 20th round, but opted to attend North Carolina. Murray, a two-sport star at Allen (Texas) High, took the steps necessary to be declared ineligible for the draft earlier this spring and will instead play football and baseball at Texas A&M.

If Baker does attend TCU, he would not be draft-eligible again until 2018.

Jim Callis of MLB.com was the first to report Baker’s decision.

Another TCU signee, outfielder Ryan Johnson of College Station (Texas), also has informed scouts of his desire to go to school in his own letter, sent by his father. Johnson began the year No. 41 on BA’s High School Top 100 but has had a poor spring and was not in BA’s Top 200. He struggled during the National High School Invitational in March.

[King]

Q&A with Brian Parker

 

http://m.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article/130027466/qa-blue-jays-scouting-director-talks-draft

[King]

 

Jays sign UFA Griffin Glaude

[Angrioter]

. The Jays have a deal with first-round pick Jon Harris, righthander out of Missouri State, for about the $1,944,800-million slot for the 29th pick. "A stud," Jim Callis of MLB.com called Harris ...

 

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/25212612/inside-baseball-mets-want-infielder-dont-appear-high-on-zobrist

[King]

lol @ this article. Recommend not reading, but TLDR - it says Maese has decided to sign with the Jays

 

http://www.27outsbaseball.com/milb/justin-maese-drafted-by-the-blue-jays/

 

The MLB Draft, round after round of dreams coming true for young men. Hard work paying off and for some, the choice of College or the beginning of a career. In El Paso, Texas, baseball is, and has been king. The long standing tradition of boys becoming men on the diamond, has been paramount for a city with a stream of players current and past who have not only been drafted, but played in the Major Leagues. The dream came true for one young man from this desert city, joining a list of El Paso players such as Socorro High School’s Omar Quintanilla and Eudor Garcia, and former Hanks High School standout Alan Zinter, former first round pick of the Mets in 1989.

On Tuesday Justin Maese, an outstanding pitcher from Ysleta High School in El Paso, was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays with their 3rd round pick 91st overall. Maese is an amazing talent, possessing a Fastball that has been clocked as high as 96 mph! Maese throws his heater constantly between 89-93, he also throws an above average slider, that bends off the table late. Standing 6’3″ 180 lbs., Maese has a great understanding of the strike zone, fanning 237 over the last two years, and leading Ysleta High to the Playoffs as a Junior and a Senior.

 

The Blue Jays weren’t the only team interested in Maese, the stand out had signed a letter of intent to Texas Tech, but had decided to begin playing rookie ball in West Virginia for the Bluefield Blue Jays of the Appalachian League. The 3rd round pick of the Blue Jays has the tools and desire to continue developing stating “I just have to keep working hard and focusing on my mechanics.”, which shows his will to keep learning.

 

His future is very bright, and I foresee him in AA New Hampshire soon where they could use the pitching help, as the Fisher Cats have the 3rd highest team ERA of 4.32. After a brief stint in New Hampshire, Maese will be called up to the AAA Buffalo Bison, where the pitching staff is currently holding an International League top two team ERA or 2.95. The type of instruction that the Toronto Blue Jays will have available will prove more than valuable for a great young pitcher. The sky is the limit with Justin Maese, and the Toronto Blue Jays have gotten a solid pitcher for years to come. Dreams come true and I hope you continue to excel Justin, El Paso has your back!

[KingKat]

I on the other hand highly recommend reading. The prose is hilarious. Just read it in the voice of a high school reporter whose voice just started to crack.

 

lol @ this article. Recommend not reading, but TLDR - it says Maese has decided to sign with the Jays

 

http://www.27outsbaseball.com/milb/justin-maese-drafted-by-the-blue-jays/

 

The MLB Draft, round after round of dreams coming true for young men. Hard work paying off and for some, the choice of College or the beginning of a career. In El Paso, Texas, baseball is, and has been king. The long standing tradition of boys becoming men on the diamond, has been paramount for a city with a stream of players current and past who have not only been drafted, but played in the Major Leagues. The dream came true for one young man from this desert city, joining a list of El Paso players such as Socorro High School’s Omar Quintanilla and Eudor Garcia, and former Hanks High School standout Alan Zinter, former first round pick of the Mets in 1989.

On Tuesday Justin Maese, an outstanding pitcher from Ysleta High School in El Paso, was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays with their 3rd round pick 91st overall. Maese is an amazing talent, possessing a Fastball that has been clocked as high as 96 mph! Maese throws his heater constantly between 89-93, he also throws an above average slider, that bends off the table late. Standing 6’3″ 180 lbs., Maese has a great understanding of the strike zone, fanning 237 over the last two years, and leading Ysleta High to the Playoffs as a Junior and a Senior.

 

The Blue Jays weren’t the only team interested in Maese, the stand out had signed a letter of intent to Texas Tech, but had decided to begin playing rookie ball in West Virginia for the Bluefield Blue Jays of the Appalachian League. The 3rd round pick of the Blue Jays has the tools and desire to continue developing stating “I just have to keep working hard and focusing on my mechanics.”, which shows his will to keep learning.

 

His future is very bright, and I foresee him in AA New Hampshire soon where they could use the pitching help, as the Fisher Cats have the 3rd highest team ERA of 4.32. After a brief stint in New Hampshire, Maese will be called up to the AAA Buffalo Bison, where the pitching staff is currently holding an International League top two team ERA or 2.95. The type of instruction that the Toronto Blue Jays will have available will prove more than valuable for a great young pitcher. The sky is the limit with Justin Maese, and the Toronto Blue Jays have gotten a solid pitcher for years to come. Dreams come true and I hope you continue to excel Justin, El Paso has your back!

[Deadpool]

lol @ this article. Recommend not reading, but TLDR - it says Maese has decided to sign with the Jays

 

http://www.27outsbaseball.com/milb/justin-maese-drafted-by-the-blue-jays/

 

The MLB Draft, round after round of dreams coming true for young men. Hard work paying off and for some, the choice of College or the beginning of a career. In El Paso, Texas, baseball is, and has been king. The long standing tradition of boys becoming men on the diamond, has been paramount for a city with a stream of players current and past who have not only been drafted, but played in the Major Leagues. The dream came true for one young man from this desert city, joining a list of El Paso players such as Socorro High School’s Omar Quintanilla and Eudor Garcia, and former Hanks High School standout Alan Zinter, former first round pick of the Mets in 1989.

On Tuesday Justin Maese, an outstanding pitcher from Ysleta High School in El Paso, was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays with their 3rd round pick 91st overall. Maese is an amazing talent, possessing a Fastball that has been clocked as high as 96 mph! Maese throws his heater constantly between 89-93, he also throws an above average slider, that bends off the table late. Standing 6’3″ 180 lbs., Maese has a great understanding of the strike zone, fanning 237 over the last two years, and leading Ysleta High to the Playoffs as a Junior and a Senior.

 

The Blue Jays weren’t the only team interested in Maese, the stand out had signed a letter of intent to Texas Tech, but had decided to begin playing rookie ball in West Virginia for the Bluefield Blue Jays of the Appalachian League. The 3rd round pick of the Blue Jays has the tools and desire to continue developing stating “I just have to keep working hard and focusing on my mechanics.”, which shows his will to keep learning.

 

His future is very bright, and I foresee him in AA New Hampshire soon where they could use the pitching help, as the Fisher Cats have the 3rd highest team ERA of 4.32. After a brief stint in New Hampshire, Maese will be called up to the AAA Buffalo Bison, where the pitching staff is currently holding an International League top two team ERA or 2.95. The type of instruction that the Toronto Blue Jays will have available will prove more than valuable for a great young pitcher. The sky is the limit with Justin Maese, and the Toronto Blue Jays have gotten a solid pitcher for years to come. Dreams come true and I hope you continue to excel Justin, El Paso has your back!

 

The only question I have is: Was that written by his mom, or his girlfriend?

[King]

Jays might have signed someone named Gunnar Eastman.

 

 

Seems like it's from a friend.

 

Gunnar Eastman (RHP) sat 91-92 mph with his fastball, touching 93 mph out of the zone. He throws a 79-80 mph breaker that is caught between a curve and a slider and also showed an 83 mph changeup. Both King and Eastman project to double-digit round selections and profile as relievers at the next level. Click here for video of King’s session and here for video of Eastman.

 

Closer candidate RHP Gunnar Eastman is another X-factor after showing 95 mph heat and a tight overhand breaking ball this fall, when his command took a step forward.

 

http://i.imgur.com/8XfpjiR.png

 

Another lottery ticket guy I guess

[Angrioter]

Harrison Perry ‏

#BlueJays 1st-rdr. Jon Harris has agreed to a deal. Bonus is unknow

[TwistedLogic]

Conor Panas is signing

http://www.wkbw.com/sports/college/griffs-panas-drafted-by-blue-jays-stewart-heading-to-indians-in-mlb-draft

"It's been surreal, I mean hometown boy getting a chance to hopefully make it one day into the majors and play for the Toronto Blue Jays. It's an incredible feeling that I've been waiting for it all my life and I'm glad it's here. Got to celebrate with my family and friends today and I can't wait to start."

 

DJ McKnight is signing

http://capitaloutlook.com/site/blue-jays-draft-tccs-mcknight-in-12th-round/

"McKnight played two seasons at Tallahassee Community College, completing his sophomore year as an All-Panhandle Conference selection. He will forego a scholarship opportunity at Valdosta State College for a chance to live his dream. He reports to the Blue Jays’ rookie short season in Dunedin on Saturday and is expected to sign a contract Sunday morning."

 

Tyler Burden is signing

http://theciaa.com/sports/bsb/2014-15/releases/CU_Burden_MLB_06102015

"Finding a couple of players to come in and replace his production as an outfielder and pitcher is going to be tough, but losing his leadership from the program leaves the biggest void," added Furlough. "The Blue Jays didn't just draft a new prospect for their system; they drafted a whole new fan base in the Chowan University community. We all wish him the best of luck in this new endeavor."

 

Nick Sinay is signing

http://www.ubbulls.com/sports/bsb/2014-15/releases/20150610ptsy3j

"A well deserved honor for Nick," said head coach Ron Torgalski. "He had a tremendous college career and now gets the opportunity to do what every kid dreams of - playing professional baseball."

 

Jake Thomas is signing

http://www.wicz.com/news2005/viewarticle.asp?a=38682

"I am honored to be a part of the Toronto Blue Jays organization," said Thomas. "I have wanted to play professional baseball since I was a kid and this is a dream come true. I want to thank my family, teammates, coaches, and fans for all of their support. I couldn't have done it without them."

 

Kalik May is signing

http://ow.ly/i/bgcRs/original

"It was an overwhelming moment. The anticipation had me kind of down because it was a long process but when it finally happened, I was relieved. I finally know that I can continue to play the game I love at the highest level."

 

Stuart Holmes is signing

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2015/06/vancleaves_stuart_holmes_picke.html?hootPostID=564a2422392f25b0679d6fd9dd7bae6a

"This has been a dream and a goal of mine my entire life," Holmes said. "I want to first thank God for blessing me with the opportunities He did and allowing me to play the game through him. I'd like to thank my family, coaches and teammates for everything, and their support along the way. Go Jays!"

 

Mattingly Romanin is signing

http://www.thespec.com/sports-story/5674142-radley-mattingly-romanin-wanted-a-chance-and-he-got-it-in-mlb-draft/

"He's been playing with the Intercounty Guelph Royals but that's done. He doesn't want to risk an injury. He'll go where the Jays assign him and then start the long climb to the majors."

 

UFA Gunnar Eastman has signed

http://mkepanthers.com/news/2015/6/12/BB_0612152821.aspx

"It has been a lifelong goal of mine to be able to play at the next level," Eastman said. "It was a great feeling getting that call from the Blue Jays and knowing I will get that opportunity. It's pretty crazy when you think you may never play the game you've been playing your whole life again, but one phone call can change that."

 

UFA Nate Abel has signed

"Congrats to Nathan Abel on agreeing to a free agent deal with the Toronto Blue Jays!"

 

UFA John Kravetz has signed

"Make that 6?@IlliniBaseball pitchers chasing dreams! @JKravetz23 signing free agent deal with Blue jays!"

[TwistedLogic]

Levi Scott is signing

http://www.bluejaysplus.com/sources-blue-jays-to-sign-28th-rounder-levi-scott-35th-rounder-stuart-holmes/

"Blue Jays Plus has learned via multiple sources that 28th round draft pick Levi Scott and 35th round draft pick Stuart Holmes will sign with the Toronto Blue Jays this weekend."

 

Hunter Barnett is signing

"Source tells BJP that 34th round draft pick LHP Hunter Barnett, a junior from University of Mount Olive, plans on signing this weekend."

 

Robert Lucido Jr has signed

https://twitter.com/RobertLucidoJr/status/609458041822515200

"Officially a member of the @BlueJays! Can't wait to chase my dream and help the organization in any way I can! #DreamComeTrue"

 

UFA Nash Knight has signed

http://dbupatriots.com/news/2015/6/12/BB_0612154616.aspx

"Dallas Baptist senior third baseman, Nash Knight, signed a free agent contract today with the Toronto Blue Jays. Knight, who played in 215 games during his four years at DBU and was one of only two Patriots to start all 61 games this year, will begin his minor league career tomorrow when he reports to Tampa, Florida"

[TwistedLogic]

Christian Williams is signing

https://twitter.com/Chris_w10/status/609333992580608000

"Excited to start the new chapter with the @BlueJays time to go to work. Can't wait too see what God has in store! Colossians 3:23"

 

@Ang, can you please let us know if this article tells us anything on if Espada will sign?

http://www.pressreader.com/puerto-rico/el-nuevo-dia/20150610/282570196728927/TextView

[King]

Nice job, TL!

 

@Ang, can you please let us know if this article tells us anything on if Espada will sign?

http://www.pressreader.com/puerto-rico/el-nuevo-dia/20150610/282570196728927/TextView

 

^

 

Or orgfiller

[TheHurl]

Nice job, TL!

 

 

 

^

 

Or orgfiller

 

TL thinks all Mexicans are the same person...damn racist

[King]

Righthander Jose Espada, graduated from high school Jose Collazo Colon Juncos, was the first Puerto Rican selected yesterday in the amateur draft in the majors, when the Toronto Blue Jays claimed him in the fifth round, 152 overall shift.

 

In total, eight Puerto Ricans were claimed on the second day of the draw, between rounds 5 to 10. Today concludes the 2015 draft rounds 11 through 40.

Espada selection was somewhat surprising because it was expected that the first 'pick' playground was right Alexis Diaz and the southpaw Moran Jovani. Nor was expected that no player outside patio in those first five rounds.

 

"I was very surprised because I had al- UNPACKING below and Alexis Moran" admitted Espada, natural Coamo.

 

6'0 "tall and 170 pounds, Espada has a fastball that reaches 88 miles. He said he hoped it was who chose Toronto because since before the draft and the organization was talking to his coaches and his counselor. This has become a practice as the teams want to know the layout of the sign as a professional baseball player.

 

"They had spoken to Roberto Santana, which is what has developed me. Toronto he kept in touch with him until the day he talked with him and Melvin Roman, "he said about who will be his agent.

 

With Santana, he played for the FTB Sword team in the Big League.

 

"I'm from Coamo, but I live in Las Piedras. I moved here about eight months ago, school, workouts and games. "

 

"I am extremely happy, thankful for all people who helped me. Expect it to be that organization (Toronto) which esco- Giera me, it is my favorite team by Roberto Alomar, "he added referring to the former second baseman Hall of Famer who won two World Series with the Blue Jays in 1992 and 1993, when Espada was born.

 

Meanwhile, center fielder Nestor Muriel, 6'2 ", was the second choice, in turn 169 in the sixth round by the Houston Astros.

 

On the same lap, first baseman Edwin Rios, 21 and 6'3 "tall, was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers on turn 192. Rios is a college player with Florida International University (FIU), parents Puerto Ricans.

 

Meanwhile, in the seventh round they were chosen lefty pitcher Moran, turn 200, for the Minnesota Twins, and shortstop Cancel Gabriel (219), of Kansas City.

 

In the eighth round San Diego Padres outfielder picked Aldemar Burgos, in turn 237. Muriel, Burgos Moran and graduated from the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy.

 

The last two Puerto Rican teams arrived yesterday in the tenth round. In turn 293 Chicago Cubs shortstop chose to San Lorenzo, Vimael Machin, who had already gone to the 2011 draft and was selected in round 29, but declined to sign with the Padres to go to Virginia Commonwealth University. Meanwhile, the right-hander Kelvin Rivas, was claimed in turn 296 by the Miami Marlins, Oklahoma Baptist University.

[TwistedLogic]

Or orgfiller

 

Orgfiller is a Mehican? Or is he a Mehican't?

[TwistedLogic]

"I am extremely happy, thankful for all people who helped me. Expect it to be that organization (Toronto) which esco- Giera me, it is my favorite team by Roberto Alomar, "he added referring to the former second baseman Hall of Famer who won two World Series with the Blue Jays in 1992 and 1993, when Espada was born.

 

So is he definitely going to esco- Giera or is he still thinking about it?

[TwistedLogic]

Harris deal is official:

http://m.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article/130385304/jon-harris-blue-jays-agree-to-terms

[Dylan]

Harris deal is official:

http://m.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article/130385304/jon-harris-blue-jays-agree-to-terms

 

excellent news

[ElNik2013]

Good to get him in the system this year. I'd guess he'll be assigned to Vancouver.

[Angrioter]

Espada "Toronto is my favourite team in the MLB, and

I knew they were going to pick me"

[King]

 

"The newest member of the Toronto Blue Jays, Jose Espada, heading to the organizations complex in Florida."

[NorthOf49]

Harris deal is official:

http://m.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article/130385304/jon-harris-blue-jays-agree-to-terms

No it isn't official. From the article:

 

"Toronto has yet to make any public comments about the agreement and an official announcement is not expected until Harris passes his physical."

[King]

No it isn't official. From the article:

 

"Toronto has yet to make any public comments about the agreement and an official announcement is not expected until Harris passes his physical."

 

Blue Jays player development intern Javier Camps tweeted that drafted players/undrafted signees who have agreements with the Blue Jays were set to take physicals this morning. I have to think an announcement will be coming later today or tomorrow.

 

Javi C ‏@JavierCampsIV 14h14 hours ago

Early morning physicals tomorrow for our newly drafted/non-drafted players.

[King]

Hunter Barnett ‏@HunterBarnett23 32s32 seconds ago

Officially a Blue Jay as of today

[King]

 

ConnorP and nick sinay

[ElNik2013]

 

ConnorP and nick sinay

 

 

I suspect that you just wanted to sneak in a pic of another shirtless, dark-skinned male human. However, I'm sure you'll get away because you're on a roll with GDT.

[ElNik2013]

Dark skinned male human?

 

 

 

What, did that not make sense? I'm lying down and falling asleep. I seem to remember some posters teasing our MVP for having avatars of shirtless guys?

[Angrioter]

Jim Callis ‏

4th-rder Carl Wise signs w/@BlueJays for $450k (pick 122 = $461,200). C of C 3B, power is best tool, chance to hit for avg also. @MLBDraft