Official MiLB/Prospects Thread

[King]

Chris King ‏@StatsKing 1m1 minute ago

Yannsy Diaz has a live arm and tons of movement on his FB. Sitting 93-94 with medium effort #BlueJays

[King]

New legit guy

 

Chris King ‏@StatsKing 1m1 minute ago

Wow. Kelyn Jose looks like a new pitcher. Much more clean and under control delivery. Sat 95-97 T98 with life. Sweeping SL at 82 #BlueJays

[Angrioter]

New legit guy

 

Chris King ‏@StatsKing 1m1 minute ago

Wow. Kelyn Jose looks like a new pitcher. Much more clean and under control delivery. Sat 95-97 T98 with life. Sweeping SL at 82 #BlueJays

You're faster than I when i'm with my goat.

[Spanky__99]

Top 100 Draft Prospects...

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2016-top-100-draft-prospects-3/#GEugeJqkmhdeqh1v.97

[King]

Clinton Hollon article -->

 

http://toronto.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2016/03/18/after-set-backs-in-2015-clinton-hollon-is-ready-to-take-flight/

[King]

Just found out about the Jays signing of Gabe Noyalis. Seems like an interesting upside play.

 

http://jaysprospects.com/2016/01/12/gabe-noyalis-blue-jays/

 

Last month the Toronto Blue Jays addressed their pitching need at the minor league level by signing seven arms to deals. While names like Brad Penny, Wade LeBlanc, and Pat McCoy highlighted these signings. There’s another intriguing guy in this group in right-handed pitcher Gabe Noyalis.

 

What makes the Noyalis signing unique is the fact that he hasn’t played organized baseball since 2012 when he was a student athlete at division 3 Misericordia University. Spending the majority of his time since then as a Sales Associate and finishing his Bachelor Degree in History and Government. It appeared that Noyalis was done with baseball.

 

But like many with a dream Noyalis wasn’t ready to hang up his cleats for good. After all, the righty found success in college. Maintaining a 1.88 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in his 38 1/3 innings pitched at Misericordia showed some definite ability that could transition to the next level.

 

“I always missed the game after I left it,” stated Noyalis. “My come back basically started when my high school team asked me to throw to them the day before a state playoff game since they knew I used to throw relatively hard.”

 

“They had a radar gun on me for the heck of it and without touching a baseball for a year I hit 91 and was at 88-89 consistently,” Noyalis added. “I figured if I got my arm in shape I could throw even harder, especially saying my hardest ball that day was a tick above what I threw in college.”

 

Scouring his local area for tryout opportunities with major league organizations, Noyalis was able to perform for scouts with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves, before reconnecting with Matt Anderson, a scout for the Blue Jays who have been following Noyalis since he was in high school.

 

“I threw a couple times since my time at my high school which led up to a Phillies open tryout in my hometown a month later,” said Noyalis. “At the tryout I was at 93-94 mph consistently which piqued their interest and they told me there was a chance I could get a call back, but it never came. I was okay with that because they aren’t realistically looking to sign anyone out of those kinds of things. But that experience lit a fire inside of me even more, especially since that’s harder than I’ve ever thrown in my life.”

 

“I found a Braves open tryout a month later in Saratoga Springs, NY and started to prepare for that,” Noyalis added. “I found a throwing partner before this camp. I ended up throwing between 93-97 mph this time which again led to some interest and no call back. By this point I was more motivated than ever. I was throwing harder than ever before and I felt great. I called Matt Anderson who followed my high school and college career to ask what I should do. He no longer lived in my area and moved to the Dallas area. He invited me down to throw for him and that’s what created this amazing opportunity.”

 

Impressed with the kind of talent Noyalis put on display in Texas. The organization quickly offered the 24-year old pitcher a contract. This is a moment that will live in the young pitcher forever, as it put him one step closer to his dream of pitching in the big leagues one day.

 

“Getting an opportunity with the Blue Jays feels unreal, especially after not touching a baseball for three years and thinking my baseball career was over,” said Noyalis. “When Matt told me they were going to sign me I was speechless. I also felt very proud that my hard work paid off. I was obsessing over getting signed for months ever since I realized it could happen and for it to finally come to fruition. It was one of the most gratifying feelings I have felt up to this point in my life.”

 

While some fans are probably thinking that sounds like a long shot as Noyalis is just starting his professional career at 24. The righty features the velocity it takes to find success at the major league level. With the majority of pitchers throwing mid-90’s or higher in the show, Noyalis already fits the bill well if he can find continuous success at the minor league level.

 

“I was between 95-98 mph when I threw for Matt Anderson,” stated Noyalis. “I was surprised by the number, because my throwing partner went away to college. I prepared by throwing sand filled rubber balls against the wall of my gym’s basement because of lack of consistent throwing partners, weather, and my work schedule. I’m excited to see where my velocity will be with a proper throwing program and the weighted balls.”

Another promising sign for Noyalis is his pitch repertoire. Already featuring four different pitches, the prospect is well on his way to keeping hitters off-balanced with his mix of pitches and speeds.

 

“Right now I throw both a 2-seam and a 4-seam fastball, knuckle-curve, and a changeup,” explained Noyalis. “However I would like to develop a cutter or slider and just utilize my curveball as a get me over pitch, or also one I can pull out unexpectedly and disrupt a hitter’s timing since it’s pretty slow. Mid-70’s I believe.”

 

Obviously a lot of questions will be answered for Noyalis when he reports to spring training. Not sure if he’s viewed more as a starter or a reliever at this stage of the process. The young pitcher looks forward to the challenge that his first spring training will present to him.

 

“Matt told me my role would depend on my spring training performance,” stated Noyalis. “But either way I want to do whatever the organization feels will allow me to contribute at the big league level and ultimately help the team win a World Series.”

 

The righty admits that he doesn’t know any of the guys yet that will be his future teammates. But he’s a fan of a pitcher that Blue Jays fans know well and he hopes to one day pitch alongside this promising star.

 

“I am a huge fan of Marcus Stroman,” stated Noyalis. “I first found out about him when he was at Duke. I love how he rises above the criticism of his height and how much he believes in himself. I’m also astonished at his velocity for his size; the guy is a freak athlete. Hopefully I get to be his teammate one day.”

 

With his first professional season fast approaching, Noyalis is excited for what’s ahead. Like many players, the righty has some definite goals that he would like to achieve before the conclusion of his 2016 campaign.

 

“I have many goals for the season,” explained Noyalis. “I want to develop two off-speed pitches that I can rely on to get outs. I would like to hit 100 mph while sitting at 96-98. I want to establish myself as a guy to watch for upcoming seasons, while staying healthy all season.”

 

Fans of the Toronto Blue Jays hope Gabe Noyalis can reach all the goals he has set out for himself this season and will one day achieve his dream of pitching in the big leagues.

[flafson]

King, I always enjoy when you post something like that, please don't stop.

[Angrioter]

I love King. Gabe Noyalis is awesome

[King]

Greene in BPs 10 pack for the coming seasons breakout prospects

 

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=28710

 

Conner Greene, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays

Following a season where Greene breezed through Low- and High-A, and even received a five-start cameo at Double-A as a 20-year-old, it may not seem like much of a stretch to envision a breakout in his future. In fact, it is possible to argue that his breakout has already begun. Greene’s youth belies his ability on the mound, as he pounds the strike zone with a near-plus fastball in the 92-95 mph range, and can reach back for 97-98 mph throughout his starts. His ability to move the ball from edge to edge and up and down the ladder is still evolving, but he flashed an ability to accomplish this across multiple viewings late last year in Double-A. Green’s fastball plays up thanks to his exceptionally long limbs and high slot, giving his heater excellent leverage and the appearance of slightly better velocity. Backed up with a plus changeup and potentially average curveball, Greene already has the makings of a robust and high-quality arsenal. Destined to start the 2016 season back in Double-A, Greene showed enough in his brief Eastern League stint last year to suggest that he could plow through the circuit and reach Triple-A after just 10-15 starts; placing him on the cusp of the big leagues at the tender age of 21. Greene is already easily the top pitching prospect in the Blue Jays organization, and he is an emerging talent in the game, but a strong showing in 2016 could vault him up prospect lists and cement his name on the national scene. – Mark Anderson

[Laika]

Greene in BPs 10 pack for the coming seasons breakout prospects

 

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=28710

 

Conner Greene, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays

Following a season where Greene breezed through Low- and High-A, and even received a five-start cameo at Double-A as a 20-year-old, it may not seem like much of a stretch to envision a breakout in his future. In fact, it is possible to argue that his breakout has already begun. Greene’s youth belies his ability on the mound, as he pounds the strike zone with a near-plus fastball in the 92-95 mph range, and can reach back for 97-98 mph throughout his starts. His ability to move the ball from edge to edge and up and down the ladder is still evolving, but he flashed an ability to accomplish this across multiple viewings late last year in Double-A. Green’s fastball plays up thanks to his exceptionally long limbs and high slot, giving his heater excellent leverage and the appearance of slightly better velocity. Backed up with a plus changeup and potentially average curveball, Greene already has the makings of a robust and high-quality arsenal. Destined to start the 2016 season back in Double-A, Greene showed enough in his brief Eastern League stint last year to suggest that he could plow through the circuit and reach Triple-A after just 10-15 starts; placing him on the cusp of the big leagues at the tender age of 21. Greene is already easily the top pitching prospect in the Blue Jays organization, and he is an emerging talent in the game, but a strong showing in 2016 could vault him up prospect lists and cement his name on the national scene. – Mark Anderson

 

He says the fastball is "near-plus" (55) but then he describes something that is easily plus (60) maybe even 65.

 

92-95

touching 97-98

effective velocity even better

"pounds the strike zone" with it

 

Man, Greene sounds better and better each time a new report comes out.

[Angrioter]

He says the fastball is "near-plus" (55) but then he describes something that is easily plus (60) maybe even 65.

 

92-95

touching 97-98

effective velocity even better

"pounds the strike zone" with it

 

Man, Greene sounds better and better each time a new report comes out.

 

That sounds plus to me. It's Aaron Sanchez plus command and sexier

[THANOS]

He says the fastball is "near-plus" (55) but then he describes something that is easily plus (60) maybe even 65.

 

92-95

touching 97-98

effective velocity even better

"pounds the strike zone" with it

 

Man, Greene sounds better and better each time a new report comes out.

 

If he can tighten up that curve to boost the velocity with a sharper break, he'll have a good strikeout pitch as well.

[Nafro]

I think by next year we have a top 10-15 minor league system. With Shapiro and Atkins ability to recognize talent, and all the development of the prospects AA left in the lower levels.

 

Also definitely rooting for Gabe Noyalis!

Edited March 22, 2016 by Nafro

[Angrioter]

I think by next year we have a top 10-15 minor league system. With Shapiro and Atkins ability to recognize talent, and all the development of the prospects AA left in the lower levels.

 

Jose and Edwin picks

[Laika]

I think by next year we have a top 10-15 minor league system. With Shapiro and Atkins ability to recognize talent, and all the development of the prospects AA left in the lower levels.

 

They also have basically nobody that should graduate, so the entire list of noteworthy prospects will still be eligible.

 

But 1 year is a bit of a stretch. Maybe in two years.

[burlingtonbandit]

Has there been any mention of Jon Harris this spring? I wonder if he got his stuff back.

[Nafro]

They also have basically nobody that should graduate, so the entire list of noteworthy prospects will still be eligible.

 

But 1 year is a bit of a stretch. Maybe in two years.

 

Yeah that's probably more realistic.

[fireballW]

I think by next year we have a top 10-15 minor league system. With Shapiro and Atkins ability to recognize talent, and all the development of the prospects AA left in the lower levels.

 

Also definitely rooting for Gabe Noyalis!

 

AA turned the system around twice very quickly. No reason to think he wasn't about to do it again. Will have a few popup prospects this year so if Greene and Alford both produce it will most certainly be middle of the pack by years end.

[burlingtonbandit]

AA turned the system around twice very quickly. No reason to think he wasn't about to do it again. Will have a few popup prospects this year so if Greene and Alford both produce it will most certainly be middle of the pack by years end.

 

AA had some great drafts (2010 and 2013 look really good) but I think the development system that is in place now is miles ahead of where it was. The new high perf. dept is fantastic and once a new ST facility is built I think you will really start to see prospects flourish.

 

This is why I'm most excited about Shapiro/Atkins as they seem to understand how important development is not only for just prospects but current big leaguers. With the amount of resources they have the sky is really the limit.

[King]

JJ Cooper is at a Jays minor league spring training game

 

JJ Cooper ‏@jjcoop36 2m2 minutes ago

Easy inning for Blue Jays RHP Adonyis Cardona. No problem letting loose 94-95. Chg fooled hitters despite slowing his arm.

[Angrioter]

JJ Cooper is at a Jays minor league spring training game

 

JJ Cooper ‏@jjcoop36 2m2 minutes ago

Easy inning for Blue Jays RHP Adonyis Cardona. No problem letting loose 94-95. Chg fooled hitters despite slowing his arm.

 

I saw Adonys throwing last year here. Big time pop

[Krylian]

I'm just waiting for the day that Cardona throws a pitch and his arm and ball both come flying towards home plate.

 

So unfortunate...I would've loved to see what he could've done if he was able to have stayed healthy.

[Laika]

CJ Wittmann ‏@CJWittJr 15m15 minutes ago

Vlad Guerrero Jr 7 raw power; plus bat speed w/ leverage. Plus arm; lateral agility and avg reads. Sneaky athlete. Aggressive app. #bluejays

 

Oh boy. Sneaky athlete? 3B actually possible?

[King]

CJ Wittmann ‏@CJWittJr 15m15 minutes ago

Vlad Guerrero Jr 7 raw power; plus bat speed w/ leverage. Plus arm; lateral agility and avg reads. Sneaky athlete. Aggressive app. #bluejays

 

Oh boy. Sneaky athlete? 3B actually possible?

 

+ More

 

CJ Wittmann ‏@CJWittJr 15m15 minutes ago

#bluejays 3B Bryan Lizardo projectable physical body; plus bat speed from both sides. Feel for barrel w/ leverage; avg. raw power. Like him.

 

CJ Wittmann ‏@CJWittJr 16m16 minutes ago

#bluejays Jose Espada projectable frame. FB 88-92; downhill w life. CB 75-77; 11/5 shape w sharp break, shows feel. CH 82-83; fade. Solid.

 

CJ Wittmann ‏@CJWittJr 12m12 minutes ago

#bluejays Kellen Jose live arm. Loose, wiry frame. 3/4 slot FB 93-95; life. SL 81-83; sharp break, some tilt. Raw feel but live pen arm.

 

CJ Wittmann ‏@CJWittJr 12m12 minutes ago

#bluejays SS Kevin Vicuna solid app. Projectable frame and avg bat speed. Clean swing path. Needs strength. Solid reads/reactions at SS.

 

CJ Wittmann ‏@CJWittJr 11m11 minutes ago

#bluejays Juan Meza live arm, projectable frame. 88-90; downhill. CH 85; fade and good arm speed. Front side can open early. Raw feel.

 

(re: Mezas velocity)

CJ Wittmann ‏@CJWittJr 9m9 minutes ago

@JaysFromAway Its early in spring. Still building strength. The delivery and arm speed are there. More is coming.

 

(re: Lizardo)

CJ Wittmann ‏@CJWittJr 7m7 minutes ago

@Clutchlings77 Yeah that's what I heard. I think they'll let him loose this year. High baseball IQ and solid at the plate

[Frenchsoup]

CJ Wittmann ‏@CJWittJr 15m15 minutes ago

Vlad Guerrero Jr 7 raw power; plus bat speed w/ leverage. Plus arm; lateral agility and avg reads. Sneaky athlete. Aggressive app. #bluejays

 

Oh boy. Sneaky athlete? 3B actually possible?

 

That would be nice.

[burlingtonbandit]

He's still so young. He probably gets more athletic as he sheds the baby fat.

 

Exactly. He's the age of a kid in HS. Still so much room to get stronger and faster.

[King]

NHSI Game --> http://web.usabaseball.com/video/play.jsp?topic_id=36732046&content_id=559949983

 

Hagen Danner (top 2017 prospect) pitching

[Angrioter]

King

Adonys Cardona pumping easy 95-97. One of the heaviest FB's you'll see. Staying healthy has been his biggest issue #BlueJays

[G-Snarls]

[G-Snarls]

Anyone have a BA subscription?!?!

 

Would love to read this