Official MiLB/Prospects Thread

[Cyborg]

I'm still a bit out on Urena because of how far from the MLB he realistically is. I've also had similar thoughts on SRF. If Penetecost moves back behind the plate, or somewhere like 2B and keeps performing well and proving health that's another fun piece.

 

I'm still probably over hyped on Tellez as well. Powers starting to come into his game, BBs are up, Ks are still in that 20% range. He's not going to ride a .210 BABIP all season either.

 

Urena is really not that far away and still very young. Could see AA this reason realistically. Majors by 2018.

[metafour]

Got into the Frankie Piliere draft chat:

 

 

Comment From Kirill

Have you heard any rumors about how/if the Jays' draft strategy will change with Shapiro/Atkins in charge?

 

Frankie Piliere:

Still hearing them linked to a lot of prep arms. Whitley's name has come up, as has Matt Manning. I think where they pick suits sticking with a prep arm as well. Cal Quantrill rumors around too but not sure how much there is to those.

[metafour]

Keith Law's first mock draft from today; to add more proof that there is no need to worry about becoming a "safe/college" favouring team all of a sudden.

 

 

 

This seems awfully early for Bichette however so I wouldn't put much stock on it other than that we may like him in the ~2nd round.

[Cyborg]

Keith Law's first mock draft from today; to add more proof that there is no need to worry about becoming a "safe/college" favouring team all of a sudden.

 

 

 

This seems awfully early for Bichette however so I wouldn't put much stock on it other than that we may like him in the ~2nd round.

 

Lol Keith has no idea who we like. Maybe who a scout we have likes, but not the team.

[metafour]

Lol Keith has no idea who we like. Maybe who a scout we have likes, but not the team.

 

No, he's been right before...he just misgauges the round usually. I remember him mocking both Aaron Sanchez and Sean Reid-Foley as first round picks for us; in both cases we did indeed end up with said player, but not in the spot he had them in.

 

In this case we're either cutting an under-slot deal with Bichette, or more realistically he's heard that we like him a lot but hasn't clued in that he's probably a target for one of our other picks.

[King]

How long until Jacob Anderson is released? Hitting .162/.215/.270 with a 49 wRC+ in a primarily DH role. 23 years old can't hit in Low A.

 

The dream is over lads.

[GD]

How long until Jacob Anderson is released? Hitting .162/.215/.270 with a 49 wRC+ in a primarily DH role. 23 years old can't hit in Low A.

 

The dream is over lads.

 

f*** off

[bendera3]

How long until Jacob Anderson is released? Hitting .162/.215/.270 with a 49 wRC+ in a primarily DH role. 23 years old can't hit in Low A.

 

The dream is over lads.

 

Probably won't be released but will let him become a free agent next year. By god he strikes out a ton.

[nowayjose]

Harris 7ip 11K. The lugnuts pitching coach needs a promotion.

[THANOS]

Harris 7ip 11K. The lugnuts pitching coach needs a promotion.

 

Now that's more like it.

[John_Havok]

http://m.milb.com/news/article/20160518178840054/blue_jays_harris_enjoys_career_start_for_lugnuts

 

Strict pitch cout for him last year according to this article. 3 innings or 45 pitches, then he was out. That may explain his numbers in part since he wouldn't even get through the lineup twice ever

[crazy47larry]

A scout who saw a recent start of Rios’ confirmed that the stuff matched the numbers. The 20-year-old whom the Jays signed out of Mexico in 2012 started his arsenal with a fastball with late life in the 92-94 mph range. He backed it up with a well above-average curveball that held a tight fastball line and a below-average changeup that he nonetheless threw with the same arm speed as his fastball. Another evaluator who saw him called the repertoire “TV stuff in the making.”

 

 

I find this very conflicting. That sounds like a 60 Fastball, a 55 Curveball, and a 45 Changeup. That doesn't sound like "TV stuff in the making" at all. That honestly sounds like a middle leverage reliever. And yet I dont know enough about him to argue this stuff either since that is one of the best most trustworthy reports we have been given on Rios.

[Cyborg]

A scout who saw a recent start of Rios’ confirmed that the stuff matched the numbers. The 20-year-old whom the Jays signed out of Mexico in 2012 started his arsenal with a fastball with late life in the 92-94 mph range. He backed it up with a well above-average curveball that held a tight fastball line and a below-average changeup that he nonetheless threw with the same arm speed as his fastball. Another evaluator who saw him called the repertoire “TV stuff in the making.”

 

 

I find this very conflicting. That sounds like a 60 Fastball, a 55 Curveball, and a 45 Changeup. That doesn't sound like "TV stuff in the making" at all. That honestly sounds like a middle leverage reliever. And yet I dont know enough about him to argue this stuff either since that is one of the best most trustworthy reports we have been given on Rios.

 

Uhh those grades make a number 2 or 3.

[King]

A scout who saw a recent start of Rios’ confirmed that the stuff matched the numbers. The 20-year-old whom the Jays signed out of Mexico in 2012 started his arsenal with a fastball with late life in the 92-94 mph range. He backed it up with a well above-average curveball that held a tight fastball line and a below-average changeup that he nonetheless threw with the same arm speed as his fastball. Another evaluator who saw him called the repertoire “TV stuff in the making.”

 

 

I find this very conflicting. That sounds like a 60 Fastball, a 55 Curveball, and a 45 Changeup. That doesn't sound like "TV stuff in the making" at all. That honestly sounds like a middle leverage reliever. And yet I dont know enough about him to argue this stuff either since that is one of the best most trustworthy reports we have been given on Rios.

 

He throws a fastball (2 seam and 4 seam), curveball, slider and changeup. But the changeup is not that good right now. His command seems advanced so that helps quite a bit.

 

I wouldn't say it's "TV Stuff in the making", but it should be good enough be a middle of the rotation starter.

[King]

A scout who saw a recent start of Rios’ confirmed that the stuff matched the numbers. The 20-year-old whom the Jays signed out of Mexico in 2012 started his arsenal with a fastball with late life in the 92-94 mph range. He backed it up with a well above-average curveball that held a tight fastball line and a below-average changeup that he nonetheless threw with the same arm speed as his fastball. Another evaluator who saw him called the repertoire “TV stuff in the making.”

 

 

I find this very conflicting. That sounds like a 60 Fastball, a 55 Curveball, and a 45 Changeup. That doesn't sound like "TV stuff in the making" at all. That honestly sounds like a middle leverage reliever. And yet I dont know enough about him to argue this stuff either since that is one of the best most trustworthy reports we have been given on Rios.

 

Here's a report from his start earlier this month.

 

https://twitter.com/Clutchlings77

 

The Blue Jays International Free Agent class of 2012 was a decent one. Not as good as the 2011 class, which featured Roberto Osuna, Jairo Labourt, Dawel Lugo, Jesus Tinoco, and Alberto Tirado, but a quality one just the same.

 

Led by top signing SS Franklin Barreto, who is now Oakland's top prospect after being the centrepiece of the Josh Donaldson deal, the Jays also inked SS Richie Urena (now one of Toronto's top prospects), and LHP Jonathan Torres to six-figure signing bonuses.

 

Lost in amongst the signings that year was one that took place several months later (and for far less bonus money) of RHP Francisco Rios, out of Monclova, a city of just under 200 000 in northern Mexico, not far from the border with Texas.

 

Late IFA signings are the guys who didn't have enough (or show enough) to warrant signing during the Teenaged free agent frenzy that is the July 2 signing date. They might be older, or not toolsy enough, or lacking in physical traits. In Rios' case, at 6'1", his height most likely led to him being overlooked.

The Blue Jays saw enough in Rios' athleticism to sign him. While his numbers have not been spectacular, the organization saw enough physical and emotional maturity in him to skip him over the GCL in favour of the Appalachian League when he made his stateside debut in 2014, and advanced him to Vancouver last year, where he was a regular in the C's starting rotation.

 

This year has been a huge coming out party for the righthander. Rios has been brilliant at Lansing in his first shot at full season ball, striking out 12.9 batters per 9 innings, to go along with a tiny 1.20 ERA.

 

After following Rios for much of last year, I wasn't expecting a great deal this year. After finally getting eyes on him during his May 1st start against Wisconsin, I'm now a believer.

 

Rios has a polished delivery which he repeats consistently, and throws from a three-quarters arm slot. He commands both sides of the plate with his fastball - his two seamer has good sink and some tailing action. He throws a four seamer up in the zone with two strikes on a hitter in order to get some swings and misses, but had trouble commanding it during this start. His slider is emerging as a potential wipeout pitch, starting out looking like a fastball, then diving for the outer half of the plate to barrel-dodging country at the last moment with good depth. Three of his 5 strikeouts on the day came on that pitch. Rios also throws a 12-6 curve, which is a work in progress, and threw one or two changeups on the day. His fastball is his bread and butter, however, and while he only topped 93 with it in this start, his ability to pound the lower part of the strike zone with it sets up that slider.

 

Rios breezed through the first four innings of this start against a Wisconsin team that is not loaded with top prospects, but does contain some mid-level bats like Jake Gatewood and Monte Harrison. Rios faced only one batter over the minimum through four, needing only 45 pitches to do so. He attacked the strike zone, consistently getting ahead of hitters over that stretch, never reaching a three-ball count.

 

In the 5th, Rios gave up his first hits and hard contact on the day, but left a pair of runners stranded.

 

Things came a bit undone for him in the 6th. Facing Rios for the second time, Wisconsin hitters turned more aggressive, and were going after his first pitches with regularity. Lansing SS JC Cardenas had to field a grounder on the second pitch of the inning on a short hop, and rushed his throw to first, where converted Catcher Juan Kelly was unable to come up with it for the out. A Rios wild pitch put the runner into scoring position, and he came around to score on a solid line drive base hit. Another single put runners on first and third, and Lugnuts C Ryan Hissey had a bit of a brain cramp, as he failed to check the runner on 3rd before throwing to 2nd to try to throw out the runner attempting to steal. The runner from 3rd came in to score easily. Rios was out of the inning a few batters later, having given up a third run. He gave up some contact in that inning, but his defence let him down a bit - two of the runs were unearned.

 

On the day, Rios threw 82 pitches, 59 for strikes. He had 9 swinging strikes, and was ahead in the count after three pitches to 22 of the 25 hitters he faced. Rios threw 7 ground ball and 7 fly ball outs - while he only gave up two fly balls that could be considered to be of the loud variety, he was helped by the strong Wisconsin spring wind blowing in from rightfield.

 

It was not televised, but Rios had an even more dominant outing on his 21st birthday, May 6th. Rios allowed only one hit in 5.2 innings, fanning 10. He struck out the side swinging, and K'd 6 of the first 7 hitters he faced. Chad Hillman, a Michigan-based prospect hunter, had him hitting 95 with his fastball.

 

I haven't seen a lot of Rios' fielding skills, but his fast-twitch reflexes were on display in an earlier start against Lake County.

 

Rios has struck out 43 batters (2nd highest total in the MWL) in 30 innings this year, and has walked only 8. After three seasons of only moderate success in the minors, it would appear that a bit of an uptick in velocity, more bite on his slider, and improved fastball command have made things look ridiculously easy for him - MWL hitters are simply overmatched when they face Rios. I'm as enthused as anyone about Rios' performance so far this season, but with lower level arms, you have to take a more patient approach, and see how they fare second time around the league, and after that, how well they make adjustments at the next level, where hitters can get around on a fastball better, and have improved pitch recognition. With Rios, Angel Perdomo, Sean Reid-Foley, and a rapidly improving Jon Harris in the rotation, Lansing is a must-follow team at the moment.

[Jimcanuck]

With Rios, Angel Perdomo, Sean Reid-Foley, and a rapidly improving Jon Harris in the rotation, Lansing is a must-follow team at the moment.

 

If AA was still GM, he be looking to trade at least two of those guys.

[crazy47larry]

Uhh those grades make a number 2 or 3.

 

well there are no plus pitches in that report so there is no way in hell hes a number 2. and he doesnt have 3 average pitches so that doesnt make him a mid rotation starter either. that report gives him and above average fastball and an above average curveball with a sketchy changeup. its bloody hard to be a starter with only 2 pitches. he'll have a big platoon split unless he can improve the change.

 

ftr i think he seems good, its just that report is f***ing stupid and all over the place.

[crazy47larry]

Rios has a polished delivery which he repeats consistently, and throws from a three-quarters arm slot. He commands both sides of the plate with his fastball - his two seamer has good sink and some tailing action. He throws a four seamer up in the zone with two strikes on a hitter in order to get some swings and misses, but had trouble commanding it during this start. His slider is emerging as a potential wipeout pitch, starting out looking like a fastball, then diving for the outer half of the plate to barrel-dodging country at the last moment with good depth. Three of his 5 strikeouts on the day came on that pitch. Rios also throws a 12-6 curve, which is a work in progress, and threw one or two changeups on the day. His fastball is his bread and butter, however, and while he only topped 93 with it in this start, his ability to pound the lower part of the strike zone with it sets up that slider.

 

thats a little better. sounds like 60 Fastball, 60 Slider, 45 Curve, and 40 Change. honestly i may even be generous with that fastball grade. for reference steven matz throws 92 and touches 97 but got a 60 grade fastball in the BA handbook this year. i still worry this is just a stat line scouting reaction early in the season though, and that really bothers me because it also sounds like he is getting by on polish against low level hitters. if his slider is truly that good than he should probably scrap the curve and work on the change. he really looks like this years conner greene though. he'll probably end the year in AA.

[Jimcanuck]

thats a little better. sounds like 60 Fastball, 60 Slider, 45 Curve, and 40 Change. honestly i may even be generous with that fastball grade. for reference steven matz throws 92 and touches 97 but got a 60 grade fastball in the BA handbook this year. i still worry this is just a stat line scouting reaction early in the season though, and that really bothers me because it also sounds like he is getting by on polish against low level hitters. if his slider is truly that good than he should probably scrap the curve and work on the change. he really looks like this years conner greene though. he'll probably end the year in AA.

 

Based on what. Your gut?

[crazy47larry]

Based on what. Your gut?

 

pop up guy. hype is building. realistic chance to jump 3 levels in a single season. the same 3 levels conner greene jumped. system is still weak so he will get some serious pub (maybe more than he should). he had a guest spot on the george lopez show. s*** like that

[Jimcanuck]

pop up guy. hype is building. realistic chance to jump 3 levels in a single season. the same 3 levels conner greene jumped. system is still weak so he will get some serious pub (maybe more than he should). he had a guest spot on the george lopez show. s*** like that

 

So, your gut

 

hutch jumped 3 levels in a season also

[metafour]

thats a little better. sounds like 60 Fastball, 60 Slider, 45 Curve, and 40 Change. honestly i may even be generous with that fastball grade. for reference steven matz throws 92 and touches 97 but got a 60 grade fastball in the BA handbook this year. i still worry this is just a stat line scouting reaction early in the season though, and that really bothers me because it also sounds like he is getting by on polish against low level hitters. if his slider is truly that good than he should probably scrap the curve and work on the change. he really looks like this years conner greene though. he'll probably end the year in AA.

 

Rios has gotten positive reviews on his stuff from real scouts. Its not "statline scouting"; we've had those guys before (like Nestor Molina) who never got any real press despite their awesome looking stat-line. I don't think he's an elite prospect or anything; but a "92-94 fastball with late life" and a wipeout breaking ball with a solid feel and good delivery is a real prospect.

[crazy47larry]

So, your gut

 

hutch jumped 3 levels in a season also

 

all i am saying is he is the big pop up pitching spec this year. conner greene was that guy last year. drew hutchison was that guy 5 years ago. is that a gut thing?

[crazy47larry]

Rios has gotten positive reviews on his stuff from real scouts. Its not "statline scouting"; we've had those guys before (like Nestor Molina) who never got any real press despite their awesome looking stat-line. I don't think he's an elite prospect or anything; but a "92-94 fastball with late life" and a wipeout breaking ball with a solid feel and good delivery is a real prospect.

 

yeah its just a little pessimism. i still like him but i'm just trying to figure out how much and what exactly we have here. the results are nice obviously but i'm still more concerned with how he gets those results. also stuff where one report has him throwing a wipeout slider and the other one not mentioning it once, and one report giving him a solid curve and another giving him a bad curve, gives me pause. thats why i worry its statline scouting. nothing really is definitive on this guy yet.

Edited May 20, 2016 by crazy47larry

[metafour]

yeah its just a little pessimism. i still like him but i'm just trying to figure out how much and what exactly we have here. the results are nice obviously but i'm still more concerned with how he gets those results. plus stuff where one report has him throwing a wipeout slider and the other one not mentioning it once, and one report giving him a solid curve and another giving him a bad curve, gives me pause. thats why i worry its statline scouting. nothing really is definitive on this guy yet.

 

The reports are simply mixing his slider/curve. They're talking about the same pitch, just calling it two different things which sometimes happens in the minors.

[crazy47larry]

The reports are simply mixing his slider/curve. They're talking about the same pitch, just calling it two different things which sometimes happens in the minors.

 

normally i would agree no question but the report with the slider clearly differentiated between them both. just makes me scratch my head a little bit.

[metafour]

Jim Callis' first movk draft:

 

21. Blue Jays: Joey Wentz, LHP, Shawnee Mission (Kan.) East HS

Wentz could be the toughest sign among the seven best high school arms, and he'd earn more than Toronto's pick value ($2,285,100) if he can find his way to a big-pool team after the first round. That still may not deter the Blue Jays, who have taken eight prep pitchers in the first or supplemental first round this decade. After Wentz, there are more first-round-worthy high school hurlers in California right-handers Jared Horn and Kevin Gowdy and Texas southpaw Kyle Muller, though there may not be room for them in the first 34 picks. Toronto also likes Georgia prep outfielders Trammell and Brandon Marsh.

[John_Havok]

Harris suspended for PEDs.

 

http://m.milb.com/news/article/20160520179234674/blue_jays_harris_among_four_suspended

 

 

 

 

Don't worry, it's not the good Harris

[nextyear]

Dalton Pompey was on base 4 out of 5 plate appearances tonight (1 hit and 3 walks). He has a 0.276 average which seems good for AAA. Edited: His OBP is now at .356 (after Fri, May 20th game) - http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=milb&player_id=592647#/career/R/hitting/2016/ALL

 

Devon Travis was 0 for 5, but it is just one game. However, he was DH instead of at 2nd base, which I find rather surprising.

 

Here is a link to the Box Score - http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2016_05_20_pawaaa_bufaaa_1&sid=milb

Edited May 21, 2016 by nextyear

[Trouba95]

Harris suspended for PEDs.

 

http://m.milb.com/news/article/20160520179234674/blue_jays_harris_among_four_suspended

 

 

 

 

Don't worry, it's not the good Harris

 

I see what you did there.