Article:Toronto Blue Jays 2008 Top Ten Prospects

In deferrence to someone who's been placed on a time-out, I'll break with tradition of doing these lists alphabetically and skip over the Tampa Bay Rays until he returns. If you read carefully, you'll notice five of the ten Prospects on the Jays list are from the 2007 draft. Which means either they are all very good, or the Jays previous drafts suck. You decide.


 * 1) Travis Snider, 19, lefthanded hitting and throwing outfielder, first round, 2006

Considered the best overall hitter in the 2006 draft, at the age of 17. Appalachian League MVP in '06. Finished second in Midwest League MVP voting in 2007. Led league with 35 doubles, 58 extra base hits, 93 RBI, .925 slugging, and finished second in average (.313). Second youngest player in 2007 Arizona Fall League, hit .316 with four homers. Quick, powerful swing, handles lefties well and is comfortable with off-speed pitches. Has a plus arm, led MWL with 16 assists. Improving defensively, should rate above average by the time he reaches Toronto, needs work on routes and reads, especially to his right. A former high school football star, Snider is still too bulky for baseball, especially in his legs. Speed will improve as gets into proper baseball shape. High Class A in 2008.


 * 2) Brett Cecil, 21, LHP, first round supplemental, 2007

Short season New York-Penn League MVP in '07. Plus slider, average fastball, below average curve and change. Altered grip on change up during season showed immediate and positive results. A reliever in college, the Jays have shifted Cecil to the rotation, goal for 2008 is increased stamina and pitch counts. High Class A in 2008.


 * 3) Kevin Ahrens, 18, switchhitting thirdbaseman, first round, 2007

Only switchhitting two years, left side still way behind right. Has a good eye from both sides, has good hands and a short, level swing. Moved from short to third after the draft, has the arm, just needs to learn the nuances of the hot corner. A below average runner. Low Class A in 2008.


 * 4) J. P. Arenciba, 22, righthanded hitting catcher, first round, 2007

The second of Toronto's three first round picks. Plus power to all fields, strong arm, moves well, threw out 34% of runners attempting to steal. Swing has a tendency to get long with a pronounced uppercut. Defensively, footwork and game management need improvement. High Class A in '08


 * 5) Ricky Romero, 23, LHP, first round, 2005

Missed parts of 2006 and 2007 seasons with elbow and shoulder problems, respectively. Plus pitches are a change and a split. Average curve, below average fastball. Jays have attempted to change Romero's delivery and mechanics in an attempt to alleviate his control problems with disappointing results. Below .500 for his career, 2008 is a make or break season for him. Double A in '08.


 * 6) Justin Jackson, 19, righthanded hitting shortstop, first round supplemental, 2007

A natural infielder with soft hands and feet. Improving glove and range. Strong arm, speed grades at slightly above average. Makes solid contact but power projectability a question mark. On the thin side, (6'2", 175), durability may come into play. Jays have him on an off-season conditioning program, Low Class A in 2008.


 * 7) John Tolisano, 19, switchhitting second baseman, second round, 2007

Led Rookie Gulf Coast League with 10 homers in '07. Strong bat with loft from both sides, shows promising future power potential. Inconsistent from the right side, has a tendency to jump at the ball, especially breaking stuff. A former shortstop, Tolisano has a good arm and footwork and runs well. He is still learning 2B, has struggled with all aspects of the change, although he does project to be at least average. Jays have discussed a move to the outfield down the road depending on improvement but for now are committed to Tolisano at second. Low Class A in 2008.


 * 8) Curtis Thigpen, 24, righthanded hitting catcher, second round, 2004

A three time College World Series participant while at Texas. Reached the majors in 2007 in just his third pro season. Good bat control and plate discipline, potential high average hitter but power yet to develop. Good game calling skills, good arm and footwork. Good enough athletically to have played both infield and outfield corners. Will be given every opportunity in the spring to win the starting catching job.


 * 9) David Purcey, 25, LHP, first round, 2004

Missed the second half of the 2007 season to have cysts removed from his left arm. Responded by pitching well in the Arizona Fall League, giving Jays hope Purcey's struggles were related to the arm issues. Average fastball with plus movement. Plus curve with below average change. Inconsistent mechanically, especially with release point. Sometimes loses focus on mound resulting in high pitch counts. Double A in 2008.


 * 10) Ryan Patterson, 24, righthanded hitting and throwing outfielder, fourth round, 2005

Missed a month in 2007, sustained a broken arm after being hit by a pitch. Uses whole field although power is limited to pull side. Is average defensively, arm, speed and range. A good baserunner. Impatient at plate, tendency to swing at first strike, Jays would like to see more selectiveness. Triple A in 2008

Kelsdad provides the Minor League Prospect Reports exclusively for ArmchairGM

Rankings by Baseball America, contributing text by Matt Eddy

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