Ranking the Jays rookies at the mid way point:
1. Gurriel - A
Rough start, got sent down but has been a revelation since coming back. Not only has he been the hottest hitter in the majors since his return, but he also looks like a solid LF option with a cannon for an arm.
2. Thornton - B+
He's been impressive IMO. Looks like he'll rack up 3+ WAR in his rookie season and at this point he looks at worst a solid bottom end rotation guy.
3. Biggio - B+
Way better than I expected. He has elite plate discipline, and a little bit of pop in his bat. His on base ability makes it look like he could be a top of the order hitter for this team when they turn the corner, and he's so far been useful and versatile in the field as well.
4. Vladdy - B-
He's been a bit of a let down to be honest. I was expecting way more discipline at the plate than he's shown, but he does hit the ball hard and to be fair has had a ton of hits right at defenders. He's also only 20 so I'm sure he will be fine. Starting to see him less and less as an elite bat though, just a really good one who ends up as a 3 or 4 hole hitter while playing 1B.
5. Jansen - C-
He's been really good defensively which is nice, because it has made up for what has been a miserable season for him offensively. He still has time to turn it around with the bat obviously, and if he can continue to be this strong on D he'll be at worst a solid back up for many years.
6. Tellez - C-
Guy has power no doubt, but that's all he's got going for him. Can't hit for average, doesn't walk, not very good defensively and slow as molasses in January. Really don't see much use for him long term unless he vastly improves his glove and/or his eye at the plate.
McKinney, Luciano, Pannone and SRF, don't have much to say about them really. Luciano has done OK for a 19 year old with only rookie ball experience, I look forward to him getting the chance to stretch out at lower levels starting next year once the Jays have met the requirements to keep him.
Pannone and SRF are IMO at best long men out of the pen which isn't a bad thing, you just hope they end up effective in that type of role.
McKinney is not very good. Is what it is I guess.
I will also mention Romano, who only had 4 appearances IIRC, but I was impressed with his velocity, his slider and his ability to miss bats. He showed real potential at maybe ending up as a late inning/high leverage reliever.
Really looking forward to seeing Bichette in the 2nd half, and hopefully Alford as well if he can stay healthy and continue to hit.
Some pitchers we may get a look at in the 2nd half as well are David Paulino, TJ Zeuch, Zach Logue, Kirby Snead, Ty Tice, Graham Spraker, Andrew Sopko and if all the stars align maybe even Nate Pearson (fingers crossed).
|