Blue Jays Minor League Depth

We all know the Jays have some promising players, but what kind of depth does the organization have? Beyond oft-injured Guillermo Quiroz is there hope? What about left-handed pitching, considered by general manager J.P. Ricciardi to be the most glaring weakness in the organization when he took over.

The players were ranked by considering:
1. Stuff/Tools
2. Results
3. Playing Level
4. Age

Catchers
1. Guillermo Quiroz, AAA
2. Curtis Thigpen, A-
3. Robinzon Diaz, A+
4. Jonathan Jaspe, DSL
5. Erik Kratz, AA

Grade – B+
Analysis - The good news here is that the Jays have pretty good depth with an average to above-average catcher in three of their four clubs. Kratz profiles as more of a backup catcher, but given more playing time he could develop further. Jaspe is an intriguing prospect, who spent 2004 in the Dominican Summer League.

First Base
1. Chip Cannon, A-
2. Vito Chiaravalloti, AA
3. Joey Metropoulos, INJ
4. David Hicks, A-

Grade - C
Analysis – Despite signing three first basemen in the 2004 draft this position is still a weakness, especially with Eric Crozier being claimed off waivers. The Jays lack a true AAA first baseman and Chiaravalloti has struggled this season and did not dominate in 2004 either. Cannon has good power but has not hit consistently in low-A ball. A healthy Metropoulos would really help this ranking.

Second Base
1. Ryan Roberts, AA
2. Juan Peralta, A-
3. Carlo Cota, A+
4. Jason Alfaro, AAA
5. Jermy Acey, INJ

Grade – C+
Analysis – Roberts is the only player here who has even an outside shot of playing regularly in the majors, although I see him as a Scott Spiezio type with a little more power. Peralta is still young but his good 2005 numbers come as he repeats low-A ball after struggling mightily in 2004. Cota has sleeper potential but a demotion to high-A ball really deals a blow to his chances.

Third Base
1. John Hattig, AAA
2. Rob Cosby, AA
3. Leance Soto, R
4. Jesus Gonzalez, DSL
5. Eric Arnold, A+

Grade – C-
Analysis – Hattig’s return from an injury really helps this list. Even so, both corner infield positions are really lacking solid talent. Hattig is starting to get a little old to be considered a premium prospect but he has nice power potential. Cosby missed almost all of last year and has struggled to regain his consistency. He has below-average power for a third baseman. You know the depth is a problem when a player, Lee Soto, appears on the list despite never appearing in a pro game.

Shortstop
1. Aaron Hill*
2. Raul Tablado, AA
3. Ryan Klosterman, A-
4. Jason Armstrong, A-
5. Manuel Mayorson, A+

Grade – A* (with Hill) C+ (without Hill)
Analysis – The good news is that with Hill and current Jays’ shortstop Russ Adams, the position should be filled for quite some time. Behind them there is not a whole lot, especially with Tablado’s struggles this season. If he can get on track and show the power he displayed in 2004, the Jays will be all the better for it. Mayorson’s glove keeps him playing pro ball.

Outfield
1. John Ford Griffin, AAA
2. Gabe Gross*
3. Adam Lind, A+
4. Eric Nielsen, A-
5. David Smith, A+
6. Yuber Rodriguez, A-

Grade - B
Analysis – The organization has pretty solid depth here but they are hurt by the lack of a premium hitting prospect. There is no Delmon Young, Carlos Quentin or Felix Pie. What there is, though, is a plethora of solid all-around ballplayers.

Starting Pitchers (Right)
1. Francisco Rosario, AAA
2. Josh Banks, AA
3. Dustin McGowan, INJ
4. Brandon League, AAA
5. Shaun Marcum, AA
6. Casey Janssen, A+
7. Vince Perkins, AA
8. Ismael Ramirez, AA
9. Kyle Yates, A-
10. Mike MacDonald, A+

Grade – A-
Analysis – The Jays have a fairly good mix of pitchers (Rosario, League, McGowan) with premium stuff as well as pitchers (Marcum, Janssen) who have been successful with average stuff, brains and good command. Banks sort of falls in the middle, with better than average stuff as well as intangibles. Vince Perkins could end up as a very dominating closer.

Starting Pitchers (Left)
1. Zach Jackson, A+
2. David Purcey, A+
3. Chi-Hung Cheng, A-
4. Kurt Isenberg, A+
5. A.J. Wideman, A-
6. Daryl Harang, A-
7. Wil Aguirre, DSL
8. Francisco Mateo, DSL

Grade – B-
Analysis – The grading takes a big hit because there are no real impact lefties above high-A ball. That said, the pitcher in A ball are very promising but excitement should be tempered until they clear that double-A hurdle.

Relievers
1. Jason Arnold, AAA
2. Jamie Vermilyea, AA
3. Davis Romero, A+
4. Danny Hill, A-
5. Po-Hsuan Keng, A-
6. Ryan Houston, AA
7. Justin James, A+

Grade - C
Analysis – The Jays do not have a ton of dominating relief prospects but this list could get a lot more attractive as some starters are converted to the bullpen, much like Arnold was in 2005. Speaking of Arnold, his career has been resuscitated by the switch. Vermilyea is an interesting prospect to keel an eye on, as he could become a valuable reliever in the majors capable of proving multiple innings. Romero could become a dominating lefty specialist if he can harness his control.