Prospects! part 13: Gulf Coast League Jays - pitching

Internationals: Yeyfry del Rosario, Adonys Cardona, Jairo Labourt
High Draftees: Chase DeJong, Tyler Gonzales

Yeyfry del Rosario posted a strong first year in the US minor leagues.  As an 18 year old in Dunedin, he had outstanding strikeout numbers (28.3%) while keeping a really low walk percentage (6.5%).  These two keys are probably the most important things to look at as Del Rosario will turn 19 this April. His FIP was only 2.24 (with a 3.63 ERA), and he was getting a lot of ground balls (1.72 GO/AO) ratio and only gave up 1 HR in 44 2/3 innings.  His stuff seems to be average at this point, but being so young, he could refine things and seems to have good command -- Bluebird Banter has him as their 22nd top prospect.

Photo: JaysProspects.com

Adonys Cardona is making top prospect lists around the blogosphere.  Bloggers and writers love the Venezuelan's stuff including his 92-93 mph heat and his good change and developing curve.  He had great strikeout numbers in 2012, his 2nd year in Dunedin, but struggled with his control.  Look for him to put up strong numbers if he can find the strike zone as he'll probably play in Bluefield or Vancouver in 2013.

As another 18 year old in Dunedin, Jairo Labourt put up decent numbers.  He struck out over a batter an inning, but walked quite a few (13.3%).  Labourt is a big lefty who can touch 93 and has a potentially average slider and a weak changeup.    Judging from the scouting report I've seen, he may end up as a bullpen option if he gets to the majors.

Photo: www.gazettes.com

Chase DeJong was the Jays' 2nd rounder in 2012 and managed to throw 12 dominant innings in Dunedin this season.  Kiley McDaniel saw him in the Fall Instructional League and said that height and arm angle give him good downwards plane on his pitches and he sits between 89 and 91 on the radar gun (with potential to pick up some velocity as he matures) and has a good and still developing changeup.  DeJong will be 19 this year and could be in either Bluefield or Vancouver coming out of extended spring training.

Tyler Gonzales didn't show much in Dunedin in 2012.  A supplemental round pick, he has some mechanical issues to work on but has shown the ability to adjust so far.  A lot is up in the air for Gonzales in 2013.  Gonzales has been showing up on the prospect radar, usually below #20, but definitely hanging around.  He’s got 2 pitches right now, with a fastball sitting 92-95 mph and a slider with at least plus potential. Fangraphs’ Kiley McDaniel reports that his changeup is flat and he doesn’t throw it much.  While he’s shown the ability to clean up his mechanics a bit since signing, most scouts see him as a reliever when all is said and done.