BJfA Top 20 Prospects

Without further ado, here's my list of Top 20 Blue Jays Prospects for the 2013 Season.

A few notes:

Below, you'll see my list and an explanation of why I've put them there.

You'll notice that the list (as are most Jays prospect lists) is very heavy on pitchers.  The Jays' system really doesn't have a lot of elite position players, and just about all of them have question marks beside their names. 

I tend to favour prospects that are closer to the majors.  The Jays have a lot of potential (especially in position players) in the lower levels, but some (like Jacob Anderson) haven't put together enough quality performances in pro-ball to warrant inclusion or a higher position on the list.   Players who have shown improvement (K.C. Hobson) have definitely gotten more consideration than those who either haven't shown much at the levels of the minors or haven't done well despite what scouts say about their tools. 

Another thing that I consider is age/level relationship.  A younger player who does well at a higher level will get more consideration than an older one who dominates a lower level.  This why a guy like Taylor Cole isn't on the list.

I'll probably revise the list after I come back from spring training.  I plan to catch as many minor league workouts and games as I can while I'm down in Dunedin. 

1. Aaron Sanchez: Age* 20, Highest Level: A Lansing.  Sanchez is the consensus number 1 guy for everyone.  A guy who showed dominance in full season ball who projects to be a top 2 starter if he reaches his potential.  Anticipated 2013 Level: A+ Dunedin

2. Roberto Osuna: Age 18, Highest Level: S A Vancouver. Osuna is also universally ranked highly in the Jays' depleted minor league system.  His youth and ability to dominate against older players combined with the maturity of his stuff and his pitching approach makes him a guy who could move through the system fairly quickly.  Anticipated 2013 Level: A Lansing - Piggybacked to begin the season.

3. Marcus Stroman: Age 21, Highest Level: AA New Hampshire.  Stroman ranks high on this list for two reasons.  One is that most scouts agree that his stuff is almost major league ready, and two, the Blue Jays have expressed their desire to stretch him out to start.  With an infectious, positive attitude and a tireless work ethic, I have a feeling that Stroman will make the majors by mid-way through 2014.  Anticipated 2013 Level: A+ Dunedin/AA New Hampshire.

4. Sean Nolin: Age 23, Highest Level: AA New Hampshire.  With a strong showing in Spring Training, he could be jumping up the depth charts and be seen as a guy who can contribute to the ML club this year or next (at least out of the bullpen).  He was wildly successful last year as a starter and, from what I've seen from his scouting reports, has a fairly solid floor of a bullpen guy in the majors with a ceiling as a Ricky Romero-type starter.  Anticipated 2013 Level: AA New Hampshire.

5. D.J. Davis: Age 18, Highest Level: S A Vancouver.  Davis's strong stats through the 2 lowest levels of the Jays organization (GCL and Bluefield) combined with his outstanding tools puts him here.  He's shown great speed, good defense, and even a bit of power in his brief minor league career.  Anticipated 2013 Level: S A Vancouver.

6. Daniel Norris: Age 19, Highest Level: S A Vancouver.  I'm ranking Norrish this high due to the consensus that his stuff is far beyond what he actually did last year.  As mentioned in my discussion of him, his peripherals were far better than the ugly numbers of his ERA, but I'd like to see Norris translate his stuff into better results on the field before I put him into the top 5.  With a strong year in 2013, he could very well jump up much higher next year.  Anticipated 2013 Level: S A Vancouver or piggybacking at Lansing.

7. A.J. Jimenez: Age 22, Highest Level: AA New Hampshire.  I like catchers.  It's the hardest defensive position to play and if you can have a guy with outstanding defense, he'll get consideration from me every day.  Jimenez had a great season in 2011 in Dunedin and had a slow (but not bad) start before needing Tommy John surgery.  If he can show that he can hit again, he's fairly close to the majors (and now on the 40-man roster), which means he could end up backing up (or even usurping) J.P. Arencibia within 2-3 years.

8. John Stilson: Age 22, Highest Level: AA New Hampshire.  Stilson had far better stats at Dunedin than New Hampshire and projects to be a bullpen arm, hurting his ranking on this list. Anticipated 2013 Level: AA New Hampshire.

9. Matthew Smoral: Age 19, Highest Level: Did not play.  Guys rave about him.  They say he could be a starter.  Many scouts have him ranked much higher than 9th.  I'll wait until I see some more out of him.  Anticipated 2013 Level: R+ Bluefield.

10. Santiago Nessy: Age 20, Highest Level: S A Vancouver.  Nessy has continually improved with the bat, showing more power in Bluefield in 2012.  Scouts think that he's got more in the tank to go along with solid defensive skills.  Anticipated 2013 Level: S A Vancouver.

11. Christian Lopes: Age 20, Highest Level: S A Vancouver.  Lopes has been getting a lot of love this off-season and his strong 2012 mostly at Bluefield is responsible for that.  Some say that if he keeps it up, he could be the Jays answer to a lack of 2B in the system.  Anticipated 2013 Level: A Lansing.

12. Adonys Cardona: Age, 19, Highest Level: R GCL Dunedin.  Cardona gets a higher place mainly because scouts love his stuff.  He numbers weren’t all bad, but he really needs to show more in 2013.  Anticipated 2013 Level: R+ Bluefield.

13. Alberto Tirado: Age: 18, Highest Level: R+ Bluefield.  Tirado had a very strong year and has risen up the rankings by many scouts and pundits.  He even held his own in his first appearances in higher level ball in Bluefield.  Anticipated 2013 Level: R+ Bluefield or S A Vancouver.

14. Chase DeJong: Age 19, Highest Level: R GCL Dunedin.  DeJong is this low, mainly because he’s still working through the lowest minor league levels.  If he has the same success this year as he had in his first exposure to pro ball in 2012, he’ll be jumping up the list.  Anticipated 2013 Level: R+ Bluefield or S A Vancouver (I have my money on Vancouver).

15. Deck McGuire: Age 23, Highest Level: AA New Hampshire.  Deck gets credit for his very strong 2011 while losing credit for his crappy 2012.  I’m not quite ready to write him off just yet, and his proximity to the majors helps him get on this list. Anticipated 2013 Level: AA New Hampshire.

16. Daniel (Danny) Barnes: Age 23, Highest level: A+ Dunedin.  Barnes was a dominant closer coming out of the bullpen in Dunedin.  He’ll probably never be higher than 16 on any of my lists because he is already a bullpen arm, meaning if he fails to make the bigs as a reliever, he has nowhere to go.  He makes the list because fellow bullpen arm Griffin Murphy is much lower in the system.  Anticipated 2013 Level: AA New Hampshire.

17. Kevin Pillar: Age 24, Highest Level: A+ Dunedin.  Pillar is a feel good story and deserves to be on this list mainly because he has show the ability to hit at some of the higher minor league levels.  His skills translate well to that of a 4^th outfielder, and if he can make a Major League career as a 4^th outfielder, that’s a pretty good job by the Jays’ player development staff (as well as Pillar).  Anticipated 2013 Level: AA New Hampshire.

18. K.C. Hobson: Age 22, Highest Level: A Lansing.  Hobson’s inclusion in this list comes entirely from his huge year over year improvement between 2011 and 2012.  He almost doubled his extra-base hit totals from the year before (also at Lansing, and with almost exactly the same number of at bats).  To stay on the list, Hobson is going to have to show that he can turn some of the doubles into HRs (tough to do in Dunedin) while continuing his upward trajectory at a higher level.  Anticipated 2013 Level: A+ Dunedin.

19. Javier Avendano: Age 22, Highest Level: A Lansing.  Avendano was dominant last year, whether it was coming out of the bullpen in Lansing, or starting in Vancouver.  He’s a little older and needs to start for the full year this year for the Jays to see what they’re going to have with him.  Anticipated 2013 Level: A Lansing.

20. Anthony Alford: Age 19, Highest Level: R GCL Dunedin.  Alford is ranked this low because of the doubts of whether he’ll even stay with baseball.  If he continues to pursue his football dreams, this crazy athlete with great upside won’t even come close to reaching his potential.  If he makes baseball his primary sport, he could jump up this list quickly.  Anticipated 2013 level: R+ Bluefield. 

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*Age is the player's age on Opening Day.

Prospects! part 14: Gulf Coast League Blue Jays - hitting, and others

The Bad Boy Football "Star": Anthony Alford
The Domincan: Dawel Lugo
Gone baby gone: Wuilmer Becerra

Photo: Perfectgame.org

Much has been written about the Jays' 3rd round pick of 2012 OF Anthony Alford.  Alford is not only trying to play college football, but he has had some trouble with the law.  While he won't go to prison, he is transferring to another Mississippi school and will not even be able to play football in 2013 (due to NCAA transfer rules), but will still be practicing with the team, forcing him to leave baseball in early August.  The Jays are hoping to get him into camp for extended spring training and some at bats in rookie ball before he leaves.  What is truly a shame is that he is an extraordinary athlete that could achieve amazing things on a baseball field if he gave it the same attention he gives football.  He has explosive speed and power, but most scouts are worried that he will lose some of the most important years of his development pursuing his football dreams and won't end up at the top level in either sport.

Photo: Unknown

SS Dawel Lugo has been characterized as an above average defensive player who may develop at the plate, but will need a lot of time.  He's only 18 (signed as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic) and some think that his mediocre stats at Dunedin (.224/.275/.329) will improve as he matures.

Didn't Play in 2012:  Franklin Barreto, Mitch Nay, Matt Smoral

Photo: Victor Calvo

There were a few Jays who didn't play in 2012 that are on prospect radars for the coming year. 

SS Franklin Barreto was the top ranked international free agent this year and signed on with the Jays.  Barreto will only be 17 this year but scouts think that he might end up at second base or outfield due to his size (5'9") and poor footwork in the infield.  He has excellent speed and could have a decent bat in the long run.

Photo: Bluejaysplus.com

Matt Smoral is a big high-school lefty (6'8") who missed playing in 2012 due to a stress fracture in his foot.  He'll be 19 this year and he'll probably be in Bluefield or Vancouver this year.  He throws in the low 90s and has a potentially good slider.  Kiley McDaniel at Fangraphs said the he didn't throw any changeups in the instructional league while Jonathan Mayo says his changeup is solid.  McDaniel projects him as a 2/3 starter if that changeup develops into a major league average pitch. 

Photo: Battersbox.ca

3B Mitch Nay will be 19 this year after missing 2012 with an injury but has been described as being a very good defensive 3B with a really good arm.  He has a ton of power but will probably need to work on his plate discipline as he matures through the minors.

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.

Prospects! part 12: Bluefield Blue Jays - Hitting

AKA: Jorge Vega-Rosado
3TO: Eric Arce
Reversals of Fortune Needed: Jacob Anderson, Matthew Dean

Photo: Unknown

Drafted in 2011, Jorge Vega-Rosado bounced around a lot in 2012 before settling in Bluefield after an outstanding 2011 in Dunedin for the GCL Blue Jays.  He really didn't hit anywhere else, but the sample sizes were far too small to really tell anything (21 ABs in the GCL and 22 ABs in Lansing).  Generally, Vega-Rosado's numbers were down all over the place, but particularly, he only stole 7 bases (4 CS) in Bluefield to 22 in 2011.  He also goes by the name Chino Vega, so look for him, probably in Vancouver or as a backup infielder in Lansing in 2013.

Photo: Jaysprospects.com

Florida native Eric Arce was selected by the Jays in the 2011 draft and followed up an outstanding 2011 in Dunedin (GCL) with a strong 2012 in Bluefield.  Arce is making a name for himself based on his power, but has shown that he can take a walk in addition to hittin the ball out of park.  He strikes out far too much (34.6% in 2012) which can be a warning sign as he moves through the system.  He could be a 3TO (3 True Outcome) player -- one who either hits a home run, walks, or strikes out in almost every at bat.  This will be his age 21 season and Arce will probably be in Vancouver, mostly as a DH or occasional left fielder.

Photo: Futurejays.com

OF Jacob Anderson is a supplemental round pick from the big 2011 draft the Jays had.  In his first complete season, he struggled mightily, hitting .194/.271/.304.  Anderson comes as a highly touted power bat and needs to put together a good season in 2013 to redeem himself.  The organization probably still sees the potential for a bright future in him, but he's going to have to prove himself if he ever wants to get out of short-season ball. 

Photo: Bleacherreport.com

3B Matthew Dean was drafted in the 13th round of the 2011 draft and signed for a way above slot bonus. He made his pro debut this season for Bluefield and, like Anderson, had a tough year. The third baseman hit .222/.282/.353, and struck out 33% of the time. This is acceptable for someone like Arce, who had an OBP 100 points higher and a SLG almost 130 points higher than Dean, but Dean only walked in 6.6% of PAs. If he can make better contact and show more discipline, Dean could really be something, but if he can't adapt his swing and and pitch selection to the pro game, he's going to have trouble going forward.

What to Expect from Blue Jays from Away (in Toronto)

Well, Spring Training has started and it's an exciting time to be a Blue Jays fan.  I've been back in Toronto since the end of November and have FINALLY finished my PhD.  I'll be sticking around here until I really know the next step in my career, but in reality, it will probably take me somewhere else although the time frame is up in the air.

So what should you expect from this blog over the next few months?

Well, first of all, I'm not getting paid for this and I'm not writing for an established media outlet, so I don't have to write every day.  I think it's a good thing.  The blogosphere is pretty saturated with the same stories of the Jays picking up X player from waivers and DFAing another who gets picked up waivers, etc.  I also don't feel the need to summarize what other guys out there are writing about general day-to-day activity of the team, or commenting on R.A. Dickey's press conferences, etc.

In the next little bit, I'm going to finish up the Prospects! series by March 1.  There are 4 more parts, and I'll publish the second half of the the Bluefield Blue Jays report tomorrow (2/21), with the last 3 coming next week.  I'm traveling on the weekend (visiting old friends in Boston) and probably will be without the computer.

Following the completion of the series will be my Spring Training updates.  Yes. I'll be heading to Spring Training on March 6 and see 3 games in Florida Auto Exchange Stadium and I'll do my best to get to at least one road game and several minor league games.  I hope to be able to watch as many workouts and minor league games as I can and I'd like to report daily on what I've seen, actually getting my own eyes on the players.  I hope to take some video and even get some interviews while I'm there.

In the regular season, I intend to watch as many games on TV as possible and I already have tix to a couple of games in April and May.  I'm also going to try to get to Buffalo a couple of times to check out the Bisons in person.

I'd like to give regular minor league updates, perhaps featuring a Jays' minor leaguer once a week and discussing other reports that come out.  I don't anticipate writing every day, but I'm now officially unemployed (I'll formally graduate in June, but I'm done everything), so I may have nothing better to do!

I hope that those of you who have been reading keep reading, and if you haven't been reading, well.... why not?

Prospects! part 11: Bluefield Blue Jays - Pitching

Gone, Baby, Gone: Kevin Comer, Joe Musgrove
King Scrabble the Third: Jeremy Gabryszwski
Griff:* Griffin Murphy
Keep your eye on: Alberto Tirado
Couldn't think up a catchy title: Alonzo Gonzalez
The Canadian: Tom Robson

Photo: FutureJays.com

In his first real season of professional ball, Jeremy Gabryszwski (he managed to throw only 5 1/3 innings in his draft year of 2011) had a very good season mostly as a starter for Bluefield.  He was very good at keeping the ball on the ground and limiting walks (only 4 in 46 innings), but Gaby will be 20 on opening day and needs to post better strike out numbers in order to really be effective at higher levels of ball.  At least that what John Sickels writes, who ranks Gaby as the 19th best prospect in the Jays system and wants to see the youngster's breaking ball develop more.

Photo: FutureJays.com. Yes. the 'stache is awesome.

LHP Griffin Murphy (mlb.com 2013 ranking = 17) has done enough in his first two years of pro ball to merit listing as Jays Journal's #28 ranked prospect (http://jaysjournal.com/2012/11/23/2013-top-prospects-28-griffin-murphy/).  Coming out of the bullpen (mostly) in Bluefield, Murphy was very effective, garnering 42 strikeouts in 37 innings while giving up only 24 hits and 13 walks.  Kyle Matte at Jays Journal thinks that there are some mechanical flaws in Murphy's delivery that will need to be ironed out but they like his raw stuff: an 89-92 mph fast ball (which could sit higher when he's used in relief) with good control but average movement and potentially average curveball and changeup.  Forecasters don't see much potential beyond a solid left-handed relief arm.

Photo: Battersbox.ca

Alberto Tirado  is a very young right-hander that was signed as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2011.  He made his US pro debut in 2012 to excellent results.  Since he's signed, his fastball velocity has jumped a lot - from about 87-91 to the 93-95 range.  He spent most of the season in the Gulf Coast League but managed 3 starts (and 11 innings) in Bluefield before the end of the season.  Tirado posted outstanding numbers as a 17 year old in the GCL with a 1.08 WHIP and 34 strikeouts in 37 innings and will probably start in Bluefield or Vancouver in his age-18 season.  He is definitely one to watch as he rises through the system.

Photo: smmirror.com

Alonzo Gonzalez is another pitcher who spent most of the season with the Gulf Coast League Jays before making 2 very good starts in Bluefield.  At the higher level, he threw 12 shutout innings, giving up only 6 baserunners (3 hits, 3 walks) while striking out 9.  His numbers in 37 innings in the GCL weren't as pretty, compiling a 5.15 ERA, but a respectable 1.34 WHIP, mainly due to his decent walk numbers.  His K% was only 14.3% in Dunedin though.    Gonzalez is a lefty who was drafted in the 18th round out of Glendale Community College in 2012.  According to the only scouting report I could find, he throws a high-80s fastball with a change that was his out pitch and a curve that he didn't throw much.  It's hard to say what the future will bring for Gonzalez, mainly because he's not really a "prospect" per se, although he may add fastball velocity as fills his 6'5" frame.  However, as a lefty, he could always find a niche somewhere.

Photo: Alexis Brudnicki

Drafted in the 4th round of the 2011 draft out of Delta BC, Tom Robson made his professional debut in 2012 with the Bluefield Blue Jays.  It's tough to tell anything from his stats, mainly because Robson only threw 11 innings, got hit fairly hard (2 HRs and 5 ER) but struck out 7 and didn't walk anyone.  I can't find what the injury was, but Robson was placed on the 7 day DL in the Appalachian league on July 16th, 10 days after his last appearance.

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* Yes.  I'm simultaneously referencing Back to the Future II and Married With Children.

Prospects! part 10: Vancouver Canadians - Hitting

The Backstop - Santiago Nessy
The Budding Star - D.J. Davis
The Legacy - Dwight Smith Jr.
The Veteran - Balbino Fuenmayor
The Surprise - Matt Newman
The Slugger - Art Charles
The Sleeper - Christian Lopes

Photo: Battersbox.ca

Catcher Santiago Nessy has been on scouts' and analysts' radar for the last couple of years, making Marc Hulet's Top 15 prospects list (#13 before this off-season's trades) and was #9 (of 20) on John Sickels's list at minorleagueball.com.  He is generally categorized as a solid defensive catcher who will be able to stick behind the plate with plenty of power.  The major concern is with Nessy's propensity to strike out, which, last season, was above 25% at both the Advanced Rookie level in Bluefield and in Vancouver.  Nessy had a solid season last year in Bluefield, hitting for a .256/.320/.456 line.  While his batting average was 50 points down from his .306 season in Dunedin, his slugging was quite a bit higher as he hit 16 extra-base hits (including 8 home runs) in 160 ABs in Bluefield.  Nessy has shown improvements in his ability to take a walk, and if he can make strides in this area of the game Nessy could get people excited.  He will most likely start 2013 in Vancouver, although he could end up in Lansing if he shows promise in spring training and extended spring training (or if injuries strike).

Photo: Battersbox.ca

OF D.J. Davis (mlb.com ranking = #4) was the Jays' first selection in the 2012 draft and impressed the Blue Jays staff enough in his time last season to get advanced from the lowest minor league level, the Gulf Coast League, all the way to Short-Season A in Vancouver.  While the raw numbers aren't all that great, they should be taken with a grain of salt -- the Gulf Coast League, where he had most of his at bats, is a very difficult level on hitters.  He did show surprising power, hitting 4 HR, 7 2B and 2 3B in Dunedin at the GCL, and carried that success over to the Appalachian League (Bluefield) hitting .340 with 3 2B, 1 3B and 1 HR in only 47 ABs.  While Davis still strikes out a fair bit (28.4% in Dunedin, 18.9% in Bluefield), he has started taking walks and posted solid OBPs wherever he went.  He also has great speed and defense, stealing 25 bases last season (in only 266 PAs).  Davis will be 18 to start the season but, according to Jays Journal, he may begin 2013 as high as Lansing.  I can see the Jays starting him there to get at bats in, but then demote him to Vancouver when the Short Season schedule begins. 

Photo: Battersbox.ca

Dwight Smith Jr. (mlb.com ranking = 17) was selected 53rd overall in 2011 and made his professional baseball debut this season, playing 41 games in Bluefield and 18 games in Vancouver.  Unlike Davis, Smith struggled, only putting up a 78 wRC+*in Bluefield.  He didn't strike out that much (12.7% in Bluefield, 15.5% in Vancouver), but really has not shown the ability to hit for average.  Smith will most likely start in Vancouver, and Jonathan Mayo thinks that he'll end up being a LF in the long run.

Photo: Vancouver Canadians/MilB.com

Balbino Fuenmayor  has been around the Jays system since 2007, moving around between Rookie, Short Season A and Full Season A ball.  He hasn't really been successful but had a strong year in Vancouver last year, hitting .282/.325/.471.  His biggest problems are not enough walks and too many strikeouts, but he hit 20 2B and 9 HR in 2012.  He's a little old for Vancouver and if he doesn't start in Lansing, it may be time to write him off.

Photo: Kyle Rosetta

Matt Newman was a non-drafted Free Agent in 2011 who joined the Jays and has climbed to Vancouver in his 2 pro seasons.  Newman posted solid numbers and displayed a fair bit of speed, with 5 triples and 6 stolen bases.  His K% isn't good (23.8%) but he had a very respectable 11.7 BB%.  That, combined with solid contact contributed to a .262/.352/.462 line and a 129 wRC+.  Newman is old for the level (24 in 2013) and should start in Lansing, probably as a backup.

Photo: Yourvancs.com

Art Charles, 22, is another older player (at least for Vancouver) who's looking to being moving up through the full season meat of the Blue Jays system.  Charles is a slugging 1B/DH and has power to spare, slamming 13 HRs between Bluefield and Vancouver last season, but his OBP dropped off a cliff when he crossed the border.  Charles, a 2010 20th round draftee went from a 26.8% BB rate in Bluefield and a 9.2% BB rate in Vancouver.  His strikeout rate remained about the same, as did his batting average, so if Charles can be more patient, he could be quite productive.  Which level he'll open 2013 at is questionable.  He may stay back in Vancouver another year, or start in Lansing.

Photo: Unknown

Christian Lopes (mlb.com ranking = #12) is a sleeper infielder who's starting to get some attention (now that the top prospects in the system have been traded).  The 20 year old was drafted in the 7th round of 2011 and made his pro debut in 2012.  Like many other top prospects, he started at Bluefield and was moved up to Vancouver to end the season.  The middle-infielder is being projected to have a solid bat and good glove, although he needs more time adjust to playing 2B.  In 2012, he showed an ability to make contact, posting lower K%s than a lot of the players discussed here, but he could also be more patient.  He's definitely someone to keep an eye on in 2013, and I'd look for him to start in Lansing, or at least be an early call if there are injuries in the infield after the season starts.

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* wRC+ is a kind of catch-all statistic called "weighted Runs Created Plus." Basically it looks at how the player creates runs while taking into account ballpark factors.  The "plus" in some baseball statistics takes the basic stat and turns it into a number that compares it to league average.  100 is average, and every number above and below 100 means that the player's performance was better or worse than league average by 1 per cent.  So a 78 wRC+ means that the player was 22% below league average according to wRC.  See Fangraphs.com for more information.