He's a Lunch Box Hero -- stars in his eyes

What a game.

I hate to steal a line from the Diamondbacks crew, but what a beautiful finish after such an ugly start. Tonight's Yankees - Blue Jays clash seemed almost like two games in one.

The first half of the game saw another starting pitcher struggle and be sent to the showers early, as Kyle Drabek pitched well through 5 innings before collapsing in the 6th, giving up a single, a home run, a single, and a walk around a fly out. Coinciding with the poor pitching, the offense was sputtering as well. The Blue Jays had scored 2 runs through 5, continuing the trend from the road trip that saw the power seemingly sapped from the bats and the swings slowed down with runners on. The early struggles were particularly surprising as they came against AJ Burnett, the former Blue Jay whose ex-teammates had lit him up since he departed for the Bronx. One batter in particular, Travis Snider, was having a dreadful game, going 0-for-4 with a ground out and 3 strikeouts in the first 8 innings.

The second half of the game was defined by clutch (yes, clutch) hitting and continued yeoman's work from this stressed bullpen. Jason Frasor, Marc Rzepczynski, Carlos Villanueva, Shawn Camp, and Jon Rauch held the powerful Yankees lineup to just 2 hits and a run across 4.2 innings, which gave the offense an opportunity to make a move late in the game -- an opportunity they refused to waste.

After being shut down by David Robertson (6th), Joba Chamberlain (7th), and Rafael Soriano (8th), Mariano Rivera came into the game in the 9th with a 2 run cushion. The inning led off with a bang, as Yunel Escobar drilled a ball to deep centerfield, reaching second easily with a stand up double. Snider followed with a weak ground ball to the second baseman. Seemingly wearing the team motto on his back, Snider flew down the baseline before diving into first base. Despite his best efforts, he was out, and now 0-for-5. Escobar advanced to 3rd on the play, which was important because on ball 4 of the Jose Bautista at-bat, Yankees catcher Russ Martin lost control of the pitch and Escobar was able to score: 5-4 Yankees. It doesn't show up in the box score, but Jose Bautista sprinted to first out of the box despite the fact he had walked, looking for an opportunity to possibly take 2nd if there was a play (or mis-play) at the plate. True hustle and heart. Adam Lind followed with a single, which moved Bautista up to 3rd base, and brought Johnny Mac to the plate. McDonald pushed the first cutter he saw from Rivera up the first base line and Bautista slid home beating the throw from Teixeira: Tie game. Rivera would work his way out of a bases load jam, but the damage had been done and the Yankee confidence was shaken.

After Jon Rauch dispatched the Yankees with an ugly top of the 10th, Encarnacion led off the bottom half with a ground ball single through the left side. Jayson Nix and Escobar would follow up with back-to-back deep fly outs, so deep and loud that Encarnacion was unable to tag up and advance. So with two out, up stepped Travis Snider, wearing the proverbial collar with an ugly 0-for-5 day to his name. Snider took the first cutter from Rivera, before plowing the 1-0 pitch into the right-center gap. Encarnacion raced around the bases, and as Snider rounded 1st a small smile could be seen on his face. As he reached second, he turned to see Encarnacion crossing home plate. Game over, Blue Jays win.

The Lunch Box Hero let out a cheer and threw his helmet as he was mobbed by his teammates rushing the field. Snider finished the game 1-for-6, but guaranteed when he goes home tonight he'll be thinking about the 1, not dwelling on the first 5. This is why baseball is such a beautiful game, it only takes one swing to change everything.

Upcoming pitching staff changes

With Brandon Morrow and Franky Francisco set to make the trip from Dunedin up to Toronto for the upcoming series against the Yankees, a number of roster moves are in order. The Blue Jays are currently rocking an 8 man bullpen and 3 man bench. With today's demotion of Mike McCoy as a result of Encarnacion's return, the bench currently consists of Jose Molina, John McDonald, and Juan Rivera.

The 8 man bullpen / 3 man bench system is likely to remain intact until Rajai Davis returns (unless of course we get rid of Juan Rivera somehow), at which point the bullpen will be cut to 7 arms and another issue will arise. That, however, is the proverbial bridge to be crossed when we get there.

The bullpen currently consists of Rauch, Camp, Rzepczynski, Frasor, Dotel, Janssen, Villanueva, and Perez. Of these 8, Janssen, Villanueva, and Perez are the only three with minor league options remaining. Villanueva has been invaluable as a long man, so his spot is likely safe for the time being. Perez is likely the odd man out with Francisco's return, as he both has options and has the least tenure of the group. That does leave an 8 man bullpen with only one left hander however.

Morrow's return is what creates the greatest problem. It is fair to say he will either be taking the spot currently held by Jesse Litsch or Jo-Jo Reyes. Litsch has a minor league option remaining, so if he is replaced he would likely be sent to Triple-A Las Vegas. Reyes is out of options, however, so if he loses his spot in the rotation it is likely he would join the bullpen as management would be wise to avoid trying to pass him through waivers. If Reyes joins the bullpen, another bullpen arm must be sent down. This leaves the following scenarios:

1. Morrow replaces Litsch, Francisco replaces Perez, Litsch and Perez to Triple-A (leaving 1 LHP in bullpen)
2. Morrow replace Litsch, Francisco replaces Janssen, Litsch and Janssen to Triple-A (leaving 2 LHP in bullpen)
3. Morrow replaces Reyes, Francisco replaces Perez, Reyes to bullpen, Perez and Janssen to Triple-A (leaving 2 LHP in bullpen)

I find it hard to believe we would run an 8 man bullpen with only one lefty, so I find option 1 far fetched. Stuff wise, I'd rather see what Reyes can do over Litsch. Performance wise, which is likely what the front office is looking at, the two starters have both struggled, which leads me to believe options 2 and 3 are equally probably.

The one constant between options 2 and 3 is that Janssen is likely to be demoted to Triple-A, despite a relatively solid performance so far this season (though he has allowed a lot of inherited runners to score). One solace he can take, however, is that by the end of July, it's probably that atleast 1, and possibly 2 of the 3 veteran relievers we acquired this offseason (Francisco, Dotel, Rauch) will have been moved, and there will be bullpen openings to close out the year. He's also likely to be the #1 option in case of injury.

#13: LF Eric Thames

Name: Eric Thames
Position: Left fielder
Acquired: 7th round (2008)
Opening Day age: 24
Height/weight: 6'1", 205 lbs
Best/worst tool: Power/fielding

Scouting Report: Eric Thames is known for his bat and little else. His baserunning and arm are adequate, but his fielding is mediocre even for left field and may see him move to 1B or DH down the road. Thames is an aggressive hitter, and his power got him noticed in highschool and college, causing him to be drafted by both the Yankees and Blue Jays. He has strong bat skills, as he hit .361 in 382 college AB and .295 in 712 MiLB AB (entering 2011). Thames' bat could play at the major league level now.

2010 Stats: .288/.370/.526 (.896 OPS), 25 2B, 6 3B, 27 HR, 104 RBI, 8 SB

2010 Analysis: Despite being drafted in 2008, 2010 was Thames' first full, injury free season in professional baseball. He displayed the power stroke that got him drafted, and was named an Eastern League All-Star and the MVP of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. With the power came strikeouts, however, as Thames struck out 121 times in 130 games. One additional concern with Thames was his lefty/righty splits, as he hit right handed pitchers much better than lefties.

Future outlook: With his promotion to Triple-A, Thames' focus needs to be staying healthy, working on his defense, and controlling his swing against left handed pitchers. Prior to the 2010 season he started practicing Yoga in an attempt to reduce injuries and it appears to have paid off. Given his extended look in Spring Training and relative success there, the front office appears to believe he is almost ready, and barring a collapse he should reach the major leagues.

Perfect world projection: Everyday MLB left fielder, possibly an All-Star appearance or two in his prime if he can stay healthy and be competent against lefties.

Worst case scenario: Platoon MLB 1B/DH, being benched against left handers and too injury prone to play the field consistently.

Most likely outcome: Platoon MLB left fielder, being benched against tough left handed pitchers.

Eric Thames has started the 2011 season with Las Vegas, getting his first taste of Triple-A. He has started well, and given his power swing and the hitter friendly environment of the PCL, that success is likely to continue. Thames could see Toronto in September, or possibly earlier if an injury occurs to a corner outfielder.

#14: RHP Drew Hutchison

Name: Andrew Hutchison
Position: Right-handed SP
Acquired: 15th round (2009)
Opening Day age: 20
Height/weight: 6'2", 165 lbs
Best/worst tool: Fastball/size

Scouting Report: Hutchison primarily features three pitches which have developed nicely since being drafted in 2009. His fastball, which was clocked at 88-92 mph in highschool, now consistently checks in at 92-95 mph. He throws it effectively to both right handers and left handers. Hutchison's secondary offerings have been works in progress, but have both made strides in the past year. In addition to his fastball gaining velocity as Hutchison got bigger, his slider has been augmented as well. His slider sat in the low 80's, but now is being fired in the mid-to-high 80's and has the potential to be a devastating pitch if he can harness it consistently. Hutchison throws his solid changeup with confidence both within and outside the zone, playing it against his fastball effectively.

2010 Stats: 68.2 IP, 51 H, 19 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 63 K
1.60 GO/AO, 2.49 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 8.26 K/9

2010 Analysis: The 2010 season was Hutchison's first, and he began in the New York - Penn League with Auburn. He made 10 starts, pitching effectively and earning a promotion to A-class Lansing in the summer. He pitched just as well in Lansing, perhaps even better. His success in the low minors is not surprising given his polish for a highschool pitcher, however his slider may be the determining factor in whether or not he can carry that success into the high minors.

Future outlook: Hutchison has no major flaws or concerns to be corrected. Hutchison just needs to focus on developing his pitches and perhaps getting stronger. He's still a skinny guy at 165 lbs, and if he bulks up to even 180 lbs his fastball could become a truly devastating pitch. The development of his slider should keep him in the rotation wherever he pitches and may be the determining factor as to whether or not he can reach the major leagues.

Perfect world projection: Solid #3 starter, in the mold of a right handed Brett Cecil, if he can make his slider more than a show-me pitch.

Worst case scenario: Fizzles out in the high minors because he failed to develop a satisfactory 3rd pitch.

Most likely outcome: Borderline #3/#4 starter. Hutchison is a smart pitcher and I have a lot of faith in his slider moving forward. He is the kind of guy who should realize his ceiling barring a devastating injury.

Drew Hutchison has started the 2011 season as the #2 starter with Lansing. Given his success there in 2010 and his dominant 2011 debut (7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 11 K), he likely won't be there long. He'll likely spend most of his season with High-A Dunedin, and could reach the majors in the second half of 2013.

#15: RHP Chad Jenkins

Name: Stephen Chadwick Jenkins
Position: Right-handed SP
Acquired: 1st round, 20th overall (2009)
Opening Day age: 23
Height/weight: 6'4", 235 lbs
Best/worst tool: Sinker/changeup

Scouting Report: Jenkins' primary pitch is a hard sinking fastball that sits at 90-93 mph, and when necessary he can turn it into a 4-seam fastball and reach back for 96 mph. Jenkins also throws a good slider, which when paired with his sinker makes him unfair against right handed hitters and creates a ton of ground balls. His third pitch is a changeup which is still a work in progress. Jenkins has a repeatable delivery and solid command of all three pitches.

2010 Stats: 141.2 IP, 160 H, 62 ER, 11 HR, 31 BB, 106 K
1.75 GO/AO, 3.94 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 6.73 K/9

2010 Analysis: Jenkins split the 2010 season equally between A-class Lansing and High-A Dunedin, making 13 starts apiece. His results were rather disappointing to me given his polish coming out of college and being 22 years old in leagues full of 20 and 21 year olds. He was hit around in both leagues to the tune of a .279 opposing batting average. What saved his season from being a complete disaster was his command and sinking pitches, as he was able to contain the walks and home runs, limiting the damage. I was unable to watch Jenkins' starts and PitchFX data for the minor leagues it sketchy at best, but I believe his struggles may be atleast partly attributed to his changeup. He may have been throwing it excessively in game situations in order to develop it further.

Future outlook: Jenkins' future has two major concerns in my opinion; his changeup and his weight. To be a successful starter in the major leagues, you need 3 solid pitches and you must be able to work against both righties and lefties. His sinker/slider combo is devastating to righties, but for him to be effective against lefties he will need his changeup to reach another level. Luckily for him, Blue Jays coaches are exceptional with changeups. The other concern, his weight, is up to Jenkins to fix. He's always been a "soft" guy, but he's gained 10 pounds since being drafted, and if you saw him in the spring, he looked BIG. Jenkins is dancing a fine line between "horse" and "cow" right now. You want your starters to be big, strong dudes who can pitch into the 6th, 7th, and 8th inning on a regular basis (see: Matt Cain, Brett Anderson). If Jenkins is unable to control his weight and consistently gets tired in the 5th or 6th, he may find himself in the bullpen before too long.

Perfect world projection: Borderline #2/3 starter, if his changeup becomes an above average offering and he cuts down to 220 or 225 lbs.

Worst case scenario: Late inning reliever, working the sinker/slider combo effectively to righties, relying on 4-seamer to blow lefties away.

Most likely outcome: Back of the rotation starter who pitches 200-210 uninspiring innings.

Chad Jenkins has started the 2011 season in Dunedin, and I think if he hasn't reached New Hampshire by the end of May, something has gone horribly wrong. He's currently on track to reach the majors in the second half of 2012.

Prospect Mini-Series

With the 2011 MLB Draft rapidly approaching and the Blue Jays having a plethora of picks in the early rounds, June 6th may once again be a franchise altering day. I use the term "again" because you only need to look as far back as last year's draft to see what a smart man with a lot of draft picks can do to a farm system. In one year, we jumped from 19th (I believe) up to 4th in Baseball America's top farm system rankings, and these ratings were decided before we acquired Brett Lawrie.

According to Baseball America, 3 of our first 4 picks from that draft are in our top 10 overall prospects -- Deck McGuire (ranked 3rd, draft 1st round), Asher Wojciechowski (ranked 6th, drafted supplementary 1st round), and Aaron Sanchez (ranked 9th, drafted supplementary 1st round). With the departure of Scott Downs, Kevin Gregg, John Buck, and Miguel Olivo, the Blue Jays have a great opportunity to further increase our minor league riches. In honor of this draft and the great work Mr. Anthopolous has done, I offer an in-depth look into my top-15 prospects heading into the MiLB draft.