The Time is Now for Casey Lawrence and Scott Copeland

The Toronto Blue Jays have had a busy off-season, both on the free-agent market and trade front.

Alex Anthopoulos has added important pieces to the teams everyday lineup by adding Josh Donaldson, russell Martin, Micheal Saunders, and possibly Devin Travis. Alex used his surplus pitching to acquire Josh Donaldson and Michael Saunders; unfortunately, this has raised some questions over the depth of major league ready arms still in the system.

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Losing JA Happ, Sean Nolin and Kendall Graveman may not have an immediate impact on the Blue Jays starting rotation with the exception of the 5th spot in the rotation The trickle down effect will be felt in Buffalo,but the Herd will get help from two starters that spent much of 2014 with the Blue Jays Double-A team, the New Hampshire FisherCats. That help will come in the form of Casey Lawrence and Scott Copeland.

Now Scott Copeland and Casey Lawrence should never be confused as Top Prospects, but that shouldn’t deter Alex from calling on them when the injury bug hits.

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The 6’2″ 170 lbs Casey Lawrence, a non-drafted free agent out of Albright College, has a minor league record of 43 wins and 34 losses. He got his first taste of Triple-A in 2013, but it only lasted 4 innings. He’s won Pitcher of the Week twice, once in 2013 and once in 2014. He was named to the Mid-Season All-Star team in 2010 and came very close to pitching a perfect game in 2014 as a member of the Fisher Cats.

Scott Copeland was selected in the 21st round in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. The 6’3″ RHP was signed by the Blue Jays in 2012 as a minor league free agent. Since signing with the Blue Jays, the native of White Oak Texas has collected 24 wins and 18 losses. He’s been a Pitcher of the Week (2014) and selected to the Mid-Season All-Star as a member of the Dunedin Blue Jays in 2013.

Neither pitcher will be considered flame-throwers or as potential aces. That’s not what the Jays need them to be. The Jays need them to continue be what they are. Both pitchers are good at getting ground balls , limiting walks, and logging innings.
These two talented Right handers will solidify the Herds rotation, along with veterans Liam Hendriks,Michael Lee, Austin Bibens-Dirkx and dare I say it…..Ricky Romero.

Over the past several seasons, the Blue Jays have seen reason time and again to go to Buffalo and grab a spot starter or fresh arm for the bullpen. Having that type of depth is important over the course of a 162-game season, and that’s what Toronto has in arms like Hendriks, Albers, Lawrence, and Copeland. Nothing electric, but at least they can provide a breather when needed.

Good luck in 2015 Casey and Scott.