This year was Beck’s first big league spring training, and the 26-year-old allowed a pair of earned runs on four hits in three innings of work with two walks and three strikeouts. The Texas native made his major league debut as a September call-up in 2011 and could be one of the first options summoned from Triple-A Las Vegas in the event of an injury.

Farquhar, 25, appeared in only one game this spring, allowing one earned run on two hits in one inning of the Jays’ spring opener versus the Pirates back on March 3. Known for his funky submarine delivery and the ability to throw from different arm slots, the right-hander was reacquired by the Jays last season after being traded to Oakland in the move that brought Rajai Davis to Toronto.

Crawford, 25, had an outside chance of breaking camp with the Jays, but did impress manager John Farrell and Co. in his three scoreless outings with five strikeouts. After being a mainstay in the New Hampshire Fisher Cats’ bullpen last season and being added to Toronto’s 40-man roster, Crawford will likely open the year with Triple-A Las Vegas and be the first call-up if the Jays need a left-hander out of the ‘pen.

Jenkins, 24, opened some eyes this spring after allowing just one earned run on five hits in eight strong innings of work. He changed the grip on his changeup while tightening up the rest of his game, and the 2009 first-round pick should be a prospect to keep your eye on this season.

Carreno, 25, made his major league debut last as a September call-up last season out of the bullpen after being a key cog in Double-A New Hampshire’s starting rotation. He made three relief appearances this spring and gave up three earned runs on four hits with three strikeouts, but was sent to minor league camp when pitchers started getting stretched out because he’s going to be a starter with Triple-A Las Vegas this season and needed to pitch longer than just two innings.

- JM

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I went to bed after a long hard day believing that the Jays had this one in the bag. But, knowing that things happen quickly sometimes, I changed the channel on my TV, brought it back to the game (so it wouldn’t add 2 hours of baseball I had watched to the DVR) and set it to record the last inning. What I saw when I watched it this morning was about as horrible a game-ending as one could imagine. (more…)

Yunel Escobar, who managed a .275 average and .696 OPS in 60 games since coming over to the Jays in a mid-season trade, received a 1-year, $2.9M contract in his first arbitration eligible season, which was a $2.465M raise over his 2010 salary. Out of the players that were able to avoid arbitration, Escobar received the highest salary, and the Jays are likely hoping for him to return to his 2009 form, when he hit .299/.377/.436 in 141 games for the Atlanta Braves.

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Image courtesy of waatp.com

After #38 Mitchell Taylor, a promising young lefty to definitely watch closely next season, comes the highest ranked relief pitcher on our list at #37…

#37: Alan Robert Farina

Pitcher / 24 years old / 5′11″ 195 lbs

Born: August 9th, 1986 in Chuluota, Florida

Bats: Right    Throws: Right

High School Team: Oviedo Lions

College: Clemson University

Drafted by: The Toronto Blue Jays in the 3rd round (115th overall) of the 2007 First-Year-Player Draft for $254,250

Jersey Number: #10 for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats

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Image courtesy of Joel Dinda

#47: Nestor Alberto Molina

Relief Pitcher / 21 years old / 6′1″ 179 lbs

Born: January 9th, 1989 in Valencia, Venezuela

Bats: Right    Throws: Right

High School Team: N/A

College: N/A

Drafted: Signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2006

Jersey Number: #20 for the Lansing Lugnuts, #60 for the Dunedin Blue Jays in 2010

Quick Facts:

• Made his professional debut as a 17-year-old in the Venezuelan Summer League
• (more…)

As for the Winter League update, the Jays have a total of 10 pitching prospects playing winter ball this year. Virtually every one of the Jays pitchers are having impressive campaigns, except for Matt Daly, who seems to be struggling in the Arizona Fall League (11ER in 9.1 innings).

Here’s a look at the success the Jays’ pitching prospects are having so far:

SP Marc Rzepczynski:

Rzepczynski is obviously the most well known Jays player on this list, not only because of his major league experience, but also his ridiculous numbers in the Arizona Fall League so far through 5 starts:

3-0, 0.69 ERA, 26.0ip, 2 ER, 21 hits, 8 BB, 20 Ks, 1.12 WHIP, .223 opp. avg

Marc leads the AFL so far in innings pitched and ERA. He has gone at least 6 innings in each of his last three starts, and he hasn’t given up any home runs. He is really increasing his trade value if needed, but hopefully he can carry this success into next year and have a strong spring. (more…)