Winter League Update: Position Players

With the recent press on the official Jays site regarding the success Adam Loewen has had in the Arizona Fall League thus far, it is important to give recognition to the other Jays prospects that have had just as much, if not more, success than Loewen. Loewen has had a very good winter thus far though, posting a .342/.419/.658 line in 9 games to go along with 3 HR and 14 RBI. It is definitely nice to see Loewen, the former 1st round pick and starting pitcher, continue to improve at the plate and strengthen his case on a path to another Major League debut.

Here’s a look at what some of the other notable Jays picks are up to in the Winter Leagues:

CF Darin Mastroianni:

Mastroianni has made a statement in the Venezuelan Winter League so far that’s for sure. He has played the most out of any Jays prospect in winter ball thus far, and through 24 games his numbers are as follows:

.427 AVG, 4 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR, 14 RBI, .500 OBP, .551 SLG

Not only are those numbers impressive, Mastroianni has drawn 17 walks and been 9-for-12 in stolen base attempts. He’s definitely making a case for a promotion from Double-A New Hampshire, or even a possible look with the Jays in 2011.

3B Brad Emaus:

Emaus seems to have really embraced the extra playing time he’s received recently in the Dominican Winter League. Here’s a look at his numbers so far through 16 games:

.315 AVG, 6 doubles, 2 HR, 10RBI, 6BB, .393 OBP, .537 SLG

Hopefully Brad can keep up the good work so far in the DWL and finish strong. Combined with a strong spring, things could look really good for him in 2011.

1B Michael McDade:

McDade has been pretty hot as of late in the Arizona Fall League, take a look at his numbers through 19 games so far:

.355 AVG, 10 doubles, 1 HR, 11RBI, 10BB, .437 OBP, .526 SLG

Definitely not too shabby for a 21 year old who’s minor league resume tops out at HiA Dunedin so far. If he keeps this up he’ll be close to passing David Cooper and showcasing what he can do at the AA level.

IF/OF John Tolisano:

I’ll admit I didn’t know too much about John Tolisano before winter ball this year, seeing as he has a career line of .237/.319/.383 in four seasons in the minors. I’m definitely paying more attention now though after the kind of winter he’s having. Through 3 different stints (14 games) in the Arizona Fall League so far, here’s what I’m talking about:

.377 AVG, 3 doubles, 3 HR, 15 RBI, .523 OBP, .644 SLG

In addition to those numbers, Tolisano has shown remarkable patience at the plate so far with 17 walks and only 6 strikeouts. Here’s to hoping he finishes the AFL just as strong.

OF Eric Thames:

Thames has probably not had the kind Arizona Fall League showing that he wanted to, but his numbers aren’t exactly terrible so he’s worth a mention. A look his numbers through 20 games:

.244 AVG, 7 doubles, 2 HR, 14 RBI, .341 OBP, .410 SLG

Also worth pointing out is that out of Thames’ 19 hits, 9 of them have been for extra bases, and he has drawn 11 walks. The main knock on Thames would be his 21 strikeouts in the AFL so far, the most out of any Jays prospect playing winter ball.

Other notables, with very small sample sizes, would be Aaron Matthews and Jesus Merchan, and a few prospects with disappointing numbers so for would be David Cooper, Ricardo Nanita, and Jonathan Jaspe. You can always find all of the stats here.

I’ll have an update on the Jays’ pitching prospects tomorrow.

-JM