Zawadzki, Langerhans, and LaRoche Become Latest Spring Cuts by Blue Jays
Feb 25, 2013; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Lance Zawadzki (73) during a spring training split squad game at Florida Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY SportsThe flurry of roster moves continued on Tuesday when the Toronto Blue Jays optioned a trio of non-roster invitees to minor league camp. According to The Star’s Richard “The Griff” Griffin, the Blue Jays have reassigned Ryan Langerhans, Andy LaRoche, and Lance Zawadzki, effectively ending any outside hopes the three had of making the team out of camp.
Zawadzki was an early favorite in camp as he stepped up to become this season’s version of Jonathan Diaz; living proof that spring stats are meaningless. The 27-year-old infielder hit .290 in camp, with a home run, 4 RBI, and a .805 OPS. Of course, that home run was a walk-off grand slam and won him a bit of early accolades among the fans looking for something to cheer for in the opening days of camp. Zawadzki will likely be relegated to Buffalo to serve as Minor League depth, his .258 career average and .718 OPS.
Andy LaRoche will be given a similar fate. The former top prospect leaves camp tied for the team lead for home runs with Jose Bautista, but stumbled to a .244 average as the spring wore on. We could see more of Adam’s younger brother later this summer if an injury arises, but he’s only a .226 hitter at the highest level, spending time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Oakland Athletics.
33-year-old Ryan Langerhans is the final cut of the day. The former Braves farmhand has seen a good deal of action this spring, posting a .270 batting average, 2 home runs, 5 RBI, and a .781 OPS through 43 plate appearances. He’ll give the Blue Jays a bit of outfield depth this summer and possibly force his way back to the Majors if the need arises. However, to do that, Langerhans would have to jump quite a few players on the depth chart, so he’ll likely have to settle for helping Buffalo become a winner.
Stat Sources:
Ryan Langerhans, baseball-reference.com
Lance Zawadzki, baseball-reference.com
Andy LaRoche, baseball-reference.com