Patrick Murphy:2013 3rd Round Pick of Toronto Blue Jays

Dec 6, 2011; Dallas, TX, USA; Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos answers questions during the MLB winter meetings at Hilton Anatole. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY SportsOnce again, the Toronto Blue Jays have dipped into the pitching well and selected another high school right-hander in the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft.

This time, the Blue Jays have used the team’s third pick (83rd overall) right-hander Patrick Murphy of Hamilton HS.

At 6’4″ and 205lbs, he profiles with the same build as Toronto’s first two selections, Phil Bickford and Clinton Hollon, with a big arm and a projectable body profile.

However, unlike Hollon and Bickford, Murphy has already undergone Tommy John surgery, having the procedure last summer, and did not pitch in 2013.

Don’t most scouts consider that a Red Flag?

Well, prior to the injury, Murphy was projected as a possible 2nd round pick according, so there is upside here. However, like any good prospect, it is hard to imagine he would sign when his value is the lowest, meaning that he’ll likely honor his commitment to the University of Oregon.

So one would have to ask why the Blue Jays made this selection?

Maybe they are taking a risk and trying to low-ball a highly regarded arm when his chips are down. Or maybe they are hoping to use his slotted funds to improve their position with another tough sign later in the draft.

Regardless, this is another head-scratching selection for the Blue Jays.