Blue Jays prospects get in on the MiLBY nominations

Sep 25, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Daniel Norris delivers a pitch against Seattle Mariners in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Best Starting Pitcher

Daniel Norris

Kendall Graveman

Kendall Graveman and Daniel Norris epitomized the big steps that the Blue Jays farm system took in 2014, as both skyrocketed through the Toronto system this past summer, with both players’ efforts culminating in September call-ups.

For Graveman, the rise was staggering. Starting the season in Low-A Lansing, the Mississippi State alum pitched at four different minor league stops in 2014 before making the jump to the Majors. The constant call-ups didn’t seem to hamper him either, as he was absolutely filthy, using a heavy sinker to post a combined 14-6 record in 27 starts with a 1.83 ERA, a 1.034 WHIP, a 3.71 K/BB ratio, and a 1.95 GO/AO ratio.

Not to be outdone, Norris put his foot on the throttle and pushed himself to the top of the Blue Jays prospect rankings.  The 21-year-old started his season at High-A Dunedin and represented the Jays in the All-Star Futures Game before jumping two more levels on his way to the Majors. In 26 appearances (25 starts), Norris went 12-2 with a 2.53 ERA and a huge 11.8 K/9 ratio.

Unfortunately, they’ll face some tough competition in this category from the likes of Pittsburgh’s Tyler Glasnow (12-5, 1.74 ERA, 11.4 K/9) and Boston’s duo of Henry Owens (17-5, 2.94 ERA, 10.4 K/9) and Brian Johnson (13-3, 2.13 ERA, 8.3 K/9).