Blue Jays Minor League Depth – Starting Pitching

Mar 12, 2014; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Ricky Romero (24) throws a pitch during the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Bounce Backs

–Ricky Romero– The Ballad of Ricky Ro

The former star that is Ricky Romero hopefully hasn’t burned out completely.  He still has the talent to be a good pitcher but his control for whatever reason is still elusive.  If he can capture even half of what he had when we signed him to the huge deal to be our staff ace he would still prove to be valuable.

–Jeff Francis– The journeyman

Last season he Francis played for 3 different teams.  This year he is looking to prove that he can still play ball.  The Jays provided him with an invite to spring training and he hopes to impress them to earn a job.  I think he was brought around to be depth rather than earning a starting job but he was once a solid pitcher.  Worse case scenario he is a veteran presence that will help the younger stars.

Long Shots

-Jeff Hoffman- The Phenom

This kid has all the tools to be an excellent pitcher.  Drafted in the 1st round of the draft last year despite having Tommy John right before the draft.  If this kid does well right off the bat he might be on the fast track to be heading to the show.  It has been said that he is possibly major league ready.  With the wealth of talent in the organization at the moment I would doubt they would place that much pressure on the rookie.

–Miguel Castro– Righty Rules

A solid performance through 3 levels of the Jays minor leagues should earn a promotion for this talented right hander.  He is ranked the Jays # 8 prospect and will start the year in the Florida State League at the lowest.  He has the skills to start the year in AA.  His smooth delivery should allow him to have sustained success.

Next: Should Blue Jays Consider a 6-Man Rotation?