Blue Jays Minor League Depth – Short Stop

Mar 1, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) and teammates stretch during spring training workouts at Bobby Mattick Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Long Shots

–Kevin Nolan– Utility man

Nolan started last season in New Hampshire playing all main infield positions and finished in AAA Buffalo doing the same thing.  He is able to play all 4 infield positions well.  Spending most of his time at short stop is why he makes the list here.  Playing in a total of 93 games at short between both leagues and holding onto a solid fielding percentage of .953 for the season stands out.  I would imagine if they can commit a position to Nolan he would perform well defensively for an entire season.  This would also allow him to focus on his hitting which he needs to improve.  The potential for him as a line drive hitter is there and could evolve into some more power if he becomes more selective.  In 123 games last season he was able to square up 23 doubles, 2 triples, and 5 home runs.  This lead him to drive in 41 RBI last season and score 50 runs.  I hope he finds a home at short so he can focus on hitting because he has the ability to hit the ball hard.

Toronto Blue Jays

–Emilio Guerrero– Where would you like me to play?

Throughout his minor league career so far Guerrero has bounced around from position to position.  He has experience at 2B, SS, 3B, and CF.  He has spent the bulk of the past couple seasons at short stop and looks pretty good there defensively.  Last season in Dunedin he appeared in 76 of his 105 games at short.  In the time at short he had 19 errors in 313 chances to post a .939 fielding percentage.  Playing solid defense will continue to get him playing time but he could improve at the plate and become a solid prospect.  Posting a .258 batting average in 424 at bats is not terrible but does not stand out from the crowd.  He does have some good pop that couple translate to more hits but so far it has been all or nothing.  Last season he produced 21 doubles and 9 home runs in Dunedin.  If he becomes more selective at the plate he could be an imposing hitter.  Only walking 21 times in 424 at bats is pretty low.  If he could wait for a decent pitch his batting average could climb and have further power output.

All Statistic information provided by baseball-reference.com.

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