Roemon Fields is on the Fast Track

In the past I have openly criticized the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system for the lack of position prospects, but more specifically the lack of outfield prospects.

At the end of the 2014 season there were only two outfielders in the upper minors that I felt were legitimate outfield prospects. Dalton Pompey is the obvious first choice, with Dwight Smith Jr. being the second.

Fast forward to the present. It may be time for me to re-evaluate my harsh stance on potential outfield prospects that occupy the Blue Jays have in the upper minors.

Anthony Alford hasn’t missed a beat since his promotion to Dunedin.

Jonathan Davis has done well with in Dunedin, but hasn’t been able to stay healthy enough for me to form an option.

Ian Parmley has been hit really well with the Fisher Cats, but doesn’t excite me as a prospect.

Which brings me to Roemon Fields.

I liked Fields last year as a member of the Vancouver Canadians and I’ve already been feeding the Roemon Fields hype train. 4 weeks ago I did a ‘Stock Watch’ piece on the speedy outfield, calling for his promotion to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

On June 26th, Fields played his first Double-A game as a member of the Fisher Cats going 1-for-5 with a strike out. It’s been a week since that first game and the Seattle native has played 5 games, collecting hits in all 5 games.

Here are some highlights from Fields first week in Double-A

• He has collected 3 hits in each of his past 3 games
• 4-for-4 in the stolen base department
• He has started in CF, which is a bloody big deal (not like TFC bloody big deal) because NH starting CF happens to be none other than Dalton Pompey.

With under 2 months left in the minor league season, is it possible that Fields will receive yet another promotion to finish the year with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons?

2015 stats

Betsided

If the 24-year-old continues his torrid pace a September call-up may even be in the cards, but that is putting the cart before the horse. The real question should be, what is Roemon Fields value and how has his 2015 performance effected other outfield prospects in the organization.

Fields value is will skyrocket if he is able to carry the success he’s had so far all the way to Buffalo. He plays a premium position and plays it well. He has the one skill that can’t be taught and doesn’t slump and that’s speed, which he uses to steal bases on a regular basis.

Speed is a great asset to have on it’s own, but he has the smarts and the ability/instincts to picks his spots (21-for-30 in SB at Double-A this year) unlike Anthony Gose who seemed to stop running once he to Triple-A. It will be his ability to limit the number of out he runs into that will allow him to be, at a minimum, a 4th outfielder.

Since moving to New Hampshire I have gotten a chance to watch his game. He can bunt. That’s right, I said bunt. Not just square up to bunt and hope for the best. No Fields has legitimate skills in the bunting department.

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In the field, Roemon also shows that he gets good reads, good jump, and takes a decent routes.

With the trade rumors swirling around Toronto and the Trade Deadline fast approach, it is possible that the talented CF is playing himself right out the organization. It is also possible that his play will make it easier for the Jays to include a Dwight Smith Jr. or D.J. Davis in any possible trades.

Regardless of where he ends up one thing has become clear since joining the Fisher Cats and that is Roemon Fields is on the fast track.