Blue Jays: The Rule 5 Draft and 5 Possible Targets

Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Devenski, 25 years old, AA, RHP, Astros

The best quote I could find about Chris Devenski came from Devenski himself:

"“No days off,” he said. “I’ve always had a good work ethic. I’ve always been able to take pride in that. But I’m at a point where I can always take it to another level.”"

The quote came from after he threw a rain-shortened no-hitter and continued to work after his start was shortened. At the time, he was heading into the All-Star break with a 7-1 record and 1.23 ERA. The wheels came off a bit after that point, but he still managed an impressive season overall. On his stuff, he had this to add:

"“I continue to throw [the changeup] every day and work on it. My curveball is getting there. My fastball command is getting there,” he said. “So, continue to work on that and continue to work harder every day.”"

Compiling all of the thoughts and reports I’ve read about Devenski I could point to his persistence as a major reason for his success. Regardless of the hiccups he’s faced along the way, he’s overcome them by being persistent and putting the work in to make the right changes. He’s not the kind of guy who’s going to depend on his talent to get him ahead.

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There’s a lot to be said for someone who recognizes that you need to put the work in to get the results you’re looking for. So many times, the player has the talent but isn’t willing to put in the work needed to bring it to the surface.

The reason he gets beat up by some scouting reports is that his changeup is really his only plus pitch. Sounds like a Marco Estrada kind of guy when you read through it all, as his fastball is on the fringes and doesn’t get past 93 MPH. But he throws is accurately and can also throw a curve for strikes, so as long as he keeps hitters off balance, he should find success.

Now, on most MLB teams Devenski would have been a guaranteed protect guy. After all, he’s still listed as the 18th best Astros prospect on MLB.com, in what may be one of the 5 strongest systems in baseball. In fact, if you bring him to Toronto, I’d dare to say he could be in our top 10.

We’ll finish off Devenski’s look with the “Getting to know” Chris Devenski video (awkward reporter, but some great info)

Next: A lefty with heat? Raw arm talent to dream on...