Blue Jays way too early Spring Training predictions

Dalton Pompey wins left field job

As of this moment, it appears that the Blue Jays are going to be heading into the season with a platoon in left field.  This means that someone could possibly come to Spring Training this year and impress enough to take the job all for themselves.  This is similar to what happened a few years ago at 2nd base.  Going into the spring the Blue Jays had a few players that they planned on playing in at second base.  Devon Travis came to the Jays camp for the first time and ran away with the job.  He has since been the Jays every day 2nd baseman when healthy.

The current competition is putting Melvin Upton, Ezequiel Carrera, and Dalton Pompey against each other.  We have seen what Zeke and Upton can do this past season, but we are yet to see what Pompey is capable of, forgetting his short stint at the starter in 2015.  Upton and Zeke offer a solid floor in talent, but Pompey represents a wild card with a possible high ceiling.  Pompey was on Baseball America’s top 100 list at #30 prior to the 2015 season.

Over the last year, Pompey battled some leg injuries but still managed to hit .270 in 93 games with the Buffalo Bisons.  He appears to be becoming a more mature hitter at the plate.  He took 40 walks while striking out 72 times while collecting a .349 OBP.  Pompey has also been hitting the ball hard and has great wheels to go with it.  This can turn into plenty of extra bases.  He was able to hit 14 doubles, 1 triples, and 4 home runs.  He also piled on 18 stolen bases to go with the extra base hits.

Pompey has an ability that has been lacking in the Blue Jays attack over the past few years.  His speed could offer the Jays a leadoff hitter that they have been searching for all too long.  If Pompey can produce in the .270 batting average area in the Majors, he will be a potent weapon in a strong attack.  He also has the tools to be a great defender in left, being a natural in centre.  This defense could prove vital as the Jays pitchers need all the coverage that they can get.

Pompey will be getting a strong look this Spring.  If he gets off to a good start Gibby could give him the same shot that he got a few seasons ago.  This time I would expect Pompey to run away with the job if he is given the second opportunity.