Blue Jays way too early Spring Training predictions
By Craig Borden
Rowdy Tellez has monster spring
If you are yet to hear about Rowdy Tellez and the raw power he possesses, get ready to watch. The Jays Journals #4 prospect for 2017 has done nothing but rake in the minor leagues the past few seasons. The former 30th round pick is looking like a steal. Tellez has shown plenty of pop while being able to maintain a high batting average.
Tellez slots in at 1B defensively, but will also see time at DH because of his abilities with the lumber. Tellez is destined to start the season in Triple-A with the Buffalo Bisons currently, but an impressive early showing will have him in the Jays thoughts if the offence struggles out of the gate this season.
Over the past 2 years in the Minors, he has hit 37 home runs across 3 different levels. The majority of those home runs came this past season where he spent the entire year in Double-A with the Fisher Cats. He would finish the season with 29 doubles, 2 triples, and 23 home runs, and an impressive triple slash line of .297/ .387/ .530.
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Tellez was not just a power source, but a productive batter as well. He owned a .387 OBP and had a good walk to strikeout ratio (63 walks to 92 k’s). This gave him the ability to drive in 81 RBIs and score 71 runs. Tellez is the complete package of sustainable power that would be crucial in the depths of the Blue Jays attack.
He also played a solid first base this past season. He may not be as good defensively as Justin Smoak, but the upside potential at the plate might make him stand out. Tellez did play 101 games at first base this past season. He owned a solid .992 fielding percentage and committed only 7 errors while collecting 841 put outs. A hot start from Tellez this Spring and in Buffalo could eventually push Steve Pearce to left field to create room for the youngster.