John Gibbons impressed early with three players in camp

Toronto Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons appeared on Tim and Sid yesterday afternoon and had some high praise for three prospects turning heads in Dunedin.

Although spring training has only been in full swing for a week and the Blue Jays first Grapefruit League game is slated for this afternoon, John Gibbons has been impressed with three youngsters in camp thus far.

During the interview, Gibbons was asked the question “Who’s the young guy who has stuck out so far? Gibbons answered the question acknowledging three youngsters who have impressed him so far in Dunedin.

The 23-year old Cuban Lourdes Gurriel Jr. who the Jays signed in the offseason has impressed in the early stages of spring training. Gibbons had this to say about the smooth swinging infielder/outfielder.

"Gurriel looks like he could be the real deal, tall slender body, young kid, great athlete, maybe a quick comer and a part of the organization for a number of years."

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Rowdy Tellez has garnered some attention this offseason after Edwin Encarnacion departed for Cleveland. Tellez projects to be the Blue Jays first baseman of the future and could make the trip north at some point this season if he impresses in Buffalo.

"Tellez is probably our most advanced prospect, that’s knocking on the door, he will play in Triple-A this year as a first baseman."

Lastly, Gibbons praised 25-year old hurler Tim Mayza who spent last season between Dunedin and New Hampshire posting a 2.25 ERA with 65 strikeouts in 64 innings of work.

"There is a left-handed pitcher named Tim Mayza who has a good of an arm as your going to see and if he can harness that strike zone a little better, he’s got a chance to be really, really good."

To listen to the entire interview with Gibby, click HERE.

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Three names to keep tabs on as the spring progresses, first televised game is Sunday afternoon on Sportsnet.