Blue Jays: Five Surprise Players in Spring Training

Feb 15, 2017; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons (5) talks as he watches pitchers and catchers warm up before the first work out at Cecil P. Englebert Recreation Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons (5) talks as he watches pitchers and catchers warm up before the first work out at Cecil P. Englebert Recreation Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 21, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Jon Berti (60) hits a 2-RBI single during the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Jon Berti (60) hits a 2-RBI single during the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Jon Berti

Jon Berti has been “Steady Eddy” all spring, a consistent hard-nosed utility player who plays the game the way it is meant to be played. It would appear that Berti has climbed the infield depth chart this spring and is a good bet to make his major league debut at some point during the 2017 season.

The 27-year old is batting .297 with 11 hits, 5 runs batted in and a team-leading 8 runs scored while swiping 2 bags in 4 attempts in 37 at bats. Berti has the capability to play second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield positions which make him an invaluable asset to any manager.

Last season Berti hit .256 with 80 hits, 4 home runs and 36 stolen bases in 45 attempts between three minor league levels. Berti owns a professional career .262/.350/.354 slash line with 249 stolen bases in 689 minor league games,

Berti will more than likely begin the season in Triple-A with the Bisons however with the health issues surrounding Devon Travis and Ryan Goins inability to make consistent contact, Berti’s MLB debut may not be far off.

The former 18th round draft pick of the Blue Jays in 2011 will look to build off his solid spring campaign and wait for the call from the big club. Sooner or later Gibby will require a speedy multi-positional player to fill a hole on the MLB roster.