Blue Jays: 5 Prospects off to disappointing starts on the farm

Feb 25, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Lourdes Gurriel (13) looks on from the dugout in the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Lourdes Gurriel (13) looks on from the dugout in the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 25, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Richard Urena (15) throws a ball in the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Richard Urena (15) throws a ball in the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Richard Urena- New Hampshire Fisher Cats

Richard Urena has been thought to be the future replacement for Troy Tulowitzki when his tenure with the Jays eventually comes to an end. The 21-year old shortstop has impressed in Grapefruit League action play during the past two springs and was near the top on the depth chart when the season broke. So far this Urena has had an uninspiring season with the lumber batting .212 with 2 home runs in 36 games with New Hampshire.

So far this Urena has had an uninspiring season with the lumber batting .212 with 2 home runs in 36 games with New Hampshire. In his past 10 games, he is hitting an even lower .190 although he did hit safely in four consecutive games.

Urena last season hit a respectable .295 with 153 hits and 8 home runs in 127 games between Dunedin and New Hampshire. The native of the Dominican Republic already has 417 professional games under his belt even though the switch-hitter is only 21 years of age.

The young shortstop is a great bounce back candidate for the second half and if I were a betting man I would put money on Urena ending the season near the .300 mark with a dozen round trippers. He is an underrated talent who will open some eyes before it’s all said and done.