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Blue Jays: A 20-year review of the top-ranked organizational prospects

By Cory Hildenbrand

TORONTO - APRIL 21: Alex Gonzalez #11 and Vernon Wells #10 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate Gonzalez's run against the Kansas City Royals during a MLB game at the Rogers Centre April 21, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages / Getty Images)
TORONTO - APRIL 21: Alex Gonzalez #11 and Vernon Wells #10 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate Gonzalez's run against the Kansas City Royals during a MLB game at the Rogers Centre April 21, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages / Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JULY 10: Travis Snider #45 of the Toronto Blue Jays runs back to the dugout after the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on July 10, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Blue Jays defeated the Indians 7-1. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JULY 10: Travis Snider #45 of the Toronto Blue Jays runs back to the dugout after the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on July 10, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Blue Jays defeated the Indians 7-1. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

2005 – Brandon League

Brandon League was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 2001 amateur draft in the 2nd round (59th overall). League was ranked as the 69th best prospect on the top 100 list.  League was a failed starter turned bullpen arm. He never started an MLB game. As a reliever, he did manage a 12 yr career split between 3 different teams. His most success came as a member of the Seattle Mariners where he would produce one all-star season with 37 saves as their closer.

Hindsight Alternates-. Aaron Hill 1x all-star, 2x silver slugger

Who did they miss in the draft – Ryan Howard was drafted in the 5th round. 3x all-star, 1x MVP,

2007 – Adam Lind

Adam Lind was selected by the Jays in the 3rd round of the 2005 amateur entry draft (83 overall).  Lind had been ranked as the 39th best prospect on top 100 lists.  He was never an all-star but did produce one silver slugger award over his 12 yr career (9 with the Jays).

Hindsight Alternates- The farm was pretty thin so the options were limited

Who did they miss in the draft – Ben Zobrist was drafted in the 6th round. 3x all-star, 2x world series winner, 1x world series MVP

2008 & 2009 – Travis Snider

Travis Snider was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 2006 amateur entry draft in the 1st round ( 14th overall). Travis was ranked as the 11th and 6th best prospect on top 100 lists. Travis has played in parts of 10 MLB seasons with 3 different organizations and is currently attempting a comeback with the Diamondbacks. He always had a high strikeout rate and just hasn’t managed to stick.

Hindsight Alternates- Again the farm was pretty barren. I could throw out Brett Cecil who has had a 10 yr career and 1x all-star.

Who did they miss in the draft –Dellin Betances was selected in the 8th round. 4x all-star and 621 career strikeouts in only 381.2 innings.

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