Fisher Cats Batting Practice Footage

Here's some batting practice footage shot last month of several Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats players.

Clips include Andy Burns, Kevin Nolan, Ryan Schimpf, Jon Talley, Gabe Jacobo and more.  Check it out in the media player below.

1BJW Interview: A.J. Jimenez talks surgery, Futures Game and more

Ranked among the Blue Jays' top prospects, catcher A.J. Jimenez represented Toronto in this year's MLB Futures Game roughly a year after being sidelined in need of Tommy John surgery.  Back from rehab, the 23-year-old is putting forth very solid output this year, sporting a combined .349 average with two homers and 25 RBI in 39 games at two levels.

Selected in the 9th round of the 2008 amateur draft by Toronto, Jimenez has progressed steadily up the developmental ladder since turning pro. In 2011 in the Class A Advanced Florida State League, Jimenez sported a .303/.353/.417 line and was named a mid-season and post-season All-Star.  Last year, in the midst of another good campaign (.257 avg, two home runs, 10 RBI in 27 games), Jimenez was faced with the need for surgery and missed the remainder of the season.

This weekend I spoke with A.J. about his Futures Game experience, his recovery from surgery and plenty more.  Read ahead for that full interview.


- Last year you went through Tommy John surgery, something that's not very common among position players.  Take me through the process for you and the recovery stretch of it.

Yeah, I got hurt, like, three or four years ago.  I was playing with the pain, through something with the elbow.  Then last year, it came up again and then we just get it fixed.  And it was a long year, the rehab.  It was a long one, like a boring one.  But finally we are here, one-hundred percent, and I'm back playing.  I'm feeling great.


- During the time you were down in Dunedin rehabbing and working to get back, who was the biggest help to you as far as your recovery process went?

I would say the head guy, Jeff (Stevenson) he was helping me with the rehab and I was with the catching staff, with (Sal) Fasano all the time, working on the arm mechanics and all that stuff.  And, yeah, all the strength guys, they were great too, helping me, working and rehab and now finally I'm here.


- I spoke with you last year and I remember that you praised Sal a lot.  He was the manager with New Hampshire then and you said you looked up to him.  I know his role has changed within the organization, but what can you share with me about what Sal's role is and what he's doing overall?

He's the catchers' coordinator right now.  He's always traveling.  I haven't seen him in, like, two, three weeks.  But, he's (a) great guy and I'm learning a lot from him and he's the best guy for his job.


- You spoke about that elbow injury, having dealt with that for a while.  Was the ailment always there or did it go away for some time and come back?

It was always there.  I think I was getting used to it, playing when I was sore.  But, yeah, I just got tired of it and got it fixed.


- You're playing great this year, through 30 games with Double-A New Hampshire you've posted a .331 average and batted .429 in nine games with High A Dunedin.  What do you attribute to the solid success this season after returning from the injury?

I would say patience.  I was here last year, so I learned a little bit from last year too.  And I was just in my game, you know?  Just be confident back there, focused on catching good, hitting good.  That's what it's all about.


- You got a nice honor this year.  You got to go out and play at the MLB All-Star Futures Game.  Talk about that a bit...how did you get the news?  What was your reaction?  And how was the whole event for you?

It caught me by surprise, 'cause I was back 15 games at that time, playing, so my agent called me.  He was the first one and I didn't believe it at that time.  And then the manager called me into the office and then gave me the news.

It was a great experience, like, with big names on that team and I had fun.  It was the first time I've been in a big game like that.  It was fun.


- That game was at Citi Field, it's in New York, it's on a big stage.  Had you played in a big league park before?

No, that was the first time.  In front of a big crowd, in that big park, I was excited.


- That's cool.  You got to go out there and I know you drove from Reading, up to New York, with a couple Phillies guys, Jesse Biddle and Maikel Franco.  Did you get to bond with those guys at all?

Yeah.  I played (against) them, like three or four times this year.  We talked a lot in the car and they're great guys.


- You talked about playing on that big stage, playing in that big league park, clearly playing there regularly is the goal for every player.  But, when you get a sample of that, does that make you hungrier to get back there and play in those big parks again?

Yeah, sure.  I mean, it was like I was a big leaguer for one day.  I just want to stay there and now I'm fighting and working harder to get there.


- Some former big leaguers were coaches for those teams.  Was there anyone you got to meet that made a big impression on you, or you were able to talk to and learn things from?

I would say Edgardo Alfonso, he was the main guy from us.  He was a great guy.  We talked about the game and all that stuff.  But, yeah, he was a great guy.


- That's good to hear.  You're from Puerto Rico, so I think there might be an obvious answer to this question, but as a catcher from Puerto Rico, what players did you look up to most?

I would say back in the days it was Pudge (Rodriguez).  I always looked at Pudge like my big guy.  But, now, I would say (Yadier) Molina.  He's great at that position.  I mean, I'm not trying to be him, but I'm trying to get close.

Marcus Stroman Bullpen Footage

Marcus Stroman was the Blue Jays' 1st round pick a year ago when he was selected 22nd overall out of Duke University in the annual MLB amateur draft.  Since that time, the 22-year-old has made a considerable impact on the pro ranks, posting a 3-0 record with a 3.26 ERA in 15 relief appearances with A level Vancouver and Double-A New Hampshire upon making his minor league debut last season and following that up with a 5-2 record and a 3.16 ERA as a starter this year for New Hampshire. 

On Friday night, Stroman threw seven innings, allowing two earned runs for a no decision in Trenton.  Prior to the contest, I filmed this footage of him getting loose in the bullpen.  Get a close look at this rising star in the media player below. 

Interview Excerpts: Fisher Cats RHP Tyson Brummett

Recently our pal Jay Floyd of PhoulBallz.com chatted with New Hampshire Fisher Cats hurler Tyson Brummett.  Claimed off waiver by the Blue Jays from the Phillies organization last off-season, the 28-year-old was a veteran addition to the system, but hasn't had much luck this season.  Through 10 outings with the Double-A Fisher Cats, Brummett has a 0-3 record with a 5.59 ERA.

Here are some highlights from Jay's interview with Tyson...

On the differences between the Toronto and Philadelphia organizations-

There's always a lot of differences. I was in that organization for a long time. I grew up with a lot of those guys, you know, roommates and people like that, coming up through the ranks. This is my first time in a different organization, obviously there are new people, new faces. At the end of the day, it's still baseball. You've gotta go out there and perform and do all those fun things on the field.


On pitching against the Phils' Double-A team in Reading and putting forth his best effort of the season, with six shut out innings-

I mean it's always...you get up to face your old organization. I know there's guys that jump around and have played for three or four different organizations. I think there's that kind of connection there. They know you and you know them and things like that, but you always want to go out and put on a show for the team that you used to be with and obviously the team that you're with against your old team. Kind of like giving a message like, "Hey, I can still help a team win."


On who has been the biggest help to him with the Blue Jays-

I mean, honestly, there's a lot of veteran guys both here, in Double-A and at Triple-A. I think I probably learned the most, it was my first big league (spring training) this year, I had a lot of guys that I played with and Northwoods League and collegiate leagues. Once you've played this game and you move around, it's hard to not run into somebody you've played and vice versa. It's just really good communication over here. Lots of friends. They went out this year and picked up a lot of veteran guys, so it's a lot of guys that have been all over the place, so you feel like you have an instant connection with them, 'cause they're kind of in the same boat you are. I think overall it's pretty welcoming.


To read the full interview with Tyson, including details on his time playing in the Venezuelan Winter League, click here.

1BJW Interview: Fisher Cats Manager Gary Allenson

Former big league catcher Gary Allenson has a career in professional baseball that dates back to 1976 when he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox. In a big league career that included six years with the Red Sox and a small stint in 1985 with the Blue Jays, Allenson batted .221 with 19 home runs and 131 RBI in 416 games.

Since his playing career ended, Allenson has managed in the minors for the Yankees, the Rangers, the Orioles, the Brewers and the Astros.  Additionally, the 58-year-old has served as a coach in the big leagues with the Orioles and Red Sox.

Currently the manager of the Blue Jays' Double-A affiliate in New Hampshire, Gary sat down with minor league insider Jay Floyd last week to chat about his transition into coaching, his time playing in the big leagues, his Fisher Cats players and plenty more. Check out the media player below to hear the full interview.

Press Release: NH Coach Adopts Dog at Ballpark

Via a press release from the Trenton Thunder, Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees-

(TRENTON, NJ) -  Some dogs "roll over", some can "shake hands" and others "speak", but you can bet that newly adopted "Dee Dee's" favorite trick will be fetching baseballs.   

Pitching coach Tom Signore of the visiting New Hampshire Fisher Cats has adopted "Dee Dee", a year old Yorkshire Terrior, who was featured at ARM & HAMMER Park as the Trenton Thunder and Northstar VETS "Dog of the Day" on Thursday, May 9.  The adoption paperwork with Res-Q-Pets of Trenton was finalized today and "Dee Dee" will be making her first baseball road trip after the game as she rides the team bus back to New Hampshire.  Tom said he's considering re-naming his new puppy "Thunder".  

At all 71 Thunder home games, a different "Dog of the Day" is paraded around the field in front of the crowd and a description of the potential pet is read over the public address system.  Fans are invited to "meet" the dog in person or to pick up a flyer at the NJM Fan Services Center on the concourse.  After the game, the dog's picture is posted on the "Dog of the Day" photo gallery accessed through the team's facebook page.

The NorthStar VETS "Dog of the Day" program, now in its seventh season, has helped hundreds of dogs find homes with Thunder fans and staff members over the years but this is the first time a member of one of the teams has adopted.

 New Hampshire won two of four contests at Trenton's Arm & Hammer Park over the weekend.

An Interview with THE Sleeper Prospect in the Toronto Blue Jays Organization

OF Prospect Kevin Pillar

We love cheering for guys like this.

A guy who spent a full 4 years in a division II college. A guy who was drafted in 2011 in the 32nd round, 979th overall.

Generally guys drafted this low either sign immediately for peanuts and start in short season ball or don't sign at all.

In 2011 in the Appalachian League with the Bluefield Bluejays he won the batting title with a .347 average in 236 at bats.

In 2012 in the Midwest League he won the MVP award despite only playing 85 of a possible 137 games with the Lansing Lugnuts. He was also chosen one of only six to represent the Blue Jays organization in the Arizona Fall League and worked his way off the taxi roster and into in the lead off spot.

He got some love on the early 2013 season prospects lists.

This year he made the jump to the Eastern League with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and he has a .331/.380/.470 slash line in 151 at bats, which is pretty damn close to his career numbers since starting in pro ball, which are .331/.376/.470. At 24 he is no longer considered old for his level.

All this accomplished and many scouts still doubt his ability to make an impact in the Major Leagues.

BP on Kevin Pillar "super grinder; fringy prospect who will profile as a backup at the absolute best"
— Clint(@StivBators) May 6, 2013

And you know what? They might be right.

We would argue he has the best hit tool in the entire system, has great wheels - he grabbed 51 bags in 60 attempts last year - and can play all three OF positions.

Even if all he ended up being is a fourth OF or a chip in a trade someday, everyone should be talking about this guy more. Or at the very least, know his name.

Below is an interview our boy Jay Floyd of PhoulBallz.com & other fine media outlets did a few days back with Kevin Pillar. In it they discuss why he plays the game with a chip on his shoulder, gives a scouting report of himself and what his mentality is depending on where he hits in the order.

Click here for his complete stats.

RHP Deck McGuire Video Footage

Righty pitching prospect Deck McGuire picked up his second win of the season for Double-A New Hampshire on Thursday night against the Trenton Thunder (Yankees affiliate).  The Blue Jays' 1st round draft choice from 2010 allowed two earned runs while striking out two and walking three batters in five innings.

The victory took McGuire's record to 2-3 on the year.  He also sports a 5.11 ERA and a .246 batting average against.

Check out the media player below to see footage of the 23-year-old McGuire warming up in the bullpen, striking out Trenton's J.R. Murphy looking and getting Ali Castillo to ground into a fielders choice.

RHP Marcus Walden Video Footage

Double-A New Hampshire righty hurler Marcus Walden has been a bit of a surprise performer thus far in the 2013 season.  A 9th round draft pick of the Blue Jays in 2007, Walden has posted a 1-3 record with a 2.97 ERA while striking out 15 and walking eight in 33 1/3 innings pitched through six starts for the Fisher Cats.

The California native, who stands six feet tall and weighs 190 pounds, entered this season with a 26-18 record along with a 3.62 ERA in five pro seasons, having missed all of 2010 due to an injury.  Additionally, Walden, who is 24-years-old, is armed with a sinker, a cutter, a slider and a change up.

This past week, I shot some video of Walden.  The below clip features some pregame bullpen footage, a strike out of Trenton's Reegie Corona and a single surrendered to Thunder designated hitter Tyler Austin.

1BJW Interview: RHP Sam Dyson

News dropped on Wednesday night that 24-year-old righty hurler Sam Dyson would be promoted to Toronto's big league roster.

After missing 2011 following elbow surgery, Dyson, a 4th round draft selection out of the University of South Carolina in 2010, began this season with Class A Advanced Dunedin and earned a promotion to Double-A New Hampshire.

In 21 games this season combined at the two levels, the 6-foot-2-inch 205-pounder who sports a mid-90's fastball, posted a 2-0 record with 3 saves and a 2.56 ERA.

Last month I spoke with Sam about his recovery & rehab, his success this season, New Hampshire and plenty more. Read ahead to check out that interview.


-You certainly had a solid start to your pro career this year. What do you attribute to such great success?

I just try to get ahead in the count and make my pitches no matter what the count is as well. Pretty much just staying healthy and getting out there, every opportunity I have.


-You began the season with Dunedin as a starter, then moved up to New Hampshire, where you were moved to the bullpen. Do you have a preference for either role? And was it a more difficult or an easier switch than you have expected?

I think pitching in Dunedin was a little easier routine wise. Being on a five-day schedule, you know when you have to work out and you can have a little more time for your arm to recover, 'cause here, you might have an idea of when you're throwing, (or) you might not have an idea. It's a completely different routine, throwing before the game and having to sit down for a couple hours. That's just the main difference.


-I wanted to get some thoughts from you on your surgery and the recovery process overall.

I had Tommy John Surgery in October, 2010. The usual recovery time is, like, 12-16 months, or something like that. Mine took a little longer. I wasn't going to play last year anyway. I was down in Dunedin. I stayed there all off-season. I live in Tampa, so it was a 40-minute drive, so it wasn't too bad. I drove over there every day and rehabbed with the Blue Jays training staff.


-Were there any real setbacks, or did everything go as expected?

I think everybody has setbacks along the way, whether it's early on or, you know, once they get out here in the games. Sometimes you've got to break a little scar tissue up and stuff like that. I think mine happened at 11 months. I was right before Instructs, so they shut me down for, like, two months and then I started throwing again and that led into spring training and thank God I'm out here playing.


-Coming off being drafted that year, you had to be super excited to be selected by Toronto. Did the down time with the injury take away from that and did it make you hungrier?

I mean, it makes you hungrier whenever you're not out there playing because you definitely want to get out there. You just try to work as hard as you can, whether you're injured or whether you're not injured. I think when you're injured, you kind of see things from a different light just because everyone else is out there working their butt off and you want to do more and more and more to get out there sooner.


-And we mentioned you joining the New Hampshire club here after some time in the Florida State League this year...do you have anything thoughts on New Hampshire, the facilities, the community there?

The community is nice. It seems like it's always raining up there. We haven't had too many sunny days. And the complex is very nice. It seems like a college atmosphere. Not night-life wise, just the fans. There's a bunch of fans, like four or five thousand people every night. It's a great place to play!


-If you had the opportunity to give advice to young players that might wish to play baseball in college or in the pro's, what advice would you give?

I would say- Believe in yourself and work as hard as you can, whenever you have to opportunity to. And do the right things on and off the field and things will work out for you.

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Interview with Brian Bocock

Our boy Jay took some time out of his busy schedule a few weeks back and sat down with the utility infielder extraordinaire. Looking at the logjam of similar players within the Blue Jays organization, Bocock has been plying his trade in the Eastern League this year.

Based on organizational depth, Bocock, a Stetson University product that was a 9th round draft choice of San Francisco in 2006, is officially blocked by:

Omar Vizquel
Mike McCoy
Jon Diaz
Chris Woodward

These all glove, minimal bat, backup shortstop types are great players to have around and I wonder if a few of them have some value, perhaps as a throw in, at the trade deadline.

The 27-year-old Bocock has big league experience with both the Giants and the Phillies. In 31 games this season for the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Bocock has posted a .258 batting average with 7 doubles, 12 RBI and 5 stolen bases.

1BJW Interview: Brett Cecil

As Brett Cecil continues on his journey back to the Majors, the 25-year-old has had some ups and downs this season. Over last off-season, the lefty hurler dropped significant weight and ran into problems with his location and fastball velocity this spring, as he learned to adapt to pitching with his "new body".

He had been improving with Double-A New Hampshire, in recent outings. Through 7 starts, Cecil had posted a 3-2 record with a 3.71 ERA. Over his previous 4 starts, Cecil had posted a 1.66 ERA and most recently, his velocity was back in the 90's.

Cecil got the start for NH in Trenton on Friday night and his velocity maxed out at 88 MPH. In the outing, a no decision, Cecil threw 5 2/3 innings while allowing 10 hits, 2 earned runs and 3 walks while striking out 5.

After the game was suspended with a 2-2 tie in the 8th inning, due to rain, I spoke with Brett about his progress, his adaptation to the weight loss, how his manager Sal Fasano has impacted his season and plenty more. Check out the media player below to hear the full interview.




As a bonus, here's a video clip of Cecil striking out Trenton Thunder player Luke Murton.



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Hot Prospects: May Edition

Throughout the minors, there are so many players to keep up with.  It is often difficult to know who or what to pay attention to.  With that in mind, right here, right now we'll take a glance at some of the top performers throughout the Blue Jays' system this season and get you all caught up.


Lansing Lugnuts….34-13 record, 1st place in the Class A Midwest League’s Eastern division.

David Rollins, a 24th round draft choice out of San Jacinto College North last year, has posted outstanding numbers for the Lugnuts. The 22-year-old lefty hurler has a 4-0 record with a 2.64 ERA while striking out 41 batters and walking just 15 in 44 1/3 innings through 10 starts this season. Rollins, who stands 6-feet-1-inch tall and weighs around 195 pounds, sports a 1.45 ERA in 4 road games this year. Last year, in 7 combined starts with Bluefield and Vancouver, Rollins went 4-0 with a 1.77 ERA.

Outfielder Chris Hawkins, a 3rd round draft selection in 2010, has put up some excellent numbers for Lansing as well. The 20-year-old has a .327 batting average with 6 doubles, 2 triples and 1 HR while driving in 15 runs in 42 games this season. He has also stolen 6 bases without being caught. In his previous two professional seasons, mainly in the Gulf Coast League and at rookie level Bluefield, Hawkins, a lefty hitter, tallied a .290 batting average with a .783 OPS.

Andrew Burns is another one of the Lugnuts’ offensive threats. The 21-year-old was drafted last season in the 11th round by Toronto out of the University of Arizona. Through 42 games this season, the shortstop is batting .283 with 15 doubles, 2 triples, 7 HR and 22 RBI. His .931 OPS is second best in the league. The righty hitting Burns batted .250 with 3 HR and 14 RBI in 28 combined games last year for the GCL Blue Jays and with short-season Class A Vancouver.


Dunedin Blue Jays….31-17 record, 1st place in the Class A Advanced Florida State League’s North division.

Gabe Jacobo has put up some very solid production for Dunedin. The Rule 5 draft selection from last year, out of the Angels system, has hit .301 with 11 doubles, 2 homers and 17 RBI through 20 games this season. The 25-year-old Jacobo, who plays first base, is a right-handed hitter that was a career .284 hitter in the minors before joining the Toronto system.

Left-handed hurler Sean Nolin may be on the verge of a promotion, as his numbers just keep getting better in the FSL. The 22-year-old, who was drafted in the 6th round by Toronto in 2010, has gone 5-0 with a 2.25 ERA while striking out 57 batters in 56 innings over 10 starts for Dunedin. The San Jacinto Junior College product, who stands 6-feet-5-inches tall and weighs 235 pounds, went 4-4 with a 3.49 ERA with 113 K’s in 108 1/3 innings pitched last season for Lansing.

Dunedin’s closer, Danny Barnes, has a 1-1 record with 16 saves and a 2.08 ERA in 22 appearances this season. The Princeton University product was a 35th round draft selection in 2010 by the Blue Jays. The right-handed Barnes has a 1.69 ERA in 10 May games. In his previous 2 pro seasons, Barnes posted a 6-2 record with a 2.26 ERA and a .203 batting average against in 66 games (2 starts).


New Hampshire Fisher Cats…19-27 record, 5th place in the Double-A Eastern League’s Eastern division.

Ryan Goins has been scorching hot all season for NH. The lefty hitting second baseman has a .331 batting average with 12 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR and 22 RBI through 44 games this season. In 22 May games, the lefty batting Goins has posted a remarkable .380 batting average. Goins, 24, was a 4th round draft pick in 2009.

Catcher Sean Ochinko has done a very good job filling in for injured counterpart AJ Jimenez (elbow ligament). In 6 games since joining the Fisher Cats, the 24-year-old Louisiana State University product is batting .333 with 2 doubles and 2 HR.

Left-handed reliever Aaron Loup has continued a strong campaign out of the NH bullpen. The 24-year-old is 0-1 with 2 saves and a 1.46 ERA in 20 relief outings this season. Drafted in the 9th round by Toronto in 2009, Loup made the Midwest League All-star team the following year in his first full season as a pro. Loup could be well on his way to getting another such honor this season if his production keeps up.


Las Vegas 51’s….25-23 record, 3rd place in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League’s Southern division.

Highly touted shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria is posting strong numbers for the 51’s. Through 47 games played, the Cuba native is batting .322 with 14 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR and 34 RBI with 6 stolen bases. Hechavarria, 23, was a career .255 hitter with 12 HR in 2 seasons in the minors prior to this year.

Catcher Travis d’Arnaud, fresh off an MVP season in the Eastern League, is having another big year. Through 40 games, the 22-year-old is hitting .307 with a team leading 10 HR and 25 RBI. d'Arnaud was, of course, acquired from Philadlephia in the December, 2009 Roy Halladay trade.

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1BJW Interview: AJ Jimenez

New Hampshire Fisher Cats' backstop A.J. Jimenez is ranked among the top prospects in the Toronto system by virtually every outlet that ranks such things. Regularly praised for his defense and his abilities guiding a pitching staff, Jimenez is among the deep group of catchers the Blue Jays have in the minor league system.

Thus far this season, the 22-year-old Puerto Rico native has posted a .257 average with 2 homeruns and 10 RBI in 27 games in the Double-A Eastern League.

Taken in the 9th round of the 2008 amateur draft by Toronto, Jimenez has progressed steadily up the developmental ladder since turning pro. Last season with the Class A Advanced Florida State League, Jimenez sported a .303/.353/.417 line and was named a mid-season and post-season All-Star.

Recently, I spent some time chatting with AJ and he talked about his draft process, playing for New Hampshire, his manager Sal Fasano and plenty more. Check out the media player below to hear that interview.



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1BJW Interview: LHP Prospect Aaron Loup

Lefty hurler Aaron Loup has been a standout contributor out of the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats' bullpen thus far in 2012.

Loup, who was the Blue Jays' 9th round draft selection in 2009, began the season with 13 scoreless appearances.  Since then, he has allowed runs in back-to-back outings, but he still sports very impressive numbers.  Entering action on Thursday, the Tulane University product had posted a 1.76 ERA with no decisions and 1 save while striking out 11 batters and walking 4 in 15 1/3 innings.

The 24-year-old Loup has moved up the developmental rankings steadily since turning pro, progressing one level each season.

Last week, I spoke with Aaron about his early success, playing in New Hampshire, his pitch repertoire and plenty more.  Check out the media player below to hear the full interview. 



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Mark Sobolewski Postgame Interview

As well thought out as it is to play match ups in baseball, it's always remarkable when you see a team make a smart move and have it completely blow up in their faces.  That exactly what happened to Trenton Thunder manager Tony Franklin in the 7th inning against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats on Saturday night, when, with runners on 2nd and 3rd, the veteran baseball man elected to issue an intentional walk to switch-hitting slugger Mike McDade.  Immediately, NH clean up hitter Mark Sobolewski stepped up and delivered a huge blow, with a grand slam to break a 2-2 tie.

The Thunder battled back to tie the game, but the Fisher Cats locked down a 7-6 win in 10 innings.

After the game, I spoke with the man they call "Sobo" about his big hit, the mentality of the on-deck hitter when the other team issues an intentional walk and more.  Check out the media player to hear that interview.



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1BJW Interview: Ryan Goins

Infielder Ryan Goins, a 4th round draft choice of the Blue Jays in 2009, has been hot as of late with the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats.  The 24-year-old has posted a .372 batting average with 5 extra base hits, 8 RBI and 3 steals in his last 10 games as the team's lead off hitter.

Overall, the Texas native is sporting a .298/.336/.433 line in 26 games for the Fisher Cats.


This week I had the opportunity to speak with Ryan about his success this year, his work at improving, his draft experience and plenty more.  I even set off a bit of a false alarm, asking Ryan about the potential for Yankees legend Andy Pettitte to face NH in a possible tune up start with the Thunder, however Pettitte is set to pitch for the Yanks' Triple-A club this weekend instead.

Check out the media player below to hear that full interview.


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1BJW Interview: NH Pitching Coach Tom Signore

In the early going this season, the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats are already known for their well-regarded pitching prospects. The man that guides those young hurlers is pitching coach Tom Signore.

The weekend before last, I had the opportunity to sit down with the coach and get his thoughts on various pitchers for his club including Drew Hutchison, Chad Jenkins, Deck McGuire as well as newly promoted Blue Jay Evan Crawford and a guy fighting to return to the Blue Jays, Brett Cecil. Tom also spoke about his love for New Hampshire and more.

Check out the media player below to listen to all the exclusive comments from NH pitching coach Tom Signore.


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1BJW Interview: LHP Evan Crawford

With Blue Jays reliever Sergio Santos missing some time on paternity leave, Toronto called up left-hander Evan Crawford from Double-A New Hampshire on Friday. Crawford, 25, was a member of the Fisher Cats club that won the Eastern League championship last year.

In three outings with the Fisher Cats this season, the 8th round draft pick from 2008, has not allowed a run. Additionally, this spring, with the big league club, Crawford struck out 5, walked 1 and allowed no hits or runs in 4 innings.

Last week, prior to Crawford's promotion, I spoke with the Alabama native about his time with the big club in spring training, his pitch repertoire, his coaches and plenty more. Check out the media player below to listen to the full interview.




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1BJW Interview: RHP Prospect Chad Jenkins

Righty pitching prospect Chad Jenkins had a solid season debut last week, in his start at Trenton. The Blue Jays' first round draft choice from 2009, recorded a win when he tossed 6 innings of 5-hit, 1-run ball while striking out 2 and walking none against the Yankees affiliate for the Double-A Fisher Cats.

Last season, the Kennesaw State product posted a 9-12 record with a 3.70 ERA in 27 combined starts at Class A Advanced Dunedin and Double-A New Hampshire.

After his first win of the 2012 season, the 24-year-old took some time to answer some questions about his pitch repertoire, Twitter, his coaches in the Toronto developmental ranks and much more. Check out the media player below to hear the full interview.



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