* With the Toronto Blue Jays potentially shopping for help before the July 31 trade deadline, some prospects, including RHP Aaron Sanchez, could find themselves on the move. Here's an updated look at the Jays' minor-league power rankings. .... 2014 Canadians drafted … Canadians in the Minors … Canadians in College 2015 Canadian draft list Letters of Intent

 

Previous weeks: Case lone Van Canuck, Jays prospects Rankings WVII ... Romano signs with Jays  ... Short one for Sanchez, Jays prospects VI    Burns versatile, Jays prospects V …. Lawrence a cool cat, Jays prospects IV … De Jong II, Jays prospects III … Copeland picks up Janssen, Jays prospects II …. Pompey burning bases, Jays prospects I …. Matt Boyd.

 

By Bob Elliott

An expanded version of weekly power rankings of the Blue Jays' top prospects in the minors.

With the Jays looking for help for the starting rotation, an infielder and bullpen help, you could see some of these names involved in future transactions if a move is made before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

Pro scouts and evaluators from other teams are watching most of these players.

This week, in an expanded version of the Jays' minor-league power rankings, a former head of player development who has now returned to scouting takes a turn ranking the Jays' best.

1. RHP Aaron Sanchez, Buffalo.

“Looks like he’s getting more consistent, and it's probably because his delivery is getting more consistent. He hasn’t finished putting the finishing touches to his frame, his strength and body control. He throws real easy and has a plus fastball with improving control of this pitch.

“I’ve seen him throw a power curve ball, but at times he seems reluctant to throw this pitch. Chance for an average change, it’s just a bit hard right now.”

2. CF Dalton Pompey, Dunedin.

“He still in the projection stages about ready to turn into an everyday big leaguer that’s a true centre fielder. Some say his bat is better from the right side.

“He’s a fun-to-watch base runner, who might be a 40-50 stolen base a year guy in the majors. He’s only been thrown out twice last time I looked. He might be new version of a switch hitting Devon White.”

3. LHP Daniel Norris, New Hampshire.

“Has made good strides with the changes he’s made within his delivery in the last year. He’s learning how to pitch. He looks to have three above average pitches and sometimes better. He will need to improve on his fastball command.”

4. INF Franklin Barreto, Vancouver

“He’s a switch hitting Luis Sojo clone, with a mature frame. He will make fielders play him honest. He runs a little better than average which could change. There is a debate amongst our guys on what side of the second base bag he plays on (shortstop or second).

5. RHP Roberto Osuna RP extended.

“He has an advanced feel with some power to his pitching game. It will be interesting to see how he comes off Tommy John surgery. Will need to stay on top of his frame. He’s 230 pounds and could get bigger.”

6. CF D.J. Davis Lansing

“He’s a true centre fielder with questions about his feel for the game. Plenty of swings and misses but he has some extra base hit ability. He has a solid or a little better defensive game.”

7. SS Emilio Guerrero Dunedin

“He’s a big (6-foot-4) shortstop who is still putting everything together. He could get interesting stay tuned. His teammates react well to win.”

8. 3B Mitch Nay Lansing

“Have only seen in an instructional league environment, just fair with his swing and caught in between at 3rd base and 1st base. A lot of guys think he will be a power guy.”

9. LHP Sean Nolin, Buffalo.

“Right now he’s an emergency starter for a major-league club or maybe a fifth or a fourth starter. His slider is the better of his two breaking ball. Throws strikes just needs better quality.”

10. INF Matthew Dean, Lansing

“Somewhat similar type players to Mitch Nay. He has occasional big raw power. His bat can be slow but he’s still trying to get his game together.”

On the incline

C A.J. Jimenez, Buffalo.

“I haven’t seen this guy a lot. He’s more of a glove over the bat. He sounds like an hitting everyday catcher or platoon type with a left-handed hitting catcher a la the Ernie Whitt, Buck Martinez combo Bobby Cox used to run out there.”