Rowdy Tellez takes a mighty cut. All Photos: Jay Blue

By: Jay Blue

Blue Jays From Away

The Buffalo Bisons, who normally have a roster cobbled together with some minor league and major league veterans, are going younger and more home grown than I’ve ever seen it with their 2017 tentative Opening Day roster. I’m pleased to announce that I’ll be there Friday to catch them in action and bring you all the details!

Starters

On the mound will be Casey Lawrence, T.J. House, Mat Latos, Jarrett Grube and Brett Oberholtzer to start the season.

Notably absent is Lucas Harrell who may have been released or opted out. I also thought that Gavin Floyd might be in the rotation but he’s working his way back from injury.

Relievers

The bullpen for Buffalo is a familiar group of pitchers who include Danny Barnes, Chad Girodo, Matt Dermody and Chris Smith, all of whom suited up for the Blue Jays last year (although Smith never get into a game). They’ll be joined by newcomers Jeff Beliveau and Leonel Campos while Wil Browning gets to start the year in Buffalo.

Blake McFarland will start the year on the DL (although not officially on the Bisons’ roster) but my prediction of the bullpen was pretty accurate, with Mike Bolsinger getting DFA’ed, Bo Schultz going on the DL and Ryan Tepera making the big club.

Catchers

The Bisons will carry three catchers who are all new to the Toronto Blue Jays’ organization: Juan Graterol, Alex Monsalve and Mike Ohlman.

With Reese McGuire starting in New Hampshire, I also thought that Raffy Lopez could begin in Buffalo but he joins New Hampshire too.

Infielders

he infield consists mostly of homegrown players with Rowdy Tellez, Christian Lopes, Shane Opitz and Jason Leblebijian getting jobs there to start the year. They’ll be joined by minor league free agents Jake Elmore and Gregorio Petit.

Notably absent from any of the Jays’ rosters is Jon Berti who got a lot of playing time with the Jays early in spring training but could have been injured. I also thought that Jonathan Diaz would be in Buffalo but he’ll start in New Hampshire, possibly to mentor Richard Urena?

Outfielders

The outfielders listed on the roster include Darrell Ceciliani, and newly signed Chris Coghlan along with home-grown outfielders Dwight Smith, Jr. and Ian Parmley.

Absent are Dalton Pompey (DL) and Jose Tabata. Did Tabata opt out? Get released early to avoid paying him a bonus? Get injured? Stay tuned!

What do you think of the Bisons’ roster?

Buffalo Bisons tentative opening roster