Wednesday Bantering: BA and BP Prospect lists

I’m back.

We had an amazing trip. We had a cruise to the far end of South America, with a few days in Argentina and a few days in Santiago, Chile at either end. We saw places that I never figured to get too see and, of course, ate too much, drank too much, but I’m only up a couple of pounds. The plan is to get back to the gym.

I also experienced an earthquake for the first time. Fortunately it was pretty minor, at least where we were. It was centered about 20 k away, where they measured it at 6.7.

It was one of the few vacations we’ve had where I went days without being able to see Blue Jays news for days at a time, so I’m going to play catch up.

As Matt wrote yesterday, Baseball America was nice enough to let us know in advance that there would be 7 Blue Jays on their top 100 prospects list. I’ll admit the number surprised me.

Today we know who they are, here is the link (subscription required, and the subscription is really worth the money):

At number one on the list: Vlad Guerrero Jr. As they said, “you were expecting someone else?” I like the numbers they have for him: Hit: 80: | Power: 70 | Speed: 40 | Defense: 40 | Arm: 60.

Number 8: Bo Bichette: Hit: 70: | Power: 55 | Speed: 50 | Defense: 50 | Arm: 55. They commented on his defensive improvement.

Number 42: Danny Jansen: Hit: 60: | Power: 40 | Speed: 30 | Defense: 45 | Arm: 45 “More steady than flashy.” Not a bad thing from a catcher.

Number 70: Nate Pearson: Fastball: 70 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 45.

Number 84: Eric Pardinho: Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 60 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 60. They have his ETA as 2022.

Number 89: Jordan Groshans: Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Speed: 50 | Defense: 50 | Arm: 55. “The No. 12 overall pick in the 2018 draft earned rave reviews in his pro debut for his combination of hitting ability and power.”

Number 92: Kevin Smith: Hit: 45 | Power: 60 | Speed: 50 | Defense: 50 | Arm: 60. “A more efficient swing helped Smith go from a fourth-round pick in 2017 to a Top 100 prospect after his first full season.”

Also of note:

• Fernando Tatis Jr. is number 2.
• Eloy Jimenez is number 3.
• Mike Soroka is 25 on the list, only because the injury kept him from ‘graduating’.

I’ll let Matt figure the winner of the prediction thread.

Baseball Prospectus also has their top 101 prospects list. I’m not sure if there is a subscription required. They have levels of subscription and I don’t know what level this one is at. They only have 4 Jays on their list:

• No. 1: Vlad.
• No. 12: Bo.
• No. 54: Nate Pearson.
• No. 89: Danny Jansen.

I’m so thrilled to see Roy Halladay make the Hall. Very sad that he won’t get to make the speech. Yesterday I said that I’m sure I’ve seen more innings of Halladay than any other 2 pitchers. Maybe any other 3 pitchers.

We knew Rivera would be elected, but I’m surprised he was unanimous. I’m sure I saw ballots that were submitted with no names checked off. I’m kind of glad someone finally get in with 100% of the vote, but not sure why it was him.

I’m glad Edgar Martinez and Mike Mussina both get in.

I’m glad that Larry Walkers vote count took a big jump.

Bonds and Clemens percentages each went up a little, but they have a long way to to get to 75. What I don’t understand is: We all know David Ortiz is going to be voted in, and he failed a drug test. If he’s going to get the vote, how can you keep out Bonds and Clemens and let in Ortiz. Because he is thought of as funny?

If Ortiz goes in, Bonds and Clemens have to go in.

As much as I enjoyed the holiday....I really was happy to be in my own bed last night. Best sleep I’ve had in days.