Keeping Tabs on Former Jays

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Keeping up with members of the 2010 Toronto Blue Jays organization. Where did they land and how are they doing?

This “living” article will be:

Ongoing (monthly updates) – first update April 14th

Updated (for upcoming deals, such as Purcey)

Broken into MLB contributors and (at time of trade) prospects

Omitting fringe Jays such as Taylor Buchholz

MLB Contributors

Jeremy Accardo

Accardo landed on his feet in Baltimore, where he’ll hope to spread his wings in middle relief.

In 3.2 IP he’s pick up 1 W, allowed 4 hits & 3 BB and has struck out only 1 batter

John Buck

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After signing for $18 million over three years, Buck is the clear #1 catcher for the foreseeable future in Miami.

Although he’s gotten off to a slow start (only 1 HR), he’s been on the receiving end of multiple Josh Johnson gems.

Scott Downs

The dependable lefty was let loose by the Jays in the off-season, as the high price relief market & the promise of a Type A compensation draft pick being too much for the Jays to ignore.

Downs started the season on the DL after breaking his toe. Blame his kids.

He recently returned and, as of April 14th, he’s thrown only 1.2 IP.

With multiple closing options in Anaheim, one would expect Downs to resume his role as an 8th inning workhorse.

Alex Gonzalez

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Bought low & sold high, Alex has returned to career norms in Atlanta. His late 2010 Atl OPS of .676 & his early 2011 OPS of .685 are close to his career mark of .695.

According to early 2011 defensive metrics, Gonzalez is still an asset in the field.

Kevin Gregg

The former Jay closer is currenlty in a closer battle with teammate Koji Uehara.

Gregg has the Orioles only save on the season. In 3 IP he’s allowed 4 hits, 2 BB & has struck out 2.

Fred Lewis

Non-tendered by the Jays, Lewis signed a one-year deal for $900K in Cincinnati.

A late spring training injury (strained oblique) has landed Lewis on the DL.

Expected to return towards the end of April, Lewis will be primarily a fourth outfielder, with young studs Drew Stubbs & Jay Bruce, along with the on-fire veteran Jonny Gomes holding firm grasps on the starting roles.

Shaun Marcum

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The long-time favourite, dealt from a position of strength (starting pitching) to fill a void (minor league corner depth), is now a member of the Milwaukee Brewers.

The soft-tosser has had early success, holding opponents to just a .210 BA, while allowing only 1 HR over 17.2 IP.

Lyle Overbay

With Lind transitioning to 1st, the expendable Overbay docked his ship in Pittsburgh, signing a $5 million one-year contract.

Hitting primarily in the clean-up spot, Lyle has had moderate success, with an early .333 OBP and an overall .738 OPS. With limited 1st base prospects in the Pirates AA & AAA pipeline, Lyle should net over 500 PA this season.

Brian Tallet

The former 1.7 WAR performer (2009) landed on his feet in St.Louis, inking a one-year, $750K contract.

Used primarily in middle & mop-up duty relief, Tallet was effective in his short-stint (4.1 IP, 1 ER, 4K, 3BB) before hitting the DL on April 13th after a fracture to his right hand.

Vernon Wells

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The $100+ million dollar man has landed in Anaheim. Poor bastards.

Already the recipient of nightly boos, Vernon is hitting a mighty .102 with 0 HR in over 50 plate appearances. His limited defence has been pushed into LF. I’m still trying to get my head around this trade (from the Angels perspective).

Angles manager Mike Scoiscia gave reporters one of the better early season quotes on April 12th, regarding sitting the struggling VDub.

“It’s a mental day off”

Prospects

Tim Collins

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The diminutive lefty is now a press darling, having multiple articles spun about his rise to the majors. Of course those articles are old hat to mopupduty readers, as the Tim Collins Bio is one of our most popular articles.

Tim has impressed everyone within and outside the Royals organization, pitching his way onto the main roster after a great spring training.

Collins success has carried over, to the point where manager Ned Yost has already moved former set-up man Robinson Tejeda out of the set-up role, instead opting for a committee of Collins, and righties Aaron Crow and Jim Jeffress.

In 7 IP, Collins has allowed 5 hits, 0 BB, all while striking out 10.

Danny Farquhar

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Former closer in New Hampshire (22 sv in 2009, 17 in 2010), the 5’11 righty is currently residing in the A’s AAA affiliate (Sacremento).

(Check out his mopupduty bio)

In 4 IP he’s allowed 3 hits & 3 BB. He has struck out 5

Trystan Magnuson

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A 6’7 right hander coming off of a 2010 futures game selection, Trystan is currently handling middle relief duties for the Oakland A’s AAA affiliate.

(Check out his mopupduty bio)

In 3.2 IP he’s allowed 4 hits, 0 BB to go with 5K

Tyler Pastornicky

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Dealt in the Yunel Escobar trade, the 21 year old is currently at AA in the Braves organization. Formerly a 2B, the Braves have shifted Tyler to SS.

In 6 games Tyler is hitting .478, with 2 BB, 1 SO & 3 SB.

Brett Wallace

While the shine has worn off, Brett will be given a long-term look by the Houston Astros in 2011. Can his sweet swing produce at the MLB level?

The current Astro’s 1st baseman may be starting to come around. At the 12 game mark his OPS is only .715, yet he’s posted a 6 BB/ 7 K ratio, which is light years better than his 8 BB / 50 K mark in 2010. At this time he’s in control of the 5th spot in the Astros batting order.

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