2012 MLB Season Preview: Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays 2012 Prospect to Watch For

I could spend a lot of time beating around the bush and mentioning all the interesting and young and talented players the Blue Jays have been stockpiling as of late, but you and I both know the Blue Jays prospect to watch for in 2012 is Brett Lawrie. I mean, come on. Lawrie came home to Canada before last season, the Blue Jays acquiring his services for one starting pitcher Shaun Marcum. The former catcher turned second basemen was then tasked with yet another position change, this time to third base. After some time in the minors working on the finer nuances of the hot corner, the top prospect made his major league debut on August 4th. Lawrie preceded to get Toronto Blue Jays fans very excited. In 171 place appearances, the 21-year-old hit 9 home runs, stole 7 bases, and triple slashed .293/.373/.580. His performance at the plate was good for a .413 wOBA, .287 ISO, and 163 wRC+. He was also above average in the field, flashing a glove and skill level beyond what many prognosticators initially expected. All this resulted in a preposterous 2.7 fWAR in 43 freaking games. An MVP-type pace. Granted, given Lawrie’s age, experience, and the fickle nature of the small sample of contests he participated in, he’s due for a bit of regression and course correction in his age 22 season—but that shouldn’t temper expectations too much. If Lawrie can prove his defense at third is legitimate and continue to grow and adjust to the rigors of a full Major League season, the Blue Jays have a middle of the order stalwart and budding superstar on their hands. Superstars are valuable assets to baseball teams. I feel confident in saying that.