Curious as to where Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins has been over the past couple of days? He has been in New Hampshire, checking out the hottest prospect in baseball.
One of the burning questions surrounding the Toronto Blue Jays is whether or not Vladimir Guerrero will reach the majors this season. Despite being just 19 years old, he has proven that he has nothing left to prove at the AA level, producing an incredible .417/.465/.701 batting line with 11 homers and 18 doubles in 216 plate appearances heading into Thursday’s action. That production certainly leaves fans to wonder when Guerrero will get the call.
As it turns out, a promotion, whether to the majors or to AAA, may be around the corner. Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins has spent the previous two days in New Hampshire, watching Guerrero live.
Ross Atkins is in New Hampshire right now. Saw Guerrero play live last night and will again today. #BlueJays
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) May 31, 2018
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It is not outside the realm of possibility that Atkins could be watching Guerrero to determine if he is ready for a role in the majors, even if it would involve just being the Blue Jays designated hitter. The struggled of Kendrys Morales have been well documented this season, as he has produced a meager .203/.277/.341 batting line, with just nine extra base hits in 137 plate appearances. Guerrero should be able to easily outperform those mediocre numbers.
Obviously, putting a 19 year old as a designated hitter is not an ideal move. However, Guerrero is blocked by Josh Donaldson at the hot corner. It is possible that the two could alternate games, allowing Donaldson some rest, and getting Guerrero some time at third.
As far as what Atkins is seeing, there has to be little question that Guerrero is through with the Eastern League. It is just a question of whether or not the top prospect in baseball makes a stop in Buffalo before coming up to the majors. Given the way he has hit this season, there really would not be much of a reason for such a stop.
Next: Russell Martin - super utility player
The Toronto Blue jays may be moving Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from New Hampshire shortly. The only question is whether or not he will be making his major league debut in the coming days.