9. Griffin Conine
Minors (A): 348 plate appearances, .283/.371/.576, 19 doubles, 22 homers, 38 walks, 125 strikeouts
Yes, the Toronto Blue Jays have yet another second generation prospect coming through the system.
The son of former Marlins and Orioles All Star Jeff Conine, Griffin Conine is not the player his father was. While his father was more of a gap hitter with doubles power, only hitting over 20 homers twice in his 17 year career, the younger Conine is essentially the prototypical all or nothing slugger.
When Conine can make contact, the results can be spectacular. With an uppercut swing designed to unleash his ample pop, he has displayed tremendous power, especially when it comes to pulling the ball. However, that swing leads to plenty of contact issues, as noted by his astonishing 35.8% strikeout rate in A-ball. He also has solid range and an excellent arm, leading to the thought that he could be the Blue Jays right fielder of the future.
It is, however, fair to question whether or not that future will happen. Conine has legit power, but his strikeout rates are troubling, especially for 22 year old in A-ball. What will happen when he faces more advanced pitching, either in High-A or in AA? Conine also had a 50 game ban at the start of last season after testing positive for Ritalin, putting a strike against him in the league’s substance abuse policy.
Griffin Conine is an intriguing prospect due to his power. However, if he cannot fix his propensity to swing and miss, he will not follow in the footsteps of the other second generation prospects in the system, and reach the majors with the Toronto Blue Jays.