Future Blue Jays Newsletter

BA’s draft report card, the Rule 5 draft, and an interview with Ashley Stephenson in this edition.

Draft Report Card

By all accounts, the Blue Jays grabbed a good one in Florida HS SS Arjun Nimmala, who made a strong impression in the Complex League despite an odd, small sample size-influenced pro debut slash line of .200/.500/.320. Baseball America labelled him the best hitter in the Toronto 2023 draft class:

Nimmala should start 2024 at Dunedin, with a move to the Northwest League around mid-season. He make some time to get to the bigs, but it will be fun to watch his development.

6th rounder Jace Bohrofen, who had a very solid debut in High A was named best power hitter in the class. There is some swing and miss to his game, but there’s plenty to build on. Bohfrofen will have to learn to hit to all fields more as he moves up the ladder, and projects to be best suited to LF. He likely will get plenty of reps in left and RF this season; Vancouver will probably be where he starts.

8th rounder OF Braden Berry, like Alek Manoah, is a West Virginia alum who was tabbed as the best base stealer in the class. Berry had his troubles with Low A pitching, and likely returns there to start 2024. SS Nick Goodwin, picked a round earlier than Berry, was named best defensive player, and adds to the organization’s up-the-middle depth. He should start in Vancouver.

On the pitching side, Florida prep RHP Landon Maroudis, who already throws in the mid 90s, had the best fastball in the class. There is a ton of projection remaining for Maroudis, if he can stay healthy. 3rd round pick Jauron Watts-Brown’s slider was rated the best secondary pitch, and was also named the draft prospect closest to the majors. Watts-Brown didn’t make his pro debut after being drafted from Oklahoma, and it will be interesting if the organization goes conservative and starts him in Dunedin, or challenges him with an assignment to Vancouver to start the season.

15th rounder Kelena Sauer, a Hawaiian drafted from San Diego State, was named the best value pick. According to BA,

With a full name of Kelena Lanakilahaahaaokekoa Mark Alan Sauer, I can’t wait to see him move up the ladder.

BA’s MiLB Pitching Statcast Ratings

BA came out with an interesting (paywalled) study about which organization’s had the best pitching talent, using Statcast data.

The Blue Jays came in 6th overall, with some promising upward trends:

BA’s Geoff Pontes says that release point and spin efficiency factor highly with the flattest (ie, the ball stays on plane longer, making it harder for a hitter to see and square up) fastball ranking.

The pitching lab at the minor league complex has already started to make an impact. Pitchers, using a wide array of technology, can see how to improve their spin axis, and adding some deception to their delivery has been a definite goal of the organization. When I get the time, I’ll track down Blue Jays Pitching Development Coordinator Cory Popham to discuss this in greater detail.

The Rule 5 Draft

It came as no surprise that LHP Adam Macko was added to the 40 man roster in advance of the Rule 5 draft yesterday.

There was some thought that perhaps Rafael Lantigua, who was arguably Buffalo’s best player on both sides of the ball last season, would be a candidate to be added, but with a glut of up-the-middle/utility guys on the roster, the Jays obviously gave Lanti notice that they were not going to add him, and as a six-year minor league player, he chose free agency, hoping to find an organization where his chances of becoming a big leaguer are a little better.

Macko was finally able to stay healthy this season, and after a bit of a slow start, the Slovakian-Albertan caught fire, tossing five shutout, no-hit innings in his last regular season start, and another five scoreless in the first game of the playoffs. 2024 will be a development year for the southpaw, with an eye to cracking the big league roster in 2025.

Ashley Stephenson

I spoke with Ash in Vancouver back in April (subscribers recall that interview, I’m sure). The first female uniformed coach in the organization had quite a pro debut, filling a variety of roles as the Canadians won the Northwest League championship.

She’s had time to reflect on that season (if not catch her breath - a week after the C’s won, she was back in her Burlington, ON high school, where she’s a phys ed teacher and coach of multiple teams), so I caught up with her last week at her home.

DMFox: Before we get into the meat of things, how did you find living in Vancouver?

Ashley Stephenson: I really enjoyed it. We lived in North Van, and while I didn’t get to see a lot of the city, because we only got about two Mondays at home off a month (the other two were usually spent traveling), we got out for some hikes and other adventures.

DMF: Living in North Van, you must have had a chance to do the Grouse Grind (“nature’s stairmaster,” the 3K trail 800m up Grouse Mountain is quite a challenge, but offers a spectacular view of the city as a reward)…

AS: Yes, it certainly is a grind. We just kept a nice steady and slow pace, and did it in just over an hour. I wanted to get to Whistler, but I thought I might wait until September after the tourist crowds died down, but I was just too tired.

DMF: Along those lines, Joe Sclafani has told me often that the first year of pro ball is quite an adjustment, especially for young players who aren’t used to the daily grind of practice, games, and travel. As something of a rookie yourself, how did you find your first year?

AS: It wasn’t that difficult for me, because I have more life experience than the players do. I mean, you know as a teacher yourself, you usually really only get one day off a week. Sundays are a day for me to prep lessons and get ready for the week, then I grind away (Ash was coaching field hockey after school on her second day back) from Monday to Friday, give Friday night and Saturday to myself, then it’s back to the grind. Most days I’m at school from 7:30 til after 5, so it’s a lifestyle I’m more than used to. I do admit that I got tired as the season went on, but honestly…..I’ve been teaching for 16 years, I was looking for a change, and this is something I’ve always wanted to do, and most days it was a lot of fun just to get to the ballpark. The players were great, the staff were great, and it wasn’t just as much of a haul as some people warned me it would be.

DMF: We had talked in April about how you thought you would be accepted by the players, and you quite rightly pointed out with your coaching background and everything else that it was going to be fairly seamless transition. Just following up on that, how was that throughout the course of the year?

AS: I mean, they were amazing. I never had a player question me about anything, it was always really good dialogue, like nobody said, you know, what are you doing here? How'd you get this job? I thanked a few guys at the end, who I really worked most closely with the outfielders, and I said, really appreciate you just kind of welcoming me and good being good with me and, and they said, “well, we've never had a female coach before. But obviously, you were hired for a reason.. our job isn't to hire coaches, our job is to play and their job was to hire good coaches. And that we just assumed they do that.”

So a couple of guys were like, “Oh, we Googled you,” and stuff like that, but I think I think they did that really with everybody, they knew all their backgrounds of all the coaches and staff….it’s so easy to find information now. But there they were really great. We had good conversations about situations, I'd have guys mid game telling me like, was that a bad decision? Was that a good decision? And we talked through why they think one or the other and yeah, they will come to me for that sort of thing. So they're really good. They trusted me, and I worked really hard to build that relationship, but I'll be honest, they gave me a chance to build it. Like they didn't necessarily have to be so great. And they were really great.

DMF: I saw that (C’s Manager) Brent (Lavallee) gave you multiple jobs this year. I saw you working with the outfielders in pregame drills, saw you another time coaching 1st.

AS: Yeah, I had first base like after the first probably three weeks, I think the were just kind of trying not to feed me to the wolves. But I want it to be just thrown in the fire, right? Like, that's how it earned respect and credibility. And so I said just throw me in there, and I promise I will figure it out. I'm not going to let you down and and so I think at the beginning, they were trying to be respectful of not overwhelming me, but I was saying, no, I would rather be overwhelmed. So it's just kind of getting used to one another and stuff. And then after that I would get probably two games a week at first base, give (fellow C’s coach) Danny (Canellas) a chance to get some time at third base just for his development as well. So that was awesome. We do a lot of prescout stuff that we would need Danny for, and I would do a lot of base running stuff for first base….Brent kind of gave us the outline of what he what he liked, or details that he wanted, and then we kind of took that that prescout stuff on for pitchers. And then primarily I worked with outfielders everyday so I did all their defensive cards and stuff like that, got everything ready for them and then in the dugout late in games I would try to read Brent’s mind, like okay, this guy's come in with no speed or minimal speed, we got this guy on the bench you know………in my head I'm thinking we would maybe pinch run him, but this is really his day off because he goes five days a week so we're not going to run him, ….when Brent’s out there coaching 3rd we just try to get players on the bench ready for an opportunity like so that they don't look shocked when he calls their number to pinch hit, pinch run or something like that. I tried to think along with him best I could, but honestly l did just a lot of supportive things other than outfielders which was like my main role.

DMF: So, in those first few weeks, thinking of your teaching background, were you thinking, “bring it on, overwhelm me!” because as a teacher you’re constantly thinking on your feet and making adjustments as you go.

AS: Most definitely!

DMF: From my conversations with the player development people over the years, one thing I’ve found is that while they find postseason experience in the minors beneficial for players so that they can learn to win together, they’re also crossing their fingers hoping that fatigued players at the end of a long season don’t get hurt.

AS: Honestly, we were limping into the playoffs, kind of like we really had an outstanding year, like we were rolling, and all of a sudden, we kind of just hit a little bit of a tough spot. We sent a few players up late, some older guys who had really been doing well. And their season goes New Hampshire week longer, so I think they wanted to get a look at some guys just at the AA level. So we lost a few, and it just just changes the mojo of the team a little bit. We had some illness, guys were just tired, like we were really beat up. Everyone is fatigued, but we were pretty good with the injuries. But just like couple guys, and key guys who are just sick, like one guy didn't even make the final road trip until he came like the last two days. And basically, we needed to get him there in order for them to clear him to then play in the playoffs. So so we literally dragged ourself into the playoffs. And and I think they they really wanted a chance to win, the core group of them were in the playoffs last year, and lost in the final. And they they want to win like they battled all summer, it was their first full year of pro ball. They were tired, but they were really a really tight knit group, which was kind of fun to see.

In minor league ball, it's a little bit selfish, because they're all trying to get to the same spot. And there's only so many spots, but you're also trying to win, you know, and support each other. And we really did seem to have like a win first mentality. I think they realized, if the team's winning and being successful, there's a good chance we're all being successful. That helps all of us. And they they bought into that right away; they would help each other, they would talk to each other on the bench all the time. They really had such a great attitude. And so once we they made it to the playoffs, our mindset was if we're going to spend an extra week here and we can't go home, before we go back to dev camp, we've got a witness like that was just like the mentality and they're like, we gotta win this. We got a couple guys back from sickness, and it just kind of flips the switch. Like you get your big guys back, and it's like, Okay, we're ready to roll….. basically we were just hanging on here till we got those guys back and then, and then the first game - we started the two games on the road, and I think the guys thought, let’s just find a way to get one win because there's no way we're losing two at home like kind of thing like that home was outstanding. And then once they won that first game, and it was close, so they can win a close game, you can win a game on the road. And the fact that crowd even though wasn't big was pretty ruthless, they were getting under some guys’ skin there. And so it's a good learning experience for the players. They won that game and that I think that just let them exhale a little bit. And then, we got thumped Game Two, but like one swing of the bat just changed the whole game and Game Two and I think they flushed it pretty quick though. They were like okay, well we wanted to split at the very least, we got it let's go home now and handle business like this is kind of what we wanted. And the crowd in Vancouver was was rockin - it was great. And then we got that close win (in Game Three at The Nat). So now you're up, again, a little bit of breathing room, and I think they were thinking, Let's just end this. It's Saturday night. This is perfect. Like we're not doing that quick because Sunday's a day game, it's a quick turnaround. They were like, we just got to find a way to end this and like they came out like they had us on the ropes. The first couple innings, we’re getting out of jams, and then finally we put something on the board, and then they just kept coming and then it was like that, then we broke in open late for the win. I know that it's all about player development and winning is definitely second, but for players to experience playoffs at any level is so important to their growth. Like even just like the pressure you put on yourself and the butterflies you get like regardless of the 3000 or 60,000 fans. like that certainly amps it up, but I it's just a different beast, it's just people play different you get everybody's best. Like the coaches are no longer worried about getting like reliever number eight in for the game…

DMF: Honestly, as much as you struggled down the stretch, I thought much the same as you - if the C’s can split on the road, there’s no way they’re losing two of three at The Nat. You had Macko going in game one, and he was brilliant, but you know when I first thought the C’s might win this thing? It was in the second inning of the first game, when Jeffrey Wehler ran from almost 2nd base to the RF line to catch that flyball. That just showed what a sense of urgency the team was playing with.

AS: Yeah, if he doesn’t make that catch, who knows? And he made another great play with the bases loaded later on, knocked a hard ground ball down and got the guy at first to end the inning.

DMF: So, the season ends, and shortly you’re on a plane bound for Toronto, and not too long after that, you are back in the classroom.

AS: So, the season ended on Saturday. I didn't have a flight booked until Monday, just in case we played on Sunday. So Sunday, I kind of just liked wrap some stuff up, did some laundry made sure I was packed. I said bye to some friends.

And then Monday, I was flying out around noon, I think I got here at about 8:30 in the evening. So by the time I like I got up in the morning, went and got breakfast and then like basically headed straight to the airport, tried to get there for like, 10 ish by the time I dropped my car off and stuff and then came home.

I had the rest of that week off because the school board likes when you at the beginning of the week. I mean, I was not upset by that. So I had the rest of that week off. And then like I went in one day to get my keys and everything like that. Then I spent two days down at Rogers Centre for the Futures Event that they run. I think it was Thursday, Friday, so Tuesday I just did nothing. Wednesday when got my keys, went back to school and whatever. Saturday, Sunday I was at home, hung out and then got ready back to school Monday.

DMF: How was that?

AS: It was fine. It was fine. Like, my department is awesome. Like they really are like a saving grace, really a great group of people. They work really hard and they're just awesome. And we've been together now for probably like that group for like, six, seven years. So it's it's really great…. it was nice to see them. They're super pumped to see me and like honestly, like lots of kids who knew me had asked like, oh, how was that?

And so it was it was fun, but then like By day three, it was like old hat like she's back you're here and it was like okay, honeymoon period lasted a couple days back and I was back coaching field hockey…… It was just like, back to normal, right, because as if I would have come back from summer holidays and they hadn't seen the kids for a couple months, what did you do? How was it blah, blah, blah, and then back in the groove…

DMF: So, given that you’ve just come off a leave, there was no chance to attend any of the camps the Blue Jays hold in Florida in the fall?

AS: No, there's no chance. So I just said, like, before I signed the contract with the Blue Jays, I said, I just want to be upfront if that is null and void on your point, I get it, but I'm not available. And Joe Sheehan (Blue Jays VP) said, no, we can live with that. Like, that's totally fine. He said can you do your virtual check ins - we're all assigned some players, and I chat with them and message them or call them. And I said, no problem, because I can do that in the evenings and whatnot, but I just, I can't leave again, like, there's no chance they're going to let me leave. So he was fine with that. So no, unfortunately, I didn't get to do any of those. Like, I actually wouldn't have minded coming home for like, three, four weeks, and then heading down there for a couple of weeks just to do some more development, but wasn't in the cards, which is okay. And then I just talked to him the other day. So they offered me another contract for next year. So I have to ask the school board for a semester off and see what they say. And essentially, for me, it's like the exact same contract. So I'll come back to teaching for this semester, and I think I'm hoping that's the last time I'll do that. I’m hoping that I can cement my reputation with the organization and go for something longer term.

DMF: Ronnie Galjownik made history in your own Northwest League this year when the Diamondbacks named her to manage Hillsboro. Did you get a chance to talk to her, and pick her btain?

AS: Yeah, I had known her cause I played against her in 2015 and she played for the U.S. I did get a chance to talk to her and I saw her in Arizona Fall League last yearand so it's interesting to talk to her and her experiences and stuff like that. Some of them are same. Some of them are different. Some of her views on coaching are the same,some are different, but I think that's every coach and that's every where, but it was a huge opportunity for her to manage. Before the season started, I sent her a message. I don't know her really well, but I sent her a message and said, good luck. And, I mean, if she does well, we all, all of us, and I say we females get more of a chance. I'm obviously not putting all that weight on her, but that's how things are viewed. And I took that with me this year. Like, I really need to do a good job above and beyond. I don't want to just be good, I want them to think, she's irreplaceable because then that opens the door for other women.

 DMF: Let me put you on the spot here: do you want to manage one day?

AS: I would like to, yeah. I would really like to, if not manage, be a bench coach for sure.

What I love about the game is the thinking part of the game, right? It’s just a different feel. I'm not sure what their thoughts are on it. We fill out things that are like a five-year plan, 10-year plan, with goals, stuff like that. And I have said that I would like an opportunity to do that, but like, you know, people like Danny, they're grooming him to be a manager after six or seven years. Right. So in my head, I'm like, ah, I'm a lot older than him. If it takes me six or seven years, this is going to be a bit of a grind. So who knows ? I'm not sure, but if they see me as a really committed bench boss or something where I have some development. I had an opportunity to, to manage with the women's (national) team. And I know it was a short period of time, but I really loved that experience. And it's funny because some people who've had it, they hate it. They're like, I never want to manage again. I never want that. And after I did it, I said, this is what I want to do. I think I really want to manage. I really like to make decisions. I like to be in a leadership role, maybe even as a bench coach -I would be happy with too, because at least there's some growthand there's some input and there's some responsibility, and that's what I like. If I got to pick, I would say yes. So

DMF: I haven’t been to Florida since 2019, and I’m not sure when we’re going next, but I do want to see that minor league complex. Joe Sclafani has offered to show me around, but until I can get eyes on it for myself, tell me as someone who has seen and experienced first hand what it’s like.

AS: Well, I have nothing to compare it to, but everybody who's been to other ones. So players who've been traded into the facility or coaches who've come from other places say it is absolutely outstanding. And for me, I think it's amazing, but I'm playing in like, sand pits and like rock gardens by comparison. So if you have a cover on it and it has an actual proper mound and groomed base paths, I think it's amazing.

So when I walked in, I certainly thought it was pretty incredible. Like the weight room, the fitness area is second to none. It really has everything that you could possibly need - the tech side of it, like the pitching and hitting lab. I mean, it's not an area of expertise to me, but I've been in there to see what they do with the players. And it's pretty incredible, for example the data that they can get from that, the cages, and they've really kind of thought about everything, like where things are positioned. And I think there's six fields. That helps with spring training, it’s like a well-oiled machine. They're all in use, they're all doing different things. It's like actually incredible, like nothing I've ever been to before.

And it's like nicely set up. So, right beside the nutrition is strength and development, it's all in the same area - that's all considered high performance. It was planned out with the idea of, how do we get these athletes to perform at an optimal level? And instead of having one on one side of the building, it's like right there, there's the giant fitness center. And right off the fitness center is your health, like all your training and everything right beside that is dietitians and everything you would need. And then of course there’s the kitchen area for refueling and smoothies and food; it's just perfectly set up, it makes it easy for them.

There's multiple different locker rooms for different groups of players and stuff like that. Yeah. It's pretty sweet.

DMF: So, you had told me earlier that you will be back with the organization next season, location still to be determined. What’s your timetable from here? I imagine you have to teach til the end of the semester?

AS: First semester ends on February 2nd, so I’m hopeful my leave with the school board will be approved once again, and maybe I can have a few days before I head down to Florida for spring training. Minor league camp doesn’t get going until March, but we do invite about 50-60 players for an early camp, so I want to be around for that.

I don’t want to move to a subscription-based newsletter; with my second book having just come out, there are only so many hours in a week. But if you feel inclined to chip in to defray my expenses a bit, please feel free to buy me a cup of coffee.

And, speaking of my second book, it’s a story about how a Future Hall of Famer, a legendary minor and major league baseball manager with strong Toronto ties, the Dean of Canadian Grain Elevator Operators, and an Edwardian steamship older than the Titanic all came together in a small Ontario town in the summer of 1932. If you like trains, ships, and baseball, you will love this story.

Severn Sound: A Big Leaguer Comes to Port McNicoll is available on Amazon/Kindle, and on ebook platforms like Apple and Kobo.