If there is a prospect on the Blue Jays that has the ability to generate excitement (on a team loaded with great prospect depth) it is definitely CF Anthony Gose. He has the ability to be a four tool superstar (with only the hit tool questioned) and game changer with his speed and athletic ability.
I have Gose ranked as the fourth best prospect overall on the Blue Jays but that is hardly an indictment given the healthy collection of top notch prospects the franchise currently boasts. Based on what the top sites are saying about him it is easy to get excited and behind this particular prospect and I summed up his ranking:
Gose has the most tools in the organization. He entered the 2011 season with nine home runs in 271 pro games, but he developed a more patient approach and began to drive balls. He projects to hit 15-20 homers per year down the road. He’s a plus-plus burner who could steal 40-50 bases in the big leagues, and is one of baseball’s best defensive outfielders. Many scouts question his overall hit tool and he struck out once for every 3.3 at-bats at New Hampshire. He might have enough secondary skills and defense to make up for a batting average that could peak in the .250 range.
Jays manager John Farrell has already come away impressed with his baseball abilities, he discussed Gose’s arm after he nearly threw out a runner:
“Very good arm strength. He’ll load it up, he knows he has a good throwing arm, if the ball gets hung onto at home plate that’s an out. I think he learned a little bit too about some strength of the opposing hitters. The double over his head, he’s playing at solid average depth, but ball right at him, little bit of a tough read, he broke in and that ended up being the difference in today’s game.”
Colby Rasmus will be the Jays centre fielder to begin the 2012 season and is being counted upon to rebound from a poor 2011 season but there is no doubt Rasmus (and other Jays outfielders) are going to feel the footsteps of the up and coming Jays outfield prospects.
Gose developed a blister on his right hand but isn’t expected to miss time due to the ailment.
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