2008 Part 2

As I figured, I missed a couple of players in my last edition.

Ty Taubenheim is with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, while Ryan Roberts has joined the Texas Rangers franchise.


I'm not exactly positive as to some of the transactions towards the end of spring, as there are some players on the "official" roster (via syracusechiefs.com) that seem like they shouldn't be there (ie. Al Quintana and a total of four catchers).

My educated guess would have the two catchers be Curtis Thigpen and Robinzon Diaz. I've heard they will basically split time, while also playing other positions. Sal Fasano refused his assignment to Syracuse earlier this month, in a way helping clarify a problem between having two great catching prospects, but also housing a vet. While I like Fasano, this helped save a roster spot, while allowing two great talents a shot at showing their stuff.

The infield should consist of our first view of highly touted, but slower than expected developing 1st baseman Chip Cannon. I believe the plan was for him to join Syracuse by midseason last year, but his play did not dictate the callup. The other three I would expect to start, can play pretty much any infield position, so I think their positions will be interchangable. These include Sergio Santos, Hector Luna, and newcomer Joe Inglett. Inglett was a pickup that had me excited in September, as he was one of those players who stood out to me when I saw him play the past couple years (Buffalo Bisons). I think he will be a good fit at second base, especially considering the Blue Jays apparent want for Russ Adams to now play some outfield. Santos struggled a bit last year, while Luna played well in his limited time in Syracuse. Also on the roster, is Pedro Lopez. Lopez spent time between Louisville, Charlotte, and the majors last season. He put up formidable numbers in batting average but not much in terms of power.



Outfield is where I am having problems figuring out the situation. As I stated earlier, I've read that Russ Adams is supposed to spend time in the outfield. I think with all of the position changes for him, he will be pitching next year..... but really, the depth Toronto has in the infield warrants either trading Adams or trying this out. Adam Lind and Wayne Lydon will return to Syracuse. Toronto again wants Lind to spend as much time as possible in Triple A, and this year there is no Reed Johnson injury to cause him to start the year in the majors. In fact, there is no Reed Johnson period. His release caused the purchase of Shannon Stewart's minor league contract. Matt Watson should be in the outfield for the Chiefs, however, I cannot find exactly where he is right now. David Smith looks to also join the Chiefs. He was in New Hampshire last year. I believe he is here in place of Buck Coats, who stays with Toronto after the Scott Rolen injury.

Pitching looks strong to start the season. However, I see a few conflicting reports as to who is actually on the team and who isn't..so I am going to wait until I can get something that looks solid before I type up my thoughts towards the pitching.

Hopefully, there will be some new information involving the pitching staff soon, so I can put my thoughts up before the opening series against the Bats.