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Toronto Blue Jays: 4 Outfielders Vying for the Opening Day Roster

By Paul Taylor

Mar 3, 2016; Bradenton, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Pat Venditte (44) and teammates works out prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2016; Bradenton, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Pat Venditte (44) and teammates works out prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Blue Jays
Mar 2, 2016; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Domonic Brown (81) bats in the third inning of the spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

1) Domonic Brown

Drafted: 20th round in 2006, by the Philadelphia Phillies

MLB career stats: 493 games – 54 HR/229 RBI – .246/.305/.405 – 23 SB/138 BB

Last season: 63 games – 5 HR/25 RBI – .228/.284/.349 – 3 SB/14 BB

Review: In theory, Brown has the best chance of the four candidates to make it onto the opening day roster, at least from a talent perspective. After all, we’re talking about a guy who was once called the top prospect in all of Major League Baseball, by Baseball America.

Referred to as “The Total Package” by former teammate Ryan Howard, the Zephyrhills, Florida native made an immediate impression in the Majors. He hit an RBI double in his first at bat, and finished his debut with two hits and two RBIs.

After showing gradual improvement, Brown exploded onto the big stage during the 2013 season. Highlights included hitting 27 home runs along with 83 RBIs, winning NL player of the month for June and being named to the All-Star Game.

However, the 28-year old’s fall was as dramatic as his rise, with an extreme dip in his numbers the following season. He was even rated as the worst defensive left fielder in the Majors, by the Sporting News.

Unfortunately, even a move back to his natural right field position in 2015 didn’t help, with Brown’s defence considered a liability, despite having speed and a good throwing arm. After the season he elected to become a free agent, before agreeing a minor league deal with Toronto last month, which included an invitation to spring training.

Projection for opening day: Ironically, Brown was reportedly the Blue Jays main target when they were negotiating Roy Halladay‘s trade to the Phillies. At this point, he will likely never fulfill his potential, but can still provide invaluable depth and has the best shot of the four, despite having never played in centre field.

Next: Ezequiel Carrera

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