Toronto Blue Jays: Danny Jansen continues to show potential
Since being called up by the Toronto Blue Jays, Danny Jansen is not leaving any doubt that he’s the catcher of the future.
Buffalo Bisons general manager Bobby Meacham made it clear to Danny Jansen, once he got called up to the Toronto Blue Jays he did not want to see him back in triple-A.
Well, the 23-year-old is already showing what many have been waiting for, both at and behind the plate. Sure it’s only a limited sample size, but Jansen is showing consistency after six straight games with a hit.
Jansen’s average exit velocity on has been 92.6 MPH, which is impressive considering it’s a higher average than both Russell Martin and Luke Maile.
Obviously, for a catcher, his offensive numbers won’t be the only tool used to judge his promotion. With all the defensive responsibilities that catchers have, it only benefits them more to have the offence to complete the package.
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This was something manager John Gibbons emphasized about Jansen after his first start against the Kansas City Royals.
"“He’s got good aptitude. He’s got good feel for the game. It looks like he can adjust based on what the guy’s doing on the mound that night,” Gibbons said. “He’ll learn the ins and outs of each different guy on the staff, but he’s got the hands, so now it’s just thinking about the game instead of just thinking about catching the damn ball.”"
In a time where the Blue Jays have seen injuries take their toll on the starting rotation and other areas of the roster, it has allowed the team to give their young prospects an opportunity.
Ryan Borucki is a positive case, because his performance this season gives the Blue Jays a player who should enter the rotation next season.
For Jansen, the road to the Majors was not easy which is expected, but the main battle for the young catcher has been the various injuries.
"“I’ve had three surgeries, two on my hand and one on my knee. I think when I was at my very low was my third surgery when I was going to have my hamate surgery and miss another two months,” Jansen said to the Sporting News."
Martin is not expected to be around after his contract finishes next season, so Jansen should get every opportunity to showcase his value. If it all works out, that’s one thing the Blue Jays can check off their list of areas which need to be addressed.
Next. Time to give up on Josh Donaldson. dark
What do you think about Jansen’s debut with the Toronto Blue Jays? Are you confident in giving him the keys to the team’s future behind the plate? Let us know in the comments below.