Like Father, Like Son?
(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium - Vancouver, B.C.) - His name is likely both a blessing and a curse, and as the Vancouver Canadians season fast approaches, fans are clamouring for a peek at the son of a former Montreal Expos great, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
The Toronto Blue Jays were among the many Major League teams with scouts hot on the trail of "Vlady Jr." as his body, style and namesake all had Major League characteristics well before his 16th birthday. When the Blue Jays were able to come out on top, ink still moist to the contract, fans of baseball in Canada immediately began the comparisons between father and son.
Don't forget that Vladimir Jr's. uncle is Wilton Guerrero, another former Major Leaguer, so the bloodlines and the last name are well known in all baseball circles regardless of country borderlines.
Is Vlady Jr. coming to Vancouver?
The question of whether Guerrero Jr. will start the season in Vancouver remains a mystery for at least a few more days, but baseball insiders suggest that his 2016 season might be better suited to start in Bluefield of the Appalachian League where he can get time on the diamond without the fanfare that will undeniably ensue the second he arrives in the Northwest.
Some might say that to see what you have in Vladimir Guerrero Jr., why not put him in front of the big crowd and the pitching of the Northwest League, known around baseball as a college circuit as opposed to a high school stop within the Minor Leagues.
The Blue Jays have plenty of time to develop Guerrero Jr., and it's easy to forget he is just 17-years of age despite his hulking frame and light tower home run power that would surely expose Nat Bailey Stadium's "hey y'all!" porch in left field.
The sky is the limit for Guerrero Jr., and the beauty of his development comes in the fact that the Blue Jays should eventually send him to Vancouver to see the passion of 6,013 fans that continue to jam Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium each and every night.
Even with his dad's time in Montreal, Vlady Jr. has yet to experience the un-tearable, five dollar bill of the Great White North. Or that change in his pocket could still add up to a decent night out when you add up all the "two-nies" and "loonies".
To put Vlady Jr. in Vancouver would take the ballpark experience to the next level with a buzz that hasn't been heard since another former Major Leaguer's son touch foot in Vancouver.
Not the first player to have a Major League bloodline in Vancouver
In 2009, Jeremy Barfield patrolled right field for the Canadians, this as son of former Toronto Blue Jays great Jesse Barfield. For the youngest of three, Jeremy had a similar skill set to his father with a booming bat and cannon-like arm. However, with every strikeout and every error made, the eye roll of a fan base would inevitably arrive with the quick jabs citing that "his father wouldn't have made that mistake."
It happens to these players at every turn within baseball as the shadow that is cast by their father's efforts is at times a hard one to sneak out from unless your name is Ken Griffey Jr.
What to Expect
Should Vladimir Jr. arrive in Vancouver, fans might be surprised to see the tall, athletic teenager in a crouch over at third base as the Blue Jays believe that he profiles as a corner infielder despite the fact that his arm would surely allow him a spot in the outfield.
At just 17 years old, Guerrero Jr. can test the waters at any number of positions as the Toronto Minor League brain trust looks to see where on the diamond he can reach his highest potential. Finding capable third baseman isn't the easiest of tasks, remembering that even current Blue Jays third baseman and American League Most Valuable Player Josh Donaldson came up through his Minor League tenure as a catcher within the Chicago Cubs organization.
Vlady Jr. is a blank canvas, with all the tools needed to become a premium prospect despite Baseball America already anointing him as one of the best within the Blue Jays system.
The facts are these.
He is young. He is gifted. He will walk in life as the son of one of the best to ever play the game. He will be treated very cautiously by an organization that knows what they have in his talent.
The questions are these.
Can he develop and stay healthy? Can he use his tools to find a position where he can excel? Does he have the mental make-up to stay within himself despite the never ending comparisons to his father? Will he be as patient with the Blue Jays as they plan on being with him if he's not moving through the system as rapidly as he hopes too?
He will be tested by all of these questions, with a lot of those answers looking like they could be found right here in Vancouver where the pressure will be unavoidable. A plus for a placement in Vancouver comes knowing that our fan base is both astute and knowledgeable, especially when it comes to understanding the challenges of a son who comes from a bloodline that ran with pride here in Canada for eight incredible seasons.
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