Meet the 2011 Vancouver Canadians
If we were to take a guess at this point, it looks like the Jays aren't scared to go the high school route in the MLB First-Year Player Draft as they went heavy on talent as opposed to signability. That alone could make for some exciting baseball this summer out at Scotiabank Field.
Last summer, the Blue Jays took a tall, lanky right-hander out of Barstow, California named Aaron Sanchez. A first-rounder, Sanchez was just 18 years old when Alex Anthopoulos and the jays took him.
A mid-90's fastball combined with a '12-6' curveball had Toronto's scouting staff impressed as they began to project Sanchez and his 6'4", 190-pound frame.
Sanchez is penciled in for Vancouver this summer and for fans of the Canadians, this could be our first look at a future Toronto Blue Jays arm as his talent begins its way toward Rogers Centre.
Get this. Sanchez was born on Canada Day (July 1) meaning it was almost pre-destined that he wind up with the only Canadian franchise in Major League Baseball.
In addition to Sanchez, the C's should get a good look at outfielder Yeico Aponte, who has soared through the Jays lower levels and looks to bring a wealth of speed to the Canadians 2011 roster.
Promoted to Auburn (Class-A Short-Season) last summer, Aponte was electric on the base paths picking up three triples, four doubles and eight stolen bases while hitting .250 (36-for-144) earning him a New-York Penn League Mid-Season All-Star nod.
Will there be Canadian-born talent on this year's roster?
All signs point to yes. The Jays locked up SS Justin Atkinson of North Surrey just days ago with hopes of getting his feet wet in Vancouver. The 26th rounder was a member of the Langley Blaze of the Premier Baseball League (PBL) as well as Team Canada.
UBC's RHP Brandon Kaye and RHP Eric Brown could also be ready to go by Opening Night if the Jays feel they are ready to contribute. Kadish and brown are both very familiar with Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium having played for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds and head coach Terry McKaig.
No word on whether or not 4th round selection Tom Robson of Ladner, BC will become a Vancouver Canadians as of yet.
Tickets to Vancouver Canadians Baseball are on-sale now! Grab the seats you want to the games you want all summer long by scrolling to the top of this story and clicking on the ticket option that best suits you.