System overview
New Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi inherits a farm system in decent condition. The Blue Jays system, despite ranking just 27th in winning percentage last year, features a fairly broad array of talent, though much of it won't be ready this year. Not content with what he inherited, however, Ricciardi has been busy with trades this winter, bringing in additional youngsters poised to help more quickly.

The Jays are deepest at catching. In Josh Phelps, Jayson Werth, and Kevin Cash, the Jays have three catchers who would rank as the best at their position in many systems. Eric Hinske should open the season at third base, with Orlando Hudson also available at third or possibly second. The 2001 draft brought in talented outfielders Gabe Gross and Tyrell Godwin.

Pitching-wise, the Jays have a lot of above-average fastballs in the system, though they are concentrated at the middle and lower levels. Trade acquisition Justin Miller is most likely to contribute this year, but the others probably won't be seen until '03.

Mediocre first-round picks in 1999 and 2000 weakened system depth, but the '01 class looks strong, and Ricciardi and his staff can be counted on to emphasize building from within.

2001 Minor League W-L Percentage: .460, (ranked 27th)

2001 amateur draft
This looks like a solid draft, emphasizing high-value college picks with an intriguing high-schooler added in the second round.

First-rounder Gabe Gross, an outfielder out of Auburn, is a fine athlete, has power, hit .302 in Class A, and has excellent strike zone judgment. He will move quickly and would be the highest-rated prospect in some organizations already. Second-rounder Brandon League, a high school pitcher from Honolulu, has hit 98 mph and throws strikes. He needs better breaking stuff, but has the aptitude to pick it up. Third-rounder Tyrell Godwin, an outfielder from the University of North Carolina, has blazing speed and should hit for average. Twice a first-rounder in previous drafts, he fell to the third round last year because of concerns about a knee injury and a perceived lack of interest in baseball. He hit .366 in the New York-Penn League, and could end up being a steal.

Fourth-rounder Chris Sheffield, a right-hander from the University of Miami, can hit 95 mph. Fifth-rounder Michael Rouse (SS, Cal State Fullerton) and sixth-rounder Lee Delfino (SS, East Carolina) add to middle-infield depth.

Getting Gross, League, and Godwin in the first three slots was a major coup; all have first-round ability.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see major-league action in 2002. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '03 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically. No 2001 draftees are listed.

WILL HELP SOON
Eric Hinske, 3B: Over from Oakland in the Billy Koch trade. 20-plus homer power, will draw walks and hit for a fair batting average.

Orlando Hudson, 2B-3B: Hit .306 last year at Double-A and Triple-A. Line-drive hitter with gap power, excellent makeup and work ethic. Decent with the glove at second or third.

Justin Miller, RHP: Also part of the Koch trade. Posted 4.75 ERA in Triple-A, with 134/64 K/BB mark in 165 innings. Can hit 95, has a good splitter and slider. May be better suited for bullpen work than the rotation.

Josh Phelps, C: Excellent raw power with 30+ homer potential. Drew 80 walks and hit .292 last year in Double-A. Defense is raw, but his bat is nearly ready.

Corey Thurman, RHP: Rule 5 from the Royals. Throws strikes with 90 mph fastball, good curve and changeup. Could stick in long-relief role.

Jayson Werth, C: Better with the glove than Phelps, hit .285 with 18 homers, 63 walks, and 12 steals in Double-A. Fine athlete who could switch positions if needed.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
Peter Bauer, RHP: Tall 6-7 strike-thrower, can hit 93 mph but catches too much of the plate at times. Posted 5.11 ERA in Double-A, but walked just 37 in 129 innings. Can improve.

Jim Deschaine, SS-3B: Acquired from the Cubs in Alex Gonzalez trade. Hit .289 with 21 homers and 62 walks for Class A Daytona. Now 24, so he needs to move quickly, but there is significant hitting potential here.

Reed Johnson, OF: Hit .314 with 13 homers, 45 walks, 42 steals for Double-A Tennessee. Old for a prospect at 25, but has a broad base of skills and could be a fine reserve.

Mike Smith, RHP: Can hit 95 mph, uses good slider and changeup, posted 2.52 ERA in 14 Double-A starts. He throws strikes too. Overlooked because he is a 5-11 right-hander, but someone to watch closely.

KEY SLEEPER
Kevin Cash, C: Hit .283 with 12 homers and 43 walks in 105 games at Class A Dunedin, while throwing out more than 50 percent of runners trying to steal, despite limited catching experience. Older at 24, but another one to watch.

Other names to know
Chris Baker, RHP; Scott Cassidy, RHP; Vinny Chulk, RHP; Gustavo Chacin, LHP; Pascual Coco, RHP; Ron Davenport, OF; Joe Lawrence, C; Diegomar Markwell, LHP; Dustin McGowan, RHP; Miguel Negron, OF; Alexis Rios, OF; Chad Ricketts, RHP; Mike Rouse, 2B; Rich Thompson, OF.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 STATS Minor League Scouting Notebook. He is currently writing a biography of Bob Feller. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at hometown.aol.com/jasickels/page1.html.