System overview
The Blue Jays have always been an organization oriented on the farm system, though the exact emphasis has shifted from time to time. The former Gord Ash Administration focused on tools such as raw athleticism, and general physicality for both pitchers and hitters. Since J.P. Ricciardi took over, the Jays have shifted to a more "performance-oriented" approach, on the Oakland model.

It will take time for this change to take root completely. Altering the way an entire organization thinks is akin to changing course 180 degrees while running flank speed aboard a Nimitz class carrier. Many scouts and coaches have been fired during the last 12 months, as Ricciardi purges the old guard. There has been some organizational disgruntlement, but the early returns have justified Ricciardi's approach. Eric Hinske, a sabermetric darling brought in from Oakland in a trade, turned into the American League Rookie of the Year. The early returns on the college-oriented 2002 draft class are very positive. Orlando Hudson and Josh Phelps, products of the Ash Regime, were given chances in the second half and played very well. One setback was the injury to prized right-hander Francisco Rosario, an electric arm who will miss all of '03 following Tommy John surgery.

Toronto is an organization in transition, but the future appears bright, granted that the Jays faced tough competition from the Well-Heeled Yankees and New Model Red Sox.

2002 amateur draft
This fall, Baseball America rated Toronto's 2002 draft class as the best in the game. Rating drafts a few months after they happen is problematic, of course, but there is no question this draft looks good on paper. It was heavily college-oriented, with just two high schoolers picked in the first 10 rounds. But the college guys have good ceilings, and add a quick boost to the system.

First-round pick Russ Adams, an infielder from North Carolina, does everything well except hit for power. His on-base ability and good speed make him a prototype leadoff guy, and scouts love his attitide. Second-round pick David Bush, a right-hander from Wake Forest, throws strikes at 93 mph, pitched very well in his pro debut, and could be a closer someday. Third-round pick Justin Maureau, a lefty, and fourth-round pick Adam Peterson, a right-hander, both came from Wichita State. Maureau has a great breaking ball, while Peterson has hit 94 mph. Like Bush, they both pitched very well in their debuts. The parade of college pitching continued in the fifth round, with Central Michigan product Chad Pleiness. He doesn't throw as hard as Bush or Peterson, but has good pitchability, and posted a 2.42 ERA in the New York-Penn League. Also keep an eye on sixth-round pick Jason Perry, a Georgia Tech first baseman/outfielder who hit .405 (!) in rookie ball.

Some traditionalists may question Toronto's heavy college emphasis, but they did a good job picking collegians with both raw talent and significant polish.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see significant major league action in 2003. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '04 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically. No 2002 draftees are listed.

WILL HELP SOON
Jason Arnold, RHP: Everybody seems to want this guy; he keeps popping up in three-way trades. Toronto is his home now, and will likely remain so. Arnold is a complete pitcher, with movement, velocity, and command. Expect to see him at some point in '03.

Jayson Werth, OF: Werth showed his power (18 homers) and speed (24 steals) at Triple-A Syracuse, but also struck out a lot (125 times). But he'll take a walk (67), and has turned into a good defensive outfielder, leaving catching due to the presence of Kevin Cash.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
Kevin Cash, C: An excellent defensive catcher, Cash also hit with power, knocking 18 homers between Double-A and Triple-A. Problems making contact at Syracuse (he hit just .220) necessitate more Triple-A, with an eye for a job in '04.

Vinny Chulk, RHP: Went 13-5 with a 2.96 ERA at Double-A Tennessee. Tosses a nice 93 mph sinker, along with a slider and changeup. Strikeout rate is a bit low (108 in 152 innings). Used as a starter last year, but looks more like a reliever to me.

Gabe Gross, OF: Toolsy, but with lots of college polish from Auburn, Gross was supposed to dominate Double-A. Instead he struggled badly, though he hit better in the second half to finish at .238 with 10 homers. Still has good strike zone judgment, and I still like him.

Brandon League, RHP: May have the best fastball in the system, but has some trouble with his breaking stuff. Posted a 3.15 ERA for short-season Auburn. Will make his full-season debut in '03, and should do well.

Dustin McGowan, RHP: McGowan is a classic right-hander at 6-3, 190. Has a 93 mph fastball, plus a seriously good curveball. Went 11-10, 4.19 in the Sally League, but with good 163/59 K/BB ratio in 148 innings.

Alexis Rios, OF: Toolsy product of the Ash Regime, hit .305 with 14 steals at Class A Dunedin. Doesn't walk much, but doesn't strike out much, either. Double-A will tell us a lot; he has yet to tap his raw power.

KEY SLEEPER
Dominic Rich, 2B: Hit .345 in the Florida State League. Auburn product of the 2000 draft, has a line-drive stroke and good patience. Blocked by Orlando Hudson, but worth tracking. Kudos to reader M. Green for pointing him out.

Other names to know
Mike Smith, RHP; Peter Bauer, RHP; Cameron Reimers, RHP; Francisco Rosario, RHP; Tyrell Godwin, OF; Mike Snyder, 1B; Neomar Flores, RHP; Guillermo Quiroz, C; Diegomar Markwell, LHP.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 Minor League Scouting Notebook, and is now working on the 2003 Baseball Prospect Book. His biography of Bob Feller will be published next spring. 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 JohnSickels.com.