April 11 Minor League Preview

 

First base coach and hitting coach Jon Nunnally greets Brad Glenn at first base in Buffalo in 2013
First base coach and hitting coach Jon Nunnally greets Brad Glenn at first base in Buffalo in 2013

 

 

Yep, the games are coming up fast so here’s a quick preview to let you know what’s going on around the Blue Jays’ minor league system today.

 

 

In another note, I’ll be starting to write up some of the content from my trip to Lansing this week shortly. We’ll have a couple of podcasts-worth of interviews with players including Griffin Murphy, Jason Leblebijian, Chase De Jong, Derrick Loveless and Phil Kish. On to today’s preview!

 

Buffalo Bisons (4-2)

 

The Bisons look to follow up a 7-4 loss to the Pawtucket Red Sox with a rebound. Pawtucket is a true powerhouse but Kyle Drabek (0-0, 5.40 ERA) is looking to have a good start against a very good offensive lineup. Juan Francisco has been electric since signing with the Blue Jays and the Bisons could use some thump. Fortunately, the Bisons are going up against scheduled starter Jeremy Kehrt, who isn’t one of the many pitching prospects populating the Paw Sox’ staff. This game gets underway at 6:05 pm and can be seen on MiLB TV.

 

New Hampshire Fisher Cats (2-5)

 

The Fisher Cats have not had a great start to the season and continue their series against the 5-2 Binghamton Mets at 6:35 PM. Scott Copeland takes the hill, also looking to rebound from his last start, one in which he threw three great innings before coming unhinged and giving up eight runs to the Trenton Thunder. Brad Glenn has a seven-game hitting streak going and will look to continue it.

 

Scott Copeland
Scott Copeland

 

Dunedin Blue Jays (6-1)

 

While the Fisher Cats have had a rough start to the season, the Dunedin Blue Jays are the hottest team in the Florida State League. Jesse Hernandez makes his first start of the year against Brevard County’s Jed Bradley. The Dunedin offense has been led by Dwight Smith, Jr. who is emerging as an early season star. Catch Tyler Murray with the call on internet radio at 6:30 PM.

 

Lansing Lugnuts (3-4)

 

The Lugnuts haven’t played as badly as their 3-4 record might indicate but I can really see the team getting into a groove and starting to rip off some wins. The piggybacking duo of Adonys Cardona and Chase De Jong go tonight at 7:05 PM and Jesse Goldberg-Strassler and Trey Wilson have the call on internet radio. Hopefully, this piggybacking outing will be better than Wednesday night’s in which neither featured pitcher threw more than three innings.

 

Who are these players? Find out in The 2014 Toronto Blue Jays Minor League Handbook, now available as an ebook at Smashwords.com for $7.99 US. It’s coming soon to Amazon, Apple iBooks, Kobo and other fine retailers. You can purchase and preview the book at our Smashwords.com page! If you like us here,“like” us on Facebook!

 

All photos are copyright Blue Jays from Away (2013-2014) and may not be used without permission.