The first-place Dunedin Blue Jays are doing more than having a strong first half of the season. They’ve done a huge amount to take home Florida State League honours with just a week and a half until the All-Star break.
The first big honour goes to Toronto native, outfielder Marcus Knecht for earning the Florida State League Player of the Week Award this week, hitting .524/.583/.762 in five games. His three doubles and a triple, combined with eight RBI led to the recognition. He currently has a .268/.341/.392 slash line.
Additionally, the Dunedin Blue Jays placed seven players on the FSL North Division All-Star team, with LHP Daniel Norris leading the way, having broken into MLB.com’s top-100 prospects (at #99). Despite allowing three runs in his last start, Norris has a 1.12 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 56 1/3 innings.
His rotation-mate, Taylor Cole earns an All-Star nod thanks to his outstanding season so far that includes a league-leading 82 strikeouts. Closer Arik Sikula (who has since been promoted to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats) also earned the honour although he won’t play in the game.
Mississauga-born center fielder Dalton Pompey headlines the position players getting named to the All-Star team. Pompey is clobbering the opposition with a .332/.410/.497 slash line, having hit nine doubles, three triples and six home runs and has 21 stolen bases while being caught stealing only twice.
Also heading to the All-Star Game in Bradenton will be catcher Derrick Chung, 1B K.C. Hobson and outfielder Dwight Smith, Jr.
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.