Rasmus, Hechavarria catch Farrell’s eye in loss
Posted March 5, 2012 5:45 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
LAKELAND, FLA — Development is far more important than victories in the pre-season, which is why Toronto Blue Jays manager John Farrell had plenty to be pleased about following Monday’s 4-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland, Fla.
The loss was Toronto’s first of the Grapefruit League season following a weekend sweep of a home-and-home with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
With several Blue Jays regulars staying back in Dunedin in anticipation of Tuesday’s home game against the Philadelphia Phillies, it gave several players the opportunity to make an impression on Farrell.
Here’s five who did:
Starting pitcher Henderson Alvarez:
The 21-year-old Venezuelan was making his spring debut following a breakout 2011 campaign in which he posted a 3.53 ERA and 1.131 WHIP in 10 starts. Working exclusively with a fastball and changeup on Monday — the slider and cutter he continues to work on will be incorporated into his next start — he displayed the same command of the strike zone and willingness to attack hitters that turned so many heads last year.
Even if it was just for one inning:
“He picked up where he left off last year,” said Farrell following the game. “He attacked the strike zone, had some quick outs. I know it’s one inning, but he came out and threw the ball with good arm strength. A positive day.”
Colby Rasmus:
The Blue Jays centre fielder continued his strong start to the Grapefruit League season with a pair of hits, including a double to deep right-centre field. Perhaps more tellingly, in the sixth Rasmus walked following a long at-bat against Tigers reliever Phil Coke.
“The thing that we’re excited to see is the mechanics, the adjustments that he’s made to the lower half are being maintained,” said Farrell. “When he hits the ball to right-centre field he can backspin it with the best of the hitters that we’ll see. It’s good to see him staying with a consistent approach. The selectivity against Coke; a solid at-bat in that situation.”
Edwin Encarnacion:
The Blue Jays first baseman on Monday just missed a home run in the fourth inning when his deep fly landed in the mitt of Delmon Young up against the wall in left field. In the sixth, he lashed a ground-rule RBI double to left.
“As we all know, he dealt with some wrist issues last year, even the previous year, but he’s come in, felt great and his swing even looks a little more compact,” said Farrell. “In the games he’s played so far, he’s put some good swings on some balls.”
Evan Crawford:
The 25-year-old is an intriguing pitcher to keep an eye on this spring. Last year with double-A New Hampshire he struck out 10.9 batters per nine innings in 45 relief appearances while posting a 3.35 ERA and 1.392 WHIP. Should he continue to perform — he struck out two batters, including Miguel Cabrera, in a perfect inning of work Monday — Luis Perez will be looking over his shoulder in the Blue Jays’ bullpen.
“Crawford again today, very crisp stuff, even against Cabrera,” said Farrell. “Name recognition isn’t fazing him one bit. It’s good to see. We talked before the game about guys making a positive impression, and it’s been two appearances but still, he’s making the most of his opportunities.”
Adeiny Hechavarria:
The 22-year-old Cuban shortstop went 0-for-2 at the plate, but according to Farrell, continues to show something he did not bring to the table in 2011.
“More strength, more bat speed,” he explained. “From a year ago, there’s a noticeable difference. And even with his approach at the plate, things were a little quick for him; he didn’t know whether to swing at the first pitch or work deep into the count. I think there’s more of an understanding of what his abilities are and a better idea at the plate. We’re seeing it more each day with the physical maturity.”
A great example of this came in the third inning when Hechavarria was able to get his hands in quick on an inside fastball that resulted in a flyout to centre.
The battle in left: With Travis Snider back in Dunedin, Eric Thames got the start and went 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts.
Up Next: The Blue Jays host the Phillies at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium at 1 p.m. ET. Scheduled starters are Ricky Romero for Toronto and Cliff Lee for Philadelphia.
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Check back tomorrow for pre-game news, notes, and the starting lineup. We’ll also have a live blog beginning at 1 p.m. ET.
