Blue Jays prospect Max Pentecost had a delayed start to his career after dealing with serious shoulder problems, but he’s getting back on track in 2016, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca writes. The 23-year-old backstop, a first-round selection in 2014, has already battled through three procedures. Though he still hasn’t been cleared to catch, Pentecost is back in action at the Class A level, where he owns a .262/.333/.317 batting line. Toronto director of player development Gil Kim says that the organization remains “confident that he’s got a chance to be a major-league catcher, and a pretty good one.”
Here’s more from the American League:
- Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins says that the club is most in need of pitching depth as the deadline approaches. (Video link via Sportsnet.ca.) Brett Cecil and Franklin Morales are filtering back toward the majors, he noted, but added that it’s impossible to assume that the roster will remain healthy once it gets those and other injured players back. “We’ll have to stay agile,” said Atkins, saying that “pitching will be the area we’ll look to improve.”
- Clay Buchholz will receive another start from the Red Sox, manager John Farrell told reporters including Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe (Twitter link). The veteran righty re-entered the rotation after a stint in the pen, and was greeted with a home run on his first pitch. Despite the shaky start, he ultimately allowed three earned runs on just four hits and a walk over five innings, while recording five strikeouts. Boston needs Buchholz at least to provide some solid innings for the time being, but will certainly hope that he can rediscover his form from 2015.
- As the Red Sox approach negotiations with first-round selection Jason Groome, Evan Drellich of the Boston Herald writes that it’ll require a careful approach to find agreement. The team has yet to make a specific offer to the touted high-school lefty, though it has opened talks. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski struck a cautious but generally optimistic tone. “We’re hopeful to still sign him,” he said. “We went into there with open eyes. We know what his demands are from what his agent passed on to the clubs. We think we can sign him, but only time will tell.”
- Bruce Rondon is showing renewed life for the Tigers, who have held out hope for the fireballing reliever for some time. As Aaron McMann of the Detroit Free Press reports, manager Brad Ausmus says that reports have been positive for the oft-maligned 25-year-old. Improved attitude, a streamlined figure, and a refined delivery have brought promising results at Triple-A. Now, he’s back in the majors for another chance at making good on his talent.
It’s Jason Groome, not Jacob
Indeed. Fixed.
Isn’t it Jason Groome?
I love hearing there are demands from kids under the age of 20. I understand athletes are gifted, but it gets ridiculous. Wish I had the talent even to be able to make the league minimum.
same here!!!
So he shouldn’t get the best deal possible because he should feel lucky to get anything?
No I am all for everyone doing the best they can do for themselves. But I guarantee you, if he is what he expects to be, he will still earn that money. But the JD Drews, Eli Mannings and Groomes of the sports world drive me nuts.
You do realize that the MLB draft is the biggest crapshoot in all of sports? If I were in his position I’d be looking for every penny. Even if a player has the ability and can make all the necessary changes required to get to the show, a career derailing injury can happen at any time
I think Groome has a fair case if he thinks he fell because of false rumors about his character, I have never seen such a young kid so unfairly judged, and no one seems to know what happened at the academy. I’ve seen some people say it was just a case of bad rules about transfers to he was caught with marijuana. Groome has plenty of options and shouldn’t let the Red Sox try to convince him otherwise, hes still a young man who can get an education and still get drafted in 3 years.
Fair point, just seems to be lack of appreciation and entitlement.
Just because he wants to capitalize on what could be his only chance at life changing money doesn’t mean he isn’t appreciative or feels entitled. I would do the same if put in his position.
Not trying to offend anyone, just my initial opinion.
Isn’t it Shill Davidi? I’ve read a lot of his copy, and by the tone, I’m pretty sure it’s Shill.
Don’t know why you’d say that. I respect him and he’s a really nice guy.
Rondon is looking fairly good in his two appearances, three shutout innings and got the win vs. Seattle in relief tonight. I’m sure the Tigers are pleased and that allows Anibal to go back to the rotation and pitch vs. Cleveland in Pelfrey’s spot on Saturday. I think Avila, Ausmus and Dubee are cautiously optimistic about both going forward along with Daniel Norris who makes his first start on Thursday. With Rondon, Greene could stabilize a rather crappy bullpen the rest of the way out.
I hadn’t heard about the rotation change. Any move that gets Pelfrey out of the rotation is good news. Here’s hoping Anibal has made some adjustments.
News is that the Tigers are going with a six man rotation for now. They are skipping Fulmer’s next start in an attempt to keep his innings down for the season. I think where they go with the rotation will have a lot to do with how Sanchez pitches in his next start.
Smart move with Fulmer, develop him right and he will be solid for 10+ years.
Rotation for now. Fulmer today, Norris Thursday, Zimm Friday, Sanchez Saturday, Verlander Sunday, Monday off day, Tuesday Pelfrey. One would think that the Tigers brass pushed Pelfrey back to Tuesday to give them some time to think about his future role with the team plus he would face less left handed bats vs. MIA than against CLE.
Couldn’t agree more. The most promising thing with Rondon that I’ve seen is his control. He seems to be hitting his spots much more consistently. He would certainly be a welcomed surprise to the bullpen.
Red Sox need Groome. They have not developed a starter through their farm system in years.
Is that a joke?
My bad. Pitching. Thought you meant in general. Sorry.