Monday, March 5, 2012

Noah Syndergaard throwing "downhill bullets"

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Spent the day at Blue Jays minor-league camp, catching with old friends and getting a chance to watch Noah Syndergaard throw some lightning bolts. The big Texan is every bit of 6-foot-5 and stands tall, maximizing downward trajectory. While standing behind catcher Santiago Nessy, I got a sense of what it might feel like trying to hit Syndergaard. The term "throwing downhill" comes to mind as his fastball vapor-trails from a 3/4 arm slot (maybe a bit higher) and into the glove. If this kid starts commanding his changeup, it's over. Noah, still only 19 years old, says the changeup is currently his second-best pitch. Interview here ... Sal Fasano: "He's the best pure thrower we have, hitting 97, 98. Mechanics are getting better and better. He has a chance to be something special," Sal Fasano said. "The key is having a workable delivery that he can repeat over and over again." My guess is the Blue Jays will assign Syndergaard to Single-A Dunedin, and if he dominates, they'll give him a taste of Double-A in July. Who is heading north to New Hampshire? It's still too early to say, but catcher A.J. Jimenez is currently penciled in as the Fisher Cats catcher. Middle infielder Ryan Goins is likely headed to New Hampshire, along with power-hitting outfielder Brad Glenn ... Alan Farina threw his first bullpen (20 pitches) since Tommy John surgery and was encouraged. Farina begins the year on the 60-day DL and hopes to be throwing at 100 percent by July. 

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