Does Daniel Norris Deserve a Spot on Rotation?
When Marcus Stroman was ruled out for the entire season after tearing his ACL, you could hear the cries of anguish echoing around the Toronto area. After a stellar rookie season, Stroman had appeared due for a break through year and was set to solidify his standing as the new Toronto Blue Jays star pitcher. But from out of nothing, there now appears to be an unlikely new solution that could well turn a few heads at the Rogers Centre this year!
Ever heard of Daniel Norris? Well if you are from outside of Toronto probably not, but during spring training this year the 21 year old Tennessee native made headlines for his living arrangements. Rare is it that you see a guy so fond of not only the outdoors, but his VW van! Listed as the third best LHP prospect by MLB this year, Norris made his debut last September against the Boston Red Sox where he struck out David Ortiz! Making his first start soon after, he pitched only 6 2/3 innings and posted a 5.40 ERA, along with 4 strikeouts, and a 1.50 WHIP last season.
His performances in Dunedin, Florida during spring training have been eye catching ones and after pitching three scoreless innings in a 1-0 shut out of the New York Yankees today, Norris seems almost set to beat highly rated Dominican prospect, Miguel Castro for the final rotation spot! From three games, Norris has pitched over 7 innings and has an ERA of 3.64. Castro has a 0 ERA currently but has only pitched 4 innings. Along with this he has given up 8 hits and 3 runs. Castro here has zero runs and only two hits.
But what really sets these two men apart? Castro is a 6.5 pitcher who looks very commanding, but Norris is a man who appears to have a quiet confidence about him and looks Major League ready. He also possesses a deadly two and four seam fastball, along with decent curveballs and sliders. Castro currently would be better in relief until he learns the ropes of the big leagues. He has quickly rising through the minor league ranks with the Vancouver Canadians and the Dunedin Blue Jays- but Norris with his brief taste of the show feels roster ready now!
Good to see that even after the blow of losing Stroman, the Jays are looking towards their pool of talent rather than panic trading. Cole Hamels is still a target, but will this one really come to fruition at this stage? Time will tell on that front. 2015 could be a big season for Norris and it seems the Jays have a discreet weapon in their midst.
Ever heard of Daniel Norris? Well if you are from outside of Toronto probably not, but during spring training this year the 21 year old Tennessee native made headlines for his living arrangements. Rare is it that you see a guy so fond of not only the outdoors, but his VW van! Listed as the third best LHP prospect by MLB this year, Norris made his debut last September against the Boston Red Sox where he struck out David Ortiz! Making his first start soon after, he pitched only 6 2/3 innings and posted a 5.40 ERA, along with 4 strikeouts, and a 1.50 WHIP last season.
His performances in Dunedin, Florida during spring training have been eye catching ones and after pitching three scoreless innings in a 1-0 shut out of the New York Yankees today, Norris seems almost set to beat highly rated Dominican prospect, Miguel Castro for the final rotation spot! From three games, Norris has pitched over 7 innings and has an ERA of 3.64. Castro has a 0 ERA currently but has only pitched 4 innings. Along with this he has given up 8 hits and 3 runs. Castro here has zero runs and only two hits.
But what really sets these two men apart? Castro is a 6.5 pitcher who looks very commanding, but Norris is a man who appears to have a quiet confidence about him and looks Major League ready. He also possesses a deadly two and four seam fastball, along with decent curveballs and sliders. Castro currently would be better in relief until he learns the ropes of the big leagues. He has quickly rising through the minor league ranks with the Vancouver Canadians and the Dunedin Blue Jays- but Norris with his brief taste of the show feels roster ready now!
Good to see that even after the blow of losing Stroman, the Jays are looking towards their pool of talent rather than panic trading. Cole Hamels is still a target, but will this one really come to fruition at this stage? Time will tell on that front. 2015 could be a big season for Norris and it seems the Jays have a discreet weapon in their midst.
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