We continue our draft review by looking at rounds 16-20. There are some interesting players here, particularly starting with the one the Jays selected in the 16th round.
Round 16
In the 16th round, the Blue Jays have a very interesting selection in Lemont HS (IL) catcher Michael Papierski. A teammate of Jake Latz (11th round), Papierski has committed to Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and could be a tough sign for the Jays. At 6-foot-3 and 205 lbs, Papierski has a big, projectable frame and is a switch-hitter with bat speed and power from both sides of the plate. Scouts like his ability to receive and anticipate that he’ll remain behind the plate. He was ranked 194th by MLB.com and 411th by Baseball America.
Round 17
In this round, the Jays selected another junior college righty in Quinn Carpenter, 20. Carpenter was the Iowa Western Community College Reivers star outfielder and right handed pitcher and helped the team to a NCJAA Division I championship. Carpenter was strong off the mound, striking out 75 in 50 innings and allowing just 17 walks and posting a very good 2.70 ERA. At the plate, he was outstanding, hitting .390/.437/.727 with 12 home runs, good for 20th in the NCJAA and placed 10th in slugging. A sophomore, Carpenter was committed to going to Texas Tech next year and could very well elect that route if he doesn’t sign.
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Round 18
Dusty Isaacs, a 22-year-old senior (he’ll be 23 in August) from Georgia Tech has already signed with the Jays and could see action out of the Vancouver bullpen this season. Isaacs had his best success in college out of the bullpen, throwing a 90-92 mph sinker with a somewhat consistent breaking ball. He was Baseball America’s 370th ranked prospect. Isaacs had a strong year with a 1.92 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 61 innings for GT.
Round 19
Coming out of Adelphi University in New York State, Cliff Brantley Jr. has already signed with the Jays and will begin his pro career in 2014. He is the son of Cliff Brantley who played with the Philadelphia Phillies for two seasons and comes from Staten Island. Brantley was a junior, transferring to Adelphi from Wagner College. Brantley was a finalist for the Tino Martinez Award, going to the top NCAA Division II player after hitting .398/.433/.492 with 24 stolen bases and 11 doubles in 191 at bats.
Round 20
Coming out of Western Carolina and signing on with the Blue Jays already is shortstop Aaron Attaway, a senior from Morgantown, North Carolina. Attaway’s numbers aren’t all that strong, hitting .234/.327/.366 with three home runs and 13 stolen bases in 145 at bats. There are reports that Attaway was dealing with a hand injury this season which made it tough for him hit.
Stay tuned for more draft coverage on Twitter (@JaysfromAway)! Keep an eye out for our 2014 All-Star Break Supplement to the 2014 Toronto Blue Jays Minor League Handbook which will have all of your draft, signing and mid-season coverage of the Jays’ minor league system!