Dalton Pompey Must Prove Himself For Toronto Blue Jays In 2016 Spring Training

The Toronto Blue Jays must have Dalton Pompey prove himself in spring training. The Blue Jays’ lineup certainly passes the eye test until you get to left field. That’s where most projections have Michael Saunders slated to start. However, Pompey offers much more upside and could bring the lineup what it is lacking.

Pompey has been one of the top rated prospects in their system over the past few seasons. If he can win the job, he will bring the element of elite speed to the lineup that is lined with power. With the offseason trade of Ben Revere, the Jays now lack a true stolen base threat and leadoff hitter. Pompey may not be able to hit at the top of the order right away, but he could develop into that.

He was given the chance to have a starting job last season but struggled mightily early, as Kevin Pillar eventually ran away with the center field job. He’s only 23, but time could already be running out on Pompey. It’s conceivable that he could simply be cast as a light-hitting speed guy, but his ceiling is much higher if he can realize his potential.

The Jays need him to win the job. Saunders, just doesn’t bring any excitement with him. He could be a great backup corner outfielder and lefty bat against right-handers, but on an everyday basis, the excitement just isn’t there. Saunders is a career .230 hitter and was only able to play nine games last season. Early in spring, Saunders is putting up much better numbers than Pompey. Saunders is hitting .500 with two homers and seven RBIs, while Pompey is at .125 with a solo homer. It’s a small sample size and still early, but Pompey has to pick up the pace big time.

For the dynamic ability of the starting lineup, the Blue Jays need Pompey to win the gig with a proven spring. Combine that speed and switch hitting versatility with the power of Jose Bautista, Josh Donaldson and the rest of the big bats and the Jays become even more impossible to pitch to. It certainly doesn’t hurt marketing wise to have an Ontario native son be a starting left fielder for the team. If he doesn’t pick it up and prove himself, Pompey could be on his way to being labeled as another failed prospect.