Toronto Blue Jays prospect Ridge Smith needed some extra time to feel comfortable on and off the field before turning pro. He was first drafted in the 29th round in 2013 by the Cleveland Indians, when Ross Atkins and Mark Shapiro were still part of the front office, but he did not feel he was ready to play third base at the next level. Smith switched to the catching position and he was drafted again by Atkins and Shapiro, who had moved to the Blue Jays organization, this time in the 12th round in 2016. Centennial College Journalism student Jennifer Redenbach shares Smith's story.

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When Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospect Josh DeGraaf finished high school in 2011, he was unsure if he was prepared for Major League Baseball. But after seven years of college, international play, and minor-league camp experience, the seasoned pitcher is ready for the next level. Centennial College Journalism student Jess Koffie recently caught up with the hardworking DeGraaf at the Bobby Mattick Training Center in Dunedin, Fla.

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Toronto Blue Jays' 2017 third-round pick Riley Adams was a shortstop until his sophomore year of high school, but the 21-year-old is now embracing his new position behind the plate. Centennial College Journalism student Braden Jones caught up with Adams at the Bobby Mattick Training Center this week.

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After six seasons in the Toronto Blue Jays organization as an outfielder, Joshua Almonte began his transition to becoming a pitcher this offseason. Toronto Observer writer Nikolas Marsiglio spoke to Almonte about his shift to the mound at the Bobby Mattick Training Center in Dunedin, Fla.

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Despite a respectable first professional season in which he posted a 1.54 ERA in 28⅓ innings at the Rookie ball level, right-hander Connor Law knew he had more to do to turn his passion for the game into a promotion in the Toronto Blue Jays' minor league ranks. Toronto Observer reporter Thomas Ketko spoke with Law about some of the changes that the young righty made to his training regimen this offseason.

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Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospect Graham Spraker had his eyes focussed so intently on the Major League Baseball draft in 2016 that his game fell apart. Fortunately, his coaches at Quincy University helped him turn his career around and now, coming off a successful first pro season, the 22-year-old right-hander is hoping to move up in the Blue Jays' system. Centennial College Journalism student Karan Gill shares Spraker's story.

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Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospect Tayler Saucedo credits his early success in the minors to the hard work it took him to get here. The 21st round pick from the 2015 draft has quietly moved his way up the club's system and is expected to begin the season with the class-A Advanced Dunedin squad. Centennial College Journalism student Bobby Colorado shares Saucedo's story.

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Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospect Patrick Murphy has jumped over many hurdles. From Tommy John surgery to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and a nerve removal, he is hoping to put his injuries behind him and move up in the club's minor league ranks. Centennial College Journalism student Nicole Fiorini shares his story.

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Randy Pondler is pursuing a baseball dream only 14 Nicaraguan Major Leaguers have accomplished. These steps cannot happen overnight, and Pondler was well aware of this when setting his goals for the season. But he’s off to a tremendous start – he was the Appalachian League pitcher of the year in 2017 for Bluefield. Centennial College Journalism student Warren Kosoy shares Pondler's story.

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If you ever wonder if professional athletes are just like the rest of us, talk to Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospect Danny Young. He will tell you how he learned to throw sidearm just by watching YouTube. Centennial College Journalism student Anthony Amador shares Young's story.

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Maximo Castillo left Venezuela at just 16 to join the Toronto Blue Jays with his family in mind. The right-handed pitcher from Caracas was signed as a free agent to a minor league contract in September 2015 for $10,000. He has been following the goal of playing in the big leagues not only for himself but also for those at home. Bruno Pizarro shares Castillo's story.

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