Toronto Blue Jays sign relief-pitcher Aaron Laffey – MLB News
With all the anticipation of the 2012 season, the Toronto Blue Jays have signed closer Aaron Laffey to strengthen their farm system giving him a Minor League contract.
Like Texas Rangers, the Blue Jays’ farm system is also considered one of the very best in the League and has produced plenty of big players for their team. Their farm system on many occasions rescued them from difficult situations.
Signing a good player for a Minor League contract is also a very strategic thought of the Blue Jays’ management as they can always call to their Minor League players for a potential backup.
The 26-year-old Laffey, who has played five seasons with the New York Yankees Minor and Major League teams, is a very talented player and possesses extraordinary pitching skills.
Playing 47 games in the last season, Laffey went 3.88 ERA along with 3-2 win loss record, 30 strike-outs and 1.65 WHIP. While his career 4.34 ERA with 21-23 win-loss record, 185 strike-outs and consistent 1.54 WHIP also make him a good reliever.
His consistent ball play has also been regarded by his former manager Joe Girardi in the Yankees franchise. He commented in August when speculations were on the rise as Laffey might be traded in the next couple of months. Despite the fact, the Yankees in
the end traded Laffey but always appreciated his game.
According to Girardi, “He’s a guy that can give you multiple innings, but he’s another left-hander for us. That’s why we went and got him. He had struggled lately. His first three months were pretty good, but he struggled lately.”
He added, “I’ll talk to him about that tomorrow, but you look at his first three months, they were pretty good. I don’t know. That’s the way it is, man. It definitely could help him. He was throwing the ball well, and when a guy is throwing the ball well,
you hate for him to have all this time.”
Now experts are commenting on Laffey’s new beginning with the Blue Jays will also be a boost factor for him and for the franchise as he will adjust easily to the new environment of Toronto.
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