Just browsing the minor league scoreboard.... because I needed something to cheer me up and I came across Vancouver pitcher Taylor Cole.

It's short season low A ball but he is currently leading the league in ERA...Pitched 5 innings allowed 3 hits... and currently sports a 0.38 ERA.

I know he's 22, but he took a couple of years off because he's Mormon and wanted to do the religious mission thing.

Any chance of him moving up the ladder?

Last year

Yeargue W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER HR BB SO GO/AO AVG
2011 1 3 5.88 11 8 0 0 0 33.2 35 23 22 3 17 25 1.48 .276

Allowed 1 run in 30 innings. Another six scoreless innings last night.

I know the familiar argument will be age vs level, but still, I say try moving him through the system and see what happens. If he doesn't reach the majors until he's "older" but he can be a quality pitcher (if, of course), then why not. It's not like he was languishing in the minors for years *cough* Kevin Ahrens *cough*

This guy took two years off from baseball.... I think that has to be taken into consideration.

No chance.

Actually this is one of the few where you have found an interesting guy, he was a top 100 prospect out of high school who had very unrealistic demands of a $500K bonus plus the two years off for his mission. He ended up going to Southern Nevada and threw one pitch...a mid 90's fastball. He went off on his mission and came back to play at BYU and he lost all of his arm strength. He topped out at the mid 80's but learned to pitch without blowing hitters away. At the end of last year I heard he was touching 90 again. If anyone told me that his arm strength was back and he was throwing mid 90's this year, I'd say that he's got a realistic chance at moving forward into C prospect category. I haven't seen anything on his pitching speed this year though.

Still save your Fapping for the Green Hornet's Taylor Cole, as this Taylor Cole is a real longshot still.

"At this point the Jays are hurting his development letting him dominate hitters 5-6 years younger than him. As an '89 his window to the majors isn't very big. Better move him up soon. "

Huh? Is this suppose to be some trolling commentary?

If it isn't, then all I have for you is a *facepalm*

Another 6 innings of 1 hit ball tonight. 6ks. In his last 10 games he has only 3 where he has given up runs.

I think they should keep him in Vancouver for the stretch run there and have him for the playoffs, then possibly move him up to Lansing or Dunedin for their playoffs.

THe top 4 in the Vancouver rotation could be lights out for the playoffs if they make it with Cole, Avendano and Osuna, and now Norris.