Joe Lawrence

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #11 prospect in 2002
  Lawrence has had a long trip in the organization, but if he doesn't have a good spring training that road will end. Drafted in the first round in 1996 as a shortstop, he moved to third base early in his career and dutifully shifted to catcher after 1999, taking a step back to high Class A to learn the new position. He seemed to take to it well but saw his progress stall in 2001, thanks in part to a mysterious left hand injury that lingered for much of the season. Two trips to the University of Virginia to visit a hand specialist determined Lawrence didn't need surgery, but the injury sapped his power at the plate. As he struggled, he expanded his strike zone, negating the plate discipline that had been one of his bigger strengths. Defensively, Lawrence led the International League with 15 passed balls and threw out just 23 percent of basestealers. His athletic ability and past offensive performances have convinced the Blue Jays that he has the tools to be a big leaguer. He has only one option left and will have to have a healthy spring to win a job as the big league backup to Darrin Fletcher. The Jays have plenty other catching options if Lawrence struggles again.
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  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #4 prospect in 2001
  An all-state football player in Louisiana, Lawrence is one of three shortstops the Blue Jays have selected in the first round in the last seven drafts. Only Lopez has stayed at the position. Lawrence worked at catcher in instructional league in 1998, played third in '99 and had that season cut short by an ankle injury. He moved to catcher to stay in 2000. Lawrence took to his new duties quickly and easily, making great strides during the season in calling games and throwing out runners. He has the best plate discipline in the system and the speed to make pitchers pay for it. Rather than getting slower as a catcher, he improved his times to first base and gets down the line in 4.1 seconds. Lawrence has yet to develop more than gap power. He got tired during the last month of the 2000 season, but the club expects him to stay strong as he gets used to the grind of catching. With Darrin Fletcher signed for three more years, the Blue Jays can be patient with his successor. Lawrence could earn a spot in Triple-A with a good spring.
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  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #8 prospect in 1999
  Background: Lawrence was a two-sport star at Barbe High, a preseason all-American in football as well as Louisiana's Mr. Baseball. He blossomed offensively this year at Dunedin, adopting a crouched batting style after hitting a combined .228 in his first two pro seasons. Strengths: Lawrence has strong offensive potential. Not only did he hit for average and show power at Dunedin, he also showed outstanding plate discipline. He has good hands and a strong enough arm to play wherever the Blue Jays decide to put him. Weaknesses: Lawrence's range is questionable for a shortstop and he figures to lose another step or two as he fills out. He needs to play the game a little more under control; he has a tendency to hurry plays and make mistakes. The Future: Lawrence is in line for a position change. He worked at catcher in instructional league; third base could also be in his future. He is headed to Knoxville in 1999.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Florida State League #8 prospect in 2000
  Lawrence took a step back this season, but it looks like it will be a step forward in the long run. After spending most of his professional career as a third baseman, Lawrence moved behind the plate this year, the continuation of an experiment the Blue Jays last tried in instructional league in 1998. Returning to the FSL after playing there in 1998, Lawrence impressed managers most with his bat. He’s still learning the ins and outs of catching, but he has the strong arm to become a standout there as well. "He is a professional hitter, very consistent with a good idea at the plate," Lakeland manager Skeeter Barnes said. "He hits the ball all over the field and is very skilled at hitting it the other way. He's the kind of hitter that avoids long slumps."

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #99 prospect in 2001

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Lawrence took a step back this season, but it looks like it will be a step forward in the long run. After spending most of his professional career as a third baseman, Lawrence moved behind the plate this year, the continuation of an experiment the Blue Jays last tried in instructional league in 1998. Returning to the FSL after playing there in 1998, Lawrence impressed managers most with his bat. He’s still learning the ins and outs of catching, but he has the strong arm to become a standout there as well. "He is a professional hitter, very consistent with a good idea at the plate," Lakeland manager Skeeter Barnes said. "He hits the ball all over the field and is very skilled at hitting it the other way. He's the kind of hitter that avoids long slumps."
• December, 1998 Scouting Report
  Background: Lawrence was a two-sport star at Barbe High, a preseason all-American in football as well as Louisiana's Mr. Baseball. He blossomed offensively this year at Dunedin, adopting a crouched batting style after hitting a combined .228 in his first two pro seasons. Strengths: Lawrence has strong offensive potential. Not only did he hit for average and show power at Dunedin, he also showed outstanding plate discipline. He has good hands and a strong enough arm to play wherever the Blue Jays decide to put him. Weaknesses: Lawrence's range is questionable for a shortstop and he figures to lose another step or two as he fills out. He needs to play the game a little more under control; he has a tendency to hurry plays and make mistakes. The Future: Lawrence is in line for a position change. He worked at catcher in instructional league; third base could also be in his future. He is headed to Knoxville in 1999.