Simon Pond

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #29 prospect in 2004
  Previously given away by the Expos and released by the Indians, the Canadian corner infielder impressed Jays officials at a 2002 tryout camp after calling on his own to set up the workout. He showed big-time power from the left side and a blue-collar work ethic to win a spot on the 40-man roster after 2003. Pond typifies the approach employed by the "new Jays": He works counts, hits for power and doesn't play great defense. Bigger than his listed 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Pond has proven stiff at third base, doesn't run well enough to play the outfield and looks like a better fit at first base. One club official compared him physically and performance-wise to former Yankees and White Sox slugger Dan Pasqua. Whether or not Pond has enough bat for first base remains to be seen. In New Haven's deep, powerful lineup, he showed excellent patience and was a run producer, hitting stinging line drives to the gaps and over the fence. He was a bit more susceptible to Triple-A pitching, as his strikeout-walk ratio plummeted and his power numbers dipped after a promotion. Considering his defensive troubles, Pond's protection on the 40-man roster was a curious decision, but the Jays say his kind of lefthanded power is hard to find. Pond will have to prove he has enough pop to have a big league future when he returns to Triple-A in 2004.