Blue Jays prospect Tellez does not lack for confidence

By: Danny Gallagher

Canadian Baseball Network

Rowdy Tellez is a young man of 21 brimming with confidence. You can just feel it in his voice.

The big first baseman from Sacramento, Calif. said Friday he’s ready to step in and play first base for the Blue Jays next season, right out of Double-A.

With designated hitter and first baseman Edwin Encarnacion possibly not back with the Blue Jays next season, it would be a golden opportunity for Tellez to come in and play with Toronto, to compete against one of his favourite players, Justin Smoak.

So basically, no, Tellez isn’t thinking of Triple-A Buffalo next season. He’s looking at Toronto.

After an excellent season with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats of the Eastern league where he hit 23 homers, drove in 83 runs and batted .297 in only 124 games, the kid with the Mexican background and looks is looking to star in the Big Show in 2017.

“Basically, yes, I am ready to compete and show them that I am ready ,’’ Tellez told this reporter. “The goal of every player is to play in the majors the next year, the following year. My goal is to make the team at spring training.

“I want to be in the big leagues. My goal is to push and be ready to make the 25-man roster at spring training. I had a complete year this year on defence and offence. I had a really good year. It was really a fun team with the teammates we had.’’

Tellez wasn’t promoted as a September call-up by the Blue Jays but he isn’t complaining. He keeps any disappointment quiet.

“That’s not part of my job description,’’ Tellez said when asked if he had talked with the Blue Jays’ brain-trust about getting a promotion. “There was no discussion or communication. That’s not my decision. September callups are based on how you play and what they need. I’m just happy to have had a good season. I can’t complain about my numbers.

“Getting called up is out of my hands, not something I worried about. I’m just ready to play and have fun.’’

As a means of improving his situation next season, Tellez is headed to the Dominican Republic to play for about six weeks in winter ball with the Estrellas Orientales, who are based in the hotbed of Sn Pedro de Macoris. The stint will begin Oct. 9 and last until Nov. 20

“It has no affiliation with a team in the major leagues,’’ Tellez said. “We talked it over a lot with our Blue Jays’ staff members. They wanted me to get more experience. I’m excited about going there.

“After that, I’m going to work out, work on my game and my craft, do some hunting and spend time with my family. ‘’

Tellez was tickled to have been tutored by Smoak at spring training this year and was very much appreciative of what the Jays’ part-time first sacker did for him.

“Justin taught me so much, how to use my hands, how to use my feet,’’ Tellez said. “He was really a nice guy to talk with. It was a great major-league experience.’’

Tellez is listed in online references as weighing 220 pounds but he says he weighs 245. So is that a comfy weight or would he like to trim down in the off-season?

“You can’t really fill out anymore when you’re that big of a person,’’ he said. “I’m always trying to get into the best shape I can while staying strong and lean. The focus is to stay lean over a 162-game season.

“Every part of my game needs improvement. You don’t pinpoint one thing. There’s flexibility, the physical part of your body, defence, offence, fielding, throwing. Everything needs improvement.’’

See how Tellez is talking a ‘’162-game season’’, meaning Toronto. Time will tell. Let’s put this way: he has a good future ahead of him.