Tampa Bay Rays: John Jaso C #65

As we continue on our 40 Rays in 40 days series, our next Ray is C John Jaso.










John Jaso
C #65
HT:6'2 WT:205

The Dish: John Jaso is a home grown Rays prospect who was taken by the in the 12th round of the 2003 draft out of Southwestern Community College. Jaso's career started out slowly, spending two years in Hudson Valley(Ray's Low A Team). However, Jaso broke out in 2005 as a member of the Southwest Michigan Rays(A) hitting .307 with 14 Home runs. In 2006 Jaso continued his climb through the minor leagues at High-A Visalia hitting .308 with 10 home runs. Things really started looking up for Jaso in 2007 at the AA level with the Montgomery Biscuits. Jaso had a great season hitting .316/.408/.484 with 12 home runs and 71 RBI. The .316 batting average was second best in the Southern League. Jaso was named a AA All Star at seasons end.

2007 Numbers:(AA Montgomery) .316/.408.484, 12 Home Runs, 71 RBI, 24 2B

Jules' Fantasy Impact: Jaso is a good pickup in deeper keeper leagues. Keep an eye on him for next season.

Role for '08: Again like Ruggiano, Talbot and Price its highly unlikely Jaso makes the team out of Spring. Joe Maddon ideally would like to have a veteran behind Dioner Navarro for the 2008 season. However, if Jaso can put up similar numbers from last year this year at AAA Durham he will force the Rays to take a look at him for next season. We asked Jim Callis if he thinks Jaso can be an everyday catcher for the Rays and here is his response, "I do. He's a sleeper who can really hit and play decent to solid defense. The big question is whether he can stay healthy, as he has been bothered by persistent shoulder problems in pro ball."


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