Monday August 18th 2009, the Toronto Blue Jays had until midnight to sign the players they drafted in this season’s Major League baseball draft.

After signing first round draft pick Chad Jenkins, the Jays could not negotiate contracts with their supplemental first round pick James Paxton, nor could they agree upon a deal with second round pick Jake Eliopoulous.

Toronto Blue Jays prospect Jake Marisnick

This gave the Jays an opportunity to focus on signing their third round selection in the form of a 6’3, 190 pound outfielder from Riverside Poly High School in California native Jake Marisnick

Scouts describe Marisnick as a long, lean, pure athlete with a cannon for an arm and a “go for it all” attitude.

Marisnick, known to never back down from diving for a ball or hitting a wall full force was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays to a $1 million signing bonus.

Marisnick’s slot was a recommended $309,600 by Major League Baseball, which means the Jays paid $690,400 over slot for the outfielder.

The gifted Marisnick, compared by scouts to that of Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim outfielder Torii Hunter, has already reported to Dunedin for workouts with the developmental team of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Marisnick took some time out of his very busy schedule to answer a few questions with me regarding his past career, his objectives in his future career and much more.

Bryan Mcwilliam: Jake, how does it feel to be one step closer to your dream of playing in the Major Leagues?

Jake Marisnick: It feels great to be able to start my professional career and the dream of playing in the major leagues is one step closer to being reality.

Bryan Mcwilliam: Did you expect to be drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays? Did they seem to show more interest in your talent than any other club?

Jake Marisnick: I didn’t know what to expect on the day of the draft. I knew they were one of the teams that were interested, but had no idea if I would end up there for sure.

Bryan Mcwilliam: I understand you have already reported to Dunedin for workouts, but you cannot play professionally until 2010 due to your contract, how are the workouts going so far?

Jake Marisnick: They are going good. It has given me a chance to meet a lot of the staff and players. Feel great hitting and working out and can’t wait to get on to the field.

Bryan Mcwilliam: In your short time in Dunedin, has a coach or a fellow player already stepped up and offered advice on how to improve your game? If so, who would that be?

Jake Marisnick: Not the time I was out there. They wanted me to feel comfortable with the people and the routine before they started trying to improve my game.

Bryan Mcwilliam: Throughout your high school career, who would you say gave you the most trouble as a hitter at the plate?

Jake Marisnick: I would have to go with Matt Hobgood. A friend of mine for a while and a great pitcher. He had great stuff and always threw his best pitches when I was at the plate.

Bryan Mcwilliam: I’ve read that some scouts have listed your throwing arm as one of the best outfield arms they have seen in a while, some say comparable to Torii Hunter, would you agree?

Jake Marisnick: If that is the case I would be honoured. He is one of the players I like to model my game after and would like to play the game the same way he plays it.

Bryan Mcwilliam: I’ve also read that you are the gritty kind of outfielder who does not mind diving for a ball or running full force into an outfield wall attempting to make the play. Would you agree with that assessment as well?

Jake Marisnick: I would agree with this. I ended up missing a game because I split my knee open on the fence and had to get stitches.

Bryan Mcwilliam: Tell readers where you developed this “go for it all” attitude?

Jake Marisnick: Playing football helped create this type of attitude for me and it has carried over on to the baseball field.

Bryan Mcwilliam: Is there a certain individual responsible for passing this attitude along to you?

Jake Marisnick: I would have to say watching Torii Hunter roam the outfield has helped pass this attitude to me.

Bryan Mcwilliam: Are there any other recent draftees of other teams or even Major League ball players you are friends with? If so, who?

Jake Marisnick: One of the things I love about baseball is the many different people you can meet and become friends with. Most of the high school players drafted I have had an opportunity to play with and many of them befriend.

Bryan Mcwilliam: Have you had the opportunity to speak with Cito Gaston, the Toronto Blue Jays manager?

Jake Marisnick: I have not had a chance to talk with him.

Bryan Mcwilliam: What is next for Jake Marisnick? What are your goals and what do you plan to achieve now that you are officially a member of the Toronto Blue Jays organization?

Jake Marisnick: Now that I am a member of the Toronto Blue Jays organization I am going to trust in their development program which has been one of the best in the major leagues and get to the Big Leagues as fast as possible.

The talented Marisnick’s professional career will begin in 2010 when his contract officially begins for the Toronto Blue Jays and I wish Jake nothing but the best in all of his future baseball endeavours.

If readers are interested in seeing Jake Marisnick in action “Baseball Beginnings” has a Scouting Video of Jake up on their website at:

http://baseballbeginnings.com/2009/06/09/jake-marisnick-video/

You can also watch Jake Marisnick square off against Matt Hobgood in another video here:

http://baseballbeginnings.com/2009/04/25/hobgood-marisnick/

I would like to thank Jake for his time and also give thanks to Jennifer Marisnick of Reynolds Sports Management for the interview opportunity.