According to an MLB.com report from Jesse Sanchez & a Fox Sports report courtesy of Ken Rosenthal the Toronto Blue Jays have a deal in place with the Seattle Mariners to acquire pitcher Brandon Morrow.

Morrow, a hard throwing 25 year old right hander was once seen as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball after Seattle drafted him in the 2006 Major League Baseball Entry Draft fifth overall, ahead of the likes of two time Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum, Dodgers prized lefty Clayton Kershaw, & Blue Jays talented outfielder Travis Snider.

Morrow, who features a fastball that can reach the high 90’s, as well as a nasty split finger pitch has had command issues at times and was dabbled back and forth between starter, reliever & closer in the Seattle system.

Morrow, who definitely has the potential to become either a high end starter or an important backend piece of the bullpen, will certainly get a shot to accomplish either feat.

In return for Morrow, the Jays will send right handed reliever Brandon League and a prospect to Seattle.

League has always had closer potential in his time with Toronto, but inconsistencies in control as well as giving up numerous long balls in clutch situations never garnered him the right of the closer title.

Morrow’s career numbers are 8-12 with a 3.96 earned run average in 197.2 innings pitched across 131 games played, 15 of which were starts. Morrow also has 15 saves in 22 chances while striking out 204 hitters and walking 128.

League’s career numbers are 7-10 with a 4.09 earned run average in 202.1 innings pitched across 168 games played, all relief appearances. League is also 2 for 9 in save opportunities while striking out 154 batters and walking 73.

The move is yet another one made by Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos to acquire a high end, young & talented first round pick in the hopes that the player will develop into their potential.

Along with Morrow the Jays have also acquired pitcher Kyle Drabek, infielder Brett Wallace & catcher Travis D’Arnaud via trade so far this offseason, while adding youngsters Mike McCoy, Sean Henn & Jarrett Hoffpauir via waivers & pitchers Zech Zinicola & Ruben De La Rosa via the Rule 5 Draft.

The Jays have also acquired veterans such as Alex Gonzalez, John Buck, Joey Gathright, Ramon Castro & Lance Broadway as possible stop gaps on the major league club until the young prospects in waiting are ready for their shots at the big league level.

Anthopoulos’ plan of acquiring young, talented, controllable players to build a franchise around is certainly coming to fruition.

Let’s see what Anthopoulos has up his sleeve next.