One of the most interesting prospects in Toronto’s fairly-loaded farm system recently made his debut in short-season ball in Bluefield. Around this time last year, the Jays inked 16-year-old pitcher Eric Pardinho, one of the top international free agents, to a $1.4 million signing bonus.

Despite being only 17 years old and having the body of a kid (generously listed as Ht: 5′ 10″ Wt: 155), Pardinho has been dominant so far in the Appalachian League. He’s made three starts, and, over the course of 13 innings pitched, has allowed two earned runs on five hits. The most impressive part, I find, is the fact he’s struck out 19 guys while walking only two.

Actually, no, the most impressive part is the fact he’s doing this against a league in which everyone is older than he is. He’s playing against 20- and 21-year-olds who played a year or two in Junior College before getting drafted. Like, he’s striking guys out at a 13.2 SO/9 pace who actually have adult bodies and have had coaching at the college level. That’s some damn impressive stuff.

According to MLB Pipeline’s most recent update, Pardinho is ranked No. 7 in Toronto’s system. That puts him ahead of pitchers Ryan Borucki, Sean-Reid Foley, and T.J. Zeuch, all of whom are performing well in the upper minors. I have a feeling Pardinho is going to be a quick riser through the system much like the last 17-year-old who hit the ground running in Bluefield. (Hint: He’s ranked Toronto’s No. 1 prospect right now).

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are having a hell of a season. They have six players headed to the All-Star game, Vlad Jr, Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, Jonathan Davis, Zeuch, and Jordan Romano. Biggio just smacked his league-leading 17th home run of the season, which is madness because he only had 11 last season. Zeuch tossed another gem for the Fisher Cats the other day, allowing just five hits over seven shutout innings. Bichette has ran into a bit of a slump and Vlad Jr. is still on the disabled list, but good lord, this Fisher Cats team is a hell of a time to follow.

Of course, the Double-A All-Star game is instead going to be a big deal because of…