David Cooper

Cooper might have resurrected his career a bit after two disappointing years at Double-A New Hampshire by hitting .364 with 51 doubles at Triple-A Las Vegas in 120 games. His lack of power (nine homers) as a 24-year-old in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League isn't a good sign and he struggled in a pair of brief stints with the Jays, hitting .211 with 14 strikeouts in 81 plate appearances. He might stick with the Jays in a reserve role and serve as a backup to Adam Lind at first base if they decide to release Mark Teahen.

Cooper didn't really do anything different in his second full year at Double-A, hitting .257/.327/.442 with 20 homers in 132 games. He did show some increased power and cut back on the strikeouts, so it wasn't a totally lost year, but he didn't take a giant leap forward either. He'll need to develop more power or double his walk rate if he's going to be an asset for the Jays at first base. He'll start the season at Triple-A Las Vegas and needs a big season to warrant much attention going forward.

Cooper didn't exactly dazzle in his Double-A debut, hitting .258 with 10 homers at New Hampshire. Cooper's power failed to manifest itself again and there's a chance it'll never come but a disciplined approach at the plate could still make him serviceable at first base if he's able to draw enough walks. Lyle Overbay's contract is up after 2010 and the Jays had to be hoping that Cooper would be knocking on the door by then, but he'll need a strong season at Triple-A Las Vegas to remain in the Jays' long-term plans following the acquisition of Brett Wallace.

Cooper hit the ground running after being drafted in June, hitting .333 with 29 doubles in 273 at-bats in three different levels of Single-A. His homer output (five) was a small disappointment but the 29 doubles and disciplined approach at the plate are a positive sign. Lyle Overbay is under contract through 2010 and the Jays are hopeful that Cooper will be ready to take over at that point.