Toronto Blue Jays: Prospect David Cooper Having Impressive 2012 Start

Toronto Blue Jays' prospect David Cooper is having a strong and impressive start to the 2012 season. He began to shine when he was promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas, and he continues to thrive.

So far in 2012, Cooper has 31 hits, 11 doubles, one triple, one home run and 21 RBI with a .316 batting average and a .480 slugging percentage in 111 plate appearances. He has struck out only 11 times in 25 games played.

Cooper's primary position is at first base, although he does fill the role of designated hitter on occasion. In 2011, he got his first MLB call-up to Toronto on April 29 against the Yankees as the DH. He went 0-for-4 in that game, but the next day he got his first MLB career hit against Ivan Nova.

On May 10, 2011 he got his first MLB home run off of Boston Red Sox pitcher Daniel Bard. In the same game, Cooper hit a game-winning sacrifice fly in the 10th inning.

With all of Cooper's success, he has found himself stuck in a situation that may prevent him from getting a permanent call-up to the Blue Jays. Adam Lind is locked in at first base until 2016.

Back in November, Jon Heyman reported that the Blue Jays may be willing to trade Cooper for this reason.

Cooper adds a strong and valuable bat to Toronto, and he has excellent skills at first base. He has proved that he can fill the role when needed, serving as a back-up first baseman and DH as well.

The issue is that Toronto does not need him in a permanent spot, and very likely will not need him permanently for quite some time. As much as I would hate to see him be traded away, Cooper needs to have the freedom to move ahead into a position on a team in MLB.

He is impressive and consistent. If Toronto won't give him a spot, then it's time to let him go and flourish in another environment that will utilize his skills.