DUNEDIN, Fla. - John Farrell was impressed by the young talent on the Toronto Blue Jays when he took the job as manager.

With his first spring training winding down, he likes that young talent even more.

"I think there's been the realization that there's a greater quantity of quality prospects than first thought," Farrell said Sunday.

Two of the prospects that fall in that group are outfielder Eric Thames and first baseman David Cooper, who were sent to the minor-league camp Sunday after taking advantage of extended playing time at the major-league camp.

"Both made very positive impressions," said Farrell. "They were here in camp this long because they earned the right to stay here. And they earned the ability to get regular at-bats. I think Eric Thames led the club in spring training at-bats and deservedly so."

In 57 at-bats this spring, Thames was batting .228 with two home runs and 11 RBIs. He appreciated the experience.

"It means a lot," said Thames. "The coaches want to see what I can do out here so I got a lot of starts. Hopefully, it's a sign for the future in the next few months, fingers crossed."

Thames introduced yoga into his workout program before last season and the improved flexibility helped him avoid the injuries that knocked him down to the seventh round of the 2008 draft and hampered him in his first professional season in 2009.

In 2010, he batted .288 with 27 homers and 104 RBIs at double-A New Hampshire. He'll start this season at triple-A Las Vegas.

"He'll go to Vegas, knowing that he's walked out of here with a very good impression left behind," said Farrell.

Cooper, a first-round draft pick in 2008, batted .333 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 42 spring training at-bats. He also turned heads.

"A very classic left-handed swing," said Farrell. "He's put up some very good at-bats against left-handers. I think he's felt more comfortable as camp went on. I think his confidence is growing."

Hitting coach Dwayne Murphy's approach of looking for a certain pitch in a certain zone and then driving that pitch suits Cooper.

"I like it a lot," he said. "I like the aggressiveness. I'm a hundred per cent on board for that."

At the minor-league camp, Thames and Cooper will join a group of prospects sent down earlier that includes third baseman Brett Lawrie of Langley, B.C., who was one of the most impressive players at spring training and could soon be in the majors.

In 39 at-bats in major-league spring training games, Lawrie hit .282 with two homers and six RBIs. He was a second baseman in the Milwaukee Brewers' organization last year.

After the Blue Jays obtained him for pitcher Shaun Marcum last December, they converted Lawrie to third base and he made the move seamlessly.

Among the other prospects who have made a good impression this spring are outfielder Anthony Gose, who stole nine bases in 10 attempts, catcher Travis d'Arnaud, infielder Adeiny Hechavarria and pitchers Zach Stewart, Henderson Alvarez, Chad Jenkins and Deck McGuire.

"There's a lot of athleticism and there's a lot of arm strength with pitchers that have been in here," said Farrell. "When you look at the guys who are the core young players on their way up, this organization is in a very good position."

In another development, outfielder Corey Patterson seemed to be ready to return to competition soon after he was hit on the back of his helmet in the eighth inning of Friday's game by Boston Red Sox reliever Daniel Bard.

He was taken to hospital and a CT scan was negative. Further tests on Saturday revealed no apparent concussion. He did some exertion tests on Sunday to make sure there were no symptoms and could return to playing on Monday or Tuesday.

Right-hander Jesse Litsch, who was taken to hospital after becoming dehydrated during his outing against the Red Sox, was back with the team on Saturday and feeling no ill effects.

The Blue Jays also sent pitchers Winston Abreu, Chad Cordero, Sean Henn, Mike Hinckley, Wilfredo Ledezma and Rommie Lewis to minor-league camp on Sunday.

That left 32 players in the major-league camp, including right-hander Brandon Morrow (elbow) who is on the disabled list and right-handed relievers Frank Francisco (chest and bicep) and Octavio Dotel (hamstring) who are also expected to open the season on the DL.

The season opens April 1 at Rogers Centre against the Minnesota Twins.