2011 S2S FSL All-Star Team: C A.J. Jimenez

The 2011 Advanced-A Florida State League season is officially in the books. Well, to be exact the season ended over two months ago. As we count down the days to Spring Training I thought I’d begin a new tradition here at S2S. Over the past few years around the Tigers Blogosphere I’ve presented an Annual Tigers MiLB All-Star Team at seasons end. Residing in Central Florida has presented me with the opportunity to watch some of the future stars of tomorrow in the Florida State League. I attended the 2011 FSL All-Star Game and visited seven different stadiums last season giving me the opportunity to see every team a handful of times.

So without further adieu the time has come for me to announce the 2011 S2S FSL All-Star Team. While you may recognize some of the names, remember these awards aren’t a pronouncement of the FSLs “top prospects”. The awards were based heavily upon the best overall statistical season per position. Factors such as age, ceilings, floors and prospect status carried only partial weight when I created this list. While you may see a top prospect here and there, the bulk of the list features players that simply caught my eye during my adventures around the FSL last season.

The breakdown of the roster will consist of one player per position, a designated hitter and ten pitchers.

Remember to check back frequently and share your thoughts as I work my way through the 2011 S2S FSL All-Stars.

2011 S2S FSL All-Star Team: C A.J. Jimenez
Height: 5′ 11″
Weight: 200
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
21-years-old
2011 MiLB Team: Dunedin Blue Jays
2011 MiLB Stats: 379 AB .303 AVG. .353 OB%  29 doubles 1 triples 4 HR 52 RBI 11SB

Background:

The Toronto Blue Jays selected A.J. Jimenez in the 9th round of the 2008 MLB Draft out of Academia Discipulos de Cristo (Bayamon, Puerto Rico).

Behind the Numbers:

Last season Jimenez was the starting catcher for the Dunedin Blue Jays in his third full season of professional baseball. His .303 average and 29 doubles were 9th and 11th best in the FSL last season. Jimenez’s performance last season earned him a FSL Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star Award. Baseball America also recently tabbed Jimenez the Florida State Leagues tenth best prospect.

Scouting Report:

At the plate Jimenez routinely makes solid contact and features respectable doubles power. He has a solid approach at the plate and doesn’t strike out to much considering his age and current level. He does a great job of putting the ball in play. Even a slight increase in walks would likely improve his prospect status though. On the base-paths he’s a smart runner that occasionally uses his above-average speed (considering his position) to swipe the occasional base. Jimenez receives solid marks behind the dish as well. He’s highly regarded for his strong accurate arm, blocking skills and above-average receiving skills.

Future:

The bat is intriguing but the defensive skill-set alone should get Jimenez an audition in the show. Toronto has a bit of a log jam at the catcher position so there’s whispers of a possible position change. He’s to valuable behind the dish though so I see them slowly progressing him through their system to polish his bat a bit.

Congratulations to A.J. Jimenez for an outstanding season!

NEXT UP: 1B

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