2011 S2S FSL All-Star Team: SS Hak-Ju Lee
By Aaron Somers
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: SS Hak-Ju Lee
Height: 6′ 2″
Weight: 170
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
21-years-old
2011 MiLB Teams: Advanced-A Charlotte Stone Crabs AA-Montgomery Biscuits
2011 MiLB Combined Stats: 500 AB .292 AVG. .365 OB% 17 doubles 15 triples 5 HR 30 RBI 33 SB
Background:
The Chicago Cubs signed Hak-Ju Lee as an international free agent out of Seoul, Korea back in 2008. Fast forward a bit, and Lee was perhaps the most silent chip in the package that sent him to Tampa Bay when the Chicago Cubs received Matt Garza in January of 2010.
Prior to last season, Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus had Lee ranked as the Rays 8th best prospect. Baseball America also recently tabbed Hak-Ju Lee the Florida State Leagues third best prospect last season.
Behind the Numbers:
Lees .318 average and .389 on-base-percentage ranked third and ninth best in the FSL last season. Despite his late season promotion to AA-Montgomery he still posted the eighth highest total of stolen bases and tied for second best in triples. His 82 runs scored were also the fourth highest total last season in the FSL.
His performance in 2011 earned him FSL Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star honors. Lee was also selected to participate in the 2011 Futures Game.
Scouting Report:
Lee shows good hand-eye coordination and routinely puts the ball in play. His speed and ability to put the ball in play and grind out at-bats make him a solid lead off hitter. Lee doesn’t Possess home run power but he has the ability to drive the ball to the gaps and use his legs to rack up doubles and triples.
A simple glance at last seasons 18 errors and .945 fielding-percentage might raise a caution flag. I’m not to concerned though after watching Lee these last two seasons. He may lack polish but Lee features plus range, solid footwork and a strong accurate arm. Instruction and repetition should turn him into an above average defender.
Future:
Lee definitely improved his stock this last season and prospect gurus like Goldstein, Law and Sickels have recently given him rave reviews. Defensively, he has the potential to be a well above average short stop once he learns to harness his raw ability. His excellent speed and hit tool make him a prospect worth keeping an eye on. Lee stumbled a bit in his brief promotion to AA-Montgomery at seasons end. He would still be pretty young for that level next season. With that in mind, I anticipate Lee beginning the 2012 campaign in AA-Montgomery.
Congratulations to Hak-Ju Lee for an outstanding season!
2011 S2S FSL All-Star Team:
SS Hak-Ju Lee
NEXT UP: 3B
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