2011 S2S FSL All-Star Team: 3B Elevys Gonzalez
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: 3B Elevys Gonzalez
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 175
Bats: Switch
Throws: Right
22-years-old
2011 MiLB Team: Advanced-A Bradenton Marauders
2011 MiLB Stats: 454 AB .322 AVG. .374 OB%
36 doubles 6 triples 6 HR 83 RBI 7 SB
Background:
The Pittsburgh Pirates signed Elevys Gonzalez as a non-drafted free agent on June 4, 2008. The switch hitting infielder hails from Porlamar, Nueva Esparta , Venezuela.
Behind the Numbers:
Gonzalez very quietly put together an impressive breakout campaign in 2011. He recorded a .322 average which was second best in the FSL last season. His 36 doubles and 83 RBI also ranked second highest. Not to shabby results for a 21-year-old in the FSL. Breaking down his batting average, he survived on a very high batting on balls in play average of .392 which he’s unlikely to repeat. Regardless it was still a helluva season. Gonzalez’s performance also earned him a spot the FSL Post-Season All-Star Team.
Scouting Report:
Gonzalez is a solid all-around player but he fails to really excel in any one particular area. In a nutshell: he’s a jack of all trades, master of none. His speed grades average to a tick above average. As I touched on earlier, his range, footwork and defensive skills in general seemed average at best to me too. His bat looks pretty solid but I’m curious to see how he handles the higher levels. Gonzalez continues to improve though and he may have turned a corner last season. He posted career highs nearly across the board in 2011 with Bradenton. In short, he impressed the hell out of me because of his age and lack of prospect status coming into the season. He might not currently be billed as on of their top prospects due to his limited ceiling but Gonzalez made great strides in 2011.
Future:
Gonzalez doesn’t exactly excite the scouts. I have yet to see, nor do I anticipate seeing him on a Pirates Top Prospect lists anytime soon either. However, as I stated before my awards weren’t based upon prospect status nor were they a pronouncement of top prospects in general. With all due respect, Gonzalez had one helluva season and he deserved to be recognized. He continues to show improvement both in the field and at the plate. At 21-years old he wasn’t necessisarily old for the FSL either which was encouraging. Moving forward he needs to walk a bit more and strikeout a bit less. Don’t they all need to though? He still projects as more of a utility guy to me. I also believe he could greatly benefit from a permanent move to second-base. His arm and limited range would be better suited there in my opinion. He has already worked his way around the infield in his brief Minor League career, so we’ll see what next season brings. Gonzalez should begin the 2012 season in AA-Altoona.
Congratulations to Elevys Gonzalez for an outstanding season!
NEXT UP: OF
2011 S2S FSL All-Star Team:
3B Elevys Gonzalez
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