2011 S2S FSL All-Star Team: OF Robbie Grossman
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: OF Robbie Grossman
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 190
Bats: Switch
Throws: Left
22-years-old
2011 MiLB Team: Advanced-A Bradenton Marauders
2011 MiLB Stats: .490 AB .294 AVG. .418 OB% 34 doubles 2 triples 13 HR 56 RBI 24 SB
Background:
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected outfielder Robbie Grossman in the 6th round of the 2008 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of Cypress Fairbanks HS (Cypress, TX).
Behind the Numbers:
Grossman very quietly had a very impressive season for the Bradenton Marauders in 2011. He recorded a solid .294 average which was thirteenth best in the FSL last season. His .869 OPS was also fifth best, largely in part to his MiLB best 104 walks. 2011 was a bit of a breakout year for the 22-year-old, as he recorded career highs in average, on-base percentage, doubles, home runs, RBI and stolen bases. Grossman’s performance in 2011 earned him FSL Post-Season All-Star and AFL Rising Stars game honors. Grossman was also named the Pittsburgh Pirates Minor League Player of the Year.
Scouting Report:
Grossman is another FSL favorite of mine that that kinda climbed out of nowhere. Despite lacking any real plus tools, he maximizes his potential and exhibits consistency. Grossman works hard and was an absolute pleasure to watch last season. He’s able to make solid contact and grind out at-bats from both sides of the plate. The majority of his extra-base power is had from the left side of the plate though. His speed and base-running ability may grade average to the majority of scouts. I was impressed though and I rate him a tick higher. Defensively he features solid speed, arm strength that’s a tick above-average with above-average accuracy. Although he spent the majority of the season in right-field, Grossman possesses the ability to effectively man all three outfield positions. If he’s moved permanently to a corner spot he should be an above-average defender.
Future:
Although he’s made great strides in reducing his strikeouts–lowering it in each of the last three seasons–Grossman must continue to lower his strikeouts to be successful as the levels advance. His speed, defense and on-base ability should help him on his journey to the show. With Jose Tabata, Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte and Robbie Grossman, the Pirates future outfield definitely looks pretty exciting.
Grossman should begin the 2012 campaign in AA-Altoona.
Congratulations to Robbie Grossman for an outstanding season!
NEXT UP: OF
2011 S2S FSL All-Star Team:
SS Hak-Ju Lee
OF Robbie Grossman
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