2011 S2S FSL All-Star Team: OF Kyle Jensen
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 Kyle Jensen
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 230
Bats: Right
Throws: Left
23-years-old
2011 FSL Team: Advanced-A Jupiter Hammerheads
2011 FSL Stats: 391 AB .309 AVG. .385 OB% 20 doubles 1 triples 22 HR 66 RBI
Background:
The Florida Marlins selected outfielder Kyle Jensen in the 12th round of the 2009 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of St. Mary’s College.
Jensen quickly signed in 2009, posting a .280 average and .354 on-base percentage for the Jamestown Jammers of the NYPL. In his first full-season of pro ball, Jensen saw action with the Class-A Greensboro Grasshoppers. Jensen posted a .272 average and a .342 on-base percentage over 470 at-bats. He chipped in a team high 128 hits, 26 doubles and 86 RBI. His 18 home runs were also second highest for the Grasshoppers that season.
Keeping with his one level at a time promotional pattern, Jensen played for the Jupiter Hammerheads of the FSL last season.
Behind the Numbers:
Jensen very quietly had an impressive season for the Jupiter Hammerheads in 2011. He posted a solid .309 average which was fifth best in the FSL last season. His .919 OPS was tops in the FSL and his 22 home runs ranked third best. Looking at his overall body of work, 2011 was definitely a breakout year for Jensen. He recorded career highs in average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, home runs and walks.
The 2011 campaign also brought the 23-year-old many accolades. He was named Florida State League Player of the Week for the first week of the season. The Marlins also rewarded Jensen, naming him their Minor League Player of the Month for April. Jensen was named to the FSL Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star Teams. He was also named the Florida State League Player of the Year and listed as a Baseball America High Class A All-Star.
Scouting Report:
Jensen’s raw power excites me but he definitely has a few holes in his swing. As I previously mentioned he took a small step forward walking a career high 53 times. Jensen continues to struggle with the strikeouts though, being sat down a career high 137 times last season. Defensively he leaves a little to be desired as well. His speed is below average and his arm and route running skills seemed average at best to me. Regardless his bat alone should start to raise interest from fans and more importantly the Marlins front office. By no means am I claiming that I saw something that the experts didn’t. Nor am I proclaiming him a top prospect. Jensen had an impressive season though and he deserved to be rewarded here at S2S. He’s certainly never been particularly young at any of the levels he’s played. Regardless, Jensen has done his part, posting solid numbers at every stop. He may fail to crack many folks top prospect lists but Kyle Jensen is definitely a sleeper prospect in my opinion.
Future:
Unfortunately several things have to go right for Jensen to reach his limited MLB ceiling. I can’t see him projected as anything higher than a platoon outfielder or bench bat. If he can continue to draw the occasional walk and crush home runs this could be some what easily obtainable. Again, several things have to click though. Jensen must cut the strikeouts though or he will continue to face an uphill battle.
Although the power remained strong, he regressed a bit in his late season promotion. I’d expect him to start the 2012 campaign back in AA-Jacksonville. As a 24-year-old, Jensen needs to put the petal to the metal and start the season strong though. Any hiccups next season and I’m afraid that the org tag might become more of a permanent fixture next to his name.
Congratulations to Kyle Jensen for an outstanding season.
Next Up: OF
2011 S2S FSL All-Star Team:
SS Hak-Ju Lee
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