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: 1B Jonathan Singleton
Height: 6′ 2″
Weight: 215
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
20-years-old
2011 MiLB Teams: Clearwater Threshers & Lancaster JetHawks
2011 MiLB Combined Stats: 449 AB .298 AVG. .353 OB% 23 doubles 1 triples 13 HR 63 RBI 3 SB
Background:
The Philadelphia Phillies selected Jonathan Singleton in the eighth round of the 2009 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of Robert A. Millikan High School in Long Beach, California. Last season Singleton split time between first-base and left-field largely in part to his former future road block Ryan Howard. Singleton was ranked 30th among the Top 50 Prospects by MLB.com entering 2011 season. Baseball America also recently tabbed Singleton the Florida State League’s seventh best prospect last season.
Scouting Report:
Despite being just twenty-years-old, Singleton already possesses a solid 6’2″ 215 pound frame. Although Singleton is far from being considered a thief on the base-paths, he’s quick for his size. At the plate he features a solid approach, often grinding out at-bats with decent pitch recognition. He has plus bat speed and a smooth swing that routinely makes solid contact. Despite being several years younger than his competition he continues to hit for a high average and flash projectable power. Defensively he split time between first-base and left-field. He’s athletic and features decent enough footwork to man first-base at an average to above-average pace. Scouts project his ability to field in a corner outfield position as average across the board.
Future:
Singleton was part of the package traded to the Houston Astros when they shipped outfielder Hunter Pence to Philadelphia last fall. He spent the majority of his time in Lancaster back at first-base which should improve his prospect status moving forward. Singleton shows all the tools to be a well above average major league player in the future. His track record thus far indicates that he can continue to be pushed aggressively. With that in mind, I anticipate that Singleton will open the 2012 season in AA-Corpus Christi.
Congratulations to Jonathan Singleton on an outstanding 2011 season!
2011 S2S FSL All-Star Team:
1B Jonathan Singleton
NEXT UP: 2B
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