Jays Journal » AJ Jimenez

Report: A.J. Jimenez to undergo Tommy John surgery

Jared Macdonald — Sat, 19 May 2012 10:26:00 +0000

New Hampshire Fisher Cats catcher A.J. Jimenez appears to be headed for Tommy John surgery to replace the ulnar collateral ligament in his right (throwing) elbow, according to a blog entry from Kevin Gray of the New Hampshire Union Leader late last night. It’s a major blow for Jimenez, one of the Blue Jays’ top prospects and considered one of the best defensive catchers in the minor leagues, as he could be out until next spring at the earliest.

“Jimenez had pictures taken at a local hospital and later left the ballpark with his elbow wrapped,” writes Gray. “He told Fisher Cats fan Brad Bacon that surgery was already scheduled. Fisher Cats manager Sal Fasano said Jimenez will receive a second opinion but is ‘most likely’ headed for TJS [and that] the elbow ligament is ‘hanging by a thread.’”

A.J. Jimenez could be out until next season with an elbow injury. (Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE)

After being bothered by a sore right elbow earlier this month, Jimenez was placed on the 7-day disabled list on Tuesday before finding out the bad news last night. The 22-year-old hasn’t appeared in a game for the Fisher Cats since May 13, and one has to wonder if the discomfort in his elbow affected his hitting, considering he’s managed just a .237 average and .558 OPS over his last 10 most recent games.

It’s more likely that he’s just having trouble adjusting to Double-A pitching, though, because his elbow hasn’t taken anything away from his spectacular defense behind the plate this season. Jimenez has been a big reason why the Fisher Cats are ranked first in the Eastern League in caught stealing percentage so far in 2012, as he has gunned down 12 of 22 potential base stealers for an uncanny 55% rate.

Jimenez recently caught up with 1 Blue Jays Way to discuss playing for Sal Fasano, playing in New Hampshire, his draft process and more, so have a listen to that as more details about his injury trickle in.

In a corresponding roster move, the Fisher Cats called up Sean Ochinko from High-A Dunedin.

- JM

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Blue Jays Prospect Hot Sheet: Week Three

Kyle Matte — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:33:57 +0000

The third edition of the Jays Journal Blue Jays prospect hot sheet is very hitter heavy as, thankfully, the elite positional prospects in the system have finally found their offensive game. Four of the top five performers are of the offensive variety, as was the final cut. The starting catcher for three of the Blue Jays four active affiliates was in contention for the top five, which speaks to the depth of that position in the minor leagues. With no further ado, here are the hottest prospects for the week spanning April 23-29.

1. C A.J. Jimenez (NH): 20 AB, .400/.429/.850 (1.279 OPS), 1 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 0 SB, 1/2 BB/K

March 2, 2012; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Antonio Jimenez (71) poses for a portrait during photo day at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Jimenez played in only five games this week, which is the reason for his low at-bat total of 20. Regardless, when he found the field, he played like the top prospect he is, racking up three multi-hit efforts, and swinging with authority. Jimenez is hardly known for his power, but his .850 slugging percentage this week was the highest in the system. Astoundingly, his two home runs in these five games are exactly half of what he managed to hit over the entire 2011 season (102 games). Jimenez had only 10 hits in his previous 12 games this year, so hopefully this hot streak has him back on track moving forward. This week raised his batting average an impressive 56 points, from .213 to .269.

2. CF Jake Marisnick (DUN): 26 AB, .423/.444/.846 (1.290 OPS), 2 2B, 0 3B, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 1 SB, 1/0 BB/K

Despite his team’s overwhelming success –- the D-Jays are 18-5 entering Monday -– Marisnick hadn’t really found his stroke until this past week. It’s been a bit of a trend for the offense down in Florida, as fellow top prospects Marcus Knecht (.589 OPS) and Michael Crouse (.561 OPS) are also struggling to make regular contact. Marisnick broke out in a big way, however, with hits in five of six games, including a ridiculous 10-for-17 stretch from Wednesday through Saturday. They weren’t just slap singles either, as he had five extra base hits this week, including the three home runs. The huge week raised his season line to .286/.377/.518 (.894 OPS), which is much more like the Jake Marisnick we’ve grown to know and love.

3. LHP/RHP Jaron Nanchez (LAN): 1-0, 12 IP, 9 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 16 K

Jaron Nanchez is back for a second consecutive week, despite the fact that the Aaron Sanchez / Justin Nicolino duo each appeared in two games, totaling six innings a piece. Scouts and prospectors have been buzzing on Sanchez in the early going, and it’s no surprise why: he’s made five three-inning appearances this season, and in each he’s allowed one hit, no runs, and struck out at least three. Sanchez could have ranked on the list by himself, but the contributions from Nicolino (6 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K) should not be overlooked. It was noted by the Lansing Lugnuts radio broadcasters that, after their appearances, both pitchers are continuing to throw in the bullpen. We could be very close to seeing four inning outings from the young Lansing staff.

4. 1B David Cooper (LAS): 23 AB, .391/.481/.783 (1.264 OPS), 6 2B, 0 3B, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 0 SB, 4/1 BB/K

David Cooper got off to a slow start this year, particularly in the power department. After hitting 51 doubles in 120 games for Las Vegas last season, he had only two through his first 13 games this year. It’s been a different story over the last ten, particularly in the six games he played this week. What’s especially crazy about Cooper’s performance is that it included two 0-fers, so in reality, those seven extra base hits came in only four games. With four walks against only one strikeout this week, Cooper has boosted his season totals to 10 walks and 11 strikeouts, showing the sharp eye we’ve come to expect from him. He would have a ton of value if he had some defensive flexibility, but I’m not sure he has enough to make it as a major league first baseman, despite the numbers he constantly produces in Triple-A.

5. C Travis d’Arnaud (LAS): 21 AB, .381/.381/.619 (1.000 OPS), 2 2B, 0 3B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 0 SB, 0/4 BB/K

Finally, the system’s top prospect makes an appearance on a hot sheet. d’Arnaud narrowly edged out Lansing catcher Carlos Perez for the final spot, which as I mentioned earlier, speaks volumes about the depth Toronto has at the catcher position. d’Arnaud is currently riding a nine game his streak going back to last week, which could be a sign the backstop has finally found his stroke. Despite a rather underwhelming (given the friendly confines of Las Vegas) season slash line of .263/.341/.413 (.753 OPS), there have been some positives. His current 9.2% walk rate would be a career best, and his 17.2% strikeout rate would be his lowest since A-ball in 2009. Perhaps I’m overly sensitive about d’Arnaud after writers at Baseball Prospectus passed along the opinion of some scouts who feel he may be closer to a league average hitter than an All Star, but another big, healthy year from d’Arnaud would be big for this franchise, and would greatly ease my nerves.

Honorable mention: Carlos Perez (LAN), Sean Nolin (DUN)

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LaCava: A.J. Jimenez is a sleeper

Jared Macdonald — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:29:59 +0000

Defensively-gifted Blue Jays catching prospect A.J. Jimenez opened eyes with both his glove and bat last season, so it’s no surprise that in an article on Baseball America yesterday (behind a paywall), assistant general manager Tony LaCava called the Puerto Rican backstop a sleeper and “arguably the best defensive catcher” that Toronto currently has in its minor league system.

The short article is definitely worth a read, as it has quotes from Jimenez, LaCava and current Blue Jays reliever Evan Crawford, who spent only a few weeks with Jimenez at Double-A New Hampshire this season prior to getting called up to Toronto but raved about the catcher, saying that “he’s one of the most athletic people I’ve ever met in my life” and that “he’s going to be something special.”

Coming off of an impressive 2011 campaign that saw him set new career-highs in doubles (29), walks (28), batting average (.303) and on-base percentage (.353) in a career-high 102 games, Jimenez is off to a slow start offensively with New Hampshire this season with a .236 average and .585 OPS in 14 games but has, however, already caught six of 13 basestealers for a 46% mark.

More importantly, Jimenez has been reunited with Fisher Cats manager Sal Fasano, as the pair developed a special bond when they were previously together in 2010 with the Class-A Lansing Lugnuts.

Getting to know him both as a player and a person, Fasano not only had high praise for Jimenez but taught him the intricacies of being a catcher, including how to frame pitches. Another year under Fasano this season should only help Jimenez continue to grow.

Here’s a clip of Jimenez making a tag at home during Arizona Fall League play in 2009:

- JM

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John Sickels Answers Some (Blue Jay) Questions

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:43:59 +0000

If you haven’t visited minor league ball.com yet, pull yourself out from whatever rock you’ve been hiding behind and check it out. The site is home to John Sickels, who is a well regarded prospect analyst. At minor league ball, Sickels offers up stellar scouting reports, prospect lists and just about anything a prospect crazed baseball fan could want.

Sickels answered some reader questions yesterday, including some Blue Jay related queries. Here they are:

(more…)

Jays Journal Hitting Prospect Hot Sheet: 28th of May, 2011

Mat Germain — Sat, 28 May 2011 16:11:33 +0000

As we near the end of May, and approach what may be a very busy promotion period due to the draft and super 2 status worries being put to bed, we need to take a look at who’s hot in the Jays minors system. I’ll cover who’s not tomorrow, and the pitchers after May in complete.

There are many surprises, and many expected performances. One note, before we begin, is that the Jays traded 2B Niuman Romero (26) to the Phillies in return for Future Considerations. He only had 25 ABs with Las Vegas this season (his only one within the Jays organization) which makes his stay with the Jays really brief.

Aside from that bit of news, here’s what I’ve noticed:

The 10 Hottest Jays Hitting Prospects (more…)

Top 50 Jays Prospects, Jays Journal Edition: #6 J.P. Arencibia

Mat Germain — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:52:31 +0000

The next player on our list is one of my personal favorites, and yet another catcher that the Jays will depend on for some much needed pop at the bottom of the lineup….

#6: Jonathan Paul Arencibia

image courtesy of minorleaguebaseball.com

Catcher / 25 years old / 6’1″ 210 lbs

Born: January 5th, 1986 in Miami Florida

Bats: Right Throws: Right

High School Team: Westminster Christian High School

College: University of Tennessee

Drafted:

In the 17th round of the 2004 draft by the Seattle Mariners, but decided to attend college.
In the 1st round, 21st overall, of the 2007 draft by the Toronto Blue Jays

Signed: for $1,327,500 by Matt Briggs

Quick Facts: (more…)

Assessing Potential Jays Trade Targets: KC 1B Kila Ka’aihue and Clint Robinson

Mat Germain — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 23:32:31 +0000

Continuing through assessments of potential Jays Trade Targets brings us into Kansas City, a place where winning is so close that fans are closing their eyes and waiting for the long list of names likely to be called up in 2011. However, due to positional strengths, some of their best prospects may never get that chance in Kansas City. Two of these are players who the Jays could try to trade for in…

1B Kila Ka’aihue

6’4″ 235 lbs / Bats Left, Throws Right / 26 years old (more…)

Top 50 Jays Prospects, Jays Journal Edition: #11 Travis d’Arnaud

Mat Germain — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 23:16:42 +0000

As requested by ravenous Jays Journal fans, we’re putting up a swarm of our rankings tonight! Up next, if there’s one player rated highly on our list who would surely like a chance to redo his 2010 season as a 100% healthy player, it’s one of the three pieces acquired in the Roy Halladay deal…..

#11: Travis d’Arnaud

image courtesy of mopuduty.com

Catcher / 22 years old / 6’2″ 195 lbs

Born: February 10th 1989, in Long Beach California

Bats Right Throws Right

High School Team: Lakewood HS California

College: Had a commitment to the Pepperdine Waves before signing with the Phillies

Drafted: in the 1st sandwich round, 37th overall, of the 2007 draft by the Phillies, one pick before the Jays selected Brett Cecil

Signed: for $832,500 by Tim Kissner (Phillies)

Quick Facts:

Was part of the 2006 CIF SS Division 1 Championship team and his high school was ranked 8th overall by Baseball America his last year there.
Went home (from Dunedin) for 1 day to celebrate his 21st birthday last year, just before getting ready for spring training.
Travis Mattair and Justin De Fratus, both highly rated Phillies prospects, are two of his best friends and were the first to greet him when he arrived as a Phillies prospect. (more…)

Jays in the Running for Russell Martin

Mat Germain — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:42:41 +0000

You have to love when an agent blurts out exactly who’s in the running in order to see if he can run up the price and get teams running to the cheque book one last time. That’s exactly what Russell Martin‘s agent, Matt Colleran, has done by reportedly stating that the Canadian catcher or 3B is deciding between the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. So it’s down to itty, bitty, mighty mo for Russell who has a pretty tough decision to make. Let’s see what the perks and issues may be with each location.

Martin signs with New York: (more…)

The 2011 Jays Infield – Catcher and JP Arencibia

Mat Germain — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:12:12 +0000

There are a lot of people out there who believe that the Jays may seek to add a catcher who can also play 1B – such as Victor Martinez – in order to supplement the current likely duo of Jose Molina and J.P. Arencibia. I guess that last season’s display of power from JP and the fact that he’s worked with the majority of the Jays staff while in the minors has no bearing on his ability to take on a full time roll in 2011. I doubt the Jays will get VMart and see him as a likely option for either the Chicago White Sox or the Texas Rangers. When you consider the Jays would have to give the Sox a high pick to get VMart, it all makes more sense that they’ll pass.

J.P. Arencibia has been a favorite Jays prospect of mine for some time because I believe that he can become a game changer at a very important position. Not only can he call a good game and get pitchers on track when need be, but he has prodigious power that will not allow opposing pitchers to sleep through the bottom of the Jays lineup as they may when Jose Molina comes to the plate.

You don’t need to look any further than his AAA stats in 2010 to see what I mean in terms of power and plate presence potential:

412 AB/ .301 avg/ .359 OBP/ .626 SLG/ .986 OPS/ 36 doubles/ 32 HRs/ 85 RBI/ 38 BB/ 85 SO

These stats followed an injury plagued 2009 season that had most of J.P.’s numbers looking ugly aside from his usual power. These stats prove that he’s able to handle MLB pitching and will provide the Jays with a huge boost in all offensive numbers at the catcher position. (more…)