Jays Journal » Sean Ochinko

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

Like what you read and want to stay informed on all updates here at Jays Journal? Follow us on Twitter (@JaysJournal), “Like” our Facebook page, or grab our RSS feed!

Top 50 Jays Prospects, Jays Journal Edition: #33 Ryan Schimpf

Mat Germain — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 03:16:41 +0000

A true born leader and winner comes in at #33 in….

#33: Ryan Michael Schimpf

picture courtesy of Kelly Lambert from flickr.com

Second Baseman / 22 years old / 5’9″ 180 lbs

Born: March 11th, 1988 in Covington Louisiana

Bats left Throws Right

High School Team: St. Paul’s High School

College: Louisiana State University

Drafted: in the 5th round (160th overall) of the 2009 draft, signed for $155,700 by Rob St-Julien

Wears: #12 for the Dunedin Blue Jays

Quick Facts:

Attended LSU because he had cheered for them when younger and his dad also attended
Made the NCAA regional All-Tournament team in 2008 (more…)

Top 50 Jays Prospects, Jays Journal Edition: #36 Sean Ochinko

Jared Macdonald — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 04:09:26 +0000

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

After Alan Farina, our top reliever on the list at #37, comes a catcher at heart turned corner infielder at #36…

#36: Sean Peter Ochinko

C-3B-1B / 23 years old / 5′11″ 205 lbs

Born: October 21st, 1987 in Parkland, FL

Bats: Right Throws: Right

High School Team: Stoneman Douglas Eagles

College: Louisiana State University

Drafted by: The Toronto Blue Jays in the 11th round (340th overall) of the 2009 First-Year-Player Draft

Jersey Number: #41 for the Lansing Lugnuts

(more…)

Jays Minors Notes

Mat Germain — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:14:14 +0000

As the Jays sit a mere 8 games out of the Wild Card spot in the AL, here are some happenings in the minors that I’d like to share with you:

The Jays made the Shane Opitz signing official on the 31st of July. He’s a huge signing for the Jays that was expected to be a tough signing to complete.
OF Jacob Marisnick has been promoted to LoA Lansing. He’s struggling a bit to find himself over his first 30 ABs there, but it’s definitely where he belongs.
OF Michael Crouse, a 2008 16th rd pick, was promoted more recently after hitting 4 HRs with a .333 average over 96 ABs in the GCL.
Hitters in SS are hitting .185 against Casey Lawrence who is mowing down hitters with ease. He has a 2.11 ERA and 9 walks to his 38 Ks.
Sean Ochinko, who was converted from a Catcher to a 3B, is hitting .421 over his last 10 games. He now has a season’s average of .310, 30 doubles, 7 HRs, 52 RBI, and a .363 OBP. He’s earned his keep this season and could get a look in HiA before long. (more…)

Jays Continue to Dominate O’s

Mat Germain — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:15:43 +0000

At least the Jays are beating the teams that they’re supposed to beat. They trumped the O’s for the 7th time this season in 7 games, with lots of help from their new addition – Yunel Escobar. Yunel made 2 very nice defensive plays – showing the cannon of an arm he possesses on one play when he threw off his back foot while crossing behind 2nd base – and also contributed offensively with a perfect bunt single (bringing some much needed small ball to the Jays) and a walk in 5 ABs. The win brings the Jays to a 500 record once again and gives them something to build on as the 2nd half continues. (more…)

Jays Minors Updates

Mat Germain — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:57:45 +0000

After a little vacation, here are updates on worthy notes throughout the Jays Minors system:

Art Charles, who was drafted in the 20th rd by the Jays as a LHP and signed July 6th, has been converted into a 1B for the GCL Blue Jays;
Noah Syndergaard made his debut for the Jays in the GCL, throwing 2 shutout innings where he did not allow a walk or a hit. So far so good! If looking for more information about Noah, look up the interview I conducted with him after he signed with the Jays.
J.P. Arencibia is a man on fire in AAA and may be spelling the end of John Buck in Toronto with his performance. Not only is John’s value about as high as it can be in trades right now, but JP is tearing up the ball in AAA at a pace that can’t be ignored much longer. He’s hitting .390 with 7 HRs over his last 10 games, with a .444 OPB and ridiculous 1.396 OPS. He should be in Toronto by the end of July, once Alex starts dealing.
Zach Stewart is beginning to heat up in AA, holding a 5-1 record and 3.19 ERA over his last 10 games. He still doesn’t have stellar numbers, 59 hits and 26 walks to 49 Ks in those 62 IP, but he is learning to come through when needed and get the job done with guys on base. A promotion to AAA may be in order by August.
Adeiny Hechavarria is beginning to warm up in AA, but is still showing cracks to his offensive skills. While his average is much better at .279 over his last 10 games (43 ABs), he still only had 4 extra base hits in that span and was caught stealing twice (no stolen bases). That amounts to few big knocks and no speed….not exactly stellar for a SS. He can still break out soon, but hasn’t wowed anyone yet. (more…)

Post ’10 Draft Top 20 Jays Prospects

Mat Germain — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:32:33 +0000

As the GCL Jays and Auburn Doubledays season is set to kick off, and the draft has just been completed, I thought we should take a peak at what the Jays have in terms of prospects by doing a top 20 prospects review. Here is the list according to Jays Journal:

Brett Wallace, 1B/3B (AAA) 23 - no change
Travis d’Arnaud, C (HiA) 20 - no change
Kyle Drabek, SP (AA) 22 - no change
Jake Marisnick, OF (LoA) 19 – begins 2010 season end June
JP Arencibia, C (AAA) 24 – up (more…)

Jays Minors Review: 7-May-10

Mat Germain — Sat, 08 May 2010 13:57:52 +0000

Stat of the Day: New Hampshire’s C Brian Jeroloman and INF Brad Emaus sit 2nd and 4th respectively at the top of the AA rankings for On Base Percentage. Jeroloman has an impressive .466 OBP, while Emaus follows with an equally impressive .463 OBP. The only player to have a higher OBP in AA than Jeroloman is none other than FLA OF Mike Stanton (.477) , a prospect some fans know something about, while little known STL LF Aaron Luna splits the 2 with a .465 OBP….a pretty good indication as to how great these two players are doing in their quests to move up to AAA.

Here is a review of the major events in the minors for the Jays on Thursday, 7th of May:

AAA Las Vegas – Lost 7-0

Nothing to see here – the 51s managed only 3 hits, and as many errors, as Lance Broadway had another lackluster outing: 4.1 IP, 5 ER on 8 hits and 4 walks. Let’s move on, shall we?

(more…)

Jays Minors Review: 29-Apr-10

Mat Germain — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:37:29 +0000

Here is a review of the major events in the minors for the Jays on Thursday, 29th of April:

AAA Las Vegas – Won 3-1 vs Colorado Springs

The 51s were the recipients of Robert Ray‘s best start of the year. He gave them 6 innings of work, only giving up 5 hits and 1 ER while striking out 4 (no walks). The outing earned Ray his 2nd win of the year and lowered his ERA to 4.57.
Steven Register (5.02), David Purcey (3.00), and Jeremy Accardo (0.00) all chipped in with 1 shutout inning a piece that had Accardo earning his 1st save of the season.
RF Chris Aguila (.311) was 2 for 4 with a double while batting leadoff, and Jarrett Hoffpauir (.324) followed him up with a 2 for 3 day. Of note in this game was that Jarrett manned 3B instead of 2B, adding to his repertoire and possible utility role qualifications.

(more…)

Jays Minors Review: 20-Apr-10

Mat Germain — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:04:36 +0000

Here is a review of the major events in the minors for the Jays on Tuesday, 20th of April:

AAA Las Vegas –Lost 8-5 vs Salt Lake (LAA)

Rei Gonzalez (6.06)was not at his best Tuesday as he allowed 9 hits over 5.1 IP, 4 ER, 3 walks, and got 4 Ks. Luckily for the Jays, there is no rush for him to perform after his promotion to AAA since others are definitely proving to be up to the task of providing depth for the big club.
Another pitching note is that Jesse Carlson gave up 2 runs on 3 hits in his 1 inning of work in relief.
OF Chris Aguila (.375) led off and went 2 for 5 with a double (his 5th of the season), while JP Arencibia (.273), Jeremy Reed (.238), and Jorge Padilla (.262) all went 2 for 4.

(more…)