The Baseball America All-Texas League Top 100 Prospect List All-Time Part 2 (#51-100)

In continuation of the top 100 prospects list, featured today is the rankings 51 through 100.

The Qualifications:
- Had to play in the Texas League the year before the ranking that I used. Any amount of games counted, could be as few as 2, or as many as 140. 
- Some players qualified in multiple spots, I took the spot that made the list work better.
- Like always, some spots had multiple All-Stars, while others were filled with players that barely made an impact, but if there were multiple All-Stars, I took the best player career wise.
- Again, ranking is based on Baseball America's list which began in 1990 through today. There is at least one player from 1990 and at least one player from 2012.
- Offensive Statistics: AVG, OPS, HR, RBI, R, SB, and WAR
- Pitching Statistics: W-L, ERA, SV, IP, K, WHIP, WAR
- Age and statistics according to Baseball-Reference.com




51. OF Shin-Soo Choo, Seattle Mariners (2005)

2004 Texas League Team: San Antonio Missions
2004 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): .315 AVG, .845 OPS, 15 HR, 84 RBI, 89 R, 40 SB
MLB Career Statistics:  .291 AVG, .856 OPS, 67 HR, 306 RBI, 302 R, 64 SB, 18.2 WAR
Awards: None


52. OF Bobby Abreu, Houston Astros (1995)

1994 Texas League Team: Jackson Generals
1994 Texas League Statistics (20 yrs): .303 AVG, .898 OPS, 16 HR, 73 RBI, 61 R, 12 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .293 AVG, .878 OPS, 284 HR, 1325 RBI, 1412 R, 393 SB, 58.7 WAR
Awards: 2 All-Stars, 1 Silver Slugger, 1 Gold Glove

53. OF Jason Lane, Houston Astros (2002)

2001 Texas League Team: Round Rock Express
2001 Texas League Statistics (24 yrs): .316 AVG, 1.016 OPS, 38 HR, 124 RBI, 103 R, 14 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .241 AVG, .771 OPS, 61 HR, 189 RBI, 165 R, 10 SB, 3.4 WAR
Awards: None

54.

55. OF Aaron Cunningham, Oakland Athletics (2009)

2008 Texas League Team: Midland Rockhounds
2008 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): .317 AVG, .894 OPS, 12 HR, 52 RBI, 65 R, 12 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .231 AVG, .664 OPS, 6 HR, 44 RBI, 42 R, 4 SB, -0.6 WAR
Awards: None


56. RHP Edinson Volquez, Texas Rangers (2006)

2005 Texas League Team: Frisco RoughRiders
2005 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): 1-5, 4.14 ERA, 0 SV, 58 2/3 IP, 49 K, 1.28 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 33-29, 4.65 ERA, 0 SV, 497 IP, 479 K, 1.50 WHIP, 3.2 WAR
Awards: 1 All-Star

57. RHP Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels (2006)

2005 Texas League Team: Arkansas Travelers
2005 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs):  3-3, 3.98 ERA, 0 SV, 43 IP, 46 K, 1.44 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 82-47, 3.31 ERA, 0 SV, 1131 2/3 IP, 977 K, 1.17 WHIP, 26.8 WAR
Awards: 2 All-Stars

58. RHP Simon Castro, San Diego Padres (2011)

2010 Texas League Team: San Antonio Missions
2010 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): 7-6, 2.92 ERA, 0 SV, 129 2/3 IP, 107 K, 1.10 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: N/A
Awards: None

59. LHP John Danks, Texas Rangers (2006)

2005 Texas League Team: Frisco RoughRiders
2005 Texas League Statistics (20 yrs): 4-10, 5.49 ERA, 0 SV, 98 1/3 IP, 85 K, 1.54 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 54-56, 4.03 ERA, 0 SV, 917 2/3 IP, 714 K, 1.30 WHIP, 19.3 WAR
Awards: None

60. 3B Tony Torcato, San Francisco Giants (2001)

2000 Texas League Team: Shreveport Captains
2000 Texas League Statistics (20 yrs): .500 AVG, 1.000 OPS, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 1 R, 0 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .298 AVG, .687 OPS, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, 0 SB, -0.2 WAR
Awards: None

61. SS Sergio Santos, Arizona Diamondbacks (2005)

2004 Texas League Team: El Paso Diablos
2004 Texas League Statistics (20 yrs):  .282 AVG, .794 OPS, 11 HR, 52 RBI, 53 R, 3 SB
MLB Career Statistics (Hitter): N/A
MLB Career Statistics (Pitcher): 6-7, 3.29 ERA, 31 SV, 115 IP, 148 K, 1.30 WHIP, 2.9 WAR
Awards: None

62. RHP Bobby Jenks, Anaheim Angels (2004)

2003 Texas League Team: Arkansas Travelers
2003 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): 7-2, 2.17 ERA, 0 SV, 83 IP, 103 K, 1.29 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 16-20, 3.53 ERA, 173 SV, 357 1/3 IP, 351 K, 1.25 WHIP, 9.2 WAR
Awards: 2 All-Stars


63. RHP Luke Hochevar, Kansas City Royals (2008)

2007 Texas League Team: Wichita Wranglers
2007 Texas League Statistics (23 yrs): 3-6, 4.69 ERA, 0 SV, 94 IP, 94 K, 1.45 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 30-43, 5.29 ERA, 0 SV, 585 2/3 IP, 387 K, 1.40 WHIP, 1.2 WAR
Awards: None


64. OF Adam Jones, Seattle Mariners (2006)

2005 Texas League Team: San Antonio Missions
2005 Texas League Statistics (19 yrs): .298 AVG, .825 OPS, 7 HR, 20 RBI, 33 R, 9 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .275 AVG, .756 OPS, 75 HR, 291 RBI, 310 R, 44 SB, 9.8 WAR
Awards: 1 All-Star, 1 Gold Glove


65. 1B Chris Davis, Texas Rangers (2008)

2007 Texas League Team: Frisco RoughRiders
2007 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): .294 AVG, 1.059 OPS, 12 HR, 25 RBI, 21 R, 0 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .252 AVG, .749 OPS, 44 HR, 137 RBI, 131 R, 5 SB, -2.4 WAR
Awards: None


66. RHP Joe Fontenot, Florida Marlins (1998)

1997 Texas League Team: Shreveport Captains (San Francisco Giants)
1997 Texas League Statistics (20 yrs): 10-11, 5.53 ERA, 0 SV, 151 1/3 IP, 103 K, 1.56 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 0-7, 6.33 ERA, 0 SV, 42 2/3 IP, 24 K, 1.78 WHIP, -0.8 WAR
Awards: None

67. C John Buck, Houston Astros (2003)

2002 Texas League Team: Round Rock Express
2002 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs):  .263 AVG, .736 OPS, 12 HR, 89 RBI, 48 R, 2 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .241 AVG, .716 OPS, 106 HR, 382 RBI, 312 R, 4 SB, 7.0 WAR
Awards: 1 All-Star


68. RHP Jake Odorizzi, Kansas City Royals (2012)

2011 Texas League Team: Northwest Arkansas Naturals
2011 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): 5-3, 4.72 ERA, 0 SV, 68 2/3 IP, 54 K, 1.28 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: N/A
Awards: None

69. RHP Jesus Colome, Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2001)

2000 Texas League Team: Midland Rockhounds (Oakland Athletics)
2000 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): 9-4, 3.59 ERA, 0 SV, 110 1/3 IP, 95 K, 1.35 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 19-27, 4.69 ERA, 6 SV, 426 1/3 IP, 330 K, 1.51 WHIP, -0.4 WAR
Awards: None

70. SS Jose Lopez, Seattle Mariners (2004)

2003 Texas League Team: San Antonio Missions
2003 Texas League Statistics (19 yrs): .258 AVG, .706 OPS, 13 HR, 69 RBI, 82 R, 18 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .263 AVG, .692 OPS, 88 HR, 452 RBI, 403 R, 25 SB, 6.3 WAR
Awards: 1 All-Star


71. RHP Jhoulys Chacin, Colorado Rockies (2010)

2009 Texas League Team: Tulsa Drillers
2009 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): 8-6, 3.14 ERA, 0 SV, 103 1/3 IP, 86 K, 1.18 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 20-26, 3.52 ERA, 0 SV, 342 1/3 IP, 301 K, 1.31 WHIP, 6.6 WAR
Awards: None


72. RHP Thomas Diamond, Texas Rangers (2006)

2005 Texas League Team: Frisco RoughRiders
2005 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): 5-4, 5.35 ERA, 0 SV, 69 IP, 68 K, 1.51 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 1-3, 6.83 ERA, 0 SV, 29 IP, 36 K, 1.76 WHIP, -0.5 WAR
Awards: None

73. OF Tim Salmon, California Angels (1991)

1990 Texas League Team: Midland Angels
1990 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): .268 AVG, .797 OPS, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 17 R, 1 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .282 AVG, .884 OPS, 299 HR, 1016 RBI, 986 R, 48 SB, 37.6 WAR
Awards: 1 Silver Slugger, 1 Rookie of the Year


74. SS Adrian Cardenas, Oakland Athletics (2009)

2008 Texas League Team: Midland Rockhounds
2008 Texas League Statistics (20 yrs): .279 AVG, .718 OPS, 0 HR, 7 RBI, 12 R, 0 SB
MLB Career Statistics: N/A
Awards: None

75. RHP Rick Gorecki, Los Angeles Dodgers (1994)

1993 Texas League Team: San Antonio Missions
1993 Texas League Statistics (19 yrs): 6-9, 3.35 ERA, 0 SV, 156 IP, 118 K, 1.27 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 2-2, 7.54 ERA, 0 SV, 22 2/3 IP, 13 K, 1.77 WHIP, -0.3 WAR
Awards: None

76. RHP Casey Kelly, San Diego Padres (2012)

2011 Texas League Team: San Antonio Missions
2011 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): 11-6, 3.98 ERA, 0 SV, 142 1/3 IP, 105 K, 1.40 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: N/A
Awards: None

77. RHP Eric Hurley, Texas Rangers (2008)

2007 Texas League Team: Frisco RoughRiders
2007 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): 7-2, 3.25 ERA, 0 SV, 88 2/3 IP, 76 K, 1.11 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 1-2, 5.47 ERA, 0 SV, 24 2/3 IP, 13 K, 1.42 WHIP, 0.1 WAR
Awards: None


78. 1B Kendry Morales, Los Angeles Angels (2006)

2005 Texas League Team: Arkansas Travelers
2005 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): .306 AVG, .879 OPS, 17 HR, 54 RBI, 47 R, 2 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .284 AVG, .838 OPS, 57 HR, 192 RBI, 155 R, 4 SB, 4.3 WAR
Awards: None

79. OF Leonys Martin, Texas Rangers (2012)

2011 Texas League Team: Frisco RoughRiders
2011 Texas League Statistics (23 yrs): .348 AVG, 1.007 OPS, 4 HR, 24 RBI, 24 R, 10 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .375 AVG, .875 OPS, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2 R, 0 SB, 0.1 WAR
Awards: None


80. RHP Wade Miller, Houston Astros (1999)

1998 Texas League Team: Jackson Generals
1998 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): 5-0, 2.32 ERA, 0 SV, 62 IP, 48 K, 1.23 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 62-46, 4.10 ERA, 0 SV, 894 1/3 IP, 749 K, 1.36 WHIP
Awards: None


81. RHP Byung-Hyun Kim, Arizona Diamondbacks (2000)

1999 Texas League Team: El Paso Diablos
1999 Texas League Statistics (20 yrs): 2-0, 2.11 ERA, 0 SV, 21 1/3 IP, 32 K, 0.70 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 54-60, 4.42 ERA, 86 SV, 841 IP, 806 K, 1.38 WHIP, 8.5 WAR
Awards: 1 All-Star


82. RHP Colby Lewis, Texas Rangers (2002)

2001 Texas League Team: Tulsa Drillers
2001 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): 10-10, 4.50 ERA, 0 SV, 156 IP, 162 K, 1.36 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 38-38, 4.99 ERA, 0 SV, 618 2/3 IP, 520 K, 1.42 WHIP, 4.6 WAR
Awards: None


83. RHP Garrett Richards, Los Angeles Angels (2012)

2011 Texas League Team: Arkansas Travelers
2011 Texas League Statistics (23 yrs): 12-2, 3.15 ERA, 0 SV, 143 IP, 103 K, 1.14 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 0-2, 5.79 ERA, 0 SV, 14 IP, 9 K, 1.64 WHIP, -0.2 WAR
Awards: None


84. RHP Ubaldo Jimenez, Colorado Rockies (2007)

2006 Texas League Team: Tulsa Drillers
2006 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): 9-2, 2.43 ERA, 0 SV, 73 1/3 IP, 86 K, 1.21 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 60-49, 3.76 ERA, 0 SV, 916 1/3 IP, 835 K, 1.30 WHIP, 17.1 WAR
Awards: 1 All-Star


85. 3B Mark Teahen, Kansas City Royals (2005)

2004 Texas League Team: Midland Rockhounds (Oakland Athletics)
2004 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): .335 AVG, .962 OPS, 6 HR, 36 RBI, 31 R, 0 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .264 AVG, .736 OPS, 67 HR, 332 RBI, 388 R, 45 SB, -1.3 WAR
Awards: None

86. RHP Robb Nen, Texas Rangers (1991)

1990 Texas League Team: Tulsa Drillers
1990 Texas League Statistics (20 yrs): 0-5, 5.06 ERA, 0 SV, 26 2/3 IP, 21 K, 1.65 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 45-42, 2.98 ERA, 314 SV, 715 IP, 793 K, 1.21 WHIP, 17.0 WAR
Awards: 3 All-Stars


87. C Wilin Rosario, Colorado Rockies (2012)

2011 Texas League Team: Tulsa Drillers
2011 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): .249 AVG, .741 OPS, 21 HR, 48 RBI, 52 R, 1 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .204 AVG, .691 OPS, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB, -0.2 WAR
Awards: None

88. 3B Zack Cox, St. Louis Cardinals (2012)

2011 Texas League Team: Springfield Cardinals
2011 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): .293 AVG, .787 OPS, 10 HR, 48 RBI, 54 R, 0 SB
MLB Career Statistics: N/A
Awards: None


89. OF Andre Ethier, Los Angeles Dodgers (2006)

2005 Texas League Team: Midland Rockhounds (Oakland Athletics)
2005 Texas League Statistics (23 yrs): .319 AVG, .882 OPS, 18 HR, 80 RBI, 104 R, 1 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .291 AVG, .843 OPS, 109 HR, 446 RBI, 420 R, 19 SB, 11.8 WAR
Awards: 2 All-Stars, 1 Silver Slugger, 1 Gold Glove


90. RHP Daniel Cortes, Kansas City Royals (2009)

2008 Texas League Team: Northwest Arkansas Naturals
2008 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): 10-4, 3.78 ERA, 0 SV, 116 2/3 IP, 109 K, 1.35 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 0-3, 5.06 ERA, 0 SV, 16 IP, 9 K, 1.56 WHIP, -0.1 WAR
Awards: None

91.

92. C Chris Iannetta, Colorado Rockies (2007)

2006 Texas League Team: Tulsa Drillers
2006 Texas League Statistics (23 yrs): .321 AVG, 1.040 OPS, 11 HR, 26 RBI, 38 R, 1 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .235 AVG, .788 OPS, 63 HR, 236 RBI, 196 R, 7 SB, 7.0 WAR
Awards: None

93. 3B Adam Piatt, Oakland Athletics (2000)

1999 Texas League Team: Midland Rockhounds
1999 Texas League Statistics (23 yrs): .345 AVG, 1.155 OPS, 39 HR, 135 RBI, 128 R, 7 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .248 AVG, .745 OPS, 16 HR, 65 RBI, 62 R, 3 SB, 0.5 WAR
Awards: None

94. 1B Eric Karros, Los Angeles Dodgers (1991)

1990 Texas League Team: San Antonio Missions
1990 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): .352 AVG, .973 OPS, 18 HR, 78 RBI, 91 R, 8 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .268 AVG, .779 OPS, 284 HR, 1027 RBI, 797 R, 59 SB, 9.0 WAR
Awards: 1 Silver Slugger, 1 Rookie of the Year

95.


96.


97. OF Peter Bourjos, Los Angeles Angels (2010)

2009 Texas League Team: Arkanas Travelers
2009 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): .281 AVG, .778 OPS, 6 HR, 51 RBI, 72 R, 32 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .253 AVG, .727 OPS, 18 HR, 58 RBI, 91 R, 32 SB, 6.4 WAR
Awards: None

98. SS Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers (2005)

2004 Texas League Team: Frisco RoughRiders
2004 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): .300 AVG, .880 OPS, 9 HR, 46 RBI, 51 R, 7 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .275 AVG, .824 OPS, 124 HR, 395 RBI, 558 R, 136 SB, 24.9 WAR
Awards: 2 All-Stars

99.


100. OF Dan Peltier, Texas Rangers (1991)

1990 Texas League Team: Tulsa Drillers
1990 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): .279 AVG, .760 OPS, 11 HR, 57 RBI, 66 R, 10 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .255 AVG, .642 OPS, 1 HR, 28 RBI, 27 R, 0 SB, -0.7 WAR
Awards: None

The Baseball America All-Texas League Top 100 Prospect List All-Time Part 1 (#1-50)

It began as a project to put together a top 10 prospect list of the Texas League by where Baseball America put the players on their top 100 list, and quickly became a top 15, 20, 25, and 50 prospect list. By the time I was finished doing research, the project had developed into a top 100 prospect list. The Texas League has almost always proven to be a league with talented prospects and over the years a number of those have gone onto become stars in Major League Baseball. With the exception of a few spots, I was able to fill out the top 100 prospect list.

The Qualifications:
- Had to play in the Texas League the year before the ranking that I used. Any amount of games counted, could be as few as 2, or as many as 140. 
- Some players qualified in multiple spots, I took the spot that made the list work better.
- Like always, some spots had multiple All-Stars, while others were filled with players that barely made an impact, but if there were multiple All-Stars, I took the best player career wise.
- Again, ranking is based on Baseball America's list which began in 1990 through today. There is at least one player from 1990 and at least one player from 2012.
- Offensive Statistics: AVG, OPS, HR, RBI, R, SB, and WAR
- Pitching Statistics: W-L, ERA, SV, IP, K, WHIP, WAR
- Age and statistics according to Baseball-Reference.com

Top 100 Prospects (#1-50)
1. 1B Mark Teixeira, Texas Rangers (2003)

2002 Texas League Team: Tulsa Drillers
2002 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs):.316 AVG, 1.006 OPS, 10 HR, 28 RBI, 31 R, 3 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .281 AVG, .904 OPS, 314 HR, 1017 RBI, 872 R, 19 SB, 38.6 WAR
Awards: 2 All-stars, 3 Silver Sluggers, 4 Gold Gloves

2. RHP Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners (2005)

2004 Texas League Team: San Antonio Missions
2004 Texas League Statistics (18 yrs): 5-1, 3.30 ERA, 0 SV, 57 1/3 IP, 58 K, 1.19 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 85-67, 3.24 ERA, 0 SV, 1388 1/3 IP, 1264 K, 1.22 WHIP, 29.1 WAR
Awards: 1 Cy Young Award, 2 All-Stars

3. OF Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (2012)

2011 Texas League Team: Arkansas Travelers
2011 Texas League Statistics (19 yrs): .326 AVG, .958 OPS, 11 HR, 38 RBI, 82 R, 33 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .220 AVG, .672 OPS, 5 HR, 16 RBI, 20 R, 4 SB, 0.9 WAR
Awards: None


4. OF Juan Gonzalez, Texas Rangers (1990)

1989 Texas League Team: Tulsa Drillers
1989 Texas League Statistics (19 yrs): .293 AVG, .848 OPS, 21 HR, 85 RBI, 73 R, 1 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .295 AVG, .904 OPS, 434 HR, 1404 RBI, 1061 R, 26 SB, 33.5 WAR
Awards: 2 MVPs, 3 All-Stars, 6 Silver Sluggers


5. OF Colby Rasmus, St. Louis Cardinals (2008)

2007 Texas League Team: Springfield Cardinals
2007 Texas League Statistics (20 yrs): .275 AVG, .932 OPS, 29 HR, 72 RBI, 93 R, 18 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .251 AVG, .754 OPS, 53 HR, 171 RBI, 232 R, 20 SB, 6.1 WAR
Awards: None

6. 1B Casey Kotchman, Los Angeles Angels (2005)

2004 Texas League Team: Arkansas Travelers
2004 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): .368 AVG, .982 OPS, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 19 R, 0 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .268 AVG, .733 OPS, 59 HR, 332 RBI, 276 R, 11 SB, 6.0 WAR
Awards: None

7. LHP Brett Anderson, Oakland Athletics (2009)

2008 Texas League Team: Midland Rockhounds
2008 Texas League Statistics (20 yrs): 2-1 2.61 ERA, 0 SV, 31 IP, 38 K, 1.16 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 21-23, 3.66 ERA, 0 SV, 371 IP, 286 K, 1.27 WHIP, 6.1 WAR
Awards: None

8. 1B Eric Hosmer, Kansas City Royals (2011)

2010 Texas League Team: Northwest Arkansas Naturals
2010 Texas League Statistics (20 yrs): .313 AVG, .980 OPS, 13 HR, 35 RBI, 39 R, 3 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .293 AVG, .799 OPS, 19 HR, 78 RBI, 66 R, 11 SB, 1.3 WAR
Awards: None

9. 3B Mike Moustakas, Kansas City Royals (2011)

2010 Texas League Team: Northwest Arkansas Naturals
2010 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): .347 AVG, 1.100 OPS, 21 HR, 76 RBI, 58 R, 0 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .263 AVG, .675 OPS, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 26 R, 2 SB, 0.5 WAR
Awards: None

10. RHP Francisco Rodriguez, Anaheim Angels (2003)

2002 Texas League Team: Arkansas Travelers
2002 Texas League Statistics (20 yrs): 3-3, 1.96 ERA, 9 SV, 41 1/3 IP, 61 K, 1.14 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 36-27, 2.51 ERA, 291 SV, 648 2/3 IP, 806 K, 1.16 WHIP, 22.7 WAR
Awards: 4 All-Stars

11. 1B Paul Konerko, Los Angeles Dodgers (1997)

1996 Texas League Team: San Antonio Missions
1996 Texas League Statistics (20 yrs): .300 AVG, .939 OPS, 29 HR, 86 RBI, 78 R, 1 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .282 AVG, .858 OPS, 396 HR, 1261 RBI, 1040 R, 9 SB, 25.9 WAR
Awards: 5 All-Stars


12. 2B Howie Kendrick, Los Angeles Angels (2006)

2005 Texas League Team: Arkansas Travelers
2005 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): .342 AVG, .961 OPS, 7 HR, 42 RBI, 35 R, 12 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .292 AVG, .763 OPS, 50 HR, 305 RBI, 337 R, 61 SB, 13.8 WAR
Awards: 1 All-Star

13. OF Lance Berkman, Houston Astros (1999)

1998 Texas League Team: Jackson Generals
1998 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): .306 AVG, .979 OPS, 24 HR, 89 RBI, 82 R, 6 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .296 AVG, .954 OPS, 358 HR, 1193 RBI, 1107 R, 84 SB, 51.2 WAR
Awards: 6 All-Stars

14. LHP Billy Wagner, Houston Astros (1996)

1995 Texas League Team: Jackson Generals
1995 Texas League Statistics (23 yrs): 2-2, 2.57 ERA, 0 SV, 70 IP, 77 K, 1.21 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 47-40, 2.31 ERA, 422 SV, 903 IP, 1196 K, 1.00 WHIP, 29.7 WAR
Awards: 7 All-Stars

15. SS Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies (2007)

2006 Texas League Team: Tulsa Drillers
2006 Texas League Statistics (23 yrs): .291 AVG, .843 OPS, 13 HR, 61 RBI, 75 R, 6 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .293 AVG, .869 OPS, 122 HR, 443 RBI, 438 R, 51 SB, 23.7 WAR
Awards: 2 All-Stars, 2 Silver Sluggers, 2 Gold Gloves

16.

17. LHP Martin Perez, Texas Rangers (2010)

2009 Texas League Team: Frisco RoughRiders
2009 Texas League Statistics (18 yrs): 1-3,  5.57 ERA, 0 SV, 21 IP, 14 K, 1.62 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: N/A
Awards: None

18. LHP John Lamb, Kansas City Royals (2011)

2010 Texas League Team: Northwest Arkansas Naturals
2010 Texas League Statistics (19 yrs): 2-1, 5.45 ERA, 0 SV, 33 IP, 26 K, 1.52 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: N/A
Awards: None


19. LHP Mike Montgomery, Kansas City Royals (2011)

2010 Texas League Team: Northwest Arkansas Naturals
2010 Texas League Statistics (20 yrs): 5-4, 3.47 ERA, 0 SV, 59 2/3 IP, 48 K, 1.37 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: N/A
Awards: None

20. OF Richard Hidalgo, Houston Astros (1996)

1995 Texas League Team: Jackson Generals
1995 Texas League Statistics (20 yrs): .266 AVG, .743 OPS, 14 HR, 59 RBI, 59 R, 8 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .269 AVG, .835 OPS, 171 HR, 560 RBI, 531 R, 48 SB, 17.1 WAR
Awards: None

21. RHP Rafael Valdez, San Diego Padres (1990)

1989 Texas League Team: Wichita Wranglers
1989 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): 5-0, 1.94 ERA, 0 SV, 41 2/3 IP, 26 K, 1.25 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 0-1, 11.12 ERA, 0 SV, 5 2/3 IP, 3 K, 2.29 WHIP, -0.4 WAR
Awards: None

22. OF Carlos Quentin, Arizona Diamondbacks (2005)

2004 Texas League Team: El Paso Diablos
2004 Texas League Statistics: .357 AVG, .976 OPS, 6 HR, 38 RBI, 39 R, 0 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .252 AVG, .836 OPS, 121 HR, 383 RBI, 321 R, 16 SB, 9.2 WAR
Awards: 2 All-Stars, 1 Silver Slugger

23. LHP Jeff Francis, Colorado Rockies (2005)

2004 Texas League Team: Tulsa Drillers
2004 Texas League Statistics (23 yrs): 13-1, 1.98 ERA, 0 SV, 113 2/3 IP, 147 K, 0.84 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 61-66, 4.78 ERA, 0 SV, 1065 2/3 IP, 694 K, 1.43 WHIP, 8.1 WAR
Awards: None

24. RHP Nick Adenhart, Los Angeles Angels (2008)

2007 Texas League Team: Arkansas Travelers
2007 Texas League Statistics (20 yrs): 10-8, 3.56 ERA, 0 SV, 153 IP, 116 K, 1.46 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 1-0, 6.00 ERA, 0 SV, 18 IP, 9 K, 2.28 WHIP, -0.1 WAR
Awards: None

25. RHP Matt Morris, St. Louis Cardinals (1997)

1996 Texas League Team: Arkansas Travelers
1996 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): 12-12, 3.88 ERA, 0 SV, 167 IP, 120 K, 1.35 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 121-92, 3.98 ERA, 4 SV, 1806 IP, 1214 K, 1.32 WHIP, 14.9 WAR
Awards: 2 All-Stars


26. RHP Anthony Young, New York Mets (1991)

1990 Texas League Team: Jackson Mets
1990 Texas League Statistics (24 yrs): 15-3, 1.65 ERA, 0 SV, 158 IP, 95 K, 1.06 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 15-48, 3.89 ERA, 20 SV, 460 IP, 245 K, 1.39 WHIP, 1.4 WAR
Awards: None

27. RHP Rafael Soriano, Seattle Mariners (2003)

2002 Texas League Team: San Antonio Missions
2002 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): 2-3, 2.31 ERA, 0 SV, 46 2/3 IP, 52 K, 1.01 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 13-23, 2.86 ERA, 90 SV, 434 1/3 IP, 458 K, 1.03 WHIP, 10.4 WAR
Awards: 1 All-Star

28. RHP Scott Elarton, Houston Astros (1998)

1997 Texas League Team: Jackson Generals
1997 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): 7-4, 3.24 ERA, 0 SV, 133 1/3 IP, 141 K, 1.13 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 56-61, 5.29 ERA, 3 SV, 1065 1/3 IP, 698 K, 1.43 WHIP, 1.7 WAR
Awards: None


29. OF Billy Butler, Kansas City Royals (2006)

2005 Texas League Team: Wichita Wranglers
2005 Texas League Statistics (19 yrs): .313 AVG, .880 OPS, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 14 R, 0 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .297 AVG, .817 OPS, 74 HR, 373 RBI, 311 R, 3 SB, 6.5 WAR
Awards: None


30. LHP Drew Pomeranz, Colorado Rockies (2012)

2011 Texas League Team: Tulsa Drillers
2011 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 0 SV, 10 IP, 7 K, 0.20 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 2-1, 5.40 ERA, 0 SV, 18 1/3 IP, 13 K, 1.31 WHIP, 0.1 WAR
Awards: None

31. C Cesar King, Texas Rangers (1998)

1997 Texas League Team: Tulsa Drillers
1997 Texas League Statistics (19 yrs): .356 AVG, .864 OPS, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB
MLB Career Statistics: N/A
Awards: None


32. 3B Chase Headley, San Diego Padres (2008)

2007 Texas League Team: San Antonio Missions
2007 Texas League Statistics (23 yrs): .330 AVG, 1.016 OPS, 20 HR, 78 RBI, 82 R, 1 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .269 AVG, .735 OPS, 36 HR, 204 RBI, 217 R, 44 SB, 6.4 WAR
Awards: None


33. 3B Dean Palmer, Texas Rangers (1990)

1989 Texas League Team: Tulsa Drillers
1989 Texas League Statistics (20 yrs): .251 AVG, .797 OPS, 25 HR, 90 RBI, 82 R, 15 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .251 AVG, .796 OPS, 275 HR, 849 RBI, 734 R, 48 SB, 10.1 WAR
Awards: 1 All-Star, 2 Silver Sluggers


34. 2B Scott Hairston, Arizona Diamondbacks (2004)

2003 Texas League Team: El Paso Diablos
2003 Texas League Statistics (23 yrs):  .276 AVG, .814 OPS, 10 HR, 47 RBI, 53 R, 6 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .244 AVG, .740 OPS, 75 HR, 222 RBI, 224 R, 26 SB, 3.9 WAR
Awards: None


35. LHP Donovan Osborne, St. Louis Cardinals (1992)

1991 Texas League Team: Arkansas Travelers
1991 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs):  8-12, 3.63 ERA, 0 SV, 166 IP, 130 K, 1.33 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 49-46, 4.03 ERA, 0 SV, 873 2/3 IP, 558 K, 1.31 WHIP, 5.0 WAR
Awards: None

36.


37. SS Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers (2009)

2008 Texas League Team: Frisco RoughRiders
2008 Texas League Statistics (19 yrs): .295 AVG, .717 OPS, 4 HR, 65 RBI, 82 R, 54 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .271 AVG, .683 OPS, 11 HR, 135 RBI, 256 R, 102 SB, 7.6 WAR
Awards: 1 All-Star

38. C Mike Piazza, Los Angeles Dodgers (1993)

1992 Texas League Team: San Antonio Missions
1992 Texas League Statistics (23 yrs):  .377 AVG, 1.099 OPS, 7 HR, 21 RBI, 18 R, 0 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .308 AVG, .922 OPS, 427 HR, 1335 RBI, 1048 R, 17 SB, 59.1 WAR
Awards: 12 All-Stars, 10 Silver Sluggers, 1 Rookie of the Year,

39. RHP Braden Looper, St. Louis Cardinals (1998)

1997 Texas League Team: Arkansas Travelers
1997 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): 1-4, 5.19 ERA, 5 SV, 21 1/3 IP, 20 K, 1.45 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 72-65, 4.15 ERA, 103 SV, 1176 IP, 669 K, 1.37 WHIP, 5.8 WAR
Awards: None

40. 1B Conor Jackson, Arizona Diamondbacks (2005)

2004 Texas League Team: El Paso Diablos
2004 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): .301 AVG, .823 OPS, 6 HR, 37 RBI, 33 R, 3 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .271 AVG, .757 OPS, 52 HR, 295 RBI, 291 R, 27 SB, 3.6 WAR
Awards: None

41. RHP Chan Ho Park, Los Angeles Dodgers (1995)

1994 Texas League Team: San Antonio Missions
1994 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs):  5-7, 3.55 ERA, 0 SV, 101 1/3 IP, 100 K, 1.45 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 124-98, 4.36 ERA, 2 SV, 1993 IP, 1715 K, 1.40 WHIP, 16.3 WAR
Awards: 1 All-Star

42. RHP Jordan Lyles, Houston Astros (2011)

2010 Texas League Team: Corpus Christi Hooks
2010 Texas League Statistics (19 yrs): 7-9, 3.12 ERA, 0 SV, 127 IP, 115 K, 1.32 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics:  2-8, 5.36 ERA, 0 SV, 94 IP, 67 K, 1.42 WHIP, -0.8 WAR
Awards: None

43. RHP Joe Blanton, Oakland Athletics (2004)

2003 Texas League Team: Midland Rockhounds
2003 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): 3-1, 1.26 ERA, 1 SV, 35 2/3 IP, 30 K, 0.79 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 73-62, 4.32 ERA, 0 SV, 1243 2/3 IP, 812 K, 1.35 WHIP, 11.6 WAR
Awards: None

44. RHP Jason Grilli, San Francisco Giants (1999)

1998 Texas League Team: Shreveport Captains
1998 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): 7-10, 3.79 ERA, 0 SV, 123 1/3 IP, 100 K, 1.22 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 20-19, 4.55 ERA, 3 SV, 389 1/3 IP, 299 K, 1.45 WHIP, 1.7 WAR
Awards: None

45. RHP Rick Helling, Texas Rangers (1994)

1993 Texas League Team: Tulsa Drillers
1993 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): 12-8, 3.60 ERA, 0 SV, 177 1/3 IP, 188 K, 1.11 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 93-81, 4.68 ERA, 0 SV, 1526 1/3 IP, 1058 K, 1.38 WHIP, 19.8 WAR
Awards: None

46. SS Erick Aybar, Los Angeles Angels (2006)

2005 Texas League Team: Arkansas Travelers
2005 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): .303 AVG, .795 OPS, 9 HR, 54 RBI, 101 R, 49 SB
MLB Career Statistics:  .276 AVG, .699 OPS, 24 HR, 206 RBI, 286 R, 78 SB, 9.1 WAR
Awards: 1 Gold Glove

47. OF Brian Hunter, Houston Astros (1994)

1993 Texas League Team: Jackson Generals
1993 Texas League Statistics (22 yrs): .294 AVG, .751 OPS, 10 HR, 52 RBI, 84 R, 35 SB
MLB Career Statistics: .264 AVG, .660 OPS, 25 HR, 241 RBI, 500 R, 260 SB, 7.0 WAR
Awards: None

48. 

49. RHP Eric Gagne, Los Angeles Dodgers (2000)

1999 Texas League Team: San Antonio Missions
1999 Texas League Statistics (23 yrs): 12-4, 2.63 ERA, 0 SV, 167 2/3 IP, 185 K, 1.11 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: 33-26, 3.47 ERA, 187 SV, 643 2/3 IP, 718 K, 1.16 WHIP, 12.2 WAR
Awards: 1 Cy Young Award, 3 All-Stars

50. RHP Jarred Cosart, Houston Astros (2012)

2011 Texas League Team: Corpus Christi Hooks
2011 Texas League Statistics (21 yrs): 1-2, 4.71 ERA, 0 SV, 36 1/3 IP, 22 K, 1.27 WHIP
MLB Career Statistics: N/A
Awards: None

Who Will Be This Year's MLB Breakout Position Players?

It seems like almost every year there are some players that break out and have big years. Often times those players will make General Managers look like geniuses because they can be players that you'd simply never expect to see it coming. After doing research this past offseason, I came to the realization of something predictable and fairly obvious. The prime of player's careers is generally speaking between the ages of 25 and 32. The peak of a player's career on average is age 29. Using this information, I looked into some of the breakouts at ages 25 and 29 years old.

Source: Baseball-referene.com
Ages based on Baseball-reference ages on player pages

2011

SS Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians (Age 25)

Breakout Numbers: .273/.332/.560/.792 119 OPS+ 60 XBH 92 RBI 87 R

Almost immediately after being traded from Seattle to Cleveland for Eduardo Perez back in 2006, Cabrera jumped on the radar as a young shortstop. Asdrubal made his debut in 2007 at just 21 years old. The switch handed hitting shortstop displayed solid offensive ability with superior defensive prowess. While his defense has yet to earn him any accolades, Cabrera's breakout power season in 2011 put him on the map, especially in the fantasy baseball world. His slugging% climbed 114 points from 2010 (.346) to 2011 (.460) as he more than doubled his career homerun total with 25 shots on the season. Cabrera's 278 total bases was by far a career high as well. Given the fact that Cabrera had 27 career homeruns in 1,874 plate appearances in the minors and then had 18 homeruns in 1,610 career plate appearances, he still needs to prove that 2011 wasn't a fluke. His power is likely to come down, but Cabrera has flashed good ability before when he had a .799 OPS in 2009 as a 23 year old.


Biggest area of improvement in 2011 was on the first pitch: 
2011: 7 doubles 6 homeruns .402/.404/.690/1.094
2010: 3 doubles 0 homeruns .340/.333/.404/.738
2009: 3 doubles 0 homeruns .351/.339/.474/.813
2008: 2 double 1 homerun .238/.222/.357/.579
2007: 1 double 0 homeruns .400/.400/.450/.850

C Mike Napoli, Texas Rangers (Age 29)


Breakout Numbers: .320/.414/.631/1.046 171 OPS+ 55 XBH 75 RBI 72 R

One of my favorite pickups of last offseason, when it happened, Mike Napoli had a year that even I (and I'm sure almost nobody) didn't expect. I've always thought that Napoli was underrated among players who even played catcher part time. Yes, his defense is not the best, but any player who can consistently put up a .800+ OPS with even below average to bad defense can still be a valuable player. And Napoli has a good enough bat to put him at first base part time. In 2011 though, Napoli took his game to the next level and had a monster season, especially the 2nd half. It's still amazing to me that he did not receive a single vote in the MVP ballot. It just goes to show how underrated of a season he had. His postseason was no fluke either. And unlike say Michael Young or Josh Hamilton in 2010, Napoli dominated not only at home (1.011 OPS), but on the road (1.078 OPS) as well. Do I expect a drop from Napoli in OPS? Yes, I do. I don't know that he's a 1.046 OPS type of player, few are. But, I do think he's a legitimate middle of the order hitter. He holds a career .875 OPS (.895 OPS over the last 4 years) and has 4 20+ HR seasons.

Biggest difference in 2011 was with 2 strikes:
2011- .291/.379/.509/.887
2010- .149/.229/.240/.469
2009- .185/.256/.278/.534
2008- .182/.286/.333/.619
2007- .179/.272/.257/.529
2006- .180/.317/.341/.658

To go from awful to outstanding with 2 strikes is quite amazing. Can he retain that ability or was it a fluke? Again something that Napoli will need to prove. If the ability to bear down with 2 strikes is real, then you could be looking at a monster hitter over the next few years, especially if he stays in Texas.


2010

OF Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays (Age 29)

Breakout Numbers: .260/.378/.617/.995 164 OPS+ 92 XBH 124 RBI 109 R

It's well documented about Bautista's rise from nowhere to stardom. Before 2010, Bautista was known more as a utility player with some pop than a cornerstone franchise player. He had shown the ability to hit left handed pitchers well before 2010 (.839 OPS vs. LHP 2004-2009), but had never hit right handed pitchers very well (.681 OPS vs. RHP 2004-2009). Since 2010, however, Jose Bautista has hit pretty much anyone and everyone. In his breakout year in 2010, Bautista's slugging% rose 209 points from .408 to .617. Bautista blasted 54 homeruns and drove in 124 runs. His .995 OPS was 238 points higher than his previous career high.


Biggest difference in 2010 was against RHP:
2010: .269/.388/.642/1.030
2009: .202/.331/.333/.664
2008: .233/.301/.347/.648
2007: .253/.331/.411/.742
2006: .216/.306/.373/.679


2009

1B Adam Lind, Toronto Blue Jays (Age 25) 

Breakout Numbers: .305/.370/.562/.932 141 OPS+ 81 XBH 114 RBI 93 R

A 3rd round pick by the Blue Jays, Adam Lind dominated his way through the minor leagues by putting together a cumulative .320/.388/.512/.894 throughout the minor leagues. Over 540 plate appearances in AAA, Lind had a .333 batting average and a .931 OPS. Still, through his first two partial years in the major leagues in 2007 and 2008, Lind didn't display near the same ability. Playing half of the 2009 season at 25 years old, Lind had a major breakout year. He stroked 81 extra base hits, including 35 homeruns, en route to an increase of 123 points in his slugging% from 2008 to 2009. Lind had a .305 batting average and a .932 OPS that season, both of which are career highs to date. Lind's breakout year earned him a Silver Slugger for the season as well.

Biggest difference in 2009 was against LHP:
2011- 3 homeruns .243/.275/.364/.639
2010- 2 homeruns .117/.159/.182/.341 
2009- 7 homeruns .275/.318/.461/.780
2008- 2 homeruns .253/.303/.385/.688
2007- 2 homeruns .194/.243/.299/.542


2008


OF Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox (Age 25)


Breakout Numbers: .288/.394/.571/.965 148 OPS+ 63 XBH 100 RBI 96 R

When Carlos Quentin broke out in 2008 he looked like a star in the making. Quentin tore up the minor leagues with a .956 OPS, but didn't get his first full season until 2008. Quentin has proven to be injury prone early on in his career, but when healthy he's been above average. Still, his 2008 season has been by far his best season. Quentin set career highs with 36 homeruns, 100 RBI, a .288 average, .965 OPS, and 148 OPS+.


Biggest difference in 2008 was with men on: 
2011- .276/.342/.510/.853
2010- .263/.353/.549/.903
2009- .273/.365/.491/.855
2008- .347/.449/.644/1.093
2007- .250/.345/.438/.782
2006- .267/.340/.523/.863


OF Ryan Ludwick, St. Louis Cardinals (Age 29)


Breakout Numbers: .299/.375/.591/.966 150 OPS+80 XBH 113 RBI 104 R

Signed as a minor league free agent by St. Louis, Ryan Ludwick spent most of his early career as an outfielder with upside that was plagued by injuries. Ludwick was drafted by the Oakland Athletics and spent time with the Rangers, Indians, and Tigers before signing with St. Louis in December 2006. Ludwick started out well enough in 2007 in AAA to earn a callup to the majors and was there long enough to appear in 120 games and get 339 plate appearances. In that time Ludwick showed some of his potential with an .818 OPS and 36 extra base hits. Still, not much could prepare the baseball world for Ludwick's breakout year of 2008. Ludwick used some extra protection from Pujols to put up career bests in average (.299), OBP (.375), SLG (.591), OPS (.966), and pretty much every counting statistic, including homeruns (37). Ludwick was selected to the all-star game, came in 15th in MVP balloting, and won a Silver Slugger award. In the three years since, Ludwick has 52 homeruns for the Cardinals, Padres, and Pirates.

Biggest difference in 2008 was against LHP:
2011- 10 XBH .264/.350/.413/.763
2010- 10 XBH .194/.268/.340/.609
2009- 12 XBH .269/.342/.400/.742
2008- 25 XBH .266/.353/.576/.929
2007- 13 XBH .221/.307/.377/.684


2007


1B Carlos Pena, Tampa Bay Devil Rays (Age 29)

Breakout Numbers: .282/.411/.627/1.037 172 OPS+ 76 XBH 121 RBI 99 R

When Carlos Pena was coming up in the minors many saw him as a future power bat in the big leagues. He was rated as high as the 5th best prospect by Baseball America in 2002. By age 28 though it seemed as though Carlos Pena would never be more than a solid hitter. His best homerun total was 27 in 2004 and his .810 OPS that same season also marked a career best to that point. But when the Devil Rays signed Carlos Pena, the old thinking that some players develop later than you'd expect held true as Pena had a breakthrough season at age 29. Pena's 46 homeruns began a span of 3 consecutive 30+ homerun seasons for the left handed hitter and his 121 RBI also marked the first of 3 consecutive 100+ RBI seasons. Pena's 1.037 OPS is by far his biggest season to date. Pena finished 9th in AL MVP voting and won a Silver Slugger as well.


Biggest difference in 2007 was against LHP: 
2011- 10 XBH .133/.260/.333/.594
2010- 12 XBH .179/.316/.359/.675
2009- 20 XBH .211/.332/.482/.814
2008- 13 XBH .190/.302/.352/.654
2007- 17 XBH .271/.381/.571/.953
2005- 5 XBH  .157/.189/.412/.600
2004- 16 XBH .245/.315/.483/.798
2003- 11 XBH .208/.284/.356/.640
2002- 18 XBH .265/.333/538/.871


2006


1B Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins (Age 25)

Breakout Numbers: .321/.375/.559/.934 140 OPS+ 72 XBH 130 RBI 97 R

It took Justin Morneau just one year with more than 100 games before he broke out in 2006 with a monster MVP season. After hitting well in 74 games in 2002 as a 23 year old, Morneau had a subpar first full season in 2003 when he put up just a .741 OPS, which was a far cry from his .907 minor league OPS. When Morneau reached age 25 though, like others before and since, Morneau had a break through season. The Twins first baseman hit .321 with 34 homeruns, 130 RBI, scored 97 runs, and put up a .934 OPS and 140 OPS+ en route to his first MVP award and Silver Slugger award. Since then Morneau has put up 3 more 100 RBI seasons and 2 more 30 homerun seasons. He also has added another Silver Slugger and was 2nd in MVP voting in 2008. Over the last 2 years Morneau has been plagued by injuries with just 150 games over that 2 year span.

Biggest difference in 2006 was against LHP: 
2011- 4 XBH .144/.189/.211/.401
2010- 16 XBH .325/.391/.575/.966
2009- 25 XBH .277/.336/.500/.836
2008- 25 XBH .284/.324/.453/.778
2007- 19 XBH .228/.283/.411/.693
2006- 26 XBH .315/.345/.559/.904
2005- 12 XBH .201/.255/.331/.586
2004- 8 XBH .240/.289/.427/.716


With all of these players listed, the question becomes what players that will be 25 or 29 in 2012 will be the next to join the list of breakouts.Below is a list of the players that would qualify:

Age 25

1B Yonder Alonso, San Diego Padres
3B Pedro Alvarez, Pittsburgh Pirates
C Alex Avila, Detroit Tigers
2B Gordon Beckham, Chicago White Sox
OF Charlie Blackmon, Colorado Rockies
1B Kyle Blanks, San Diego Padres
OF Peter Bourjos, Los Angeles Angels
OF Michael Brantley, Cleveland Indians
OF Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds
OF Ezequiel Carrera, Cleveland Indians
SS Brandon Crawford, San Francisco Giants
SS Chase D'Arnaud, Pittsburgh Pirates
1B Ike Davis, New York Mets
2B Daniel Descalso, St. Louis Cardinals
SS Alcides Escobar, Kansas City Royals
2B Danny Espinosa, Washington Nationals
2B Logan Forsythe, San Diego Padres
OF Austin Jackson, Detroit Tigers
OF Desmond Jennings, Tampa Bay Rays
2B Jason Kipnis, Cleveland Indians
OF Cameron Maybin, San Diego Padres
OF Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates
3B Brent Morel, Chicago White Sox
SS Eduardo Nunez, New York Yankees
OF Gerardo Parra, Arizona Diamondbacks
OF Carlos Peguero, Seattle Mariners
C Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants
OF Colby Rasmus, Toronto Blue Jays
OF Josh Reddick, Oakland Athletics
3B Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants
C Dave Sappelt, Cincinnati Reds
OF Michael Saunders, Seattle Mariners
OF Jordan Schafer, Houston Astros
1B Justin Smoak, Seattle Mariners
OF Eric Thames, Toronto Blue Jays
C Josh Thole, New York Mets
OF Rene Tosoni, Minnesota Twins
1B Brett Wallace, Houston Astros
2B Jemile Weeks, Oakland Athletics

Age 29

OF Michael Bourn, Atlanta Braves
3B Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
3B Alberto Callaspo, Los Angeles Angels
2B Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
SS Ronny Cedeno, New York Mets
OF Shin-Soo Choo, Cleveland Indians
SS Stephen Drew, Arizona Diamondbacks
1B Edwin Encarnacion, Toronto Blue Jays
SS Yunel Escobar, Toronto Blue Jays
3B David Freese, St. Louis Cardinals
SS Alberto Gonzalez, Texas Rangers
OF Franklin Gutierrez, Seattle Mariners
OF Tony Gwynn, Los Angeles Dodgers
SS J.J. Hardy, Baltimore Orioles
C Chris Iannetta, Los Angeles Angels
SS Paul Janish, Cincinnati Reds
1B Casey Kotchman, Cleveland Indians
C George Kottaras, Milwaukee Brewers
C Russell Martin, New York Yankees
3B Michael Martinez, Philadelphia Phillies
C Jeff Mathis, Toronto Blue Jays
C Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
3B Casey McGehee, Pittsburgh Pirates
1B Juan Miranda, Arizona Diamondbacks
C Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals
SS Donnie Murphy, Miami Marlins
3B Jayson Nix, New York Yankees
2B Eric Patterson, Detroit Tigers
1B Steven Pearce, Minnesota Twins
OF Hunter Pence, Philadelphia Phillies
OF Carlos Quentin, San Diego Padres
SS Jose Reyes, Miami Marlins
OF Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians
OF Seth Smith, Oakland Athletics
C Geovany Soto, Chicago Cubs
OF Will Venable, San Diego Padres
2B Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers
3B David Wright, New York Mets
C Bobby Wilson, Los Angeles Angels

Rundown of Former Riders: March 8th

2B Ian Kinsler (Texas Rangers)- 0 for 3 vs. Chicago White Sox

SS Elvis Andrus (Texas Rangers)- 2 for 3 2B vs. Chicago White Sox

LF Josh Hamilton (Texas Rangers)- 0 for 2 BB R vs. Chicago White Sox

RF Nelson Cruz (Texas Rangers)- 1 for 3 vs. Chicago White Sox

RF Engel Beltre (Texas Rangers)- 0 for 1 vs. Chicago White Sox

1B Mitch Moreland (Texas Rangers)- 0 for 3 RBI vs. Chicago White Sox

CF Craig Gentry (Texas Rangers)- 0 for 3 vs. Chicago White Sox

CF Julio Borbon (Texas Rangers)- 1 for 1 R SB vs. Chicago White Sox

RHP Neftali Feliz (Texas Rangers)- 2 IP 3 H 3 R 2 K vs. Chicago White Sox

LHP Michael Kirkman (Texas Rangers)- 2 IP 4 H 3 R 1 BB 2 K vs. Chicago White Sox

RHP Darren O'Day (Baltimore Orioles)- 1 IP 0 H 0 R 1 K vs. Atlanta Braves

RHP Pedro Strop (Baltimore Orioles)- 1 IP 0 H 0 R 1 BB 1 K vs. Atlanta Braves

LHP Zach Phillips (Baltimore Orioles)- 2 IP 1 H 1 R 1 K vs. Atlanta Braves

1B Mark Teixeira (New York Yankees)- 1 for 3 vs. Toronto Blue Jays

LF Brandon Boggs (Pittsburgh Pirates)- 0 for 3 vs. Philadelphia Phillies

1B John Mayberry Jr. (Philadelphia Phillies)- 0 for 2 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

LF Laynce Nix (Philadelphia Phillies)- 0 for 2 RBI vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (Boston Red Sox)- 0 for 2 vs. St. Louis Cardinals

1B Adrian Gonzalez (Boston Red Sox)- 1 for 2 vs. St. Louis Cardinals

LHP Jesse Carlson (Boston Red Sox)- 1 IP 1 H 1 R 1 BB 1 K vs. St. Louis Cardinals

RHP Frank Francisco (New York Mets)- 1 IP 1 H 1 R 1 BB 1 K vs. Miami Marlins

1B Justin Smoak (Seattle Mariners)- 1 for 3 vs. Chicago Cubs

SS Joaquin Arias (San Francisco Giants)- 0 for 1 vs. San Diego Padres

RHP Edinson Volquez (San Diego Padres)- 2 IP 2 H 1 R 1 K vs. San Francisco Giants

1B Max Ramirez (Kansas City Royals)- 1 for 1 HR RBI R vs. Colorado Rockies

DH Chad Tracy (Colorado Rockies)- 0 for 1 vs. Kansas City Royals

Rundown of Former Riders: March 7th

2B Ian Kinsler (Texas Rangers)- 0 for 3 vs. San Diego Padres

LF Josh Hamilton (Texas Rangers)- 0 for 3 vs. San Diego Padres

LF Engel Beltre (Texas Rangers)- 0 for 1 vs. San Diego Padres

CF Craig Gentry (Texas Rangers)- 0 for 3 vs. San Diego Padres

CF Leonys Martin (Texas Rangers)- 0 for 1 vs. San Diego Padres

LHP Ben Snyder (Texas Rangers)- 1 IP 0 H 0 R 1 K vs. San Diego Padres

LHP Miguel De Los Santos (Texas Rangers)- 2 IP 3 H 2 R 2 BB 4 K vs. San Diego Padres

RHP Joe Wieland (San Diego Padres)- 2 IP 6 H 4 R vs. Texas Rangers

RF Endy Chavez (Baltimore Orioles)- 2 for 2 R vs. Minnesota Twins

1B Chris Davis (Baltimore Orioles)- 1 for 3 vs. Minnesota Twins

RHP Armando Galarraga (Baltimore Orioles)- 2 IP 2 H 0 R 1 BB vs. Minnesota Twins

RHP Joaquin Benoit (Detroit Tigers)- 1 IP 1 H 0 R 2 K vs. Atlanta Braves

RHP Josh Lueke (Tampa Bay Rays)- 2 IP 0 H 0 R vs. New York Yankees

RHP Doug Mathis (Boston Red Sox)- 2 IP 1 H 0 R 1 K vs. Toronto Blue Jays

CF Jason Bourgeois (Houston Astros)- 0 for 2 vs. Philadelphia Phillies

1B John Mayberry Jr. (Philadelphia Phillies)- 0 for 2 vs. Houston Astros

LF Laynce Nix (Philadelphia Phillies)- 0 for 3 BB vs. Houston Astros

RF Brandon Boggs (Pittsburgh Pirates)- 0 for 1 BB R vs. Toronto Blue Jays

C Mike Nickeas (New York Mets)- 2 for 3 RBI R vs. Miami Marlins

RHP Blake Beavan (Seattle Mariners)- 4 IP 2 H 0 R 1 BB 3 K vs. Los Angeles Angels

C Max Ramirez (Kansas City Royals)- 1 for 1 2 RBI vs. Chicago Cubs

LHP Ron Mahay (Cincinnati Reds)- 1 IP 3 H 2 R 1 BB vs. San Diego Padres

RHP Nick Masset (Cincinnati Reds)- 2/3 IP 1 H 0 R 2 BB 1 K vs. San Diego Padres

1B Chad Tracy (Colorado Rockies)- 0 for 1 vs. San Francisco Giants

SS Joaquin Arias (San Francisco Giants)- 1 for 1 2B RBI R vs. Colorado Rockies

RHP Kameron Loe (Milwaukee Brewers)- 1 IP 0 H 0 R 1 K vs. Chicago White Sox

Texas League Best of the Best: Right Field

Team Rankings

1. San Antonio Missions

Statistics: .285/.375/.447/.822 46 Extra Base Hits 75 RBI 103 Runs 80 BB-92 K

The San Antonio Missions got superior production from another position, this time from right field. Sawyer Carroll led the Missions with 86 games played (348 plate appearances). Carroll hit .284 with an .862 OPS while playing right field including 33 extra base hits (13 homeruns). Daniel Robertson also saw playing time in right field with 57 games there (248 plate appearances). Robertson batted .285 with a .370 on base percentage (.758 OPS) in right field. Daniel walked more times (30) than he struck out (25) in right field. Jaff Decker, Anthony Contreras, Bobby Kielty, and Danny Payne combined for 10 games in right field.

2. Springfield Cardinals

Statistics: .288/.351/.445/.796 46 Extra Base Hits 74 RBI 86 Runs 45 BB-116 K

Springfield saw ten players get at least a game in right field for them throughout the season, although seven of the players had 5 or less games there. Alex Castellanos saw the most playing time in right for the Cardinals as he played 73 games (313 plate appearances) there. He batted .296 with an .865 OPS in right field including 32 extra base hits (13 homeruns). Castellanos was traded at the deadline to the Dodgers as part of the deal for Rafael Furcal. Chris Swauger played 41 games in right field and accumulated 159 plate appearances there. Swauger batted .327 with a .785 OPS in right field for the Cardinals. Alan Ahmady was the only other player with more than 10 games in right for Springfield as he had 14 games (54 plate appearances). Daryl Jones and Aaron Luna each saw 5 games in right, while Jermaine Curtis, Tyler Henley, James Rapoport, Allen Craig, and Steven Hill combined for 9 games.

3. Tulsa Drillers

Statistics: .287/.370/.436/.806 46 Extra Base Hits 52 RBI 78 Runs 62 BB-117 K

The player with the coolest (and longest) middle name in minor league baseball led the Tulsa Drillers in games played in right field. Bronson Kiheimahanaomauiakeo Sardinha (Yea, try saying that 5 times in a row) saw 72 games in right for the Drillers. He also batted .300 with a .395 on base percentage and .847 OPS overall in right. Sardinha had 22 extra base hits, but just 26 RBI in 291 plate appearances in right field. Brian Rike appeared in 39 games in right field with 147 plate appearances. He batted .295 with an .857 OPS in right field. Michael Mitchell appeared in 24 games there, while Mike Daniel had 10 games in right. Matt McBride, who was acquired in the deal that sent Ubaldo Jimenez to Cleveland, Mike Zuanich, and James Cesario combined for 7 games in right field for the Drillers.

4. Corpus Christi Hooks 

Statistics: .275/.325/.414/.739 49 Extra Base Hits 60 RBI 61 Runs 33 BB-122 K

The Corpus Christi Hooks led the Texas League in extra base hits from right field with 49. Jon Gaston led the Hooks with 73 games played (284 plate appearances), and had 22 extra base hits with 22 RBI. Gaston also stole 11 bases in 12 attempts. This coming despite a batting line of .240/.285/.360/.645. Jake Goebbert had 164 plate appearances in right field with a .300 batting average and .825 OPS. Andrew Simunic and Brandon Barnes also got over 10 games played in right with 15 and 11 respectively. Barnes had a .975 OPS with 10 RBI in 41 plate appearancs. Adam Bailey, former Frisco RoughRider Jose Vallejo, Wladimir Sutil, and James Van Ostrand combined for 12 games.

5. Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Statistics: .255/.334/.388/.722 42 Extra Base Hits 67 RBI 71 Runs 53 BB-102 K

Expectations were high entering the 2011 season for Northwest Arkansas's starting right fielder Wil Myers, who entered the season as a consensus top 10 prospect. However, a knee injury affected his season in Northwest Arkansas. Still, Myers, who spent the 2011 season as a 20 year old, batted .265/.361/.392/.753 in 75 games in right field. Nick squared (Nick Francis and Nick Van Stratten), appeared in 27 and 24 games in right field for the Naturals. Francis had a .655 OPS, while Van Stratten had a .711 OPS. Paulo Orlando and Anthony Seratelli, who both appeared in at least three positions for the Naturals, combined for 16 games in right field.

6. Frisco RoughRiders

Statistics: .261/.329/.389/.719 36 Extra Base Hits 62 RBI 75 Runs 39 BB-166 K

Frisco's right fielders struck out by far the most of any of the Texas League teams, but run production was still solid. Jonathan Greene, who saw the most time in right field, was the epitome of this. Greene appeared in 93 games in right for Frisco and struck out 119 times. Still, Greene led Texas League right fielders in homeruns with 14 and had 29 extra base hits. Greene batted .280 with a .785 OPS. Joey Butler and David Paisano each appeared in 13 games in right for Frisco. Engel Beltre, Mitch Hilligoss, Travis Adair, Davis Stoneburner, Leonys Martin, Nelson Cruz, and even pitcher Ben Snyder combined for 23 games in right for Frisco.

7. Midland Rockhounds

Statistics: .254/.319/.382/.701 41 Extra Base Hits 77 RBI 62 Runs 45 BB-92 K

The Rockhounds were by far the most stable team in right field in the Texas League as just three players saw time in right for Midland. Jeremy Barfield, son of Jesse Barfield and brother of Josh Barfield, was Midland's starting right fielder the whole year as he had 127 games played and 531 plate appearances in right field. Jeremy batted .255 with a .698 OPS in right, including 37 extra base hits and 11 homeruns. His extra base hit total was the most by a Texas League right fielder. Dallas native Matt Sulentic and Adam Heether appeared in a combined 17 games in right as well.

8. Arkansas Travelers


Statistics: .224/.288/.349/.637 38 Extra Base Hits 43 RBI 63 Runs 38 BB-126 K

Angel Castillo led the Arkansas Travelers in games played with 100 (372 plate appearances), but his .588 OPS (.216 AVG) probably also hurt them a lot. Blake Gailen also got 16 games in right, but had just a .501 OPS in his 64 plate appearances. Roberto Lopez appeared in 16 games as well with 60 plate appearances. He nearly had the eqaul of Castillo's and Gailen's OPS total as Lopez had a 1.045 OPS in right field (12 extra base hits). Chris Giovinazzo, David Harris, Rian Kiniry, and Marvin Lowrance combined for 6 games in right for the Travelers.


Previous Positions:
Catcher
First Base
Second Base
Third Base
Shortstop
Left Field
Center Field
Right Field
Designated Hitter
Starting Pitcher
Relievers

Rundown of Former Riders: March 6th

CF Julio Borbon (Texas Rangers)- 1 for 2 R BB vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

CF Leonys Martin (Texas Rangers)- 1 for 2 HR RBI R BB vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

SS Elvis Andrus (Texas Rangers)- 2 for 2 2B 2 R RBI vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

RF Nelson Cruz (Texas Rangers)- 1 for 2 2 RBI BB vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

DH Tommy Mendonca (Texas Rangers)- 2 for 3 2 R vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

RF Engel Beltre (Texas Rangers)- 1 for 1 2B 2 RBI R vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

1B Mitch Moreland (Texas Rangers)- 0 for 3 vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

LHP Matt Harrison (Texas Rangers)- 2 IP 1 H 0 R vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

RHP Mark Hamburger (Texas Rangers)- 2 IP 0 R 1 BB vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

LHP Robbie Ross (Texas Rangers)- 1 IP 0 H 0 R 2 K vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

RHP Cody Eppley (Texas Rangers)- 1 IP 0 H 0 R 1 BB vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

RHP Jake Brigham (Texas Rangers)- 1 IP 1 H 3 R 2 BB 1 K vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

RHP Justin Miller (Texas Rangers)- 1 IP 2 H 0 R 1 K vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

RHP Fabio Castillo (Texas Rangers)- 1 IP 1 H 0 R 2 K vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

OF John Mayberry Jr. (Philadelphia Phillies)- 1 for 2 RBI vs. Toronto Blue Jays

DH Laynce Nix (Philadelphia Phillies)- 0 for 3 vs. Toronto Blue Jays

LHP Jesse Chavez (Toronto Blue Jays)- 1 IP 2 H 1 R vs. Philadelphia Phillies

OF Jason Bourgeois (Houston Astros)- 1 for 3 2B R vs. New York Mets

RHP Omar Poveda (Miami Marlins)- 2 IP 0 H 0 R 1 K vs. Detroit Tigers

1B Adrian Gonzalez (Boston Red Sox)- 1 for 3 2B RBI R vs. Baltimore Orioles

RF Endy Chavez (Baltimore Orioles)- 0 for 3 vs. Boston Red Sox

C Taylor Teagarden (Baltimore Orioles)- 0 for 2 R vs. Boston Red Sox

RHP Eric Hurley (Los Angeles Angels)- 2 IP 1 H 0 R 2 BB 2 K vs. Chicago White Sox

LHP John Danks (Chicago White Sox)- 2 IP 4 H 3 R 3 BB 1 K vs. Los Angeles Angels

1B Justin Smoak (Seattle Mariners)- 1 for 2 RBI R vs. Cincinnati Reds

RHP Guillermo Moscoso (Colorado Rockies)- 2 IP 5 H 4 R 2 BB 1 K vs. Chicago Cubs

SS Christian Guzman (Cleveland Indians)- 0 for 2 BB vs. Kansas City Royals

C Max Ramirez (Kansas City Royals)- 2 for 3 2 HR 4 RBI 2 R BB vs. San Diego Padres

LHP Robbie Erlin (San Diego Padres)- 2 IP 3 H 3 R 2 ER 1 BB vs. Kansas City Royals

1B Mark Teixeira (New York Yankees)- 1 for 2 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

OF Brandon Boggs (Pittsburgh Pirates)- 0 for 1 BB vs. New York Yankees

Rundown of Former Riders: March 5th

Baseball is back! It may be only Spring Training, but it's still baseball. Here is a rundown of how former Frisco RoughRiders have fared today, March 5th. With three games left and one in progress, if there are any more they will be added.

2B Ian Kinsler (Texas Rangers)- 2 for 3 2 R vs. Kansas City Royals

SS Elvis Andrus (Texas Rangers)- 3 for 3 3B RBI 3 R vs. Kansas City Royals

CF Josh Hamilton (Texas Rangers)- 1 for 3 vs. Kansas City Royals

RF Nelson Cruz (Texas Rangers)- 1 for 3 vs. Kansas City Royals

CF Leonys Martin (Texas Rangers)- 0 for 2 vs. Kansas City Royals

LF Engel Beltre (Texas Rangers)- 0 for 1 vs. Kansas City Royals

DH Mitch Moreland (Texas Rangers)- 0 for 2 BB vs. Kansas City Royals

LHP Derek Holland (Texas Rangers)- 2 IP 3 H 1 ER 1 K vs. Kansas City Royals

RHP Alexi Ogando (Texas Rangers)- 2 IP 1 H 0 R 1 BB 2 K vs. Kansas City Royals

LHP Ben Snyder (Texas Rangers)- 1 IP 0 H 0 R 1 K vs. Kansas City Royals

RHP Tanner Scheppers (Texas Rangers)- 1 IP 1 H 1 R 2 BB 1 K vs. Kansas City Royals

C Max Ramirez (Kansas City Royals)- 0 for 1 K vs. Texas Rangers

LHP C.J. Wilson (Los Angeles Angels)- 2 IP 1 H 0 R 1 BB 0 K vs. Oakland Athletics

LHP Fabio Castro (Oakland Athletics)- 2 IP 3 H 1 R 1 BB 1 K vs. Los Angeles Angels

1B Justin Smoak (Seattle Mariners)- 1 for 2 RBI BB vs. San Diego Padres

1B Chad Tracy (Colorado Rockies)- 0 for 1 RBI vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

RHP Joaquin Benoit (Detroit Tigers)- 1 IP 1 H 0 R 1 K vs. Toronto Blue Jays

OF John Mayberry Jr. (Philadelphia Phillies)- 1 for 1 R vs. New York Yankees

RHP Pedro Strop (Baltimore Orioles)- 1 IP 2 H 1 ER 3 K vs. Tampa Bay Rays

LHP Zach Phillips (Baltimore Orioles)- 2 IP 0 H 0 R 3 K vs. Tampa Bay Rays

CF Endy Chavez (Baltimore Orioles)- 1 for 3 vs. Tampa Bay Rays

C Taylor Teagarden (Baltimore Orioles)- 0 for 3 vs. Tampa Bay Rays

CF Jason Bourgeois (Houston Astros)- 1 for 2 vs. Atlanta Braves

LHP Daniel Herrera (New York Mets)- 1 IP 2 H 0 R 1 K vs. Washington Nationals

RHP Frank Francisco (New York Mets)- 1 IP 2 H 1 R vs. Washington Nationals

C Mike Nickeas (New York Mets)- 0 for 1 vs. Washington Nationals

RHP Vicente Padilla (Boston Red Sox)- 2 IP 3 H 0 R 2 K vs. Minnesota Twins

1B Chris Davis (Baltimore Orioles)- 2 for 3 RBI vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

RHP Darren O'Day (Baltimore Orioles)- 1 IP 2 H 2 R 0 ER 1 BB 2 K vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

SS Joaquin Arias (San Francisco Giants)- 0 for 1 vs. Milwaukee Brewers

Texas League Best of the Best: Center Field

Team Rankings

1. Midland Rockhounds

Statistics: .323/.402/.517/.919 63 Extra Base Hits 81 RBI 115 Runs 74 BB-123 K

For the first half of the 2011 season, the story of the Texas League was Jermaine Mitchell's insane production. The then 26 year old centerfielder had 13 triples by the end of May and combined that with double digits doubles (15) and homeruns (10) by the time he was promoted to Sacramento (AAA). Mitchell also drew a boat load of walks to go with his high average making him an opponent's nightmare. While Mitchell was good on the road, he dominated at home where he hit .414/.497/.711/1.208 in Midland making him one of the few players that actually loved playing in Midland. Once Mitchell was promoted, top prospect Grant Green was switched from shortstop to centerfield. Green batted .300 with a .763 OPS as a centerfielder, although his walk to strikeout ratio was just 9 to 44. Green did have 16 extra base hits in 218 plate appearances as a centerfielder. Shane Peterson and Tyler Ladendorf appeared in a combined 28 games at centerfield as well. Peterson stole an impressive 8 bases in 8 attempts in his 21 games as the centerfielder.

2. Tulsa Drillers

Statistics: .289/.367/.533/.900 67 Extra Base Hits 87 RBI 108 Runs 60 BB-145 K

While Jermaine Mitchell one of the stories of the first half, Tim Wheeler was one of the stories of the whole year in the Texas League. Tulsa's prime power hitter, despite batting leadoff the whole year, finished the year with 33 homeruns, a Tulsa Driller franchise record. Wheeler led Texas League centerfielders in pretty much every individual statistic except stolen bases, and even then he stole 21 for the season. Wheeler played in 137 games in centerfield and piled up 632 plate appearances there. He had 67 extra base hits, drove in 86 runs, scored 105 runs, and posted a .288/.367/.538/.904 batting line. The only other player for Tulsa to appear in centerfield was Michael Mitchell, who made 3 cameo appearances there.

3. Arkansas Travelers

Statistics: .301/.382/.489/.871 56 Extra Base Hits 60 RBI 104 Runs 62 BB-113 K

No prospect in the Texas League in 2011 received more accolades (and deserving accolades) than the player that manned centerfield for 88 games for the Arkansas Travelers. If this ranking was based on how the players would fare in the future in the MLB, then the Arkansas Travelers would have been listed as #1 by a mile. Arkansas fans got the pleasure of watching 19 year old Mike Trout play centerfield the majority of the season for Arkansas before he was promoted to the big league club on July 8th. While with the Travelers, Trout did just about everything imaginable on a baseball field. Want contact? Trout batted .326. Want patience? Trout walked 45 times in 400 plate appearances, and got on base at a .416 clip. Want power? Trout had 41 extra base hits in 400 PA, including 11 homeruns. Want Speed? Trout stole 33 bases in 43 attempts and dashed out 13 triples as well. Want defense? Trout is a plus defender with elite speed. You can see Mike Trout taking batting practice on the Frisco RoughRider's insider blog here: http://mlblogsridersinsider.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/roughriders-vs-big-leaguers/ 

Once Trout was promoted, the Travelers used a caravan of players to play centerfield as Clay Fuller (23 games), Matt Long (17 games), Rian Kiniry (5 games), Blake Gailen (2 games), and Chris Giovinazzo (2 games) took over.

4. San Antonio Missions

Statistics: .284/.380/.468/.849 61 Extra Base Hits 79 RBI 106 Runs 78 BB-128 K

Keeping up with the single player making noise, perhaps no individual opponent was talked about more during the 2011 season than San Antonio's Blake Tekotte. And it has nothing to do with the Missions playing in Frisco every other weekend. Tekotte was a favorite of Aaron Goldsmith's, who was Frisco's radio voice the last two years, and now a broadcaster for the Pawtucket Red Sox in 2012. Tekotte led the Missions in games played in centerfield with 102 games played and 482 plate appearances. He batted an impressive .293/.400/.510/.910 while in centerfield with 47 extra base hits (19 homeruns) and 36 stolen bases. Like Trout, Tekotte displayed good power, patience (65 walks), and speed. He also managed to hit a foul ball into the radio booth during the season. Daniel Robertson also saw 37 games in centerfield for the Missions and hit .259/.325/.367/.693 as a centerfielder. Jaff Decker (4 games), Sawyer Carroll (1 game), and Danny Payne (1 game) filled in the rest of the time in centerfield.

5. Springfield Cardinals

Statistics: .292/.381/.458/.839 50 Extra Base Hits 64 RBI 106 Runs 66 BB-107 K

No Texas League team used more players in centerfieldin 2011 than the Springfield Cardinals. Nine players saw time in centerfield for the Cardinals with Tommy Pham leading the way with 37 games played there. Five different players had at least 16 games played in center: Pham, James Rapoport, D'Marcus Ingram, Alex Castellanos, and Daryl Jones. Pham, who's always been known to have a high ceiling, looked like he was having a breakout year before getting hurt in May and then again in June. Pham batted .293 with an .894 OPS in centerfield. He had 19 extra base hits in 163 plate appearances. Perhaps no player with at least 70 plate appearances dominated at a position like Alex Castellanos did. With 71 plate appearances in centerfield, Castellanos batted .444/.507/.841/1.348. He had 12 extra base hits (6 homeruns) in 17 games. Shane Robinson, Jose Garcia, Aaron Luna, and Chris Swauger combined for 15 games in centerfield as well.

6. Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Statistics: .257/.334/.343/.678 28 Extra Base Hits 48 RBI 81 Runs 62 BB-107 K

Short on power, but tough on speed, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals got mediocre production from centerfield compared to the rest of the league. The Naturals had the least amount of extra base hits from centerfield in the league, but had the most amount of steals with 48. Derrick Robinson is a main cause of this, as the switch handed speedster led the team with 93 games and 419 plate appearances in centerfield. Robinson had just 9 extra base hits (1 homerun), but used his elite speed to steal 42 bases. In six minor league seasons, Robinson has stolen 291 bases in 384 attempts, including 4 consecutive seasons with at least 50 steals. Nick Van Stratten was second on the team with 23 games in centerfield. He batted .247 with 7 extra base hits and a .746 OPS. Top prospect Wil Myers saw 13 games in centerfield for the Naturals and had 8 extra base hits and a .271/.386/.542/.928 batting line. Brazilian born outfielder Paulo Orlando also had 13 games in centerfield for Northwest Arkansas.

7. Frisco RoughRiders

Statistics: .250/.316/.347/.662 34 Extra Base Hits 50 RBI 84 Runs 42 BB-111 K

Perhaps no player in the Texas Ranger's system was more disappointing than the player that held down centerfield for 102 games for Frisco in 2011. After what seemed like a promising year in 2010, Beltre regressed in 2011 to the point where any streak seemed like an accomplishment. Beltre batted just .240/.295/.313/.608 and had 20 extra base hits in 421 plate appearances as a centerfielder. He drove in 27 runs and stole 14 bases in 20 attempts. Leonys Martin also saw 23 games in centerfield for Frisco and dominated to the tune of .344/.419/.559/.978 in his short time in centerfield. Perhaps nothing speaks to the difference of the two than the fact that Martin had almost as many RBI (22) as Beltre (27) in 79 less games and 313 less plate appearances. David Paisano, Guilder Rodriguez, and Jonathan Greene combined for 17 games in centerfield for Frisco as well.

8. Corpus Christi Hooks


Statistics: .219/.257/.340/.597 37 extra base hits 68 RBI 65 runs 25 BB-139 K

One of the interesting things to watch in the Texas League in 2011 was the BB/K ratio of T.J. Steele for the Corpus Christi Hooks. If Steele was a pitcher, he'd be one of the best pitchers in baseball with a K/BB ratio like that. Unfortunately for Hooks/Astros fans and T.J. Steele he is a hitter, however, and with that comes a ridiculous ratio. In 413 plate appearances (103 games), Steele struck out 108 times and walked just 15 times. Amazingly, however, his 15 walks (16 overall) is a career high in the minor leagues, so at least people can pin hopes on he's improving! Steele batted .205 with a .569 OPS as a centerfielder, including 25 extra base hits (10 homeruns). Jon Gaston and Brandon Barnes each saw 22 games and 20 games in centerfield, respectively. Gaston, who had a huge season in the hitters haven California League in 2009 (31 doubles, 15 triples, and 35 homeruns with 14 steals), has struggled since reaching AA (.720 OPS in 2010 and .646 OPS in 2011). Barnes proved to be the best centerfielder that the Hooks had as he hit .273/.304/.394/.698 with 6 extra base hits in 70 plate appearances. Major League player and former Frisco RoughRider Jason Bourgeois and Jake Goebbert combined for 4 games in centerfield for Corpus Christi as well.


Previous Positions:
Catcher
First Base
Second Base
Third Base
Shortstop
Left Field
Center Field
Right Field
Designated Hitter
Starting Pitcher
Relievers

Off Topic: New Playoff Format--- Fixing Something That Isn't Broken

Major League Baseball has announced that the new playoff format that was agreed upon with the new CBA will go into immediate effect in 2012. There will be two additional playoff teams, one in each league, in the 2012 postseason. People have had different view points on the new format. I will first go into some of the facts and then give my opinion on why I believe they are trying to fix something that was never broken and why I think they should have gone a much easier, cleaner route if they actually wanted to change things.

Facts:

Source: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/baseball/mlb/03/02/playoffs-expand.ap/index.html

- MLB will have 2 Wild Card teams from each league beginning in 2012.
- The two wild cards from each league will play a 1 game playoff and the winner will go against the top seed in the LDS.
- MLB will no longer go by the rule where two teams in the same division cannot play each other in the first round. 
- The Houston Astros will switch to the AL West beginning in 2013.
- For just 2012, MLB will have a 2-3 playoff format in the LDS, which means the team that has "home field advantage" will begin on the road. This new format cut back on travel time, which allowed the 1 game Wild Card format and tie breakers to fit into the schedule.
- Unlike past years when head to head records were used to break division titles, the tie breaker will be on the field in a one game tie breaker. This could make things extra complicated, more on that later. 

With the facts out there, my thought from the beginning that I heard this was "wow, what is major league baseball doing." I've listened to some of the positive points of this, the "extra drama", keeping fans of some teams that never have a chance more interested. But even with those there are FAR too many negatives and reasons to not like this.

Point #1: By Having Two Wild Cards, MLB is Making the Postseason More Mediocre


The American League Perspective

Since 1996, the American League Wild Card has had at least 90 wins 15 of the 16 years, including 15 seasons in a row dating back to 1997. Over those 16 years, the Wild Card spot in the American League has ONE less win than the 2nd best American League team does cumulative with 1,515 wins compared to 1,516 wins. They are well ahead of the 3rd best division winning team, which has 1,454 wins during that span of time. If everything broke down, you would have to go further down to 1,422 wins for the 5th place team, which would be the 2nd Wild Card winning team. The Wild Card has had the 2nd most wins in the league more times (5) than it has been 4th in wins (3).

Over the last five seasons in the American League, the Wild Card has belonged to the AL East with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox each taking two and the Tampa Bay Rays taking another. They have had 3 95 win seasons, a 94 win season, and in 2011 the Rays had 91 wins. The Wild Card spot has 15 90+ win seasons, the 2nd Wild Card spot would have 7 90+ win seasons.

Over the last twelve seasons, there would have been a gap of five or more wins between the Wild Card winning team and the second Wild Card winning team in eight of the seasons.

The National League Perspective

While the American League has been much more defined as being dominant from the Wild Card spot, but less so from the 2nd Wild Card spot, the National League has not been so dominant. Over the last 12 years, there has only been 1 case of a 5 or more game gap between the first Wild Card and second Wild Card.

Again, however, the Wild Card has more wins than the 3rd best division winner (1,461 wins to 1,438), and once again the second Wild Card team would make the process more mediocre coming in at 1,425 wins over the last sixteen seasons. The second Wild Card spot would only have had 5 seasons with 90+ wins, which is even less than the 3rd division winner (8 times). The National League Wild Card winner over the last 16 years has had 90 or more wins in twelve of the sixteen seasons, including four straight.

The National League Wild Card spot has had the fourth most wins in six of the sixteen seasons. They've had the second most wins in two of the sixteen seasons.

Point #2: Was There Actually Something Wrong?

By adding the second Wild Card spot, MLB was basically saying that there was something wrong with the way that Wild Cards were able to win in the postseason. Beyond the fact that this was probably a ploy to make more money and drama, I believe that MLB really thought they needed to make more of a challenged for the Wild Card teams. But was there ever really an issue?

Since the Wild Card has come into existence, roughly 25% of the World Series teams have been Wild Card teams, and roughly 25% of the World Series winners have been Wild Card teams. Yet every postseason 25% of the teams are Wild Card teams. Now they get to boost that % to 40%, granted only 25% will actually go into the first non-one game playoff format.


Point #3: The Oakland Athletics Factor--- The One Game Playoff Format Is Really Ridiculous

I do not like the fact that there are more Wild Card teams, but if they're going to add another one to each league, couldn't they have at least made it a 3 game playoff format? The problem with a 1 game playoff format is that you're going to have situations where the two Wild Card teams play each other with a legitimate spread of games between them in the regular season. A one game playoff format proves even less than a 3,5, or 7 game playoff format in the postseason does. Any team on any given day can beat a team for a one game series. Heck any team can beat any team in a seven game series, but that's for another day.

Imagine for a second that this had actually started when the Wild Card took form. Now imagine that you're a fan of the 2001 Oakland Athletics. Your team just finished with the 2nd best record in baseball that season, second only to the 116 win Seattle Mariners. Are you really telling me that you wouldn't be as upset as anybody can ever be if you now know that your team has to go into a 1 game playoff against the mediocre 85 win Minnesota Twins? Now continue telling me that it will never happen, but in 2001 it would have happened. And if it's happened before, chances are something similar will appear down the road. If that doesn't change your mind about this, then I'm pretty sure nothing will.

Point #4: What Major League Baseball Should Have Done

Now, I've given some points that I believe are problems for this. I'm not a complainer, and I won't complain about something that I don't at least have a pretty good solution for. If MLB really saw a problem in the whole Wild Card race thing, then I believe they really should have taken three simple steps that could have easily been changed, ruined pretty much nothing, and immensely helped bridge the gap that they want to close where Wild Card teams actually have a chance in the postseason.

A) Get rid of the rule that said two teams in the same division couldn't play each other.

This was the easiest of the three and the one that they actually did. It was one of the best moves they made this offseason and one that should have been done a long time ago. No longer will you have the Red Sox or Yankees avoiding the other in the first round and playing some worse team despite being the Wild Card team.

To go a step further, I'd actually want the Wild Card team to get homefield advantage if they have a better record. I understand that you want to award the division winner, but why? Why award them if they are an 84 win team and the Wild Card winner is a 95 win team? That makes little sense.

B) Change the LDS to a 7 game round

This would have effectively given advantage to the better team, while not adding the extra Wild Card winner. In the end it also probably would have worked out the same, since now you have the chance of even more tie breaker games.

C) Change the LDS/LCS format to 2-4-1 or 1-4-2

This may be the craziest and one that people don't agree with, but by giving the home field advantage team 4 games in the middle, you really emphasize the advantage. As it works out right now, the team without the advantage simply needs to win 1 on the road and they have 3 at home and could sweep home. The advantage really doesn't become one until game 7 as well, which outside of 2011 has not happened all that often. Not enough to justify it as "home field" advantage anyways.

In the end, Major League Baseball doesn't care what I think, but I believe that the move to add the second Wild Card has a chance to water down the postseason even more. I am and always will be a big baseball fan, but I don't want to see baseball become like the NBA or hockey where it's actually more of an accomplishment to not make the postseason than it is to actually make it.

Baseball is a game that is played on the field and if MLB tries to make it so that the Wild Card has no chance, they will never succeed in their quest because it is impossible to guarantee anything. And to try to compete with the NFL in TV ratings would be a mistake. The sports are so different with the NFL being a 17 week (16 game) season with 1 game a week and then a one and out postseason. If the NFL tried to adapt a 162 MLB schedule with best of 7 postseasons, their ratings would suffer greatly as well.