Press release from the TinCaps:
Eleven first-rounders on All-Star rosters
Turner, Hicks, Trout headline initial rosters
(June 9, 2010) – Eleven first-round draft picks are headed to the 2010 Midwest League All-Star Game, according to the preliminary rosters released today. West Michigan RHP Jacob Turner, Beloit OF Aaron Hicks and Cedar Rapids OF Mike Trout are among the top prospects coming to Fort Wayne later this month.
Turner, the 9th overall selection in last year’s draft by the Tigers, has more strikeouts (44) than innings pitched (42.2) thanks to a mid-to-high-90s fastball and a devastating curveball. Hicks, picked 14th overall by the Twins in 2008, is rated the top prospect in the Minnesota system. Trout, 18, was the Angels’ first-round pick last year and leads the MWL in batting average (.366), stolen bases (31), hits (79), on-base percentage (.444) and runs scored (49).
Other first-round selections on the East roster include Lansing RHP Chad Jenkins, who was the Blue Jays’ first-rounder last year, South Bend INFs Matt Davidson and Chris Owings (both supplemental first-rounders by the Diamondbacks in 2009) and Fort Wayne OF Danny Payne (a supplemental first-round pick by the Padres in 2007).
In the Western Division, Clinton INF Nick Franklin was selected in the first round last year by the Mariners and is among the league leaders in batting average, home runs, hits, slugging percentage and runs scored. Wisconsin RHP Jake Odorizzi is near the top of the league in strikeouts after being selected 32nd overall in 2008 by the Brewers. Cedar Rapids RHP Garrett Richards, a supplemental first-rounder last year by the Angels, has a pair of complete-game efforts and has been one of the league’s top strikeout pitchers. Teammate RHP Tyler Skaggs was a supplemental first-rounder last year and boasts a 2.63 ERA.
Other top talents expected to take the field on June 22 include Bowling Green RHP Alex Colome, a top prospect in the Tampa Bay organization; Great Lakes OF Jerry Sands, the league’s leader in home runs, RBIs and slugging percentage; and Peoria SS Hak-Ju Lee, a high-ceiling talent signed by the Cubs out of South Korea.
Tuesday’s rosters are only preliminary. They can change prior to the game due to injuries or promotions to higher levels.
Previous Midwest League All-Stars include Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols, Twins C Joe Mauer and Diamondbacks OF Justin Upton.
Tickets are still available for both the MWL Home Run Derby / Skills Competition on June 21 and the All-Star Game, scheduled for June 22. Order online at TinCaps.com, at the Parkview Field box office or by phone at (260) 482-6400.
Download the Rosters:
MWL League, Eastern Division
MWL League, Western Division
TinCaps official website
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