Ruf, Olt, Profar Land on Topps Double-A All Stars
By Aaron Somers
Each fall an all star roster of the top players from each level of the minor leagues is named, something done in conjunction between Minor League Baseball and the Topps Company for the past few years, with the final rosters being announced last week. The squad of players from Double-A is a talented group, highlighted by power and promise, and led by the minor league home run leader and a pair of Texas prospects that finished the 2012 season in the Major Leagues.
Your 2012 Topps Double-A All Stars are:
Darin Ruf powered his way all the way to Philadelphia in 2012 and landed on the Topps Double-A All Star team. (Image Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE)
Darin Ruf, first base, Philadelphia Phillies – Batted .317/.408/.620 over 589 plate appearances. Lead the entire minor leagues with 38 HR. His 104 RBI (4th) and 155 hits (5th) finished in the top five across the entire classification.
Stefen Romero, second base, Seattle Mariners – Batted .347/.392/.620 in 240 plate appearances after beginning the season at High-A.
Jurickson Profar, shortstop, Texas Rangers – Batted .281/.368/.452 over 562 plate appearances. Arguably the top position player prospect in all of baseball.
Mike Olt, third base, Texas Rangers – Batted .288/.398/.579 over 421 plate appearances. Promoted to the Majors in early August but still finished second in Double-A in home runs (28) and slugging percentage.
Ali Solis, catcher, San Diego Padres – Batted .283/.307/.419 over 343 plate appearances. Ranked third in the classification in doubles. Saw a brief five game cameo with the Padres in September but was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates last month.
Oswaldo Arcia, outfield, Minnesota Twins – Batted .328/.398/.557 in 299 plate appearances after starting the year at High-A.
Alfredo Marte, outfield, Arizona Diamondbacks – Batted .294/.363/.523 in 446 plate appearances.
Oscar Tavares, outfield, St. Louis Cardinals – Batted .321/.380/.572 over 531 plate appearances. Had the second highest batting average in Double-A and finished third in doubles (37).
Chris Heston, pitcher, San Francisco Giants – 9-8, 2.24 ERA, 148.2 innings (25 starts). Lead the classification in ERA and finished second in WHIP.