Topps Triple-A All Stars Loaded with Talent
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 early last week. It’s no surprise how much talent adorns this roster. Five of these players have already seen time at the Major Leagues, while the other four are not far from joining them, including the consensus minor league player of the year.
Your 2012 Topps Triple-A All Stars are:
D’backs outfielder Adam Eaton led Triple-A in more than a handful of statistical categories. (Image Credit: Jennifer Stewart-US PRESSWIRE)
Anthony Rizzo, first base, Chicago Cubs – Batted .342/.405/.696 in 284 plate appearances. Before his promotion to the Majors he led all of Triple-A in slugging and extra base hits (43).
Alex Castellanos, second base, Los Angeles Dodgers – Batted .328/.420/.590 in 407 plate appearances. Led Triple-A in OPS. Made the Topps Double-A All Star team in 2011, as an outfielder.
Jake Elmore, shortstop, Arizona Diamondbacks – Batted .344/.442/.465 over 511 plate appearances. Second in on base percentage and top ten in triples (9).
Jedd Gyorko, third base, San Diego Padres – Batted .328/.380/.588 over 408 plate appearances. Finished fourth in OPS and tied for sixth in home runs (24).
Travis d’Arnaud, catcher, Toronto Blue Jays – Batted .333/.380/.595 in 303 plate appearances. His season was cut short in late June due to injury but he still finished the year in the top ten in multiple offensive categories.
Adam Eaton, outfield, Arizona Diamondbacks – Batted .381/.456/.539 over 488 plate appearances. Led Triple-A in batting average, hits (186), doubles (46), runs (119), and on base percentage.
Wil Myers, outfield, Kansas City – Batted .304/.378/.554 over 439 plate appearances. Named as the Topps Minor League Player of the Year.
Jerry Sands, outfield, Los Angeles Dodgers – Batted .296/.375/.524 in 522 plate appearances. Led all with 107 RBI. Traded to Boston at season’s end as part of the Adrian Gonzalez/Josh Beckett/Carl Crawford blockbuster trade that was completed in August.
Tyler Cloyd, pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies – 12-1, 2.35 ERA, 142.0 innings (22 starts). Led all qualifying pitchers in ERA and tied for the lowest WHIP (1.01).