Young outfielders on the rise
There has been a recent wave in up and coming talent in Major League Baseball. Although they may not exactly be household names just yet, these youngsters are really getting theirs names known as they are making a claim to fame in the big show. There could very well be some new faces in the outfield at this year’s All-Star game in New York.
First up is Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers. The 27 year old Hamilton was traded to the Rangers from the Reds for pitcher Edinson Volquez and Minor League reliever Danny Herrera last December and has responded by leading the Major Leagues in RBIs with 53, is batting .335, and leads the American League in slugging, total bases, extra-base hits and triples. Hamilton's 12 home runs are tied for first in the AL with the White Sox Carlos Quentin.
Next up is Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Nate McLouth. The 26 year old lead off hitter is batting .314 with 12 homers and 36 RBIs. The teams 25th round draft pick in 2000 has really been making noise in Pittsburgh and is one exciting player to watch. "This guy is a true baseball player," Pittsburgh manager John Russell said. "He wraps himself up in the game, he pays attention, he learns, he retains. He's just a solid baseball player.
Up next is Ryan Ludwick of The St. Louis Cardinals. Ludwick, 29, is hitting .336 with 12 homers and 35 RBIs. He is among the top seven in the NL in hitting, on-base percentage, slugging, RBIs, extra-base hits and home runs and has helped keep the Cards in the race in the National League Central.
And let us not forget to mention the 20-year-old Justin Upton of Arizona, the youngest player in the Major Leagues. Upton has helped the D-backs remain on top in the National League West with a 29-19 record, tied for the second best record in the Major Leagues with the Chicago Cubs.
Those are just a few of the players that have been making an impact and making a name for themselves. Other players earning their way are Florida's Josh Willingham, Milwaukee's Ryan Braun, Ryan Church of the Mets, and Kosuke Fukudome of the Cubs.
Even though these explosive youngsters are exciting to watch and putting up some great numbers, selection to the All-Star team is more than putting up great stats.
So if you have the time, find yourself a ballot and make your vote today.
First up is Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers. The 27 year old Hamilton was traded to the Rangers from the Reds for pitcher Edinson Volquez and Minor League reliever Danny Herrera last December and has responded by leading the Major Leagues in RBIs with 53, is batting .335, and leads the American League in slugging, total bases, extra-base hits and triples. Hamilton's 12 home runs are tied for first in the AL with the White Sox Carlos Quentin.
Next up is Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Nate McLouth. The 26 year old lead off hitter is batting .314 with 12 homers and 36 RBIs. The teams 25th round draft pick in 2000 has really been making noise in Pittsburgh and is one exciting player to watch. "This guy is a true baseball player," Pittsburgh manager John Russell said. "He wraps himself up in the game, he pays attention, he learns, he retains. He's just a solid baseball player.
Up next is Ryan Ludwick of The St. Louis Cardinals. Ludwick, 29, is hitting .336 with 12 homers and 35 RBIs. He is among the top seven in the NL in hitting, on-base percentage, slugging, RBIs, extra-base hits and home runs and has helped keep the Cards in the race in the National League Central.
And let us not forget to mention the 20-year-old Justin Upton of Arizona, the youngest player in the Major Leagues. Upton has helped the D-backs remain on top in the National League West with a 29-19 record, tied for the second best record in the Major Leagues with the Chicago Cubs.
Those are just a few of the players that have been making an impact and making a name for themselves. Other players earning their way are Florida's Josh Willingham, Milwaukee's Ryan Braun, Ryan Church of the Mets, and Kosuke Fukudome of the Cubs.
Even though these explosive youngsters are exciting to watch and putting up some great numbers, selection to the All-Star team is more than putting up great stats.
So if you have the time, find yourself a ballot and make your vote today.
