by Marc Hefferan
*MLBDepthCharts.com considers any player not on a team's 40-man roster, in AAA, or ranked as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America or top 11 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before the 2010 season as an 'under the radar' player.
Under the Radar Minor League NL Hitting Performances of the 1st Half
It’s difficult to fathom that we’re already heading into Week 11 of the UTR feature. If leagues are not already engaged in the All-Star festivities, balloting is coming to a close and the league’s top hitting and pitching selections will soon be heading off to meet up with their temporary teammates. This week fans will see The North and South Double-A Southern League rosters square off while representatives of both the Carolina and Cal Leagues battle to see where the muscle lies within the Class A Advanced leagues. Also the East and West divisions of the Midwest League will vie for dominance and the South Atlantic League will see the North and South squads contend for league bragging rights. With all this on my proverbial plate, I’ve decided to honor the All-Star tradition this week and pay homage to the many levels we represent. I’ve chosen a “UTR All-Star” from each respective league.
Double-A Eastern League
Cody Overbeck, 1B - Reading Phillies (PHI) Although we don’t follow players in Triple-A for this feature, the 6'1" Overbeck has spent most of 2011 in Double-A before a recent promotion. His legit power stroke has more than earned him a spot on the IronPigs roster. He’s also another step closer to the big leagues as versatile infielder depth or maybe a shot to be the 3B of the future.
Double-A Southern League
Luke Montz, C - Jacksonville Suns (FLA) Considered organizational depth at the age of 28, when players generally reach their prime, Montz methodically provides above average defense regardless of where he plays. By the way, his bat has been pretty good, too. He's hitting .298 with 15 HR and 40 RBI in only 54 games.
Double-A Texas League
Matt Adams, 1B - Springfield Cardinals (STL) Choosing Adams as my Texas League All-Star was a certain no-brainer. The central Pennsylvania slugger has long been a UTR favorite based on talent alone and is possibly the Texas League's most 'under the radar' star. That’s quite a shame for a guy hitting .354 with 15 HR and 47 RBI in 47 games.
Hi-A California League
Adam Eaton, OF - Visalia Rawhide (ARI) When you think of the Cal League, the first thing that comes to mind is 'hitters haven'. Eaton doesn’t necessarily defy that logic, but when you compare his 2010 Pioneer Rookie League season to 2011, they nearly parallel one another and that’s a scary thought for the 5'8" base stealing menace who has sustained a combined .360 batting average in 435 pro at-bats.
Hi-A Carolina League
Joseph Terdoslavich, 1B/3B - Lynchburg Hillcats (ATL) A rare switch-hitting power hitter, this corner infielder has seen a dip in average but his power has arrived. At only 22 yrs old, his 24 doubles this season have Braves scouts ecstatic to see even more power as he continues to grow at the plate.
Hi-A Florida State League
Brock Kjeldgaard, OF - Brevard County Manatees (MIL) The 25 year-old is a bit aged for this level, but what this converted pitcher has done since the start of June is nothing short of amazing. In three weeks, Kjeldgaard has raised his average 100 pts by batting .362 this month and has been absolutely clutch with runners on base and even better with runners in scoring position.
Lo-A Midwest League
Rymer Liriano, OF - Fort Wayne Tin Caps (SD) A potential 5-tool player who projects to hit 20-30 HR annually, it’s his speed that has taken center stage this season. The 20 year-old has swiped as many bases so far this season (31) as he did in all of 2010. The Padres know Liriano is one of the hardest workers in the system and envision him to be a prototype right fielder.
Lo-A South Atlantic League
Blake Kelso, IF - Hagerstown Suns (WAS) Even though Kelso doesn’t possess standout tools in any one area, the Nationals see a scrappy infielder who will hit for average and will show off occasional pop now and then. Kelso is a stolen base threat any time he reaches base and is listed as one of the hardest workers in the Nationals system.
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UTR Minor League NL Pitching Performance of the Week
UTR Minor League AL Performances of the Week - posted later today
Under the Radar 2011 Archive
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