The Newcomer of the Year and Diamond Glove in 1999, this year is even better for Keely. The only unfortunate thing with Keely is that he didn’t get started earlier as he is already 27. He’s leading the league in batting and OBP this season and is one of the best defensive catchers anywhere.
LF Billy Ashley – Birmingham
I was a little surprised to see that this was the giant Ashley’s first team as he has been a consistent power source in the league since 1994. He leads the league in total bases this year and is also an outstanding defensive corner outfielder. He definitely seems to be hitting his stride in Birmingham and is putting up, by far, the best season of his career.
P Ken Gladden – Buffalo
The veteran righty has had a consistently good career but never managed more than 13 wins in a season. This year, he has 10 in the first half, enough to get him on this team. Pitching as well as he ever has, he brings an assortment of junk and, one of the most intelligent players in the league, knows how to put that junk to good use on the mound.
C Dave Nilsson – Long Beach
The veteran Aussie backstop has only been a full-timer once in his career, and the lowly Surfers made it clear when they signed him that they wanted him to play every day. He has responded in spades, hitting for average and power. Unfortunately, he has been subpar defensively, but for a team looking for any shining light, Nilsson has been a star.
CF Armando Santos – Seattle
It is hard to believe that Santos is still only 22 years old as he has been one of the best hitters in the league since 1997. A scary combination of speed and batting skill, he is third in the league in OPS and leads the league in steals. On top of that, he is a fantastic defender. You just have to hope that some of the nagging injuries that have limited him at times don’t continue to be a problem, because he has a chance to be one of the best players ever when all is said and done.
SS Byung-Ryu “B.R.” Poc – Long Beach
B.R. Poc doesn’t look Asian, does he? Well, that’s because he’s not. Born in California, he was adopted by a wealthy family of Korean immigrants and given a Korean name. How about that? He’s an absolutely stunning fielder who can also hit for average as evidenced by his .343 average this year. Unfortunately, his strong platoon side is against lefties, but any offense you can get is a bonus from a guy with this kind of glove.
3B Joseph Guillen
On his third team in four years, the 27 year old Guillen has hit wherever he’s been. He’s a decent defender who can steal a base, and, although gap hits are not his forte, the switch-hitter leads the league in triples and is among the leaders in doubles.
