Third baseman Brandon Waring set a hot pace in the spring at Furman by hitting 27 home runs, second-most in NCAA Division I, and continued to flourish in pro ball after being drafted in the seventh round in June by the Cincinnati Reds. His 20 home runs for Rookie-level Billings (Pioneer) were the most homers hit during the 2007 minor league season by any drafted player.
Four other players who finished in the top 10 nationally in the spring with aluminum also placed in the top 10 in their pro debuts during the summer with wood. They were Oakland outfield prospect Corey Brown (22 at Oklahoma State, 11 in the A’s system), Oakland first base prospect Danny Hamblin (22 at Arkansas, 11 in the A’s system), St. Louis first base prospect Stephen Hill (24 at Stephen F. Austin, 12 in the Cardinals system) and Milwaukee outfield prospect Matt LaPorta (20 at Florida, 12 in the Brewers system).
We’ll take another look at the standings when the 2007 regular season ends on Sept. 30. Shortly thereafter, PG Crosschecker will unveil its first look at the top 100 prospects for the 2008 draft.
Following are the top 10 minor league home runs leaders among players who were drafted in June. The team that drafted them and the round they were selected are noted: |
| |
| |
Player, Pos., Club (Round) |
HR |
| 1. |
Brandon Waring, 3b, Reds (7) |
20 |
| 2. |
Andy D’Alessio, 1b, Giants (19) |
16 |
| 3. |
Clint Robinson, 1b, Royals (25) |
15 |
| 4. |
Stephen Hill, 1b, Cardinals (13) |
12 |
| |
Darin Holcomb, 3b, Rockies (12) |
12 |
| |
Travis Jones, 2b, Braves (7) |
12 |
| |
Matt LaPorta, of, Brewers (1) |
12 |
| |
Steffan Wilson, 3b, Brewers (28) |
12 |
| 9. |
Corey Brown, of, Athletics (1-S) |
11 |
| |
*Michael Burgess, of, Nationals (1-S) |
11 |
| |
Jonathan Greene, c, Rangers (8) |
11 |
| |
Danny Hamblin, 1b, Athletics (10) |
11 |
| |
Kyle Martin, ss, Royals (29) |
11 | |
| * High school draft pick |
| S Supplemental phase |
| --ALLAN SIMPSON |
|