The 2011 Minor League All-Star Team often foreshadows the brightest young talent and upcoming MLB stars.  As usual, this year’s team is full of the most promising youngsters vying to earn a call-up to their prospective team.  Baseball Factory is delighted to recognize our alumni who excelled and were placed on such a prestigious roster.  To be featured on the Minor League All-Star team is an incredible accomplishment, and is a sign of success in years to come to say the least.

Brett Lawrie, a 21-year old 3rd baseman who hails from Langley, British Colombia currently plays in the Toronto Blue Jays system.  He was acquired by the Blue Jays from the Milwaukee Brewers in a straight-up trade for Shawn Marcum in 2010.  Lawrie was a participant in Baseball Factory's 2007 Cape Cod High School Classic, was the highest Canadian position player ever to be drafted and represented the Canadians in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.  This Triple-A Las Vegas stud has a promising future.  Double-A Arkansas was lucky to have 2011 Minor League Player of the Year Mike Trout for as long as they did.  Trout was called up twice to the Los Angeles Angels after he put up some staggering numbers for a nineteen year old in the minors. He continued his success for the Angels with a few home runs, a couple stolen bases and even a Sportscenter Top 10 play in the outfield.  He was named to the Baseball Factory's Top 100 Prospects at #9, a list compiled annually by Baseball Factory’s professional scouts and numerous contacts in the scouting industry.

Tim Wheeler, a 23 year-old outfielder in the Rockies Minor League system, spent the season in Double-A Tulsa where he has really impressed.  He participated in the 2005 Baseball Factory Team One Showcase and should be a dominant hitter as he improves against left-handers.  Baseball Factory Top 100 alum Shelby Miller is a pitcher for the Cardinals with some interesting stuff.  His fastball boasts a late sink and is wowing the Minor Leagues as he averages 11 K's per start.  After 11 wins with Double-A Springfield this year, Miller will most likely move to the Majors next spring.  Double-A Mobile lefty sensation Tyler Skaggs has been rising quickly through the Arizona Diamondbacks farm system.  Also a Baseball Factory Top 100 Prospect, Tyler participated in the All-Star Futures Game and has been an exciting player in the Arizona minor leagues.  Skaggs has a chip on his shoulder after his trade (along with Joe Saunders, Rafael Rodriguez, and Patrick Corbin) from the Angels for Dan Haren, was said to be very one-sided in favor of the Angels.  He channeled his intensity into an incredible 125/34 K/BB ratio, and is poised to become a great starting pitcher.

Second Team features a few Baseball Factory graduates:  Anthony Rizzo (1B, Padres), Jake Marisnick (CF, Blue Jays), Trevor May (SP, Phillies), Eric Surkamp (SP, Giants), Shawn Tolleson (RP, Dodgers), and most likely the highest rated prospect this decade in outfielder Bryce Harper.  Harper, number one overall pick by the Washington Nationals in 2010.  He participated in the Under Armour Baseball Factory National Tryout in 2008, and was named Baseball Factory Player of the Week.  The opportunity for success is endless for young Bryce Harper.  Congratulations to all Baseball Factory alumni who were selected into the Minor League All-Star Team, an outstanding achievement.

We would also like to congratulate the Classification All-Stars, which are divided by class in the Minor Leagues.  Devin Mesoraco, catcher in the Reds Minor League system, may not have been the most touted Minor Leaguer in the recent years but he has now distinguished himself as a tremendous hitter and was called up to the Reds this season to contribute offensively.  Triple-A Classification All-Stars also include Baseball Alum Anthony Rizzo (1B, Padres) and Graham Godfrey (SP, Athletics).  Brett Lawrie received Player of the Year.  Double-A Baseball Factory alumni include James Darnell (3B, Padres) along with a few Second-Team Minor League All-Star Team players.  Mike Trout received Player of the Year honors.  High Class A features five previously unmentioned Classification All-Stars who came through the Baseball Factory system:  Tommy Joseph (C, Giants), Jonathan Singleton (1B, Houston), Jeff Kobernus (2B, Nationals), Kyle Jenson (OF, Marlins), and Kent Matthes (DH, Rockies).  In Low Class A, Baseball Factory alumni included Nick Castellanos (3B, Tigers), Keyvius Sampson (SP, Padres), and Taijuan Walker (SP, Mariners).  Short Season Classification All-Star Justin Nicolino was named Pitcher of the Year in the Blue Jays system.  Finally, Rookie Classification All-Star alumni included Will Swanner (C, Rockies), C.J. Cron (1B, Angels), Taylor Lindsey (2B, Angels), Eric Arce (OF, Blue Jays), Dante Bichette Jr. (DH, Yankees), and Tyrell Jenkins (SP, Cardinals).

It is absolutely incredible to see so many Baseball Factory alumni succeed so quickly and we once again offer a congratulations to each and every talented young player mentioned.  Continue to set a phenomenal example for young ball players everywhere and strive for greatness in all your endeavors!

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