2025 Topps Pro Debut: An Unboxing

One of the sets I just try and buy full sets of is the Topps Pro Debut, the official set of MiLB (Minor League Baseball). The reasons are simple:

1. It's not something that's sold on a regular basis at the card shops I do frequent.
2. Not too many people in the area actually collect minor league cards, and those that do are in it for the player or organization, not trying for a full set.
3. That patience issue again.
4. Cost. It's cheaper for me to buy a full set of 200 plus cards online than it would be to buy boxes and not even guarantee a full base set (although this applies to the eponymous MLB sets, at least those are readily available everywhere).

That said, I've managed to get every Pro Debut set since Topps acquired the license back in 2010. Prior to that year, I would not have even considered adding these sets to my collection. But, it's Topps. They've been using the flagship designs on these minor league sets. How can in NOT want to include them, if nothing more as a supplement to the eponymous set. All the Pro Debut sets get their own binders as there is no way that I can fit another 200 plus cards (the 2010 set has 400 cards alone) into a six-inch binder (forget even trying to lift them). 

A couple of weeks ago, I finally hunkered down and bought a base set and, because someone actually had these, a "master insert set" for 2025 Topps Pro Debut. Both arrived yesterday. so tonight, while the Bears are playing their first playoff game since 2021 (season was in 2020) and trying to win their fist playoff game since 2011 (season was in 2010), let's unbox this 292-card master set and see what's inside.

The packaging.

The base Pro Debut set consists of 200 cards. The design is the same as the Major League set, with the two-colored lines along the left side of the card, the team name in outlined all-caps lettering in front of the design element. Along with the Cubs, White Sox, Yankees, etc (thanks to the Arizona and Florida Complex League), teams represented include Carp, Storm, Mighty Mussels, Jumbo Shrimp, Biscuits, Trash Pandas, and Spartanburgers. Yes, the creativity of these minor league organizations are top notch. Among the players in this set that have already made an impact in the majors include Luke Keaschall (Wichita Wind Surge), Kyle Teel (Charlotte Knights). Jac Caglianone (Quad City River Bandits), Nick Kurtz (Midland Rockhounds), Roman Anthony & Kristian Campbell (Worcester Red Sox), Trey Yesavage (FCL Blue Jays) among others. 

2025 Topps Pro Debut Luke Keaschall #PD-193

In recent years, the Pro Debut cards featured the player in gloss finish while the background would be in a matte finish. That does not appear to be the case with this year's product.

2025 Topps Pro Debut Trey Yesavage #PD-45

In recent years, it's been easier to acquire the insert sets, and just like the team names that litter the minor leagues, the concepts of the insert sets are just as varied and unique. This year's sets are no exception.

Ballpark Promos highlight alternate team identities and uniforms that were worn during actual games. Whether the team took part in "La Copa de Diversión" or celebrated a city's local heritage, a nice exposition explaining the significance of the alternate name is included.

2025 Topps Pro Debut Ballpark Promos Dalton Rushing #BP-5

Drafted is a sketchbook inspired insert set with the fronts featuring images that would have appeared to be drawn with colored pencils, while the reverse talks about the player's journey in the MLB draft.

2025 Topps Pro Debut Drafted Jac Caglianone #DF-20

League Elites features players and logos from the respective minor leauges. From the Eastern League (AA),  to the Midwest League (A), the Pacific Coast League (AAA) to the Florida State League (A), and everywhere in between.

2025 Topps Pro Debut League Elites Colson Montgomery #LE-6

Stars of MiLB, just like the Stars of MLB, is pretty much self-explanatory. The best players in the minors in 2024 who were well on their way to the big show are featured. The team logos are large and proudly displayed on the front. 

2025 Topps Pro Debut Stars of MiLB JJ Wetherholt #STAR-12

MiLB Legends features pictures of retired major leaguers during their time in the minors using designs from Topps history (this year's design if based off the 1976 set).

2025 Topps Pro Debut MiLB Legends Alex Gordon #ML-4

One of the things I like to do is open a past year's binder of Pro Debut cards and be pleasantly surprised by the fact that I have a player's minor league card to go along with his MLB rookie card. 

Nick Kurtz's Rookie Card from 2025 Topps Update Series #US201 and 2025 Pro Debut #PD-1

I'm not a prospector by any means, and I know that speculators prefer the Bowman Chrome cards of players they're hoping become superstars in the majors because it's the first card (in most cases) of their subject in a major league uniform. But I like these Pro Debut cards. They do make a great supplement to the major league product. Maybe in 5 years, I'll revisit this set, and appreciate in awe at the fact that I have cards of the now established superstars of the 2030 season before they hit the big time.

2025 Topps Pro Debut Travis Bazzana #PD-100

And maybe that's the whole point of the set in the first place.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

2016 Topps Pro Debut at the Futures Game

The All-Star festivities are now in full swing and the highlight of this first day's events is the annual Futures Game.

Since the first Futures Game in 1999, more than 120 players who were named to either the US or World rosters have become MLB All-Stars, with many of them are participating in this year's All-Star Game. Twenty-seven players on last year's roster have already played in the majors.

Back to the point.

Today, the best minor leaguers from the United States take on the best prospects from around the world (Dominican Republic, Canada, Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, Lithuania, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, Virgin Islands...and there was one player from South Africa who was originally selected, but is now injured). Of the 54 players (50 on active rosters, plus 4 selected players who were replaced due to injury, a MLB call-up, or suspension) who were named to either team, 26 of them appear in the 2016 Topps Pro Debut set. Who made the cut?

From Team USA:

• Andrew Benintendi, OF, Red Sox (#152)
• Phil Bickford, P, Giants (#69)
• Alex Bregman, IF, Astros (#142)
• Willie Calhoun, IF, Dodgers (#192)
• David Dahl, OF, Rockies (#60)
• Clint Frazier, OF, Indians (#123)
• Carson Fulmer, P, White Sox (#147)
• Amir Garrett, P, Reds (#107)
• Jeff Hoffman, P, Rockies (#29)
• Austin Meadows, OF, Pirates (#49, injured)
• Hunter Renfroe, OF, Padres (#159)
• Dominic Smith, IF, Mets (#148)
• Christin Stewart, OF, Tigers (#61)
• Dansby Swanson, IF, Braves (#1)

From Team World:

• Willy Adames, IF, Rays (#22)
• Jharel Cotton, P, Dodgers (#118)
• Yandy Diaz, IF, Indians (#31)
• Eloy Jimenez, OF, Cubs (#44)
• Reynaldo Lopez, P, Nationals (#112)
• Manuel Margot, OF, Padres (#63)
• Jorge Mateo, IF, Yankees (#39, suspended)
• Josh Naylor, IF, Marlins (#172)
• Tyler O'Neill, OF, Mariners (#189)
• Alex Reyes, P, Cardinals (#151)
• Amed Rosario, IF, Mets (#96)
  
• Raimel Tapia, OF, Rockies (#136)

This is a prospector's dream with many ready to sell if their guy has a breakout game. Team USA has won the last five Futures Games, and own a 11-6 record over their World counterparts. With many of these players ranked in their respective team's top 30 prospect list, this won't be the last we hear from any of them.

Let the games begin.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

The Philippines in the World Baseball Classic...2016 Edition!!!

In 2012, the Philippines, that hotbed of baseball in Asia, was invited to participate in a four-team qualifying round where the country that wins this six-game round-robin schedule, would go on to the 16-team World Baseball Classic tournament.

Okay, so hotbed isn't really the word. But listen, after the Americans introduced the Filipinos to the game during the Spanish-American War, the Philippines won the first Asian Baseball Championships in 1954. The game, however, faded in popularity, with basketball the number one team sport on the islands. But baseball is making a comeback, thanks in part to Filpino teams winning gold medals in the 2005 and 2011 Southeast Asian Games.

The WBC Philippines team shocked the world by beating Johnny Damon (yes, THAT Johnny Damon) and team Thailand in their first game (proudly recalled in this post back after it happened). And although they did eventually lose to squads from Chinese Taipei and New Zealand, a third place showing did in fact give the powers that be to give the Philippines another shot at getting to the games.

This week, the Philippines, along with Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, are competing amongst themselves for one spot in the tournament that takes place in 2017. Team Aussie will be their first opponents, which should be a challenge for the Filipino team. Australia has participated in EVERY WBC since 2006 and doesn't plan on taking next year off.

So who is on Team Philippines? Any major leaguers with ties to "The Pearl of the Orient?" The answer...is YES!!!

Tim Hulett, a MLB player from 1983-1995 and has been a minor league manager (presently with the Rangers Short-A team in Spokane) after his playing days, was tabbed to manage Team Philippines.

Clay Rapada, a journeyman left-hander who last appeared in the majors in 2013, leads a pitching staff of 13. In seven seasons, Rapada has a cumulative record of 8-0, with a 4.06 ERA, 82 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.366 in seven MLB seasons.

Chris Aguila, one of six outfielders on the team, played for both the Marlins and the Mets in parts of four seasons. He hit 4 home runs, drove in 16 rbi's, to go with a .230 batting average and slash statistics (OBP/SLG/OPS) of .280/.343/.624.

Eric Fariss, who was in the majors from 2011-2012 and was recently in the minor league system of the Twins, is on the team as well.

There are presently two players on the team with MLB affiliations, one is Marlins farmhand Brad Haynal, a catcher, and the other is outfielder Angelo Songco, who has a Pro Debut card from 2010.

By the time this post comes out, the game would be long over (they lost 11-1 by the way).

Good luck to Team Philippines the rest of the way.

Mabuhay!!!

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

2015 Topps Pro Debut at the Futures Game

The All-Star festivities are now in full swing and the highlight of this first day's events is the annual Futures Game.

Since the first Futures Game in 1999, 120 players who were named to either the US or World rosters have become MLB All-Stars, with 30 of them are participating in this year's All-Star Game. Eighteen players on last year's roster have already played in the majors, one of them is an All-Star this year (that would be wonderkid Kris Bryant of the Cubs).

Back to the point.

Today, the best minor leaguers from the United States take on the best prospects from around the world (Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Curacao, Germany, Nicaragua, and Taiwan to be exact). Of the 52 players (50 on active rosters, plus 2 selected players who were replaced due to injury) who were named to either team, 29 of them appear in the 2015 Topps Pro Debut set. Who made the cut?

From Team USA:

• Mark Appel, P, Astros (#84)
• Tyler Beede, P, Giants (#27)
• Josh Bell, IF, Pirates (#187)
• Michael Conforto, OF, Mets (#62)
• J. P. Crawford, IF, Phillies (#39)
• C. J. Edwards, P, Cubs (#126)
• Lucas Giolito, P, Nationals (#75)
• Aaron Judge, OF, Yankees (#159)
• Sean Newcomb, P, Angels (#171)
• Brandon Nimmo, OF, Mets (#86)
• Aaron Nola, P, Phillies (#166)
• Matt Olson, IF, Athletics (#176)
• Alex Reyes, P, Cardinals (#195, injured)
• Kyle Schwarber, C, Cubs (#100)
• Trea Turner, IF, Nationals (#116)
• Kyle Waldrop, OF, Reds (#37)
• Nick Williams, OF, Rangers (#191)
• Bradley Zimmer, OF, Indians (#29)

From Team World:

• Ozhaino Albies, IF, Braves (#145)
• Orlando Arcia, IF, Brewers (#53)
• Jose Berrios, P, Twins (#134)
• Rafael Devers, IF, Red Sox (#185)
• Manuel Margot, OF, Red Sox (#8)
• Nomar Mazara, OF, Rangers (#90)
• Raul Mondesi, IF, Royals (#19)
• Francelis Montas, P, White Sox (#153)
• Renato Nunez, IF, Athletics (#48)
• Gary Sanchez, C, Yankees (#147)
• Raimel Tapia, OF, Rockies (#70)

This is a prospector's dream with many ready to sell if their guy has a breakout game. Team USA has won the last five Futures Games, and own a 10-6 record over their World counterparts. With many of these players ranked in their respective team's top 30 prospect list, this won't be the last we hear from any of them.

Let the games begin.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

So Here's What's Been Happening While I've Been Gone

On Tuesday, I bought my 2015 Topps Pro Debut set, a 200-card Minor League Baseball card set, for $39.00. That was before a $5.00 discount was applied (that eBay put on my bill, I didn't click on anything, it was just there). After clearing it with the seller, I wound up paying $34.00 for the set.

The set arrived on Friday, and after reading through 200 biographies of players who are now rookies in 2015 and those biding their time, waiting for a shot at the big leagues, I placed the cards in sheets. I now am the proud owner of every Topps Pro Debut set since the Company was awarded the license to produce MiLB cards in 2010. It's a nice supplement to the basic set as Topps incorporates that year's eponymous (there's that word again) design with minor league team logos.

These are the real prospect cards as they feature players in their minor league uniforms, with all of the great minor league team names (Tin Cups, Chihuahuas, Ports). These are the ones that actually count as base set cards. Those Bowman Chrome Prospect cards that a handful of collectors still believe are Rookie Cards (because they depict the player in the clothes of their big league affiliates)? They're not rookie cards. They're inserts. That's what they've been since 2006. It's easy to say, "get over it," but it's been 10 baseball card seasons since the big overhaul. If you the collector haven't by now, you never will, and that philosophy will never go away, so no sense in arguing about it.

I noticed something different about these cards compared to their major league counterparts.

They're not completely glossy.

Only the player depicted on the card and the border is covered in gloss. The rest of the picture (the background) is matte finished. Okay, so you can't tell based on the scans, but look at them up close, and you'll see what I mean.

Not since 1997 Topps have I seen anything like this (I'm guessing).

Coming into today (June 8, 2015). Twenty-four players in this set have already made their major league debuts, and a 25th is making his MLB debut tonight (Carlos Correa of the Houston Astros). That's 1/8th of the players in this set. Most, if not all, will eventually show up with major league cards in either Series 2 (which is coming soon...excited yet??!) and the Update Series (with 400 cards in this set...they better...more about that later).

In the mean time, the Royals have seven players leading the 2015 All-Star Game balloting. Do you think the commissioner is going to step in? It's like 1957 all over again, when fans of the Reds (who coincidentally are hosting this year's gig) placed seven of their players as starters but were over-ridden by Ford Frick.

I'm still biding my time, but the goal is by the All-Star Game that I'll have the Series 2 cards and the Team Sets in hand and in binders. You know how it is around here during All-Star season (which runs from when the rosters are announced until the end of the game).

There is one more thing I want to write about, but I need to double check with the guys running it first before I can make the announcement here. They may have already made their announcement, but I haven't seen anything yet. Without spoiling anything, let's just say that if you're wondering why the Baseball Card Cyber Museum hasn't included images of the 2015 Topps Cards, Joe has them, but...

That's it for now. Time to go online and do some price comparisons.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Once Again, I Return on the Fifth of May After a Month Away

If you're looking for me, I've found myself on my own sojourn. Just like last year, April turned into a busy month. But unlike last year, the Cubs are doing well (a winning April for the first time in years). The White Sox? Not so much.

I'll tell you though, I had a feeling this was going to happen with the White Sox.  I mean think about it. The last Chicago team added an All-Star outfielder, an All-Star pitcher, and a lights out All-Star closer at the same time?

The 1991 Chicago Cubs (George Bell, Danny Jackson, Dave Smith).

Remember how well they did in 1991? Of course you do (77-83, 4th place NL East).

Anyway, it's Cinco de Mayo!!!

¡Ah! ¡Cinco de Mayo!

While everyone celebrates with margaritas, tacos, and all that great Mexican food, let's take a quick moment and review what Cinco de Mayo is.

According to Wikipedia:

"It celebrates the day back in 1862 when the Mexican army overcame all odds and beat the French forces at the Battle of Puebla. This is not Mexico's Independence day (that would be September 16), nor is it a national holiday (it is celebrated voluntarily), outside of Mexico. But in the United States, Cinco de Mayo is a day to honor Mexican heritage and pride."

In 2009, I created an All-Star Team that consisted of native-born Mexican baseball players. Yes, there are many players of Mexican descent in baseball, but these guys were born en los Estados Unidos Mexicanos (and before you send me nasty letters, this is the formal name of the country). As of May 4, 2015, 116 players can claim Mexico as their birth place. Two of them recently made their MLB debut as a matter of fact.

2014 Topps Pro Debut Roberto Osuna #32

Roberto Osuna (from Juan Jose Rios, Sinaloa) made his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays on April 8 against the Yankees, entering the eighth inning as the third of three relievers in the inning. He struck out the first batter he faced, Alex Rodriguez, and induced Stephen Drew to fly out to right, ending the inning (the Blue Jays eventually lost the game 4-3). Born on  February 7, 1995 (that's right...feel old now people!!!), he is the youngest player in the Major Leagues (also the only player born in 1995). The card you see above is the second of two Pro Debut cards of Osuna. His first Topps Pro Debut card came in 2013.

Arnold Leon (from Culiacan, Sinaloa) debuted for the Oakland Athletics on April 22 versus the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He entered the ninth inning against the Halos, the third of three pitchers that night, and allowed one run on two hits in what would be a 9-2 win over the Halos. No Topps cards yet to speak of...yet.

After consecutive years of taco night here at home, we're having a simple dinner of quesadillas and Mexican rice and beans. Figures, we're going against the grain of Taco Tuesday, but that's what my wife and I had for lunch.

I (finally) bought myself a box of sheets for my cards, so maybe I'll find time to put my series 1 set in a binder. That's what will keep me busy for a while watching either the Blackhawks take on the Wild, the Cubs vs. the Cardinals, or the White Sox extend their streak against the Tigers.

¡Viva México!

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

A Quick Lesson For Budding Set Collectors and Even For Those Who've Done This For a While...

In these economic times, I find myself buying more sets off the Bay than trying to build one from scratch. Does it make me less of a collector? No. Hoarder? Depends on who you ask (my wife has a few choice words to answer that one).

But to be honest, time is at a premium and card shows seem to come when my funds have gone to more important things (like a mortgage, bills, and groceries). So eBay (and other sites too, don't get me wrong) have been my salvation since that fateful day in 2012 (when that company decided to close shop, and put me and about 110 other people out of work).

Anyway, I just purchased the 2014 Topps Pro Debut MiLB set. I've been lucky to get my hands on this set and have all of the regular sets since Topps got the exclusive license to distribute minor league cards in 2010 season.  The 2010 edition consisted of 440 cards split into two 220-card series, and includes the minor league cards of Mike Trout, Jurickson Profar, Philippe Aumont, Brandon Belt, etc. The thing is that the first series is a lot hard to find in set form. Come to mention it, cards from this series are hard to find...period.

The 2011 edition consisted of one series of 330 cards, and includes cards of that kid in DC, Billy Hamilton, and other stars who are just now making their marks in the majors.

Since 2012, the now 220-card set has included the best prospects that will eventually make their way to the majors.

Back to the point. When I started to put the cards in the binders, I noticed that there I had some cards missing. Card #'s 65 and 183 were missing. I was starting to think that the guy that I bought this set from may have misled me. I was starting to think of what cards I may have been missing, since I never even looked at the checklist. Was Kris Bryant missing? He'd probably be the number one guy in this set? Now it may be missing??!

I kept going though, leaving the spots for card 65 and 183 open so that when I start looking for the missing cards online, I'll have space for them.

Then I got to card 220, Jorge Alfaro of the Hickory Crawdads, and noticed I had two more cards. Were these my missing cards? Nope. It turns out that while 65 and 183 are indeed missing, Topps added card #'s 221 (Jesus Galindo, Augusta GreenJackets) and 222 (Dilson Herrera, Savannah Sand Gnats). So now what to do? Should I put these guys in where the missing cards would have gone in the sheets, or should they be displayed after #220?

Best to put them after #220.

So what's the lesson? Even for a collector like me, who has been in the Hobby for more than 26 years?

Study the checklist first when it comes out. In this age of instant information, someone would have pointed out if there were cards missing on the checklist.

At least I have my 220 card set now in a binder and added to my growing collection.

Shame though. I would have loved to have a Kris Bryant card.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week: 2010 Topps Pro Debut #340 Casey Coleman

Thanks to the Topps Card Randomizer, introducing the Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week:

• Official Card Set Name and Card Number: 2010 Topps Pro Debut #340.
• Player Name, position, team: Casey Coleman, pitcher, Iowa Cubs.
• Level-League, Team Affiliation: AAA-Pacific Coast League, Chicago Cubs.
• Minor League Stats (stats with team depicted only): 20 G, 117.1 IP, 10-7, 63 R, 61 ER, 59 SO, 35BB, 20 GS, 2 CG, 0 SHO, 0 SV, 1.202 WHIP, 4.07 ERA.
• Any special information about player: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs #15th, June 2008. Bats: left. Throws: right.
• Major League Debut: August 2, 2010.
• Baseball America Organizational Ranking After Season with Team: n/a
• Blurb on the back: "Coleman's grandfather and father (both Joe) were selected to the AL All-Star team during their careers, and now Casey is one step away from the Majors at Triple-A Iowa. The youngest Coleman, who was the Cubs 2009 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, is a change-up specialist with polish and poise."
• Official Topps Rookie Card: 2011 Topps Update #US307.
• Commentary: Thanks to Joseph Casey Coleman (yes, his name is also Joe) making it to the major leagues in 2010, the Colemans are now the 4th third-generation major league family, joining the likes of the Bells, the Boones, and the Hairstons. His debut was rather unauspicious, as he was sent into his debut in mop-up duty during what was then a 10-1 shellacking of the Cubs by the Brewers. In his 2.1 innings of work, he allowed 6 runs (giving him a disastrous 23.14 ERA), but did strike out a batter. Casey would make the short trip from Des Moines to Chicago for parts of three seasons, compiling a 22-16 record with the I-Cubs while earning a 7-13 record with the C-Cubs. He was released by the Cubs organization on April 14, 2014, signing with the Kansas City Royals the following day. After a three-game trial in Omaha, the now 26-year-old Coleman was called up to Kansas City on July 2.

Next week's featured card will be: 2011 Topps Pro Debut #26. Post will arrive at 9:00 AM CST. Hope you enjoyed this week's installment of Minor League Monday.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week: 2011 Topps Pro Debut #142 Eddie Rosario

Thanks to the Topps Card Randomizer, introducing the Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week:

• Official Card Set Name and Card Number: 2011 Topps Pro Debut #142.
• Player Name, position, team: Eddie Rosario, outfielder, GCL Twins.
• Level-League, Team Affiliation: Rookie-Gulf Coast League, Minnesota Twins.
• Minor League Stats (stats with team depicted only): 51 G, 194 AB, 34 R, 57 H, 9 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 26 RBI, 22 SB, 16 BB, 28 SO, .438 SLG, .781 OPS, .294 AVG.
• Any special information about player: Drafted by the Twins #4th, June 2010. Bats: left. Throws: right.
• Major League Debut: n/a.
• Baseball America Organizational Ranking After Season with Team: Minnesota Twins #21 prospect after the 2010 season.
• Blurb on the back: "Rosario had his supporters as Puerto Rico's top pure hitter in the 2010 draft, and his performance in his pro debut reinforced that assessment. Eddie put up a .294-5-26 line in 51 Gulf Coast League games while stealing a circuit-high 22 bases in 27 tries."
• Official Topps Rookie Card: n/a.
• Commentary: Eddie M. Rosario, at 22-years-old, still has a lot of opportunity to progress up the Twins' organizational ladder. An outfielder when he first made his pro debut, he also has had opportunities at second base. Rosario spent the 2011 campaign in the Appalachian League, playing for the Twins' affiliate in Elizabethton, Tennessee. With the E-Twins, Rosario hit for a .337 average, with 21 home runs, 60 rbi's, and an OPS of 1.068. In 2012, he spent his season with the Beloit Snappers of the Midwest League, and 2013 with both the Fort Myers Miracle (A-Florida) and New Britain Rock Cats (AA-Eastern). In both years his home run totals decreased, but his batting average remained above near .300. In 2014, Rosario is back with the Rock Cats after serving a 50-game suspension for his second violation of baseball's drug policy.

Next week's featured card will be: 2010 Topps Pro Debut #340. Post will arrive at 9:00 AM CST. Hope you enjoyed this week's installment of Minor League Monday.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week: 2013 Topps Pro Debut #57 Alen Hanson

Thanks to the Topps Card Randomizer, introducing the Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week:

• Official Card Set Name and Card Number: 2013 Topps Pro Debut #57.
• Player Name, position, team: Alen Hanson, shortstop, West Virginia Power.
• Level-League, Team Affiliation: Low A-South Atlantic League, Pittsburgh Pirates.
• Minor League Stats (stats with team depicted only): 124 G, 489 AB, 99 R, 151 H, 33 2B, 13 3B, 16 HR, 62 RBI, 35 SB, 55 BB, 105 SO, .528 SLG, .909 OPS, .309 AVG.
• Any special information about player: Signed with the Pirates as a Free Agent before the 2009 season. Bats: right. Throws: right.
• Major League Debut: n/a.
• Baseball America Organizational Ranking After Season with Team: Pittsburgh Pirates #5 prospect after the 2012 season.
• Blurb on the back: "Beginning with an April batting average of .410 as a 19-year-old for West Virginia in 2012, Hanson forced his way into the discussion of the game's most prominent shortstop prospects. Naturally athletic and unabashedly energetic, his combination of totals in the three extra-base hit categories and the stolen base column was unmatched at any level."
• Official Topps Rookie Card: n/a.
• Commentary: Alen Rery Hanson's numbers in 2012 were staggering. Regardless that it was the Sally League, the combination of speed and power he possessed makes him one of the Pirates leading prospects heading into the 2014 season. He spent his 2013 campaign between the High A Bradenton Marauders and AA-Altoona Curve, combining for a .274 average, 8 home runs, 58 rbi's, 30 stolen bases, and a .755 OPS. He starts 2014 in the Bucs' minor league camp, and will probably start in AA. He's going to be 21 this season, and if the Pirates do well in 2014, Hanson could see some action come September, if not sooner.

Next week's featured card will be: 2011 Topps Pro Debut #142. Post will arrive at 9:00 AM CST. Hope you enjoyed this week's installment of Minor League Monday.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week: 2011 Topps Pro Debut #325 Dixon Machado

After being two full schedules behind for the Random Cards of the Day (I run them in five-week segments), I have decided that instead of creating a list of all new cards to discuss, I thought that I'd use the cards that were on schedule beginning in January 13, 2013 and just begin from there. It was either that, or try and do two cards per day, one flashback and one for right now. So let's do this all over again. What would have been the Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week for January 13 is now this week's subject. Thanks to the Topps Card Randomizer, introducing the Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week:

 

• Official Card Set Name and Card Number: 2011 Topps Pro Debut #325.
• Player Name, position, team: Dixon Machado, shortstop, GCL Tigers.
• Level-League, Team Affiliation: Rookie-Gulf Coast League, Detroit Tigers.
• Minor League Stats (stats with team depicted only): 43 G, 165 AB, 22 R, 43 H, 4 2B, 3 3B, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 12 SB, 14 BB, 27 SO, .321 SLG, .636 OPS, .261 AVG.
• Any special information about player: Signed with the Tigers as a Free Agent before the 2008 season. Bats: right. Throws: right.
• Major League Debut: n/a.
• Baseball America Organizational Ranking After Season with Team: n/a.
• Blurb on the back: "Machado's silky defense in the Venezuelan Summer League earned him a trip to the U.S. as an 18-year-old in 2010. The shortstop made his stateside debut with 43 games in the Gulf Coast League, stealing 12 bags in 15 attempts. He joined Connecticut in August."
• Official Topps Rookie Card: n/a.
• Commentary: Dixon Javier Machado's is going on 22 this year. He is still very young and the Tigers are taking their time to make sure he progresses and becomes their shortstop of the near future. He did move up to the Tigers' NYPL team (Short Season-A) Connecticut Tigers at the end of August, 2010, and appeared in 7 games (.292, 1 rbi, 1 stolen base). He spent his 2011 season with the Tiger's Low-A West Michigan Whitecaps (Midwest), and 2012 with Lakeland Flying Tigers (Florida State). So he was climbing the ladders as all good prospects should. But a hamstring injury kept him off the field for most of 2013. And when he did play, it was to rehab with the GCL Tigers and then back with Lakeland. In 2014, Machado was assigned to the Toledo Mud Hens (International), the Tigers' Triple-A team, beginning the season one step closer to the majors. With Jose Iglesias out for the year, he might be in Detroit sooner than later.

Next week's featured card will be: 2013 Topps Pro Debut #57. Post will arrive at 9:00 AM CST. Hope you enjoyed this week's installment of Minor League Monday.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week: 2010 Topps Pro Debut #225 Arodys Vizcaino

It's the first Minor League Monday of 2014!!! Let's start it off with a bang. Thanks to the Topps Card Randomizer, introducing the Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week:

• Official Card Set Name and Card Number: 2010 Topps Pro Debut #225.
• Player Name, position, team: Arodys Vizcaino, pitcher, Rome Braves.
• Level-League, Team Affiliation: A-Southern Atlantic League, Atlanta Braves.
  
• Minor League Stats (stats with team depicted only): 14 G, 71.2 IP, 9-4, 25 R, 19 ER, 68 SO, 9 BB, 14 GS, 0 CG, 0 SHO, 0 SV, 1.005 WHIP, 2.39 ERA.
• Any special information about player: Signed with the Twins as a Free Agent before the 2006 season. Bats: right. Throws: right.
• Major League Debut: August 10, 2011.
• Baseball America Organizational Ranking After Season with Team: Atlanta Braves #7 prospect after the 2010 season .
• Blurb on the back: "Vizcaino wasted no time paying dividends for Atlanta, who acquired him from the Yankees in the Javier Vazquez deal after the 2009 campaign. Assigned to Rome to begin '10, he went 9-3 with a 2.34 ERA and a 7.5-1 SO/BB ratio and just one HRA in 12 starts. That earned him a June promotion to Myrtle Beach."
• Official Topps Rookie Card: n/a.
• Commentary: I'm confused. Yes, I know that this is a 2010 Topps set, and that usually tries to depict the player in the uniform of his most recent organization (Arodys Vizcaino was with the Yankees in 2009). But the blurb talks about his 2010 campaign in Rome, and it even mentions that Vizcaino was promoted to Myrtle Beach of the Carolina League before the end of the season. So now the question is, should Vizcaino have been pictured as a member of the Staten Island Yankees (the Short Season A-team of the NY-Penn League? Or was there not enough time to photoshop a Pelicans jersey onto Vizcaino? I mean two weeks ago, the subject of Minor League Mondays had spent most of his season in Altoona before a 2 game run in Indianapolis. But he (Matt Curry)is pictured in the jersey of the Indians instead of the Curve. I don't get it. What I do get is that Vizcaino did make his MLB debut in 2011, appearing in 17 games for the Braves with a 1-1 record, a 4.67 ERA, and 17 strikeouts in 17.1 innings of work. It was funny though because he had no MLB time after that, and the minor league numbers stopped in 2011 as well. It turns out that Vizcaino underwent Tommy John surgery in March of 2012, which caused him to miss the whole year. He was then traded to the Cubs in a deadline deal, with the hopes that he'd be ready for the 2013 season. But he required arthroscopic surgery on his elbow in May and needed to rehab the rest of the campaign. Despite all of this, Vizcaino was named the Cubs #4 prospect after the 2012 season, and it is hoped that he, and many of the other young prospects that the Cubs have been able to draft/sign/trade for/whatever, will lead the Cubs to the "promised land."

Next week's featured card will be: 2011 Topps Pro Debut #325. Post will arrive at 9:00 AM CST. Hope you enjoyed this week's installment of Minor League Monday.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week: 2012 Topps Pro Debut #58 Grant Buckner

It's Minor League Monday!!! Thanks to the Topps Card Randomizer, introducing the Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week:

• Official Card Set Name and Card Number: 2010 Topps Pro Debut #399.
• Player Name, position, team: Grant Buckner, first baseman, Briston White Sox.
• Level-League, Team Affiliation: Rookie-Appalachian League, Chicago White Sox.
  
• Minor League Stats (stats with team depicted only): 61 G, 235 AB, 39 R, 73 H, 20 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 36 RBI, 2 SB, 18 BB, 42 SO, .468 SLG, .852 OPS, .311 AVG.
• Any special information about player: Drafted by the White Sox #26th, June 2011. Bats: right. Throws: right.
• Major League Debut: n/a.
• Baseball America Organizational Ranking After Season with Team: n/a.
• Blurb on the back: "The pure-hitting Buckner made an impression in his pro debut for Bristol by swatting .311 with 20 doubles in 61 contests. The former Big East Conference batting champ also led his team with 39 runs scored, 73 hits, 110 total bases, 36 RBI and a .383 OBP."
• Official Topps Rookie Card: n/a.
• Commentary: Grant Charles Buckner has been gradually climbing the White Sox' organizational ladder. But with Jose Abreu tabbed as the Pale Hose's first baseman of the foreseeable future, it makes sense that he try to learn to play other positions if he were to make it onto the big league roster. As he is only 25 years old, he still has time to develop and possibly make an impact for the Sox or any other team. In the meantime, Buckner spent his 2012 season with the Kannapolis Intimidators, the White Sox' A-Southern Atlantic League team in North Carolina. With the Intimidators, Buckner hit .254, tallying 6 home runs and 59 rbi's while learning the ropes at third and in left field. In 2013, he was promoted to the Winston-Salem Dash, the Sox' High-A Carolina League team. He made appearances in both corner infield spots as well as in 62 games in the outfield, committing only three errors (all at first) in 539 chances (a ridiculous .994 fielding percentage). On offense, Buckner hit .254 with 10 home runs, 62 rbi's, and percentages of .331/.396/.727. He could see time in AA or AAA in 2014.

Next week's featured card will be: 2010 Topps Pro Debut #225. Post will arrive at 9:00 AM CST. Hope you enjoyed this week's installment of Minor League Monday.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week: 2013 Topps Pro Debut #101 Matt Curry

It's Minor League Monday!!! Thanks to the Topps Card Randomizer, introducing the Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week:

• Official Card Set Name and Card Number: 2013 Topps Pro Debut #101.
• Player Name, position, team: Matt Curry, first baseman, Indianapolis Indians.
• Level-League, Team Affiliation: AAA-International League, Pittsburgh Pirates.
  
• Minor League Stats (stats with team depicted only): 2 G, 5 AB, 0 R, 2 H, 0 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0 SB, 1 BB, 1 SO, .400 SLG, .900 OPS, .400 AVG.
• Any special information about player: Drafted by the Pirates #16th, June 2010. Bats: left. Throws: right.
• Major League Debut: n/a.
• Baseball America Organizational Ranking After Season with Team: Pittsburgh Pirates #23 prospect after the 2012 season.
• Blurb on the back: "In 2011, Matt was the first player since Andrew McCutchen that the Pirates allowed to skip High Single A, and last year he was nudged up to Triple-A for his final two games. In his only start, he reached base three times and knocked in two runs. The former TCU star is a "selectively aggressive" hitter with above-average pull power."
• Official Topps Rookie Card: n/a.
• Commentary: While the last line of Matthew Allen Curry's card reads that he only played 2 games with the Indians, he spent most of the 2012 season with the AA-Eastern League Altoona Curve. As the Curve's everyday first baseman, Curry hit .285 with 11 home runs, drove in 76 rbi's, stole 4 bases, and had percentages of .352/480/.832. Even though he ended the year with AAA-Indianapolis, he began his 2013 season with Curve. By May 4, Curry was hitting .248 with 4 home runs and 16 rbi's before fracturing his hamate bone in his right wrist, causing him to miss two months of the season. Curry would rehab with the Bucs' Rookie Team in the Gulf Coast League at the end of July. It is expected that Curry will land with the Indianapolis to begin the 2014 season, unless of course, he wows the Pirates managerial staff enough to make it onto their Opening Day roster.

Next week's featured card will be: 2012 Topps Pro Debut #58. Post will arrive at 9:00 AM CST. Hope you enjoyed this week's installment of Minor League Monday.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week: 2010 Topps Pro Debut #399 Anderson Hidalgo

It's Minor League Monday!!! Thanks to the Topps Card Randomizer, introducing the Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week:

• Official Card Set Name and Card Number: 2010 Topps Pro Debut #399.
• Player Name, position, team: Anderson Hidalgo, third baseman, Beloit Snappers.
• Level-League, Team Affiliation: A-Midwest League, Minnesota Twins.
  
• Minor League Stats (stats with team depicted only): 81 G, 282 AB, 38 R, 89 H, 25 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 3 SB, 24 BB, 50 SO, .443 SLG, .818 OPS, .316 AVG.
• Any special information about player: Signed with the Twins as a Free Agent before the 2006 season. Bats: right. Throws: right.
• Major League Debut: n/a.
• Baseball America Organizational Ranking After Season with Team: n/a.
• Blurb on the back: "Standing only 5-foot-9, Hidalgo may not have the size and power associated with the classic third baseman, but that doesn't mean he can't hit. After smacking .309 in four seasons at lower levels, he made his full-season debut for the Beloit Snappers in 2010, and skirted .300 much of the year."
• Official Topps Rookie Card: n/a.
• Commentary: Maybe there is a collector out there who collects players who have two common last names as their player name. If there is (and I'm sure there has to be one...) then Anderson Jose Hidalgo would be the player for you. Since signing with the Twins, Hidalgo was taking the slow path up the majors, playing in the rookie leagues for full seasons at a time. Case in point: he spent two seasons in the foreign leagues (Venezuela in 2006 and Dominican Republic in 2007), the Gulf Coast Twins in 2008, the Elizabethtown Twins of the Appalachian League in 2009 (which should have been the team depicted on Hidalgo's jersey), and then the Beloit Snappers in 2010. With the Snappers, Hidalgo would hit a minor league career high .316. He would spend the next two seasons with the Twins' Florida State team, the Fort Myers Miracle, where he appeared in 100 games in 2011, along with six home runs and 44 rbi's. The following year was not much better as his average dipped below .240. The Twins released Hidalgo after the 2012 season. Not giving up on his dreams, however, Anderson joined the independent Lake Erie Crushers of the Frontier League in 2013, and hopes to latch onto a team for the 2014 campaign..

Next week's featured card will be: 2013 Topps Pro Debut #101. Post will arrive at 9:00 AM CST. Hope you enjoyed this week's installment of Minor League Monday.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week: 2010 Topps Pro Debut #188 Tim Wheeler

It's Minor League Monday!!! Thanks to the Topps Card Randomizer, introducing the Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week:

• Official Card Set Name and Card Number: 2010 Topps Pro Debut #188.
• Player Name, position, team: Tim Wheeler, outfielder, Tri-City Dust Devils.
• Level-League, Team Affiliation: Rookie-Northwest League, Colorado Rockies.
  
• Minor League Stats (stats with team depicted only): 68 G, 273 AB, 44 R, 70 H, 13 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, 35 RBI, 10 SB, 29 BB, 60 SO, .381 SLG, .713 OPS, .256 AVG..
• Any special information about player: Drafted by the Rockies #1st, June 2009. Bats: left. Throws: right.
• Major League Debut: n/a.
• Baseball America Organizational Ranking After Season with Team: Colorado Rockies #7 prospect after the 2009 season.
• Blurb on the back: "Nobody in Cal State Sacramento history had gone in the top three rounds of the draft before Tim was selected by the Colorado Rockies with the 32nd overall pick in 2009. A former stolen base champion of the Cape Cod League, Wheeler launched five homers and swiped 10 bags in his professional debut with Tri-City."
• Official Topps Rookie Card: n/a.
• Commentary: For sure the Tri-City that Timothy Scott Wheeler called his professional home in the 2009 season (Pasco, WA) is a lot different then what we midwesterners know as the Tri-Cities (that would be Mobile and Rock Island, IL, and Davenport, IA). Wheeler is one of the Rockies' up-and-coming prospects who, despite having an offensive hiccup in his second season with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, the Rockies are hoping will find the form that awarded him the Best Power Prospect in the Texas League (.287-33-86-.900 OPS). With the Modesto Nuts (A-California League) in 2010, Wheeler hit for a .249 average, with 12 home runs and 63 rbi's in 129 games played. He will be competing for a spot in the outfield in Spring Training next season.

Next week's featured card will be: 2010 Topps Pro Debut #399. Post will arrive at 9:00 AM CST. Hope you enjoyed this week's installment of Minor League Monday.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week: 2011 Topps Pro Debut #129 Julio Pimentel

It's Minor League Monday!!! Thanks to the Topps Card Randomizer, introducing the Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week:

• Official Card Set Name and Card Number: 2011 Topps Pro Debut #129.
• Player Name, position, team: Julio Pimentel, pitcher, Arizona Royals.
• Level-League, Team Affiliation: Rookie-Arizona League, Kansas City Royals.
  
• Minor League Stats (stats with team depicted only): 7 G, 9.0 IP, 0-0, 7 R, 4 ER, 9 SO, 9 BB, 6 GS, 0 CG, 0 SHO, 0 SV, 1.667 WHIP, 4.00 ERA.
• Any special information about player: Signed with the Dodgers as a Free Agent 07/14/2003. Traded by the Dodgers to the Royals 07/25/2006. Bats: right. Throws: right.
• Major League Debut: n/a.
• Baseball America Organizational Ranking After Season with Team: n/a.
• Blurb on the back: "Pimentel, who reached Double-A in 2008, had been on the brink of the Majors before injuring his elbow in Spring Training of '09. His road back began in the '10 Arizona League, where the 24-year-old made six short starts and one relief appearance."
• Official Topps Rookie Card: n/a.
• Commentary: I know that there is no way for Topps to include EVERY minor leaguer into Pro Debut. There are what...thousands of players dotting the minor leagues from Triple A to Rookie ball? So when you get a player like Julio Cesar Pimentel into a minor league set of this caliber, you have to figure that of all the players who were active in the minors during the 2010 campaign, he was one of the 330 best that Topps could sign for their Pro Debut set. And you'd be right. Up until 2008, Pimentel had been climbing up the Royals organization, reaching as high as the #8 prospect in the Royals' organization in 2007 according to Baseball America and was on the World Team during the 2008 Futures Game. But the elbow injury he suffered took him off the proverbial track in 2009 and it looks like it has continued to affect him. He has not played in the minors (or even the independents since 2010). He is listed by Baseball America as a member of the Pirates organization, so there might still be a chance for Pimentel to play next summer. 

Next week's featured card will be: 2010 Topps Pro Debut #188. Post will arrive at 9:00 AM CST. Hope you enjoyed this week's installment of Minor League Monday.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week: 2013 Topps Pro Debut #158 Matthew Skole

It's Minor League Monday!!! Thanks to the Topps Card Randomizer, introducing the Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week:

• Official Card Set Name and Card Number: 2013 Topps Pro Debut #158.
• Player Name, position, team: Matthew Skole, third baseman, Hagerstown Suns.
• Level-League, Team Affiliation: A-South Atlantic League, Washington Nationals.
  
• Minor League Stats (stats with team depicted only): 101 G, 343 AB, 73 R, 98 H, 18 2B, 0 3B, 27 HR, 92 RBI, 10 SB, 94 BB, 116 SO, .574 SLG, 1.013 OPS, .286 AVG.
• Any special information about player: Drafted by the Nationals #5th, June 2011. Bats: left. Throws: right.
• Major League Debut: n/a.
• Baseball America Organizational Ranking After Season with Team: Washington Nationals #4 prospect after the 2012 season.
• Blurb on the back: "Skole's trophy cases filled up quickly in 2012, as the second-year player claimed South Atlantic League MVP and organizational Hitter of the Year honors. He made the choices easy by recording the third-most home runs and RBI ever by a Washington Nationals farmhand. The Georgia Tech's toolbox is headed by serious power and an extreme ability to draw walks."
• Official Topps Rookie Card: n/a.
• Commentary: I'll be honest. I don't keep tabs on prospects. That's nothing new. When I write the commentaries of the minor leaguers depicted on the cards, I go online to see to both baseball-reference (the good old standby) and Baseball America websites to try and get an idea of what a player is like. When I saw that Matthew Thomas Skole only appeared in two games for the Harrisburg Senators, the Nat's AA team in the Eastern League, my first thought was, oh no, he got released. But why? Even with a .200 average in five at bats (seven plate appearances), he managed two rbi's, two walks, and his lone hit was a double. So what gives? Then I read the article about him "starting over" in the Arizona Fall League. That intrigued me to read more. It turns out that on the second game of the season, he suffered an elbow ligament tear that put a kibosh on his entire season. While he'd rather forget the circumstances that caused him to sit out for the year, it's what he did during his down time that actually made me like where his story is headed. He stayed in Florida while his the season was going, working hard but not using his elbow for the first few months. He was told "You lost a season of at-bats but you also have an opportunity to do some things physically that you otherwise wouldn’t be capable of doing," by the Nat's director of player development Doug Harris. So he kept on working out, activities that were not baseball related. He learned to cook, which, if you're a minor leaguer on a fixed stipend, could be better than eating out all the time on the road. By the time September came, he was ready to participate in baseball activities, enough so that he could get some games in the instructional league. Soon he was ready for another stint in the Arizona Fall League. He made up for lost time during his month in the AFL, and was recently named the Nationals' #4 prospect by Baseball America, despite missing the entire season. Things can only look up for Skole, who could see himself back in Harrisburg or even AAA-Syracuse in 2014.

Next week's featured card will be: 2011 Topps Pro Debut #129. Post will arrive at 9:00 AM CST. Hope you enjoyed this week's installment of Minor League Monday.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week: 2010 Topps Pro Debut #404 Darin Ruf

It's Minor League Monday!!! Thanks to the Topps Card Randomizer, introducing the Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week:

• Official Card Set Name and Card Number: 2010 Topps Pro Debut #404.
• Player Name, position, team: Darin Ruf, first baseman, Gulf Coast League Phillies.
• Level-League, Team Affiliation: Rookie-Gulf Coast League, Philadelphia Phillies.
  
• Minor League Stats (stats with team depicted only): 20 G, 43 AB, 5 R, 14 H, 3 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR, 6 RBI, 0 SB, 3 BB, 8 SO, .395 SLG, .795 OPS, .326 AVG.
• Any special information about player: Drafted by the Phillies #20th, June 2009. Bats: right. Throws: right.
• Major League Debut: September 14, 2012.
• Baseball America Organizational Ranking After Season with Team: n/a.
• Blurb on the back: "Ruf enjoyed a smooth transition to the pros in 2009, debuting with a .326 average in 20 Gulf Coast League games. The No. 2 RBI man in Creighton University history drove in 24 runs in 37 contests after being promoted to Williamsport. He joined Clearwater in '10 following a .330-4-17 start for Lakewood."
• Official Topps Rookie Card: 2013 Topps #83.
• Commentary: When your major league club already has a man who plays your position signed to a long term deal (signed a five-year deal through 2016 with an option for 2017), injured or not, he's not going anywhere. What are your options? Hope to be traded? Perhaps. But if you don't want to be a journeyman before making it to the majors, you do what is best for your organization...and your chances of making the majors. You learn a new position. Such was the case for Darin Cortland Ruf. A first baseman (as seen on his first and only Pro Debut card), Ruf began the transition from infielder to outfielder slowly. In 2010, Ruf played for both the Lakewood BlueClaws of the South Atlantic League and Clearwater Threshers of the Florida State League. Combined, he appeared in 129 games, hit for a .290 average, 9 home runs, 67 rbi's, and percentages of .363/.451/.814. From 2011 through 2013, Ruf climbed the ladder, spending a full year in Clearwater, then spending the following season with the AA-Reading Phillies of the Eastern League where he showed big time power on the heels of 38 home runs, 104 rbi's, a .317 average and an OPS of 1.028. Thanks to those strong numbers, the Phillies rewarded him with a September call-up. He would start the 2013 campaign with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, but it was only a matter of time before he would be called up to the big leagues for good. Many feel that he was robbed recently of earning a spot on the 2013 Topps All-Star Rookie Team. But the Phillies know that they have a guy who can give Domonic Brown, Ben Revere, and Delmon Young big-time competition for a spot on the 2014 Phillies opening day roster. 

Next week's featured card will be: 2013 Topps Pro Debut #158. Post will arrive at 9:00 AM CST. Hope you enjoyed this week's installment of Minor League Monday.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama

Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week: 2011 Topps Pro Debut #88 Keon Broxton

It's Minor League Monday!!! Thanks to the Topps Card Randomizer, introducing the Random Topps Pro Debut Card of the Week:

• Official Card Set Name and Card Number: 2011 Topps Pro Debut #88.
• Player Name, position, team: Keon Broxton, outfielder, South Bend Silver Hawks.
• Level-League, Team Affiliation: A-Midwest League, Arizona Diamondbacks.
  
• Minor League Stats (stats with team depicted only): 133 G, 531 AB, 74 R, 121 H, 17 2B, 19 3B, 5 HR, 32 RBI, 21 SB, 65 BB, 172 SO, .360 SLG, .675 OPS, .228 AVG.
• Any special information about player: Drafted by the Diamondbacks #3rd, June 2009. Bats: right. Throws: right.
• Major League Debut: n/a.
• Baseball America Organizational Ranking After Season with Team: Arizona Diamondbacks #10 prospect after the 2010 season.
• Blurb on the back: "Broxton's supreme athletic ability was on full display in his Single-A debut in 2010. In mid-August, he tied a Midwest League record with his 19th triple of the season. Keon also swiped 21 bases - tops on the team and tied for 17th most in the circuit."
• Official Topps Rookie Card: n/a.
• Commentary: Keon Darrell Broxton has shown the ability to be a five-tool player for the Arizona Diamondbacks in the future. He has shown flashes of speed on the bases (when you have more triples than doubles in a season, you are a fast runner), he can hit for power (19 home runs and 62 rbi's with the Visalia Oaks in 2012), and solid fielding (a total 27 errors in 1146 chances for a .976 percentage, including 38 outfield assists. His weakness? Strikeouts. Try 689 in 566 minor league games. But he is climbing up that ladder. In 2011, he spent time with both the Silver Hawks and Visalia of the California League, hitting for a combined .248 with 7 home runs, 45 rbis, percentages of .341/.349/.690. He did strike out 172 times though. He spent all of 2013 with the AA Mobile BayBears. Understand that he will turn 24-years-old heading during the 2014 season. He could start in AAA or if he impresses Kirk Gibson and company, make it onto the Opening Day roster as a reserve.

Next week's featured card will be: 2010 Topps Pro Debut #404. Post will arrive at 9:00 AM CST. Hope you enjoyed this week's installment of Minor League Monday.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama