Maybin headlines best tools list, Garcia/Walbeck also tabbed

[Dannomyte]

COMSTOCK PARK, MI — Three Whitecaps were named to Best Tools list for the Midwest League in Baseball America’s latest issue. Tigers first round pick from 2005, Cameron Maybin, was tabbed as the best prospect in three categories, and Manager Matt Walbeck was selected as the Best Managerial Prospect. Pitcher Ramon Garcia was also named on the list as having the Best Control in the league.

Maybin was named the Best Baserunner, Fastest Baserunner and Most Exciting Player on the list, which is voted on by the league managers. Maybin currently leads the Midwest League in batting with a .328 average and recently completed a 12-game hitting streak.

Walbeck, who has the Whitecaps in first place in the Eastern Division, picked up the managerial award for the second consecutive season. He led the Whitecaps to a Midwest League title in 2004 and has managed the team to 72-34 record this season, which is the best in professional baseball. The Whitecaps already hold the top seed in the 2006 playoffs thanks to winning the first-half, and the team currently leads the Eastern Division by 6.5 games.

Garcia led Midwest League pitchers in ERA for much of the season before being placed on the disabled list on June 28. The lefthander had a 7-2 record with a 1.92 ERA in 12 games before a sore shoulder sidelined him.

The five awards handed out to Whitecaps players and coaches were the most for any team in the league.

http://www.whitecaps-baseball.com/BLOGS/?p=181

[mcqfesijiba]

I heard a rumor that Maybin will be given every chance to open up the season next year in Erie, possibly skipping Lakeland altogether. Overall, the organization has been very passive in terms of promoting players this year. Maybin's numbers have been nothing short of excellent although those K's are quite a bit high. I would be a bit surprised if they promoted him that aggressively considering how passive they've been in terms of promotions this year. Nothing more than a rumor and next season is still a ways away.

[moochman]

I am starting to wonder if rapid, perhaps even promised, promotions are a sneaky way that DD and the Tigers are signing these players. Give a nice bonus and tell them they'll be fast-tracked to the show. Clever.