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batted balls · 07-01-2006, 09:58 AM

Max Mercy, Jr. here again, folks . . .

It's that time of the year, time for the rosters of the All-American Baseball League to expand to 40 players. It's a time for teams still in the pennant race to bring up extra bats, arms and gloves in their pursuit of the flag. For teams well out of the chase, it's time to see what the minor leaguers can do. Ole Max has been down in the bushes of late; I even had time to watch a little baseball if you get my drift . . .

Anyway, here are some players to watch as the rosters expand and September unfolds:

Mike Kelly, Arizona State
This kid seems to have it all--power, speed, glove and arm. That's bad news for the AABL West.
Eric Bruntlett, Stanford
He may be a year or two away. Yet Ole Max has to wonder why a team with the offensive woes that Stanford has, why wasn't he called up earlier?
Dave Roberts, UCLA
A speedster that could wind up as the Bruins' starting center fielder as soon as next year.
Louis Sockalexis, Notre Dame
This Native American has done it all in Class-A ball. Sure, it's a big step up from the low minors but have you seen the Irish lineup this season?
Ken Landreaux, Arizona State
A broken foot and a crowd of talented Sun Devils in the outfield has delayed this youngster's progress. Bobby Winkles would love to find a spot for him.
Reed Johnson, Cal State Fullerton
A switch-hitter with a reputation for hitting in the clutch. Lord knows the Titans could use someone who can hit.
Brad Hawpe, LSU
Expect Tiger manager Skip Bertram to put this lefty in the lineup immediately. Hawpe will give LSU a lift.
Bret Boone, USC
Trojan second sacker Johnny Berardino is out with an injury giving Boone his shot. Bret, brother of Trojan third baseman Aaron and son of Stanford catcher Bob, was a tower of power in the minors. Look out AABL West: USC just got more offense.
Moe Berg, Ivy
Ole Max's favorite . . . Moe speaks seven different languages, enjoys reading the classics and is undoubtedly the smartest player in the league. Berg can play nearly as many positions as he can speak languages.
Chris Young, Ivy
With Miami and Illinois breathing down the Eagles' necks, this 6-foot-10 right-hander arrives just in time. Young has good control and movement on his pitches. He gives manager Bob Seddon more options and a chance to save his starting pitchers' arms from further fatigue.
Jonathan Papelbon, Mississippi State (shown below)
Manager Ron Polk will have another bullpen ace at his disposal. With Bobby Thigpen doing the job as closer, look for Papelbon to join former reliever Ken Tatum in the starting rotation.
Kirk Dressendorfer, Texas
Imagine fitting that last name on a jersey! Anyway, this righty will be mighty for the Longhorn bullpen.

Once again, folks, this is Max Mercy, Jr. telling you to keep the bugs off your glasses and the bears off your tail!

07-01-2006, 09:58 AM	#121 (permalink)
batted balls All Star Starter Join Date: May 2003 Location: White Sox Country Posts: 1,319 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0x in 0 posts	A Look at the Top Prospects--Max Mercy, Jr. Max Mercy, Jr. here again, folks . . . It's that time of the year, time for the rosters of the All-American Baseball League to expand to 40 players. It's a time for teams still in the pennant race to bring up extra bats, arms and gloves in their pursuit of the flag. For teams well out of the chase, it's time to see what the minor leaguers can do. Ole Max has been down in the bushes of late; I even had time to watch a little baseball if you get my drift . . . Anyway, here are some players to watch as the rosters expand and September unfolds: Mike Kelly, Arizona State This kid seems to have it all--power, speed, glove and arm. That's bad news for the AABL West. Eric Bruntlett, Stanford He may be a year or two away. Yet Ole Max has to wonder why a team with the offensive woes that Stanford has, why wasn't he called up earlier? Dave Roberts, UCLA A speedster that could wind up as the Bruins' starting center fielder as soon as next year. Louis Sockalexis, Notre Dame This Native American has done it all in Class-A ball. Sure, it's a big step up from the low minors but have you seen the Irish lineup this season? Ken Landreaux, Arizona State A broken foot and a crowd of talented Sun Devils in the outfield has delayed this youngster's progress. Bobby Winkles would love to find a spot for him. Reed Johnson, Cal State Fullerton A switch-hitter with a reputation for hitting in the clutch. Lord knows the Titans could use someone who can hit. Brad Hawpe, LSU Expect Tiger manager Skip Bertram to put this lefty in the lineup immediately. Hawpe will give LSU a lift. Bret Boone, USC Trojan second sacker Johnny Berardino is out with an injury giving Boone his shot. Bret, brother of Trojan third baseman Aaron and son of Stanford catcher Bob, was a tower of power in the minors. Look out AABL West: USC just got more offense. Moe Berg, Ivy Ole Max's favorite . . . Moe speaks seven different languages, enjoys reading the classics and is undoubtedly the smartest player in the league. Berg can play nearly as many positions as he can speak languages. *Chris Young, Ivy* With Miami and Illinois breathing down the Eagles' necks, this 6-foot-10 right-hander arrives just in time. Young has good control and movement on his pitches. He gives manager Bob Seddon more options and a chance to save his starting pitchers' arms from further fatigue. *Jonathan Papelbon, Mississippi State (shown below)* Manager Ron Polk will have another bullpen ace at his disposal. With Bobby Thigpen doing the job as closer, look for Papelbon to join former reliever Ken Tatum in the starting rotation. *Kirk Dressendorfer, Texas* Imagine fitting that last name on a jersey! Anyway, this righty will be mighty for the Longhorn bullpen. Once again, folks, this is Max Mercy, Jr. telling you to keep the bugs off your glasses and the bears off your tail! Attached Images __________________ White Sox fan since 1972 Last edited by batted balls; 07-01-2006 at 10:09 AM.