Justin Ruggiano, Outfield, Chicago Cubs
Justin Ruggiano, outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, was first drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2004. He played in the Dodgers' minor league system from 2004 until they traded him to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2006. He then continued in the minor leagues through 2011, playing with the Rays for just 7 games in 2007, 45 games in 2008, and 46 games in 2011. [read more...]
Jonny Gomes, Left Field, Boston Red Sox
Jonny Gomes, left fielder for the Boston Red Sox, has a brother who played in the minor leagues. In 2001, Gomes was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays and he started in their minor league system that season. On December 24, 2002, he had a heart attack but that did not stop Gomes from pursuing his baseball aspirations. The following season, he played primarily in the minors, joining the Rays for 8 games in 2003 and 5 games in 2004. [read more...]
David Lough, Left Field, Baltimore Orioles
David Lough, left fielder for the Baltimore Orioles, was first drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 2007. After almost six years in the minor leagues, he was called up to the Royals in 2012 for 20 games. He finished his minor league career with a .297 batting average. [read more...]
Dayan Viciedo, Right Field, Chicago White Sox
Dayan Viciedo, outfielder for the Chicago White Sox, started playing professional baseball at the age of 15 in Cuba. He defected to the United States in May, 2008, and seven months later, in December, 2008, he signed a four-year, $10 million contract with the White Sox. He played in the minor leagues from 2009 through most of 2011, joining the White Sox for 38 games in 2010 and 29 games in 2011. [read more...]
Chris Denorfia, Right Field, San Diego Padres
Chris Denorfia, right fielder for the San Diego Padres, was first drafted in 2002 by the Cincinnati Reds. He played in the Reds' minor league system from 2002 through most of 2006, playing in just 18 games with the Reds in 2005 and in 49 games in 2006. [read more...]
Cameron Maybin, Center Field, San Diego Padres
Cameron Maybin, center fielder for the San Diego Padres, was a star player in high school before being drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2005. He played in the Tigers' minor league system from 2006 through most of 2007. He was just 20 years old in 2007 when he joined the Tigers for 24 games. [read more...]
Jon Jay, Center Field, St. Louis Cardinals
Jon Jay, center fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, was drafted by the Cardinals out of the University of Miami in 2006. He played in the Cardinals' minor league system from 2006 through 2009. [read more...]
Drew Stubbs, Center Field, Colorado Rockies
Drew Stubbs, center fielder for the Colorado Rockies, was a star player in college before being drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 2006. He played in the Reds' minor league system from 2006 through most of 2009, when he was called up to play in 42 games with the Reds. [read more...]
Alex Presley, Left Field, Houston Astros
Alex Presley, left fielder for the Houston Astros, was first drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2006. He played in the Pirates' minor league system from 2006 through most of 2011, joining the Pirates for 19 games in 2010 and 52 games in 2011. [read more...]
Jackie Bradley, Jr., Left Field, Boston Red Sox
Jackie Bradley, Jr., left fielder for the Boston Red Sox, was a star player in college. In 2010, he batted .368 with 13 home runs, and 60 RBIs in 67 college games. That year, he won the College World Series Most Outstanding Player award for having 10 hits in 29 at bats in the series. [read more...]