American
League - Evan Longoria, Oakland Oaks
Prized Oakland
rookie Evan Longoria didn't take long to make a mark on the American League.
Longoria had a fine Block 3, finishing with a .381 batting average and
driving in an AL best 14 runs in 11 games. Longoria also clubbed 4
homers and 3 doubles, adding up to a robust .738 slugging percentage.
Longoria's ascension is helping to fuel the tide of optimism in Oaktown this
season.
Honorable Mention:
Kosuke Fukudome [TEX] 15-41, .366/.480/.512, 9 BB in 11 games
Conor Jackson [OAK] 16-35, .457/.525.743, 10 runs scored in 10 games
John Lannan [OAK] 2-0, 0.66 ERA, 2 GS, 13 2/3 IP, 7 H, 7 Ks
John Lester [BOS] 2-0, 1.19 ERA, 22 2/3 IP, 14 H, 24 Ks
National
League -- B.J. Upton, Baltimore Stars
B.J. Upton has
been a strong catalyst for the potent Baltimore Stars offense this season,
and he contributed his best stretch during Block 3. Upton hit .388,
while driving in an NL best 14 runs and scoring 9 more. His 19 hits
were second best during the block, and he chipped in 4 stolen bases to boot.
With Upton setting the table, Baltimore appears poised to make noise in
2009.
Honorable Mention:
Lance Berkman [FLA] 16-41, .390/.479/.756, 4 HR, 12 RBIs
Josh Hamilton [ATL] 15-42, .357/.449/.667, 12 runs scored in 12 games
Manny Ramirez [BAL] 21-48, .438/.500/.625, 10 RBIs in 12 games
Dan Haren [ANA] 2-0, 2.25 ERA, 2 GS, 12 IP, 9 H, 19 Ks