Chris Valaika and Justin Turner named Topps Rookie level All-Stars

[dougdirt]

Saw this on www.milb.com

Chris Valaika, whose 32-game hitting streak was tops in Minor League Baseball this season, highlights the Topps Short-Season/Rookie All-Star team. The Billings Mustangs, a Cincinnati Reds affiliate, are the only club with a pair of players, Valaika and Justin Turner, on the team. Nine of the 12 team members were taken in the most recent June draft, including all three outfielders in the third round. The best performances in all Minor League Baseball classifications are again being honored by the Topps Company of New York, N.Y., in conjunction with Minor League Baseball.

Justin Turner (22) of Bellflower, Calif., provided a spark at the top of the Billings Mustangs' lineup. Hitting primarily first or second in the order, Turner finished tied for fourth in the Pioneer League in batting average and runs scored. The Cincinnati Reds picked Turner in the seventh round this June.

Chris Valaika (21) of Valencia, Calif., was among the league leaders in hits, runs, RBIs, doubles and extra base hits for the Billings Mustangs. His 32-game hitting streak was the longest in the Minors this season and also broke the Pioneer League mark. The Cincinnati Reds tabbed Valaika in the third round this June.

[icehole3]

This draft will be one to remember IMO.