American League All-Youth Team - Season 37

Below is my top team of 30 American League players currently on MLB rosters who are 25 years-old or younger.  These are based on my opinion.  Some positions were more competitive than others.  I tried to put players in the position where they played the most games last season, but did move a few players around.  Although statistics are listed, ratings were a major factor in determining the team.  If you think somebody got snubbed, feel free to discuss on the message board.

It's always fun to look back...below are links to previous All-Youth teams:

Season 32 - American League

Season 32 - National League

Season 29 - American League

Season 29 - National League

Season 37 American League All-Youth Team

Captains:

William Nakano (3B): This 25 year-old Chicago third baseman has a unique combination of speed and power, as he hit 34 homeruns and swiped 50 bases last season.  His outstanding performance during the past seasons earned him two All-Star selections and three Silver Slugger awards.  In the field, Nakano’s 91 glove rating makes it extremely difficult for groundballs to get past him.  He was acquired as an international free agent for the bargain price of $13 million by owner skuff730 during season 31.

Cookie Tapia (LF/1B): At 25 years-old, Tapia has become the top offensive weapon in the Milwaukee lineup.  His exceptional blend of hitting and power have allowed him to bat .300 with at-least 40 homeruns and 110 RBIs in each of the past two seasons.  Tapia’s performance helped lead Milwaukee to an AL North division title and first-round bye last season.  He was originally signed as an IFA by Wichita for $14.7 million in season 33 and dealt to Milwaukee for Ben Boyer and a prospect during the following season.

Richard Huang (Closer): This 24 year-old New York closer has already established himself as one of the best in the league.  His 138 saves over three seasons have earned him three All-Star appearances, two Fireman of the Year awards, and a share of the Pine Tar single season saves record (54).  Huang’s velocity, control, and great splits helped him dominate opposing hitters last season, as he allowed them to bat only .169 while he registered a 0.84 WHIP.  He has helped lead New York and owner bluenoser44 to three consecutive AL East division titles.  Huang was also acquired as a season 31 IFA for the price of $21.1 million.

The Team: 

(Click on a player’s name to view their HBD profile)

C:

Yunel Brito (Omaha): .333 OBP, 14 HR, 45 RBI, 39% CS%

Diego Tocci (Colorado Springs): .286 OBP, 17 HR, 57 RBI, 80+ Arm & PC

C/DH- Akinori Kawakami (New York): .376 OBP, 17 HR, 62 RBI, 4.27 cERA

1B:

Alen Moore (Colorado Springs): .326 OBP, 35 HR, 117 RBI

Juan Caminero (Salem): .378 OBP, 15 HR, 58 RBI

2B:

Victor Lee (Omaha): .374 OBP, 13 HR, 88 RBI, 28 SB, .982 FP

Tyler Hood (Charlotte): .331 OBP, 24 HR, 73 RBI, .977 FP

SS:

Dustan Fletcher (El Paso): .296 OBP, 20 HR, 73 RBI, 21 Plus Plays, .976 FP

Karim Quintana (Milwaukee): .340 OBP, 12 HR, 73 RBI, .972 FP

3B:

*William Nakano (Chicago): .347 OBP, 34 HR, 96 RBI, 50 SB, 91 Glove

Ralph Rekar (Boston): .373 OBP, 11 HR, 54 RBI, 9 Plus Plays

CF:

Naoki Martin (Tampa Bay): Rookie - 95 Range, 90 Speed, 79 Contact, 71 Eye

Norman Sanford (Boston): .320 OBP, 22 HR, 70 RBI

LF:

*Cookie Tapia (Milwaukee): .380 OBP, 44 HR, 120 RBI

John Rivera (Syracuse): .337 OBP, 7 HR, 15 RBI, 18 SB (in 40 Games)

Rafael Valdes (Tampa Bay): Rookie – 79 Contact, 88 vR, 79 Eye, 92 Speed

RF:

Nolan Thompson (El Paso): .362 OBP, 20 HR, 82 RBI, 13 Plus Plays

Benny Reyes (Boise): .348 OBP, 38 HR, 103 RBI

DH:

Miguel Uribe (Chicago): .354 OBP, 45 HR, 116 RBI

Michael Seung (Tampa Bay): .407 OBP, 17 HR, 54 RBI, S36 ROY

Starting Pitchers:

Dale Gaudin (Dover): 13-13, 3.48 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, .312 oOBP, 3 CG

Hub Winkler (Boston): 12-8, 3.51 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, .324 oOBP, 99 GB/FB

Esmerling Crespo (El Paso): 10-15, 3.27 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, .296 oOBP, 3 CG

Barry Rivers (Omaha): 7-8, 3.52 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, .299 oOBP

B.C. Nunez (Charlotte): Rookie – 87 Stamina, 84 vR, 75 GB/FB, 77 P1/P2

Omar Franco (Kansas City): 10-7, 4.25 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, .340 oOBP, S35 ROY

Jerry Corino (New York): 7-10, 4.42 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, .314 oOBP

Relief Pitchers:

*Richard Huang (New York): 44 Saves, 2.75 ERA, .234 oOBP, 0.84 WHIP

Tomas Cora (Omaha): 73 Appearances, 6-3, 2.89 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, .274 oOBP

John Carter (Milwaukee): 43 Appearances, 3.96 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, .326 oOBP

* = captain

Honorable Mention:

C Adrian Grace (Salem), C Deven Beltre (Syracuse), 1B Ramon Inouoe (New York), 2B Wilking Peralta (Colorado Springs), 3B Daniel Mulholland (Milwaukee), 3B Leury Amador (Tampa Bay), SS Daniel Ratliff (Chicago), DH Rob Thomas (Durham), P Chone Waltman (Colorado Springs)