Rodgers Named Most Outstanding MLB Prospect; Mundell League MVP
August 30, 2016 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Asheville Tourists News Release
ASHEVILLE, NC-- Earlier today the South Atlantic League and President Eric Krupa announced the selection of the 2016 Annual All-Star Team. Brian Mundell was named the league's best first-baseman; Brendan Rodgers the league's best shortstop, and Yonathan Daza as one of the three best outfielders. Furthermore, Mundell earned league MVP honors and Rodgers was selected as the Most Outstanding MLB Prospect.
The All-Star Team was voted on by the 14 South Atlantic League Team's Field Managers, General Managers, Sports Writers and Broadcasters. Of the 19 recognized positions and honors awarded to players, managers, and coaches, the Tourists were named to five--a South Atlantic League high.
The League's Most Valuable Player, Brian Mundell, is leading the league in hits (164), extra base hits (72), total bases (265) and runs scored (90) in 129 games, including a SAL and Minor League Baseball record 57 doubles. He ranks second in batting average (.320) and is tied for first in runs batted in (80). In addition to the MVP award, Mundell was named the top first baseman in the league. Defensively, Mundell is among the South Atlantic League's best at first base. The Valencia, California native currently posts a .991 fielding percentage. Mundell is the first Asheville Tourists to be named the League MVP since Rosell Herrera won the award in 2013.
Brendan Rodgers also received a major recognition. The 2015 Colorado Rockies first-round draft pick was voted the Most Outstanding Major League Prospect. Rodgers, who turned 20 years old less than two weeks ago, has shown power and play-making ability all season. Rodgers boasts a .282 batting average with 19 Home Runs, 73 runs batted in, and 31 doubles in 109 games this year. The Longwood, Florida native is one Home Run shy of becoming only the third middle infielder in Asheville Tourists history to hit at least 20 Home Runs in a season. In addition to the Most Outstanding MLB Prospect, Rodgers was named as the South Atlantic League's best shortstop.
Yonathan Daza rounds out the Asheville Tourists' end-of-the year All Stars. The Maracay, Venezuela native appeared in 119 games with the Tourists and hit .307; good for the third best batting average in the South Atlantic League. Daza currently ranks second in hits (146), and second in doubles (35). In addition to Daza's offensive accolades, the outfielder boasts one of the strongest arms in the league. Daza paces the league with 22 outfield assists. Of the top three outfielders named to the annual SAL All-Star team, Daza was the first name listed.
Asheville finishes up the 2016 season with a seven-game homestand that begins tonight. The 2017 Asheville Tourists schedule is posted online at www.theashevilletourists.com. Tickets are available at the ServPro Box Office or by calling the front office at (828)258-0428.
A complete breakdown of the 2016 South Atlanitc League All Star Team is below:
2016 South Atlantic League All-Star Team
Manager
Patrick Anderson
Hagerstown
Coach
Justin Pope
Charleston
RH Pitcher
Mitch Keller
West Virginia
LH Pitcher
Brian Gonzalez
Delmarva
Relief Pitcher
CJ Robinson
Greensboro
Catcher
Yermin Mercedes
Delmarva
First Baseman
Brian Mundell
Asheville
Second Baseman
Josh Tobias
Lakewood
Shortstop
Brendan Rodgers
Asheville
Third Baseman
Kelvin Gutierrez
Hagerstown
Utility Infielder
Ian Sagdal
Hagerstown
Outfielder
Yonathan Daza
Asheville
Outfielder
Tate Matheny
Greenville
Outfielder
Jose Pujols
Lakewood
Utility Outfielder
Luis Alexander Basabe
Greenville
Designated Hitter
Chris Gittens
Charleston
Most Outstanding Pitcher
Mitch Keller
West Virginia
Most Outstanding MLB Prospect
Brendan Rodgers
Asheville
Most Valuable Player
Brian Mundell
Asheville
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