Stanton Named to South Atlantic League Annual All-Star Team

August 26, 2008 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greensboro Grasshoppers News Release

GREENSBORO - After being left off the mid-season all-star roster, Greensboro's Mike Stanton beefed up his average, became more patient at the plate and has hit more second-half home runs than all-but two other league batters have hit all season. Today he was rewarded for his efforts by being named to the 2008 South Atlantic League Annual All-Star Team that was released by league president Eric Krupa.

Currently, the Florida Marlins' 2007 second-round selection is hitting for a .289 average and leads the league with his franchise-record, 35 home runs - 11 more than any other batter in the Sally League.

Stanton also leads the league in slugging percentage (.592) and extra-base hits (64) and has the league's fourth-most RBIs (87).

The Sunland, Calif., native's name can also find on the Minor League Baseball leader board. Stanton currently ranks fourth in the minors in home runs (35) and total bases (268), while ranking sixth in extra-base hits (64) and eighth in slugging percentage (.592).

Immediately following the South Atlantic League's mid-season all-star break, Stanton was tabbed the league's player of the week for his efforts from June 16-22. During that span that right-handed sluggers hit for a .375 clip and garnered a hit in every game he played including three consecutive games with a home run.

After hitting 15 first-half home runs, Stanton has already passed that mark with 20 in the second half. His second-half home run total alone would rank him third in the South Atlantic League, but combined with his first half totals and Stanton finds himself with an 11 homerun cushion over fellow SAL hitters.

Stanton's also received accolades in the latest edition of Baseball America. The publication had league managers take a survey in which Stanton was selected as the Sally's best power prospect.

Although Stanton was Greensboro's only selection to the team, the league also named Madison Bumgarner (Augusta) as its Most Outstanding Pitcher, Jason Heyward (Rome) as its Most Outstanding MLB Prospect and Darin Holcomb (Asheville) as its Most Valuable Player.

South Atlantic League Stories from August 26, 2008

• Captains Scorch Suns 8-1 - Lake County Captains
• Sand Gnats Rally Late to Top RiverDogs, 4-2 - Charleston RiverDogs
• Durant slugs Lakewood to 4-3 comeback win - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
• Power take game, series - Charleston Dirty Birds
• Birds drop one-run decision - Delmarva Shorebirds
• Suns bow out to Captains - Hagerstown Suns
• Catfish postponed again - Columbus Catfish
• Galvis Named to Postseason All-Star Team - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
• Montero Named to SAL Postseason All-Star Team - Charleston RiverDogs
• Stanton Named to South Atlantic League Annual All-Star Team - Greensboro Grasshoppers
• Power Sweep SAL POTW Honors - Charleston Dirty Birds
• 2008 SAL All-Star Team Announced - SAL1
• Tourists Holcomb Named SAL MVP - Asheville Tourists
• 2008 SAL All-Star Team Announced; Bumgarner named Most Outstanding Pitcher - SAL1
• Greensboro's Tuesday Double-Header Cancelled - Greensboro Grasshoppers
• Hoppers on Brink of another All-Time Attendance Record - Greensboro Grasshoppers
• Intimidators and Grasshoppers Rained Out To End Home Schedule - Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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