The next three lists, top hitters, starters, and relievers, are all ATVL's creation. It has absolutely nothing to do with future ability. It has everything to do with the season that just ended. ATVL has not consulted anyone in the construction of these lists- he put everything in a spreadsheet and tried to rank players (during a faculty meeting, no less).
ATVL has attempted to be objective, but hey, mistakes may have been made. Try not to see the list as a definitive ranking of the season's best players, but a celebration of the top players in the league.
ATVL's importance is slanted towards on-base percentage and plate discipline, but frankly, there were so many good hitters in the league this year that it was tough to limit the list to 15. A full 31 players made the initial cut, and ATVL stared at numbers until his head swam.
At any rate, we will begin with #15: Sherman Johnson, the second baseman from the Covington Lumberjacks, who fell in the finals to Haymarket.
Johnson had an excellent year for the 'Jacks. He hit 310/435/429 in 46 games and 168 at-bats, with 13 doubles, 2 triples, 1 home run, 29 runs, 36 RBI, 15 stolen bases (against only 1 caught stealing), and a sterling 38/31 BB/K ratio. In fact, it's that high OBP that helps Sherman stand out.
Sherman, a sophomore at Florida State, played in 28 games as a freshman in '09, none as a starter. However, he hit 476/577/810 in 21 at-bats, with 6 runs, 10 hits, 2 doubles, a triple, home run, 10 RBI, and a 5/2 BB/K ratio. Impressive production, even though the sample size is tiny. I imagine Sherman will get more playing ime in the near future.
Sherman is very deservant to be in this list. Sherman is a great player but also a great kid and I look for him to do big things at Florida State. Congrats to Sherman for making the list.
Posted by: Jason Helmintoller | October 01, 2009 at 02:37 PM