2011 MCB Down on the Farm All-Stars: 2B Brandon Douglas

The Detroit Tigers Minor League affiliates seasons are now officially in the books. With another season completed, the time has come for me to announce the 2011 MCB Down on the Farm All-Star Team.

In an effort to reward less talked about prospects, only players that did not receive a call-up to Detroit this season were eligible. While you may recognize some of the names, remember these awards aren’t a pronouncement of the Tigers top prospects. The awards were based heavily upon the best overall statistical season per position.

Similar to previous years, the breakdown of the roster will consist of one player per position, a designated hitter, five starting pitchers and five relievers.

2011 MCB Down on the Farm All-Star Team: 2B Brandon Douglas

TEAMS: AA-Erie Seawolves

STATS: 499 AB, .281/.320/.371/.691

30 doubles, 3 triples, 3 home runs, 46 RBI, 22 SB, 25 BB and 57 SO

BACKGROUND:

Brandon Douglas was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 11th round of the 2008 MLB First-Year Player Draft. The 6′ 200 pound, right-handed second baseman was drafted out of Northern Iowa University. He quickly signed and made his debut in the Gulf Coast League in 2008. Douglas went on to hit a combined .328 in 274 at-bats in the GCL, NYPL, FSL and Midwest League that season. He hit an impressive .322 in 329 at-bats for the Class-A West Michigan Whitecaps in 2009. Douglas then split time between Advanced-A Lakeland and AA-Erie in 2010 hitting .345 in 281 at-bats.

BEHIND THE NUMBERS:

Douglas posted career highs in hits, doubles, RBI and stolen bases this season. After hitting just .212 in April, Douglas rebounded and went on to finish the season hitting .281 for the SeaWolves. He continues to put the ball in play and limit strikeouts–just 148 in 4 seasons–which is definitely encouraging. His walk ratio needs to improve and the strikeouts were a career high this year but overall 2011 was another solid season for Douglas.

FUTURE:

Douglas’ ceiling doesn’t exactly scream MLB starting second baseman. However, his floor of utility infielder seems easily obtainable. He consistently finds a way to put up numbers, he works hard and clearly has a love for the game. As Tim Tebow says, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Douglas is talented, but his work ethic alone should give him an opportunity to prove that he belongs at the next level. Over the years guys like Will Rhymes have defied the odds and made it to the show for the Tigers so I wouldn’t exactly count out Brandon Douglas.

Douglas should open the 2012 campaign in AAA-Toledo. Congratulations to Brandon Douglas for an outstanding season.

Next Up: 1B

 2011 MCB Down on the Farm All-Stars

C Rob Brantly

3B Nick Castellanos  

 SS Gustavo Nunez

—

Like what you see here and want to stay informed on the happenings at MCB? Make sure to follow me on twitter @ JAYRC_MCB and grab our RSS feed.