2011 MCB Down on the Farm All-Star Team: LHP Alex Burgos

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: SP Alex Burgos

TEAM: Class-A West Michigan

STATS: 94 2/3 IP  6-5  2.19 ERA  1.01 WHIP  33BB  89K

BACKGROUND:

Alex Burgos was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the fifth round of the 2010 MLB First-Year Player Draft. The 5’11″, 190 pound, left-handed handed pitcher attended the State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota. In his final season there, Burgos posted a 1.42 ERA in 95 1/3 innings while racking up 109 strikeouts and allowing just 29 walks.

His first taste of pro ball began in 2010 after he quickly signed and joined the Gulf Coast League Tigers in a relief role. Burgos posted a 1.54 ERA and held opposing batters to a .227 average in 11 2/3 innings. He also struck out over a batter an inning (15K) while issuing just three walks. In 2011 the 20-year-old was assigned to Class-A West Michigan for his first full season of professional baseball.

THE STUFF:

Burgos features a five pitch arsenal, but relies heavily on his 88-92 mph fastball, slider and solid cutter. He’s heavily noted to work both sides of the plate with excellent command and control. Scouts also give rave reviews for his pitchability and poise on the mound.

BEHIND THE NUMBERS:

Unfortunately, bicep tendonitis forced Burgos to miss the first two months of the season. Once healthy though, Burgos instantly produced, putting up a 3-1 record and 1.35 ERA in four June starts. He went on to finish 6-5 with a 2.19 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. He continues to strikeout nearly a batter per inning while posting respectable walk numbers. Burgos also held opposing batters to an impressive .189 average.

FUTURE:

Burgos has flew under the radar a bit so far in the Detroit Tigers farm system. His 2011 campaign may have changed that though. If properly handled, Burgos has the stuff that reasonably projects him as a back of the rotation guy. His left-handedness, ability to miss bats and limit walks could also put him in a relief role if he fails as a starter. Like all young pitchers, continuing to polish his secondary offerings and make adjustments will be his keys to success down the road. This season was definitely a step in the right direction for the Central Florida native Burgos.

I expect Burgos to begin the 2012 season in Advanced-A Lakeland. Congratulations to Alex Burgos for an outstanding season!

2011 MCB Down on the Farm All-Stars

C Rob Brantly

3B Nick Castellanos  

SS Gustavo Nunez

2B Brandon Douglas

1B Jordan Lennerton

OF Danry Vasquez 

OF Avisail Garcia 

OF Jamie Johnson 

DH Tony Plagman

SP Drew Smyly

Next Up: SP

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