One of the rising prospects in the Rays' system gets the nod today, the ever conscious Emeel Salem.
Salem, a two-time all-SEC selection, had an outstanding junior season last year, but he is as serious about his schoolwork as he is baseball and opted to return to campus after being drafted by the Orioles in the 10th round in 2006. He led Tide regulars in batting (.357), on-base percentage (.442), stolen bases (23) and walks (30) while starting in every game for the second year in a row. He graduated with a 3.9 GPA in management and Spanish and has been a mainstay on academic honor rolls throughout his career. He's a throwback player who provides energy and emotion to his team. His best tools are above-average speed and defensive ability in center field. Salem makes consistent contact and can drive balls from gap to gap, but ultimately he probably won't have enough offensive upside to profile as an everyday major leaguer.
Poll
24?
This poll is closed
-
20%
Ryan Reid
(2 votes) -
10%
Kyle Ayers
(1 vote) -
30%
Chris Luck
(3 votes) -
10%
Wade Townsend
(1 vote) -
20%
Austin Hinkle
(2 votes) -
10%
Other (Please name)
(1 vote)