Yes, I said seven. Everyone seems to forget about the 2 local high school players who are a part of this competition. If you watched the qualifying rounds (and the video from last year) you know they can hit the ball hard too.
1. D.J. King – King recently graduated from Nazareth High School and will continue at Bloomsburg University next season.
2. Westyn Baylor – Baylor, of Bangor High School, set a school record for homeruns this season with 10.
3. Andy Tracy – If you read this blog and don’t know who Andy Tracy is.. well let me know and I will promptly block you. Andy is currently 3rd in active minor leaguers in total home runs and is by far the most productive Ironpig in team history. That Bud Light Trough will soon be renamed Tracy’s Trough.
4. Dan Johnson – Durham Bulls. Johnson currently leads the International League in HR’s with 24. He made his MLB debut with the Oakland Athletics in 2005, has also played for the Rays and Yokohama Bay Stars.
5. Jeff Frazier – Toledo Mudhens. Frazier has been in the Detroit system since 2004, with a short stint in the Seattle organization in 2007. He has 16 HR’s and 52 RBI this season. He, like Andy Tracy, has also pitched one inning of relief for Toledo, allowing 2 hits and 4 runs in a game in 2009.
6. Alex Gordon – The 1st round pick of the Royals in 2005 (2nd overall) has 13 HRs between 2 minor league levels this season.
7. Jay Gibbons – Albuquerque. Gibbons is hitting .326 with 13 HRs for the Isotopes. He has played in the Blue Jays, Orioles, Brewers and Dodgers organizations.
8. J.P. Arencibia – The 51’s slugger currently leads the Pacific Coast League in HRs with 25. In 4 seasons of pro ball, all in the Blue Jays organization, Arencibia has accumulated 76 HR.
Looking at this field I would say I’m rooting for King and Baylor first, then Andy Tracy. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the High School contestants makes it to the second round but don’t think they have the endurance to make it to the finals. I think most of these guys might hold back. Especially some of those who have been hiding injuries. The 3 day break will be nice to help heal.
My official prediction for this,, based on nothing but gut feeling is this.
First place – Arencibia
2nd pace – Johnson
High School to 2nd Round – King
Just picking for fun. Let’s see how close I get. 🙂
See you there tonight!
OinK!
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
Let’s go Andy!
Woo Hoo
I’m so excited for tonight. I would LOVE to see one of the high school guys, if not both make it into the 2nd round. Of course, I’m rooting for Andy too!! I cannot imagine what it’s going to be like in the K corner or anywhere out that way tonight. I think we will be staying in our seats tonight!!
Wish I was able to go…hope y’all have a great time!!!