Spring Training's Top Batters

Today we'll take a look at the top batters this spring. Here they are in no particular order

Aramis Ramirez, CAR - Ramirez had a monster spring for the Cats. Considering how offensively-challenged the Mudcats have been this spring, Ramirez's numbers really jump out at you. Ramirez led the league in batting average at .385 and OPS with 1.159 and was third in RBI (23) and tied for third in homers (8). Ramirez was third in on-base percentage (.423) and second in slugging (.736).

Carlos Pena, LV - the second overall pick in the 2008 draft, Pena led the league with 10 homers and slugging percentage (.740). He was second in RBIs (25) and OPS (1.120), tied for third in runs (22) and tied for second in doubles (10).

Eric Byrnes, BR - Byrnes had a couple of big games in spring training, stealing four bases in one game and hitting three homers in another. Overall he hit .322/.394/.633 with five steals and seven homers. He also tied for third with 22 runs scored. Byrnes' role is uncertain for Blue Ridge, but he certainly earned some playing time with another solid spring performance.

Jorge Posada, PHI - Posada's first year with the Endzone Animals looks like it could be one of his best, if the spring is any indication. Posada was third in batting with a .363 average, second in OBP (.449) and fifth in slugging (.571).

Matt Kemp, DC - The rookie outfielder showed that he could play with the big boys after posting a .368 average in spring with 15 runs and 13 RBIs. Kemp led the league with 39 hits. Kemp has likely earned a starting role in the Slappers Opening Day lineup.

Jeff Keppinger, LV - Another Rat makes the list. Keppinger, selected to fill the shortstop role for the Pack, had a strong spring, making the leaderboard in such categories as average (.330), hits (36), runs (19) and RBIs (19).

Andre Ethier, VAN - The Iron Fist were happy to get Ethier back in the draft. After a solid rookie campaign last year, the Fist reluctantly let Ethier slip back into the draft. He has responded with a good spring, displaying some power (.529 slugging, 5 HRs) and hitting a solid .299. The Fist outfield is rather crowded, but after the cuts, Ethier should be left with a possible platoon role.

Hanley Ramirez, HBK - Ramirez, a cornerstone offensive player for the Cutters, is an interesting case. On the one hand, you can't deny his offensive contributions: .344/.398/.522, 20 runs scored. But on the other hand, Ramirez is a possible defensive liability. In only 22 spring games, Ramirez committed 11 errors.

Kenji Johjima, TAM - After splitting his rookie year with fellow backstop Brian McCann, the job appears to be all Johjima's in 2008. Kenji proceeded to hit .403 in the spring with 5 homers and 18 RBIs and a 1.115 OPS.

Jim Thome, LV - Looks like the Rat Pack could be this year's offensive powerhouse. Thome was third in the league with a 1.053 OPS and also hit 9 homers while driving in 20, and scoring 23.