Micro Conference: Second base

The keystone in the Micro Conference might be one of the few spots on this year's All-Star squads that could be a no-brainer or even a unanimous pick.

The 10 teams in the Micro Conference are Allentown, Blue Ridge, El Paso, Erie, Hillsborough, Livingston, Marietta, Philly, Poovey Farms, Rockland.

SECOND BASE

The favorite to start the All-Star game at 2B for the Micro Conference just got traded, but fortunately for the squad he was dealt within the conference. Brandon Lowe started the season ablaze in Blue Ridge, slugging his way to an early lead in the home run race as the first to 20 dingers, and now joins a Philly lineup that's among the strongest in the league.

Lowe has cooled off somewhat and been overtaken for. the home run lead by Livingston's Vladdy Jr. but still holds absolutely massive advantages over other Micro 2B in most every category. His 65.3 RC and 7.5 RC/27 laps his closest competition - new teammate Philly Jean Segura (39.0/4.8) and El Paso's Jake Cronenworth (34.3/4.7). Lowe already has amassed 25 HR and 69 RBI, neck and neck with Vlad, Jr., for the league lead all season.

Segura leads Micro 2B in batting (.282) and OBP (.347) and Cronenworth is tops in doubles (18). Adam Frazier of Hillsborough has the most hits (87) is the only other 2B to eclipse 30 RC (31.1) but just a meager 3.0 RC/27 and <.600 OPS. Beyond that, it's Lowe in virtually every category.

For reserves, Micro voters could look to players eligible at 2B who have seen most of their action elsewhere. Whit Merrifield primarily has played RF in Erie, only 4 of his 80 starts at 2B, and his 22 doubles would be best among Micro 2B. Allentown masher Ozzie Albies spent most of his time at DH and his 10 HR would tie Wilmer Flores of Arkansas for most among Micro 2B, if not for Lowe.