Top September Call-Ups: National League Central
This is part of a six-part series where we breakdown each team's top 2011 September call-up. Links to other divisions can be found here.
Chicago Cubs: Bryan LaHair
Cubs fans may be ready to move on from Carlos Zambrano and the 2011 season, but September call-up Bryan LaHair gives them something to watch during the closing weeks of the season. The Pacific Coast League MVP has made an immediate impact, hitting at a .476 clip in his first nine games. He's also showing good patience at the plate, drawing four walks over the same span.
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Cincinnati Reds: Devin Mesoraco
While the Reds have underperformed this season, fans should enjoy a look at backstop Devin Mesoraco. The 2007 first round pick brings plus power to the plate. But, like a lot of prospects, Mesoraco will have to mind his plate discipline.
Key Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Autographs Devin Mesoraco
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Autographs Devin Mesoraco
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Edition Autographs Devin Mesoraco (/674)
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Houston Astros: Brett Wallace
The Astros have the worst record in baseball. With a pending ownership change and the trades of Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn, fans are looking at a completely different team. Brett Wallace has been a major trade chip in several headline deals over the past couple of years and now finds himself with the Astros. After being sent down to Triple-A Oklahoma City, Wallace is back in an Astros uniform and will be given every opportunity to be Houston's starting first baseman. The question remains, can Wallace transfer his minor league hitting success to the big leagues?
Key Cards:
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Autographs Brett Wallace (/499)
- 2010 Bowman Sterling Brett Wallace
- 2010 Topps Red Hot Rookie Redmptions Autographs Brett Wallace
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Milwaukee Brewers: Taylor Green
The Brewers are sitting in the division's driver's seat, but St. Louis is closing in. Milwaukee called up third baseman Taylor Green to help the club stay in first place. For Triple-A Nashville, Green hit .336 with an on-base percentage of .413 and 22 home runs. In his first ten games with the Brewers, Green has been able to continue his offensive production, hitting .348.
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Pittsburgh Pirates: Pedro Alvarez
The Pirates had fans feeling optimistic mid-way through the 2011 season, but the team has since fallen out of contention. Fans would like Pedro Alvarez to be the star he's been advertised as, but that appears to be in question. Alvarez had a short stint at the Major League level before his struggles at the dish led him back to Triple-A. Alvarez has another chance to redeem himself with the Pirates.
Key Cards:
- 2006 Upper Deck USA Baseball Black Autographs Pedro Alvarez (/595)
- 2011 Bowman Platinum Pedro Alvarez
- 2011 Topps Chrome Pedro Alvarez
St. Louis Cardinals: Maikel Cleto
The Cardinals are chasing the Brewers down the stretch and will need every weapon available to catch up. An interesting September call-up for the Cards is Dominican-born Maikel Cleto. Cleto has a plus fastball that has been known to reach triple digits. The Cards may have rushed Cleto to St. Louis, but prospectors will be glad to get a look at his electric fastball. Cleto must control his fastball and develop strong secondary pitches.
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