Clark Knows When to Fuld Him
Sam Fuld played only three innings and went 1-2 with a SB and a run score, as the Cubs outfielder completed his AFL season today.
With today's game the last AFL tilt for the Mesa Solar Sox, manager Dave Clark (HOU) let Fuld hit twice to get his batting average up over .400, and then gave the likely AFL MVP the rest of the day off, as the Solar Sox defeated the Peoria Saguaros 6-5 at HoHoKam Park in Mesa.
Fuld finished the AFL season hitting 402/492/626, leading the AFL in hits, doubles, OBP, SLG, and OPS (minimum seven games for OBP, SLG, and OPS), as well as finishing 2nd in AVG, tied for third in walks and runs scored, tied for 4th in stolen bases, and tied for 5th in triples.
Fuld also showed improved HR power, belting three round-trippers and driving in 14 runs in 29 games (125 PA). He reached base in 28 of his 29 games and hit safely in 25 of 29, while playing a Gold Glove quality defense in both CF and RF. A left-handed hitter, Fuld hit .500 with a 1.286 OPS in 35 AFL plate appearances versus LHP. He also had more walks (17) than strikeouts (15).
Additionally, Fuld received the 2007 Dernell Stenson Award last night, presented each year to the AFL player who best exemplifies sportsmanship and leadership.
After seeing a couple of dozen AFL games, here is my 2007 ALL-AFL TEAM:
P - Matt Harrison (TEX)
C - Jeff Clement (SEA)
1B - Juan Miranda (NYY)
2B - Eugenio Velez (SF)
3B - Evan Longoria (TB)
SS - Scott Sizemore (DET)
LF - Travis Snider (TOR)
CF - Andrew McCutchen (PIT)
RF - Sam Fuld (CUBS)
DH - Matt LaPorta (MIL)
MVP: Sam Fuld (nobody else even close)
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