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MLB’s 2017 All-Surprise Team

By Matt Veasey

May 6, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Corey Dickerson (10) at bat against the Toronto Blue Jays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Corey Dickerson (10) at bat against the Toronto Blue Jays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 1, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Lamb (22) at bat against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

MLB 2017 ALL-SURPRISE TEAM INFIELD

1B – Justin Bour, Miami: for a while, it looked as if this position would be a battle between Mark Reynolds of the Rockies and Eric Thames of the Brewers. They each still deserve mentions, but the spot has to now go to Bour. With a .295/.369/.589 slash line, the 29-year old is not some one-dimensional slugger. But slug he does, with 16 homers to lead the National League. He also has 40 RBI, giving him an outside shot at a 50-homer, 120+ RBI season.

2B – Starlin Castro, Yankees: Castro has always been considered an offense-first player. But now at age 27, Castro finally appears to be reaching the full potential envisioned for him when he was a young Cubs prospect. Castro’s .315/.352/.489 slash line represent easy career highs across all categories. His nine homers, 31 RBI, and 38 runs scored have him on pace to approach 30 homers and 90 RBI, with a possible 110+ runs scored campaign.

LEFT-SIDE INFIELD

SS – Zack Cozart, Cincinnati: Cozart turns 32 years old in August, and is in his seventh big league season. He has established a base line for performance and production, and this ain’t it. To this point, the Reds shortstop has put together a .344/.432/.622 slash line with nine homers, 33 RBI, 32 runs scored, and 27 extra-base hits. Maybe it’s health and a new batting stance (see below video.) In any event, this is truly impressive stuff.

3B – Jake Lamb, Arizona: Lamb may not be a total surprise. He did bomb 29 homers and drive in 91 runs for the Dbacks a year ago, after all. But this year, the 26-year old has taken his game to the next level. His .280/.368/.559 slash line reveals increased performance across the board. He has 14 home runs and 46 RBI, on pace for a possible 40 HR-120 RBI campaign.

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