Tampa Bay Rays Land Three Players on Florida State League All Star Team

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Second Base: Brandon Lowe

Brandon Lowe was a player that we highlighted last week, as his hot start for Charlotte, as well as his dramatic improvement, deserved a closer look.

Obviously, the Florida State League agreed, as Lowe was named the starting second baseman for the Southern team. He currently has an impressive .333/.437/.610 batting line, leading the league in on base percentage and slugging. His 17 doubles and 36 runs rank second in the league, as Lowe already has more doubles and homers than he had in 2016.

This is obviously a great sign for a player who was a disappointment last year. Lowe, who was considered a bat first prospect, struggled in his first taste of professional baseball. In his 445 plate appearances, Lowe had a .247/.355/.343 batting line, with just 23 extra base hits. This year, he has far outperformed that level, driving the ball around the diamond with authority.

At this point, one has to wonder if a promotion will be in the cards before long. Lowe has punished the Florida State League for the past two months, and may find himself getting a promotion to AA before the end of the year. Meanwhile, this campaign has placed Lowe squarely in prospect status, perhaps even as the Tampa Bay Rays second baseman of the future.

It is amazing what a difference a year can make. For Brandon Lowe, that year has turned him into a legitimate prospect.