Sally League selects season's top performers

Augusta right-hander Kevin Pucetas was named the South Atlantic League's Most Outstanding Pitcher and is one of four GreenJackets on the 2007 SAL All-Star Team, which was announced by league president John H. Moss on Monday.

Pucetas, who paces the league with a 1.81 ERA and 108 strikeouts to go with 15 wins, is joined by Augusta left-hander Ben Snyder (15-5, 2.11 ERA and 138 strikeouts), shortstop Emmanuel Burriss (.320, 33 RBIs and 47 stolen bases) and SAL Coach of the Year Ross Grimsley.

Outfielder John Raynor is the lone representative for the Greensboro Grasshoppers, but did also take home the Most Valuable Player Award after hitting .333 with 13 homers, 57 RBIs, 54 steals and 148 hits in 116 games.

Asheville's Joe Mikulik received Manager of the Year honors. He's joined by four of his infielders, including catcher Michael McKenry (.286, 21 homers and 88 RBIs), first baseman Michael Paulk (.304, 11, 92), second baseman Daniel Mayora (.314, 14, 78 with 24 steals) and shortstop Hector Gomez (.272, 10, 58).

Kannapolis' Fautino De Los Santos got the coveted Most Outstanding Major League Prospect award after going 9-4 with a 2.40 ERA and 120 strikeouts in 97 2/3 innings. Chris Carter of the Intimidators received the nod at designated hitter. He is hitting .287 with 24 homers and 89 RBIs.

Columbus is the only other team with multiple Sally All-Star picks as Ryan Royster (.323, 28 HRs, 96 RBIs and 86 runs scored) and Desmond Jennings (.315, 9, 37 and 45 SBs) join Raynor in the outfield.

West Virginia's Taylor Green (.328, 13, 85) took the third-base spot, Charleston's Mitch Hilligoss -- who rattled off a league-record 38-game hitting streak -- was named the utility infielder and Quintin Berry of Lakewood was tabbed utility outfielder after hitting .321 with 53 steals for the BlueClaws.