Brignac named Cal League MVP

If the past is any indication, Reid Brignac has a bright future.

Brignac was named California League MVP and Rookie of the Year on Monday, nearly three weeks after he graduated from the circuit and moved on to the Southern League.

The 20-year-old shortstop hit .326 with 26 doubles, 21 home runs and 83 RBIs in 100 games for Visalia. Despite joining the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits on Aug. 4, he remains second in the Cal League in batting, fifth in homers and RBIs and second with a .557 slugging percentage.

The last Oak to be named MVP was Marty Cordova in 1992. Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett was Visalia's last Rookie of the Year in 1983.

Visalia's Joe Szekely shared Manager of the Year honors with Gary Thurman of the Inland Empire 66ers.

San Jose Giants closer Brian Anderson was named Pitcher of the Year, becoming the first reliever to win the honor outright. San Jose's Doug Robertson shared the award with Palm Springs' Colin Charland in 1988.

Joining Brignac on the California League postseason All-Star team are five members of the Lancaster JetHawks. Emilio Bonifacio was named on all but one ballot at second base, with teammates Carlos Gonzalez and Chris Rahl securing two of the outfield positions. Mark Reynolds was chosen as the utility player and Gregory Smith is one of four pitchers.

Filling out the infield are High Desert Mavericks first baseman Mike Stodolka and Lake Elsinore Storm third baseman Chase Headley. Stockton Ports catcher Landon Powell, Modesto Nuts outfielder Matthew Miller and Rancho Cucamonga Quakes designated hitter Sean Rodriguez are the other position players.

The other All-Star pitchers are Jose Arredondo of the Quakes and Gregorio Martinez of the Giants.