Here's a look at SLOP's Top Ten players under 25 (major leaguers not prospects)
1. JAMIE DAUGHTRY - KAUAI (AGE 20)
Jamie Daughtry was part of a proverbial win-win deal when the Emeralds traded Lusala Chaga to St. Louis. The Aviators have experienced a resurgance including back to back pennants, but the Emeralds are back after claiming last year's NL West title. Daughtry seems to indicate that good times are in paradise again.
2. LUSALA CHAGA - ST. LOUIS (AGE 23)
The aforementioned Chaga burst into the majors and has emerged as one of the best pitchers -- not just young -- in all of SLOP. Fresh off his first 20-win season, the young talent still has much to prove. What's ahead though? For starters, a huge payday.
3. D.J. MAUL - WASHINGTON (AGE 24)
The first overall pick of the 1860 draft has been as good -- no better -- than advertised. He already has an MVP to his credit before the age of 25 and has been an instrumental part of the Grays consistent success over the past decade.
4. JOEY MOORE - ST. LOUIS (AGE 25)
The '61 AL Rookie of the Year, Moore flies under the radar overshadowed by his revolving door of more famous teammates in St. Louis, but make no mistake that this DH has the ability to play both outfield and infield, hits at an over .300 clip and plays with the savvy of a veteran despite his age. Teams would line up to have a guy like him on the roster. He was selected 3rd overall in the '59 draft when the Aviators were still the NL's Denver Dinosaurs.
5. BRADEN BOLES - COLUMBUS (AGE 22)
The man with the distinct of scoring the highest signing bonus in the history of the FFP program before it's retirement is Braden Boles, who inked a $100 million signing bonus in '63 and so far, he's been worth every penny the team shelled out to get him. In his 2nd major league campaign last year, he nearly contended for Pitcher of the Year and was an instrumental part of the Crusaders first-ever post-season appearance and near miracle run into the Sunset Series. He's a name you'll need to get used to hearing, because he's going to be with us a long time.
6. DAVE RIBIC - WASHINGTON (AGE 23)
In '59, St. Louis scored the then 15-year old Ribic for an ungodly sum of $60 million through FFP. After two years in the majors with the Aviators, they dealt him to Washington for Melvin Rugama believing their need for a catcher outweighed their need for a top-tier ace. Ribic has been hit or miss in Washington, but no one doubts that he's a true talent. Two years removed from his first 20-win season, Ribic still needs to work on his control, but there's no denying that Big Money has earned the moniker to date.
7. ROBBY COLE - MEMPHIS (AGE 25)
Cole is another future star that few have heard of, because he plays off the beaten path in Memphis. Still, he's been a critical member of that team's resurgence. Since becoming a starter, he's had three straight 100+ RBI seasons.
8. LEW MACAULAY - ST. LOUIS (AGE 25)
As a rookie, Macaulay won the AL MVP en route to leading the Aviators to the Sunset Series XXVIII title. The 4th overall pick of the '60 draft by Chicago, the Aviators overpaid to get him when he became a minor league free agent. After a down year last year, the team hopes he's not a flash in the pan, but given how hard it is to find an elite second basemen, you'd have to think that Macaulay will earn his keep in his junior year or else, expect them to put him on the block to try his hand elsewhere. If nothing else, there should be lots of suitors.
9. A.J. PETERS - NEW YORK (AGE 23)
Peters is perfect for New York. Hard charging, tough playing youngster who for years was the only bright spot the franchise in Boston had, having been added to the team as an expansion acquisition. So now that he's on the cusp of stardom, it seems fitting that he's headed for the bright lights of New York as a member of the Skyliners. He's suffered from low production so far, but a lot of that owes to how soon he was brought up. You have to think that with more protection in the lineup, that he'll be a better hitter. Luckily for him, ownership went and got him a bit more help. We'll see how the new season unfolds.
10. JAMIE TIMBERLAKE - GETTYSBURG (AGE 23)
Timberlake finished his rookie campaign last year, winning 7 games and impressing scouts and Gomers faithful alike with his arsenal of pitches. If he can return this year more poised to take on a bigger load in the rotation, he'll be a huge boon to the contending hopes of the Gomers as they look to work towards another title in '67.