Samuel Contreras, the modern Babe Ruth

Samuel Contreras has had a heck of a year as the Monarchs closer. He's 5-2 with a 2.33 ERA and has already compiled a career-high 34 saves. He hasn't given up a run since June and, in July and August, has struck out 24 batters in just 18.2 innings. He has been everything the Monarchs expected when they signed him as a free agent this last offseason.

But, he outdid himself on 8/7/09 in a tremendous game between Seattle and Houston. The game went into extra innings in a scoreless tie. Sammy came into the game in the top of the eleventh, and pitched a scoreless inning. He then strolled up to the plate as the leadoff batter in the bottom of the frame. Seattle, having suffered three injuries just two days earlier, was playing with a shorthanded roster. Contreras took his cuts in the on deck circle, came to the plate and promptly worked a 2-1 count. He then pounced on the next pitch, a hanging curveball by Armadillo pitcher Christopher Gormley. Contreras drove it high and deep and "Out Of The Park." He rounded the bases, mobbed by delerious teammates, as fireworks lit up the sky.

Contreras is now 2 for 2 this season at the plate and sports a tidy 3.500 OPS. That's pretty good in my book. In any case, beware of Sam Contreras when he strides to the plate. FEAR him.