FIRST TEAM

EDDIE ESTRADA, ss

Litchfield, sr.

The Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year "is a five-tool player," Delano coach Dan Paulson said. The five tools are speed, arm strength, hitting for average, hitting for power and fielding. "There is not a better player in the metro." Hit .520 on the season with an on-base percentage of .657 and slugging percentage of 1.040 while striking out only four times. Honored as the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state. College: Minnesota.

ANGELO ALTAVILLA, ss

Lakeville North, sr.

The slick fielder might not have had the offensive numbers he did a year ago, but he still flashes the leather. "We build our team around pitching and defense, and he is the anchor that holds that together for us," Panthers coach Tony Market said. Committed only two errors (.977 fielding percentage). Hitting .381 with four home runs. College: Nebraska.

TY BUCK, ss/p

Red Wing, sr.

Buck did whatever the Wingers needed this spring. Moved from third base to shortstop, came out of the bullpen, even got a pitching start in the section tournament. Hit .548 with 10 home runs and 36 RBI. On the mound, Buck was 1-0 with five saves and a 0.64 ERA. "His arm and bat are the definition of power for a high school player," Wingers coach Paul Hartmann said. College: Iowa Western CC.

NICK HANSON, p/3b/ss

Prior Lake, jr.

Had three shutouts in his final four starts, striking out 48 and allowing only one unearned run. Finished the season 5-0 with one save and a 0.45 ERA. He struck out 87 in 46 ⅔ innings. "A classic power pitcher who can throw two swing-and-miss pitches (low 90s fastball and power curveball) in any count and any situation," Lakers coach Greg Nesbitt said. College: Undecided.

SEAN HJELLE, p/1b

Mahtomedi, sr.

Keyed the Zephyrs' second consecutive trip to the Class 3A state tourney. The 6-11 righthander is 7-2 with a 1.15 ERA. Held opponents to a .154 batting average while striking out 81 in 67 innings. "Sean has been a workhorse for us this year," Mahtomedi coach John Hardgrove said. "He has grown into a strong leader and understands the game at a high level." College: Kentucky.

JAKE IRVIN, p/1b

Bloomington Jefferson, sr.

The marquee pitcher of the senior class, Irvin went 5-2 with one save and a 1.29 ERA. The hard-throwing 6-5 righthander struck out 84 in 48 ⅔ innings and allowed only 25 hits. "A tireless worker and a tremendous leader of our school," Jaguars coach Jim Gess said. Hit .447 with an on-base percentage of .580. College: Oklahoma.

Ty Buck of Red Wing

JORDAN KOZICKY, ss/p

Mpls. Southwest, sr.

First Minneapolis City Conference player in more than 30 years to sign with the Gophers. "Jordan has the five tools," Lakers coach Jared Mountain said. "He hits for average, hits for power, has speed, excellent arm and range, and is athletic." Hit .500 with 23 RBI, 30 runs scored. Went 1-1 with three saves, 1.50 ERA. College: Minnesota.

LUKE ROSKAM, 1b/p

Chaska, jr.

Outstanding season with a 7-2 record and three saves. The righthander pitched a perfect game against Waconia in the section tournament. The lefthanded hitter batted .468 with 17 extra-base hits, including three home runs. "We really relied on him to play multiple positions," Chaska coach Craig Baumann said. College: Undecided.

JAKE STEVENSON, p/1b

Waconia, sr.

Posted a 6-2 record with a 1.90 ERA, struck out 82 in 48 innings. As a sophomore "he tried to overpower every hitter, and as the years went by he became a pitcher," Wildcats coach Mark Grundhofer said. Also hit .400. "His baseball instincts have been one of the best I've seen in my 20 years in Waconia," Grundhofer said. College: Minnesota.

RON HAGGSTROM