All-Indy All-Stars

Although it's difficult for an independent league player to make it to the big leagues, it does happen. Here's an all-star team of big leaguers who either began their careers in the independent leagues or were spotted in indy ball after being released from Class A ball or below. Draftees who went the independent route like J.D. Drew and Luke Hochevar are not included, as this is an all-star team of players who likely would not have made the majors without an independent league stint first. What becomes clear is how difficult it is for up-the-middle players to make it out of indy ball, because those guys are usually snapped up by Organized Baseball. At the same time, teams should definitely spend time searching indy ball for potential relievers. (Thanks to Bob Wirz for help assembling this list.)

--BASEBALL AMERICA