Mizzou Baseball in the Minors: Bond. Brock Bond

■ Former MU second baseman hits big in Minor Leagues (KBIA.com AUDIO LINK)

Steve Decker, head coach of the Defenders, compares Brock Bond's (06-07) style of play to former St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Fernando Vina.

"Brock's a switch hitter, he knows how to work the count, he knows how to get on base, he has a two strike approach, he can bunt, he's a very good solid leadoff guy."
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"His tool grade isn't off the charts, but when you watch him play day in and day out you know he's a tough kid and goes up there and battles everyday and helps ballclubs win. And you know what, he's going to grind his way into being a big leaguer if he keeps playing like this."

And, for now, that's impressive enough for the guy who was the 734th player selected in the 2007 draft

■ Four Defenders named Eastern League All-Stars (Norwich Bulletin)

Madison Bumgarner, Brock Bond, Eddy Martinez-Esteve and Joe Paterson have all been selected to play in this year’s Eastern League All-Star Game, set for July 15 in Trenton.

The San Francisco Giants’ No. 1 prospect according to Baseball America, the 19-year-old Bumgarner has compiled a 1.96 ERA and 5-1 record since his promotion to Double-A on May 9. Meanwhile, Bond, a second baseman, is hitting a team-high .326, ranks third in the league in runs scored (49) and currently boasts the longest active on-base streak in the major or minor leagues at 45 games.