The Yankees farm report: The playoffs and beyond

These Dogs Bite

There were two players who received significant notices, though. One was Isiah Gilliam. He was voted by the fans as the Top Dog, an award I was unfamiliar with. But they know their baseball in the Sally:

"After leading the RiverDogs with a power stroke from both sides of the plate, Charleston outfielder Isiah Gilliam has been announced as the winner of the “Top Dog” of the 2017 season as selected by the fans."

"Gilliam, 21, joins other greats such as Josh Hamilton, B.J. Upton, Aubrey Huff, and Jorge Mateo who have all received the award in years past. In 2016, Charleston’s Top Dog award went to first baseman Chris Gittens. The switch-hitting outfielder was honored after the RiverDogs’ final home game after clinching their second straight postseason berth on Thursday, and his banner will be raised at The Joe alongside the previous winners."

"With four games remaining in the regular season, Gilliam is leading the team in home runs (14), RBI (83), and doubles (33) while hitting .267 with a .454 slugging percentage. His 83 RBI are also second in the SAL behind Lakewood’s Darick Hall (96). 52 of Gilliam’s 83 RBI have also came in the second-half, leading the circuit over that span."

Gilliam went on to win a third player of the week honor after winning this award. The other player I referenced earned one of this league’s highest honors. But he finished with another team, and we will mention it then. Or should I say, now?