Ely's "Rebound Season" Complimented By All-Star Game

On Wednesday, July 11 Albuquerque Isotopes starter John Ely will get the recognition he has truly earned this season -- Suiting up for the Pacific Coast League All-Star team.

The right-hander has fully taken on the responsibility of the rotation's ace this season, going 8-6 with a 3.22 ERA in 18 games. The most telling feat of his dominant year is his circuit-leading 116 strikeouts, which help pace his top ranking stats-per-nine innings that include strikeouts (3rd - 9.66), fewest base runners (3rd - 10.90) and walks (5th - 1.82). The hurler's 109 frames of work are also second in the PCL, only one inning shy of the lead.

With his stats speaking for themselves, Ely needed only the honor of being selected to the All-Star squad to feel properly recognized. He said he's been unhappy with his performance during the last few years and referred to this season, complete with an All-Star selection, as his "bounce back year."

"I needed a good season, a consistent season to basically rebound," Ely said. "To get the extra All-Star (selection) on top of it is a good compliment."

Wednesday will mark the hurler's second professional All-Star game. In 2009, he was named to the Southern League All-Star team while with Double-A Birmingham in the White Sox chain. Both selections are important accolades to Ely, but this year's opportunity carries slightly more meaning to the 'Topes ace.

"It's going to be a lot of fun," said Ely. "I've been to one other All-Star Game, but this one means a lot to me, to have it on my bounce-back year."

The upcoming contest will offer Ely the opportunity to demonstrate his ability against the league's top talent. As a player that's not on the Dodgers 40-man roster, the pitcher is looking to use the All-Star game as proving grounds to the big league clubs.

"I came into this season with that attitude," said Ely. "I wanted to come out and prove that's where I want to be and I can pitch there (with the Dodgers). I'm trying to prove to everyone else that I'm capable of that."

Unfortunately a selection to the All-Star team doesn't guarantee playing time. With 11 other pitching prospects on the PCL's roster, including Isotopes closer Josh Wall, Ely might not receive the chance to toe the rubber amid a crowded rotation. But regardless of the pitching situation, the starter said he'll be ready to play.

"I'm going to go and do what they ask," said Ely. "If I get an inning, I'm going to treat it like getting my work in. I'm going to go in with the attitude that I want to get outs."

Alongside Ely will be his regular backstop, another of four Albuquerque All-Star selections (Luis Cruz is with the Dodgers and will not play), catcher Tim Federowicz. The duo has worked together in 11 of Ely's 18 total starts including five of the last six. If the starter gets the ball during the contest, he'll have the comfort of a familiar face behind the plate, as Federowicz is slated as the PCL's starting catcher.

"It would be nice if I got to throw to Fed," said Ely. "We seem to work pretty well together."

'Topes fans can tune into MLB Network, the Triple-A All-Star Game Radio Network or the Armed Forces Network to see their Isotopes All-Stars in action at 5:00 PM MT at Coca Cola Field in Buffalo, NY. The three-day break from the regular season is widely considered a relaxing, entertaining event, especially for the players involved. But for Ely, even though he plans on enjoying himself at the All-Star celebration, he's still focused on delivering a standout performance.

"It'll be fun because usually everyone's in good spirits at these types of events," said Ely. "But I want to win that game. It's not a day off."