Twins boast seven Appy All-Stars

The Elizabethton Twins might be able to field an Appalachian League All-Star team all by themselves.

With seven representatives on this year's 14-man postseason Appy All-Star squad, including Player of the Year Ozzie Lewis and Pitcher of the Year David Bromberg, the East Division champions clearly have established themselves as the most decorated unit in the nine-team circuit.

Now all they have to do is go out and capture their fourth league championship in eight years.

For the previous three seasons, the defending champion Danville Braves boasted the most Appy All-Stars, including four players each of the past two years. The Twins have almost double that total on this squad, with Lewis and Bromberg leading the way.

Lewis, a 21-year-old left fielder, is second in the league with a .332 batting average. He has nine homers, 49 RBIs, 17 doubles and 43 runs scored, ranking in the top 10 in each category.

Bromberg is 8-0 in 12 appearances, including 11 starts, leading the league in wins and strikeouts (77) while ranking fifth in ERA (2.72) and seventh in innings pitched (56 1/3).

Although Twins skipper Ray Smith was denied his third consecutive Manager of the Year Award -- that honor went to Danville's Paul Runge -- five more of his players made the All-Star team, including catcher Gregory Yersich (.312, 30 RBIs, 30 runs scored), first baseman Rene Leveret (.308, 7 HRs and a league-leading 62 RBIs), third baseman Deibinson Romero (.311, nine homers, 50 RBIs), shortstop Estarlin De Los Santos (.284, 39 RBIs, 26 steals and a league-best 59 runs scored) and utility outfielder Rene Tosoni (.302, 30 RBIs, 56 runs).

While they clearly dominate the All-Star roster, the Twins have plenty of company. After leading his team to the West Division crown, Runge had four of his players named All-Stars. Second baseman Cole Miles (.336, 25 RBIs, 72 hits), slugging outfielder Cody Johnson (.304, a league-best 15 homers and 52 RBIs), left-handed starter Jeff Locke (6-1, 2.98 ERA) and right-handed reliever Nick Fellman (1-0, 2.33 ERA and a league-best 16 saves) represent the Braves.

Bluefield Orioles outfielders Matt Tucker (.312, 35 RBIs, 14 doubles) and Kraig Binick (.298, 31 RBIs, 50 runs) and Burlington Royals designated hitter Jake Lane (.315, six homers, 41 RBIs) round out this year's All-Star team.