Volcanoes erupt with Northwest All-Star honors

Salem-Keizer was rewarded for a 12-game division lead by being the only team with three players named to the Northwest League All-Star Team on Tuesday.

Two hurlers were elected from the San Francisco Giants Class A Short-Season team, which dominated the league with a team ERA-best 2.95. Right-handed starter Adam Cowart, who leads the league with a 9-0 record and 0.86 ERA in 73 2/3 innings was chosen along with Volcanoes reliever Juan Trinidad, who has made 15 saves.

Second baseman Emmanuel Burriss, with 33 stolen bases, was the third Salem-Keizer player elected to the team.

Southpaw starter Shane Dove of Yakima with 64 strikeouts and reliever Jeremy Papelbon of Boise, brother of Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon, complete the pitching staff. Spokane's Chad Tracy was elected behind the plate.

The Most Valuable Player award went to Yakima outfielder Cyle Hankerd with his league-best .384 average. Vancouver's Matt Sulentic and Eugene's Chad Huffman -- slugging .576 -- round out the outfield.

Daniel Mayora of Tri-City won the shortstop honors. Eugene's Craig Cooper was named at first with Alex Valdez of Vancouver at the hot corner.

The designated hitter spot was a tie between Boise's Russ Canzler, who leads the league in home runs and RBIs with 15 and 56 respectively and Spokane's Chris Davis, who has gone yard 13 times.

The Manager of the Year award was another tie between Doug Dascenzo of Eugene and Steve Decker, skipper of the 49-18 Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.