All-Star Rosters Announced
Three Nuts Named to Cal League Squad
MODESTO, Cal. - The Modesto Nuts Professional Baseball Club, in conjunction with the California League and the Carolina League, are proud to announce the 2011 rosters for the All-Star Smash presented by Jackson Rancheria Casino and Hotel. The All-Star Smash will take place on Tuesday, June 21st at John Thurman Field in Modesto. This is the first time Modesto has hosted the California League/Carolina League All-Star game.
Three Modesto Nuts players have been named to the team, led by Triple Crown candidate Mike Zuanich. Zuanich, who is in the top ten in the California League in batting average, home runs and RBI, will be joined by Nuts teammates Dan Houston (6-1) and Chad Bettis (4-3).
The San Jose Giants have a league-high 5 players on the California team. Gary Brown and his 31 stolen bases have been named a starting outfielder while four pitchers will make up nearly half of the Cal League's pitching staff. San Francisco Giants top prospect Zach Wheeler is joined by fellow pitchers Heath Hembree (18 saves), Craig Westcott (7-0) and Kelvin Marte (5-3).
The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and the High Desert Mavericks join the Nuts with three All-Stars each. All three Quakes players will serve as starters in the mid-season exhibition. Gorman Erickson (.347 batting average) will start behind the plate, Jake Lemmerman (.289 batting average) will start at shortstop and Angelo Songco (.314 batting average) will start in the outfield. The Mavericks have two starters: second baseman Mario Martinez (.322 batting average) and designated hitter Vincent Catricala (league-high 14 home runs). Pitcher Chris Sorce (5-3) will be available out of the bullpen for Cal League manager Jerry Weinstein.
The Visalia Rawhide, Lancaster JetHawks and Bakersfield Blaze will send two players to Modesto. Rawhide starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs (league-high 90 strikeouts) received the most votes among pitchers. Skaggs will be joined by starting outfielder Adam Eaton (.369 batting average). JetHawks first baseman Kody Hinze (.340 batting average with 14 home runs) will serve as a backup while pitcher Jake Buchanon (4-4) will provide another strong arm out of the bullpen. Bakersfield catcher Yasmani Grandal (.279 batting average) and outfielder Josh Fellhauer (.322 batting average) will round out the bench for the California League.
The lone Lake Elsinore Storm selection, Jedd Gyorko (.368 batting average and 13 home runs), will start at third base. Stockton Ports infielder Mike Gilmartin (.295 batting average) will serve as a backup middle infielder. Inland Empire pitcher David Carpenter (8 saves) will round out the staff for the California League team
The Carolina League team is led by Cleveland Indians prospect Drew Pomeranz. Pomeranz, the 5th overall pick in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft, is 2-1 with a 1.85 ERA. Pomeranz is joined by two Kinston teammates: pitcher Preston Guilmet (13 saves) and infielder Justin Toole (.294 batting average).
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans and Wilmington Blue Rocks will both send a league-high four (4) players to the All-Star Smash. Pelicans pitchers Robert Ross (7-1) and Joe Wieland (5-3) will be joined by catcher Zach Zaneski (.293 batting average) and outfielder Ryan Strausborger (.301 batting average). The Blue Rocks will send a pair of pitchers that are currently 5-0 on the season: Michael Mariot and Jake Odorizzi. The two right-handers are joined by infielder Rey Navarro (.293 batting average) and outfielder Whit Merrifield (.269 batting average).
The Lynchburg Hillcats will send three position players to Modesto. Infielders Andrelton Simmons (.316 batting average) and Joe Terdoslavich (.274 batting average with 11 home runs) will be joined by outfielder Todd Cunningham (.275 batting average).
Left-handed pitcher Chris Hernandez (2.52 ERA) of the Salem Red Sox will be one of three lefties on the Carolina League pitching staff. Hernandez is joined by Red Sox teammates Dan Butler (catcher) and infielder Reynaldo Rodriguez (.317 batting average). The Winston-Salem Dash will have three representatives on the Carolina League squad. Outfielder Jose Martinez (.306 batting average) and designated hitter Ian Gac (15 home runs) will supply the offense for the Carolina League while pitcher Andre Rienzo will bring his 2.91 ERA to the large ballpark in Modesto.
The Frederick Keys will be represented by pitcher Robert Bundy (6-3) and infielder Tyler Townsend (.322 batting average). Destin Hood, outfielder with the Potomac Nationals, will round out the Carolina League roster.
Modesto Nuts manager Jerry Weinstein will manage the California League staff. He will be assisted by Nuts pitching Coach Darryl Scott, hitting Coach Kevin Riggs and athletic trainer Chris Dovey.
The Carolina League squad will be managed by Potomac Nationals manager Matt LeCroy. Kinston manager Aaron Holbert will serve as the pitching coach. They will be joined by Potomac trainer Alan Wood.
The June 21st contest will be the 15th game in the series. Both teams have won six times with two games ending in a tie.
The All-Star Smash festivities will begin with the Clutch Poppin' Parade and Fan Fest presented by Save Mart Supermarkets, Foster Farms and Valley First Credit Union on Monday, June 20th. The free event will take place on the plaza of the Gallo Center for the Arts in downtown Modesto beginning at 5:00 p.m. The event will feature a classic car parade, player autographs and interactive games.
Gates will open at John Thurman Field at 3:30 p.m. for the All-Star Smash. Pre-game activities include a Miracle League exhibition presented by State Farm Insurance, the Hot Rod Home Run Derby presented by Taco Bell and autograph signing by Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers. The Modesto Symphony Orchestra chorus will sing the National Anthem and Prime Shine Car Wash will present the post-game fireworks extravaganza.
A limited number of tickets are still available for the All-Star Smash and pre-game festivities. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.modestonuts.com or by calling the Nuts ticket office at (209) 572-HITS (4487).