Hosts sending seven to TL All-Star Game

In 2005, the city was awarded a Texas League franchise when the Cardinals moved into town. They moved into beautiful Hammons Field -- an 8,000-seat gem in the heart of Springfield. In 2007, the Cardinals went to the Texas League Championship, ultimately losing to San Antonio. In 2008, Hammons Field was awarded the Texas League All-Star Game.

Yesterday, fans were treated to more good news when the Cardinals were awarded seven representatives in the All-Star Game -- including three in the starting lineup. Consider it a coup for the third-place Cardinals, who tied first-place Northwest Arkansas for the second-most representatives. Frisco, currently with a league-best 36-22 record, had eight players nominated.

Of course, if Springfield does indeed send all seven players to Hammons Field on June 25, it will trump the RoughRiders, as two Frisco All-Star selections have already been promoted to Oklahoma. Chris Davis was set to start for the Southern Division at first base, and pitcher Matt Harrison was also promoted.

Their promotions are a gain to Midland and Corpus Christi, who each received an extra All-Star berth as a result of the promotions. Midland's Tommy Everidge will step into the Southern starting lineup while Corpus Christi reliever Ryan McKeller, who's 2-1 with a 3.67 ERA, will join the pitching staff.

As for Springfield, the Cardinals will make up the left side of the Northern Division infield, with Allen Craig getting the start at third base and teammate Tyler Greene at shortstop. They will be joined in the starting lineup by outfielder Shane Robinson, who's leading the league with a .386 average. Catcher Brandon Yarbrough and outfielder Jon Jay figure to see time in reserve roles.

Despite its league-worst 22-36 record, Tulsa -- like Springfield -- is also contributing three members to the Northern Division starting lineup. Joining Robinson in the outfield are a pair of Drillers in Dexter Fowler, who ranked 50th in MLB.com's preseason rankings, and Matt Miller, who ranks in the league's top five in average, RBIs and hits. Rounding out the Tulsa trio is second baseman Corey Wimberly, who's tied for the league lead with 26 stolen bases. The rest of the starting lineup will consist of a pair of Northwest Arkansas players in first baseman Kila Kaaihue and designated hitter Juan Richardson. Arkansas Travelers catcher Ben Johnson will get the start behind the plate.

On the Southern side, Frisco would have been the league's lone team with four starters had Davis not been promoted. Instead, they'll have to make do with three. Max Ramirez, who leads the circuit in home runs (14) and on-base (.448) and slugging percentage (.663) will work the backstop while a pair of teammates -- Ben Harrison and Steven Murphy -- will start in the outfield. Shortstop Elvis Andrus will likely get into the game as a reserve.

Joining Harrison and Murphy in the Southern outfield will be San Antonio's Chad Huffman, one of five Missions on the team. Kyle Blanks will move from starting as the designated hitter to starting first baseman as a result of the Chris Davis promotion. Joining him in the infield will be a pair of Corpus Christi middle infielders in Drew Sutton and Tommy Manzella, as well as Midland third baseman Jesus Guzman, who leads all of Minor League Baseball with 57 RBIs.

As for the pitching staffs, it should come as no surprise that Midland ace Vincent Mazzaro (7-2, 2.31) made the All-Star team given his league lead in both strikeouts and wins. Teammates James Simmons (2-2, 2.93) and Andrew Carignan (1.80, 6 SV), both 2007 draftees by the Athletics, will join Mazzaro. San Antonio will also send three arms, including lead strikeout leader Will Inman (5-2, 3.16). He will be joined by teammates Greg Burke (1.19, 3 SV) and Matt Buschmann (5-4, 3.71).

The Southern pitching staff will also feature a former Major Leaguer in Trey Hodges (5-4, 3.53), who will represent Frisco along with Brian Gordon (0.42, 3 SV). Finally, the 10-man pitching staff is polished off with Corpus Christi southpaw Brad James (5-3, 3.57).

Northwest Arkansas has two pitchers -- Dusty Hughes (5-2, 2.68) and Blake Johnson (5-3, 3.69) -- tied for the division lead with five wins and they'll both represent the Naturals in Springfield along with teammate Dan Cortes (2-2, 3.27). Arkansas will also send three arms in starters Dan Denham (4-5, 3.02) and Robert Mosebach (4-3, 3.53) as well as league saves leader Kevin Jepsen (1.52, 10 SV).

Joining Jepsen in the bullpen will be Springfield closer Fernando Salas (1.62, 8 SV), who has 56 strikeouts in 33 and 1/3 innings. He will be joined by Cardinals prospect Jess Todd (1-1, 1.00), who has split his season between Springfield and the Florida State League. Rounding out the pitching staff are Tulsa pitchers Adam Bright (2-2, 1.82) and Ryan Mattheus (2.60, 7 SV).

The field staffs will be a result of last season's championship, so San Antonio and Springfield will send their coaches to the game. Missions manager Bill Masse will lead the Southern side, while Cardinals manager Pop Warner will lead the signals for the north.