Heavy hitters highlight Cal All-Star roster

There were few surprises when the California League released their All-Star roster Monday afternoon.

The traditionally offense-laden league's roster for the June 23 California-Carolina All-Star Game is stacked with heavy hitters and big names, including Giants prospect Buster Posey.

After a standout winter in Hawaii, Posey (.307, nine home runs, 41 RBIs) has continued his success with San Jose and will anchor the Cal League team behind the plate.

The offensive barrage continues throughout the infield positions with Joe Dunigan (.357-14-50), who tops the league in average, earning a starting nod for the game. He'll be joined by High Desert teammates shortstop Juan Diaz (.343-2-21) and third baseman Alex Liddi (.327-13-53), who is currently leading the league in RBIs. Rounding out the infield will be Bakersfield second baseman Matt Lawson (.309-6-28).

Inland Empire's speedy Trayvon Robinson, who leads the league in stolen bases (22), will man one of the outfield spots. The league's top home run basher Jonathan Gaston (.302-15-42) of Lancaster and San Jose's Thomas Neal (.333-9-37) will fill the other two spots.

The Carolina League pitchers will have their work cut out for them, since no position player on the Cal League starting roster is hitting under .300 for the season.

But California isn't all offense, however. Host team Lake Elsinore will contribute four pitchers to the staff including Cory Luebke (6-2, 2.63 ERA), Jeremy McBryde (6-1, 3.04), Bryan Oland (1-1, 1.65) and Wynn Pelzer (6-3, 5.68).

Two members of Visalia's league-leading 3.49 ERA staff will join the All-Star ranks -- lefty Pat McAnaney (6-1, 2.83) and Josh Collmenter (6-3, 3.29). In addition, the league's top closer, Rockies prospect Craig Baker (1-1, 3.21, 18 saves), also earned a roster spot for Modesto.

Reserves also named to the squad include Stockton catcher Yusuf Carter (.325-2-17), Storm third baseman Logan Forsythe(.328-8-29), Blaze designated hitter Mauro Gomez (.266-9-40) and Giants outfielder Roger Kieschnick (.302-7-30).

The California League will be managed by Carlos Lezcano of Lake Elsinore. The game will be played at the Storm's home park, The Diamond.