Elias, Jones, Morban, Walker Named Southern League All-Stars
JACKSON, Tenn. (July 2, 2013) - The Southern League of Professional Baseball Clubs announced today the North Division roster for the 2013 Southern League All-Star Game, which is scheduled for July 17 at Bragan Field at Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Jackson's Julio Morban was selected as an outfielder while James Jones was selected as a utility outfielder. Starting pitcher Roenis Elias was named as a pitcher to the All-Star team. Additionally, former Generals' pitcher Taijuan Walker was named an honorable mention All-Star because he has since been promoted to Triple-A.
Players were selected by a vote of Southern League field managers, radio broadcasters, general managers and print media. All players on Southern League rosters as of June 12 were eligible in the voting.
LHP Roenis Elias, 24, has led the Generals pitching staff with 75 strikeouts and has posted an ERA of 2.96. He leads the team in innings pitched at 91.1. Elias' ERA has not risen above 4.09 this year and he has allowed four runs or more only twice in 15 starts. On the road, he is 3-2, with a 2.01 ERA and has held opponents to just a .185 average. Elias was signed in 2011 as a Minor Free Agent and was a California League All-Star in 2012 a part of High Desert.
OF James Jones, 24, has played a vital role this season as the Generals' utility outfielder. With the second highest batting average on the team, Jones leads the team with 39 RBIs, seven triples, 20 stolen bases and 24 walks. Jones was the Mariners' 4th round selection during the 2009 draft out of Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus in Brooklyn, NY.
OF Julio Morban, 21, leads the Generals' in batting and ranks among the leaders in the Southern League in only his fifth professional season. Morban is the second youngest General (Steven Proscia), but has an astounding .308 average, with five home runs, 32 RBIs and a .426 average with runners in scoring. He was named the Southern League's Hitter of the Week (6/17-6/24) after ripping five extra-base hits and nine RBIs against Mobile. Morban signed with the Mariners in 2008 as a Minor League Free Agent.
RHP Taijuan Walker, 20, had led nearly every pitching category in Jackson before being promoted to AAA Tacoma on June 21 st. As a General, Walker struck out 96 hitters (1st in league) with an ERA of 2.86 (7th in league and team best), while holding opposing batters to a .195 average (4th in league). In addition, Walker had the highest strikeout to nine innings pitched ratio in the Southern League at 10.29. Since being promoted to Tacoma Walker is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 12 strikeouts, having not allowed a run in 11 innings. The Yucaipa, CA native was drafted by the Mariners in the first round (43rd overall) of the 2010 draft. He was also selected to play in his second consecutive SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game. The 15th annual game will be played July 14 th at Citi Field in New York City as part of All-Star weekend.
Southern League Release Schedule:
· July 3 - South Division All-Stars Named
· July 8 - North Division Starting Lineup and Pitcher
· July 9 - South Division Starting Lineup and Pitcher
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