Ports Backstop Powell Named to Cal-League All-Star Team

STOCKTON, Calif- Stockton Ports catcher and Oakland A's prospect Landon Powell has been named to the California League All-Star Team. Powell, the lone Ports representative, will play on his first all-star team since being drafted in the first round by the A's in 2004.

Powell missed all of last season due to an ACL injury he suffered during an off-season workout. An ACL injury is potentially career threatening, and he needed to undergo reconstructive surgery in hopes of a full recovery.

As of June 2006, it appears he is back to full strength again. He has gunned down 24 of 41 would-be base stealers, a percentage that leads the Cal-League. He is among the top three on the Ports roster with a .282 batting average, to go along with six homers and 25 RBI's (as of 6/12).

"I'm real happy for the kid...he deserves it," said Ports manager Todd Steverson. "He's the best catcher in the league."

"It's an honor to be chosen to represent the Cal-League team," said Powell, of his first professional all-star selection. "There are lots of guys in this league who deserve it, and I'm excited to have the opportunity to suit up."

The 2006 Carolina/California League All-Star Game will be played on June 27 at Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium in Salem, VA.