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July 6, 2008
All-Star Fish
The Bluefish felt all season that they possessed the talent to win the Liberty Division first-half championship. They did not achieve their goal, but judging by the roster for the Atlantic League All-Star Game they have the most talent among the players still in the league.
The Bluefish had a division-high seven players named today, based on voting by fans, league and team officials and members of the media. The total tied the Somerset Patriots, who represent the Freedom Division, for the most in the league.
First baseman Jesse Hoorelbeke (.258, 15 HR, 56 RBI through Saturday), third baseman Luis Lopez (.365, 4, 48) and outfielder Branden Florence (.328, 4, 30) were named as starters. Second baseman Henry Mateo (.312, 2, 26) and outfielder Ryan Bear (.324, 6, 34) are reserves, while starting pitchers Eric DuBose (4-2, 3.38) and Barry Hertzler (3-5, 4.63) were also named.
``I think that’s something that we kind of knew right off the bat, that we were going to have that kind of talent,’’ general manager Todd Marlin said. ``And unfortunately, they haven’t put it together completely to win the first half. But we were right there. We had our opportunities. We really did. I think it says a lot for what (manager) Tommy (John) and all of us are doing getting players in here, trying to get the best guys we can.’’
The All-Star Game will be held at Commerce Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, N.J. July 16.
Hoorelbeke, the 2007 league Co-Player of the Year, was tied for the league-lead in home runs and was second in RBIs entering play today. Lopez was tied for third in the league in hitting, was first in hits (91), tied for first in doubles (19) and second in on-base percentage (.457). Mateo led the league in runs scored (59), was tied for the lead in doubles and was third in hits (83). DuBose was tied for the league lead in complete games (two) and was third in ERA (3.38).
One noticeable omission from a Bluefish standpoint was left-hander Derrick Ellison, who was 1-0 with 0.40 ERA and one save in 20 appearances (22 1/3 innings) through Saturday. Long Island closer Joe Valentine (3-2, 3.13, eight saves), Camden closer Alec Zumwalt (4-1, 2.56, league-leading 13 saves), Camden’s Julio Guerrero (6-1, 3.26) and Southern Maryland’s Matt Schweitzer (0-3, 1.03. three saves) were the four relievers named. Three had worked at least 31 2/3 innings, while Valentine, who was signed and released by the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this season, had 23.
``That’s one’s tough,’’ Marlin said. ``I don’t really get that one. I would think that it’s probably just because he’s a bullpen guy and maybe because he missed a little bit of time (with an oblique strain). That would be the only reason I would think. He’s been pitching very good.’’
Rich
Posted by Elliott on July 6, 2008 4:55 PM
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