Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Catfish Place Four On All-Star Team

Four members of the Columbus Catfish roster ... and the manager ... have made the South Atlantic League All-Star roster. Manager Jim Morrison will be part of the coaching staff supporting Asheville's Joe Mikulik, who was named manager of the Southern Division team.

Catfish OF Ryan Royster, who broke up a no-hitter yesterday with a game-winning home run, is one of three position players on the roster. Royster has the highest batting average (.307), is tied for the team lead in home runs (7), and is second on the team in hits (58) and RBIs (33). In the outfield, he's played errorless ball.

OF Desmond Jennings, who leads the Catfish in stolen bases (22) and runs scored (34), and has the 2nd highest on-base percentage (.374) on the team, also was named to the roster.

C Nevin Ashley, who has split time with 2 other catchers, also made the team. He's hitting .286, is 3rd on the team in hits (55), 2nd in triples (5), and 4th in home runs (5) and RBIs (27).

One Catfish pitcher made the All-Star team. Heath Rollins is unbeaten at 6-0 in 11 starts. His 1.09 ERA is 2nd in the league and leads the league in strike-outs (69).

Left off the All-Star team were ... well, everybody else. And that's a shame.

The Catfish are in the midst of a race for a playoff spot. They are 38-21 (.644), have the 2nd best record in the division and 3rd best in the league.

Individually, Quinn Stewart and Matt Fields share the team home run lead with Royster (7). John Matulia has the 2nd highest batting average (.298) and is 2nd in the league in triples (5). Cesar Suarez leads the team in RBIs (34) and doubles (18). Maiko Loyola has the team's highest on-base percentage (.384).

Sure, I understand that other teams must be represented. And that other players on other teams have impressive stats, too. And perhaps I'm a little biased towards the Catfish. And that every year, someone who is deserving is left off the All-Star roster.

So, I won't whine ... too much ... about these omissions. I'll try to reserve my actions to congratulating the players that made the team. It's well deserved.

1 comment:

  1. Basil-well said. This team is night/day better than the Dodgers' organization that was here, IMO. They just seem much more professional. We have a coach who plays to win, not playing ultra conservative. As I said before, I'd rather see a guy thrown out at home plate trying to score, than to just sit on third waiting and waiting....This team is GOOD, and I am really enjoying watching them. See you at the park tonight.

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