Texas League All-Star Game: North 2, South 1

Mike Feigen, Texas League

In a mid-summer contest billed as a battle between the strong arms of the North against the big bats of the South, the pitching shut down the hitting as the North emerged with a 2-1 victory July 1 at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco.

Northwest Arkansas infielder Corey Smith was named the Player of the Game for the North squad, going 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored in the victory. His leadoff single in the second off losing pitcher Jason Fernandez of Midland started a small rally, culminating in a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch of Mark Trumbo that scored Smith with the first run of the night.

With the score still 1-0 in the eighth, the North added some insurance. Springfield’s Nate Sutton, who reached base on a fielder’s choice, stole second with two outs. Northwest Arkansas infielder Kurt Mertins followed by lacing a single to left-center, bringing home Sutton to increase the North's lead to 2-0. The South All-Stars countered in the bottom of the eighth with a run of their own, but would get no closer. After Josh Donaldson singled, teammate Josh Horton of Midland ripped an RBI double down the left field line, plating the South’s only run of the ballgame.

A trio of Springfield hurlers, including starting and winning pitcher Trey Hearne, led the North staff with four innings pitched, allowing two hits, no runs, no walks and three strikeouts. Three Tulsa pitchers also worked in the ballgame, combining for three scoreless innings with two hits, no walks and two punchouts. Andrew Johnston, Tulsa’s closer and the top fireman in the Texas League, closed out the game to earn the save. Johnston came into the break with 22 saves in 23 chances.

Local favorite Kasey Kiker of Frisco got the start for the South, working a flawless first inning in front of 10,314 hometown fans. Kiker, coming off a big week in which he tossed 13 scoreless innings, needed just 11 pitches to retire the North in order, including a strikeout of Springfield outfielder Daryl Jones to open the game.

The South staff combined for 12 strikeouts and no walks in nine innings of work, including strong performances by San Antonio gunslingers Mat Latos, Mike DeMark and Evan Scribner, who struck out six in 3 1/3 scoreless frames. The North staff also did not walk a batter, while striking out six. Despite each team using eight pitchers and 14 position players, the time of the game was just 2 hours, 15 minutes.

Prior to the game, Trumbo won the Home Run Derby over Carter, outlasting the RockHounds’ slugger in the finals. Carter, who stole the show with 10 bombs in the opening round, became a fan favorite with several moon shots, including five that completely left the ballpark. Trumbo made the finals with seven homers in the first round, while Smith had six, San Antonio’s Craig Cooper had two, and Corpus Christi’s Collin DeLome and Springfield’s Steven Hill had one apiece.

North Division All-Stars

Starters

First Base - Mark Hamilton, Springfield (N1)
Second Base - Daniel Descalso, Springfield
Third Base - Corey Smith, Northwest Arkansas
Shortstop - Daniel Mayora, Tulsa
Catcher - Hank Conger, Arkansas
Designated Hitter - Jeff Kindel, Tulsa
Outfield - Peter Bourjos, Arkansas (N2)
Outfield - Tyler Henley, Springfield
Outfield - Jordan Parraz, Northwest Arkansas

Reserves

Infield - Pete Kozma, Springfield
Infield - Kurt Mertins, Northwest Arkansas
Infield - Nate Sutton, Arkansas
Catcher - Steven Hill, Springfield
Outfield - Daryl Jones, Springfield

Pitchers

RHP - Trevor Bell, Arkansas (N3)
RHP - Jhoulys Chacin, Tulsa
RHP - Samuel Deduno, Tulsa
RHP - Trey Hearne, Springfield
RHP - Andrew Johnston, Tulsa
RHP - Lance Lynn, Springfield
RHP - Robert Mosebach, Arkansas (N4)
LHP - Trevor Reckling, Arkansas
RHP - Esmil Rogers, Tulsa
RHP - Francisco Samuel, Springfield

Staff

Manager - Bobby Magallanes, Arkansas
Coach - Francisco Matos, Arkansas
Coach - Larry Carter, Northwest Arkansas
Trainer - Eric Munson, Arkansas
Strength Coach - Josh Field, Arkansas

(N1) Mark Trumbo, Arkansas replaces Mark Hamilton, Springfield (Triple-A) on roster.
(N2) Cody Strait, Northwest Arkansas replaces Peter Bourjos*, Arkansas (injury) on roster.
*Bourjos will now play.
(N3) Tommy Mendoza, Arkansas replaces Trevor Bell, Arkansas (Triple-A) on roster.
(N4) Bobby Cassevah, Arkansas replaces Robert Mosebach, Arkansas (Triple-A) on roster.

South Division All-Stars

Starters

First Base - Justin Smoak, Frisco (S1)
Second Base - Adrian Cardenas, Midland
Third Base - Tommy Everidge, Midland (S2)
Shortstop - Wladimir Sutil, Corpus Christi
Catcher - Manny Pina, Frisco
Designated Hitter - Craig Cooper, San Antonio
Outfield - Mike Baxter, San Antonio (S3)
Outfield - Luis Durango, San Antonio
Outfield - Drew Locke, Corpus Christi

Reserves

Infield - Chris Carter, Midland
Infield - Eric Sogard, San Antonio
Infield - Josh Horton, Midland
Catcher - Josh Donaldson, Midland
Outfield - Collin DeLome, Corpus Christi

Pitchers

LHP - Douglas Arguello, Corpus Christi (S4)
RHP - Travis Banwart, Midland
RHP - Sam Demel, Midland (S5)
RHP - Jason Fernandez, Midland
RHP - Ernesto Frieri, San Antonio
RHP - Graham Godfrey, Midland
LHP - Kasey Kiker, Frisco
RHP - Omar Poveda, Frisco (S6), (S7)
RHP - Evan Scribner, San Antonio
LHP - Polin Trinidad, Corpus Christi

(S1) Craig Gentry, Frisco replaces Justin Smoak, Frisco (injury) on roster; Smoak may still play.
(S2) Jhon Florentino, Corpus Christi replaces Tommy Everidge, Midland (Triple-A) on roster
(S3) Corey Brown, Midland replaces Mike Baxter, San Antonio (Triple-A) on roster
(S4) Mat Latos, San Antonio replaces Douglas Arguello, Corpus Christi (injury) on roster
(S5) Mike Benacka, Midland replaces Sam Demel, Midland (Triple-A) on roster
(S6) Jose Diaz, Frisco replaces Omar Poveda, Frisco (injury) on roster
(S7) Mike DeMark, San Antonio replaces Jose Diaz, Frisco (injury) on roster

Staff

Manager - Mike Micucci, Frisco
Coach - Jeff Andrews, Frisco
Coach - Brant Brown, Frisco
Trainer - Chris Gorosics, Frisco
Strength Coach - Luke Chichetto, Frisco

June 25, 2008: Texas League All-Star Game
Hammons Field, Springfield, Missouri

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For results of 2008 All-Star Game, highlights, boxscores and more, click here ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2008 North Division All-Star Team

STARTERS
C-Ben Johnson, Arkansas
1B-Kila Kaaihue, Northwest Arkansas
2B-Corey Wimberly, Tulsa
3B-Allen Craig, Springfield
SS-Tyler Greene, Springfield
OF-Dexter Fowler, Tulsa
OF-Matt Miller, Tulsa
OF-Shane Robinson, Springfield
DH-Juan Richardson, Northwest Arkansas

RESERVES
C-Brandon Yarbrough, Springfield
IF-Tony Blanco, Tulsa
IF-Angel Sanchez, Northwest Arkansas
OF-Jon Jay, Springfield
OF-Ovandy Suero, Northwest Arkansas

PITCHERS
Adam Bright, Tulsa
Daniel Cortes, Northwest Arkansas
Dan Denham, Arkansas
Dusty Hughes, Northwest Arkansas (2)
Kevin Jepsen, Arkansas (1)
Blake Johnson, Northwest Arkansas
Ryan Mattheus, Tulsa (3)
Robert Mosebach, Arkansas
Fernando Salas, Springfield
Jess Todd, Springfield

STAFF
Manager: Ron "Pop" Warner, Springfield
Coach: Derrick May, Springfield
Coach: Bryan Eversgerd, Springfield
Trainer: Jay Pierson, Springfield

(1) Kevin Jepsen has been promoted to Triple-A. He will be replaced by Anthony Ortega, Arkansas.

(2) Dusty Hughes has been promoted to Triple-A. He will be replaced by Casey Weathers, Tulsa.

(3) Ryan Mattheus will be unavailable for medical reasons. He will be replaced by Luke Gregerson, Springfield.

2008 South Division All-Star Team

STARTERS
C-Max Ramirez, Frisco (6)
1B-Chris Davis, Frisco (1)
2B-Drew Sutton, Corpus Christi
3B-Jesus Guzman, Midland (5)
SS-Tommy Manzella, Corpus Christi
OF-Ben Harrison, Frisco
OF-Chad Huffman, San Antonio
OF-Steven Murphy, Frisco
DH-Kyle Blanks, San Antonio

RESERVES
C-Anthony Recker, Midland
IF-Elvis Andrus, Frisco
IF-Chris Johnson, Corpus Christi
OF-Jon Zeringue, Midland
OF-Billy Hart, Corpus Christi (4)

PITCHERS
Greg Burke, San Antonio
Matt Buschmann, San Antonio
Andrew Carignan, Midland
Brian Gordon, Frisco (3)
Matt Harrison, Frisco (2)
Trey Hodges, Frisco
Will Inman, San Antonio
Brad James, Corpus Christi (7)
Vincent Mazzaro, Midland
James Simmons, Midland

STAFF
Manager: Bill Masse, San Antonio
Coach: Steve Webber, San Antonio
Coach: Terry Kennedy, San Antonio
Strength Co.: Andy Stucke, San Antonio
Trainer: Wade Yamasaki, San Antonio

(1) Chris Davis has been promoted to Triple A. He will be replaced by Tommy Everidge, Midland, who will become the starting DH, with Kyle Blanks becoming the starting first baseman.

(2) Matt Harrison has been promoted to Triple A. He will be replaced by Ryan McKeller, Corpus Christi.

(3) Brian Gordon has been promoted to Triple A. He will be replaced by Chris Blazek, Corpus Christi

(4) Billy Hart has been placed on the DL. He will be replaced by Craig Cooper, San Antonio
(5) Jesus Guzman has been promoted to Triple-A. He will be replaced by Richie Paz, Corpus Christi.

(6) Max Ramirez has been promoted to the Texas Rangers. He will be replaced by Emerson Frostad, Frisco.

(7) Brad James will be unavailable due to medical reasons. He will be placed by Brandon Puffer, Frisco

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2008Texas League Post-Season All Star Team

1B-Kila Ka’aihue, Northwest Arkansas
2B-Drew Sutton, Corpus Christi
3B-Allen Craig, Springfield
SS-Elvis Andrus, Frisco
UTL-Eric Young, Jr., Tulsa
C-Ben Johnson, Arkansas
C-Max Ramirez, Frisco
OF-Aaron Cunningham, Midland
OF-Dexter Fowler, Tulsa
OF-Matt Miller, Tulsa
DH-Kyle Blanks, San Antonio
DH-Tommy Everidge, Midland

P-Matt Buschmann, San Antonio
P-Dan Cortes, Northwest Arkansas
P-Will Inman, San Antonio
P-Vince Mazzaro, Midland
P-Fernando Salas, Springfield
P-James Simmons, Midland
P-Jess Todd, Springfield

Manager of the Year: Scott Little, Frisco
Pitcher of the Year: Vince Mazzaro, Midland
Player of the Year: Kila Ka’aihue, Northwest Arkansas
Mike Coolbaugh Texas League Coach of the Year: Larry Carter, Northwest Arkansas

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

June 26, 2007: Texas League All-Star Game
Whataburger Field, Corpus Christi, Texas

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For results of 2007 All-Star Game, highlights, boxscores and more, click here ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2007 Texas League North Division All-Star Team

C – Bryan Anderson - Springfield
1B – Joe Mather (3) - Springfield
2B – Adam Morrissey - Arkansas
3B – Freddy Sandoval - Arkansas
SS – Jonathan Herrera - Tulsa
OF – Chris Lubanski - Wichita
OF – Matt Miller - Tulsa
OF – Colby Rasmus - Springfield
DH – Juan Richardson - Springfield
Reserves
C – Bobby Wilson - Arkansas
IF – Jarrett Hoffpauir - Springfield
IF – Sean Rodriguez - Arkansas
IF – Mike Stodolka - Wichita
OF – Sean Danielson - Springfield

P – Nick Adenhart (4) - Arkansas
P – Jose Arredondo (2) - Arkansas
P – Daniel Davidson (1) - Arkansas
P – Jamie Garcia - Springfield
P – Nick Green – Arkansas
P – Jarrett Grube - Tulsa
P – Luke Hochevar - Wichita
P – Chris Perez - Springfield
P – Steven Register - Tulsa
P – Greg Reynolds (5) - Tulsa

Manager – Ron “Pop” Warner - Springfield
Coach – Derrick May - Springfield
Coach – Blaise Ilsley - Springfield
Trainer – Brad LaRosa - Springfield

(1) – Juan Morillo – Tulsa, will replace Davidson who is disabled
(2) - Rich Thompson - Arkansas, will replace Arredondo who has been sent to Rancho Cucamonga
(3) - Christian Colonel - Tulsa, will replace Mather who has been promoted to Memphis
(4) - Mitchell Boggs - Springfield, will replace Adenhart who has been placed on the DL
(5) - Ryan Mattheus - Tulsa, will replace Reynolds

2007 Texas League South Division All-Star Team

C – Landon Powell - Midland
1B – Todd Self - Corpus Christi
2B – German Duran - Frisco
3B – Chase Headley (2) - San Antonio
SS – Gregorio Petit (3) - Midland
OF – Peter Ciofrone – San Antonio
OF – Richie Robnett - Midland
OF – Anthony Webster - Frisco
DH – Noochie Varner – Corpus Christi
Reserves
C – Kevin Richardson - Frisco
IF – Travis Metcalf (1) - Frisco
IF – Brian Snyder - Midland
OF – Beau Torbert – Corpus Christi
OF – Will Venable – San Antonio

P – Paul Abraham – San Antonio
P – Chance Douglass – Corpus Christi
P – Ben Fritz - Midland
P – Josh Geer – San Antonio
P – Eric Hurley (4) - Frisco
P – Mike Madsen - Midland
P – Doug Mathis - Frisco
P – Troy Patton – Corpus Christi
P – Steven Sharpe – Midland
P – Andy Shipman - Midland

Manager – Dave Clark – Corpus Christi
Coach – Stan Boroski – Corpus Christi
Coach – John Tamargo, Jr. – Corpus Christi
Coach – Danny Fatheree – Corpus Christi
Trainer – Jamey Snodgrass – Corpus Christi

(1) – Casey Benjamin – Frisco, replaces Metcalf, who has been promoted to Texas
(2) - Drew Sutton - Corpus Christi, replaces Headley, who has been promoted to San Diego
(3) - Jonny Ash - Corpus Christi, replaces Petit, who has been promoted to Triple A
(4) - Luis Mendoza - Frisco, replaces Hurley, who has been promoted to Triple A

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For results of 2006 All-Star Game, highlights, boxscores and more, click here

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2007 Post-Season All-Star Team

C – Bryan Anderson, Springfield
C – Nick Hundley, San Antonio
1B – Mike Stodolka, Wichita
2B – German Duran, Frisco
3B – Chase Headley, San Antonio
SS – Sean Rodriguez, Arkansas
OF – Colby Rasmus, Springfield
OF – Richie Robnett, Midland
OF – Ray Sadler, Corpus Christi
OF – Will Venable, San Antonio
DH – Chriatain Colonel, Tulsa
Util – Freddy Sandoval, Arkansas

P - Josh Geer, San Antonio
P - Miguel Gonzalez, Arkansas
P - Nick Green, Arkansas
P - Luis Mendoza, Frisco
P - Troy Patton, Corpus Christi
P - Chris Perez, Springfield
P - Steven Register, Tulsa