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Five Rock Cats Named to 2009 Eastern League All-Star Team

July 1, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain, CT - When Eastern League President Joseph McEacharn announced the names of the 86-year-old circuit's 2009 All-Star participants earlier today, he called the names of five deserving young men who perform for the Rock Cats in New Britain. This very select group - consisting of 1 Outfielder, 2 Infielders and 2 Pitchers - will now proudly represent New Britain as members of the Northern Division roster when this year's EL Mid-Summer Classic is played on Wednesday, July 15th at Waterfront Park in Trenton, New Jersey.

Selected by a combination of recommendations from the historic League's 12 Field Managers - and fans casting ballots both via the internet and at stadiums across the League - the five players from New Britain chosen as 2009 Eastern League All-Stars are:

INF Brian Dinkelman, a 25-year-old native of Centralia, IL, who was selected by the Rock Cats' parent club - the American League's Minnesota Twins - out of McKendree College (IL) in the 8th Round of the 2006 Draft. A 2008 Florida State League All-Star, Dinkelman has arguably been New Britain's most reliable performer over the first half of 2009. A solid defender and among the EL's top hitters all season, the 5'11"/198-pound Second Baseman currently checks in with a .298 Batting Average, having collected 75 Hits over 69 games. Swinging from the left side, the sturdy performer also claims 18 Doubles, 2 Triples, 4 Home Runs and 39 RBI as we approach the 2009 campaign's mid-way point.

RHP Matt Fox, a 26-year-old native of Columbus. OH, was picked by Minnesota in the 1st Round (Sandwich Pick) of the 2004 Draft out of the University of Central Florida. The 6'3"/192-pound hurler is rounding into shape after having had his career stalled by an earlier surgery on his pitching shoulder. The big righty approaches the 2009 All-Star Game with a solid 6-2 record and an impressive ERA - currently 2.98 - that has consistently had him among the League's best over the first half.

1B Whit Robbins, a 24-year-old native of Norton, VA, was selected out of Georgia Tech by the Twins in the 4th Round of the 2006 Draft. The 6'3"/203-pound First Baseman has excelled both at the plate and in the field for New Britain in 2009. Hampered by a back injury earlier in his pro career, the left-handed hitter is now showing what he can do when healthy. As we approach mid-season, the Calhoun, GA resident claims a .307 Batting Average - good for twelfth in the EL - with 79 Hits in 67 games. An above average defender at 1B, Robbins has thus far posted 17 Doubles, 1 Triple, 7 HRs, and 33 RBI.

RHP Anthony Slama, a 25-year-old native of Orange, CA, was selected by Minnesota out of San Diego State University in the 39th Round of the 2006 Draft. Named both a 2008 Florida State League All-Star and the Twins' 2008 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, the 6'3"/207-pound San Diego resident has served most ably as New Britain's closer this season. Appearing in nearly half of all Rock Cats games in 2009, Slama has posted a 4-2 record - with 15 Saves and an ERA of 2.53 -over 35 bullpen appearances.

OF Rene Tosoni, the soon-to-be (7/2) 23-year-old native of Toronto, Canada, was selected by Minnesota in the 36th Round of the 2005 Draft. A 2008 Florida State League All-Star, the 6'0"/190-pound Canadian has displayed a strong total game with New Britain in 2009. The compact resident of British Columbia - also recently selected to play for the World Team in the 2009 Futures Game - has thus far hit a solid .279 for New Britain with 15 Doubles, 3 Triples, 10 Home Runs and a team-leading 47 RBI. Tosoni's powerful throwing arm is among the most respected of all Outfielders in the League. Each of these starry 2009 Rock Cats will be seeking to replicate the MVP performance submitted last July when New Britain's versatile fan favorite - Luke Hughes - was named the "star of stars" at the 2008 All-Star Game in Manchester , New Hampshire.

Congratulations and best of luck to each of these deserving New Britain Rock Cats!

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