Five San Jose Giants Players Named to the 2011 California League All- Star Team
Published on June 9, 2011 under California League (CalL1)
San Jose Giants News Release
SAN JOSE, CA - Five San Jose Giants players have been named to the California League All-Star team and will participate in a game versus the Carolina League All-Stars on June 21 in Modesto. Outfielder Gary Brown and pitchers Heath Hembree, Kelvin Marte, Craig Westcott and Zack Wheeler will represent the two-time defending California League champions in the All-Star contest.
The five players selected are the most of any team in the California League this season. 23 players total have been named to the All-Star squad. Entering play on Thursday, San Jose boasts the top record in the league at 41-17. The Giants are also tops in runs scored and first in team ERA. San Jose's magic number to clinch a league record seventh consecutive first half North Division title is two.
"It is a great accomplishment to have four pitchers and our centerfielder on the All-Star team," said Andy Skeels, Manager of the San Jose Giants. "They were selected from the top prospects to represent the San Jose Giants and the California League in the All-Star game, an honor that is well deserved."
Brown, who will start in the outfield in the All-Star game, currently leads the California League with 31 stolen bases. The former first round draft pick is also second in the league in hits (88), tied for second in runs scored (52) and seventh in batting average (.359). Brown has been the catalyst at the top of the Giants lineup throughout the first half as he leads the club in batting average, runs scored, hits, doubles (16 - tied), stolen bases, slugging percentage (.522) and on-base percentage (.428) while his 45 RBI's are second on the team. Brown has enjoyed two long hitting streaks this season of 15 and 12 games in addition to posting a remarkable .469 batting average with runners in scoring position.
Hembree has been the top closer in the California League throughout the first half with a league-best 18 saves and a stellar 0.83 ERA over 23 appearances. The right-hander has amassed 39 strikeouts in just 21 1/3 innings while holding the opposition to a paltry .203 batting average. Hembree had a scoreless inning streak of 17 from April 16 through May 30 earlier this season. After two blown saves to begin the year, the former fifth round draft pick has converted his last 18 save opportunities.
Marte has fashioned the third-lowest ERA in the California League at 2.63 to go with a 5-3 record in 10 starts. The left-handed pitcher has been remarkably consistent throughout the first half having allowed one or no earned runs in seven out of his 10 starts. Marte has struck out 33 batters compared to 23 walks over 61 2/3 innings while his .228 opponent's batting average is fourth-lowest among starting pitchers in the California League.
Westcott earns his second consecutive All-Star nod after pitching in the game last summer. The right-hander is a perfect 7-0 this season to go with a 2.40 ERA in 10 appearances (nine starts). He's currently first in the California League in wins and second in earned run average. Westcott has issued only 11 walks with 30 strikeouts over 60 innings. In five of his nine starts, Westcott has not allowed an earned run, including in his three most recent appearances totaling 21 innings. On May 22 at Stockton, Westcott tossed seven no-hit innings. He owns a perfect 13-0 record in 23 games (22 starts) with San Jose dating back to last season.
Wheeler is the third member of the Giants starting rotation to garner All-Star recognition. The former first round draft pick has struck out a team-high 65 batters in 55 2/3 innings to go with a 5-2 record and a 3.40 ERA over 10 starts. His .197 opponents batting average is the lowest among starting pitchers in the California League while he's tied for third in wins, tied for fourth in strikeouts and eighth in ERA. Wheeler's best start of the season came on May 29 versus Stockton when he struck out a career-high 12 with just one walk and three hits allowed over seven scoreless innings. He's fanned at least seven batters in six of his starts.
The 2011 All-Star game will be the 15th contest between the California and Carolina League. The Carolina League holds a slim 6-5-2 advantage over the California League. This year's event will be hosted by the Modesto Nuts on Tuesday, June 21. A limited number of tickets are still available for the All-Star Smash and pre-game festivities. Tickets can be purchased by visiting modestonuts.com or by calling the Nuts ticket office at (209) 572-HITS (4487).
The San Jose Giants continue their road trip in Modesto for a four-game series against the Nuts starting tonight at 7:00 PM. The Giants return home June 13 for a seven-game homestand versus Bakersfield and Modesto to conclude the first half of the season. For more information on tickets visit sjgiants.com or call (408) 297-1435.
California League Stories from June 9, 2011
- Three Quakes Named to All-Star Team - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Gilmartin Selected as Mid-Season All-Star - Stockton Ports
- 66ers Closer Named Cal League All-Star - Inland Empire 66ers
- Jedd Gyorko Represents Storm on California League All-Star Roster - Lake Elsinore Storm
- San Jose Giants on Deck: Giants Continue Road Trip in Modesto - San Jose Giants
- Five San Jose Giants Players Named to the 2011 California League All- Star Team - San Jose Giants
- 2011 California League All-Stars Announced - CalL1
- Rosters Announced for All-Star Smash - Modesto Nuts
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