Four Defenders Named All Stars

Published on July 2, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release


NORWICH, CT- The 2008 Eastern League All Star team is all set and your hometown Connecticut Defenders will have four representatives in Martinez, Hedrick, Haines and Rosario.

"We are proud of these four players but it's a true testament to the Giants organization with the talent we see. The team has already promoted a good number of players this season to Triple-A Fresno and San Francisco," said Defenders General Manager Charlie Dowd.

Joey Martinez has stepped into the "ace" role for the Defenders with an impressive league leading 2.15 ERA in 15 starts, while posting a 4-6 record with 53 strikeouts. He pitched 19 scoreless innings earlier this season while compiling 32 innings without allowing an earned run which earned him the honor of being named Bank of America Eastern League Player of the Week ending June 22nd. Martinez was will be making his first All Star appearance. Recently placed on the DL with a right arm bruised contusion, Martinez is back in action tonight vs. New Hampshire.

Justin Hedrick has been outstanding with a fantastic 1.71 ERA in 24 appearances, while posting a 2-2 record. He has allowed only 2 earned runs in his last 10 outings. This year will mark the second All Star appearance for Justin as he was named to the California League team in ‘06. A crucial member of the Defenders pitching staff, Hedrick has shown patience and cool demeanor in pivotal situations.

Kyle Haines will be making his first All Star appearance since being signed by the Giants in 2004. Haines has posted a .301 batting average and 16 RBI's in 53 games. The switch hitting middle infielder has been a consistent clutch hitter and brings great range with his defense as well. From the get go, Haines has been a valuable utility player for the Defenders and recently has been a regular in the lineup.

Olmo Rosario has delivered a .301 batting average with 4 long balls and 27 RBI's in 73 games. Rosario's bat has been a staple in the Defenders lineup all season long and has been good defensively in the middle infield. Olmo is coming off an impressive championship season with the Nashua Pride of the Independent Can Am League while transcending his winning ways to Connecticut.

The 2008 Eastern League All Star Game is Wednesday, July 16th at MerchantsAuto.com Stadium in Manchester, NH. For more information, visit the Fisher Cats website at www.nhfishercats.com or call at (603)-641-2005.

The Defenders are in action again tonight at Dodd Stadium vs. the Fisher Cats at 6:35pm. Its UBS Financial Services, Inc. Senior Citizens Wednesdays, where fans 55 or older receive any ticket for just $3. Gates open at 5:35pm. For more information, call the Defenders at (860)-887-7962.

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