FSL1 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

Miracle to Send Three Players to All-Star Game

Published on June 2, 2005 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels News Release


FORT MYERS, FL (June 2, 2005) – The Fort Myers Miracle will send three players to the All-Star Game, as infielder Matt Moses, outfielder Denard Span and starting pitcher Nick Blackburn were voted to the Florida State League All-Star Team.

The 20-year-old Moses, a first round pick by the Twins in 2003, has beaten up FSL pitching all season long. He is fifth in the league in average (.333) with six home runs and a team high 31 RBI. He is currently tied for fourth in the league in on-base percentage (.400) and his 12 doubles leaves him in the top 10 in the league. Prior to this season he had never stolen a base, but this season he has 10 bags in 13 attempts. His 29 runs are tied for the team lead. He has committed just five errors in 33 games at third base. Moses played just 48 games in his first two professional seasons and the All-Star selection is his first. He resides in Winter Haven, Florida.

The 21-year-old Span, a first round pick by the Twins in 2002, has used his speed and great bat control to lead the league in hitting and on base percentage. He is hitting .353 with 14 RBI with a .428 OBP. He has stolen 11 bases in 14 attempts while tying for the team lead in runs scored with 29. This is the second time Span has been selected to an All-Star Game. Last season he was voted to the Midwest League All-Star Game, but couldn't participate due to an injury. Span graduated from Tampa Catholic High School in Tampa and resides there in the off-season.

The 23-year-old Blackburn may not be a high draft pick, 29th round in 2001, but he has been one of the most consistent starting pitcher on the Miracle staff this season. He is 5-2, 3.20 in 56.1 innings pitched. He has struck out 36 while walking just six and the opposition is hitting .241 against him. Blackburn has gone at least five innings in every start this season and at least six innings in every start, but one. He has allowed two earned runs or less in six of nine starts. He pitched in nine games at the end of the season for the Miracle in 2004. This is Blackburn's first All-Star selection in his four year career. He resides in Norman, OK.

"These three guys are more than deserving to be selected to the All-Star Game," said manager Riccardo Ingram. "Moses and Span have done exactly what we expected them to do this season, while Blackburn has stepped up and become one of the leaders of our pitching staff. It's definitely an honor for them."

The 2005 All-Star Game will be held at Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater, FL on Saturday, June 18. The game will pit the FSL West vs. FSL East.

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Florida State League Stories from June 2, 2005


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