Pioneer League all-star team announced
Published on August 31, 2006 under Pioneer League (PL)
Northern Colorado Owlz News Release
The Pioneer League has released the results of the 2006 All-Star squad.
The format features three outfielders, a player for each infield position, a designated hitter, five pitchers, and a manager.
However, due to a tie there were two skippers tabbed Manager of the Year, Orem's very own Tom Kotchman and Rick Burelson of the Billings Mustangs. Kotchman also won the award during the 2004 season when the Owlz were located in Provo.
"It's a nice award to win but the credit goes to the players," Kotchman said. "They've done outstanding this year."
Two other Orem players also made the cut, right handed starter Sean O'Sullivan and outfielder Chris Pettit.
O'Sullivan boasts the league's top ERA at 1.91 along with a perfect 4-0 record. He has recorded 51 strikeouts and walked just seven men in 66 innings pitched.
Sean was also nominated for Pitcher of the Year but lost out to Brandon Hynick of the Casper Rockies who got called up to Single A Tri-City just one week ago. Hynick posted a 4-3 record with a 2.39 ERA while striking out 70 men in 64 innings during his time with the Rockies.
Pettit holds the team's best average at .317 and most RBI at 44 going into tonight's contest against Idaho Falls. His 20 doubles and .432 on-base percentage both rank third in the league. Chris has also launched six homers this season.
"Pettit and O'Sullivan were undeniable on that list," said Kotchman. "They've been there for us all year - our most consistent hitter and pitcher. Hats off to them."
The Owlz also had five men on the honorable mention list. Shortstop Ryan Mount, center fielder Peter Bourjos along with pitchers Trevor Bell, David Herndon, and Felipe Arredondo were all recognized.
Billings shortstop Chris Valaika was named the league's Most Valuable Player. To date, Valaika is hitting .340 and leading the league with 60 RBI. Just last week in Orem, he tied and broke a Pioneer League Record by hitting safely in 30 and 31 consecutive games. His streak would finally end two nights later at 32.
Pioneer League Stories from August 31, 2006
- Pioneer League all-star team announced - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Owlz defeat White Sox 4-1 in Orem - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Hardy named All-Star - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Casper Rockies Hynick Named Pitcher of the Year - Casper Ghosts
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