Four Lunkers named all-stars
Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers starting pitchers Dennis O'Grady and Michael Gedman, closer Drew Smith and infielder David Valsente were selected to the 2008 Northwoods League All-Start Game.
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The four Lunkers will represent the North Division vs. the South Division 5:05 p.m. July 21 at Port Arthur Stadium in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Dennis O'Grady
O'Grady currently leads the Northwoods League with his 1.20 ERA in six starts. The righty carries a perfect 4-0 record in 45.0 innings pitched. He has struck out 38 hitters, which is the second highest on the team,and threw 22-consecutive scoreless innings earlier this year.
Gedman has a 3-1 record and 2.53 ERA. The lefty has walked only seven and struck out 32 in a team-high 46.1 innings pitched. He is tied for second on the team with his three victories.
Drew Smith
Smith sits third in the Northwoods League with ten saves. The righty has a record of 1-1 and 1.10 ERA. He has made 16 appearances this season, struck out 15 and opposing batters are hitting just .188 against him.
Valesente has belted six doubles, a triple and a home run already this season. In 33 games, he holds a .344 slugging percentage and .254 batting average.
Michael Gedman
This year's All-Stars were chosen in a vote by the 14 member teams of the Northwoods League. Ballots were cast by each team's field staff and radio and media contacts.
North Division All-Stars
Pitchers: Matt Fyffe (RHP Alexandria), Mitch Handley (RHP Alexandria), Michael Gedman (LHP Brainerd Lakes Area), Dennis O'Grady (RHP Brainerd Lakes Area), Drew Smith (RHP Brainerd Lakes Area), Sean Yost (RHP Duluth), Ryan Demmin (LHP Mankato), Tim Griffin (RHP Mankato), James Wise (RHP Mankato),Drew Gagnon (RHP Rochester), Zach Robertson (LHP Rochester), Arik Sikula (RHP Rochester), David Deminsky (LHP St. Cloud)
David Valsente
Position players: Tim Roberson (C Alexandria), Kyle Knudson (C Mankato), Drew Beuerlein (C Rochester), Keith Castillo (1B Alexandria), Adam Courcha (2B Thunder Bay), Corey Jones (SS Rochester), David Valesente (3B Brainerd Lakes Area), KC Serna (X-INF Mankato), Mike O'Neill (OF Alexandria), Rance Roundy (OF Rochester), PJ Sequeira (OF Rochester), Danny Miller (X-OF Mankato) , Nick Longmire (X-OF St. Cloud)
Coaching staff: Mike Orchard Manager Mankato, Jason Belk Coach Mankato, Kurt Albin Coach Mankato, Ryan Ruiz Coach Mankato, Joel Barta Manager Thunder Bay
South Division All-Stars
Pitchers: RJ Hively (RHP Battle Creek), James Jones (RHP Battle Creek), Matt Talley (LHP Battle Creek), Rudy Jaramillo (LHP Eau Claire), *Devan Kline (RHP Eau Claire), Dixon Anderson (RHP Green Bay), Joel Delorit (LHP Green Bay), Chuck Lukanen (LHP Green Bay), Zach Varce (RHP Green Bay), Steven Gruver (LHP La Crosse), Cody Winiarski (RHP Madison), Bobby Pritchett (RHP Wisconsin), Bryce Shafer (RHP Wisconsin),
Position players: Robert Brantly (C La Crosse), Jimmy Tanner (C Battle Creek), Ben Long (C Wisconsin), Harold Riggins (1B Madison), Greg Fujii (2B Battle Creek), Michael Giller (SS Waterloo), Josh Valle (3B Battle Creek), Riley Henricks (X-INF Green Bay), Mark Ginther (X-INF Madison), Chris Lewis (OF Battle Creek), Nolan Fadness (*OF Eau Claire), Kurtis Muller (OF Madison), Aaron Gates (X-OF La Crosse), Justin Preckajlo (X-OF La Crosse)
*Will not play: signed pro contract.
Coach staff: Dale Varsho Manager Eau Claire, Nate Schwartz Coach Eau Claire, CJ Thieleke Manager Madison, Joe Potulny Coach La Crosse