In an effort to keep tabs on former Cape Leaguers, I present the 2012 Cape League Minor League All-Stars. The lists are divided by level. Players who spent time at two levels are listed where they spent more time. This is the first in the series.
We begin the inaugural Minor League All-Stars series with a look at the Rookie Leagues — Appalachian and Pioneer. These teams tend not to have a ton of former Cape Leaguers, but there were a few and a few stand-outs. Taylor Rogers (pictured), dominated in six starts before a promotion to Class A.
Catcher – Josh Elander – Danville (Appalachian League) – Braves
The TCU product struggled in limited action with Bourne in 2010. He hit .260 with four home runs in 36 games for Danville.
First Base – Jeremy Schaffer – Johnson City (Appalachian League) – Cardinals
Schaffer earned post-season all-star honors in the Appy League after hitting .272 with 10 home runs and 51 RBI. Schaffer played for Brewster in 2010.
In the Running: Ben Waldrip, D.J. Hicks
Second Base – Levi Hyams – Danville (Appalachian League) – Braves
The former Cotuit Kettleer and Georgia Bulldog hit .254 with five home runs in his first pro season.
Third Base – Michael Garza – Helena (Pioneer League) – Brewers
Garza shined for Harwich in 2011, was drafted in the 20th round in June and made quick work of the Pioneer League, hitting .407 in 19 games before getting promoted to the Midwest League.
In the Running: Tyler Bream
Shortstop – Zach Vincej – Billings (Pioneer League) – Reds
The former Chatham Angler and late-round pick came out of the gates with a .336 average in his first pro season.
In the Running: Caleb Bushyhead
Outfield – Adam Walker – Elizabethton (Appalachian League) – Twins
One of the stars of the dynamic 2011 Hyannis Harbor Hawks, Walker went in the third round this spring and showed plenty of pop in his pro debut. He hit .250 with 14 home runs in 58 games.
Outfield – Evan Marzilli – Missoula (Pioneer League) – Diamondbacks
Marzilli, a former Chatham Angler, was selected in the eighth round and then made a splash in Montana, where he hit .332 with a .403 OBP.
Outfield – Jabari Henry – Pulaski (Appalachain League) – Mariners
An all-star with Harwich in 2011, Henry hit .271 with eight home runs and 26 extra-base hits in his debut.
In the Running: Andrew Toles, Beau Amaral, Drew Martinez
Starting Pitcher – Eddie Butler – Grand Junction (Pioneer League) – Rockies
Butler stood out as a reliever for Harwich in 2011. After getting picked in the 2012 supplemental first round, he shined as a starter, going 7-1 with a 2.13 ERA.
Starting Pitcher – Taylor Rogers – Elizabethton (Appalachian League) – Twins
The 2011 Cape League All-Star Game starter, Rogers headed to the Appy League after getting selected in the 11th round and dominated in six starts before getting promoted. Rogers had a 1.80 ERA to go with 39 strikeouts in 30 innings pitched.
Starting Pitcher – Jared Ray – Missoula (Pioneer League) – Diamondbacks
Ray played for Y-D way back in 2009, missed his next year at Houston with an injury and then played two more years for the Cougars before getting drafted late in 2012. He made a splash in his debut, striking out 58 in 63.2 innings with a 4.10 ERA.
Relief Pitcher – J.T. Chargois – Elizabethton (Appalachian League) – Twins
Chargois was an all-star with Brewster in 2011 and a second-round pick in 2012. In his debut, he posted a 1.69 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 16 innings.
Relief Pitcher – Mike Hauschild – Greenville (Appalachian League) – Astros
The former Dayton Flyer proved himself with Orleans in 2011, was drafted in the 33rd round and pitched well in his first pro season. He struck out 39 in 30.1 innings to go with a 1.78 ERA.
In the Running: Kevin Brandt, Patrick Johnson, Alex Keudell