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 fourth in the series.
High Class A is often a level where top prospects really start to separate themselves, and plenty of former Cape Leaguers did just that this season. A ton of first basemen had tremendous years, and so many starting pitchers stood out, I had to add a couple of slots. George Springer (pictured), didn’t disappoint in his first full season of pro ball.
Catcher – Jack Marder – High Desert (California League) – Mariners
After getting drafted by the Mariners, Marder played half the summer of 2011 with Falmouth before signing. He was outstanding in his first professional season, batting .360 with 10 homers, 56 RBI and a .425 on-base percentage.
In the Running: John Hicks, Cameron Rupp
First Base – C.J. Cron – Inland Empire (California League) – Angels
Cron, who played briefly for Cotuit in 2010 before joining Team USA, was one of the top power hitters in the minors this year. He batted .293 with 27 home runs, 32 doubles and a league-best 123 RBI
In the Running: Dominic D’Anna, Mickey Wiswall, Tommy Medica, Ricky Oropesa, Travis Shaw, Mark Canha, Kyle Roller
Second Base – Tommy LaStella – Lynchburg (Carolina League) – Braves
LaStella, a former Bourne Brave, hit .302 with five homers, 22 doubles and 56 RBI. He also stole 13 bases.
In the Running: Devin Lohman, Chris Bisson
Third Base – Stefen Romero – High Desert (California League) – Mariners
A key member of the 2009 Cape League champion Bourne Braves, Romero raked at two levels this season. In 60 games at High Desert, he hit .357 with 11 homers, 51 RBI and a .391 OBP. In Double A, he hit .347 with 12 homers.
In the Running: Steven Proscia, B.A. Vollmuth, Ty Kelly, Shea Vucinich, Carlos Alonso
Shortstop – Derek Dietrich – Charlotte (Florida State League) – Rays
A former Wareham Gateman, Dietrich gets the nod here because of impressive numbers in the pitcher-friendly Florida State League. Dietrich hit .282 with 10 homers and 58 RBI before a promotion to the Southern League.
In the Running: Ryan Wright, Casey McElroy, Joe Panik, Nick Ahmed, Rick Hague, Derek Dietrich, Kevin Nolan, Danny Muno
Outfield – Leon Landry – Rancho Cucamonga/High Desert (California League) – Mariners
The former Harwich Mariner was hitting .328 with eight homers and 51 RBI in the Dodgers system when he was traded to Seattle as part of the Brandon League deal. He stayed in the Cal League and his overall line ended up at .341 with 13 homers and 76 RBI. He led the league in hitting.
Outfield – Rico Noel – Lake Elsinore (California League) – Padres
Noel, a former Cotuit Kettleer, didn’t have tremendous overall numbers but he showcased his best quality by stealing 90 bases, which would have made headlines if not for fellow Cal Leaguer Billy Hamilton’s record-setting stolen base totals. Noel batted .270.
Outfield – George Springer – Lancaster (California League) – Astros
The 11th overall pick in the 2011 draft, Springer had an impressive first full professional season. He hit .316 with 22 homers and 82 RBI and he added 28 stolen bases.
In the Running: Steve Selsky, Alex Dickerson, Jackie Bradley, Dennis Raben, Kipp Schutz, John Reuttiger, Brian Fletcher, Whit Merrifield, Mike Mahtook, Cory Vaughn
Starting Pitcher – Tyler Wilson – Frederick (Carolina League) – Orioles
The former Hyannis Harbor Hawk and 10th round pick dominated after an early-season promotion to Frederick. He went 7-7 with a 3.49 ERA and 114 strikeouts against just 19 walks in 111 innings.
Starting Pitcher – Anthony Meo – Visalia (California League) – Diamondbacks
In the hitter-friendly California League, the former Bourne standout had an ERA over four but showcased his strikeout stuff, tying for the league lead in K’s with 153 in 140 innings.
Starting Pitcher – Matt Andriese – Lake Elsinore (California League) – Padres
Andriese was one of the top starting pitchers in the Cal League, posting a 3.58 ERA to go with 131 strikeouts in 146 innings.
Starting Pitcher – Brandon Workman – Salem (Carolina League) – Red Sox
The former Wareham star impressed in the Carolina League before a promotion to Double A. He had a 3.40 ERA with 107 strikeouts.
Starting Pitcher – Nathan Karns – Potomac (Carolina League) – Nationals
Karns pitched on the Cape way back in 2008, was drafted in 2009 and missed all of 2010 after labrum surgery. After a so-so 2011, he broke out this year, posting a 2.26 ERA and 87 strikeouts on his way to Washington’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors.
In the Running: Matt Barnes, Kyle Hendricks, Andrew Chafin, Tanner Robles, Nick Maronde, Mike Bolsinger, Rob Rasmussen, Seth Maness, Tyler Pill
Relief Pitcher – Dean Kiekhefer – Palm Beach (Florida State League) – Cardinals
Keikhefer played for Wareham and wasn’t drafted until the 36th round in 2010. The lefty may be carving out a niche though. He saved 14 games and had a 2.24 ERA with 41 strikeouts and just four walks the entire season.
Relief Pitcher – Tom Kahnle – Tampa (Florida State League) – Yankees
Kahnle, who attended Lynn University, was a small-school standout for Brewster in 2010 after getting drafted in the fifth round that June. Since signing, he has pitched great out of the bullpen. He had a 2.45 ERA this year with 72 strikeouts in 55 innings.
Relief Pitcher – Ben Rowen – Myrtle Beach (Carolina League) – Rangers
The former Cotuit Kettleer was the top closer in the Carolina League, finishing with 19 saves in 20 chances to go with a 1.57 ERA and 52 strikeouts. He walked three all season.
In the Running: Jimmy Reyes, Tony Zych, A.J. Achter, Matt Crouse, Nick McCully, Daniel Tillman, T.J .Walz
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