big departures

It looks like the All-Star game may have been the last Cape League experience for three of its participants. The Cape Cod Times reported today that Bourne's Dusty Coleman will sign a pro contract and that Orleans' Rich Poythress is heading home. It was also reported this weekend that Falmouth's Jimmy Cesario will sign a pro contract.

Congrats to Coleman and Cesario. They clearly got what they needed out of the summer. Both were late-round picks -- Coleman by the A's in the 28th round, Cesario by the Rockies in the 46th round -- but the fact that they're signing means their successful summers upped the ante a bit.

The loss of Coleman and Cesario will have a big impact on the Western Division race. Both were among the best hitters in the league, so Bourne and Falmouth will be left with big holes in the lineup.

Coleman had started 26 games for the Braves at shortstop, and two other shortstops who were on the roster are no longer with the team. That leaves Pierre LePage, who has played two games at shorstop and only six games overall. He has hit .158.

It's a similar situation for Falmouth. Cesario had been splitting time between second base and the outfield. It shouldn't be a problem to replace him in the outfield, but Brandon Macias, who's played only six games, will have to step up at second.

As for Orleans, losing Poythress will be a big blow, but I don't expect it to be a crushing blow. He was hitting .311 and he provided a big spark when he arrived from the College World Series. I just get the feeling that with the fire lit, it's not going to go out just because the spark is gone.

Regardless, three big losses. Hopefully we won't see too many more over the next few weeks, or the stretch run will turn into a war of attrition.