The all-star game heads to Boston's Fenway Park tonight, and the forecast doesn't look great. Whatever happens, there will be an all-star game somewhere, some time. If rain forces a postponement of a suspension tonight, the game will be played in Hyannis on Saturday.
Here's hoping they play tonight, even if it's a little wet.
That, too, would be fitting in its own way.
If the 2009 class of Cape Leaguers have shown anything, it's that they can deliver good baseball, whenever they play.
I've found it tough to get a good feel for the 2009 season. That might just be me. It might be the rain. But the picture has come into focus lately, and it's becoming clear that there's a deep pool of talent on the Cape this year. There may not be a consensus top prospect or a shoo-in MVP, but there are a lot of players on the same plane. And I get the feeling that it's at a fairly high level.
Tonight, a lot of those players will take the field at Fenway Park. For this group, that will make taking the field in the Cape League all-star game a little more, even a lot more special.
They've earned a special opportunity. Let's hope they put on a good show.
Ten to Watch
A rundown of my picks for the top players at Fenway.
1. Todd Cunningham, Falmouth
He has hit from day one, and he's just not going to cool down. In a doubleheader yesterday, he went 3-for-5, raising his average to .394.
2. Jedd Gyorko, Brewster
He's 0-for-his-last-11 so his average has dipped to .308, but he might be the best all-around hitter in the league.
3. Chris Sale, Y-D
A tall lefty who has starred since the first day of the season, Sale is a good bet to be a first-rounder next year.
4. Gary Brown, Orleans
He was a late arrival, but he has done nothing but hit. And steal bases. And drive in runs.
5. Kyle Blair, Brewster
A high pick out of high school, Blair's performance has matched the hype this season. He's second in K's.
6. Zack Cox, Cotuit
Five tools, and plenty of production from perhaps the top frosh in the league: .364, 6 XBH
7. Kyle Roller, Bourne
Late-round pick this year is making his case for a big contract or a better result next June. Triple Crown candidate.
8. Mickey Wiswall, Y-D
BC star is league's leading run producer and is hitting .319.
9. Austin Wates, Y-D
Outfielder with some speed has been near the top in average all summer.
10. Tyler Burgoon, Y-D
League-leader in saves still hasn't allowed an earned run.
And Five More . . .
Because it was hard to narrow it down.
Brandon Workman
Derek Dietrich
Jack Armstrong
Kevin Munson
Dallas Gallant
What a Relief
Last year, the West squad had probably the six best starters in the league for the all-star game. This year, with Chad Bell and Jake Buchanan not chosen (big snubs, by the way), the West squad is much heavier on relievers. Brandon Workman, Eric Pfisterer, Jack Armstrong and Taylor Wall are the only starters. The rest of the innings will be left to bullpen guys, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Combined the five relievers -- Dallas Gallant, Stephen Harrold, Kevin Munson, Daniel Tillman and Patrick Cooper -- have struck out 111 in 79.1 innings, while allowing only 13 earned runs. So can we say just get the game to the fourth?
A
Orleans' Rob Rasmussen is the second straight Orleans pitcher to start the all-star game. Last year, it was San Diego's Matt Thomson, who delivered one dominant inning. Rasmussen's 32 strikeouts are the most for an East all-star starter since 2005, when Chatham's Jared Hughes came in with 42.
Veterans
The East roster features just one freshman, Y-D's Tyler Hanover. The West has seven, including three starters.
Small Sample
Seven of the 24 position players in the game have played in fewer than 20 games.
Derby Bets
I predict we won't see a ton of home runs, based on Fenway's dimensions. I'd put my money on Hunter Morris sneaking a few around Pesky's Pole.
That's about all I've got for now. I will be heading out soon, taking a train in. For everyone who's going, have fun.
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