You could put together a pretty good All Star team just using the players who have already departed Cape Cod. Actually, you may not be able to field a great infield, but your outfielders could put up some pretty good numbers and with the quality of this pitching staff, you may not need a lot of defenders behind them. Below is a partial list. With the All Star Game in the rearview mirror, you can be sure there will soon be more names to add to this list. Here’s hoping we don’t have another playoff season with pitchers patrolling the outfield due to depleted rosters, as has happened before.
PITCHERS: Konner Wade (Wareham), Kevin Ziomek (Cotuit), Jeff Hoffman (Hyannis), Scott Firth (Hyannis), Aaron Nola (Harwich), Grant Gordon (Harwich), Karsten Whitson (Orleans), Trevor Gott (Orleans), Scott Frazier (Chatham), Nick Burdi (Chatham).
POSITIONAL: Mason Robbins (OF; Bourne), Jared King (OF; Falmouth), Raph Rhymes (OF; Cotuit), Mason Katz (OF; Yarmouth-Dennis), Austin Wilson (OF; Harwich), Chad Pinder (INF; Chatham).
This league has such a storied history and so many strong baseball mentors and coaches that it is not surprising that an incredible all star lineup can be assembled. Anyone lucky enough to live in a city where a team is located knows exactly what I mean.
The article wasn’t knocking the all-star team, just the prima-donna attitude that manifests itself in the form of players leaving the league once their egos have been stroked at the all-star game. Yes, I know….it’s not JUST about the egos…it’s more the money usually. These kids get signed to contracts and then the “owners” of these kids don’t like seeing their investments playing in the league that can potentially damage them.
For better or for worse, that’s the fun of the all-star games. The teams that limped along all season have new life. Because the teams most affected by the greatest talents will generally be the most affected by those talents walking out before playoffs.
I do understand that the game, even at this level, is 99% business. Nobody comes to this league to just have a fun summer. It’s hard work and it’s become a means to an end as far as trying to establish a pro career. This is a double-edged sword though. As money changes everything. …Even at the cape league. …Those scouts aren’t sitting behind home plate without being paid…