Newport Gulls: Ben Roberts
Starting in the outfield for the Western Division, Roberts has been a huge part of the Gulls 20-10 record. Recently ranked #1 out of all the hitters in my player rankings piece, the junior from Washington State should catch your eye. He has a .339 batting average over 30 games, and has added 22 RBIs and 33 runs scored. Roberts also has a league leading 15 doubles and has hit three home runs.
Muscarello has had a good season for the second place waves, and has kept them close to the first place Gulls. He will be on display at the All-Star game, starting at short for the Eastern Division. Over 32 games, Muscarello holds a .323 batting average with 20 runs scored and 12 RBIs, as well as 40 hits, which is tied for second in the league.
Laconia Muskrats: Will Blalock
Blalock, who will be starting the game for the Western Division, has been one of the top pitchers in the entire league this season. One of just four pitchers in the NECBL with an ERA under one (0.96), he's 2-1 over four starts, all quality starts. Blalock is going to have his hands full against the Eastern division lineup, but he's earned the starting role. Plus, as an added bonus, he has home field advantage. If there is such a thing for pitchers.
Mystic Schooners: Alec Keller
The senior from Princeton University, Keller has been hitting extremely well out of the middle of the lineup for the Schooners. Keller will be starting as the designated hitter for the Eastern lineup, and he has warranted the start. Over 23 games, Keller is hitting .343 with three home runs as well as eight RBIs. He comes into the NECBL after a scorching spring in Princeton, where he hit nine home runs and hit .372 with 17 RBIs to earn an All-Ivy League First Team selection.
Sanford Mainers: Steven Rice
Like Newport's Ben Roberts, Rice was also on top of my recent rankings, but in the pitchers department. The Eastern Division closer, Rice has been dominant out of the pen for the Mainers. The Vanderbilt senior has a 0.93 ERA over nine appearances, totaling 19.1 innings pitched. He has a 2-1 record with five saves and has also added 34 strikeouts. If the game is close in the late innings, expect to see Rice warming up in the pen to close it out.
The Pilgrims are currently the worst team in the NECBL with a 12-21 record, but the reason for that is not outfielder Andrew Santomauro. Over 30 games, he leads the league in hits with 41 and has also swiped 17 bases on his way to an Eastern division starting role.
New Bedford Bay Sox: Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw won't be playing in the All-Star game, but he has the opportunity to put on a show in the earlier event, the home run derby. Shaw, a Boston College product, has some serious power and showcase that in the derby.
Keene Swamp Bats: JP Sportman
The 2013 season started off dismal for the Swamp Bats, but have turned it around into a tie for first place in the Western Division One of the key reasons for this is in Western Division starting outfielder JP Sportman. The Central Connecticut University center fielder has a .347 average over 31 games with 11 doubles and 4 home runs. Sportman also has knocked in 26 runs, scored 23 and swiped 11 bases in the process.
Saratoga Brigade: Cameron Tekker
If the Western division is winning in the late innings, Saratoga's Tekker is sure to be warming up in the bullpen. Over 17.2 innings and 12 appearances, he has four saves and a 2-1 record. Tekker also holds a 3.05 ERA with 27 strikeouts and has scattered 13 hits and 12 walks.
North Adams Steeplecats: Joe Landi
The Steeplecats Joe Landi has been a shining point for North Adams with a .325 batting average and 14 stolen bases over 25 games played. Landi will be starting at second base for the Western Division All-Star squad.
John Miles has been the best pitcher in the NECBL so far this summer. Miles, the Western Division starting pitcher, has been incredible this summer. He has made six appearances, starting four, and holds a 3-0 record with a league-leading 0.31 ERA over 29 innings of work. He's also struck out 23 and walked just eight, while boasting a 0.690 WHIP. He also holds opposing hitters to just a .118 batting average.
Holyoke Blue Sox: Jacob Bruce
Bruce may be one of the most exciting players in the NECBL. One of the Western Division starting outfielders, he has almost all the tools. He holds a .325 average over 30 games played and has 12 RBIs, 14 runs scored and nine stolen bases. Bruce has also added eight doubles and been a crucial part of the Blue Sox, who sit just a little bit out of a playoff spot.
Danbury Westerners: Daniel Spingola
Spingola is back for his second stint in Danbury, and he's been great in both. This year, he's hitting .324 and appearing in his second All-Star game. He rounds out a potent Western Division outfield, as he has 11 RBIs and 12 runs scored to go along with ten stolen bases this year.
All in all, the NECBL All-Star game sets up to be a very interesting event and has a lot of future pro potential that is set to appear.
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