NECBL All-Star Player Reactions

Steven Rice, Sanford Mainers, Vanderbilt U

The NECBL All-Star game in Laconia, NH was filled with interesting storylines. From Newport's Cody Jones winning the 60-yard dash, and Sanford's Nate LaPointe winning the HR Derby, it all lead up to a great game later on that night. A pitchers duel in some sense, the Eastern Division slipped by the Western by a final score of 2-1. 21 hits were scattered across the game, with both divisions leaving a lot of runners on. However, it was a great showcase by both teams as a total of 18 pitchers got out in front of the scouts in attendance. 

•  JP Sportman, OF, Keene Swamp Bats

Season totals: .353/.420/.546, 4 HR, 26 RBIs, 11 SB in 32 games
All-Star Update: Sportman started the NECBL All-Star game batting cleanup and playing center field. Got one at bat, a RBI double to put the West up 1-0. However, was thrown out at the plate the next play, after Danbury's Daniel Spingola hit a single into right and he couldn't make it from second to home.
Future: Sportman has been a crucial part of the Western-Division leading Swamp Bats. One of the key members of the offense, he's been one of the reasons Keene has made their huge turnaround. Lead the nearest player behind him in my rankings by six points. Has a chance at winning the League MVP award and taking the Swamp Bats deep into the playoffs.

• Steven Rice, P, Sanford Mainers

Season totals: 3-1 record, 0.88 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 37 K's in 20.1 IP, 5 SV (10 games, 0 starts)
All-Star Update: Rice came in the top of ninth inning for the Eastern Division with a 2-1 lead to protect. He faced off against Zach Lauricella, Thomas Roulis and Matt Beaty, and struck out two of them. 13 pitch inning.
Future: Rice has blown the ball past hitters this summer. He has been dominant for the Mainers, and there are no signs of letting up. The top closer in the league, Rice's Mainers are two games out of a playoff spot and having him in the bullpen for close games is really important

• Ben Roberts, OF, Newport Gulls

Season totals: .325/.430/.516, 3 HRs, 22 RBIs, 3 SB in 33 games
All-Star Update: Roberts started the All-Star game in right field for the Western Division, and got up to the plate twice. The first time, he singled against one of the best pitchers, Vermont's John Miles. He struck out swinging his second at bat.
Future: Roberts has posted a .946 OPS and has lead the Newport Gulls offensively. The Gulls, one of the best hitting teams, have benefited from having him in the lineup. He leads the league in runs scored. The Washington St. junior is competing with Sportman for the MVP award and possibly even the championship in August.

• Joe Torres, OF, Laconia Muskrats

Season totals:.316/.452/.359, 0 HRs, 7 RBIs, 22 SB in 32 games
All-Star Update: Torres may not have started the All-Star game but he did win the Most Valuable Player award. Coming in for his first at bat in the eight, he hit a single, moved to second on a hit by pitch and came around to score what would be the game-winning run.
Future: Torres has been a spark for the Muskrats, as he's been great in the outfield. He leads the league in stolen bases with 22, and has helped Laconia stay in third. Just a game and a half back, Laconia has been on the move and are close to Ocean State and Newport in the standings.

• John Miles, P, Vermont Mountaineers

Season totals: 3-0 record, 0.31 ERA, 0.690 WHIP, 23 K's in 29 IP (6 games, 4 starts)
All-Star Update: Miles had the honor of starting the All-Star game for the Western Division, and threw one inning. He retired the first two batters on flyouts, gave up a two out single and then struck out the fourth guy to end the inning.
Future: Miles is an anchor on the Mountaineers strong pitching staff, arguably the best in Western Division. The Mountaineers are in second place, but having Miles pitching in the playoffs will be huge for Vermont. He is also a frontrunner for the Robin Roberts pitcher of the year award.

• Nathan Kirby, P, Keene Swamp Bats

Season totals: 2-0 record, 2.42 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 45 K's in 29.2 IP, (6 games, 5 starts) 
All-Star Update: Another pitcher who appeared for the West, Kirby came in and pitched the second inning. Kirby scattered two hits over his inning. He also struck out one.
Future: Keene has been on a run lately, and it's not just good hitting, but excellent pitching. Kirby has been great for the Swamp Bats. He will probably be another finalist for the Robin Roberts award, as well as being crucial in the playoffs to come.

• Sean Hartnett, P, Newport Gulls

Season totals: 2-1 record, 0.79 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 28 K's in 22.2 IP, (9 games, 1 starts)
All-Star Update: Hartnett appeared for the Eastern Division in the 6th inning. He retired the side, forcing two groundouts and a pop up to right. One of the few pitchers to set down the side in order, Hartnett impressed the scouts behind the backstop.
Future: The Gulls, the best team in the NECBL, win a lot of games due to their excellent pitching. Hartnett has been there go-to middle reliever, making eight appearances out of the pen and has been dominant. 

• Brett Graves, P, Newport Gulls

Season totals: 4-0 record, 0.61 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 27 K's in 29.1 IP (5 games, 5 starts)
All-Star Update: Graves appeared in the All-Star game as the second pitcher for the Eastern Division. He got an out, then worked out of the bases loaded with two outs, also adding a strikeout.
Future: Graves didn't get to start against his fellow University of Missouri pitcher John Miles in the All-Star game, but he has had quite the season. Graves has been the star starting pitcher for Newport, one of many, and will be a key part of the Gulls playoff run.