Barons, Stars Well Represented in Southern League All-Star Game

With the first half of the AA Southern League season over, that means it is time for the Mid-Season All- Star game! The teams have been selected and are chocked full of baseball's most promising prospects. Guys like Dodger's top prospects Joc Pederson and Zack Lee, Jake Marisnick who is a top prospect for the Marlins and of course Christian Bethancourt who is the catcher in waiting for the Braves. With all of the talent on the roster, you wouldn't think one region would stand out, but it does.

The Birmingham Barons and Huntsville Stars are combining to take 10 of the 25 slots on the North division squad. In addition, two Barons and one Star will be taking the field as a starter. Birmingham bruiser Dan Black will fill the role of designated hitter and will hit clean-up while teammate Mike Blanke draws duty as the backstop and will hit in the eight hole. Jason Rogers of Huntsville will man the first base pillow and will take his cut at the plate as the number six hitter.

Here is a look at the position players who made the All-Star team from both the Birmingham Barons and the Huntsville Stars.

Birmingham Barons

Mike Blanke – Catcher

Mike Blanke has come on strong since landing the everyday catching job. The 6'4” catcher uses his big frame to block anything in the dirt and he has a very good arm and a quick release that easily cuts down any runner that is foolish enough to try and swipe second on him. He is just as opposing when he climbs into the batter’s box. The righty has clubbed five homers halfway through the season and has driven in 33 teammates on his way to a .255 average and the starting job for the North division squad.

Dan Black – First Baseman/Designated Hitter

Dan Black is the prototypical power hitting first baseman. Standing 6'5” and tipping the scales at 240lbs he screams power hitter and his numbers reflect that. He is hitting at a .283 clip which it good for tenth in the Southern League. He has belted nine long balls and knocked on 56 RBI's, tops in the league. These numbers are the reason Black is hitting cleanup for the North Division All-Stars.

Marcus Simian – Utility Infielder

Marcus Simian, the slick fielding shortstop for the Birmingham Barons, earned a roster spot as a utility infielder for the North. He is sporting a .270 average with ten home runs and 34 RBI's which is sure to earn him some playing time in the Southern League All-Star game.

Huntsville Stars

Jason Rogers – First Baseman

Jason Rogers, just like his counterpart Dan Black, looks like the perfect specimen manning the first base bag. His average is a bit lower than he would like at .234 but his defense around the pillow has really impresses this year and was good enough to earn him the starting nod.

Brock Kjeldgaard – Outfield

Brock Kjeldgaard can flat out hit the baseball. His 14 homeruns have him tied for second in the league and are just two away from the league lead while his 42 RBI's are tied for 12^th. The way he handles the stick is the reason he should see significant playing time in the All-Star game.

Here is how the rest of the rosters round out.

North Division All-Star Roster

South Division All-Star Roster

In addition, Birmingham Barons manager Julio Vinas has been names as one of the coaches for the Futures Game that will take place in New York over the MLB All-Star Week festivities.

You can follow the Southern League All-Star Game action on milb.tv.