Three Miracle Players Voted to All-Star-Team

Bowyer Called Up to Double-A

FORT MYERS, FL – Pitching has been the strong suit for the Fort Myers Miracle in the first half, so it was only appropriate they had two pitchers and a catcher voted to the All-Star team. Pitchers Scott Baker and Justin Olson and catcher Jose Morales were voted to represent the Miracle at the All-Star Game in Port St. Lucie on Saturday, June 12, the Florida State League announced.

The Twins second round pick in 2003, Baker, won’t be at the All-Star Game because he was called up to Double-A New Britain on May 15, was voted in on the numbers he put up during the first month of the season. Baker was 4-2 with a 2.40 ERA in seven games. His 2.40 ERA is currently sixth best in the FSL. In 45.0 innings he allowed 40 hits, walked just six and struck out 37. The opposition hit just .233 against him. In Baker’s first start at Double-A New Britain, he came within two outs of throwing a perfect game. This is the 22-year-old’s second season of professional baseball and first All-Star team. Baker attended Oklahoma State University where he was named Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American in 2001, second-team All-Big 12 in 2002 and first-team All-Big 12 in 2003.

The 24-year-old Olson is also in his second professional season and it’s his first All-Star selection. He is 4-3 with a 3.72 ERA and five saves and is currently fourth in the FSL in games with 23. In 29.0 innings he’s walked 18 and struck out 34 while the opposition is hitting .257 against him. Olson spent part of the 2003 season with the Miracle where he went 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA and one save in six games.

The 21-year-old Morales is in his fourth professional season and this is his second All-Star team, first as a catcher. In 2002 he was named to the Postseason All-Star team as a second baseman with the GCL Twins. This season he is hitting .246 with two homers and 17 RBI. In 40 games he has six doubles, a triple and a slugging percentage of .345. He has thrown out better than 40% of would be base stealers.

This is the second consecutive season the Miracle have had three players voted to the All-Star team. Last year the Miracle were represented by catcher Joe Mauer, pitcher J.D. Durbin and outfielder Jason Kubel.

The Miracle also lost a pitcher that put up All-Star caliber numbers. Travis Bowyer was called up to Double-A New Britain. Bowyer was 3-0 with a 0.30 ERA and two saves in 17 games. In 29.2 innings pitched he allowed six runs (one earned) on 18 hits, while walking 18 and striking out 32 while the opposition hit .182 against him. This was Bowyer’s second season with the Miracle. Last year he was 5-2 with a 3.83 ERA and one save in 45 games.

The roster spot vacated by Bowyer will be filled in a few days, so the roster stands at 24 players, one under the maximum, 13 position players and 11 pitchers.