The Class A Lakewood BlueClaws announced on Tuesday that left-handed pitcher Jesse Biddle and first baseman Jim Murphy were each named to the South Atlantic League Post-season All-star Team. Murphy, a right-handed hitting slugger, represented the 'Claws in this year's mid-season All-star Game as well.
The 25-year-old Murphy, who is the all-time homeruns leader for Lakewood and a massive fan favorite in the Jersey Shore town, expressed his appreciation for the recognition of his 2011 efforts.
"It means a lot. To be recognized for the full season means- full body of work, full season numbers and a full season of consistency. My second half hasn't been quite as consistent as the first half, but I'm proud of the year that I've had. Hopefully, I'll finish strong and put up some more numbers and just end the season able to reflect on a good year and move on from there."
This marks the sixth straight season in which Lakewood has been represented on the Post-season All-star team. Last season's league championship team was represented by four individuals...first baseman Jonathan Singleton, shortstop Jonathan Villar, catcher Sebastian Valle and manager Mark Parent.
In the night cap of Monday's double header, Lakewood shortstop Edgar Duran injured his right middle finger on a play in the field. On a bizarre play, Duran made an attempt at a bare handed effort which jammed the digit. He was removed from the game at that time. Further examination on Tuesday revealed the break. According to hitting coach Greg Legg, Duran could require surgery.
The 20-year-old Venezuela native has been strong on defense all season long for the BlueClaws, however his bat remains a question, as his hitting line in 112 games (.234/.280/.299) suggests.
Despite his season being cut short, Duran, who was signed as an amateur free agent in 2007 at age 16, was in good spirits at the ballpark, smiling for the PhoulBallz.com camera and managing to provide an autograph or two for fans, with a splint on his hand.
Kenny Miramontes, a 23-year-old middle infielder, has been promoted to Lakewood, fillinh Duran's void on the roster. Miramontes was singed this year by the Phillies as an undrafted free agent and posted a .226 batting average in 30 games with the short season Williamsport Crosscutters. The California native did not arrive in time for the start of Lakewood's second straight double header on Tuesday.
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