Coming as no surprise to myself, the Birmingham Barons had 11 players elected to the Southern League South Division all-star squad. Three of the players, first baseman Brandon Allen and pitchers Brian Omogrosso and Lucas Harrell, have already been promoted to Charlotte.

That still leaves eight players: unanimous picks, catcher Tyler Flowers and second baseman C.J. Retherford as well as third baseman Dayan Viciedo, outfielders Stefan Gartrell and David Cook and pitchers John Ely, Fernando Hernandez and Jhonny Nunez.

Flowers and Viciedo are scheduled to play in the Futures Game in St. Louis the day before, but according to Barons GM Jonathan Nelson, Flowers said he wanted to be in Birmingham for the game even if he can’t play. Flowers told the MLB travel agent that he wanted to get back ASAP so that he can at least be a part of the experience. No word on Viciedo’s plans.

The game will take place at Regions Park in Birmingham on July 13th with Barons manager Ever Magallanes heading up the South squad. A home run derby will take place the day before at historic Rickwood Field. It’s safe to say that Flowers will not participate in the derby much to my chagrin. I guess that leaves it up to David Cook to launch some surface to air bombs.

Cheers,
JPN