Cyclones Trio Elated at All-Star Selection

August 20, 2008   ·   Patrick Hickey, Jr.   ·   Jump to comments

With a league-leading 2.98 ERA and 584 strikeouts in only 531 innings pitched, it’s fair to say that every member of the Brooklyn Cyclones pitching staff had an opportunity to make the New York Penn-League All-Star team this season.

By the time the eventual selections were made however, only Brad Holt, Chris Schwinden and Yury Santana managed to garner All-Star honors.

That doesn’t mean anyone in Brooklyn is upset though.

“They all deserve it,” said Cyclones manager Edgar Alfonzo in reference to his entire pitching staff. “But those guys in particular have worked really hard this season. As far as I’m concerned, we have the best pitching staff in the league and they’re a very big reason why.”

The Mets first pitcher selected in the 2008 draft, Holt had some mighty expectations put upon him before the season began and hasn’t let anyone down yet, going 4-3 with a microscopic 1.98 ERA and a league-leading 69 K’s.

Humble and modest throughout the season, the likable Holt tried to not make too much of his appearance in the game, but couldn’t seem to wipe the smile of his face.

“I figured maybe, but it was wait and see,” said Holt. “I’m having a decent season, but I wasn’t expecting to be anywhere.”

While many believed that Holt was a lock to make the team, many of the media were a bit surprised with Schwinden’s selection to the team, not because of his stats, but because lack of a clear-defined role on the team for most of the season. Second in the league with a minuscule ERA of 1.31, Schwinden has been in the starting rotation for barely a month, after working as the team’s long reliever for most of the season. Nevertheless, Schwinden’s ability to make the most of opportunities has gotten him a deserved All-Star nod.

A 22nd round pick by the Mets this season, Schwinden has battled adversity all season and it’s paying off.

“It was a big surprise,” said Schwinden. “I just barely started in the rotation. I’m excited to be there and it’s a great opportunity to show people what I have.”

However, of all the three Brooklyn players selected to the All-Star game, Clones reliever Yury Santana is easily the most intriguing. A converted shortstop, the 26-year-old is making the first All-Star game appearance of his professional career. Originally losing his closer’s spot to Stephen Clyne halfway through th season, Santana has battled back to regain that role and is currently sitting fourth in the NYPL with 10 saves.

A fun-loving and energetic player, Santana was thrilled when he found out the news.

“I feel great,” said Santana. “This is something I never would have thought about before. I was surprised because there are a lot of guys playing well right now.”

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr., Ron Hatcher and Jim Dolan