Five Lugnuts Heading to Midwest League All-Star Game!

LANSING – Five members of the Lansing Lugnuts have been selected to participate in this year's Midwest League All-Star Game, to be held on June 19 at Elfstrom Stadium in Geneva, Illinois. The five players are: outfielder Travis Snider, utility man Sean Shoffit, catcher Matt Liuzza, and pitchers Adrian Martin and Paul Phillips.

"They all have had good first halves," Lugnuts manager Gary Cathcart said. "They have all contributed in their roles and it is good to see them get rewarded."

Travis Snider, 19, is in his first season with the Lugnuts after being selected in the first round by the Toronto Blue Jays last year. The 2006 Appalachian League MVP is currently sixth in the circuit with a .328 batting average. He also leads the Lugnuts in hits (57), doubles (15), RBI (36), and slugging (.511). Snider has twice been named Midwest League Hitter of the Week in the first half and was also named the organizational Player of the Month for his work during April.

Sean Shoffit, 21, will make his first All-Star Game appearance in his second year with the Lugnuts. Shoffit is hitting .280 while and has appeared in five different defensive positions this season. He also leads the Lugnuts in on-base percentage (.385), walks (28), and stolen bases (7). He also ranks second in the league with five triples.

Matt Liuzza, 21, makes the All-Star roster after posting a .235 batting average with five homers and 15 RBI. Matt is primarily a catcher, but he has also been used at first base this season as well. Liuzza hails from New Orleans, Louisiana and attended Louisiana State University, where he set a school record with 212 starts behind the plate.

Adrian Martin, 22, earned the nod by posting a razor thin 1.15 ERA in 31 1/3 innings while pitching in a variety of roles. He has been used mostly in long relief out of the bullpen, but has also seen time as a starter when needed. Martin has allowed just four earned runs all season and has fanned 22 batters while walking just one.

Paul Phillips, 23, gets the honor in his second season with the Lugnuts. Lansing's closed has converted seven saves and currently holds a 1-0 record with a 2.59 ERA. Phillips has struck out 29 batters in just 24 1/3 innings of work this season while appearing in 20 games. Phillips is also the only Michigan native on the Lugnuts roster, hailing from Blissfield. He attended college at Oakland University.

"I know that it's good for these guys to go and get a chance to interact with players from different teams," Cathcart said. "It's always a good time for them to meet new guys and enjoy a few days with this honor."

The 2007 Midwest League All-Star Game is scheduled to take place on June 19th at Elfstrom Stadium. It is being hosted by the Kane County Cougars.