August 28, 2008

Miracle trio named to FSL Postseason Roster

Tampa Bay Sports Net

FORT MYERS – The Florida State League announced today that Fort Myers Miracle pitcher Anthony Slama, catcher Wilson Ramos and manager Jeff Smith have been selected to the 2008 All-FSL Team.

The team features the League's best players at every position. The prestigious team is selected annually by vote of the FSL's Managers, Official Scorers and Club Sports Writers representing the 12 teams in the League.

Smith was dubbed a coach on the team, after piloting the Miracle to a first-half West Division title in his first year. The Naples, Florida native has led the club to a 74-56 mark and will return to the post-season after leading Beloit to the Midwest League Championship Final last year.

“This honor is really a tribute to the staff I have around me. We are all so dedicated to seeing these players get better and continue to move up in the system,” said Smith.

Slama, a former 39th round pick in the 2006 First-Year Player draft, has been nearly un-hittable in his first season in the Florida State League. Selected as a reliever he has struck out 108 batters in 68 innings, while compiling 25 saves and a 1.05 ERA.

Smith takes great comfort in the right-hander coming out of the bullpen.

“It gives everyone great confidence to have a guy like Slama closing. He brings the whole team up knowing he is your backend of the ballgame.”

One of the league’s best pitching staffs has been backstopped by Ramos. The Valencia, Venezuela native is enjoying his best season in his brief four-year professional career. He has team-high 13 homers and 75 RBI’s. He is hitting .285 in 120 games played.

“When I look at Wilson I see constant improvement thru the whole season. He’s also throwing out about 40% of the runners trying to steal on him,” said Smith.

Baseball America recently named Smith “Best Manager Prospect” in the Florida State League, Slama “Best Reliever” and Ramos “Best Defensive Catcher”.

Jupiter’s Logan Morrison was named the Most Valuable Player, while St. Lucie’s Dylan Owen was named the Most Valuable Pitcher.

FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

The Fort Myers Miracle will see a familiar foe in the upcoming Florida State League Playoffs. Dunedin, winner of the second half West Division title, will host the Miracle in Game One of the best-of-three series beginning Tuesday, September 2 in Dunedin.

The Miracle will host Game Two on Wednesday, September 3 at 7:05 p.m. If necessary, the Miracle will also host Game Three on Thursday, September 4 at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at www.miraclebaseball.com or by contacting a Miracle representative at (239) 768-4210.

The Miracle, winners of the first half, will be making their second appearance in three years, and first since 2006. Dunedin knocked off the Miracle in three games in 2006, before falling in the FSL Championship Series to St. Lucie. This will be the fourth straight time that Dunedin has been the Miracle’s foe in the playoffs (2008, 2006, 2003, 2000). Neither club has won a Florida State League Championship.

FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE WEST DIVISION FINALS (BEST-OF-THREE)

GAME 1: FORT MYERS @ DUNEDIN TUESDAY SEPT. 2 7:05

GAME 2: DUNEDIN @ FORT MYERS WEDNESDAY SEPT. 3 7:05

GAME 3: DUNEDIN @ FORT MYERS THURSDAY SEPT. 4 7:05*

*IF NECESSARY

WINNER ADVANCES TO FSL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES TO FASCE EAST DIVISION WINNER IN BEST-OF-FIVE SERIES, TO BEGIN EITHER THURSDAY, SEPT. 4 OR FRIDAY, SEPT. 5 AT WEST DIVISION WINNER

---MIRACLE BASEBALL---