Some more all-star baseball game candidates

With region play in full swing throughout the state, I thought I’d mention a few more candidates for the first annual Marshall Gates Foundation/Deseret News all-star baseball game.

But before I do that, I’d like to make a clarification. This game has absolutely nothing to do with the Baseball Academy. I’ve noticed comments that have referenced that we’ll be influenced by the Academy in our selections. Nothing could be further from the truth.

We’ll select the 30 guys we believe are most deserving regardless of their age, team, classification, or how much baseball they play in the offseason.

It was good to get that off my chest. I feel better now.

One other reminder: We’re still weeks away from selecting the teams. These are just a few guys who are definite candidates to play in the all-star game, which takes place May 27 at Gates Field.

As always, I invite readers to keep us informed about players who are playing well this season.

Tyler Hanks, Spanish Fork: I was told that he hit a ridiculous 11-for-12 at the Sunshine Tournament in St. George last month. He always seems to be highlighted in the box scores for driving in runs or extra-base hits. He had three hits and three RBIs in the Dons’ 13-2 win over American Fork on Wednesday.

Brock Whitney, Bingham: Whitney threw a shutout against Hunter on Friday. But that’s not really why he’s being considered. He’s had a hot bat throughout the season. He seems to be the Miners’ toughest out. I’d like to know what he’s hitting so far this season.

Justin Campbell, Alta: He is the ace pitcher for the Hawks, who are in control of Region 2 right now. I’ve noticed that he’s also done some damage with his bat this season.

And here are two guys who I know are just battlers, and are deserving of consideration because of what they mean to their teams:

Geoff Vernon, Northridge: He’s one of those guys who will do anything to win, including playing with some pain for the sake of the team.

Zane Pulver, Taylorsville: No one would have predicted that Pulver would be suiting up at catcher for the Warriors. But that’s where Taylorsville has needed him to play while Ty Boswell is out of the lineup with an injury. As coach Guy Mackay put it, Pulver is a ‘tough little sucker.’