The Florence Freedom, presented by Titan Mechanical Solutions, have announced that nine Freedom players have been named Frontier League All-Stars, and will participate in the 2017 Frontier League All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 12 in Joliet, Illinois.
Freedom All-Stars include:
Marty Anderson (Left-Handed Pitcher) — In his first full season in the Frontier League, Anderson is tied for the second-most wins among Frontier League pitchers with six over 10 appearances. His 2.95 ERA is the seventh-lowest among active starting pitchers.
Jose Brizuela (Third Baseman) — As the Freedom’s starting third baseman, Brizuela has appeared in every game for the Freedom in 2017 and leads the team with a .339 batting average. His 10 home runs and 43 RBI were the second-highest totals in the Frontier League. Among the nine Freedom all-stars, Brizuela will be the lone starter in the game.
Jordan Brower — (First Baseman, coaching staff selection) — In his first full season with the Freedom, Brower is batting .303 with three home runs and 30 runs batted in. Brower has the third-most hits on the team with 53, and also leads the club with 12 doubles.
Collins Cuthrell — (Outfielder, coaching staff selection) — Cuthrell has provided dependable defense all season in right field, including a throwing arm that has produced a team-high five outfield assists. His 29 runs batted in are third-most on the team, and his 37 walks (against just 30 strikeouts) are tied for the second-highest mark in the Frontier League.
Daniel Fraga (Second Baseman) — A consistent table-setter as the Freedom’s leadoff hitter, Fraga’s .447 on-base percentage is the fifth-highest in the Frontier League. He currently leads the Freedom with 13 stolen bases, and along with his .337 batting average, Fraga has drawn more walks (33) than strikeouts (21).
Cody Gray (Right-Handed Pitcher) — In his third season with the Freedom, Gray leads the Frontier League with seven wins and has recorded five quality starts (six or more innings pitched and three or fewer earned runs) over his eight total starts in 2017. The righty also earned Frontier League Pitcher of the Week honors for Week 2 of the season.
Jordan Kraus (Right-Handed Pitcher) — The Freedom’s opening day starter in 2017, Kraus is tied with teammate and fellow all-star Marty Anderson for second in the Frontier League with six wins and carries a 3.20 ERA. Kraus’ seven quality starts lead the team, and the Ohio native tossed Florence’s first nine-inning complete game of the season on June 10.
Andre Mercurio (Outfielder) — Mercurio’s has provided reliable defense in center field all season, and his .337 batting average ranks among the Frontier League’s top ten. The California native also poses a threat on the basepaths, and is a perfect 12-for-12 in stolen base attempts.
Tony Vocca (Right-Handed Pitcher) — Another steady presence in the Freedom’s starting rotation, Vocca is in his third year with the team. His 2.86 ERA is sixth-best among Frontier League starters, and the righty is holding opposing batters to a .214 batting average this season.
The Florence Freedom are members of the independent Frontier League and play all home games at UC Health Stadium located at 7950 Freedom Way in Florence, KY. The Freedom can be found online at FlorenceFreedom.com, or by phone at 859-594-4487.