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Colorado Rockies: Three named to Pioneer League All-Star team

By Kevin Henry

DENVER, CO - MAY 21: A detail of the hat, sunglasses and glove of Brandon Barnes #1 of the Colorado Rockies in the dugout as they face the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field on May 21, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies defeated the Phillies 7-3. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - MAY 21: A detail of the hat, sunglasses and glove of Brandon Barnes #1 of the Colorado Rockies in the dugout as they face the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field on May 21, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies defeated the Phillies 7-3. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /
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The Grand Junction Rockies, the rookie league affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, will be well represented during the league’s upcoming All-Star activities.

On Tuesday, the Pioneer Baseball League announced its 2017 All-Star team. The squad will take on the Northwest League’s All-Star Team on Tuesday, August 1 at 7:05 p.m. (Pacific time) at Ron Tonkin Field in Hillsboro, Oregon.

The Rockies will make the presence felt up the middle. Making the Pioneer League’s starting lineup were second baseman Shael Mendoza and shortstop Ryan Vilade. Additionally, Rockies pitcher Michael Agis will make the trip as well to Hillsboro as well.

"“These players are the best of the best,” said Jim McCurdy, president of the Pioneer Baseball League. “We are honored to have them represent the PBL in the third PBL-NWL All Star Game—a true classic.”"

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Mendoza was a free agent who played in the Dominican Summer League with the Rockies in 2016 and found his way to Grand Junction this season. In 27 games and 117 at-bats, the 20-year-old Mendoza has pieced together a .376 average and .990 OPS. From the leadoff spot, Mendoza has three homers and 19 RBI. He is also 19-of-22 in stolen base attempts.

I caught up with Mendoza during my recent trip to Grand Junction. He has an interesting story that you can read by clicking here. Don’t worry, the article will open in a separate window so you won’t lose your spot.

Vilade was the first Rockies draft pick selected in the 2017 draft. Taken in the second round, the 18-year-old Vilade has adjusted to professional baseball quickly, posting a .329/.465/.582 line with a 1.047 OPS. In 79 at-bats, Vilade has five homers and 16 RBI.

I also talked to Vilade while in Grand Junction. Click here to read the interview.

Agis was a 36th-round pick by the Rockies in the 2017 draft. In 11 appearances spanning 15 innings this season, the right-hander is 1-1 with a 2.40 ERA. He has struck out 16 batters while walking just two. He has not walked a batter in his last six outings.

Next: An inside look at life with the Grand Junction Rockies

Note: All statistics are prior to play on Tuesday, July 25.

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