Matt Spring, Will Latimer added to Eastern League All-Star Game

The Eastern League has announced that Portland catcher Matt Spring and lefty Will Latimer have been added to the Eastern Divison roster for the 2013 All-Star Game. Latimer takes the place on the roster of fellow Sea Dogs lefty Drake Britton, who is schedule to pitch two days before the All-Star contest and therefore ineligible to pitch in the game. Spring and Latimer will join right-hander Anthony Ranaudo, infielder Michael Almanzar, and catcher Christian Vazquez, previously announced when the original All-Star roster was released.

Spring, 28, gets his first All-Star recognition in his 10th year of pro ball. Originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in fourth round of the 2004 draft, the catcher joined the Red Sox organization as a minor league free agent before the 2011 season. In 28 games, he has hit .262/.309 /.515 with six home runs, while drawing strong praise for his work with Portland's young, highly-touted arms. 

Latimer, like Spring, is a minor-league veteran making his first All-Star appearance. The 27-year-old, in the Red Sox system since he was taken in the 22nd round of the 2007 draft, has been a vital part of the Sea Dogs bullpen. He has excelled in 18 appearances, compiling a 2.30 ERA and registering 32 strikeouts in 31 1/3 innings pitched. Three of the eight earned runs he has allowed came in his April 16 appearance - since then, he has a microscopic 1.09 ERA in 24 2/3 innings.

Photo Credit: Matt Spring by Kelly O'Connor

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