Four from Williamsport team picked for all-star game

The Williamsport Crosscutters, the Phillies' short-season affiliate, have had four players selected for the New York-Penn League All-Star Game on Tuesday in Norwich, Conn.

The four were third baseman Zach Green, righthander Tyler Buckley, catcher Gabriel Lino, and outfielder Jiandido Tromp.

The 19-year-old Green, a third-round draft choice in 2012, entered the weekend batting .263 with 10 home runs and 30 RBIs. Last season he hit three home runs in 169 at-bats for the Gulf Coast League Phillies.

"He's got a quick bat and can hit any fastball," Williamsport manager Nelson Prada said in a phone interview. "He has good power and can hit the ball to the opposite field."

The Inquirer's No. 17 Philllies prospect, Green is a former shortstop. "One of the questions in spring was his defense, but he has made huge steps there," Prada said.

Buckley was a 27th-round pick this season from Arkansas-Little Rock. The 22-year-old righthander had a 1.83 ERA in 19 relief appearances with 18 strikeouts entering the weekend.

"He is very aggressive with his fastball, which he throws 89-98 [m.p.h.], has a good slider, and his change-up is a work in progress," Prada said. "What I like is he is not afraid to challenge hitters."

Lino, 20, who was acquired last year from Baltimore in the Jim Thome trade, finished the 2012 season with Lakewood, but has been at Williamsport this year. He entered the weekend hitting .267 with four home runs and 23 RBIs.

Tromp, who turns 20 next month, played 13 games at the end of last season for Williamsport.

"He is one of the most improved on the club and is learning how to hit," Prada said.

A centerfielder, Tromp was batting a team-high .306 in 98 at-bats entering the weekend.

Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan hopes Lakewood shortstop Roman Quinn can see action before the end of the season.

Quinn, The Inquirer's No. 3 Phillies prospect, suffered a left-wrist fracture when he was hit by a pitch June 24.

"Quinn is close to doing everything but live batting practice and we expect to have him back for the last couple of weeks of the summer," Jordan said.

Shane Watson, the Phillies' top pick and 40th overall last year from California's Lakewood High, hasn't pitched since July 4 because of right-shoulder soreness. He is 4-6 with a 4.75 ERA, 53 strikeouts, and 28 walks in 72 innings.

"I think Watson is probably done for the year," Jordan said. "We're being very cautious with him."

Jordan said Watson, The Inquirer's No. 12 Phils prospect, has a chance of returning during the instructional league.