Kenosha, Wis.- The Northwoods League has announced the rosters for the 2014 Big League Dreams Showcase, and five Kingfish have been selected. OF Steven Sensley, OF Buddy Reed, C/1B Alex Dunlap, 2B Chris Godinez, and SP J.D. Nielsen will all compete for South Division Team One on Tuesday, August 5^th. The contest will take place at 4:05pm at Warner Park, home of the Madison Mallards.

The second annual Big League Dreams Showcase will consist of a doubleheader featuring the NWL’s top players, selected by a panel of Major League Baseball scouts. The players will participate in a day of workouts in front of scouts followed by two games. Fans are welcome to watch the event featuring the top 80 prospects in league, with all proceeds from the day’s action going to the Northwoods League Foundation. The Northwoods League Foundation utilizes the game of baseball to enrich the quality of life for children and families with an enduring and caring focus on Northwoods League communities.

Each of the five Kingfish players are well deserving of their selections. Most notable among the group however is 2B Chris Godinez. The quick-twitch infielder has notched a .395 average, best in all of the NWL. Godinez has been a vital cog in Duffy Dyer’s everyday lineup, finding himself in the team’s top three in hits, runs, home runs, stolen bases, and walks. An MLB scout remarked last week that “With his strength and speed…he will definitely be drafted.”

Outfielders Steven Sensley and Buddy Reed have shown their true potential throughout the season as well. Sensley, tied for fourth on the team in home runs, recently compiled an eight game hit streak. The power hitting lefty was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 33^rd round of the 2013 MLB Draft. Reed too was drafted by an American League club last year, the Texas Rangers. The sophomore to-be at the University of Florida has been among Kenosha’s best defenders, making just one error this season. His combination of speed and power has him ranked fourth on the team in both RBI and stolen bases.   

Last but not least are SP J.D. Nielsen and C/1B Alex Dunlap. Nielsen has put together a stellar campaign for the Kingfish, allowing opponents to hit just .194 this season (2^nd best in the NWL). The lefty from Illinois ranks second on the team in innings pitched, strikeouts, and wins. His battery mate has meanwhile has found just as much success. Dunlap, coming to Kenosha from Stanford, has shown consistency for King Elvis’ crew from day one. The big righty has compiled a .290 average while reaching base in ten consecutive games in mid-July. His versatility in the field and power in the middle of the order has been invaluable for a Kingfish squad currently sitting just one game back of playoff position