Lancaster’s other All-Star Rogers
By Josh Jackson / MiLB.com
VISALIA, California — It’s tough to talk about the California League this year without talking about Brendan Rodgers. Not to be drowned out in the noise of the top Rockies prospect’s much-deserved thunder, though, is the performance of his Lancaster teammate with the homophonous last name.
Wes Rogers, the JetHawks’ 23-year-old center fielder, batted .255/.339/.359 with a Cal League-leading 43 stolen bases over 125 games last year. This season, he’s earned his first spot on a professional All-Star roster. While a Minor Leaguer is never thrilled to repeat a level, Rogers isn’t disappointed to be back.
“You can’t say that. It’s more you miss being with your friends, the same team, a couple of your buddies,” he said. “It’s all development. You just take it one day at a time and try to get better at everything you do, and it’ll all work out in the end.”
This year, it’s working out very well for him. Coming into the All-Star break, he’s once again the circuit’s top thief with 36 bags. The two players tied for second — Garrett Hampson and Sam Hilliard, also of Lancaster — have 19.
What’s allowed him to run away with the lead?
“Getting on base more,” the 2014 fourth-rounder said. “Get more base hits, you’ll get more stolen bases. I’m just trying to refine my approach, swing at some more strikes and give myself a better chance, and it’s been working out so far. Getting on base and being aggressive, just trusting everything you do.”
Through 64 games, he’s hit .285/.345/.418, and his power numbers are up, too. Rogers has four homers (five in all of last year), two triples (seven) and 16 doubles (22).
“It’s definitely nice to see your hard work pay off. It’s nice. It’s good to be here [for the All-Star Game],” he said. “I’m in great company, a lot great players, so I’m lucky to be here. I’m going to have a great time out there.”
When he and the nine other JetHawks on the Cal League South roster return to action, they’ll do so with a playoff spot already secured. With a 38–32 record, Lancaster claimed the South Division’s first-half championship — no surprise, considering the individual performances of Rodgers, Rogers and company.
“Man, the camaraderie and how we are together, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing that you get a team like this in the Minor Leagues,” the native of South Carolina said. “It’s cool. It’s a lot of fun.”
