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Reason to root, root, root for the home team dave konopki opinion

Friday September 11, 2009 | 01:00 AM

Most of the big names have moved on to bigger things.

Players such as Phil Hughes, Shelley Duncan, Alfredo Aceves, Jonathan Albaladejo, Mark Melancon and Francisco Cervelli – who all played at PNC Field this season – are all enjoying a slice of the Big Apple.

But if you think there’s no reason remaining to root for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees during the International League playoffs, you haven’t been paying attention.

In fact, it’s easy to be a fan of these guys.

Such as:

• Chris Stewart. If you have a young son or daughter who enjoys playing sports, do yourself a favor and let them watch Stewart play. The catcher plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played.

In addition to being a good hitter and an excellent defensive catcher, Stewart is the consummate professional. You’ll never see him walk on or off the field.

• John Rodriguez. With a World Series ring, 13 years of professional experience, and a lifetime .298 batting average in more than 300 major league at-bats, one might expect Rodriguez to have a prima donna-like attitude in a Triple-A clubhouse.

Hardly.

The outfielder/designated hitter has been a leader in words and by example for the SWB Yankees. Whether it’s following a lopsided win or a gut-wrenching loss, the 31-year-old Rodriguez is one of the first to answer questions from reporters. There’s no doubt his attitude and leadership has rubbed off on some of the organization’s younger players.

• Eric Duncan. Six years ago, Duncan was a can’t-miss prospect. The first-round draft pick came to the organization with high expectations and put up some big numbers before his 21st birthday.

Duncan hasn’t made it to the major leagues. But there isn’t a player in the clubhouse who works harder. He’s also another stand-up guy, willing to talk about his play – whether he goes 4-for-4 or 0-for-4. Duncan still has a lot of baseball to play but – if he chooses the route – he’s going to make an incredible coach one day.

• P.J. Pilittere. A consummate team player who does whatever is asked – even taking a trip to the disabled list to open a roster spot for another player when there’s no apparent injury. Pilittere has been moved up and down from SWB to Trenton like a yo-yo, but you never hear him complain. Another great coach-in-the-making.

• Kei Igawa. Before I met Igawa, I read the Japanese-born pitcher was a somewhat arrogant, selfish, standoffish person. I found him to be just the opposite. The Igawa I saw this season was a very approachable, unselfish player who is very well-liked by his teammates. He also has an incredible sense of humor.

The are certainly others – Austin Jackson, Kevin Russo, Zach Kroenke, Anthony Claggett, Juan Miranda, to name a few.

Whether this group has what it takes to win a Governors’ Cup championship remains to be seen. But you don’t have to be a Yankees fan – or even a baseball fan, for that matter – to hope these guys succeed.