Last year, I watched the Major League Futures game for the first time. Players like Justin Upton, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Chin-Lung Hu had great games, foreshadowing their eventual debuts in the majors. There’s no doubt I intend to watch again this year, as five six current Z-meter residents have been chosen to particpate.
July 13th in Yankee Stadium is this year’s setting for the Futures Game. The premise pits the U.S. against the world, which may one day be an untenable position for Uncle Sam, but for now it seems to work out.
I’d love to get someone to talk to me about the selection process, because particpants come from all levels of the minor leagues. By my count, AA is the best-represented level, with 28 players taking the field. AAA sends 13, just seven come from A, and a mere five from Advanced-A.
The Z-meter representatives are Andrew McCutchen, LF for the AAA Indianapolis Indians (Pirates), Elvis Andrus, SS of the AA Frisco Roughriders (Rangers), and the Wondermat(t)s – Mat Gamel and Matt LaPorta from the Huntsville Stars (Brewers). Reading Phillies Pitcher Antonio Bastardo was selected, but will sit due to injury. *update* I missed Fernando Martinez, who is on a rehab assignment. He will be making his second straight appearance in the Futures Game.
Even if you can’t watch the game live, set your DVR or other recording device and watch it later. It’s a rare chance to see so many of these guys in action.
Posted by Bruce on June 27, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Jess Todd is supposedly a stud-in-waiting, and the Cards are really high on him. And Garcia is expected to get called up by the end of the year, as is Anderson. I’m looking forward to watching this game.
Posted by MLB Futures Game to be Played Today « Bus Leagues Baseball on July 13, 2008 at 1:58 pm
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