Futures Game: Latest -- LaPorta, Gamel named

[homer]

When do they announce the Futures Game participants? I would assume the Brewers reps would be Gamel and LaPorta - although there are several that have a shot off that Huntsville roster (i.e. Escobar, Salome)

[brewerinvegas]

They were announced on June 21 last year. So I imagine we still have a couple of weeks.

[dadofandrew]

It's a lot "easier" making the team if you are a World player, or so it seems. Wasn't Escobar in it last year...or was that Iribarren? I seem to recall an INF.

[Minigoon]

Alcides Escobar was in the 2007 game. Could we see Matt LaPorta or Mat Gamel for the US team and Taylor Green for the World team?

[battlekow]

Iribarren was on the team in 2005.

[EbbaStClaire]

MLB and MiLB should just pit the Stars against a minor league all-star team.

[aintbize]

Does Jefferies get a sniff? For that matter any of our system's pitchers?

Sorry...brain fart....Jeffress!

[paul253]

What country is Taylor Green from?

[JoeHova]

I'd like to see LaPorta and either Gamel (if the US team needs another player) or Salome (if the World team is in need). I think there is some sort of limit to how many guys a team can have in the game, but I may be misremembering.

[homer]

I thought it was two?

[Minigoon]

What country is Taylor Green from?

 

Canada

[twobrewers]

What country is Taylor Green from?

Canada

[twobrewers]

Jinx.

 

I believe you owe me a soda.

[Minigoon]

Jinx.

 

I believe you owe me a soda.

I believe you're right. Nice catch!! http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[dadofandrew]

I thought Salome was from New York City.

 

Granted that is in the world.http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[JoeHova]

I think Angel was born in the Dominican. BP has him moving permanently to the US at age 12 (around the age Pujols moved to the US. Let's hope the similarities between them don't end there http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif ). I wonder which team he would rather play for if they asked him? If he did move to the US at 12, he lived longer in the DR, but has spent most of his his more memorable* (at least, I don't remember all that much till I was like 10) years in the US.

 

*There's got to be a better word than memorable for that concept. Formative? But that might describe earlier years.

[sheetskout]

No way Taylor Green gets the nod. I say more like just Gamel and Laporta, and maybe Salome. Escobar already played. I really, really hope Salome plays....

[Mass Haas]

Watch as MLB.com reveals Futures Game rosters

Mayo and Micucci host selection show at 3 p.m. ET Thursday

[jjfanec]

Gamel and LaPorta are both in. They made special mention of both including how they thought Gamel could be in Milwaukee next year. Also, I think I saw that ex-Brewer Will Inman is in, I just saw the names flash by though so I could be wrong.

[lexi881]

Futures Game rosters filled with top prospects

By Nick Cammarota / MLB.com

Greg Golson and Gorkys Hernandez have never been to Yankee Stadium. But that's about to change come mid-July, and it's not because they were called up to The Show. In fact, neither player is affiliated with the Bronx Bombers.

Instead, Golson and Hernandez will represent their respective countries in the 10th annual XM Satellite Radio All-Star Futures Game in New York on July 13 as part of Major League Baseball's All-Star celebration.

The 25-man rosters for the United States and World Teams were announced Thursday during MLB.com's webcast hosted by Jonathan Mayo and Vinny Micucci. Major League Baseball, in conjunction with all 30 clubs, works with MLB.com and Baseball America to select the players to play in the game.

Both Golson, named to the U.S. team, and Hernandez (World) were intrigued by their selection, considering both have missed time this season due to injury.

"It's awesome. Kind of caught me by surprise because I'm nursing an injury right now," Golson, a 23-year-old outfielder in the Phillies' organization, said. "For the most part, [i don't know] what I'm in for. I've never been to New York and I've never been in Yankee Stadium, so it's going to be a fun time for me."

"It was a surprise for me when the manager talked to me. He told me, 'You're going to the Futures Game,'" Hernandez, a Venezuelan outfielder in the Braves organization, who will be making his second trip to the Futures Game, said. "I called my father and mother [and said], 'I'm going to the Futures Game in Yankee Stadium in New York.' They said, 'Good for you.'"

With the Olympic Games in Beijing in August, a new format has been adopted for the Futures Game. Instead of selecting the U.S. squad based solely on prospect status, players were chosen as part of the 2008 Team USA Olympic trial team. Also different from years past is the length of the game. This year's contest will be nine innings and begins at 12:30 p.m. ET and can be seen on ESPN2. Prior to this season, the majority of the games were seven-inning affairs.

Leading the U.S. club will be skipper Davey Johnson, a four-time All-Star as a player and World Series-winning manager. Joining his staff are Dick Cooke, Rick Eckstein, Marcel Lachemann and Reggie Smith.

"I'm really looking forward to it," Johnson told MLB.com last week. "I love coaching young, talented guys who'll be in the big leagues one day soon. It's a great thrill."

For the World, two-time All-Star and four-time World Series champion Tino Martinez is slated to manage the team in his former stomping grounds.

"I'm thrilled to death," Martinez said. "It's quite an honor to be able to manage that team. To have the opportunity to do it in Yankee Stadium, it doesn't get any better than that."

Rafael Chaves, Pat Listach, Scott Little, Larry Parrish, John Stearns and Carlos Subero join him in the World dugout.

The U.S. infield is anchored by third baseman Mat Gamel, arguably the hottest hitter in the Minors. His .373 average is tops in the Southern League as well as his 67 RBIs. His teammate in Huntsville and fellow Brewers prospect, first baseman Matt LaPorta, leads the league in home runs (19) and is behind only Gamel in RBIs (59). The U.S.'s other first baseman, Chris Davis (Oklahoma), is pushing hard for a spot with the Rangers, as he leads the Minors in runs scored (68) and is hitting .333 with 10 homers and 31 RBIs in 31 games.

Playing up the middle for the U.S. will be shortstops Jason Donald (Phillies) and Chris Valaika (Reds) alongside Chris Getz (White Sox) and Cliff Pennington (Athletics).

Philadelphia's Double-A affiliate, the Reading Phillies, are best represented in the game, sending four players. Catcher Lou Marson (U.S.) and pitcher and three-time Futures Game selection Carlos Carrasco (World) join Golson and Donald.

"New York's got a lot of history; a lot of great players have played there. Hopefully, I can leave my mark there, too," Golson said.

"I try to play my game, try not to do too much, try to be myself and not put too much pressure on myself, so hopefully everything will work out."

Bryan Anderson (Cardinals) and Taylor Teagarden (Rangers) -- selected for the second consecutive year -- will aid Marson behind the plate.

Patrolling the U.S. outfield will be Pirates top prospect, Andrew McCutchen, who's hitting .281 with 21 stolen bases this season for Indianapolis. Joining McCutchen to shag balls near Monument Park will be Dexter Fowler (Rockies), Nate Schierholtz (Giants) and Denard Span (Twins).

Trevor Cahill (Athletics) is the crème of the U.S. staff. The right-hander leads the Minors in strikeouts (109) and was promoted to Double-A on Saturday. Brett Anderson (one of two left-handers selected), will join Cahill in Midland after a promotion yesterday.

William Inman (Padres) is another can't-miss pitcher for the U.S., as he's struck out 92 batters this season and boasts an 8-3 record with a 2.96 ERA.

Jake Arrieta (Orioles), Kevin Jepsen (Angels), Ryan Mattheus (Rockies), Kevin Pucetas (Giants), Clayton Richard (White Sox), Jess Todd (Cardinals) and Casey Weathers (Rockies) complete the 10-man U.S. staff.

The World Team features representatives from 10 countries, with the largest contingent hailing from the Dominican Republic (8). These players include: pitchers Julio Pimentel (Kansas City), Polin Trinidad (Astros), outfielders Wilkin Ramirez (Tigers), Fernando Martinez (Mets), second baseman Emilio Bonifacio (Diamondbacks), catcher Welington Castillo (Cubs), third baseman Juan Francisco (Reds) and first baseman Angel Villalona (Giants).

Martinez and Villalona are two of the biggest -- and youngest -- names on the roster, as the 19-year-old future Mets outfielder is hitting .280 with 19 RBIs in Binghamton and Villalona is considered the top prospect in the Giants' organization at just 17 years old.

Venezuela also has a formidable presence, including four members of the pitching staff: Carrasco, Jesus Delgado (Marlins), Henry Rodriguez (Athletics) and Hector Rondon (Indians). The other Venezuelans are Hernandez, Texas shortstop Elvis Andrus (making his second consecutive appearance), catcher Jesus Montero (Yankees), outfielder Gerardo Parra (Diamondbacks) and Rangers first baseman Max Ramirez (another Futures returnee).

Four hurlers of different nationalities round out the staff and are each the lone representative from their country: Seattle's Phillipe Aumont (Canada), St. Loius' Jaime Garcia (Mexico), Washington's Shairon Martis (Curacao) and Tampa Bay's Eddie Morlan (Cuba).

Toronto second baseman Scott Campbell (New Zealand), Boston outfielder Lin Che-Hsuan (Taiwan), Los Angeles shortstop Ivan DeJesus (Puerto Rico) and Minnesota third baseman Luke Hughes (Australia) complete the World roster.


2008 US Team

Pitchers

Name	ORG	Level	B	T	HT	WT	Birthdate	Birthplace
Brett Anderson	OAK	AA	L	L	6-4	215	2/1/1988	Midland, TX	Stats
Jake Arrieta	BAL	A+	R	R	6-4	225	3/6/1986	Farmington, MO	Stats
Trevor Cahill	OAK	AA	R	R	6-3	195	3/1/1988	Oceanside, CA	Stats
Will Inman	SD	AA	R	R	6-0	200	2/6/1987	Danville, VA	Stats
Kevin Jepsen	LAA	AAA	R	R	6-3	215	7/26/1984	Anaheim, CA	Stats
Ryan Mattheus	COL	AA	R	R	6-3	215	11/10/1983	Elk Grove, CA	Stats
Kevin Pucetas	SF	A+	R	R	6-4	225	11/27/1984	Spartansburg, SC	Stats
Clayton Richard	CWS	AAA	L	L	6-5	240	9/12/1983	Lafayette, IN	Stats
Jess Todd	STL	AA	R	R	5-11	210	4/20/1986	Kilgore, TX	Stats
Casey Weathers	COL	AA	R	R	6-1	200	6/10/1985	Elk Grove, CA	Stats

Catchers

Name	ORG	Level	B	T	HT	WT	Birthdate	Birthplace
Bryan Anderson	STL	AAA	L	R	6-1	200	12/16/1986	Thousand Oaks, CA	Stats
Lou Marson	PHI	AA	R	R	6-1	200	6/26/1986	Scottsdale, AZ	Stats
Taylor Teagarden	TEX	AAA	R	R	6-1	200	12/21/1983	Dallas, TX	Stats

Infielders

Name	ORG	Level	B	T	HT	WT	Birthdate	Birthplace
Chris Davis	TEX	AAA	L	R	6-4	235	4/23/1985	Longview, TX	Stats
Jason Donald	PHI	AA	R	R	6-1	190	9/4/1984	Fresno, CA	Stats
Chris Getz	CWS	AAA	L	R	6-0	185	8/30/1983	Southfield, MI	Stats
Mat Gamel	MIL	AA	L	R	6-0	205	7/26/1985	Jacksonville, FL	Stats
Matt LaPorta	MIL	AA	R	R	6-2	210	1/8/1985	Port Charlotte, FL	Stats
Cliff Pennington	OAK	AAA	S	R	5-11	185	6/15/1984	Corpus Christi, TX	Stats
Chris Valaika	CIN/td>	AA	R	R	6-1	180	8/14/1985	Santa Monica, CA	Stats

Outfielders

Name	ORG	Level	B	T	HT	WT	Birthdate	Birthplace
Dexter Fowler	COL	AA	S	R	6-4	175	3/22/1986	Atlanta, GA	Stats
Greg Golson	PHI	A	R	R	6-0	180	9/21/1988	Taiwan	Stats
Andrew McCutchen	PIT	AAA	R	R	5-11	175	10/10/1986	Fort Meade, FL	Stats
Nate Schierholtz	SF	AAA	L	R	6-2	215	2/15/1984	Reno, NV	Stats
Denard Span	MIN	AAA	L	L	6-0	205	2/27/1984	Tampa, FL	Stats

2008 World Team

Pitchers

Name	ORG	Level	B	T	HT	WT	Birthdate	Birthplace
Phillipe Aumont	SEA	A	L	R	6-7	220	1/7/1989	Canada	Stats
Carlos Carrasco	PHI	AA	R	R	6-3	215	3/21/1987	Venezuela	Stats
Jesus Delgado	FLA	AA	R	R	6-1	200	4/19/1984	Venezuela	Stats
Jaime Garcia	STL	AAA	L	L	6-2	200	7/8/1986	Mexico	Stats
Shairon Martis	WAS	AAA	R	R	6-1	175	3/30/1987	Curacao	Stats
Eddie Morlan	TB	AA	R	R	6-2	220	3/1/1986	Cuba	Stats
Julio Pimental	KC	AA	R	R	6-1	190	12/14/1985	Dominican Republic	Stats
Henry Rodriguez	OAK	A+	R	R	6-1	175	2/25/1987	Venezuela	Stats
Hector Rondon	CLE	A+	R	R	6-3	180	2/26/1988	Venezuela	Stats
Polin Trinidad	HOU	AA	L	L	6-3	170	11/19/1984	Dominican Republic	Stats

Catchers

Name	ORG	Level	B	T	HT	WT	Birthdate	Birthplace
Welington Castillo	CHC	AA	R	R	6-0	200	4/24/1987	Dominican Republic	Stats
Jesus Montero	NYY	A	R	R	6-4	225	11/28/1989	Venezuela	Stats

Infielders

Name	ORG	Level	B	T	HT	WT	Birthdate	Birthplace
Elvis Andrus	TEX	AA	R	R	6-0	185	8/26/1988	Venezuela	Stats
Emilio Bonifacio	ARI	AAA	S	R	5-10	195	4/23/1985	Dominican Republic	Stats
Scott Campbell	TOR	AA	L	R	6-0	200	9/25/1984	New Zealand	Stats
Ivan DeJesus	LAD	AA	R	R	5-11	182	5/1/1987	Puerto Rico	Stats
Juan Francisco	CIN	A	S	R	6-2	180	6/24/1987	Dominican Republic	Stats
Luke Hughes	MIN	AA	R	R	6-0	190	8/2/1984	Australia	Stats
Max Ramirez	TEX	AA	R	R	5-11	175	10/11/1984	Venezuela	Stats
Angel Villalona	SF	A	R	R	6-3	200	8/13/1990	Dominican Republic	Stats

Outfielders

Name	ORG	Level	B	T	HT	WT	Birthdate	Birthplace
Gorkys Hernandez	ATL	A+	R	R	6-0	175	9/7/1987	Venezuela	Stats
Che-Hsuan Lin	BOS	A	R	R	6-0	180	9/21/1988	Taiwan	Stats
Fernando Martinez	NYM	AA	L	R	6-1	190	10/10/1988	Dominican Republic	Stats
Gerardo Parra	ARI	AA	L	L	5-11	195	5/6/1987	Dominican Republic	Stats
Wilkin Ramirez	DET	AA	R	R	6-2	190	10/25/1985	Dominican Republic	Stats

The following player was replaced on the roster due to injury:

Name	ORG	Level	B	T	HT	WT	Birthdate	Birthplace
Antonio Bastardo	PHI	AA	L	L	5-11	168	9/21/1985	Dominican Republic	Stats

[zzzmanwitz]

LaPorta in the IF?

[battlekow]

Will Inman and unsigned 2005 draftee Jake Arrieta also made it.

[bobskube]

MassHaas will be thrilled to see Inman made it. His man-crush for him is huge.

[Mass Haas]

Baseball America discusses how the US Futures Team will factor into the Olympic roster considerations

[Mass Haas]

Gamel selected for U.S. team in Futures Game

By GENE FRENETTE

The Florida Times-Union

 

Former Bishop Kenny High School standout Mat Gamel, a third baseman for the Double-A Huntsville Stars and the Southern League's leading hitter, was chosen Thursday to play in the July 13 All-Star Futures Game at Yankee Stadium. It also makes him a prime candidate to be selected for the U.S. Olympic team that will play in Beijing in August.

Gamel's numbers with Huntsville (.373 batting average, 15 home runs, 67 RBI) could prompt a call-up to Triple-A or the Milwaukee Brewers later this season, but he cherishes the opportunity to play in historic Yankee Stadium before the facility is torn down for a new one in 2009. Gamel is projected as the starting third baseman for the 25-man U.S. team in the Futures Game.

"I'm excited [about the Futures Game], though I haven't thought about it too much," Game said Thursday in a phone interview from the visitors' clubhouse of the Carolina Mudcats, whom Huntsville plays later tonight. "It hasn't sunk in yet. I'm not going to get my hopes up about the Olympics because it's too early. I can't worry about that kind of stuff."

Along with Gamel, Huntsville teammate Matt LaPorta, a former University of Florida star and the SL's top home-run hitter with 19, also was selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game. Among the players selected for the opposing World team was Jacksonville Suns shortstop Ivan DeJesus.

Unlike past years, the Futures Game will serve as a Team USA Olympic trial, and the contest will expand from seven to nine innings. The U.S. team is managed by former big-league manager Davey Johnson, who guided the 1986 New York Mets to a World Series title.