10 Players to Watch For in the Futures Game
Ross Parcel
June 25, 2012
Mr. Fantasy Freak
Ten Players to Watch for in Futures Game
Every year during the All Star break, selected minor league players flock to the city where the All Star Game is played to play in their own game: the XM All Star Futures game. This game is a mixture of all the best minor league talent, showcased at big league ballpark in front of future fans. The game consists of a U.S.A team and a World team. Most of the players on the rosters will at least get a chance to perform at the big league level in their careers. Quite a few have become staples on their farm leagues' big club. Every team has at least one representative in this game. I'm here to inform you of 5 American and 5 World players that could make a big splash at the Major League levels soon. Let's get it on.
U.S.A players
1. Trevor Bauer, RHP, Arizona: Bauer is the closest to the big leagues right now, as rumors say he has been tabbed to pitch on Thursday for the Diamonbacks. He is 7-1 with a 1.68 ERA in double-A Mobile. Expect big strikeout numbers from this overpowering righty, as he has 111 punchouts in 90.1 innings pitched at single-A and double-A. If he is still eligible to pitch in this game after pitching in the Major Leagues, he has a good chance at startin the game.
2. Billy Hamilton, SS, Cincinnati: You may of heard of Hamilton's ability to steal bases. He stole 103 steals last season, and this season he already has 87! In years past, there have been a lot of people steal bases in the low minors (Hamilton is in Class A), but it looks like he might turn into a Starlin Castro type player in the future. He has a .331 average and 8 triples so far this season. He is still pretty skinny at 6'1", 160 lbs, so he might add some power as he continues to grow.
3. Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City: Myers is the most talked about prospect to come out of the Royals organization since Alex Gordon in 2007. I don't think it will take Myers as long to produce in Kauffman Stadium as it did Gordon. Myers is torching the minor leagues this season. At a short stop in Double-A Northwest Arkanas, then progressing to Triple-A Omaha, he has amassed a .328 AVG, with 24 home runs and 63 RBI's. A lot of people think he could be up after the All Star break. If so, he'll have his chance to get accustomed to Kansas City on July 8th.
3. Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City: Myers is the most talked about prospect to come out of the Royals organization since Alex Gordon in 2007. I don't think it will take Myers as long to produce in Kauffman Stadium as it did Gordon. Myers is torching the minor leagues this season. At a short stop in Double-A Northwest Arkanas, then progressing to Triple-A Omaha, he has amassed a .328 AVG, with 24 home runs and 63 RBI's. A lot of people think he could be up after the All Star break. If so, he'll have his chance to get accustomed to Kansas City on July 8th.
4. Zack Wheeler, RHP, New York Mets: The prospect the Mets recieved in the Carlos Beltran trade to the Giants last season has impressed at Double-A Binghampton this season. A big guy at 6'4", the 22-year-old possesses a mid-90's fastball and a devestating curve ball. At Double-A this season, he has produced a 6-3 record, with a 1.88 ERA. Opponents are hitting a tiny .176 against the righty. He has only allowed 43 hits in 71.2 innings pitched. He could be up soon to refresh an underrated rotation in the Big Apple.
5. Danny Hultzen, LHP, Seattle: This guy has been incredible so far in the Mariners farm system. Seattle's top prospect was considered "close to major league ready" when he was drafted out of the University of Virginia last year. In Double-A Jackson, he posted an incredible 8-3 record, with a 1.13 ERA. Known as a big strikeout caliber pitcher, he had 79 K's in 75.1 innings pitched. He recently got moved up to Triple-A Tacoma. He might make the club in September, and will definitely compete for a rotation spot next spring.
Others big names to watch:
RHP Jameson Tallion, Pit; 3B Mike Olt, Tex; LHP Dylan Bundy, Bal; 3B Nolan Arenado, Col.
World Players
1. Yasmani Grandal, C, San Diego: Grandal, a switch-hitting catcher, was obtained in the Mat Latos deal from Cincinnati. He got a brief cup of coffee with the Padres, but now is working on getting back to The Show while in Triple-A Tucson. In Triple-A this season, he has hit .322, with 6 dingers and 33 runs batted in. He has almost walked (31) more times than struck out (34). I think his approach from both sides of the plate will only benefit him once he breaks through to San Diego. He is only 23, and has a long time to grow and get better. Expect big things from this big guy.
2. Fransisco Lindor, SS, Cleveland: The Indian's top prospect is cutting his teeth at Single-A Lake County. Regarded as one of the best high school bats of the 2011 draft, he is just now getting his feet wet in professional ball. In 63 games, he is batting a decent .280 with 4 home runs and 23 RBI's. These are very attractive stats for a shortstop, especially if you throw in his 16 stolen bases. He is also a switch hitter who gets on base with ease. Manny Acta and company will have a beautiful decision to make if/when Lindor reaches the Majors on what to do with him and Asdrubal Cabrera.
3. Oscar Taveras, OF, St. Louis: The 20-year-old Taveras has came on the scene and done one thing: hit. It
is unusual for young hitters to hit for as much power as this guy has: 14 HR, 48 RBI's, with a .316 batting average. I think he will eventually find a home in right field because of his strong arm. Either way, Taveras seems to be legit and will continue to push his way to Busch Stadium.
4. Jurickson Profar, SS, Texas: The Rangers' top prospect, according to MLB.com, Profar looks like he could be something great eventually. His .294 average is pretty impressive, and his 30 extra base hits (17 doubles, 6 triples, 7 home runs) are a wonderful thing for this 19-year-old. In 279 at-bats, he has only k'd 46 times. He seems to have an advanced plate discipline for his age, and should be an excellent defender. It looks like Nolan Ryan just got another Elvis Andrus-type talent. We all can't be that lucky.
5. Jose Fernandez, RHP, Miami: At age 19, Fernandez is already dominating Single-A. The 6'3", 215 lbs. righty has a big body that will only get stronger as he grows. His fastball has been clocked at 97 MPH, and he could be a top-of-the-rotation caliber starter. In Single-A Greensboro, Fernandez has pitched to the tune of a 7-0 record, with a miniscule 1.59 ERA in 14 starts. He has already racked up 99 strikeouts in just 79 innings pitched. The best part of his stats are his 18 walks in 79 innings. Usually young hurlers with plus velocity can be wild at times. Not this guy. Out of every player at the game, I am most excited to see what this young gun can do on the hill.
Other big names to watch:
RHP Yordano Ventura, KC; OF Alfredo Marte, Ari; LHP Edwar Cabrera, Col; LHP Chris Reed, LAD.
3. Oscar Taveras, OF, St. Louis: The 20-year-old Taveras has came on the scene and done one thing: hit. It
is unusual for young hitters to hit for as much power as this guy has: 14 HR, 48 RBI's, with a .316 batting average. I think he will eventually find a home in right field because of his strong arm. Either way, Taveras seems to be legit and will continue to push his way to Busch Stadium.
4. Jurickson Profar, SS, Texas: The Rangers' top prospect, according to MLB.com, Profar looks like he could be something great eventually. His .294 average is pretty impressive, and his 30 extra base hits (17 doubles, 6 triples, 7 home runs) are a wonderful thing for this 19-year-old. In 279 at-bats, he has only k'd 46 times. He seems to have an advanced plate discipline for his age, and should be an excellent defender. It looks like Nolan Ryan just got another Elvis Andrus-type talent. We all can't be that lucky.
5. Jose Fernandez, RHP, Miami: At age 19, Fernandez is already dominating Single-A. The 6'3", 215 lbs. righty has a big body that will only get stronger as he grows. His fastball has been clocked at 97 MPH, and he could be a top-of-the-rotation caliber starter. In Single-A Greensboro, Fernandez has pitched to the tune of a 7-0 record, with a miniscule 1.59 ERA in 14 starts. He has already racked up 99 strikeouts in just 79 innings pitched. The best part of his stats are his 18 walks in 79 innings. Usually young hurlers with plus velocity can be wild at times. Not this guy. Out of every player at the game, I am most excited to see what this young gun can do on the hill.
Other big names to watch:
RHP Yordano Ventura, KC; OF Alfredo Marte, Ari; LHP Edwar Cabrera, Col; LHP Chris Reed, LAD.
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