2013 MLB Futures Game: US Roster Unveiled
Christian Yelich is working his way towards a spot in the Marlins outfield but he’ll first participate in this summer’s Futures Games. (Image Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports)
Rosters were unveiled late Wednesday afternoon for this summer’s Futures Game – easily one of the biggest attractions of MLB’s All Star Weekend festivities. The game has become popular simply because of the fact that it’s developed into a premier showcase of some of the top talent across the minor leagues. The annual exhibition game will be played on Sunday, July 14th at New York’s Citi Field and will be broadcast on MLB Network and ESPN2.
Former Mets great Mookie Wilson will manage the US roster and he’ll have an abundance of talent to work with:
PitchersJesse Biddle, Philadelphia PhilliesArchie Bradley, Arizona DiamondbacksEddie Butler, Colorado RockiesKyle Crick, San Francisco GiantsTaylor Guerrieri, Tampa Bay RaysTaylor Jordan, Washington NationalsJimmy Nelson, Milwaukee BrewersAnthony Ranaudo, Boston Red SoxNoah Syndergaard, New York MetsTaijuan Walker, Seattle MarinersCatchersAustin Hedges, San Diego PadresJosh Phegley, Chicago White SoxInfieldersC.J. Cron, Los Angeles AngelsDelino DeShields, Houston AstrosMatt Davidson, Arizona DiamondbacksJoey Gallo, Texas RangersBrad Miller, Seattle MarinersAddison Russell, Oakland AthleticsJoey Terdoslavich, Atlanta BravesKolten Wong, St. Louis CardinalsOutfieldersByron Buxton, Minnesota TwinsBilly Hamilton, Cincinnati RedsJoc Pederson, Los Angeles DodgersGeorge Springer, Houston AstrosChristian Yelich, Miami Marlins
Hamilton, Springer, Yelich, and Buxton give the US squad one heck of an impressive outfield mix. Add in DeShields, Gallo, and Hedges and the US team will have a tough lineup to face. Between Hamilton and DeShields there’s enough speed on this team to challenge the US Olympic track team (ok, maybe that’s an exaggeration but the pair combined for over 300 stolen bases last season!). The team’s strength is clearly in the pitching, however, with some big names among the group. Biddle, Bradley, Walker, Syndergaard, Ranaudo, and Crick are all among the top arms in each of their respective organizations.
Pending the outcome of fan voting for the final player that will be added to this roster – a new feature debuting this season for the Futures Game – there will be an addition to this list. Candidates for this final vote include: Nick Castellanos (Detroit Tigers), Garin Cecchini (Boston Red Sox), Courtney Hawkins (Chicago White Sox), Brandon Nimmo (New York Mets), and Tyler Austin (New York Yankees). Fans can vote at between now and midnight Sunday at mlb.com/futurefinalists.