Updated U.S. Futures Game Roster

Staff Report
July 11, 2008
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BRETT ANDERSON LHP
Double-A Midland/Athletics
The son of Oklahoma State coach Frank Anderson was a supplemental first-round pick of the Diamondbacks, then joined Oakland's organization in the Dan Haren trade.
W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO AVG
9 4 4.14 14 13 0 0 74 68 18 80 .238
JAKE ARRIETA RHP
High Class A Frederick/Orioles
The Orioles waited until the fifth round to pop Arrieta in 2007 after his draft stock fell. His fastball touched 96 mph in the Carolina League-California League all-star game.
W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO AVG
5 3 2.88 15 15 0 0 84 57 39 85 .192
TREVOR CAHILL RHP
Double-A Midland/Athletics
A San Diego high school product, Cahill has used a heavy sinker and good curveball to dominate Californai League hitters, earning a promotion to Double-A at age 20.
W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO AVG
6 4 2.70 15 14 0 0 93 54 34 109 .170
WILL INMAN RHP
Double-A San Antonio/Padres
A short righty with average stuff, Inman has used his knack for pitching and control to thrive as a pro, even after being traded to San Diego from Milwaukee in the Scott Linebrink deal.
W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO AVG
8 3 2.96 16 16 2 0 85 64 36 92 .206
RYAN MATTHEUS RHP
Double-A Tulsa/Rockies
Signed for $700,000 as a draft-and-follow back in 2004, Mattheus entered this season with a 5.47 career ERA as a starter. He also has thrived after moving to the 'pen.
W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO AVG
2 2 3.15 34 0 0 12 34 29 16 31 .244
KEVIN PUCETAS RHP
High Class A San Jose/Giants
A product of Division II Limestone (S.C.), Pucetas is another example of the Giants' ability to develop pitchers. He's the Al Davis of minor league pitchers. Just win, baby: he's 29-5 in his pro career.
W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO AVG
7 0 2.76 12 12 0 0 65 57 15 51 .234
CLAYTON RICHARD LHP
Triple-A Charlotte/White Sox
In a depleted White Sox system, Richard moved past A-ball for the first time in his career and has taken his high-80s sinker and good control all the way up to Triple-A.
W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO AVG
9 6 2.34 16 16 2 0 104 78 16 65 .207
JESS TODD RHP
Double-A Springfield/Cardinals
Todd's power slider helped him set Arkansas' single-game strikeouts record. He's shown more durability and a better knack for pitching than expected in his first full pro season.
W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO AVG
5 2 1.74 16 12 0 1 83 58 18 72 .198
CASEY WEATHERS RHP
Double-A Tulsa/Rockies
The No. 8 overall pick last year after an All-America year at Vanderbilt, Weathers has developed quickly since being converted from outfielder in junior college to a reliever.
W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H BB SO AVG
1 0 2.37 30 0 0 1 30 20 17 36 .183
BRYAN ANDERSON C
Triple-A Memphis/Cardinals
A repeat Futures Gamer, Anderson also has Team USA experience as a member of the 2007 World Cup team, which won  the gold medal in November.
AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB OBP SLG
.337 193 25 65 11 1 2 28 17 31 0 .392 .435
LOU MARSON C
Double-A Reading/Phillies
After a slow start to his pro career offensively, Marson has improved markedly the last two seasons, showing improved power and a better ability to make consistent contact.
AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB OBP SLG
.329 225 37 74 15 0 2 37 48 45 3 .446 .422
TAYLOR TEAGARDEN C
Triple-A Oklahoma/Rangers
It's easy to get lost in the Rangers' suddenly deep farm system, but Teagarden's improved bat and reputation for fine catch-and-throw skills (when healthy) keeps him near the top of the list.
AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB OBP SLG
.219 183 25 40 5 3 7 19 31 59 1 .341 .393
JAMIE D'ANTONA
 3B/1B
Triple-A Tucson/Diamondbacks
D'Antona has been a consistent offensive producer in his six seasons in the Diamondbacks organization. His defensive versatility—he has played first, third and catcher this season—might win him a spot on the Olympic roster.
AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB OBP SLG
.375 323 55 121 31 1 15 61 24 50 0 .416 .616
JASON DONALD SS
Double-A Reading/Phillies
Donald's production as a pro has mirrored his college career at Arizona, only now he's using wood bats. His steady approach and defensive versatility stand out.
AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB OBP SLG
.303 244 39 74 13 3 9 38 34 58 8 .397 .492
MAT GAMEL 3B
Double-A Huntsville/Brewers
The Brewers have had no problem developing hitters of late, but they just keep doing it. Gamel was leading the minors in hits and total bases as part of a powerhouse Stars lineup.
AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB OBP SLG
.371 307 65 114 25 5 15 66 33 57 5 .432 .632
CHRIS GETZ 2B
Triple-A Charlotte/White Sox
Getz has excellent speed, bat control and defensive versatility, stamping himself as a future utility player. With his improved power, though, he was making a case to be a regular.
AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB OBP SLG
.304 260 35 79 15 1 6 29 22 37 7 .355 .438
WES HODGES
 3B
Double-A Akron/Indians
Hodges is the consummate gamer, playing through injuries ever since high school and still playing at a high level. He has been healthy this season and shown his line-drive stroke as well as steady defense.
AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB OBP SLG
.315 340 52 107 18 3 10 72 42 71 2 .389 .474
CLIFF PENNINGTON 2B
Triple-A Sacramento/Athletics
Leg injuries slowed Pennington last season, but he got healthy this year and has returned to being a disruptive force atop the lineup. His fine defense up the middle also has returned.
AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB OBP SLG
.272 301 60 82 12 4 1 26 56 49 21 .385 .349
CHRIS VALAIKA SS
Double-A Chattanooga/Reds
Valaika's international experience makes him a likely Olympian. He's played for USA Baseball's youth, junior and college national teams previously.
AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB OBP SLG
.315 298 47 94 18 1 11 48 21 59 4 .365 .493
DEXTER FOWLER OF
Double-A Tulsa/Rockies
A potential five-tool talent, Fowler's skills have caught up rapidly with his prodigious athletic ability; he was a Harvard basketball recruit.
AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB OBP SLG
.314 290 60 91 21 5 7 45 35 62 15 .395 .493
GREG GOLSON OF
Double-A Reading/Phillies
Packed with offensive potential, Golson was having his best minor league season before a sprained left wrist sidelined him in June.
AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB OBP SLG
.299 251 41 75 13 2 7 36 14 77 17 .335 .450
ANDREW MCCUTCHEN OF
Triple-A Indianapolis/Pirates
Part of the 2005 draft class of prep outfielders that includes Justin Upton and Cameron Maybin, McCutchen is close to joining them in the majors with his power-speed combination.
AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB OBP SLG
.283 300 45 85 18 0 8 31 33 52 21 .363 .423
NATE SCHIERHOLTZ OF
Triple-A Fresno/Giants
The Giants remain patient with Schierholtz, an improved defender who has plus raw power that will show more as he improves his plate discipline.
AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB OBP SLG
.297 263 42 78 14 8 11 48 18 41 9 .350 .536
MATT LaPORTA
 OF
Double-A Akron/Indians
The Brewers took LaPorta seventh overall in the 2007 draft and his bat made them look very good. With a glut of young corner players, though, Milwaukee made him the key piece in the C.C. Sabathia deal.
AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB OBP SLG
.292 318 58 93 23 2 21 70 45 67 2 .401 .575

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