Because Mrs. infielddad was so nice, and on top of things, we went yesterday. What a fun experience, other than not seeing my favorite minor leaguer, and, perhaps my second favorite minor leaguer, Cameron Maybin, who is injured and could not compete. Every pitcher, except one, was 92 plus. Each showed command and a very good off speed pitch. Watching a local pitcher, Chuck Lofgren, who our son first played against in 2000, seeing numerous players he competed with an against since being drafted, and knowing how close many of these guys are to MLB, makes for a terrific day. We talked with our son after the game and, even from 3000 miles away, he could give us a pretty accurate analysis of the players he has seen and some of the strengths of their game. I have added a few more bookmarks on Milb.com The Futures Game is a wonderful experience.
'You don't have to be a great player to play in the major leagues, you've got to be a good one every day.'
Posts: 2055 | Location: ca | Registered: February 11, 2003
Watching a local pitcher, Chuck Lofgren, who our son first played against in 2000, seeing numerous players he competed with an against since being drafted, and knowing how close many of these guys are to MLB, makes for a terrific day.
Amazing how small the baseball community becomes at the higher levels. Chuck played here locally last year for the Indians A team - the Lake County Captains which is no more than five minutes from my home. That is indeed a long ways away from where he grew up playing in California. I also would have enjoyed being at the game
Interesting that Justin Upton is getting a lot of media coverage for his home run. It certainly was loud and out in a hurry to left field. But the ball Jay Bruce, from the Reds, hit was at least the equal of Upton's. Right center at AT&T is 421 and a portion of the wall at that point is 25 feet high. Bruce crushed a ball that hit about 2-3 feet from the top of that wall. Loud and far. The other player who looked to have very good tools but isn't mentioned too much is Michael Saunders from the World Team(Canada). He is a tall left handed hitter with a nice swing and who can really run for a big guy. Shows what I know, but I sure was impressed with the way he played and the pressure he put on the US Team.
'You don't have to be a great player to play in the major leagues, you've got to be a good one every day.'
Posts: 2055 | Location: ca | Registered: February 11, 2003
Interesting that Justin Upton is getting a lot of media coverage for his home run.
Without giving my opinion one way or the other, I suspect there are several reasons why Justin got so much press ... I have read several places that he is considered one of, if not the, best prospect in minor league ball today and he has an older brother who played in the Futures' game as well.
I am also sure it has something to do with the fact that he is with that fine MLB club known as the Arizona Diamondbacks
Mary Ann * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8 [8/21/08]
Posts: 3937 | Location: Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight ... | Registered: January 02, 2003
infielddad - I am really sorry to have missed this game. Was out of town.
I talked with Mother L. this morning and she was beaming with pride and excitement watching her boy take the bump in front of the "home town." What a phenomenal moment for the whole family!
----------------------- Go Bearcats!
Posts: 3653 | Location: California | Registered: June 22, 2003
other than not seeing my favorite minor leaguer, 
and, perhaps my second favorite minor leaguer, Cameron Maybin, who is injured and could not compete. 
