Brewers' Prospects Matt LaPorta, Mat Gamel Named to Futures Team

Milwaukee prospects Matt LaPorta and Mat Gamel have been named to the U.S. team for the All-Star Futures Game at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, July 13.

LaPorta, an outfielder selected in the first round of the 2007 draft, and Gamel, a third baseman, both play for Class AA Huntsville. The Futures Game is an annual showcase of top prospects throughout the minor leagues, with players divided into the U.S. Team and the World Team (foreign-born players).

In 76 games with the Stars, Gamel is batting .373 with 15 homers and 67 RBI. He has 25 doubles, a .434 on-base percentage and a .630 slugging percentage.
LaPorta has played in 74 games and is batting. 292 with 19 home runs and 59 RBI, with a .404 on-base percentage and .596 slugging percentage.

This gets me excited, because with Bill Hall not exactly performing up to his true ability, lately, and Russell Branyan still not playing well enough to be a starting third baseman, Gamel could be on the major league squad as early as next year.

Of course, that'd cause some moving around. The arrival of Matt LaPorta to the Brewers would also call for a change, as Ryan Braun is our current left-field (and I don't see him leaving us anytime soon), and Prince Fielder is (hopefully) still our first baseman for the foreseeable future.

The only other way he would fit is if he were moved to right and Corey Hart moved over to center (where he has experience), which would mean that Mike Cameron would be on the way out. Then again, Cameron is 35, and only signed to a one-year contract...

courtesy JSOnline.com

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