MLB Futures Game 2012: Roster, Lineup and Top Players to Watch

There is no better place to see the next generation of baseball stars than at the MLB Futures Game. 

Every year on the Sunday before the MLB All-Star Game, the best Minor League players in the country perform on one stage and show off their talents to the world. Scouts get a chance to see these players against top competition, while fans get to dream that they are watching a future ace or elite hitter of a big league squad.

It is impossible to ignore the success of the players that have participated in this event. As recently as last season, the box score is full of players who have already made an impact at the Major League level.

Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis hit a home run. Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper made a few dazzling plays. Tampa Bay Rays starter Matt Moore pitched a perfect inning with a strikeout.

This year's game features just as much talent, and it will not be long until some of these guys are household names.

When: Sunday, July 8th at 5 p.m. ET

Where: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City

Watch: ESPN2

Stream: MLB.com

Players to Watch: U.S. Team

Dylan Bundy, RHP, Baltimore Orioles

Between Dylan Bundy and shortstop Manny Machado, it is obvious the Orioles will be good for a very long time. 

The 19-year-old Bundy gave the team no choice but to promote him to Double-A after posting unbelievable numbers in Single-A. The pitcher did not give up an earned run in 30 innings, striking out 40 and walking only two.

Leaving him at that level would have simply been unfair to the other players.

He has slowed down a bit against the tougher competition, but there is little doubt he will be pitching in Camden Yards very soon.

Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City Royals

Among all of the players participating in this game, Myers might be the closest to the Major Leagues.

The Royals prospect started the year by proving he was too good for Double-A, and he has not slowed since joining Triple-A Omaha. Between the two levels, he has hit .327 with a .403 on base percentage and 27 home runs.

He is not a great defender, but his bat will allow him to be a superstar. Right now the only thing holding him back is the opportunity to play in the big leagues.

Players to Watch: World Team

Wilmer Flores, 3B, New York Mets

Although he has been on prospect lists for a long time, Flores is only 20 years old and is hitting well in Double-A. This will be his second appearance in the Futures Game, which is a rare occurrence.

Once a shortstop, Flores has moved to third base this season to adjust for his increase in size, but he is hitting enough to justify the move. He has already tied his career high with 11 home runs this season and establishing a career high in batting average.

His bat will carry him to the Major Leagues, but the tough part is finding a position for him.

Jurickson Profar, SS, Texas Rangers

A good defensive shortstop that can hit for average and power is rare. One that is doing it in Double-A at only 18 is extremely impressive.

Profar is more than holding his own in a league full of much older players and is quickly moving up the Minor League ranks. The switch-hitter has been getting better every year and this season is crushing lefties to a .337 batting average.

He shows enormous potential for a player this young. 

Full rosters, courtesy of MLB.com:

U.S Team

PITCHERS 

Name	ORG	Level
Matt Barnes	BOS	A+
Dylan Bundy	BAL	A+
Gerrit Cole	PIT	AA
Danny Hultzen	SEA	AAA
Alex Meyer	WAS	A
Jake Odorizzi	KC	AAA
Tyler Skaggs	ARI	AAA
Jameson Taillon	PIT	A+
Taijuan Walker	SEA	AA
Zack Wheeler	NYM	AA

CATCHERS 

Rob Brantly	DET	AAA
Tommy Joseph	SF	AA

INFIELDERS 

Name	ORG	Level
Nolan Arenado	COL	AA
Nick Castellanos	DET	AA
Scooter Gennett	MIL	AA
Billy Hamilton	CIN	A+
Manny Machado	BAL	AA
Mike Olt	TEX	AA
Jonathan Singleton	HOU	AA
Kolten Wong	STL	AA

OUTFIELDERS 

Tyler Austin	NYY	A
Michael Choice	OAK	AA
Anthony Gose	TOR	AAA
Wil Myers	KC	AAA
Christian Yelich	MIA	A+

World Team

PITCHERS 

Name	ORG	Level
Lisalverto Bonilla	PHI	AA
Jose Fernandez	MIA	A
Kyle Lotzkar	CIN	AA
Ariel Pena	LAA	AA
Chris Reed	LAD	AA
Felipe Rivero	TB	A
Julio Rodriguez	PHI	AA
Enny Romero	TB	A+
Bruce Rondon	DET	AA
Yordano Ventura	KC	A+

CATCHERS 

Name	ORG	Level
Christian Bethancourt	ATL	AA
Ali Solis	SD	AA

INFIELDERS 

Name	ORG	Level
Jesus Aguilar	CLE	A+
Xander Bogaerts	BOS	A+
Wilmer Flores	NYM	AA
Francisco Lindor	CLE	A
Chih-Fang Pan	OAK	A
Jurickson Profar	TEX	AA
Carlos Sanchez	CWS	A+
Jean Segura	LAA	AA

OUTFIELDERS 

Oswaldo Arcia	MIN	AA
Jae-Hoon Ha	CHC	AA
Rymer Liriano	SD	A+
Alfredo Marte	ARI	AA
Oscar Taveras	STL	AA

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