2011 Baseball Predictions: Projecting the 2011 Futures Game Starting Lineups
Spring Training is in full swing and teams have begun to make their first rounds of roster-cuts as they start to trim their teams down to the opening day rosters.
For many teams, that meant sending their top prospects down to rookie camp where they can get more playing time after giving them some action at the big league level.
With so many of these future stars on display, now is a great time to look ahead to the often forgotten event of the Midsummer Classic, the Futures Game, which puts the game's top young talent on display.
Here are my predictions for the starting lineups of both the USA and the World teams at this year's Futures Game, keeping in mind that a player cannot have any big league experience in order to be eligible for the team.
USA Catcher: Devin Mesoraco
1 of 20
Age: 23
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: 64th
2010 Stats (Between Class High-A, Class-AA, and Class-AAA)
BA: .302
OBP: .377
SLG: .587
H: 120
HR: 26
RBI: 75
R: 71
The Reds first round pick in 2007, taken 15th overall out of a high school, Mesoraco was put on the fast track last season, as he opened the year in High Class-A and finished it out at Class-AAA Louisville.
He is the heir-apparent to Ramon Hernandez at catcher in Cincinnati and while his offensive numbers are clearly what put him on the big league radar, he is also a solid fielder, throwing out 41 percent of would-be base stealers last season.
World Catcher: Wilin Rosario, Dominican Republic
2 of 20
Age:22
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank:49th
2010 Stats (Class-AA)
BA: .285
OBP: .342
SLG: .552
H: 77
HR: 19
RBI: 52
R: 42
*2010 Futures Game Selection
After a subpar season from Chris Ianetta last season and with Miguel Olivo moving on in free agency, catcher is clearly a position of weakness for the Rockies right now and that could mean a promotion sooner rather than later for Rosario.
Last season marked his first action above Class-A, and he responded with the best numbers of his career—he should only continue to improve, as he will still just be 22 this coming season.
USA First Baseman: Eric Hosmer
3 of 20
Age: 21
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: 8th
2010 Stats (Between High Class-A and Class-AA)
BA: .338
OBP: .406
SLG: .571
H: 176
HR: 20
RBI: 86
R: 87
SB:14
*2010 Futures Game Selection
For all the hype surrounding Mike Moustakas, another of the Royals' top prospects, it was Hosmer that Baseball America ranked as the team's best up-and-comer.
The third overall pick in the 2008 draft, Hosmer didn't miss a beat following a promotion to Class-AA last season and that is where he will most likely open the 2011 campaign, but a September call-up is certainly not out of the question.
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World First Baseman: Jose Ruiz, Cuba
4 of 20
Age: 26
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: N/A
2010 Stats (Between Rookie League and Class-AA)
BA: .331
OBP: .416
SLG: .468
H: 46
HR: 2
RBI: 20
R: 25
Ruiz, a Cuban defector, signed with the Rays last season, but was released due to an interesting contract stipulation in which the Rays had one season to see what he could do, then either had to release him or pick up a four-year, $4 million option on him and they chose to release him.
Ruiz spent five seasons on the Cuban National Team, posting a career .330 batting average, and in his last full season in Cuba, he hit .341 and drove in 69 runs. At 6-3, 235 pounds, there is certainly some power potential there. The Rangers pursued him hard before he chose the Rays last season and he should get a chance to stick with Texas.
USA Second Baseman: Jason Kipnis
5 of 20
Age: 24
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: 54th
2010 Stats (Between High Class-A and Class-AA)
BA: .307
OBP: .386
SLG: .492
H: 159
HR: 16
RBI: 74
R: 96
While there is little question that Dustin Ackley is the top American-born second base prospect in baseball right now, there is also little question that he will be in Seattle by the time the All-Star break rolls around.
That said, Kipnis is one to watch after a he put himself on the prospect map with a fantastic offensive season last year. With Orlando Cabrera keeping the big league job warm, it could be only a matter of time before Kipnis supplants him in Cleveland, but with just one and a half pro seasons under his belt, a September call-up seems like the most reasonable course of action for Kipnis.
World Second Baseman: Brett Lawrie, Canada
6 of 20
Age: 21
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: 40th
2010 Stats (Class-AA)
BA: .285
OBP: .346
SLG: .451
H: 158
HR: 8
RBI: 63
R: 90
SB: 30
*2009 and 2010 Futures Game Selection
It is hard to believe that Lawrie will still only be 21 this coming season, as it seems like he has been one of the top second base prospects for years now. He showed signs of taking the next step last season in what was his first full year at Class-AA, and with Aaron Hill entering the final year of his contract, he could be the Jays everyday second baseman next season.
The Blue Jays are clearly high on him, as they traded one of their top starting pitchers in Shaun Marcum for him straight up in a deal this offseason and if the Blue Jays fall out of contention early, they could look to deal Hill in an effort to get Lawrie some experience.
USA Third Baseman: Lonnie Chisenhall
7 of 20
Age: 22
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: 25th
2010 Stats
BA: .278
OBP: .351
SLG: .450
H: 128
HR: 17
RBI: 84
R: 81
*2010 Futures Game Selection
Much like with Dustin Ackley, this position would go to Mike Moustakas if not for the fact that I feel he will be called up to the Royals before the All-Star break. Still, Chisenhall is no slouch himself, as he followed up a breakout 2009 season with an equally strong showing in his first full season at Class-AA.
The Indians need help all over the diamond and Chisenhall and Kipnis, as well as a handful of other top prospects could all see time in Cleveland this coming season, as the team continues to rebuild.
World Third Baseman: Alex Liddi, Italy
8 of 20
Age: 22
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: N/A
2010 Stats (Class-AA)
BA: .281
OBP: .353
SLG: .476
H: 141
HR: 15
RBI: 92
R: 78
*2009 and 2010 Futures Game Selection
Following a huge 2009 season at High Class-A, where Liddi posted a line of .345 BA, 23 HR, 104 RBI, he took a step back last season. Still, he was one of the younger players at the Class-AA level and had it not been for his ridiculous 2009 stats, his 2010 numbers would have been impressive.
Liddi should at the very least get a September call-up this season and he could be in line to take over the starting third base job as soon as 2012, as the team could look to move Chone Figgins either somewhere else on the field or to another team.
USA Shortstop: Dee Gordon
9 of 20
Age: 23
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: 26th
2010 Stats
BA: .277
OBP: .332
SLG: .355
H: 86
HR: 2
RBI: 39
R: 86
SB: 53
*2010 Futures Game Selection
Gordon is arguably the top speed prospect in all of baseball, stealing 144 bases in two and a half minor league seasons. He also has shown the ability to hit for a decent average and posts a respectable on base percentage.
That said, if Gordon wants to make it to Los Angeles, as position change may be necessary, as he has made 71 errors over the past two seasons. Perhaps a move to center field, a la B.J. Upton could be in order, but regardless, his speed is too good to ignore.
World Shortstop: Wilmer Flores, Venezuela
10 of 20
Age: 20
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: 59th
2010 Stats (Class-A and High Class-A)
BA: .289
OBP: .333
SLG: .424
H: 160
HR: 11
RBI: 84
R: 62
2009 Futures Game Selection
Flores, whose first pro season came at the age of 16, when he hit .307 BA, 8 HR, 42 RBI and reached Class-A, is still very raw, but he has all the makings of the next great offensive shortstop.
His defense still needs some work, but his offensive skill set is incredibly advanced for his age; he should get a look at the Class-AA level this season and could be in-line to replace Jose Reyes in 2012 if the Mets do not re-sign him.
USA Outfielder: Bryce Harper
11 of 20
Age: 19
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: 1st
2010 Stats
None, signed late.
Harper has been on the fast track to big league stardom since he appeared on Sports Illustrated while he was still in high school and was touted as the LeBron James of baseball.
He was impressive in the Arizona Fall League after signing late and made the most of his time with the big league club this spring. Time will tell how long the Nationals can resist calling him up, but no one would be surprised if he makes his debut in Washington this season.
World Outfielder: Francisco Peguero, Dominican Republic
12 of 20
Age: 23
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: N/A
2010 Stats (High Class-A)
BA: .329
OBP: .358
SLG: .488
H: 168
HR: 10
RBI: 77
R: 78
SB: 40
*2010 Futures Game Selection
With the current log jam in the Giants outfield, Peguero will be given plenty of time to develop as the Giants bring him along slowly, but he could very well force their hands if he puts up the kind of numbers he did last year at the higher levels.
Aside from the above numbers, he also tallied 19 doubles and an impressive 16 triples and he could develop even more power as he progresses, after improving from just one long ball in 2009 to 10 in 2010.
USA Outfielder: Mike Trout
13 of 20
Age: 19
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: 2nd
2010 Stats (Class-A and High Class-A)
BA: .321
OBP: .428
SLG: .490
H: 173
HR: 10
RBI: 58
R: 106
SB: 56
*2010 Futures Game Selection
Trout, the Angels' first round selection in 2008, asserted himself as one of the top prospects in all of baseball last year in his first full pro season, as he displayed a bevy of tools that could make him the Angels lead-off hitter sooner rather than later.
He is still very young and he will be given all the time he needs to develop, but he should open the season at Class-AA and he could make a push for a September call-up if he plays like he did last season.
World Outfielder: Engel Beltre, Dominican Republic
14 of 20
Age: 21
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: N/A
2010 Stats (High Class-A and Class-AA)
BA: .300
OBP: .346
SLG: .410
H: 133
HR: 6
RBI: 49
R: 52
SB: 18
While he is still a-ways off from tapping into his potential, the Rangers have high hopes for Beltre, as he continues to refine what they feel will be a formidable power stroke down the line.
Not only is his bat impressive, he has great speed and is a plus-defender in center field and he could be in-line for a breakout season in what will be his first full season at Class-AA.
USA Outfielder: Brett Jackson
15 of 20
Age: 22
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: 38th
2010 Stats (High Class-A and Class-AA)
BA: .297
OBP: .395
SLG: .493
H: 146
HR: 12
RBI: 66
R: 103
SB: 30
*2010 Futures Game Selection
As it stands, the Cubs outfield is already too full to find at-bats for another young talent in Tyler Colvin, but sooner rather than later they will need to free up a spot for former first round pick Jackson, as he looked to be ready last season.
On top of his 12 long balls last season, he also tallied 32 doubles and 14 triples to record an impressive 242 total bases. He has legitimate five-tool talent and once Marlon Byrd and Kosuke Fukudome are out of Chicago, he and Colvin could man center and right field for years to come.
World Outfielder: Eury Perez, Dominican Republic
16 of 20
Age: 21
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: N/A
2010 Stats (Class-A)
BA: .299
OBP: .345
SLG: .381
H: 131
HR: 3
RBI: 42
R: 88
SB: 64
*2010 Futures Game Selection
Perez is the definition of a speedster, as he stole a whopping 64 bases last season in his first year above rookie ball. He has also shown good contact and on-base skills at the lower levels that may translate to him being a legitimate lead-off hitter down the line.
With a bit more seasoning, which he will no doubt get, he has the upside to be a Juan Pierre-type hitter and he is yet another piece in what is a very impressive Nationals farm system.
USA Right-Handed Pitcher: Kyle Gibson
17 of 20
Age: 23
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: 34th
2010 Stats (High Class-A, Class-AA, and Class-AAA)
Wins: 11
Losses: 6
IP: 152.0
ERA: 2.96
WHIP: 1.151
Ks: 126
The Twins' first round pick in 2009, Gibson did not make his pro debut until last season, starting the year at High Class-A. However, by seasons end, he was in Class-AA where he didn't miss a beat, posting a 1.72 ERA in three starts.
The Twins rotation is more or less set, but if injury strikes, he could be one of the first guys the team looks to for a mid season call-up. If that doesn't happen, you can expect to see him at the Futures Game for sure.
World Right-Handed Pitcher: Julio Teheran, Colombia
18 of 20
Age: 20
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: 5th
2010 Stats (Class-A, High Class-A, and Class-AA)
Wins: 9
Losses: 8
IP: 142.2
ERA: 2.59
WHIP: 1.037
Ks: 159
*2010 Futures Game Selection
Teheran has the stuff to pitch at the big league level right now, although it would most likely be out of the bullpen with the rotation set. More than likely, however, the Braves will allow the phenom to continue his development as a starter in preparation for the departure of Derek Lowe.
He can blow his fastball by hitters, but also has a plus changeup and curveball—even though he is still just 20 years old he should continue to rise through the ranks as one of the best prospects in all of baseball.
USA Left-Handed Pitcher: John Lamb
19 of 20
Age: 20
2011 Baseball America Top 100 Rank: 18th
2010 Stats (Class-A, High Class-A, Class-AA)
Wins: 10
Losses: 7
IP: 147.2
ERA: 2.38
WHIP: 1.131
Ks: 159
Lamb and Mike Montgomery mark the future of pitching in Kansas City and it will be interesting to see how those two progress in the years to come. For now, Lamb looks to have a slight upper hand and he could wind up being the steal of the 2008 draft.
While Montgomery was a first round pick, Lamb was not off the board until the fifth round and he has done nothing but exceed expectations to this point. Look for him to continue to make his case as the top left-handed pitching prospect in baseball.
World Left-Handed Pitcher: Manny Banuelos, Mexico
20 of 20
Age: 20
2011 Baseball Reference Top 100 Rank: 41st
2010 Stats (Rookie League, High Class-A, and Class-AA)
Wins: 0
Losses: 4
IP: 64.2
ERA: 2.51
WHIP: 1.222
Ks: 85
*2009 Futures Game Selection
Banuelos, who signed with the Yankees out of Mexico, has been impressive this spring, throwing 7.2 scoreless innings while striking out 10 batters. He will no doubt start the season in the minors, but with so many questions surrounding the back end of the Yankees rotation, he could see the big leagues this season.
His first full season above Class-A could be what pushes him into elite prospect status and with the poise he has shown this spring, a break-out could be right around the corner.
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