Major League Baseball's annual All-Star Break always brings about celebration of the game's greatest current player. Fans around the world get the opportunity to not only cheer on the names they hear week in and week out, they get to watch them play with and against one another on one stage. And while the event typically carries some of the year's best highlights, it also brings about a unique opportunity for those same fans to watch their team's future stars take to a major league field. While it may not get the same attention the Mid-Summer Classic and Home Run Derby events get, the Futures Game is still a momentous occasion for the hardcore baseball fan.
In every season since 1999, the All-Star Futures Game has brought together prospects from all around the major leagues. The players are split by their country of origin, and the United States team takes on the World team. And while being named to the Futures Game does not necessarily guarantee major league success, names like Chase Utley, Gavin Floyd, and Gio Gonzalez have all gone to the event wearing the Phillies uniform. This season, the Phillies had two players take part in the contest, one making his second consecutive appearance in the game, the other blazing a rapid trail to the major league squad.
Maikel Franco (World Team) was named to his second Futures Game, and was brought in to play the field in this year's contest. In the seventh inning, Franco had his first bat, facing Braden Shipley of the Arizona Diamondbacks with a runner on and one away. He'd pop a ball up, flying out to right field. He'd also make the final out of the game, flying out to center field against Noah Syndergaard of the New York Mets. In an interview with Paul Hagen of mlb.com, Franco spoke about his excitement in his second Futures appearance. He also touched upon the possibility of being called to the major league club.
"You have to be ready for anything. You play third, but you play first base, too. You have to be ready to play both positions. I feel comfortable at first. I've been taking a lot of ground balls, and I feel good there. I just want to play good and see what happens."
As for the other prospect making the big stage, J.P. Crawford made his debut with the US Futures team. The 19-year-old, quickly making his way through the Phillies minor league system, was quite excited to take part in the festivities. He'd also come in for defense in the fifth, but got his first at bat in the sixth. Michael Feliz of the Houston Astros was on the mound, and Crawford managed to bloop a single for a base hit. He'd get the opportunity to steal second, and eventually score when the Rangers Joey Gallo recorded his monstrous home run. Crawford grounded out later in the game, but later spoke to his movement through the Phils organization.
"I've been moved pretty fast in our organization. They're trying to push me on the fast track, and I like the challenge.
He also touched upon his expectations in reaching the major league level soon.
"I'm not too focused on that. I'm not worried about it. I'll be there when my time comes."
With the season going the way it has been for the Phillies, this All-Star Week has given fans a number of things to smile about. Chase Utley, of course, is the first player most fans think of. His sixth All-Star selection is a reward for his bounce-back season, and at least gave fans more of a reason to watch the game. Meanwhile, those same fans could look to last Sunday's Futures Game as a sign of what is to come, something they could look forward too. Maikel Franco and J.P. Crawford may not become perennial All-Stars, but for the time being, they are bright spots on a rather dull 2014 campaign.
Andrew Gillen, Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com
