The 2011 MLB All Star Game festivities kick off Sunday afternoon with the XM All-Star Futures Game featuring the best young minor league talent in the game. The series pits American talent versus international talent and is currently tied at six games apiece with the US winning last year's game 9-1 behind big games from Hank Conger and Eric Hosmer who combined to go 5-for-8 with five RBIs and three runs scored.
The 2011 contest will feature some impressive Bay Area talent. The Oakland Athletics are represented by Double-A shortstop Grant Green and the San Francisco Giants are represented by Single-A outfielder Gary Brown. In 2011, Green has a line of .288/.350/.401 with four home runs and 40 RBIs over 76 games with Midland. Brown is in San Jose and has a line of .316/.383/.471 with seven home runs, 51 RBIs and 35 stolen bases.
John Sickels provided a rundown of all the participants in this year's Futures Game. You can review US hitters, US pitchers, World hitters, and World pitchers. As to the two Bay Area participants:
Grant Green, SS, Oakland Athletics: Drafted in the first round in 2009 from the University of Southern California. Hitting .291/.348/.405 in 296 at-bats for Double-A Midland, 26 walks, 65 strikeouts. Hit 20 homers in the Cal League last year but has been more of a line drive type this year in tougher environment. Defense needs more polish as well. Age 23. Major League ETA: 2012.
Gary Brown, OF, San Francisco Giants: Drafted in the first round in 2010 from Cal State Fullerton. Hitting .321/.388/.471 with 34 steals, 26 walks, 54 strikeouts in 333 at-bats for High-A San Jose. Blazing speed, hits for a high average with gap power, excellent defensive outfielder. Age 22, Major League ETA: 2013.
The game will be broadcast at 3:00pm pacific on ESPN2 and via live online stream at ESPN3.com.