Kansas City is the host site for the 2012 MLB All-Star Game, so there’s already a local flavor in every aspect of the festivities happening all weekend long and into next week. But today’s 2012 MLB Futures game also includes several Royals prospects given the depth and talent in the farm system.
The U.S. and World rosters have been announced and the U.S. roster in particular has some players that Royals fans will get to know in coming years.
Wil Myers is the right fielder for the U.S. team and he’s been slugging the ball at an incredible rate in 2012 after a disappointing 2011 season. He’s always been heralded as a future slugger for the heart of KC’s order whenever he finally arrives in the Majors, and 27 home runs this year between Northwest Arkansas (AA) and Omaha (AAA) serves as the evidence.
Jake Odorizzi is the starting pitcher for the U.S. roster and he’s blossoming at the right time for a Royals team in search of a starter who can come in and help immediately in the rotation.
"It’s the best thing you can do if you’re a pitcher: lead off in your hometown stadium," Odorizzi said. "I’m really looking forward to it. George Brett is our coach and he’s an awesome guy to be coaching our team. It’s going to be a really exciting day.
"I’ve never really had to do this before. I’m going to try and throw like I normally do, but I’m sure there might be some adrenaline going, so I’ll have to rein it in a little bit. It’s really fun. I’m trying to figure out what I’m going to do with my inning of work."
Here’s the complete U.S. Roster:
SS: Billy Hamilton, CIN
2B: Kolten Wong, STL
RF: Wil Myers, KC
3B: Mike Olt, TEX
1B: Jonathan Singleton, HOU
LF: Michael Choice, OAK
DH: Nick Castellanos, DET
C: Tommy Joseph, SF
CF: Anthony Gose, TOR
RHP: Jake Odorizzi, KC
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