USA – A collection of some of the top talent in the U.S. minor leagues will be on showcase at the 2009 Futures Game slated for July 14 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. The annual event is a part of the All-Star Game festivies organized by Major league Baseball.

The United States roster boasts a Who’s Who of top draft picks including infielders Pedro Alvarez (Pirates) and Jemile Weeks (Athletics). Other notable selections are Astros’ catcher Jason Castro, Josh Vitters (Cubs) and Brian Matusz (Orioles).

The World Roster is dominated by players from the Dominican Republic (9), Venezuela (4), and Canada (4). The Asian continent is represented by three prospects while Europe has one native son on the roster.

Highly-touted Japanese pitching prospect Junichi Tazawa (Red Sox) and Texas Rangers’ prized young hurler Neftali Feliz headline a talented corps of pitchers for the World squad.

2009 FUTURES GAME: USA ROSTER

CATCHERS
Jason Castro, Astros (AA)
Tyler Flowers, White Sox (AA)

INFIELDERS
Pedro Alvarez, Pirates (AA)
Chris Carter, Athletics (AA)
Danny Espinosa, Nationals (A+)
Scott Sizemore, Tigers (AAA)
Josh Vitters, Cubs (A)
Brett Wallace, Cardinals (AAA)
Jemile Weeks, Athletics (A+)
Eric Young, Rockies (AAA)

OUTFIELDERS
Chris Heisey, Reds (AA) CIN
Jason Heyward, Braves (A+)
Desmond Jennings, Rays (AA)
Daryl Jones, Cardinals (AA)
Mike Stanton, Marlins (AA)

PITCHERS
Madison Bumgarner, Giants (AA)
Kyle Drabek, Phillies (AA)
Danny Duffy, Royals (A+)
Casey Kelly, Red Sox (A+)
Mat Latos, Padres (AA) SD
Brad Lincoln, Pirates (AAA)
Brian Matusz, Orioles (AA)
Jarrod Parker, D-Backs (AA)
Trevor Reckling, Angels (AA)
Chris Tillman, Orioles (AAA)

2009 FUTURES GAME: WORLD ROSTER

CATCHERS
Carlos Santana, Indians – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (AA)
Jesus Montero, Yankees – VENEZUELA (AA)

INFIELDERS
Pedro Baez, Dodgers – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (A+)
Starlin Castro, Cubs – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (A+)
Alcides Escobar, Brewers – VENEZUELA (AAA)
Wilmer Flores, Mets – VENEZUELA (A)
Brett Lawrie, Brewers – CANADA (A)
Alex Liddi, Mariners – ITALY (A)
Dayan Viciedo, White Sox – CUBA (AA)
Angel Villalona, Giants – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (A+)

OUTFIELDERS
Luis Durango, Padres – PANAMA (AA)
Tyson Gillies, Mariners – CANADA (A+)
Kyeong Kang, Rays – SOUTH KOREA (A)
Rene Tosoni, Twins – CANADA (AA)
Nick Weglarz, Indians – CANADA (AA)

PITCHERS
Manny Banuelos, Yankees – MEXICO (A)
Jhoulys Chacin, Rockies – VENEZUELA (AA)
Yohan Flande, Phillies – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (A+)
Neftali Feliz, Rangers – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (AAA)
Chia-Jen Lo, Astros – TAIWAN (AA)
Jenrry Mejia, Mets – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (AA)
Luis Perez, Blue Jays – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (AA)
Leyson Septimo, D-Backs – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (A+)
J.C. Sulbaran, Reds – CURACAO (A)
Junichi Tazawa, Red Sox – JAPAN (AA)

Photo courtesy of survivinggrady.com

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