The Major League Baseball Futures Game rosters have been released. The Reds have two representatives, one on each side.
Billy Hamilton – SS – United States
Hamilton is recognized as the fastest player in the game, and he probably is (though I think it is a whole lot closer than 99% of people out there think it is between him and the rest of the Top 10 fastest guys in baseball). He has 82 steals and a .331 average as of right now for the Bakersfield Blaze and is coming off of an MVP for the California League All Star squad after the Carolina vs California League All Star game. Baseball America said yesterday that he will be the most exciting player to watch in the game.
Kyle Lotzkar – RHP – World
Lotzkar has been through a whole lot in his career and yet he is still just 22 years old. He has a career high in innings already, with 68 innings pitched between Bakersfield and Pensacola where he has a 2.78 ERA to go along with 32 walks and 76 strikeouts. He is the only Canadian on the World roster.
Roster moves
The Reds made a few moves after the All Star breaks for the lower level full season teams and have reportedly also made a trade. Brian Pearl was the most notable move as he was promoted to Pensacola after being a dominant closer for the Bakersfield Blaze with 13 saves, a 1.31 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 8 walks against 41 strikeouts in 34.1 innings. The Reds also “traded” (they bought him) for former Indians first round pick (2007 – #13 overall) Beau Mills, who has played 90% of his time at first base in his career. He has really struggled this year, hitting just .197/.239/.394 in AAA for the Indians, but hit a solid .289/.347/.513 last season in AA. His plate discipline fell apart this year with 7 walks and 34 strikeouts after having 32 walks and 59 strikeouts in 391 PA’s in 2011. The Reds have reportedly sent him to Pensacola.