News
Reliever Samuel added to Futures Game
Right-hander from Double-A Springfield joins World teamBy Matthew Leach / MLB.com
07/09/09 6:24 PM ET
ST. LOUIS -- Already loaded with hometown flavor, All-Star week has picked up another member of the Cardinals organization.
Right-hander Francisco Samuel of Double-A Springfield has been named as a late addition to the World team in the XM All-Star Futures Game, set for Sunday at Busch Stadium. Samuel, 22, replaces Jenrry Mejia of the Mets organization. Samuel joins infielder Brett Wallace and outfielder Daryl Jones, who will play for the U.S. team, in representing the St. Louis organization at the Futures Game.
Samuel, a hard-throwing reliever, emerged as an exciting prospect when he struck out 85 batters in 56 1/3 innings for Class A Palm Beach last season. This year for Double-A, he's shown the same strengths and weaknesses he did in 2008.
Samuel has amassed 20 saves for the S-Cards and has a respectable 4.28 ERA. He's once again racked up the Ks, striking out 40 batters in 33 2/3 innings. However, his walk total has remained high, as he's issued 28 free passes.
Managing Samuel and the World team will be Cards third-base coach Jose Oquendo. Hall of Famer and Cardinals great Ozzie Smith will manage the U.S. team.
The 11th annual XM All-Star Futures Game, pitting the best Minor League prospects from the United States against the best from the rest of the World, will be held at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on All-Star Sunday at 1 p.m. CT. MLB.com will provide complete coverage before, during and after the game, which can be seen live on ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD and followed live on Gameday.
Matthew Leach is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
