PCL1 Fresno Grizzlies

Grizz star selected for Futures game

Published on June 26, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release


FRESNO, CA - Fresno Grizzlies outfielder Nate Schierholtz has been selected to participate in the XM All-Star Futures Game on July 13 at Yankee Stadium, Major League Baseball announced today. Schierholtz will be joined by fellow San Francisco farmhand Kevin Pucetas on the US squad, while top Giants' prospect Angel Villalona will compete for the World team.

Schierholtz, who entered 2008 as the #4 prospect in the San Francisco system, has been Fresno's most dangerous hitter throughout the spring. Entering Thursday's series opener with the Las Vegas 51's at Chukchansi Park, the right-fielder was batting .297 with 11 home runs, 8 triples, 48 RBI, and 9 stolen bases for the Grizzlies. The Reno native made his Major League debut with the Giants last fall, batting .304 with eight extra-base hits in 39 games with the big league club.

The 25-man rosters for the United States and World Teams were announced Thursday afternoon live on MLB.com. Major League Baseball, in conjunction with all 30 clubs, works with MLB.com and Baseball America to select the players to play in the game.

With the Olympic Games in Beijing in August, a new format has been adopted for the Futures Game. Instead of selecting the U.S. squad based solely on prospect status, players were chosen as part of the 2008 Team USA Olympic trial team. Also different from years past is the length of the game. This year's contest will be nine innings , beginning at 12:30 p.m. EDT, and can be seen on ESPN2.

Kevin Pucetas, a right-handed pitcher selected in the 17th Round of the 2006 Draft by San Francisco, had the lowest ERA of any starter in Minor League Baseball last season, and is currently 7-0 with a 2.76 ERA for the San Jose Giants. At just 17-years old, Angel Villalona rated as the top prospect in the Giants' organization this season and is currently the youngest player in the South Atlantic League with Single-A Augusta.

Schierholtz and the Fresno Grizzlies take on the Las Vegas 51's, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Chukchansi Park. For information regarding tickets, promotions, or Grizzlies baseball visit FresnoGrizzlies.com or call 559.320.HITS.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 26, 2008


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