2015 MLB All Star Futures Game: US Team pitchers

2015 MLB Futures Game: United States Team Pitchers

Here’s a brief look at the members of the 2015 MLB Futures Game United States Team pitching staff.

Mark Appel, RHP, Astros: Age 23, drafted in first round out of Stanford in 2013, 5.02 ERA this year with 50/25 K/BB in 66 innings between Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Fresno. Throws three quality pitches for strikes but results remain inconsistent; he’ll dominate at times but will also have games where he gets blasted early. A talented enigma.

Tyler Beede, RHP, Giants: Age 22, first round pick out of Vanderbilt in 2014, 2.24 ERA with 37/9 K/BB for High-A San Jose this spring, followed by 5.01 ERA with 13/9 K/BB in 23 innings for Double-A Richmond. Low-to-mid-90s heat with plus change-up and improved curveball, command can be inconsistent but overpowering at his best.

Zach Davies,RHP, Orioles: Age 22, drafted in 26^th round in 2011 from high school in Mesquite, Arizona, having a strong season for Triple-A Norfolk: 2.94 ERA, 67/27 K/BB in 70 innings. Lightly-built at 6-0, 150 pounds, fastball is in upper-80s but plays up due to contrast with superb change-up and good curveball. Has been durable thus far despite frame.

Carl Edwards, Jr., RHP, Cubs: Formerly known as C.J. Edwards, Carl was drafted by the Rangers in the 48^th round from high school in Prosperity, South Carolina, in 2011 then was traded to the Cubs in 2013. Converted to relief this year at age 23, 2.95 ERA with 50/26 K/BB in 37 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. Up to 94 MPH in bullpen with above-average curveball and change-up, note outstanding K/IP ratio.

Amir Garrett, LHP, Reds: Age 23, drafted in 22^nd round in 2011 but didn’t turn to baseball full-time until 2014 after playing college basketball at St. John’s. Has made rapid progress since, posting 3.00 ERA with 80/31 K/BB in 72 innings for High-A Daytona. Can hit 95 with 6-5, 210 frame, breaking ball and change-up developing.

Lucas Giolito, RHP, Nationals: Age 20, first round pick in 2012 from Studio City, California, famous Tommy John survivor has 3.55 ERA with 59/13 K/BB in 46 innings for High-A Potomac, strikeout rate reflects quality of 93-96 MPH heater (sometimes faster) with nasty curveball and steadily developing change-up. May be top right-handed pitching prospect in baseball.

Sean Newcomb, LHP, Angels: Age 22, drafted in first round in 2014 from University of Hartford, 2.56 ERA with 101/40 K/BB in 77 innings between Low-A Burlington and High-A Inland Empire. Few lefties can match his fastball/curveball combination though change-up is still inconsistent and overall command needs more polish.

Aaron Nola, RHP, Phillies: Age 22, 1.91 ERA with 73/11 K/BB in 89 innings between Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley, 2014 first-rounder out of Louisiana State has blown through minor league competition with little difficulty. Doesn’t throw massively hard on the gun (low-90s) but secondary pitches are all strong and his command and mound presence are terrific.

Colin Rea, RHP, Padres: Age 24, 25 tomorrow, drafted in 12^th round in 2011 out of Indiana State. Massive step forward this year for Double-A San Antonio, with a 1.08 ERA (not a typo) and a 60/11 K/BB in 75 innings with just 50 hits allowed. The Iowa native has a low-90s fastball and has developed an outstanding breaking ball while making huge progress with his command.

Blake Snell, LHP, Rays: Age 22, compensation round pick in 2011 from high school in Shoreline, Washington, 6-4 lefty with 1.22 ERA and 88/35 K/BB in 74 innings this year between High-A Charlotte and Double-A Montgomery, just 45 hits allowed. Killer slider and low-90s sinker with decent change-up give him mid-rotation potential at least.