NEW YORK -- It wasn't the most exciting Futures Game in recent history, but then again, today wasn't really about the game. It was about the players. The league's brightest prospects gathered together to greet the media, put on a show for the fans, and take in Yankee Stadium.
I was privileged once again to attend today's event as "working media." Player access was somewhat limited (that seems to be a theme lately), but I did get to talk to a few people and take a bunch of photos during batting practice and warmups. Here's a little synopsis of today's festivivities...
- Our own Matt LaPorta was the star attraction today. Had this game taken place 2 weeks ago, things would be a lot different. But good for Matt. He deserves the attention.
- There were far less fans at today's game than at the Futures Game in Detroit in 2005. I can't understand or explain that one. Maybe the ticket prices drove people away.
- The usual suspects were all in attendance...Peter Gammons and Steve Phillips of ESPN, John Manuel and Will Lingo from Baseball America, Jeff Passan from Yahoo Sports, etc.
- I got to meet John Blundell, Manager of Media Relations for MLB, and he was a really, really nice guy. It's amazing what he accomplishes with so many people breathing down his neck.
- After the crowd finally moved away from LaPorta, I got a chance to say hi to Matt. He showed a look of relief and gave me a big man hug. That actually felt pretty special! I told him he's like a rock star now. He laughed and said "It's been crazy, but this is pretty fun!" I agreed. Matt promised we'll talk more after he gets settled back in Akron.
- Speaking of hot commodities, Erin Andrews is well, one of those. ESPN has done something right over the past few years.
- The more events I attend as "working media," the less I want to be a journalist...not that I ever wanted to be a journalist or beat reporter. I know this may get me in trouble, but the more journalists and reporters I meet in person, the more I understand player frustrations with members of the media who know nothing about playing the game. You get where I'm going with this? Granted, it's not everyone, but you get the picture.
- Call me crazy, but I don't understand all the fuss about Yankee Stadium. So legends played there. Big deal. Legends played everywhere. Maybe I've been to Yankee Stadium too many times that it just bores me now.
- Oh, and one other thing about Yankee Stadium and the planning for this week...for all the money that has been put into this event, MLB and NYC could have done a better job of setting up promotions, activities, and vendors in the South Bronx. Sure, there are a few billboards and posters, but a little more flair wouldn't hurt.
- The legendary Ozzie Smith came out to take infield practice with the U.S. team. He still moves around pretty well. I don't think he'll be doing flips again anytime soon, but he made all the plays on balls hit in his vicinity.
- Not that he needs me to pump him up, but the ball REALLY jumps off the bat of Milwaukee prospect Mat Gamel. The sound of contact was different from any other player I watched today.
- Another guy you probably never heard of that showed a nice stroke at the plate was Arizona's Jamie D'antona. The 26 year-old really isn't much of a prospect, but he has a nice little stroke at the plate. I could see him contributing to a team at the big league level.
- Did I mention that Erin Andrews looks good? Maybe we can make her the Official Pinup Girl of BDD a la Aaron Gleeman. Oh, that's Peter Gammons there on the right if you somehow moved your focus off Ms. Andrews.
- Yankees GM Brian Cashman made an appearance and every reporter seem to rush over to him. He's a lot smaller than I expected him to be.
Well that about wraps it up for today. Enjoy the All-Star Game everyone, and we'll see you back after the break!