Reds' Yonder Alonso is one to watch in All-Star Futures Game

Hitting the halfway mark of the season means the All-Star Game for the majors, and it means the Futures Game for the minor leagues. Sunday's game will pit the best of the U.S.-born players against those from the rest of the world.

Yonder Alonso is among those on the World team. Born in Cuba, the 23-year old first baseman was the Reds' No. 1 pick out of Miami (Fla.) in the 2008 draft.

Starting this season at Class-AA Carolina, Alonso hit .267 with three homers and 13 RBI. He also put up a nice .388 OBP (19 walks to 16 whiffs). He's had a little tougher time after moving up to Class-AAA Louisville, hitting .257 with an OBP of just .294 (with 41 K's and only 11 walks). But the potential is evident in his power numbers -- six homers and 33 RBI in 54 games.

Alonso's biggest obstacle on the road to Cincinnati is the presence of Joey Votto at first base. For that reason, he's played some left field this season for the first time in his minor league career. Then again, Alonso could be a prime trade chip if the Reds are looking to add a player for the stretch run. (Cliff Lee perhaps?)



(usatoday.com)