Long Beach State University Athletics
Longoria Named to Futures Game Roster
7/5/2007 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
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Longoria to Play in Futures Game for Tampa Bay MONTGOMERY, AL-- Former first round pick Evan Longoria is on the fast track to the Major Leagues, as he was named as one of the players to participate in the Futures Games on July 8 in San Francisco at 1 p.m. in the seven-game exhibition. The former Long Beach State third baseman was the third overall pick in the 2006 Major League Draft, and has spent just a year and a half in professional baseball. The Futures roster of 50 players is as close to the top-50 prospects in organized baseball, as possible, broken into an American Team and a World Team. Longoria is playing for the U.S. Former Dirtbag and current Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki played in the 2006 games. Currently Longoria is 10th in the league in batting (.302), tied for first in the Southern League in home runs (17), tied for second in RBIs (60), first in runs (64) and fourth in slugging (.519). Said Baseball America in its preview of the team: "Since he entered professional baseball last year, Longoria has mashed the ball everywhere he has been. He has quick hands, which allow him to get plenty of bat speed, and he has the ability to hit for both average and power. Longoria's excellent plate discipline should also make him successful once he reaches the majors." Longoria had a .315 career average at three levels of the Tampa Bay system in 2006. He slugged 18 home runs and drove in 58, reaching Montgomery, the Devil Rays Double-A affiliate for the final 26 games. |
