Beede, Mella among rising stars in Futures Game
Two of Giants' top three prospects to represent club in Cincinnati on July 12
SAN FRANCISCO -- Right-handers Keury Mella and Tyler Beede, two of the Giants' top Minor League prospects, were named Thursday to represent the organization at the Sirius XM All-Star Futures Game.
The annual showcase for baseball's brightest young stars is scheduled for July 12 at Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park.
Mella, rated as San Francisco's No. 2 prospect by MLB.com, will play for the World squad in the Futures Game. He went 3-1 with a 2.95 ERA in his first 11 starts this season for Class A Advanced San Jose, the organization's California League affiliate. He also had 54 strikeouts in 55 innings. Mella, who turns 22 on Aug. 2, stands 6-foot-2, is listed at 200 pounds and is regarded as a pitcher who can rise quickly through San Francisco's Minor League system. The Giants signed Mella out of the Dominican Republic as a non-drafted free agent in September 2011.
Video: Top Prospects: Tyler Beede, RHP, Giants
Mella's fastball has been recorded as high as 97 mph, and his array of secondary pitches is considered decidedly above-average.
Beede, San Francisco's No. 3 prospect according to MLB.com, will perform for the U.S. team at the Futures Game. He has divided the season between two classifications, posting a 2-2 record with a 2.24 ERA in nine starts for San Jose. The 22-year-old also had a 1.15 WHIP (average walks and hits per inning pitched) for the young Giants. In four starts at Double-A Richmond, Beede went 1-2 with a 5.01 ERA.
Listed at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, Beede has the frame to develop a classic pitcher's build. His fastball, curveball and changeup all are considered above-average deliveries.