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Glimpse of the Futures Smitherman homer breaks late tie; Sizemore named MVPPosted: Sunday July 13, 2003 8:41 PMUpdated: Sunday July 13, 2003 9:54 PM
CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Cincinnati Reds manager Jim Bowden just got another bargaining chip in his quest for a starting pitcher. Stephen Smitherman, a power-hitting outfielder in the Reds' organization, homered to snap a sixth-inning tie and lead the United States Team to a 3-2 triumph over the World Team in the Futures Game. The highlight of All-Star Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field was a well-played affair decided by one swing as Smitherman launched a home run into the left field bullpen off World Team reliever Travis Blackley. The 24-year-old Smitherman, who tore up Class AA pitching before being promoted in June, is forcing Bowden to address his already-crowded outfield situation. With an established star in Ken Griffey Jr., emerging stars in Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns and talented reserve Juan Encarnacion, Bowden has a wealth of outfield talent. Factor in minor leaguer Wily Mo Pena and Smitherman and the Reds' executive may be able to pull off the trade for the starting pitcher his team so desperately needs. While Smitherman was the hero for the U.S. squad, Cleveland Indians prospect Grady Sizemore earned the Larry Doby Most Valuable Player Award. Sizemore, who was acquired from the Montreal Expos in the Bartolo Colon deal a season ago, had an RBI single in the opening inning and a go-ahead homer in the third. Detroit's Preston Larrison earned the win by getting the final out in the top of the sixth and Royce Ring, recently acquired by the New York Mets, got the final out and notched the save. Blackley, a 20-year-old lefthander in the Seattle organization, took the loss.
The United States has won three of the five games in the series, which serves as a kickoff for All-Star festivities. Also on Sunday, the Legends and Celebrity Softball Game takes place, featuring a mix of former major leaguers, stars from film, television and music and other athletes. The World Team broke on top with a run in the top of the first against White Sox Class AA lefthander Neal Cotts. Ramon Nivar opened the contest with a double, stole third one out later and scored on a two-out single by Franklin Gutierrez. Oakland's prized righthander Rich Harden could not hold the lead in the bottom of the inning, walking David Krynzel, who stole second. Sizemore followed with a base hit u. the middle, scoring Krynzel just ahead of a strong throw from center fielder Alexis Rios. Harden showed some poise, striking out three of the next four batters to keep the game tied. After Pittsburgh's John VanBenschoten cruised through the top of the second, Arizona's Edgar Gonzalez worked in and out of trouble in the bottom of the frame. Sizemore gave the U.S. Team the lead by opening the bottom of the third inning against Colorado Rockies' prospect Seung Song with a drive over the right field wall. Sizemore has just nine homers in 353 at-bats this season at Class AA Arkansas. The United States had two aboard with two outs in the third inning but Song retired highly touted Minnesota Twins' prospect Joe Mauer on a bouncer to shortstop. Carlton Fisk's squad took the 2-1 lead into the fifth but Clint Nageotte, a righthander in the Seattle Mariners' organization, surrendered a leadoff homer to Alexis Rios. Rios has just six homers in 330 at-bats this season at Class AA New Haven. This year's softball contest will feature five Hall of Famers, including perhaps the most popular Chicago baseball player ever, Ernie Banks. Joining "Mr. Cub" will be 2003 Hall of Fame inductee Gary Carter, Rollie Fingers, Ozzie Smith and Dave Winfield. Former All-Stars Wade Boggs, Fred Lynn, Harold Reynolds, Rich "Goose" Gossage and Bret Saberhagen also are slated to compete. The former major leaguers will team with stars from television, movies and music in the lighthearted contest. Among the celebrities slated to play are Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Corolla, Ice Cube, Ian Ziering, Shannon Elizabeth, Brian McKnight, Big Boi and Ms. Jade. Former NFL stars Jim McMahon and Howie Long also are entered. On Monday, the more traditional activities take place as players begin arriving. After a media session in which the starting pitchers for Tuesday's All-Star Game are introduced, the players will work out at U.S. Cellular Field and eight will take part in Home Run Derby.
The 74th All-Star Game is slated for Tuesday night at 8 p.m.
© 2003 SportsTicker Enterprises, LP
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