Bogaerts and Ranaudo named to Futures Game; Cecchini finalist in fan vote

Major League Baseball has announced the rosters for the 2013 Futures Game, and a pair of Red Sox farmhands have been named. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts is on the World Team for the second straight season, while right-hander Anthony Ranaudo (pictured) has made the US Team. Additionally, third baseman Garin Cecchini has been chosen as one of five finalists in a fan vote for the last spot on the US Team roster. The Futures Game will take place at 2:00 pm on Sunday, July 14, as part of Major League Baseball's All-Star celebration at Citi Field in New York. 

Bogaerts was promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket two weeks ago after an impressive performance at Double-A Portland. Across the two levels, the 20-year-old has compiled a .296/.389/.498 slash line with 10 home runs and a career-high six stolen bases. It is the second appearance in the Futures Game for Bogaerts, who went 1 for 4 with a base hit off Mariners prospect Danny Hultzen as the starting designated hitter for the World Team.

Ranaudo, 23, has had a strong bounce back season with Portland after struggling with injuries and inconsistency in 2012. The 2010 first-round draft pick out of LSU is 7-2 with a 2.28 ERA, and 0.975 WHIP. In 79 innings, Ranaudo has compiled 86 strikeouts, good for second in the Eastern League. 

Cecchini was promoted to Portland from High A Salem following that league's All-Star Game on June 18. At the time of his promotion, the third baseman was leading the Carolina League in batting average (.350), on-base percentage (.469), and bases on balls (43). Since joining the Sea Dogs, Cecchini has barely missed a beat, going 5 for 16 with three walks in his first four games. 

Several players currently in the Red Sox organization have been named to the Futures Game. Pitcher Matt Barnes joined Bogaerts at the 2012 game in Kansas City, and in years past, Will Middlebrooks (2011), Junichi Tazawa (2009), Jacoby Ellsbury (2005), and Clay Buchholz (2005) participated in the annual precursor to the Mid-Summer Classic.

Photo Credit: Anthony Ranaudo by Kelly O'Connor

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