Futures Game too short

Why is the Futures Game seven innings?

Since its inception, the minor league all-star game has been truncated. That doesn't mean it can't change.

Unlike regular season games, this exhibition is designed to showcase as many young talents as possible. It's counterintuitive to shorten the game. If anything, the game should be lengthened. Two seven-inning doubleheader? That I can understand.

What makes this worse is that the lone representative from the Florida State League, World pitcher Jaime Garcia, didn't get into the game. The poise shown by the 19-year-old Palm Beach Cardinal on the field and inside the clubhouse belies his age. It would have been interesting to see how he fared against Triple-A hitters.

St. Lucie manager Gary Carter was the most visible FSL face at the ballpark. The Hall-of-Famer managed the U.S. to an 8-5 victory. Carter also ended the game with reserves on his bench.

Two more innings – six more outs per side – would have made the Futures Game a regulation ball game. MinorLeagueDugout.com wants to know: Is that too much to ask?