As Arlington preps for the All-Star Game, former Rangers lead the next generation

Former Texas Rangers will lead both teams in the All-Star Futures Game later this month. The All-Star Futures Game will include top prospects from both leagues and will be played Saturday, July 13 at Globe Life Field.

This year, Adrian Beltre will manage American League futures; Michael Young will manage the National League.

"To be in a situation now where I was able to play in a few and then see the game now where it's as talented as ever," Young says. "All these guys bring such special skill sets to the game. It really is an incredible midway point for the sport. I'm glad everybody does so much to embrace it and add a couple new things to it."

Young played on seven All-Star teams during his tenure with the Rangers.

"The first one I made, I remember Eric Young pulled me aside and he was like, 'You're an all-star forever now. They can ever take that away from you.' I never felt that. I felt there was a difference between making an all-star team and actually being an all-star. There are guys who get snubbed every year who should make it, but they're all-star caliber players. Then there are guys who make the all-star team, and you never hear from them again."

Young says the All-Star Game gives players a chance to meet each other off the field, saying some might be more reserved, and others may look forward to making friends with other players.

"I remember the first one I went to, I got a really, really cool email from Cal Ripken. He said, 'Bit of advice: Find the pitcher who gives you fits and go make friends with them. That'll take their edge away," he says. "Needless to say, me and Josh Beckett got really tight after that."

For the Futures Game, Young says prospects have a chance to see each other compete and also see how current all-stars prepare for a game.

"You really have a who's-who of young players in the big leagues who've all participated in this game," he says. "It goes to show you, for these minor league prospects, this is really like another notch in the ladder for them as they progress toward the Major Leagues."

Beltre will manage the American League All-Star Futures and then leave for Cooperstown. He will be inducted into the Major League Hall of Fame July 21.

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