Andrus to play for U.S. team in Futures Game.

Byline: Sean Horgan

Jun. 23--MYRTLE BEACH -- He won't turn 19 until August, but Myrtle Beach Pelicans shortstop Elvis Andrus got an early birthday present Thursday when he learned he'll play in the coveted Futures Game as part of the All-Star Game festivities.

The game, which pits the best U.S. prospects against a team of prospects from around the world, is scheduled to be played July 8 in San Francisco. It will be the ninth Futures Game.

"It'm really excited, it's a big honor," Andrus said by phone Friday afternoon from Salem, Va., where the Pelicans were getting ready to play the Salem Avalanche. "It means a lot to me to be able to play on the same field with some of the best players in the minors and in the world."

Andrus went into Friday night hitting .224 after going 1-for-6 in Thursday night's 13-inning 6-5 victory over the Avalanche.

But he is not a player to be judged solely by his numbers. Andrus has played very well defensively -- particularly for one so young at a position so difficult -- and now, with catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia in the major leagues with the Atlanta Braves, is regarded as the best prospect in the Atlanta minor league system.

"From out standpoint, he's continued along the path of growth we've wanted to see," said Kurt Kemp, the Braves' director of player development. "He's continued to learn while playing at a very high level."