A lot riding on All-Star Game

By SEAN KERNAN
Staff Writer

DAYTONA BEACH -- The Florida State League All-Star Game weekend is upon us and questions abound. Are there tickets available? Who will be the next Ryan Howard or Joe Mauer out of players in this game? How can I get players to sign a baseball?

For answers to those queries and more, read on.

How can fans get autographs?

Take a baseball or pick up a program to have the all-stars sign during today's autograph session from 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 at the Jack. History shows that not all the all-stars become big-league stars, but the track record also proves that a few of these guys will continue to perform at the top of their craft.

Just make sure you don't let Junior take that baseball out to the sandlot anytime soon. It might pay for a college credit or two in 15 years.

What is the Budweiser Bullpen?

That's what they're calling the new seating/bar area just beyond the visiting bullpen and adjacent to the right-field foul line. Oh, if only Harry Caray was still alive to come to town and christen what's sure to be a favorite location for fans wanting to knock down a few beers and heckle the opponent.

There might be some interesting conversations down there between the visiting team's relief pitchers and the Bullpen's patrons.

Can I still buy a ticket?

Daytona Cubs general manager Bill Papierniak doesn't expect to see any ticket scalpers around Jackie Robinson Ballpark this weekend. There should be plenty of tickets to accommodate a walk-up crowd at the gate, but if you want to be certain, it might be worth a phone call to (386) 257-3172 or check out the team's Web site at daytonacubs.com. Various combination tickets or single-event tickets for tonight's Fan Fest with autograph session, home run derby, skills competition and fireworks or Saturday night's all-star game and fireworks are available.

Prices start at $6 for general admission (GA) to the Fan Fest and $10 for GA to the game on Saturday night. Combination tickets for both nights start at $13 for GA. Gates open at 5.

Which Cubs made the game?

Pitcher Mitch Atkins, third baseman Matt Matulia and outfielders Tyler Colvin, Chris Amador and Jesus Valdez will be wearing the East all-star uniforms.

Doesn't it take a little away from the all-star atmosphere when the players don't wear their usual team uniform?

No, it takes a lot away. But the tradeoff is fans will be able to bid on the jerseys in a silent auction over the two nights.

Will any other Daytona Cubs be around the park?

Only if they buy a ticket. Just kidding. They can get on a pass list. But even though it's a game in Daytona Beach, that doesn't mean our boys of summer will be there. Let's face it, they don't get any other consecutive scheduled days off during the season. It's the perfect opportunity for them to go to the beach, golf, fish or just stay up way too late.

However, one Cub who plans to show up is manager Jody Davis. Not only will he be supporting his boys, but for the only time at the Jack he'll be able to root for his kinfolk, Devil Rays prospect Wade Davis, when he toes the rubber.

Any high-profile prospects in the game?

There are four pitchers and two players that are ranked in Baseball America's 2007 Top 100 Prospects list. Outfielders Cameron Maybin (No. 6, Lakeland Flying Tigers) and Jay Bruce (No. 14, Sarasota Reds) could be the next big-league stars out of the FSL.

The East squad might have an edge in pitchers as Vero Beach's Jake McGee (No. 37) and Wade Davis (No. 97) show the Devil Rays have some pitching on the way, and Brevard County's Will Inman (No. 91) continues to do better than expected.

The West has Clearwater's Carlos Carrasco (No. 41), the top pitching prospect in the Phillies' system.

How long before we're watching some of these guys in the big leagues?

It might not be long at all. Current big-leaguer Homer Bailey pitched in last year's all-star game. Current Chicago Cubs Carlos Marmol and Sean Marshall were in the '05 game and Felix Pie was an all-star teammate here in '04 of Dodgers catcher Russell Martin. The Twins' Joe Mauer and Phillies' Ryan Howard were FSL West stars four years ago. So the distance between stardom in the FSL and big-league stardom isn't that far for some players.

ALL-STAR WEEKEND

WHERE: Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

TONIGHT: Fan Fest (gates open at 5 p.m.), autograph session (5-6:45), home run derby, skills competition, fireworks (8-10), Fan Fest after party (10:30).

SATURDAY: Gates open at 5 p.m.; FSL All-Star Game (7:05); post-game award presentations, fireworks and post-game party to follow.

TICKETS: Combination tickets for both nights start at $13 for general admission. Call (386) 257-3172 for availability or go to the team Web site at www.daytonacubs.com.