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Denzel Clarke regarding Futures Game as stepping stone

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 22: General view of the Oakland Athletics logos in the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at the Oakland Coliseum on July 22, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-5 in 10 innings. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JULY 22: General view of the Oakland Athletics logos in the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at the Oakland Coliseum on July 22, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-5 in 10 innings. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
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The All Star Futures Game is an incredible opportunity for those players selected to participate. The top prospects in the game converge for one exhibition, getting a chance to give fans a taste of what the future of the game could be like. For other players, it is a chance to emerge from the shadows and explode on the prospect scene.

Such is the case with Denzel Clarke. Ranked as the Oakland A’s 14th best prospect, the toolsy outfielder may be an intriguing talent, but he is not someone that had been widely known outside of their organization.

Denzel Clarke hoping to make name for himself

Now Clarke has the opportunity to change that. As he said to Kevin Henry at Calltothepen.com, he regards the Futures Game as “a true blessing.” He continued, saying “I put in a lot of work to be recognized. It’s really awesome (to be a part of the Futures Game). But the work isn’t done here – I’m just getting started.”

Clarke knew that he had been invited to the game prior to the announcement, saying he had to keep it under wraps for a bit. He can also turn to his teammate on the Lansing Lugnuts, Tyler Soderstrom, to get some advice on the game as the catching prospect was part of the game last year.

A strong performance in Los Angeles will only boost his stock. As it is, the outfielder has posted a solid .279/.393/.510 batting line in his 247 plate appearances between A-Ball and High-A, hitting nine homers and 16 doubles while stealing 17 bases. That is the type of performance that teams can dream on.

And it may be just the beginning. Clarke is still adjusting to High-A as he has just 13 games at the level. Once those adjustments come, he should be ready to continue building upon his impressive potential.

Next. Clarke, Langeliers heading to All Star Futures Game. dark

Denzel Clarke is heading to the All Star Futures Game. This could be the perfect opportunity for him to put himself firmly on the prospect map.