All-Star Futures Game invite gives Cespedes the 'chills'

It didn't take long for Yoelqui Cespedes to make a good impression.

The White Sox's outfield prospect has only played 10 games at high Class A Winston-Salem, but he's heading to the All-Star Futures Game in Denver on July 11.

"It means a lot," Cespedes said Thursday. "I wasn't expecting that. I definitely didn't know about that game. It was a good surprise to me. I think you feel honor when you see your name in that game.

"That's something that gives you chills. That's recognition to all the work and effort that I've been putting in on and off the field. It's definitely a good feeling and makes you feel pretty proud. I'm going to do my best."

In January, the Sox signed Cespedes for $2.05 million. The half-brother of former major-league Yoenis Cespedes, he was late joining Winston-Salem due to a work visa issue.

After going 3-for-22 in his first six games, the 23-year-old outfielder was 7-for-18 with 3 doubles, 1 home run and 5 RBI in his next four.

"I've been feeling more calm, comfortable," Cespedes said. "At first, I was swinging at a lot of pitches out of the strike zone. Now I'm being more aggressive and selective with pitches in the strike zone. Since the beginning, I felt good. Comfortable.

"But now here in the game, I'm sometimes a little anxious. I've been trying to adjust as quickly as possible as part of the learning process. To have to make those adjustments during the game, that's the part I've been working at overall."

Cespedes and Class AAA Charlotte third/second baseman Jake Burger are representing the White Sox in the Futures Game.