LumberKings' Paxton Named to Futures Game

Clinton, IA - Clinton LumberKings' left-hander James Paxton, fresh off Tuesday's appearance in the 2011 Midwest League All-Star Game, has been named to the 2011 XM Satellite Radio All-Star Futures Game in an announcement made today by Major League Baseball. A native of Ladner, British Columbia, Canada, Paxton will represent the World squad on Sunday, July 10 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.

Paxton, Seattle's fourth-round pick in 2010, is 3-3 with a 2.70 ERA (15 ER in 50.0 IP) over his first nine starts as a pro, all with Clinton. The former University of Kentucky standout has struck out 73 batters against just 30 walks and has limited Midwest League opponents to a .226 average. In Tuesday's Midwest League All-Star Game at Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport, Iowa, Paxton tossed a perfect third inning for the West Division that included two strikeouts.

Paxton is the second active LumberKing to be named to a Futures Game, an annual showcase of the top prospects in Minor League Baseball that is part of the MLB All-Star festivities. Third-baseman John Whittleman participated in the 2007 game at AT&T Park in San Francisco as the first representative from Clinton. The second-round pick of the Texas Rangers in 2005, Whittleman played for the USA team and went 1-for-1 with a walk and a solo home run off then-New York Mets' right-hander Deolis Guerra. He's now playing in the Kansas City Royals system.

The XM Satellite Radio All-Star Futures Game will be aired live on ESPN2, ESPN2 HD and MLB.TV on Sunday, July 10 at 5:00 PM central time.

Paxton's next scheduled start is on Tuesday, June 28 vs. Beloit at Alliant Energy Field in Clinton. Tickets for the 7:00 PM game can be purchased by calling the LumberKings at 563-242-0727 or by going to www.lumberkings.com.