In the early '80s, Lee Majors made a living out of being a stunt man that moonlighted as a bounty hunter when movie work was slow. He was called The Fall Guy. I was about five when that show came out and I don’t remember much except there was a hot blond and a lot of stunts. With the exception of Jeff Kent’s motor cycle-racing-related injuries (or car-washing injuries – depending on who you ask), not too many ballplayers live that kind of lifestyle. Minor League baseball’s version of The Fall Guy comes after the regular season in a six-team league called The Arizona Fall League.

When the minor league regular season ends, the best players in the game typically go home for a little bit of rest and relaxation. It’s a time to sit back and reflect on the season that was, set goals for the next campaign and begin offseason preparation. However the best of the best only have a couple weeks for all this – their full season isn’t over yet. The top prospects in the game head to the AFL. Each team represents five major league affiliates and can only receive a select amount of players. It’s a huge stepping-stone to the major leagues. Only the top players get asked to play.

There are several amazing prospects in this league, including Stephen Drew, Eric Duncan, Dan Uggla, Josh Anderson and Howie Kendrick. But perhaps the most impressive potential star is Anaheim’s prized shortstop Brandon Wood.

Forget Lee Majors for a second though (and even that blonde, if possible), Wood is actually a closer depiction to Alex Rodriguez. Not too many shortstops come through the ranks with the ability to hit 40-plus homers and drive in 120 with relative ease. The Angels phenom hit an amazing 100 extra base in 134 games, mostly for A+ Rancho Cucamonga. In ten games for the Surprise Scorpions this Fall, the 20-year-old has already connected for nine long balls and 20 RBI, including four in one game! He’s got an incredible 1.024 slugging percentage thus far. Bottom line, this kid deserves to be in the elite class for minor league keeper prospects, along with Delmon Young and Prince Fielder.

After hitting just .251 with 11 homers and 64 RBI in his full pro season in 2004, Wood led the minor leagues in home runs (43), doubles (51) and total bases (370) while hitting .321 in ’05. He attributes his newfound success to discipline in the batters box. “My pitch selection was much better this year. I didn't miss as many pitches as I had in the past,” Wood said. “I want to have success in the big leagues some day. It doesn't stop in 'A' ball. You need to keep working hard and realize you have a lot to work on if you want to get to where you want to be.”

With the minor league regular season completed, Minor League Spotlight will shift our attention to the Arizona Fall League leaders for the next few columns. Here are the current best of the best:

Home Run Leaders

1. Wood, SCO – Nine
2. Duncan, GCR – Five
3. (tie) Garrett Jones, GCR – Four
3. (tie) Drew, PDD – Four
3. (tie) Uggla, PEJ – Four

Former FSU standout Drew was tabbed the AFL player of the week in the first period of the season. So far, Drew has hit .333 (94-for-282) with 18 HR, 60 RBI, 57 runs and 25 doubles in 73 games as a pro. He could arrive on the Diamondbacks roster as early as late 2006. The team is negotiating with last season’s starting shortstop about a one-year contract to allow J.D.’s younger brother a little more time to learn. Duncan, a first-round pick in 2003, smashed 19 long balls for the Yankees Double-A affiliate this season, while hitting a paltry .235. The Bronx Bombers have a guy named Alex at Duncan’s third base position so don’t expect to see him in the majors any time soon. Keep in mind though – Duncan is just 20 years old. He’s one of the few long-term prospects in the New York organization.

RBI Leaders

1. Wood, SCO – 20
2. Duncan, CGR – 13
3. Jones, GCR – 12
4. Uggla, PEJ – 11
5. (tie) Kendry Morales – 10
5. (tie) Chris Denorfia – 10
5. (tie) Corey Smith – 10

Uggla hit .297 (148-for-498) with 21 home runs, 87 RBI, 88 runs and 15 stolen bases for Double-A Tennessee (in the Diamondbacks organization). He’s also valuable because he can play a few infield positions, but he’s best suited at third base. Troy Glaus is cemented there, but Uggla might be able to earn playing time at second base. Andy Green would likely get the first chance if they decide to replace Craig Counsell. Jones hit .244 (119-for-488) with 24 HR and 72 RBI for Triple-A Rochester (of the Twins organization). He’s got some pop, but isn’t likely to replace Justin Morneau at the position.

Batting Average Leaders

1. Brendan Harris, PES – .542 (13-for-24)
2. Josh Anderson, SCO – .471 (16-for-34)
3. Kendrick, SCO – .465 (20-for-43)
4. Drew, PDD – .438 (14-for-32)
5. Uggla, PEJ – .433 (13-for-30)

Anderson also leads the league with four stolen bases. He swiped 50 for Double-A Corpus Christi this season. The center fielder is a prototypical leadoff man table setter and could push Willy Tavarez for his starting position in Houston as early as next season. Adam Kennedy…watch your back. The Angels have second baseman Kendrick waiting for a chance in Double-A now. The 22-year-old finished second in all of the minor leagues with a .367 average. He had 19 HR, 89 RBI and 25 SB while playing for the Class A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and the Double-A Arkansas Travelers. His .359 career average could land him a role sometime late next season.

AFL Notes

• Denorfia of the Reds is 8-for-18 with six RBI in the past four games, and is hitting .387 – that ranks second on Mesa behind Matt Murton (.500, 11-for-22). Dan Ortmeier leads the team with four stolen bases. He was fifth in the Eastern League with 35 steals during the regular season.
• Lastings Milledge suffered a foot injury last Wednesday and remains out. The cause and severity are not yet known. Through 115 games this season, Milledge is hitting .318 (142-for-446) with 30 stolen bases.
• Miguel Montero went 3-for-6 with a grand slam and six RBIs to lead the Phoenix Desert Dogs past the Peoria Saguaros 13-8, last Monday. That raised the switch hitter’s batting average to .467 (7-for-15).
• Corey Smith is the only player from the Padres organization on the Surprise Scorpions, with the other prospects going to Peoria. The 23-year-old ranks second in the AFL in both batting average (.522) and slugging percentage (1.087).