After the World Series wraps up, most sports enthusiasts shift their attention to the gridiron or the hardwood. For the vast majority of the baseball masses, the sport is on a temporary hiatus. That is, except for a small league in the middle of the desert called the Arizona Fall League.
This tiny, six-team league consists of the some of the most blessed minor-league prospects in the game. In fact, just last week, the two players that earned the AL and NL Rookie of the Year awards were teammates on the Phoenix Desert Dogs in 2004. Ryan Howard hit .331 (45-for-136) with three home runs and 24 RBI in 34 fall games, while Huston Street led the league with a 0.98 ERA. He went 1-0 with a league-leading seven saves. Both were vital pieces to their major league teams, and have played their last games in the junior ranks – they are in The Show to stay.
Chris Shelton won the AFL MVP award last season before making a splash in the majors in 2005. He batted .404 (46-for-114) with six home runs and 33 RBI in 31 games there. People that followed the AFL were quick to pick up Shelton this season when he landed an everyday role with Tigers. He finished last season batting a cool .299 with 18 home runs and 59 RBI in just 388 at-bats – with eligibility at the thin catcher position.
This season, there are more major league-ready prospects just salivating to get their chance in the bigs. In this version of Minor League Spotlight, we’ll showcase some of the true prospects atop the leader boards. Remember these names – some will make an impact as early as next season.
This season, the Phoenix Desert Dogs will take on the Surprise Scorpions. Prospects Howie Kendrick and Brandon Wood headline the Surprise, while Stephen Drew and Andy LaRoche man the Desert Dogs. The championship will begin this weekend, as a mere three games remain on the AFL regular season slate. Next MLS will break down the championship series and break down the top players on each squad.
(Stats are through Monday 11/7.)
Batting
Batting Average
1. Kevin Howard, MSS .400 (30-for-75)
2. Brendan Harris, PES .383 (31-for-81)
3. Kendry Morales, SCO .380 (35-for-92)
4. Kendrick, SCO .378 (42-for-111)
5. (tied) Matt Kemp, PDD .372 (32-for-86)
5. (tied) Corey Smith, SCO .372 (29-for-78)
Home Runs
1. Wood, SCO 13 HR (in 106 at-bats) *
2. Eric Duncan, GCR eight HR (in 94 at-bats)
3. Corey Smith, SCO seven HR (in 78 at-bats)
4. Dan Uggla, PEJ seven HR (in 91 at-bats)
5. Garrett Jones, GCR six HR (in 85 at-bats)
* Angels prospect Brandon Wood set the Arizona Fall League record with 13 home runs on Saturday. The record used to the belong to none other than Tagg Bozied, back in 2002. Wood smacked eight long balls in just his first nine games.
Stolen Bases
1. Josh Anderson, SCO ten SB (in 12 attempts) *
2. Charlton Jimerson, SCO eight SB (in nine attempts)
3. Denard Span, GCR six SB (in 11 attempts)
4. Reggie Abercrombie, GCR six SB (in nine attempts)
5. (tied) Alcides Escobar, PEJ five SB (in six attempts)
5. (tied) Eric Patterson, MSS five SB (in eight attempts)
5. (tied) Robert Andino, GCR five SB (in five attempts)
* Anderson has stolen 60 bases throughout the entire 2005 season. He’s got a chance to earn a spot with the Astros during spring training. He and Joey Gathright are probably the junior ranks top two stolen base threats.
Pitching
Wins
1. Allan Simpson, MSS 4-1
2. (tied) Brian Stokes, PDD 3-0
2. (tied) Bill Murphy, PDD 3-2
2. (tied) Paul Bush, PDD 3-1
2. (tied) Jonah Bayliss, SCO 3-1
2. (tied) Jim Miller, PEJ 3-1
2. (tied) Phillip Barzilla, SCO 3-1
ERA (for starters)
1. Adam Loewen, PEJ 1.73 (26 IP) *
2. Jamie Shields, PDD 1.74 (31 IP)
3. Humberto Sanchez, MSS 2.15 (29.1 IP)
4. Clint Nageotte, PEJ 2.33 (27 IP)
5. Steven White, GCR 2.88 (25 IP)
* Loewen was the fourth overall selection in 2002, but has struggled in his brief minor league career. He went 4-7 with a 4.33 ERA in Class A this season.
Saves
1. Casey Daigle, PDD four saves *
2. John Koronka, MSS three saves
3. (tied) Steve Andrade, PES two saves
3. (tied) Brian Sanches, SCO two saves
3. (tied) Taylor Tankersley, GCR two saves
3. (tied) Jim Miller, PEJ two saves
3. (tied) Brian Wolfe, PEJ two saves
* Daigle is a long shot for saves with the Diamondbacks. In 2004, Jose Valverde (15), Brandon Lyon (14) and Brian Bruney (13) all took turns in the ninth inning for Arizona. I'm personally a big fan of Daigle though - not for his prowess on the mound - but his beautiful wife Jennie Finch.