Arizona Fall League Rosters
A guide to prospects you'll want to keep tabs on in Arizona
Rosters for the Arizona Fall League have been announced. To get you ready for the Fall League, we've singled out some players who are using their trip as a last tune-up for the big leagues, others who are trying to put bad 2008 seasons behind them, and some who may be emerging onto the prospect scene.
Major League Tune-Up: Braves righthander Tommy Hanson coasted through high Class A Myrtle Beach, and then continued his success upon a promotion to Double-A Mississippi. With 105 strikeouts in 93 innings at Mississippi, a low-90s fastball, a plus curve and the ability to command the strike zone, Hanson could find himself in the mix for a spot in Atlanta's rotation at some point in 2009 . . . After a nice season with Double-A Reading and after playing in Beijing for Team USA, Phillies catcher Lou Marson will get more at-bats behind the plate in the AFL. He's still growing into his power and learning to get more loft in his swing, but Marson has good plate discipline and puts the ball in play.
Forget The Regular Season: Marlins lefthander Aaron Thompson had his control escape him this season with Double-A Carolina, which has resulted in a 6.03 ERA in 15 starts. When Thompson shut out Mobile earlier this month for seven innings with no walks and eight strikeouts, the more than half a dozen scouts in attendance were impressed. He then proceeded to allow 12 runs in 7 2/3 innings over his next two starts. The stuff is still there for Thompson, who still has a clean delivery and the ability to induce plenty of ground balls. His slider is a plus pitch and he has a good changeup that he could mix in more frequently to complement his tailing 88-91 mph fastball . . . Outfielder Brandon Jones looked like he could be a solid big leaguer this year for the Braves. Instead, Jones started the year with Triple-A Richmond after a rough spring training. After hitting .278/.316/.463 with one unintentional walk and 16 strikeouts in a June big league stint, Jones found himself back in the minors, where he hit .260/.343/.405 in 346 at-bats. Jones, 24, finds himself jockeying for position in the Braves system with outfielders Jason Heyward, Jordan Schafer and Gorkys Hernandez breathing down his neck.
Keep An Eye On: The Rockies traded righthanded reliever Zach Simons to the Tigers earlier this season for Jason Grilli, and the Tigers like what they have seen so far. In 52 2/3 innings for high Class A Lakeland, Simons has a 2.22 ERA and 61 strikeouts thanks to a 92-95 mph fastball that touches 97. At 23, Simons' control still lags behind the curve, as he's also walked 28 batters in the Florida State League . . . Marlins outfielder Scott Cousins was having a nice season with high Class A Jupiter before he hit a wall at Carolina. The 2006 third-round pick will look to get back on track in the AFL, while Jupiter first baseman Logan Morrison will try to continue his rapid ascent. Morrison, who just turned 21 on Monday, has established himself as a top first base prospect, hitting .334/.404/.500 with a good approach at the plate and a sound swing.
X-Factor: Braves catcher Tyler Flowers might be the high Class A Carolina League MVP. Flowers, 22, hit .285/.427/.485 while playing his home games a difficult park for hitters at Myrtle Beach, showing power and the patience to draw walks, with 96 of them to go with 98 strikeouts. It looks like Flowers' bat would play at any position, but the Braves want him to stick at catcher. Of course, with Brian McCann under contract through 2012 with a club option for 2013, they certainly have the luxury to be patient with Flowers.
Major League Tune-Up: Daniel Murphy already has reached the majors and has contributed for the Mets. He's not likely to dislodge franchise cornerstone David Wright from third base but looks to get reps at second base with the Saguaros; he played 17 games at second in Double-A this season . . . Lefthander Aaron Poreda, a 2007 first-round pick, was considered for a big league start or two this summer by the parent White Sox, thanks to a fastball that sits around 96 mph, even as a starter. He's 7-9, 3.19 overall this season between high Class A Winston-Salem and Double-A Birmingham, with 113 strikeouts and just 39 walks in 155 innings. He's yielded just six home runs.
Forget The Regular Season: Righthanders Cesar Carrillo (Padres) and Adam Ottavino (Cardinals) both were first-round picks (in '05 and '06, respectively) out of college, but neither has progressed as planned. Coming off Tommy John surgery, Carrillo has struggled at high Class A Lake Elsinore, posting a 6.46 ERA, .306 opponent's average and 28-31 walk-strikeout numbers, which would be OK if he were a hitter, but since he's not, it's kind of a problem. Ottavino, whose fastball still reaches 96 mph, has struggled with his mechanics this season while going 2-7, 5.48 for Double-A Springfield. Texas Leaguers are hitting .298 against him.
Keep An Eye On: First baseman Kyle Blanks has hit since Yavapai (Ariz.) JC and through A-ball, but now that he's doing it in Double-A, he's gaining more converts. The 6-foot-6, 280-pounder moves well for his size and makes consistent hard contact, leading to his .320/.399/.503 line at Double-A San Antonio. If he learns to hit lefthanded pitching (.687 OPS), the Padres will have to find a spot for him in their offense-starved lineup. Listed as an outfielder, the Nationals' Leonard Davis has played third base, left field and second base since a promotion to Triple-A Columbus. The 24-year-old started this year in high Class A and has hit .311/.369/.561 with 23 homers between three stops. LHP Justin Fiske, a former indy leaguer, has vexed lefthanded hitters in Organized Baseball and has 90 strikeouts in 73 innings while pitching in the 86-88 mph range with his fastball. He has moved into the rotation at Double-A Springfield of late but profiles better as a lefty reliever.
X-Factor: Peoria's roster has a pair of 2008 first-round picks in White Sox shortstop Gordon Beckham and Cardinals third baseman Brett Wallace. Beckham was off to a fast start (11-for-36, one home run) at low Class A Kannapolis after signing earlier this month, but Wallace's start has been beyond any expectations. The former Arizona State All-American hit eight homers in his first 48 games (including three in seven Double-A games) and was hitting .339/.428/.550 through 180 at-bats.
Major League Tune-Up: While Mat Gamel's future big league position may be in question, his bat is big league ready. He'll get a chance to continue working on his defense at the hot corner. Gamel's Brewers' teammate Angel Salome has nearly matched him hit for hit at Double-A Huntsville. Brewers starting catcher Jason Kendall just reached a games provision that ensures his 2009 option will be picked up, but Salome, who has made some defensive improvements this year, isn't far away.
Forget The Regular Season: OK, so making it to St. Petersburg as a starting pitcher these days is a trial of survival of the fittest, but righthander Chris Mason has gone from Double-A star to Triple-A bullpen filler in just one year. Mason's savvy was always his best attribute, but he needs to show in the AFL that his stuff plays up in the bullpen, something it hasn't done in Durham. Righthander Gaby Hernandez' performance has gone backward as he's progressed through the minors. A trade to the Mariners gave him a second chance, but he's struggled in Double-A since joining West Tenn (1-1, 5.53). He needs to give his new team something to be get excited about.
Keep An Eye On: Javelinas' pitchers won't have to worry about doubles to the gaps, as Austin Jackson, Greg Halman and Drew Stubbs will give them an outfield manned by three center fielders. Stubbs struck out far too much in low Class A last year—a true sign of trouble for a first-round pick out of college. But after offseason surgery to fix a toe problem, Stubbs has shown improved plate coverage this year as he's climbed from high Class A to Triple-A. He still has the 3.7 speed to first base and plus arm that makes him a potential Gold Glover in center field. Halman was demoted to short-season ball last year after hitting .182 at low Class A Wisconsin. He proceeded to demolish the Northwest League in 2007 and he's kept right on hitting this season. Halman has shown the speed and power that the Mariners were hoping for when they signed him out of the Netherlands. With a week to go in the season, Halman is only one home run short of a 30-30 season (29 home runs, 31 stolen bases).
X-Factor: The Brewers promoted hard-throwing righthander Jeremy Jeffress to Double-A specifically because they wanted to send him to the Arizona Fall League. He's responded by going 2-0, 1.93 in three starts with Huntsville. No starting pitcher in the minors throws harder than Jeffress, who's been clocked at 100-102 mph this year depending on which radar gun you're reading. Adam Moore is facing a logjam at catcher, but the Mariners prospect has established himself as one of the minors' best backstops with a .313/.393/.494 season at Double-A West Tenn.
A guide to prospects you'll want to keep tabs on in Arizona
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PrintRosters for the Arizona Fall League have been announced. To get you ready for the Fall League, we've singled out some players who are using their trip as a last tune-up for the big leagues, others who are trying to put bad 2008 seasons behind them, and some who may be emerging onto the prospect scene.
| MESA SOLAR SOX | |||||||||
| Pitchers | Team | B | T | Ht. | Wt. | DOB | Birthplace | 2008 Club | |
| Justin Berg | CHC | R | R | 6-5 | 216 | 06/07/84 | Antigo, WI | Iowa (AAA) | |
| Joe Bisenius | PHI | R | R | 6-5 | 210 | 09/18/82 | Sioux City, AL | Lehigh Valley (AAA) | |
| Andrew Carpenter | PHI | R | R | 6-3 | 230 | 05/18/85 | Fairfield, CA | Reading (AA) | |
| Rudy Darrow | DET | R | R | 5-10 | 180 | 02/11/84 | Stillwater, OK | Erie (AA) | |
| Todd Doolittle | FLA | R | R | 5-10 | 175 | 11/01/82 | Meridian, MS | Carolina (AA) | |
| Sergio Escalona | PHI | L | L | 6-0 | 178 | 08/03/84 | El Tocuyo, VZ | Reading (AA) | |
| Casey Fien | DET | R | R | 6-2 | 195 | 10/21/83 | Santa Rosa, CA | Toledo (AAA) | |
| Deunte Heath | ATL | R | R | 6-4 | 215 | 08/28/85 | Atlanta, GA | Mississippi (AA) | |
| Tommy Hanson | ATL | R | R | 6-6 | 220 | 08/28/96 | Tulsa, OK | Mississippi (AA) | |
| Stephen Marek | ATL | R | R | 6-2 | 200 | 09/03/83 | Houston, TX | Mississippi (AA) | |
| Luis Marte | DET | R | R | 5-11 | 170 | 08/26/86 | San Cristobal, DR | Erie (AA) | |
| Kris Medlen | ATL | S | R | 5-10 | 185 | 10/07/85 | Artesia, CA | Mississippi (AA) | |
| Patrick Overholt | PHI | R | R | 6-0 | 190 | 02/08/84 | Salt Lake City, UT | Reading (AA) | |
| Rocky Roquet | CHC | R | R | 6-2 | 210 | 11/06/82 | San Luis Obispo, CA | Tennessee (AA) | |
| Zach Simons | DET | L | R | 6-2 | 187 | 05/23/85 | Glenns Ferry, ID | Lakeland (HiA) | |
| Aaron Thompson | FLA | L | L | 6-3 | 195 | 02/28/87 | Santa Fe, NM | Carolina (AA) | |
| Donald Veal | CHC | L | L | 6-4 | 231 | 09/18/84 | Jackson, MS | Tennessee (AA) | |
| Tim Wood | FLA | R | R | 6-1 | 185 | 11/16/82 | Tucson, AZ | Carolina (AA) | |
| TBA | FLA | ||||||||
| Catchers | Team | B | T | Ht. | Wt. | DOB | Birthplace | 2008 Club | |
| Lou Marson | PHI | R | R | 6-1 | 195 | 06/26/86 | Scottsdale, AZ | Reading (AA) | |
| Tyler Flowers | ATL | R | R | 6-4 | 245 | 01/24/86 | Roswell, GA | Myrtle Beach (HiA) | |
| Infielders | Team | B | T | Ht. | Wt. | DOB | Birthplace | 2008 Club | |
| Darwin Barney | CHC | R | R | 5-10 | 175 | 11/08/85 | Portland, OR | Daytona (HiA) | |
| Jason Donald | PHI | R | R | 6-1 | 195 | 09/04/84 | Fresno, CA | Reading (AA) | |
| Jeff Larish | DET | L | R | 6-2 | 200 | 10/11/82 | Iowa City, IA | Toledo (AAA) | |
| Logan Morrison | FLA | L | L | 6-2 | 215 | 08/25/87 | Kansas City, MO | Jupiter (HiA) | |
| Van Pope | ATL | R | R | 6-0 | 210 | 02/26/84 | Jackson, MS | Mississippi (AA) | |
| Nate Spears | CHC | L | R | 5-11 | 174 | 05/03/85 | Fort Myers, FL | Tennessee (AA) | |
| TBA | DET | ||||||||
| Outfielders | Team | B | T | Ht. | Wt. | DOB | Birthplace | 2008 Club | |
| Quintin Berry* | PHI | L | L | 6-0 | 170 | 11/21/84 | San Diego, CA | Clearwater (HiA) | |
| Tyler Colvin | CHC | L | L | 6-3 | 190 | 09/05/85 | Augusta, FA | Tennessee (AA) | |
| Scott Cousins | FLA | L | L | 6-2 | 190 | 01/22/85 | Sparks, NV | Carolina (AA) | |
| Brandon Jones | ATL | L | R | 6-1 | 210 | 12/10/83 | Panama City, FL | Atlanta (MLB) | |
| John Raynor | FLA | R | R | 6-2 | 185 | 01/04/84 | Memphis, TN | Carolina (AA) | |
| Jeremy Slayden | PHI | L | R | 6-0 | 185 | 07/28/82 | Paducah, KY | Reading (AA) | |
| Clete Thomas | DET | L | R | 5-11 | 195 | 11/14/83 | Jacksonville, FL | Toledo (AAA) | |
| Manager: Rocket Wheeler (Braves). Pitching coach: Ray Burris (Tigers). Coach: Ryne Sandberg (Cubs). | |||||||||
| * Taxi Squad | |||||||||
Major League Tune-Up: Braves righthander Tommy Hanson coasted through high Class A Myrtle Beach, and then continued his success upon a promotion to Double-A Mississippi. With 105 strikeouts in 93 innings at Mississippi, a low-90s fastball, a plus curve and the ability to command the strike zone, Hanson could find himself in the mix for a spot in Atlanta's rotation at some point in 2009 . . . After a nice season with Double-A Reading and after playing in Beijing for Team USA, Phillies catcher Lou Marson will get more at-bats behind the plate in the AFL. He's still growing into his power and learning to get more loft in his swing, but Marson has good plate discipline and puts the ball in play.
Forget The Regular Season: Marlins lefthander Aaron Thompson had his control escape him this season with Double-A Carolina, which has resulted in a 6.03 ERA in 15 starts. When Thompson shut out Mobile earlier this month for seven innings with no walks and eight strikeouts, the more than half a dozen scouts in attendance were impressed. He then proceeded to allow 12 runs in 7 2/3 innings over his next two starts. The stuff is still there for Thompson, who still has a clean delivery and the ability to induce plenty of ground balls. His slider is a plus pitch and he has a good changeup that he could mix in more frequently to complement his tailing 88-91 mph fastball . . . Outfielder Brandon Jones looked like he could be a solid big leaguer this year for the Braves. Instead, Jones started the year with Triple-A Richmond after a rough spring training. After hitting .278/.316/.463 with one unintentional walk and 16 strikeouts in a June big league stint, Jones found himself back in the minors, where he hit .260/.343/.405 in 346 at-bats. Jones, 24, finds himself jockeying for position in the Braves system with outfielders Jason Heyward, Jordan Schafer and Gorkys Hernandez breathing down his neck.
Keep An Eye On: The Rockies traded righthanded reliever Zach Simons to the Tigers earlier this season for Jason Grilli, and the Tigers like what they have seen so far. In 52 2/3 innings for high Class A Lakeland, Simons has a 2.22 ERA and 61 strikeouts thanks to a 92-95 mph fastball that touches 97. At 23, Simons' control still lags behind the curve, as he's also walked 28 batters in the Florida State League . . . Marlins outfielder Scott Cousins was having a nice season with high Class A Jupiter before he hit a wall at Carolina. The 2006 third-round pick will look to get back on track in the AFL, while Jupiter first baseman Logan Morrison will try to continue his rapid ascent. Morrison, who just turned 21 on Monday, has established himself as a top first base prospect, hitting .334/.404/.500 with a good approach at the plate and a sound swing.
X-Factor: Braves catcher Tyler Flowers might be the high Class A Carolina League MVP. Flowers, 22, hit .285/.427/.485 while playing his home games a difficult park for hitters at Myrtle Beach, showing power and the patience to draw walks, with 96 of them to go with 98 strikeouts. It looks like Flowers' bat would play at any position, but the Braves want him to stick at catcher. Of course, with Brian McCann under contract through 2012 with a club option for 2013, they certainly have the luxury to be patient with Flowers.
| PEORIA SAGUAROS | ||||||||
| Pitchers | Team | B | T | Ht. | Wt. | DOB | Birthplace | 2008 Club |
| Greg Burke | SDP | R | R | 6-4 | 204 | 09/21/82 | Bellmawr, NJ | San Antonio (AA) |
| Cesar Carillo | SDP | R | R | 6-3 | 177 | 04/29/84 | Chicago, IL | Lake Elsinore (HiA) |
| Adam Carr | WAS | R | R | 6-1 | 185 | 04/01/84 | Felton, CA | Harrisburg (AA) |
| Mike Ekstrom | SDP | R | R | 6-0 | 185 | 08/30/83 | Portland, OR | San Antonio (AA) |
| Justin Fiske | STL | L | L | 5-11 | 185 | 09/03/84 | Columbus, GA | Springfield (AA) |
| Brad Furnish | STL | S | L | 6-1 | 185 | 01/19/85 | Wichita Falls, TX | Springfield (AA) |
| Lucas Harrell | CWS | S | R | 6-2 | 200 | 06/03/85 | Springfield, MO | Birmingham (AA) |
| Wilton Lopez | SDP | R | R | 6-0 | 160 | 07/19/83 | Leon, Nicaragua | Lake Elsinore (HiA) |
| Tyler Norrick | STL | L | L | 6-3 | 210 | 09/17/83 | Festus, MO | Springfield (AA) |
| Adam Ottavino | STL | R | R | 6-5 | 215 | 11/22/85 | New York, NY | Springfield (AA) |
| Aaron Poreda | CWS | L | L | 6-6 | 240 | 10/01/86 | Walnut Creek, CA | Birmingham (AA) |
| Derek Rodriguez | CWS | R | R | 5-10 | 190 | 05/17/83 | Apple Valley, CA | Charlotte (AAA) |
| Tobi Stoner | NYM | S | R | 6-2 | 190 | 12/03/84 | Landstuhl, GER | Binghamton (AA) |
| Carlos Torres | CWS | R | R | 6-2 | 180 | 08/22/82 | Santa Cruz, CA | Birmingham (AA) |
| Cory Van Allen | WAS | L | L | 6-3 | 180 | 12/24/84 | Bakersfield, CA | Harrisburg (AA) |
| Jason Vargas | NYM | L | L | 6-0 | 215 | 02/02/83 | Apple Valley, CA | New York Mets (MLB) |
| Zech Zinicola | WAS | R | R | 6-1 | 220 | 03/02/85 | San Bernardino, CA | Columbus (AAA) |
| TBA | NYM | |||||||
| TBA | NYM | |||||||
| TBA | WAS | |||||||
| Catchers | Team | B | T | Ht. | Wt. | DOB | Birthplace | 2008 Club |
| Cole Armstrong | CWS | L | R | 6-3 | 220 | 08/24/83 | Surrey, CN | Charlotte (AAA) |
| Steven Hill* | STL | R | R | 5-11 | 190 | 03/14/85 | Nacogdoches, TX | Palm Beach (HiA) |
| Josh Thole | NYM | L | R | 6-1 | 190 | 10/28/86 | Breese, IL | St. Lucie (HiA) |
| Infielders | Team | B | T | Ht. | Wt. | DOB | Birthplace | 2008 Club |
| Gordon Beckham | CWS | R | R | 6-0 | 190 | 09/16/86 | Atlanta, GA | Kannapolis (LoA) |
| Kyle Blanks | SDP | R | R | 6-6 | 270 | 09/11/86 | Sellersville, PA | San Antonio (AA) |
| Shawn Bowman | NYM | R | R | 6-2 | 190 | 12/09/84 | New Westminster, CN | Binghampton (AA) |
| Ian Desmond | WAS | R | R | 6-2 | 185 | 09/20/85 | Sarasota, FL | Harrisburg (AA) |
| Tyler Green | STL | R | R | 6-2 | 185 | 08/17/83 | Raleigh, NC | Memphis (AAA) |
| Dan Murphy | NYM | L | R | 6-1 | 210 | 01/01/85 | Jacksonville, CA | New York Mets (MLB) |
| Bill Rhinehart | WAS | L | L | 6-0 | 202 | 09/11/86 | Roseville, CA | Harrisburg (AA) |
| Brett Wallace | STL | L | R | 6-2 | 235 | 08/26/86 | Sonoma, CA | Springfield (AA) |
| Outfielders | Team | B | T | Ht. | Wt. | DOB | Birthplace | 2008 Club |
| Mike Baxter* | SDP | L | R | 6-0 | 190 | 12/07/84 | Queens, NY | San Antonio (AA) |
| Leonard Davis | WAS | L | R | 5-10 | 195 | 12/24/83 | Los Banos, CA | Columbus (AAA) |
| Stefan Gartrell | CWS | R | R | 6-2 | 220 | 01/14/84 | San Francisco, CA | Birmingham (AA) |
| Sean Kazmar | SDP | R | R | 5-9 | 160 | 08/05/84 | Valdosta, GA | San Diego (MLB) |
| Chad Huffman | SDP | R | R | 6-1 | 205 | 04/29/85 | Missouri City, TX | San Antonio (AA) |
| Shane Robinson | STL | R | R | 6-2 | 185 | 08/17/83 | Raleigh, NC | Memphis (AAA) |
| Manager: Ron Warner (Cardinals). Pitching Coach: Wally Whitehurst (Padres). Coach: Rick Eckstein (Nationals). | ||||||||
| * Taxi Squad | ||||||||
Major League Tune-Up: Daniel Murphy already has reached the majors and has contributed for the Mets. He's not likely to dislodge franchise cornerstone David Wright from third base but looks to get reps at second base with the Saguaros; he played 17 games at second in Double-A this season . . . Lefthander Aaron Poreda, a 2007 first-round pick, was considered for a big league start or two this summer by the parent White Sox, thanks to a fastball that sits around 96 mph, even as a starter. He's 7-9, 3.19 overall this season between high Class A Winston-Salem and Double-A Birmingham, with 113 strikeouts and just 39 walks in 155 innings. He's yielded just six home runs.
Forget The Regular Season: Righthanders Cesar Carrillo (Padres) and Adam Ottavino (Cardinals) both were first-round picks (in '05 and '06, respectively) out of college, but neither has progressed as planned. Coming off Tommy John surgery, Carrillo has struggled at high Class A Lake Elsinore, posting a 6.46 ERA, .306 opponent's average and 28-31 walk-strikeout numbers, which would be OK if he were a hitter, but since he's not, it's kind of a problem. Ottavino, whose fastball still reaches 96 mph, has struggled with his mechanics this season while going 2-7, 5.48 for Double-A Springfield. Texas Leaguers are hitting .298 against him.
Keep An Eye On: First baseman Kyle Blanks has hit since Yavapai (Ariz.) JC and through A-ball, but now that he's doing it in Double-A, he's gaining more converts. The 6-foot-6, 280-pounder moves well for his size and makes consistent hard contact, leading to his .320/.399/.503 line at Double-A San Antonio. If he learns to hit lefthanded pitching (.687 OPS), the Padres will have to find a spot for him in their offense-starved lineup. Listed as an outfielder, the Nationals' Leonard Davis has played third base, left field and second base since a promotion to Triple-A Columbus. The 24-year-old started this year in high Class A and has hit .311/.369/.561 with 23 homers between three stops. LHP Justin Fiske, a former indy leaguer, has vexed lefthanded hitters in Organized Baseball and has 90 strikeouts in 73 innings while pitching in the 86-88 mph range with his fastball. He has moved into the rotation at Double-A Springfield of late but profiles better as a lefty reliever.
X-Factor: Peoria's roster has a pair of 2008 first-round picks in White Sox shortstop Gordon Beckham and Cardinals third baseman Brett Wallace. Beckham was off to a fast start (11-for-36, one home run) at low Class A Kannapolis after signing earlier this month, but Wallace's start has been beyond any expectations. The former Arizona State All-American hit eight homers in his first 48 games (including three in seven Double-A games) and was hitting .339/.428/.550 through 180 at-bats.
| PEORIA JAVELINAS | ||||||||
| Pitchers | Team | B | T | Wt. | DOB | Birthplace | 2008 Club | |
| Omar Aguilar | MIL | R | R | 5-11 | 236 | 03/31/85 | Merced, CA | Huntsville (AA) |
| Charles Fisher | CIN | R | R | 6-4 | 220 | 02/22/83 | West Covina, CA | Louisville (AAA) |
| Gabriel Hernandez | SEA | R | R | 6-3 | 215 | 05/21/86 | Miami, FL | West Tennessee (AA) |
| James Houser | TB | L | L | 6-4 | 185 | 12/15/84 | Sarasota, FL | Montgomery (AA) |
| Jeremy Jeffress | MIL | R | R | 6-0 | 190 | 09/21/87 | South Boston, VA | Huntsville (AA) |
| Robert Manuel | CIN | R | R | 6-3 | 190 | 07/09/83 | Houston, TX | Chattanooga (AA) |
| Chris Mason | TB | R | R | 6-1 | 190 | 07/01/84 | Gastonia, NC | Durham (AAA) |
| Alex Periard | MIL | L | R | 6-1 | 205 | 06/15/87 | Montreal, CN | Huntsville (AA) |
| Ryan Reid | TB | R | R | 6-0 | 210 | 04/24/85 | Portland, ME | Montgomery (AA) |
| Justin Thomas | SEA | L | L | 6-3 | 220 | 01/18/84 | Toledo, OH | Tacoma (AAA) |
| Pedro Viola | CIN | R | L | 6-1 | 185 | 06/29/83 | San Juan de la Maguna, DR | Chattanooga (AA) |
| Sean Watson | CIN | R | R | 6-2 | 215 | 07/24/85 | Miami, Fl | Chattanooga (AA) |
| David Welch | MIL | R | L | 6-4 | 215 | 06/02/83 | Sydney, AU | Huntsville (AA) |
| Mike Wlodarczyk | TB | L | L | 6-5 | 230 | 12/02/82 | Marlton, NJ | Vero Beach (HiA) |
| Joe Woerman | SEA | R | R | 6-3 | 200 | 12/12/82 | Edmonds, WA | West Tennessee (AA) |
| Brae Wright* | MIL | L | L | 6-4 | 205 | 11/01/83 | Laurel, MS | Huntsville (AA) |
| TBA | NYY | |||||||
| TBA | NYY | |||||||
| TBA | NYY | |||||||
| TBA | NYY | |||||||
| TBA | SEA | |||||||
| Catchers | Team | B | T | Wt. | DOB | Birthplace | 2008 Club | |
| Adam Moore | SEA | R | R | 6-3 | 220 | 05/08/84 | Longview, TX | West Tennessee (AA) |
| Angel Salome | MIL | R | R | 5-7 | 200 | 06/08/86 | Santo Domingo, DR | Huntsville (AA) |
| Matt Spring | TB | R | R | 6-2 | 215 | 11/07/84 | Phoenix, AZ | Montgomery (AA) |
| Infielders | Team | B | T | Wt. | DOB | Birthplace | 2008 Club | |
| Mat Gamel | MIL | L | R | 6-0 | 205 | 07/26/85 | Jacksonville, FL | Huntsville (AA) |
| Sean Henry* | CIN | R | R | 5-10 | 154 | 08/18/85 | San Francisco, CA | Chattanooga (AA) |
| Rhyne Hughes | TB | L | L | 6-2 | 175 | 09/09/83 | Picayune, MS | Montgomery (AA) |
| Kevin Russo | NYY | R | R | 5-11 | 190 | 07/08/84 | West Babylon, NY | Trenton (AA) |
| Justin Turner | CIN | R | R | 5-11 | 180 | 11/23/84 | Long Beach, CA | Chattanooga (AA) |
| Chris Valaika | CIN | R | R | 6-1 | 180 | 08/13/85 | Santa Monica, CA | Chattanooga (AA) |
| TBA | NYY | |||||||
| TBA | SEA | |||||||
| Outfielders | Team | B | T | Wt. | DOB | Birthplace | 2008 Club | |
| J.T. Hall | TB | L | R | 6-3 | 225 | 05/19/84 | Port Gibson, MS | Montgomery (AA) |
| Greg Halman | SEA | R | R | 6-4 | 192 | 08/26/87 | Haarlem, NL | West Tennessee (AA) |
| Austin Jackson | NYY | R | R | 6-1 | 185 | 02/01/87 | Denton, TX | Trenton (AA) |
| Drew Stubbs | CIN | R | R | 6-4 | 200 | 10/04/84 | Texarkana, TX | Louisville (AAA) |
| Manager: Darren Brown (Mariners). Pitching coaches: Scott Aldred (Yankees), Ted Power (Reds). Coach: Ozzie Timmons (Rays). | ||||||||
| * Taxi Squad |
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Forget The Regular Season: OK, so making it to St. Petersburg as a starting pitcher these days is a trial of survival of the fittest, but righthander Chris Mason has gone from Double-A star to Triple-A bullpen filler in just one year. Mason's savvy was always his best attribute, but he needs to show in the AFL that his stuff plays up in the bullpen, something it hasn't done in Durham. Righthander Gaby Hernandez' performance has gone backward as he's progressed through the minors. A trade to the Mariners gave him a second chance, but he's struggled in Double-A since joining West Tenn (1-1, 5.53). He needs to give his new team something to be get excited about.
Keep An Eye On: Javelinas' pitchers won't have to worry about doubles to the gaps, as Austin Jackson, Greg Halman and Drew Stubbs will give them an outfield manned by three center fielders. Stubbs struck out far too much in low Class A last year—a true sign of trouble for a first-round pick out of college. But after offseason surgery to fix a toe problem, Stubbs has shown improved plate coverage this year as he's climbed from high Class A to Triple-A. He still has the 3.7 speed to first base and plus arm that makes him a potential Gold Glover in center field. Halman was demoted to short-season ball last year after hitting .182 at low Class A Wisconsin. He proceeded to demolish the Northwest League in 2007 and he's kept right on hitting this season. Halman has shown the speed and power that the Mariners were hoping for when they signed him out of the Netherlands. With a week to go in the season, Halman is only one home run short of a 30-30 season (29 home runs, 31 stolen bases).
X-Factor: The Brewers promoted hard-throwing righthander Jeremy Jeffress to Double-A specifically because they wanted to send him to the Arizona Fall League. He's responded by going 2-0, 1.93 in three starts with Huntsville. No starting pitcher in the minors throws harder than Jeffress, who's been clocked at 100-102 mph this year depending on which radar gun you're reading. Adam Moore is facing a logjam at catcher, but the Mariners prospect has established himself as one of the minors' best backstops with a .313/.393/.494 season at Double-A West Tenn.
| PHOENIX DESERT DOGS | ||||||||
| Pitchers | Team | B | T | Ht. | Wt. | DOB | Birthplace | 2008 Club |
| Hector Ambriz | ARI | L | R | 6-1 | 210 | 05/24/84 | Orange, CA | Mobile (AA) |
| Andrew Bailey | OAK | R | R | 6-3 | 230 | 05/31/84 | Voorhees, NJ | Midland (AA) |
| Tony Barnette | ARI | R | R | 6-1 | 192 | 11/09/83 | Anchorage, AK | Mobile (AA) |
| Brooks Brown | ARI | L | R | 6-3 | 212 | 06/20/85 | Statesboro, GA | Mobile (AA) |
| Andrew Carignan | OAK | R | R | 6-0 | 220 | 07/23/86 | New London, CT | Midland (AA) |
| Rob Delaney | MIN | L | R | 6-3 | 231 | 09/08/84 | Westwood, NJ | New Britain (AA) |
| Zach Dials | TOR | R | R | 6-1 | 210 | 07/22/85 | Wabash, IN | New Hampshire (AA) |
| Kyle Ginley | TOR | R | R | 6-2 | 195 | 09/01/86 | St. Petersburg, FL | Dunedin (HiA) |
| Daryl Harang | TOR | L | L | 6-2 | 215 | 11/19/82 | San Diego, CA | New Hampshire (AA) |
| Tim Lahey | MIN | R | R | 6-4 | 267 | 02/07/82 | Worcester, MA | Rochester (AAA) |
| Shane Lindsay | COL | R | R | 6-1 | 212 | 01/25/85 | Melbourne, AU | Asheville (LoA) |
| Mike MacDonald | TOR | R | R | 6-1 | 185 | 10/29/81 | Camden, ME | New Hampshire (AA) |
| Reid Mahon | ARI | R | R | 6-3 | 215 | 06/01/83 | St. Paul, MN | Tucson (AAA) |
| Jeff Manship | MIN | R | R | 6-2 | 204 | 01/16/85 | San Antonio, TX | New Britain |
| Ryan Mattheus | COL | R | R | 6-2 | 220 | 11/10/83 | Elk Grove, CA | Tulsa (AA) |
| Chaz Roe | COL | R | R | 6-4 | 175 | 10/09/86 | Lexington, KY | Tulsa (AA) |
| Anthony Slama | MIN | R | R | 6-3 | 201 | 01/06/84 | Orange, CA | Ft. Myers (HiA) |
| Casey Weathers | COL | R | R | 6-1 | 205 | 06/10/85 | Elk Grove, CA | Tulsa (AA) |
| TBA | OAK | |||||||
| TBA | OAK | |||||||
| Catchers | Team | B | T | Ht. | Wt. | DOB | Birthplace | 2008 Club |
| J.P. Arencibia | TOR | R | R | 6/01/08 | 210 | 01/05/86 | Miami, FL | New Hampshire (AA) |
| John Hester | ARI | R | R | 6-4 | 210 | 09/14/83 | Atlanta, GA | Mobile (AA) |
| Mike McKenry | COL | R | R | 5-10 | 200 | 03/04/85 | Knoxville, TN | Modesto (HiA) |
| Infielders | Team | B | T | Ht. | Wt. | DOB | Birthplace | 2008 Club |
| Scott Campbell | TOR | L | R | 6-0 | 190 | 09/25/84 | Auckland, NZ | New Hampshire (AA) |
| Adrian Cardenas | OAK | L | R | 6-0 | 185 | 10/10/87 | Miami, FL | Midland (AA) |
| Josh Donaldson | OAK | R | R | 6-0 | 211 | 12/08/85 | Pensacola, FL | Stockton (HiA) |
| Chris Nelson | COL | R | R | 5-11 | 176 | 09/03/85 | Escondido, CA | Tulsa (AA) |
| Rusty Ryal | ARI | R | R | 6-2 | 200 | 03/16/83 | Ponca City, OK | Mobile (AA) |
| Steve Tolleson | MIN | R | R | 5-10 | 172 | 11/01/83 | Spartanburg, SC | New Britain (AA) |
| Danny Valencia | MIN | R | R | 6-2 | 205 | 09/19/84 | Boca Raton, FL | New Britain (AA) |
| Outfielders | Team | B | ||||||