The Arizona Fall League is a “Winter League” because it takes place in between the end of the Minor League season and the start of Spring Training. While it’s name is confusing compared to when it actually occurs, it is a very important prospect league, where teams send their best and brightest to compete against those of other teams. When players do well there, their prospect status soars and they rise in prospect rankings across the internet. These are the guys doing a great job in the AFL, as well as a little about what they did in the Minors this year and what to expect from them.
Robbie Grossman, OF, Pirates
AFL: .385/.486/.637, 35 H, 5 2B, 6 HR, 20 RBI, 15/19 K/BB, 5 SB
2011: .294/.418/.451, 127 R, 144 H, 34 2B, 2 3B, 13 HR, 56 RBI, 111/104 K/BB, 24 SB
Grossman is the epitome of a leadoff hitter. He just turned 22 in September and he thrived in High-A in 2011, though he was repeating. He has a solid eye and runs well, he is a switch hitter, and he is on a team that is going to continue building from within. He’ll be in Double-A to start 2012. If he does a good job, like he is right now, he’ll get promoted quickly. With little in his way with Ryan Doumit’s option being declined and Ryan Ludwick hitting Free Agency, he could carve out a future role with the team…so long as he beats Josh Bell and Starling Marte to Pittsburgh.
Bryce Harper, OF, Nationals
AFL: .290/.357/.613, 3 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 12/7 K/BB, 3 SB
2011: .297/.392/.501, 24 2B, 2 3B, 17 HR, 58 RBI, 87/59 K/BB, 26 SB
Harper just turned 19 on October 16th and he spent time in Double-A this season. He is now thriving in a league that is designed for “close” talent, which goes to show just how special this kid is. His raw power is and has been legit. His athleticism will make him a 5-tool talent. His advanced approach will allow him to become an absolute monster. We all know his name and what he can do, this is just a reminder of his age and production.
Jedd Gyorko, 3B, Padres
AFL: .415/.500/.717, 4 2B, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 9/9 K/BB
2011: .333/.400/.552, 47 2B, 25 HR, 114 RBI, 114/64 K/BB, 12 SB
Gyorko had an outstanding season that was split between High-A and Double-A, and he picked up right where he left off. Gyorko’s size (5’10”, 195) makes him a candidate to move to second with James Darnell and Chase Headley ahead of him in San Diego, though he’ll have to hold offCory Spangenberg if he is moved to second.
Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies
AFL: .383/.400/.667, 8 2B, 5 HR, 27 RBI, 8/3 K/BB
2011: .298/.349/.487, 32 2B, 3 3B, 20 HR, 122 RBI, 53/47 K/BB in 517 AB
Arenado will be 21 on April 16th next year and he’ll probably be heading to Double-A. He is the next heir to third for the Rockies, having seen Garrett Atkins and Ian Stewart fail miserably in recent seasons. Arenado has struck out just 123 times in 1,093 Minor League at bats, showing that he plans on putting the ball in play, and he has done a fine job of that thus far. When he gets to the Majors, he could develop into an absolute superstar, creating as formidable a left side of the infield as anyone has ever seen…offensively.
Junior Lake, SS, Cubs
AFL: .298/.352/.583, 5 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 23/5 K/BB, 15 SB
2011: .279/.316/.434, 21 2B, 6 3B, 12 HR, 51 RBI, 109/19 K/BB, 38 SB
Tough organization to be a shortstop in, but Lake could become a viable prospect due to his speed and pop. The only thing holding him back is his inability to make contact or take a walk. Lake’s 109/19 K/BB is not attractive, but he is playing well over his head with the talent in the AFL. The fact that he has 12 extra-base hits and 15 stolen bases in 84 at bats shows that he can be dangerous. It’ll be interesting to see if he becomes trade bait or gets moved to second or center.
Brad Boxberger, RHP, Reds
AFL: 10 1/3 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 18/4 K/BB, 3.48 ERA
2011: 62 IP, 32 H, 14 ER, 93/28 K/BB, 2.03 ERA
Francisco Cordero’s 2012 option was declined. Aroldis Chapman is being stretched out to be a starter. Nick Masset’s K/9 decreased, his H/9 increased, and his WHIP soared, making him a less reliable long-term option at closer. Boxberger instantly has the young (23) and cheap (league minimum?) thing going, which will allow the Reds to spend elsewhere, while building around Phillips, Votto, and Bruce. He is a bullpen arm to watch this Spring and now.
Miguel De Los Santos, LHP, Rangers
AFL: 17 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 23/10 K/BB, 3.18 ERA
2011: 94 2/3 IP, 77 H, 53 ER, 142/46 K/BB, 5.04 ERA
Sure, the ERA was ugly this year, but De Los Santos dealt with some shoulder issues prior to getting extra work in the AFL this year. His K/BB shows he has dominant stuff and the last two years, he has dominated. His 254/90 K/BB over 165 IP the last two seasons is nasty proof of that. If he cuts down on the walks, he and Martin Perez will allow the Rangers to forget about C.J. Wilson if he leaves via Free Agency.
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