Arizona Fall League ball is a clinic, a showcase, a hope, an injury, a recognition, a sweet smell, a nagging ache. After a long season, major league clubs dispatch a handful of players to Fall ball for a little more work, or another look.
For fans, this is a talent orgy. Gathered in one place, on a handful of teams, are the best players in developmental baseball, with the greatest chances of making major league clubs. Each of the six clubs is its own all-star squad, with players from all different levels of the farm system getting exposure.
This is also a moment for aspiring managers to show their stuff. Mike Scoscia's Fall debut was good enough to land him a job coaching the Albuquerque Dukes the following season, which put him on the fast-track to skippering the Anaheim Angels to a World Series.
The Fall league is a turning point in many players' careers, both good and bad. Lastings Milledge comes into 2005 AFL ball with the likelihood that this year's reviews will help him in the spring. Jason Kubel, who had a dead-bang lock on a job with the Twins in 2005 had a season-ending injury in Fall ball in 2004.
Roster
Teams Represented: Red Sox, White Sox, Pirates, Blue Jays, Nationals
We'll hope the divisionals don't get ugly in the Battle of the Soxes. There are several Saguaros worth keeping your eye on.
Hurlers like Pirates prospect Bryan Bullington, who helped the Indy Indians into the playoffs, and Boston's Jesus Delgado are looking to have a break-through fall. The Bucs Brad Eldred is looking to preserve a big league job. In the outfield Brandon Moss is a rising Boston prospect.
Roster
Teams Represented: Diamondbacks, Athletics, Dodgers, Braves, Devil Rays
The 2005 edition of the Phoenix Desert Dogs features pitching prospects like the Dodgers' Chad Billingsley and Edwin Jackson, infielders Tony Abreu, Daric Barton (25) , and Andy LaRoche (40) . Barton and LaRoche were MLN FAB50 2005 Baseball picks (numbers). LaRoche has a lot to gain from Fall Ball. A good showing here could improve his prospects as a future Dodger shortstop greatly.
Roster
Teams Represented: Orioles, Brewers, Padres, Rockies, Mariners
The Javelinas (That's Ha-vel-LEE-Nas for y'all from back East visiting Fall Ball) aren't so much a team as a future Who's Who List. You'll see future superstars like Josh Barfield (22) , Prince Fielder(5), Ian Stewart (42) and Jeff Salazar(17). Now that the large shadow of Felix Hernandez has left the Seattle Farm, Chris Buglovsky, Clint Nageotte and Mike Flannery can see some good exposure from their stint as Javelinas. Majewski, Eveland, Hardy and Breslow are trying to get a firm hold on major league gigs.
Roster
Teams Represented: Astros, Royals, Angels, Phillies, Cardinals
The Infield is where the surprises in Surprise may pop up: Howie Kendrick (32) and Brandon Wood (31) Travis Hansen and Justin Huber he ones to watch on the Scorpions. Hurlers Phillip Barzilla and Jared Weaver may be able to move on to a faster track with good showings in Fall ball.
Roster
Teams Represented: Yankees, Mets, Rangers, Twins, Marlins
This is a hot club, with stand-out pitchers Travis Bowyer, Glen Perkins (44) and Matt Lindstrom all looking for a place to shine in the Arizona sun. New York (Mets) bount Lastings Milledge (24) will get another showcase, and Yankees deal-bait Bronson Sardhina gets an opportunity to show why he should be the next Yankee "minor leaguer to be named later."
Roster
Teams Represented: Cubs, Reds, Indians, Tigers, Giants
Pitchers Humberto Sanchez, Travis Foley and Angel Guzman are all on our watch list. Michael Aubrey, Brandon Sing, and Outfielders Chris Denorfia and Dan Ortmeyer can move up on the fast track with good showings this Fall. Not the most awestriking roster under the sun in the Fall league.
