Arizona Fall League Preview

The Arizona Fall League kicks off today.  When I first started seriously following minor league baseball the Arizona Fall League seemed like a prospect hound nirvana.  It was supposed to be a showcase for the top prospects from each organization from AA and AAA.  It as like a whole 2 months of Futures Games.  Over the years it's lost its luster IMO as teams now seem to use it as a tool for prospects who need more PA's or more IP for whatever reason, often players who lost time during the season due to injury.  It looks like more of the same this year with one big exception:  The Giants are sending their consensus top prospect, Bryce Eldridge.  Yes, he is still young and his rise through system possibly too fast, but if he shows well in the AFL it could move his timetable up to early next season.  Here's the list:

Drew Cavanaugh C.  DOB:  1/27/2002.  B-L, T-R.  6'0", 220 lbs.  Drafted 2023 Round 17.

2024 A:  .230/.364/.333, 2 HR, 154 PA.

2024 AAA:  .300/400/.300, 35 PA.

Might already be an organizational player who fills in wherever needed.  Maybe a good showing in the AFL would elevate him above that?

Bryce Eldridge 1B.   DOB:  10/20/2024.  B-L, T-R.  6'7", 223 lbs.  Drafted 2023 Round 1.

2024 A:  .263/.323/.478, 10 HR, 2 SB, 229 PA.  

2024 A+:  .335/.442/.618, 12 HR, 3 SB, 215 PA.

2024 AA:  .270/.325/.459, HR, SB, 40 PA.

2024 AAA:  .258/.343/.258, 35 PA.

Whirlwind season for Eldridge.  Reminds me a bit of Brandon Belt's 2010 season.  Then they rushed him in 2011 and he wasn't quite ready.  Hope they let Eldridge back up that success and make sure his feet are on the ground then bring him up to stay when he's fully ready.  I am sure all eyes will be on him in the AFL as one of their marquee players this year.

Charlie Szykowny IF.  DOB:  6/30/2000.  B-L, T-R.  6'4", 225 lbs.  Drafted 2023 Round 9.

2024 A:  .340/.405/.505, 6 3B, 2 HR, 242 PA.

2024 A+: .235/.300/.379, 4 HR, 4 SB, 170 PA.  

Listed as a SS but played mostly corner IF.  Stayed in SJ a long time despite dominating the level.  AFL will give him more advanced level PA's.

Bo Davidson OF.  DOB:  7/5/2002.  B-L, T-R.  6' 2", 205 lbs.  Undrafted Free Agent 2023.

2024 ACL:  .323/.432/.581, 2 HR, SB, 37 PA.

2024 A:  .328/.438/.608, 7 3B, 9 HR, 6 SB, 226 PA.  

5-tool player who needs PA's at higher levels.

Cale Lansville RHP.  DOB:  1/6/2003.  6' 1", 205 lbs.  Drafted 2023 Round 14.

2024 A:  3-4, 4.36, 74.1 IP, 22 BB, 69 K.  

Solid 3 pitch mix.  FB sat at 92 MPH in the game I saw him pitch.  Does he have enough velocity to pitch at higher levels?

Wiliam Kempner RHP.  DOB:  6/18/2001.  6' 0", 222 lbs.  Drafted 2022 Round 3

2023 A:  1-3, 4.67, 27 IP, 15 BB, 29 K.  

2023 A+:  3-2, 2.91, 34 IP, 13 BB, 47 K.

2024:  DNP

 Needs IP after apparently losing a season to injury.

Marques Johnson RHP.  DOB:  7/4/2000.  6' 2", 210 lbs.  Drafted 2022 Round 11(Red Sox).

2024 ACL:  0-0, 0.00, 1 IP, 0 BB, 2 K. 

2024 A:  1-0, 2.84, 6.1 IP, 8 BB, 10 K's.  

Acquired in 2023 in a trade with the Red Sox for Mauricio Llovera RHP, memba him?  Obviously needs IP.

Elijah Pleasants RHP.  DOB:  5/14/2000.  6'5", 200 lbs.  Signed as a free agent out of indy ball 2024.

2024 ACL:  2-2, 4.87, 20.1 IP, 14 BB, 18 K.

2024 A:  0-0, 2.33, 27 IP, 18 BB, 23 K.

I got to see him pitch in person in Rancho Cucamonga.  What a revelation!  Long lean frame with incredibly long loose limbs.  FB sat 95 MPH with a sharp slider.  Needs IP and needs to cut down on walks.  

Tyler Vogel RHP.  DOB:  11/16/2000.  6' 0", 175 lbs.  Drafted 2022 Round 12.

2024 ACL:  1-0, 0.00, 4.2 IP, 3 BB, 7 K's.

2024 A+:  3-1, 4.74, 24.2 IP, 12 BB, 22 K's.

Reliever track. Missed some time due to injury so will make up innings in the AFL.