The final installment in my AFL Prospect Review takes us to the Salt River Rafters that comprise players from the Astros, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Rockies, and Tigers.
It's a bit slim pickings with the Rafters, but here are some of the players I find the most interesting.
Detroit LHP: Casey Crosby
At the end of the 2009 season, there were high hopes for Casey Crosby developing into a top of the rotation starter following his successful recovery from TJS. While he still has top of the rotation stuff, continued elbow troubles and poor control have plagued him every since. There are rumblings that Detroit is considering moving Crosby to the pen and that is what Detroit will test in the AFL. So far, the results have not been great. In 7 innings, he’s walked 7.
Colorado 3B: Nolan Arenado
Drafted in the second round in 2008, Arenado has a plus hit tool with gap power that should eventually translate into 20-25 home run power in the majors. In High-A Modesto, he had an elite 90% contact rate and a passable 9% walk rate. In the AFL, the great hitting has continued with a .392 batting average in 74 at-bats.
Arizona OF: Adam Eaton
At 5-9, teams passed over Adam Eaton until Arizona grabbed him in the 19th round of the 2010 amateur draft. All he’s done since being drafted is hit. Across High-A and Double-A, Eaton batted .318 with a 76K/72BB rate while hitting 10 home runs and stealing 34 bases. The big problem is the defense. He doesn’t profile as a center fielder which leaves scouts believing he’ll be a tweener (aka, a fourth outfielder). All that said, Eaton continues to rake in the AFL, batting .338 with 6 stolen bases.
Colorado OF: Tim Wheeler
Taken in the first round in 2009, Tim Wheeler played poorly in 2010, hitting only .249 in the hitter friendly confines of Modesto in the CAL league. He’s turned that around this year by slamming 33 home runs and batting .287 in Double-A Tulsa. His .287 average is being supported by a fairly high BABIP but when taken all together, there’s a lot to like with Wheeler.
Los Angeles OF: Alex Castellanos
Not to be confused with Nick Castellanos, Alex is a 25 year-old late bloomer that was part of the Rafael Furcal trade. Scouts like his hit tool as is demonstrated by his .320 average and 21 home runs in Double-A. The contact rate (76%) and walk rate (8%) are both average. In 29 at-bats in the AFL, he’s batting .379 with 3 home runs.
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