Author Topic: AFL (Read 19481 times)

roadrunner · « **on:** October 08, 2014, 08:28:49 pm »

I thought we had a thread but can't find it.

Appel starts tonight if we want to drag the overreaction and over analysis of every start of Appel's career to the offseason.

Reuben · « **Reply #1 on:** October 08, 2014, 10:56:22 pm »

3/1/0/0/1/2
47 pitches/27 strikes
1 HBP

Ruiz/Aplin/Heineman a combined 0-for-9 through 6 1/2 innings.

roadrunner · « **Reply #2 on:** October 09, 2014, 07:09:23 am »

Quote from: Reuben on October 08, 2014, 10:56:22 pm

3/1/0/0/1/2
47 pitches/27 strikes
1 HBP

Ruiz/Aplin/Heineman a combined 0-for-9 through 6 1/2 innings.

Apparently he was 94-97 with his fastball

GreatBagwellsBeard · « **Reply #3 on:** October 09, 2014, 08:55:35 am »

Best pitching performance in that game for Salt River. Archie Bradley got lit up pretty good.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #4 on:** October 09, 2014, 09:12:44 am »

Quote from: GreatBagwellsBeard on October 09, 2014, 08:55:35 am

Best pitching performance in that game for Salt River. Archie Bradley got lit up pretty good.

Their final two relievers last night were lights out. And Buxton has to learn to keep his glove on the ground.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 09, 2014, 01:29:19 pm »

BA had a first-hand report of Appel's performance in the game:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/arizona-fall-league-mark-appel-full/

Duder · « **Reply #6 on:** October 09, 2014, 02:59:46 pm »

Quote from: astrosfan76 on October 09, 2014, 01:29:19 pm

BA had a first-hand report of Appel's performance in the game:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/arizona-fall-league-mark-appel-full/

Here's some video of Appel pitching last night. LINK

roadrunner · « **Reply #7 on:** October 13, 2014, 06:32:08 pm »

BP notes on Aplin:

Quote

Aplin doesn’t impress you at first glance, but he does enough things well that he should end up being a major leaguer. He doesn’t hit for much power, but he has just enough pop to keep pitchers honest and walks more than he strikes out. As an up-the-middle player with on-base skills and decent speed, he does enough on a baseball field to help a team.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #8 on:** October 14, 2014, 09:44:57 pm »

Mr. Appel with a 2nd nice outing tonight (4 1 0 0 2 6).

Aplin, Ruiz, and Heineman with 4 of the 5 River Rafters hits in the game (thru 4 1/2 innings).

Update:

Aplin, Ruiz and Heineman combine for 6 of the 7 hits (Aplin had the game-winning triple).

Lambson and Tyson Perez each with 1 inning of scoreless relief (Lambson struck out the side).

Box

The game also marked the first use of a 20-second pitch clock, which Major League Baseball's Pace of Game Committee is testing -- along with other time-saving rules -- in the Fall League. The game lasted just two hours and 14 minutes.

NeilT · « **Reply #9 on:** October 15, 2014, 07:20:46 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on October 14, 2014, 09:44:57 pm

Mr. Appel with a 2nd nice outing tonight (4 1 0 0 2 6).

Aplin, Ruiz, and Heineman with 4 of the 5 River Rafters hits in the game (thru 4 1/2 innings).

Update:

Aplin, Ruiz and Heineman combine for 6 of the 7 hits (Aplin had the game-winning triple).

Lambson and Tyson Perez each with 1 inning of scoreless relief (Lambson struck out the side).

2 hours and 14 minutes. Can't sell much beer in 2 hours and 14 minutes.

I wonder how that compares to the average AFL game time?

ETMC

subnuclear · « **Reply #10 on:** October 15, 2014, 08:02:54 am »

Quote from: roadrunner on October 13, 2014, 06:32:08 pm

BP notes on Aplin:

How is he different or better than Grossman?

Reuben · « **Reply #11 on:** October 15, 2014, 08:19:41 am »

Quote from: subnuclear on October 15, 2014, 08:02:54 am

How is he different or better than Grossman?

Just based on my own very brief first-hand looks at him in Tri-City 2 years ago, as well as reading a lot of scouting reports, he's a much much much better outfielder than Grossman. Great reads, great jumps, not world-class speed but fast enough. And fearless. Seems to have a knack for making the highlight play. Very good arm, too, I believe.

Hitting-wise, probably less HR power. Might steal a few more bags but not his strong suit, percentage-wise, though he has at least 24 SBs in each season so far. And he'll probably have all the walks Grossman has, but far fewer strikeouts. Average-wise, hard to say until he gets to MLB.

Grossman minor league career: in 2,820 PA hit .274/.383/.395 with 396 BB, 625 K.
Aplin minor league career: in 1,452 PA has hit .281/.377/.410 with 191 BB, 172 K.

jbm · « **Reply #12 on:** October 15, 2014, 08:26:41 am »

Based on my limited views, I'd agree with all Reuben said, but I'd be surprised if he is as "patient" as Grossman.

juliogotay · « **Reply #13 on:** October 15, 2014, 08:27:16 am »

Quote from: Reuben on October 15, 2014, 08:19:41 am

Just based on my own very brief first-hand looks at him in Tri-City 2 years ago, as well as reading a lot of scouting reports, he's a much much much better outfielder than Grossman. Great reads, great jumps, not world-class speed but fast enough. And fearless. Seems to have a knack for making the highlight play. Very good arm, too, I believe.

Hitting-wise, probably less HR power. Might steal a few more bags but not his strong suit, percentage-wise, though he has at least 24 SBs in each season so far. And he'll probably have all the walks Grossman has, but far fewer strikeouts. Average-wise, hard to say until he gets to MLB.

Grossman minor league career: in 2,820 PA hit .274/.383/.395 with 396 BB, 625 K.
Aplin minor league career: in 1,452 PA has hit .281/.377/.410 with 191 BB, 172 K.

Grossman Kd every 4.5 plate appearances, Aplin every 8.5. I'm surprised Aplins BA isn't higher in comparison to Grossman. Just an observation.

Reuben · « **Reply #14 on:** October 15, 2014, 09:41:29 am »

Quote from: jbm on October 15, 2014, 08:26:41 am

Based on my limited views, I'd agree with all Reuben said, but I'd be surprised if he is as "patient" as Grossman.

Yeah, I'm guessing/hoping that the much lower K rate means he's not as passive as Grossman, ie. doesn't stand up there and take 2-strike pitches at the knees, then bitch when he's rung up. Maybe he is good at fouling off borderline pitches. He's certainly drawn a lot of walks in the minors, but like with Grossman and (eventually?) Fontana, you kind of don't know until they get to the majors, where pitchers are willing and able to challenge them, how that walk-taking skill will translate.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #15 on:** October 20, 2014, 03:42:40 pm »

The shutout innings streak is now at 11 for Appel. 4 scoreless frames thus far today with 2 hits allowed and 3 K's.

ETA:

Make it 12. Final line (5 2 0 0 0 4).

According to a tweet, FB was at 95-96 today.

roadrunner · « **Reply #16 on:** October 20, 2014, 04:40:25 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on October 20, 2014, 03:42:40 pm

The shutout innings streak is now at 11 for Appel. 4 scoreless frames thus far today with 2 hits allowed and 3 K's.

ETA:

Make it 12. Final line (5 2 0 0 0 4).

According to a tweet, FB was at 95-96 today.

Nice. It would be great if he created enough buzz in ST to be considered for a spot in the rotation.

Duman · « **Reply #17 on:** October 21, 2014, 07:30:31 am »

from the write up:

Quote

The 23-year-old right-hander needed only 54 pitches (36 strikes) to get through five frames for the Rafters, thanks to quick seven-pitch frames in the second and fourth. He sat between 93-95 mph on his fastball and did touch as high as 96 in the fifth. He went to his mid-80s slider on occasion and threw five changeups to keep Javelinas hitters off balance.

Interesting to note that both hits he allowed were by a top prospect Francisco Lindor (#4 overall prospect).

MusicMan · « **Reply #18 on:** October 21, 2014, 12:03:20 pm »

Quote from: roadrunner on October 20, 2014, 04:40:25 pm

Nice. It would be great if he created enough buzz in ST to be considered for a spot in the rotation.

Per BP:

Quote

Assuming he finishes the month as strong as he has started it, Appel is giving the Astros hope that he could get to the big leagues by some point next season, which seemed almost impossible earlier this year.

roadrunner · « **Reply #19 on:** October 22, 2014, 09:50:29 am »

Velasquez with a solid outing yesterday.....4 shutout innings I believe.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #20 on:** October 22, 2014, 09:52:50 am »

Quote from: roadrunner on October 22, 2014, 09:50:29 am

Velasquez with a solid outing yesterday.....4 shutout innings I believe.

4 innings, 1 hit, 0 walks.

juliogotay · « **Reply #21 on:** October 22, 2014, 11:44:17 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on October 22, 2014, 09:52:50 am

4 innings, 1 hit, 0 walks.

I wonder how brass view VV. Bullpen guy or starter?

Jacksonian · « **Reply #22 on:** October 22, 2014, 11:48:38 am »

Quote from: juliogotay on October 22, 2014, 11:44:17 am

I wonder how brass view VV. Bullpen guy or starter?

Starter.

subnuclear · « **Reply #23 on:** October 22, 2014, 02:07:30 pm »

What do people consider the competition level of the AFL? AA? Upper A?

juliogotay · « **Reply #24 on:** October 22, 2014, 02:10:29 pm »

Quote from: subnuclear on October 22, 2014, 02:07:30 pm

What do people consider the competition level of the AFL? AA? Upper A?

Rio Ruiz is in the AFL and hasn't played higher than upper-A ball.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #25 on:** October 22, 2014, 09:13:50 pm »

Quote from: subnuclear on October 22, 2014, 02:07:30 pm

What do people consider the competition level of the AFL? AA? Upper A?

Thereabout. It can fluctuate depending on the level of talent in a particular year, but it's going to be in that range.

Reuben · « **Reply #26 on:** October 22, 2014, 10:11:47 pm »

Quote from: astrosfan76 on October 22, 2014, 09:13:50 pm

Thereabout. It can fluctuate depending on the level of talent in a particular year, but it's going to be in that range.

But it's a higher caliber of player in general, so in a sense it's tougher competition than a lot of AA games. And it seems to me like a lot of the kids end up making it to the Majors the season after an AFL stint.

juliogotay · « **Reply #27 on:** October 23, 2014, 08:42:38 am »

Speaking of Ruiz, this is a very encouraging piece. http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/10/23/7025137/the-consistency-of-3B-houston-astros-prospect-rio-ruiz

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #28 on:** October 23, 2014, 03:24:39 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on October 22, 2014, 10:11:47 pm

But it's a higher caliber of player in general, so in a sense it's tougher competition than a lot of AA games. And it seems to me like a lot of the kids end up making it to the Majors the season after an AFL stint.

In general, but the pitching isn't always as strong as the hitting. The pitchers are often guys who need to make up innings; sometimes they are Mark Appel, sometimes they are Alex Sogard. Not that Sogard is a bad pitcher, but he's not Arizona Appel, either.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #29 on:** October 26, 2014, 12:17:23 am »

Appel's scoreless streak ends at 14 as he allows 2 runs in the 3rd and 1 in the 4th vs the Javelinas tonight. Overall: 5 5 3 3 1 2.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #30 on:** October 27, 2014, 05:44:19 pm »

The Astros player selected to the AFL All-Star game is of course...Tyson Perez.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #31 on:** October 28, 2014, 06:58:53 pm »

Salt River kicks butt 14-2 over Glendale to extend their AFL-best record to 13-4. The best of the posterior...pokers were the Astros contingent. VV with a second strong outing (5 1 2 2 1 6). Andy Aplin took over from the injured (boy that's becoming a bad habit) Byron Buxton in the leadoff spot for the Rafters and went 2-5 with a walk and is now at .350/.395/.500. Rio Ruiz 1-3 with 2 walks while Mitch Lambson and Tyson Perez combined for three scoreless frames out of the pen. The latter remains unscored upon in 10 AFL innings.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #32 on:** October 29, 2014, 08:06:35 am »

From the game report for Tuesday's contest:

Quote

Tuesday's game at Salt River Fields was the eighth game in which the 20-second pitch clocks, just one of several time-saving measures Major League Baseball's Pace of Game committee is testing, was enforced. Following Tuesday's two-hour and 56-minute affair, the average pitch-clock game has lasted two hours and 39 minutes.

NeilT · « **Reply #33 on:** October 29, 2014, 08:11:09 am »

I wonder what the average game length is without the shot clock.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #34 on:** October 31, 2014, 01:40:20 pm »

Mark Appel gets the start this afternoon. ~~Game was supposed to be televised on MLB Network although currently showing other programming.~~ Cable box said otherwise but looking online at MLB Network schedule it says the Rafters' game will be shown on a tape-delayed basis at 6:00 this evening.

juliogotay · « **Reply #35 on:** October 31, 2014, 02:08:34 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on October 31, 2014, 01:40:20 pm

Mark Appel gets the start this afternoon. ~~Game was supposed to be televised on MLB Network although currently showing other programming.~~ Cable box said otherwise but looking online at MLB Network schedule it says the Rafters' game will be shown on a tape-delayed basis at 6:00 this evening.

Thanks for mentioning.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #36 on:** November 02, 2014, 07:40:32 am »

Jim Callis reports on the inconsistency of Appel's latest effort.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #37 on:** November 04, 2014, 03:11:24 pm »

Another Rafters game scheduled to be televised on MLB Network tonight beginning at 7:30 (central time). Vincent Velasquez gets the starting nod while Mitch Lambson and Tyson Perez are scheduled for work as well out of the pen.

Duman · « **Reply #38 on:** November 04, 2014, 03:12:38 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 04, 2014, 03:11:24 pm

Another Rafters game scheduled to be televised on MLB Network tonight beginning at 7:30 (central time). Vincent Velasquez gets the starting nod while Mitch Lambson and Tyson Perez are scheduled for work as well out of the pen.

I understand Ruiz is supposed to be in the line up as well.

juliogotay · « **Reply #39 on:** November 04, 2014, 09:10:37 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 04, 2014, 03:11:24 pm

Another Rafters game scheduled to be televised on MLB Network tonight beginning at 7:30 (central time). Vincent Velasquez gets the starting nod while Mitch Lambson and Tyson Perez are scheduled for work as well out of the pen.

Velasquez was not good. Did not get out of the 1st inning after getting the first two batters. Everything he throws appears to be very straight on t.v.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #40 on:** November 05, 2014, 06:15:53 am »

Quote from: juliogotay on November 04, 2014, 09:10:37 pm

Velasquez was not good. Did not get out of the 1st inning after getting the first two batters. Everything he throws appears to be very straight on t.v.

Perhaps his ineffectiveness was due to this injury.

Next scheduled TV game is Thursday night on MLB Network. I believe I read Appel is the penciled-in starter.

juliogotay · « **Reply #41 on:** November 05, 2014, 07:55:05 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 05, 2014, 06:15:53 am

Perhaps his ineffectiveness was due to this injury.

Next scheduled TV game is Thursday night on MLB Network. I believe I read Appel is the penciled-in starter.

That would explain why he was pulled so early. Ruiz looked pretty good in the little bit I saw him handle balls at third. He definitely has the arm for the position.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #42 on:** November 05, 2014, 08:46:06 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 05, 2014, 06:15:53 am

Perhaps his ineffectiveness was due to this injury.

Next scheduled TV game is Thursday night on MLB Network. I believe I read Appel is the penciled-in starter.

With his injury history I'm beginning to wonder if the Astros aren't looking at him as a future big league closer.

roadrunner · « **Reply #43 on:** November 05, 2014, 09:06:22 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on November 05, 2014, 08:46:06 am

With his injury history I'm beginning to wonder if the Astros aren't looking at him as a future big league closer.

I would think that's a shorter path to Houston.

juliogotay · « **Reply #44 on:** November 05, 2014, 11:39:01 am »

On the broadcast yesterday Callis said that some scouts think VV has better stuff than Appel. I wish I had seen him at his best.

juliogotay · « **Reply #45 on:** November 06, 2014, 09:17:13 pm »

Pretty good outing tonight by Appel but for some reason I am just now "wowed" when I see him pitch.

Bonomaniac · « **Reply #46 on:** November 06, 2014, 09:33:43 pm »

Quote from: juliogotay on November 06, 2014, 09:17:13 pm

Pretty good outing tonight by Appel but for some reason I am just now "wowed" when I see him pitch.

i felt the same way but then you notice he's thrown 5 scoreless innings

roadrunner · « **Reply #47 on:** November 07, 2014, 06:58:15 am »

Quote from: juliogotay on November 06, 2014, 09:17:13 pm

Pretty good outing tonight by Appel but for some reason I am just now "wowed" when I see him pitch.

I only saw the first inning. Every out seemed like it took every ounce of effort, but maybe I was just reading too much into every single at bat.

And I assume you mean you are "not" wowed. I was actually impressed with how his stuff looked but his location was not consistent. He may be a career middle of the rotation starter that has 2-3 really good years. If that happens he's a successful #1 overall pick despite everyone's expectation that he should be Roy Halladay all over again.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #48 on:** November 07, 2014, 10:41:26 am »

@jimcallisMLB (ye shall follow him!) tweets:

Quote

Just heard from a scout that the gun we had on last night's @MLBazFallLeague broadcast was light on velocities, which makes some sense ...

... @Astros RHP @MarkAppel was throwing 91-92 on the gun and getting a lot of popups and weak contact, which seemed counterintuitive ...

... so if Appel was throwing 94-95 and topping out at 97, that would make a lot more sense. Also means slider was in mid-80s

Duman · « **Reply #49 on:** November 07, 2014, 01:19:11 pm »

Video and a slider gif of Appell's performance last night

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #50 on:** November 07, 2014, 01:31:00 pm »

Quote from: Duman on November 07, 2014, 01:19:11 pm

Video and a slider gif of Appell's performance last night

His slider reminds me a lot of Lidge's.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #51 on:** November 09, 2014, 12:40:07 pm »

I've enjoyed reading Wallee Wright's firsthand reports over at WTHB. Check out his latest on yesterday's game and in particular Joe Sclafani. As the season winds down, the Dartmouth Dude is currently slashing .324/.395/.500 and has an 8-game hitting streak. Yeah, it's in very very limited action but considering he only sees the field every 3-4 days as a taxi squad player it's impressive and a nice ability to have as a utility guy.

juliogotay · « **Reply #52 on:** November 09, 2014, 02:07:30 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 09, 2014, 12:40:07 pm

I've enjoyed reading Wallee Wright's firsthand reports over at WTHB. Check out his latest on yesterday's game and in particular Joe Sclafani. As the season winds down, the Dartmouth Dude is currently slashing .324/.395/.500 and has an 8-game hitting streak. Yeah, it's in very very limited action but considering he only sees the field every 3-4 days as a taxi squad player it's impressive and a nice ability to have as a utility guy.

What is most amazing about that article is that a Joe Sclafani and an Anthony DeSclafani were mentioned in subsequent sentences and it wasn't because of the similarities of their uncommon names.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #53 on:** November 10, 2014, 09:12:23 pm »

Sclafani with a walk and 2 hits today to extend hitting streak to nine.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #54 on:** November 11, 2014, 08:57:55 pm »

Streaks alive!

Mitch Lambson with 2.1 scoreless/hitless frames today to run scoreless streak to 9.1 IP. He's allowed just 3 measly hits in that stretch while whiffing 10 and walking 2. And Joltin' Joe the Ivy Leaguer? After going 2-5 with a 2-bagger, now hitting .385/.455/.564 in his 10-game streak.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #55 on:** November 13, 2014, 05:01:37 am »

With Luhnow in attendance, Mark Appel's last AFL start was a positive one (5 3 1 1 1 4). Threw 64 pitches, 45 for strikes. Saw a tweet saying he topped out at 97. Appel finishes with a 2.61 ERA having allowed just 18 hits in 31 IP with a 24/8 strikeout to walk ratio. Among AFL pitchers who have thrown at least 20 innings, he's 2nd in ERA and has a league-best WHIP of 0.84 with one regular season game to go.

The Rafters play in the league championship game on Saturday.

Reuben · « **Reply #56 on:** November 13, 2014, 09:32:03 am »

What's funny is that AFL stats almost never appear along with a player's other Minor League stats - bb-ref, for example, still has his ERA for the year at 6.91. Anyone know why that is?

FWIW, adding in his AFL stint lowers his 2014 ERA to a still-ugly 5.74. His non-Lancaster ERA stands at 3.21 with 70 IP, 53 H, 21 BB, 62 K, a 1.06 WHIP.

juliogotay · « **Reply #57 on:** November 13, 2014, 10:09:10 am »

Quote from: Reuben on November 13, 2014, 09:32:03 am

What's funny is that AFL stats almost never appear along with a player's other Minor League stats - bb-ref, for example, still has his ERA for the year at 6.91. Anyone know why that is?

FWIW, adding in his AFL stint lowers his 2014 ERA to a still-ugly 5.74. His non-Lancaster ERA stands at 3.21 with 70 IP, 53 H, 21 BB, 62 K, a 1.06 WHIP.

That last line is encouraging.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #58 on:** November 13, 2014, 10:34:43 am »

Quote from: Reuben on November 13, 2014, 09:32:03 am

What's funny is that AFL stats almost never appear along with a player's other Minor League stats - bb-ref, for example, still has his ERA for the year at 6.91. Anyone know why that is?

Stats from winter leagues (which have been around forever) have always been kept separate and apart from the summer league stats. Since the AFL was formed back in 1992, it's generally been considered a winter league as well and stat-wise treated the same. I wouldn't mind seeing milb.com include all historical AFL stats on each of its player pages.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #59 on:** November 13, 2014, 12:05:28 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 13, 2014, 10:34:43 am

Stats from winter leagues (which have been around forever) have always been kept separate and apart from the summer league stats. Since the AFL was formed back in 1992, it's generally been considered a winter league as well and stat-wise treated the same. I wouldn't mind seeing milb.com include all historical AFL stats on each of its player pages.

As long as they do not include winter stats in the yearly totals, that would be fine. Not that they will actually consult either one of us with respect to our preferences.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #60 on:** November 13, 2014, 04:48:26 pm »

Callis and his firsthand account of Appel's start last night.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #61 on:** November 13, 2014, 05:04:07 pm »

Sclafani 2-4 with a double today to finish regular season with that 11-game hitting streak.

Numbers to be restricted this year but major league camp invite in the offing?

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #62 on:** November 13, 2014, 10:49:29 pm »

Quote

@BerniePleskoff · Nov 10
#Astros switch-hitting Joe Sclafani is designated hitter today. He has a short, measured swing and uses the entire field. Like his approach

Pleskoff is a former Astros scout and now works for MLBPipeline.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #63 on:** November 14, 2014, 03:57:33 pm »

Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com best tools list (based on his observations, scout input and votes from players themselves) has Appel rated best overall pitcher in AFL. Mitch Lambson received some votes for best changeup.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #64 on:** November 15, 2014, 07:27:37 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 14, 2014, 03:57:33 pm

Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com best tools list (based on his observations, scout input and votes from players themselves) has Appel rated best overall pitcher in AFL. Mitch Lambson received some votes for best changeup.

I guess he is over Lancaster.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #65 on:** November 15, 2014, 10:01:01 am »

Programming reminder:

The Rafters play in the AFL Championship game this afternoon at 2:00 (central) in a game televised on MLB Network.

Sclafani getting the start at DH, batting 2nd for Salt River. After whiffing in his first AB, rips a run-scoring triple down the RF line and then later scores himself.

Reuben · « **Reply #66 on:** November 15, 2014, 03:57:16 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 15, 2014, 10:01:01 am

Programming reminder:

The Rafters play in the AFL Championship game this afternoon at 2:00 (central) in a game televised on MLB Network.

Sclafani getting the start at DH, batting 2nd for Salt River. After whiffing in his first AB, rips a run-scoring triple down the RF line and then later scores himself.

And he just blooped a 1-out RBI single into RCF to bring his team within a run. Announcers (sounds like John Manuel from BA, and maybe Joe Magrane?) had said, "Sclafani's exactly the type of hitter you want up in this situation" (runner on 3rd, 1 out), because of his contact and overall hitting ability.

Just got thrown out trying to advance on a almost-PB by rocket-armed Rays C O'Conner, though on the replays he was clearly safe. High, late tag.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #67 on:** November 15, 2014, 04:52:32 pm »

Walked and scored in 7th. SRR pouring it on and Sclafani gets a 2nd opportunity in the frame--walks again! Looks like he'll finish 2-3 with 2 walks and 2 RBIs.

Mitch Lambson, sporting a damn fine beard, retires the 3 batters he faced in the 8th and 9th as SRR win the championship by a 14-7 score.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #68 on:** November 18, 2014, 03:19:34 pm »

Skip the link if you don't like dippy slide shows.

Appel ranked 6th-best prospect in AFL by BA. Mostly good things said about him but says scouts project him as a mid-rotation starter unless he can stop leaving too many pitches up in zone.

In a separate behind the paywall article, 12 additional guys are mentioned as getting some sloppy scout love. VV is in there, noting his cheese touching 97 and the nice CB.

juliogotay · « **Reply #69 on:** November 18, 2014, 04:18:07 pm »

Thanks N.C. I appreciate your baseball-related posts here during the hiatus.

Mike S. · « **Reply #70 on:** November 19, 2014, 10:15:16 am »

Agreed. Really appreciate you taking the time to post so much information, Nate.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #71 on:** November 19, 2014, 10:18:38 am »

Thanks, guys.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #72 on:** November 20, 2014, 01:07:23 pm »

And Callis & Co.* publish their AFL Top Prospect rankings, slotting Appel in at #7.

*That would be Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Teddy Cahill along with "feedback from a number of scouts who covered the league this fall".

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #73 on:** November 22, 2014, 05:35:17 pm »

Ex-scout Bernie Pleskoff names names on players that caught his eye in the AFL, including Sclafani among hitters and Appel and Lambson among the hurlers.

juliogotay · « **Reply #74 on:** November 23, 2014, 03:18:30 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 22, 2014, 05:35:17 pm

Ex-scout Bernie Pleskoff names names on players that caught his eye in the AFL, including Sclafani among hitters and Appel and Lambson among the hurlers.

I think there is an excellent chance of Lambson being taken in Rule 5. I situational lefty may have a good chance of sticking. Wesley Wright did.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #75 on:** December 10, 2014, 02:17:17 pm »

Appel one of two starting pitchers on AFL All Prospects Team as selected by league's managers and coaches.