2010 Arizona Fall League -- Season for Brewers now complete

[battlekow]

Adam McCalvy reports that the Brewers' players will be part of the Surprise Rafters, who will be managed by Huntsville skipper Mike Guerrero.

[DHonks]

I'm usually alright at guessing. My thoughts for this year:

 

Taylor Green/Brett Lawrie, Eric Farris, Erik Komatsu/Caleb Gindl, Shawn Zarraga. If that's the case, the latter two will need to be in AA by Aug 1st, although I recall they wanted to change things. Also, there's the secondary AZ League this year, since the Hawaiian League is no more.

For pitchers, Jeffress and Anundsen need to make up time. Maybe Ramlow and Willinsky. Probably 5 pitchers, so maybe Scarpetta or Lamontagne

[homer]

I would think the town of Surprise could come up with a much catchier team name than Rafters.

 

Options:

Surprise Party

Surprise Attack

Surprise Surprise Surprise (for fans of Gomer Pyle)

[DHonks]

nice homer! It's actually from the days they were the Grand Canyon Rafters playing out of Grand Canyon University's campus

[TooLiveBrew]

"Surprise Attack" gets my vote. Well done.

[Oshkoshian]

Isn't Logan Schafer going to be in the AFL because of the time he missed this year.

[DHonks]

I thought about Schafer, but it will depend on his recovery.

[rcon14]

Brett Lawrie, Jeremy Jeffress, Cody Scarpetta, Logan Schafer, longshot would be Kentrail Davis if he's promoted to Brevard in the near future.

[JohnBriggs12]

I think the virtual locks are Eric Farris, Lawrie, Schafer (if healthy) and Jeffress. It's tough to tell on the other pitchers, but it will be interesting to see as it may foretell who gets more than a token spring invite.

[DHonks]

JohnBriggs, as I stated, I agree with you. If there's any team Canada competition, Lawrie may do that. Otherwise, I would expect him to go. The trick will be that he'll only go to the AFL as a priority player. I originally assumed Schafer wouldn't be back in time, so I listed Komatsu/Gindl. Really, the Brewers can't go wrong with any of the three. Farris would also seem a lock as the rosters need utility/fringe-starter types. He could likely be a 6th IF and 5th OF, playing 1-2 times per week, although one year we only had three healthy/available IF's in the AFL. Most teams will have 4 catchers, so I included Zarraga as a DH/1b/C.

 

The pitchers are hard to project this year. The Brewers used to love throwing relief prospects (Sarfate) and veterans (Wolfe, Bausher). I can't see Rogers going, since the barometer for success for him is making it through the year healthy. With a strong second half, I could see them tapping into Arnett. But most likely look for 1 starter, 1 starter/swingman, and 2 relievers to go. I think my last year working in the league, each team sent 7 guys. And as I mentioned, with the defunct Hawaiian League, I'm curious if the other Arizona League will be sort of a minor leagues for the AFL. Maybe AFL rosters get 6 players from each organization, with AFL2 getting 7 or 8 from each organization.

[filthyfrog]

Gamel has to be just about a lock for the AFL. Who knows, maybe he'll mix in a little 1B and RF while he's there.

 

I doubt they'd send Scarpetta, since he'll have thrown plenty of innings already.

[davego]

Would Gamel balk at doing the fall league?

[1e Corbeau]

Scarpetta would have to be promoted to AA before Sunday (8/1) to be eligible for the AFL, correct? I would imagine Peralta may get consideration, depending on his innings increase from last year.

[DHonks]

1e Corbeau, I remember they talked about having big reforms. But I believe they always allowed one player that had yet to play in AA. Others must have been AA, AAA, or MLB on August 1st, I think.

I didn't mention him, but Lamontagne could make sense as a power reliever.

[wishicouldhit]

can someone remind me what the regulations are for how teams pick the players to attend AFL

[LouisEly]

Good call on Gamel - would be a good opportunity to try him out at RF or 1B.

 

Gamel, Jeffress, Farris, Green, and Schafer and Anundsen if they are healthy are just about locks. 50/50 on Lawrie - I think he could use some rest.

 

Dark horses - Butler, Kintzler, McClendon, Merklinger, and Periard and Wooten if they are healthy. I'll bet at least one of that group goes.

[davego]

...couldn't Matt refuse this assignment?

[filthyfrog]

I suppose, but why would he? Assuming he stays healthy, that is...

[davego]

Just because of the time he has been in the org, et al. I seem to recall Prince and another player really didn't want to play there.

[twobrewers]

Mat was pretty upset when he was informed last winter that he would be playing winter ball.

 

I'm not sure he would be thrilled to play in the AFL - but then, maybe he'll just be happy to stay in the country.

[trwi7]

Ash said Gamel has been playing with an injury to his left big toe that will have to be addressed after the season.

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/99720169.html

 

Based on this, I doubt Gamel plays in the AFL.

[Boy Jeenius]

Any reason Wily Peralta won't be considered? Too many innings?

[DHonks]

no, he's not from the US/Canada. Generally, players from Latin America will play in their nation, unless the nation doesn't have a Winter League. Escobar was an exception, since his winter league didn't want him as an A-ball kid at age 18.

[DHonks]

I'll add Narron to my list. Perhaps Periard or Wooten if healthy.

[trwi7]

Narron? He's 29, why would we send a 29 year old non prospect to the AFL? Didn't Wooten have Tommy John surgery? He won't be ready.